Enamel paint is a general term for paints that are hard and hold high when dry. This paint is great for painting items that will be used outdoors, or places that wear out quickly, such as furniture or patio stairs. Before working with enamel paints, you will need to determine if this type of paint is the best fit for your project, and know where and how to apply the paint.
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Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Right Material
Step 1. Determine if enamel paint is appropriate for your project
Enamel paints are best suited for outdoor areas exposed to weather and temperature changes. This paint is also useful for areas in the house that wear out quickly. Due to its dense and glossy nature, enamel-coated surfaces are easy to clean and resistant to stains and damage.
- If your project requires a durable object, this paint is a great choice.
- Enamel paints are also great for items that require a smooth protective coating. Bathroom fixtures and metal utensils are usually coated with enamel paint.
Step 2. Choose the right type of paint
Usually, enamel paints are oil based. The oil material allows the paint to mix and rub off easily, and to stay on the surface longer. As the demand for non-toxic paints increases, more and more water-based enamel paints are on the market. Water-based enamel paints are easier to use because they dry faster and are easier to clean. However, oil-based enamel paints last longer and are smoother and stronger.
- You can choose the type of paint that suits you best. Water-based paints are great for basic projects, while oil-based paints will withstand wear and tear and harsh outdoor conditions.
- There are many variations of enamel paint. Before buying, take a look at the different types of enamel paint to determine which one is best for your project.
Step 3. Use a high quality brush
Not all types of brushes can be used to work with enamel paints. For best results, choose a brush that has the right type and filament stiffness for the paint you are using. Chinese or oxhair brushes are soft-bristled brushes that help to easily apply oil-based paints. If you're using a water-based enamel paint, use a synthetic fiber brush, as the filaments don't absorb the water in the paint and get soggy.
- Some brushes are designed with curved bristles to allow you to paint more smoothly. This type of brush is suitable for enamel paints that must be applied evenly to the surface.
- You must use one type of brush for one type of paint. For example, if your synthetic filament brush has already been used for water-based enamel paint, don't use the same brush for oil-based paint. Better yet, just buy a new brush.
Part 2 of 3: Using Enamel Paint
Step 1. Start with a primer
Primer is a special paint that serves to coat the surface to be painted. The primer will fill in crevices in the wood, cover blemishes in the unfinished material, and provide a flat surface for the paint to adhere to. Most primers are oil based, so they seal the wood and hold the paint better when it dries. It's a good idea to coat things with a primer before painting them with enamel paint, especially on indoor surfaces, furniture, and cabinets.
- Look for a primer that matches the type of surface to be painted. Some brands of enamel paint are even formulated with a built-in primer that increases the paint stickiness.
- Always use a primer when painting wood and natural uneven surfaces, walls, cabinets and all surfaces of varying dimensions and structures.
Step 2. Wipe the brush in the correct motion
Because enamel paint has a smooth and glossy consistency, mistakes when painting will be more obvious. Therefore, it is best to do a second “tip off” swipe after applying the top coat of paint. To do this, make sure the bristles are wet (but not soaked) and tilt the brush so that only the tip of the brush is brushing the area you've painted.
- When using this technique, make sure you slide the brush along the painted surface (with natural streaks, if you're painting wood) to keep the thickness and orientation of each stroke uniform.
- Make sure your brush strokes are as smooth and even as possible. Some surfaces (such as furniture and crafts) will be more difficult to paint because of their uneven contours.
Step 3. Use a sprayer
Enamel paint can also be sprayed with a paint sprayer that pushes the paint through a small hole in the tip of the nozzle. The paint sprayer will ensure that the paint coats the surface evenly. Thanks to this tool, you can save a lot of time when there are many surfaces that need painting, such as when repainting your outdoor furniture and appliances.
- A paint sprayer will speed up rough painting projects, such as painting a patio deck or rejuvenating a mechanical fixture.
- Thick enamel paint may need to be diluted before applying with a spray.
Step 4. Apply two coats of paint
Most experts recommend applying a second coat of paint to the painted surface for protection reasons. Allow the first coat of paint to dry before repainting, and do a tip off on the top coat so that the results are even. Two coats of paint will make the surface much smoother, stronger and more beautiful.
- Apply two coats of paint to steps, outdoor workspaces, and other surfaces that are frequently exposed to the elements.
- While it should be painted as smoothly as possible, you don't need to tip off the first coat. You only need to do it on the outermost layer.
Part 3 of 3: Drying, Cleaning and Removing Paint
Step 1. Consider the drying time of the paint
Under normal conditions, oil-based paints will dry completely in 8-24 hours due to their viscosity. Water-based paints dry in 1-2 hours or less. Temperature and humidity also affect the drying of the paint. Therefore, paint that is done outdoors will take longer to dry. Freshly painted surfaces should be allowed to dry to prevent streaking or blemishes.
- Whenever possible, adjust the painting time outdoors to warm, dry weather to prevent humidity, temperature changes, or excess rainfall that would hinder the drying process.
- Some enamel paint manufacturers have special quick-drying formulas that dry in just 15-20 minutes.
Step 2. Carefully update the worn paint
When you are repainting a surface where the paint is worn or faded, apply one thin coat at a time. Carefully apply the new paint so that the result remains uniform. You don't need a primer to renew the paint, unless you want the old paint to be completely removed from the surface first.
Usually, it's better to repaint the entire surface if it's not too big. In this way, you will prevent thickness differences and color mismatches on the painted surface
Step 3. Clean the enamel paint when needed
Another benefit of the smoothness of dry enamel paint is that the coating is easy to clean. If the painted surface gets dirty, simply provide a towel and a bowl filled with a mixture of warm water and a mild detergent. Wipe the towel over the dirt and debris on the paint surface until it's clean. Oil-based enamel paint is a bit more difficult to remove, so you may need mineral spirit (mineral turpentine) or diluted acetone.
Mineral spirit or mineral turpentine is a mild solvent used to thin and scrape paint. This liquid can be wiped with a brush or wet towel. Due to its solvent properties, mineral spirit is very effective in removing dust and dirt from dry enamel paint
Step 4. Remove the paint using a chemical paint cleaner
If you need to remove a coat of paint, you will need a strong paint cleaner. Paint remover comes in many forms and is one of the few methods capable of removing thick, hard paint. Apply a large amount of paint remover (not a thin layer) and let the solvent work for a while. After that, blot the paint off the surface with sandpaper.
- Chemical paint cleaners tend to be very pungent and some give off toxic fumes. You must be careful when using this product.
- If possible, use a professional to remove the enamel paint from your surface.
Tips
- Always use a primer whenever possible before applying enamel paint. Paint used without a primer is more prone to dripping, cracking, and peeling.
- Some enamel paints have a lacquer blend that gives them a shinier, water-resistant finish.
- Cover the work area with masking tape when painting the lines and corners for a neat finish.
