How to Troubleshoot Spray Painting
- 1). Combat potential spray paint adhesion problems by washing the surface with a water-based soap prior to application.
- 2). Prevent adhesion problems caused by soapy residue by thoroughly rinsing the surface using clean wet rags.
- 3). Eliminate the risk of potential chipping by abrading plastic, tile, fiberglass and vinyl surfaces prior to application. Sand each of these surfaces until they feel rough.
- 4). Prevent paint overspray from staining nearby and adjacent surfaces by covering each with either masking paper or plastic masking sheeting. Keep these coverings in place by taping their edges down using painter's masking tape.
- 5). Head off potential peeling by adding the proper type of spray primer before you paint. Add acrylic spray primer to bare nonmetallic surfaces. Apply a galvanized metal-etching spray primer if you plan to cover over metal. Let each surface dry for two hours.
- 6). Prevent potential paint failure in the form of fading and/or cracking by using an acrylic spray paint. If you're spray painting a surface subject to duress, prevent premature wear by using an acrylic spray enamel.
- 7). Eliminate the chance of runs by adding several light coats rather than a single saturating, heavy coat. Wait two hours between each coat.
- 8). Prevent paint sagging by maintaining 8 inches between the surface and the spray can.
- 9). Avoid damaging the finish by waiting two hours before touching the finished product.
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