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Spray Paint Preparation with the Help of Krylon®

Proper surface preparation is the key to a smooth, professional-looking finish. Whether your Krylon® spray paint project involves a wood, metal, plastic, wicker, glass or ceramic surface, make sure to complete these three essential steps:

  1. Clean the surface using ordinary household detergent or mineral spirits.
  2. Remove loose paint or rust with a wire brush, sandpaper or steel wool.
  3. Sand glossy surfaces with fine grain sandpaper and wipe with a tack cloth.

Special Note

After the surface is properly prepared, it should appear dull or matte.

To discover the surface preparation steps that apply to your specific material, view the instructions below:

Wood

Staining Wood

  1. Lightly sand bare wood smooth with medium to fine grain sandpaper.
    • If previously painted, remove the paint.
  2. Wipe bare wood clean with a damp rag to remove dust.
  3. Splash a couple drops of water on the surface.
    • If water penetrates, so will the stain.
    • If water does not penetrate, lightly sand the surface again.
  4. Make sure wood is clean, dull and dry before staining.

Spray Painting Wood

  1. Sand bare wood smooth with medium to fine grain sandpaper.
    • Lightly sand if previously painted.
  2. Wipe clean with a tack cloth to remove dust.
  3. Spray with primer to seal the surface if desired.
    • Exterior wood should always be primed for greatest durability.

Metal

  1. Remove loose rust with a wire brush, sandpaper or chemical rust remover.
    • Lightly sand if previously painted.
  2. If applicable, sand areas where paint is chipping until surface is smooth.
  3. Remove dust or oil with a degreaser or denatured alcohol.
  4. Prime surface to protect against rust and corrosion.
  5. Exterior metal should always be primed for greatest durability.

Plastic

  1. For old plastic, use an ammonia-based cleaner on surface.
  2. For new plastic, use paint thinner to clean surface.
  3. Lightly sand surface if previously painted.
  4. Remove dust with a tack cloth
  5. Let plastic surface dry.
  6. Apply Krylon® Fusion for Plastic® spray paint according to the directions on the can.

Wicker

  1. Lightly sand glossy surface if previously painted.
  2. Remove dust or prime.
    • Exterior wicker should always be primed for greatest durability.

Glass or Ceramic

  1. Lightly sand with fine grain sandpaper.
    • Less slick surfaces allow for better adhesion.
  2. Wipe clean with a tack cloth.
  3. Apply primer to further improve adhesion (glass will no longer be transparent if a primer is used).

Still have questions on spray paint surface preparation? Ask Krylon.