The most important step to surface preparation is to be sure that the surface is clean, dull and dry. Ordinary household detergent or mineral spirits usually do the job.

There should not be any flakes of paint or rust on your surface before priming or painting. Be sure to remove any loose paint or rust with a wire brush, sandpaper or steel wool.

Your surface should also appear dull or matte. Lightly sand glossy surfaces with fine grain sandpaper and wipe clean with a tack cloth.

When working with wood

Sand bare wood smooth with medium to fine grain sandpaper. Wipe clean with a tack cloth to remove dust. Spray with primer to seal the surface if desired. Lightly sand glossy surface if previously painted and remove dust with a tack cloth. Outdoor wood should always be primed before painting for greatest durability.

When working with metal

Remove loose rust with a wire brush, sandpaper or chemical rust remover. Remove oil with a degreaser or denatured alcohol especially on new metal. Prime surface to protect against rust and corrosion. Lightly sand glossy surface if previously painted and remove dust with a tack cloth. Outdoor metal should always be primed before painting for greatest durability.

When working with plastic

For old plastic, use an ammonia-based cleaner and wipe down to clean surface. If the plastic is new, wipe down with paint thinner for best results. Lightly sand glossy surface if previously painted and remove dust with a tack cloth. When dry, apply Krylon® Fusion for Plastic according to the directions on the can.

When working with wicker

Wicker should be clean, dull and dry prior to painting. Lightly sand glossy surface if previously painted and remove dust or prime. Outdoor wicker should always be primed before painting for greatest durability.

When working with glass or ceramic

Lightly sand with fine grain sandpaper so that surface will not be slick – this allows paint to adhere better. Wipe clean with a tack cloth. Apply a primer to further improve adhesion (glass will no longer be transparent if a primer is used).

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Since 1988 Nation Enterprises, and since 1993 Lapidary Rock Shop has been providing the highest quality products and services to the lapidary market.
1-800-820-3612
E-MAIL: russ@rnbrockshop.com
Copyright©  1998/2011 ®NATION ENTERPRISES
Owned and operated by Russ & Betty Nation
NEW: 08-24-1998
Completely Revised: 11-12-2000
COMPLETE REVISION 05/2007
REV: 01/15/2011