Proper surface preparation is the key to a smooth, professional-looking finish. Whether your Krylon®spraypaint project involves a wood, metal, plastic, wicker, glass or ceramic surface, makesureto complete these three essential steps:
- Clean the surface using ordinary household detergent or mineral spirits.
- Remove loose paint or rust with a wire brush, sandpaper or steel wool.
- Sand glossy surfaces with fine grain sandpaper and wipe with a tack cloth.
Special Note
After the surface is properly prepared, it should appear dull or matte.
To discover the surface preparation steps that apply to your specific material, view theinstructionsbelow:
Wood
Staining Wood
- Lightly sand bare wood smooth with medium to fine grain sandpaper.
- If previously painted, remove the paint.
- Wipe bare wood clean with a damp rag to remove dust.
- Splash a couple drops of water on the surface.
- If water penetrates, so will the stain.
- If water does not penetrate, lightly sand the surface again.
- Make sure wood is clean, dull and dry before staining.
Spray Painting Wood
- Sand bare wood smooth with medium to fine grain sandpaper.
- Lightly sand if previously painted.
- Wipe clean with a tack cloth to remove dust.
- Spray with primer to seal the surface if desired.
- Exterior wood should always be primed for greatest durability.
Metal
- Remove loose rust with a wire brush, sandpaper or chemical rust remover.
- Lightly sand if previously painted.
- If applicable, sand areas where paint is chipping until surface is smooth.
- Remove dust or oil with a degreaser or denatured alcohol.
- Prime surface to protect against rust and corrosion.
- Exterior metal should always be primed for greatest durability.
Plastic
- For old plastic, use an ammonia-based cleaner on surface.
- For new plastic, use paint thinner to clean surface.
- Lightly sand surface if previously painted.
- Remove dust with a tack cloth
- Let plastic surface dry.
- Apply Krylon® Fusion for Plastic® spraypaint according to the directions on the can.
Wicker
- Lightly sand glossy surface if previously painted.
- Remove dust or prime.
- Exterior wicker should always be primed for greatest durability.
Glass or Ceramic
- Lightly sand with fine grain sandpaper.
- Less slick surfaces allow for better adhesion.
- Wipe clean with a tack cloth.
- Apply primer to further improve adhesion (glass will no longer be transparent if a primer isused).
Still have questions on spray paint surface preparation? Ask Krylon.