Spray Paint Surface Preparation: What to Know
Spray Paint Surface Preparation: What to Know
Project Preparation
Proper surface preparation is the key to a smooth, professional-looking finish. Whether your Krylon® spray paint project involves plastic, metal, wood, wicker, glass, ceramic and other surfaces, make sure to complete these three essential steps when you kick off your project:
- Clean the surface with ordinary household detergent or a regionally compliant cleaner.
- 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.
Different surfaces need preparation steps designed for the exact material. Here are additional preparation steps for wood, metal, glass and ceramics.
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 the surface is smooth
- Remove dust or oil with a degreaser or denatured alcohol
- Prime surface to protect against rust and corrosion with Krylon Rust Tough® Galvanizing primer
- Exterior metal should always be primed for the greatest durability
Plastic
- For old plastic, use an ammonia-based cleaner on the 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
Wicker
- Lightly sand glossy surface if previously painted
- Remove dust
- Apply spray paint primer to exterior wicker for the greatest durability
Glass and Ceramic
- Lightly sand with fine-grain sandpaper
- Less slick surfaces allow for better adhesion
- Wipe clean with a tack cloth
- Apply spray paint primer to further improve adhesion
(glass will no longer be transparent if a primer is used)