A Done with That® Project by Koper, America’s #1 Connected ContractorTM, Free Augmented Article©
Strong and durable, enamel finishes can add a colorful touch to furniture, cabinets and trim — and can even brighten a child’s favorite toy. Enamel is a type of paint known for its durability as well as for stain and moisture resistance. It produces a surface that can be cleaned easily.
An enamel combines pigment and varnish. The pigments in enamel are more finely ground
than in other types of paint, which makes for a more opaque coat. The varnish base gives enamel its strength, water resistance and durability. An enamel finish can be either glossy, semi- glossy or flat — sometimes called “eggshell.”
Enamel finishes are good for any surface likely to see a lot of use or to require frequent cleaning. Kitchen cabinets are often enameled, as are baseboards, door trim, the walls of a child’s bedroom and some furniture.
New surfaces first need to be sanded smooth, then primed. This undercoat seals the wood to prevent sap from coming to the surface and damaging the final coat. If the primer reveals other surface flaws, they can then be repaired with a filler that is compatible with the enamel.
Enamel can also go over previously finished surfaces. It is not always necessary to strip the finish down to bare wood, but any peeling or chipped paint should be removed, then sanded. Glossy surfaces should be sanded to remove the gloss. Fill in any surface flaws with a compatible filler.
For maximum strength and durability, you may need to apply more than one coat of enamel. If
sand between coats. This is required because a coat of enamel is
smooth that the next coat has nothing to bind to. Sanding roughens the surface enough so that each coat can bond strongly
the previous coat. Be sure to remove sanding dust with a vacuum brush and tack cloths.
It is a good idea to see what a enamel finish will look like before coat the entire surface. Apply coats on an inconspicuous portion of the surface. If you plan apply more than one coat of enamel, be sure to do the same or your test run.
Keys to success-
Enamel must be applied on a dust- and particle-free uitae. Vacuum the area you plan to enamel then rub the surface with a tack cloth, which is slightly sticky aird removes all traces of dust.
If the prnent in enamel has settled, ñc thoroughly with a paint stirrer to use a paint timrin äthi1iënt and available speed eIectric drill at very sIow speed.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
Tools
1. Utility brush
2. Paintbrushes in various sizes
3. Putty knife
4. Broad knife
5. Triangle scraper
6. Paint scraper
7. Sponge
8. Bucket
9. Sanding block
Materials
Enamel Sandpaper Tack cloth Primer Wood putty Solvent
PLANNING
• Decide what type of enamel is best for the job.
• If possible, move the object to be painted into a well-ventilated area
STEP-BY-STEP
1. Thoroughly clean surface to be enameled.
2. If enameling a previously finished surface, scrape any loose or chipped paint and sand smooth.
3. On new surfaces, apply primer after a light sanding.
4. Fill holes and surface damage with recommended putty.
5. Sand entire surface, including repaired areas.
6. Brush or vacuum dust from surface. Wipe with tack cloth.
7. On previously finished surfaces, sand smooth and apply primer.
8. Apply enamel. Sand between each, coat.
Choosing the right enamel
There are four basic classes of enamel, each with different charac¬teristics. Acrylic latex enamels come in a variety of lusters and colors and are easy to apply, moderately resis¬tant to stains and moisture, and clean up with water.
Alkyd enamels are similar to acrylic latex, but clean up with turpentine or other solvents. Alkyd and latex enamels are available in interior and exterior grades.
Epoxy enamels yield the most du¬rable, glossy finish with stain and moisture resistance and are often used to paint appliances.
Polyurethane enamels combine the durability of epoxies with the color and luster selection of alkyd and la¬tex enamels. Polyurethane enamels are best for high-use surfaces such as kitchen cabinets.
Enameling unfinished wood
1. Scrub the surface, then sand smooth. Use solvent to clean any knots or flaws that may leak sap.
2. After rubbing the surface with a tack cloth, apply primer, which is always needed on unpainted wood.
3. Fill in any damaged areas, using a small putty knife and the recom¬mended filler.
4. If you are repairing large uneven areas, use a broad knife to apply the filler.
5. Sand any repaired areas using fine sandpaper until the repair is smooth and flush with the surface.
6. Remove any sanding dust using a brush or vacuum. Then go over the surface with a tack cloth.
7. Apply enamel in long strokes with¬out brushing in. If applying more than one coat, sand between coats.
8. Some older homes may have lead-based paint surfaces. If yours does, or if you are not sure, al¬ways use a respirator, goggles and gloves when sanding or stripping the old paint. Lead is hazardous, but taking the proper precautions helps eliminate much of the risk.
TIPS
• If possible, position the piece horizontally to achieve an even coat with no drip marks.
• For an ultra-shiny finish, apply three coats of glossy enamel, fol¬lowed by a furniture wax. You can also apply a final coat of clear var¬nish or lacquer.
• If a finish turns out to be too shiny, use wet sandpaper to re¬move some of the sheen.
Enameling previously painted wood
1. Scrub dirt and grease from the surface to be finished. Use trisodium phosphate or solvent,
2. Scrape around any bare spots and remove loose paint. Use light pressure to avoid gouging.
3. Remove any damaged areas with filler. Ask your paint dealer which filler to use for your project.
4. Sand the repaired area. If the rest of the surface is glossy, sand it too the enamel will form a good bond.
5. Remove any sanding dust with brush or a vacuum cleaner. Then wipe the surface with a tack cloth.
6. If needed, apply a primer. Thinned enamel works, but use a special enamel undercoat for best results.
7. After sanding the primer coat, apply enamel with long, smooth strokes in one direction.
Spraying enamel
Spraying is the best method for enameling wicker or other intricate surfaces.
If you are covering only a small area, use an enamel in a spray can. If you have a large area or many pieces to enamel, it may be economical to rent a paint sprayer.
Hold the sprayer about a foot from the surface and at a 45-degree angle. Always paint large objects in sections..
Work in a well-ventilated area; wear a mask, goggles and gloves.
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