- 1). Wash exterior surfaces, using a pressure washer; dust interior surfaces with a broom.
- 2). Sand fiberglass, porcelain, vinyl, acrylic, plastic and previously painted items until they feel rough to achieve adequate adhesion.
- 3). Protect adjacent items by covering them with masking tape, plastic sheeting and/or drop cloths.
- 4). Coat larger surfaces with the appropriate primer, using a roller. Use latex primer for nonmetallic items; add etching primer to metallic ones. Roll vertically, using gentle pressure. Touch-up the item, using an appropriate paintbrush. Use polyester-bristled brushes for smooth items; use nylon-bristled brushes for coarse surfaces. Let the primer undercoating dry for two hours.
- 5). Rinse your brush three times, using water.
- 6). Finish the item with the appropriate type of paint. Add latex paint to interior surfaces not subject to duress; use acrylic latex paint on exterior surfaces not subject to duress. If the surface is subject to duress, opt for an acrylic enamel. If you're painting a floor, use an acrylic floor paint. Employ the same application strategy you used while priming. Let the painted topcoat dry for two hours. Add additional coats only if coverage proved poor.
- 1). Sand the wood item, using 80-grit sandpaper. Sand toward the wood grain, stopping once the existing finish appears dull.
- 2). Sand the wood item, using 120-grit sandpaper; sand toward the wood grain, stopping once the wood feels smooth. Wipe the item with tack cloths.
- 3). Apply gel stain to the item, using a 2- to 4-inch natural-bristled brush. Wait at least 30 seconds before wiping the gel from the item, using shop rags. Let the stained wood dry for three hours.
- 4). Rinse your brush three times, using mineral spirits.
- 5). Apply polyurethane to the item, using your natural-bristled brush. Brush toward the wood grain. Apply a thin coat, applying gentle pressure with each stroke. Let the finished wood dry for three hours.