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Spray Paint Surface Preparation: What to Know

sanding a table

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 ceiling light painted silver
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 storage bin painted green
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 painted teal
Wicker
  • Lightly sand glossy surface if previously painted
  • Remove dust
  • Apply spray paint primer to exterior wicker for the greatest durability 
glass vases painted red
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)