The term enamel paint refers to a wide variety of products for painting (paints, enamels and paints for both interiors and exteriors) which, once dry, are able to generate a hard and resistant finish over time (both glossy and matte). These types of paint are an excellent choice for decorating outdoor structures or areas exposed to large amounts of water, such as a gazebo, patio furniture, home window frames or outdoor staircases. The secret to working with paints and enamels consists in identifying the product that best meets the needs of the project and knowing perfectly where and how they are to be applied.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Best Material Based on the Job to Be Done
Step 1. Evaluate which product is the perfect solution for the project you want to carry out
Enamel paints are perfect for all areas, elements and furnishing accessories that are located outside the house, therefore being constantly exposed to changes in temperature and weather; however, they are also very useful for interiors in all areas that are subject to intense use and wear. Thanks to the high density of paints and enamels and their characteristic glossy finish, the surfaces treated with these products are very easy to clean and very resistant to stains and impacts.
- If your project has areas that need to be able to withstand heavy use, an enamel paint is most likely an ideal choice.
- Enamel paint is also a great choice for any material that needs a protective, smooth finish. The bathroom fixtures, the relative taps and all the metal accessories are often enamelled.
Step 2. Choose the correct type of paint
Normally, enamel paints are oil-based, which allows a fluid and regular application, which makes them able to adhere longer to surfaces. With the steadily increasing demand for non-toxic alternatives to regular enamel paints, water-based products are becoming increasingly popular. While oil paints provide a smoother and more durable finish, water-based paints can be easier to use as they dry faster and are easier to clean.
- The choice falls much more frequently on oil paints than water-based ones. The latter are more suitable for simple projects, while oil glazes are perfect for protecting items subject to heavy use and adverse weather conditions.
- There is a wide variety of enamels and paints on the market. Before purchasing a specific product, briefly analyze all the types available to identify the one that best suits the specifics of the project to be implemented.
Step 3. Use high quality brushes
It is not correct to think that it is possible to use any brush to apply enamel paint. For best results, select a brush with the correct bristles and the right stiffness, based on the paint to be used. For example, a brush with soft, natural bristles is ideal for applying very dense oil paints and enamels without any effort. When working with water-based paints, it is preferable to use a brush with synthetic bristles as the individual filaments will not absorb the water contained in the paint and become soaked.
- Some brushes have an "oblique head", where the final outline of the bristles has a different length allowing you to draw more precise and clean lines. This type of brush is ideal for applying paints and enamels that require a uniform finish.
- Use the specific brush for each paint. For example, even if no one forbids using a synthetic bristle brush to apply an oil polish, it is definitely better to buy a new one if the first one has already been used to paint with a water-based varnish.
Part 2 of 3: Apply the enamel paint
Step 1. Start by applying a primer base
Primers are special paints that are used to prepare the treated surface to accommodate the final coat of paint. The primer base serves to fill imperfections in the wood grain, in all raw materials or materials not suitable for direct painting, ensuring that the final glaze has a uniform surface to adhere to. Most of the primers on the market are oil-based, which is why they are more suitable for creating a sealing layer on wooden surfaces, to which the final paint will adhere more easily once dry. It is advisable to always apply a coat of primer before applying the paint, especially on surfaces, furniture, cabinets, fixtures and internal jambs.
- Find a suitable primer to apply to the surface you want to paint. Some paint and enamel manufacturers have introduced a primer directly into their products to increase its adhesion to the surfaces to be treated.
- Always use a primer when you need to paint wood or any other natural material with a porous and uneven surface, such as walls, furniture, door frames and jambs or any surface that is uneven in terms of size and texture.
Step 2. Use the proper painting technique
Due to its smooth and glossy finish, the enamel paint makes any imperfections much more visible; for this reason it is advisable to always apply a second very light coat of paint after brushing the first. When it's time to apply the second coat of paint, make sure the brush bristles are wet with paint (but be careful they are not saturated with product), then spread it by angling the brush head so that only the tips of the bristles are touch the surface to be painted.
- When using the technique described above, be sure to run the brush over the entire length of the surface to be painted (if you are treating wood, be sure to follow the natural direction of the grain) in order to obtain a visually uniform final effect.
