We don’t get worn out of stating it since it’s true: painting is still the simplest method to accomplish a quick, low-cost makeover for walls, floors as well as furniture. as well as there isn’t a surface — from laminate cabinetry to metal garden chairs to ceramic tile to concrete floors — that can’t be improved, as long as you utilize the ideal materials. We canvassed decorative artists as well as paint business for the very best techniques of painting tough or unusual surfaces. right here are their methods for the best finish.
Before You Start
Work in a well-ventilated area, comply with directions on labels, as well as wear a mask when sanding or spray-painting.
Even surfaces in great condition requirement a complete cleaning with a home cleaner such as trisodium phosphate (TSP) to eliminate any type of dirt, wax, or mold.
Always lightly sand surfaces as well as wipe off any type of dust. This provides the surface some “grit” as well as makes sure that the top coat adheres well.
Don’t be lured to avoid the primer stage. primer is as crucial as the actual paint surface since it is what makes the paint abide by the surface.
Laminate Cupboards as well as Countertops
Tools
High-density foam roller
Preparation: Scuff-sand with 120-grit sandpaper.
To paint: apply two coats of melamine latex primer, then one or a lot more coats of melamine enamel (or melamine latex on cupboards).
Optional: For additional toughness on countertops, apply an alkyd urethane; however, this produces an amber-coloured sheen.
Tips
For higher durability, apply thin coats as well as develop the new surface slowly.
Only paint countertops that are not heavily used.
Darker colours are less adhesive than light colours.
If you still have questions, your hardware expert will be able to provide you step-by-step directions on painting kitchen area countertops.
Ceramic Tile Backsplashes as well as Tub Surrounds
Tools
High-density foam roller, or sprayer
Preparation: Scuff-sand with 150-grit sandpaper, then laundry with equal parts water, vinegar as well as bleach, to kill fungus. let dry.
To paint: apply two to three thin coats of alkyd urethane-reinforced melamine enamel, or a two-part epoxy or latex paint.
Tips
Some professionals suggest priming very first with a super-adherent primer.
Glossy tiles need a lot more sanding.
Lacquered Wood
Tools
Paintbrush and/or roller
Preparation: Scuff-sand with 150-grit sandpaper. Vacuum or dust the surface, then wipe down with a tack cloth.
To paint: apply one coat of super-adherent alkyd primer. surface with a minimum of two coats of enamel, oil, or latex paint.
Tips
Waxed wood need to be stripped before painting.
Thin the very first paint coat with paint thinner for a less-shiny finish.
Optional: seal with ultra-clear acrylic sealer.
Concrete or Cement Flooring
Tools
Paintbrush as well as paint roller
Preparation: previously painted surfaces must be scraped to loosen old paint, then vacuumed. fill holes with block filler. “Spot prime” with the paint you are going to use.
To paint: Roll on concrete primer. let dry thoroughly. comply with with two coats of concrete floor paint or polyurethane floor enamel. For added protection, apply an alkyd urethane.
Tips
Begin by cutting in around the perimeter of the space with a paintbrush.
Start at one end of the room. pour a pool of paint directly from the can onto the floor as well as spread evenly around you with a roller.
Work in this method towards the other end of the room, as if you were washing a floor.
If painting a concrete walkway, or if you wish a flatter finish, utilize a latex (non-skid) paint.
Hardwood Flooring
Tools
Paintbrush
Preparation: Sand before painting. If this isn’t possible, as well as flooring is already painted or varnished, scrape to loosen old paint as well as sand down rough areas as well as splinters. eliminate extending nails or hammer flush to the floor.
To paint: Do not apply a primer. since flooring is flat as well as soft, the primer has a tendency to provide method from beneath the paint, particularly on new floors. apply urethane floor enamel thinned with 10% paint thinner, complied with by two coats at full strength. For additional durability, apply a final coat of urethane.
Tips
Raw wood flooring needs a sealer so knots don’t show with the paint.
Strip waxed floors prior to painting.
Non-Waxed Linoleum as well as vinyl Tile Flooring
Tools
Sprayer or roller
Preparation: laundry with TSP as well as rinse with water. Vacuum.
To paint: Some professionals suggest applying a super-adherent primer first. comply with with two coats of polyurethane floor enamel. weaken the very first coat with 10% paint thinner. wait 24 hours. apply second coat at full strength. For added durability, utilize a final coat of ultra-clear acrylic.
Tips
Don’t paint over sheet flooring or floor tiles that have been waxed or have built-in wax coating. These tiles will not grip the paint well.
Experts encourage against painting cushioned sheet flooring as furniture as well as heels will dent the surface as well as fracture the paint.
Appliances
Tools
High-density foam roller
Preparation: lightly sand appliance with steel wool. wipe surface with tack fabric or a moist fabric as well as a bit paint thinner. let dry.
To paint: apply two coats of melamine enamel. (Melamine can likewise be sprayed on with light, even coats.) three to four thin coats may be needed for dark colour. let dry 24 hours between coats.
Tips
Do not paint over appliances where warm is a factor. utilize this technique only for refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers or washers.
If there is rust, very first apply a number of coats of anti-rust spray or spray primer.
Metal
Tools
Paintbrush or sprayer
Preparation: If rusted, sand or utilize a cable clean on the rusted areas. You can utilize an oil as well as grease emulsifier to clean the surface.
To paint: choose the proper primer. Wrought iron normally needs a red-oxide primer. If the surface is rusted, spot-prime with a rust-inhibiting or metal primer. If metal galvanized, utilize a galvanized primer or a latex primer. comply with with a melamine enamel or alkyd paint. For additional protection, seal with ultra-clear acrylic sealer.
Tips
Rust inhibitor is especially crucial for exterior use.