Use this quick guide to help you correctly prepare your painting surfaces so that you have the best results!
GLASS
1. Roughen the surface with sandpaper (80 grit works well) or a chemical etching compound.
2. Clean the surface to remove dirt and dust and allow to dry. A simple household glass cleaner and paper towels will do the trick.
3. Apply primer to ensure a smooth finish. Skipping this step could lead to an uneven and even cracked finish. Allow primer to dry according to manufacturer's directions.
4. Paint your surface, following the manufacturer's directions on the paint can. Stay ten to twelve inches from the surface while painting and allow to dry. Once completely dry, apply second coat as needed.
1. Roughen the surface with sandpaper (80 grit works well) or a chemical etching compound.
2. Clean the surface to remove dirt and dust and allow to dry. A simple household glass cleaner and paper towels will do the trick.
3. Apply primer to ensure a smooth finish. Skipping this step could lead to an uneven and even cracked finish. Allow primer to dry according to manufacturer's directions.
4. Paint your surface, following the manufacturer's directions on the paint can. Stay ten to twelve inches from the surface while painting and allow to dry. Once completely dry, apply second coat as needed.
METAL
1. To prepare the surface, remove any rust with a wire brush or 120 grit sandpaper. You can also use a chemical rust remover if needed (be sure to allow the surface to dry completely.) Sand down any glossy areas and wipe away residue with a dry rag.
2. Apply primer. This will not only ensure a smooth, even finish, but it will also help the paint to adhere. Allow primer to dry according to manufacturer's directions.
3. Paint your surface, following the manufacturer's directions on the paint can. Stay ten to twelve inches from the surface while painting and allow to dry. Once completely dry, apply second coat as needed.
PLASTIC
1. Clean the surface with either an ammonia based cleaner or paint thinner. The rule of thumb here depends on the age of the plastic: For older plastics, the ammonia based cleaner will usually work fine, but many newer plastics have a protective coating that needs to be worked over with paint thinner.
2. Roughen the surface with fine grit sandpaper and wipe away residue with a dry cloth.
3. Apply primer to ensure a smooth finish. Allow primer to dry according to manufacturer's directions.
4. Paint your surface, following the manufacturer's directions on the paint can. Stay ten to twelve inches from the surface while painting and allow to dry. Once completely dry, apply second coat as needed.
CERAMIC & PORCELAIN
1. For surfaces that are glazed such as tiles and lamp bases, be sure to roughen up those slick surfaces with 80 grit sandpaper and wipe clean with a dry cloth. Unglazed surfaces (such as terracotta flower pots and brick) do not need to be sanded.
2. Apply primer to ensure a smooth finish. Allow primer to dry according to manufacturer's directions. For brick or concrete surfaces be sure to use a masonry primer.
3. Paint your surface, following the manufacturer's directions on the paint can. Be sure to use paint formulated for enamel surfaces. Stay ten to twelve inches from the surface while painting and allow to dry. Once completely dry, apply second coat as needed.
WOOD
1. Before preparing the surface, remove any hardware or cover with painter's tape.
2. Sand the finish with medium grain sandpaper or liquid sandpaper and allow to dry completely. Once dry, vacuum up all residue or wipe clean with a dry cloth.
3. Apply primer to ensure a smooth finish. Allow primer to dry according to manufacturer's directions.
4. Paint your surface, following the manufacturer's directions on the paint can. Stay ten to twelve inches from the surface while painting and allow to dry. Once completely dry, apply second coat as needed.
1. To prepare the surface, remove any rust with a wire brush or 120 grit sandpaper. You can also use a chemical rust remover if needed (be sure to allow the surface to dry completely.) Sand down any glossy areas and wipe away residue with a dry rag.
2. Apply primer. This will not only ensure a smooth, even finish, but it will also help the paint to adhere. Allow primer to dry according to manufacturer's directions.
3. Paint your surface, following the manufacturer's directions on the paint can. Stay ten to twelve inches from the surface while painting and allow to dry. Once completely dry, apply second coat as needed.
PLASTIC
1. Clean the surface with either an ammonia based cleaner or paint thinner. The rule of thumb here depends on the age of the plastic: For older plastics, the ammonia based cleaner will usually work fine, but many newer plastics have a protective coating that needs to be worked over with paint thinner.
2. Roughen the surface with fine grit sandpaper and wipe away residue with a dry cloth.
3. Apply primer to ensure a smooth finish. Allow primer to dry according to manufacturer's directions.
4. Paint your surface, following the manufacturer's directions on the paint can. Stay ten to twelve inches from the surface while painting and allow to dry. Once completely dry, apply second coat as needed.
1. For surfaces that are glazed such as tiles and lamp bases, be sure to roughen up those slick surfaces with 80 grit sandpaper and wipe clean with a dry cloth. Unglazed surfaces (such as terracotta flower pots and brick) do not need to be sanded.
2. Apply primer to ensure a smooth finish. Allow primer to dry according to manufacturer's directions. For brick or concrete surfaces be sure to use a masonry primer.
3. Paint your surface, following the manufacturer's directions on the paint can. Be sure to use paint formulated for enamel surfaces. Stay ten to twelve inches from the surface while painting and allow to dry. Once completely dry, apply second coat as needed.
WOOD
1. Before preparing the surface, remove any hardware or cover with painter's tape.
2. Sand the finish with medium grain sandpaper or liquid sandpaper and allow to dry completely. Once dry, vacuum up all residue or wipe clean with a dry cloth.
3. Apply primer to ensure a smooth finish. Allow primer to dry according to manufacturer's directions.
4. Paint your surface, following the manufacturer's directions on the paint can. Stay ten to twelve inches from the surface while painting and allow to dry. Once completely dry, apply second coat as needed.
Always wear safety glasses and protective clothing when painting!
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