- Make sure your brushstrokes are as smooth and even as possible. Some surfaces, such as those of furniture and handicrafts, can be more difficult to paint than others, due to the numerous irregular profiles.
Step 3. Use a spray gun
Enamel paints can also be applied with a spray gun: an accessory equipped with a small nozzle, which must be used in conjunction with a compressor capable of atomising the paint. This tool allows you to apply paint in perfectly even layers. Using a spray gun can be time-consuming, especially if you need to paint a very large area, for example to finish furniture or appliances for outdoor use.
- Using a spray gun when you need to carry out complex painting projects is very useful, for example to restore the deck of an outdoor patio or touch up mechanical equipment, as it allows you to do the job more quickly and accurately.
- You may need to dilute denser enamel paints before you can apply them using a spray gun.
Step 4. Apply two coats of product
Most experts recommend applying a second coat of paint in all those projects where it is essential to protect the treated surface. Between the first and second coat, it is necessary to wait the time necessary for the product to dry completely. To achieve an even finish, apply the last layer of product using only the tips of the brush bristles. Applying two coats of varnish will result in a more even, long-lasting and color-intensive final result.
- Apply two coats of product when you need to paint stairs, outdoor spaces and any surface that is regularly exposed to the elements.
- Although the first coat should be applied as evenly as possible, in this case, it is not necessary to use only the tips of the brush bristles; the latter technique should be used only for the final layer.
Part 3 of 3: Drying, Cleaning and Stripping
Step 1. Calculate the drying time
Under normal conditions, due to its density, an oil paint takes about 8-24 hours to dry completely. A water-based enamel can be dry to the touch in just 1-2 hours; in some cases it even takes less time. The temperature and the degree of humidity are two variables that influence the drying process of the paint; if you are working on an outdoor project, then expect an increase in the time required for complete drying. Painted surfaces should be left free to dry without being used or touched to prevent any kind of imperfection.
- Whenever possible, carry out paint projects outdoors on hot, dry or slightly humid days. Sudden changes in temperature or atmospheric precipitation can compromise the drying process.
- Some paint and enamel manufacturers have products created with a special formula that can significantly reduce drying time to just 15-20 minutes.
Step 2. Touch up an already painted surface
When you need to repaint a worn or discolored area, do so by applying single coats of the product very thin. Brush the freshly painted portion of the surface carefully to make sure the final visual effect is uniform. When touching up an already painted area, applying primer as a base should not be necessary unless you want to completely remove the current layer of enamel.
In general, it is always useful to completely repaint the surface or object to be retouched; obviously, as long as it's not too big. In this way, at the end of the treatment, there will be no variations in thickness and color between the new paint and the existing one
Step 3. Clean the enamel surface if necessary
Another guaranteed advantage of the smooth finish generated by paints and enamels is that it can be washed without risk or difficulty. If a painted surface gets dirty, you can clean it simply using a wet rag with a mixture of warm water and detergent (not too aggressive). Paints and oil enamels can be much more difficult to clean and may require the use of white spirit or acetone.
White spirit is a light solvent that is used to dilute or remove paints and enamels. It can be applied using a brush or a brush or a cloth soaked in the product. Thanks to its solvent properties, white spirit is very effective in removing dust and dirt from painted surfaces
Step 4. Remove a layer of paint using a suitable chemical stripper
If you need to completely remove paint from a surface or object, the best option is probably to use a strong chemical stripper. These types of products come in many forms and are the only tool capable of completely removing thick layers of paint and enamel that have hardened over time. Apply the paint stripper in large quantities rather than in even strokes, then let it sit so it can do the job it was designed for. After the chemical stripper has begun to dissolve the paint or polish, you can remove any traces of paint using medium-grit sandpaper.
- Chemical paint strippers tend to be extremely caustic and some types can even produce toxic fumes. When using chemicals of this type to remove paints and enamels, it is imperative to act with caution.
- If possible, when it is necessary to remove paint from enamelled or painted surfaces, it is best to rely on trained professionals.
Advice
- Before applying enamel paint, if possible, always try to use a primer as a base. When nail polish is applied directly to a bare surface it is much more likely to crack, flake and peel off.
- Some enamels and paints contain lacquer components that serve to make the characteristic glossy finish even more luminous and water resistant.
- Before painting the precise contours and corners, be sure to mask the area you are going to work on using masking tape.
