Enamel paint is ideal for a number of painting projects. While this type of paint is relatively easy to use, there are still many common downfalls that beginner painters make. If you have an enamel painting project to complete, read on for our complete guide to enamel paint. You can also contact your Denver painting experts for professional help. With our expertise, you can complete your enamel painting project with ease.
What is Enamel Paint?
Enamel paint is characterized by the solid, lustrous finish that it provides. When enamel paint dries, it’s opaque and glossy, providing many benefits for certain types of surfaces.
Typically, enamel paint is oil-based. The hard finish that it provides is both washable and heat-resistant, making it an excellent choice if you want to protect a surface. Specifically, if you have a surface that’s exposed to high humidity, heat, dirt, or grease, enamel paint can protect it while minimizing the amount of maintenance required to keep the surface in good condition.
You can find enamel paint in a broad range of colors and gloss levels. Gloss, semi-gloss, high-gloss, satin, and flat finish are a few examples of enamel paint sheen options. Generally, the glossier the finish of an enamel paint, the greater durability it will provide.
Enamel paints are highly resistant to color fading, water damage, corrosion, rust, and chipping. You’ll be able to wash the surface frequently without diminishing the strength of the paint.
What Can Enamel Paint Be Used For?
As aforementioned, enamel paint can effectively protect a surface against multiple types of damage. So, the main application of enamel paint is on surfaces that need protection, such as outdoor furniture. Outdoor furniture is exposed to the elements, as well as dirt and grime. Enamel paint can boost the strength of the furniture so that it’s virtually impervious to outdoor threats.
Other examples of surfaces that enamel paint can be used for include:
- Window fixtures
- Railings
- Grills
- Door handles
- Cabinet handles
- Gates
In addition to outdoor surfaces, enamel paint can be effectively used for metallic surfaces, glass, and wood. Since enamel paint is highly moisture-resistant, it will boost the durability of these surfaces and allow you to wash them without the risk of damage.
Working With Enamel Paint
Step 1: Clean The Surface.
One of the most crucial steps in using enamel paint is cleaning the surface before you apply the paint. Any dust or debris on the surface can get trapped in the paint and diminish the final result of your Denver painting project. You can clean the surface with soapy water to remove any debris. But, make sure that the surface dries completely before you start applying paint.
In addition to a preliminary clean of your surface, keeping your workspace clean as you paint will lead to a better finish. While it’s tempting to get through the painting process as quickly as possible, we recommend working in an organized and methodical manner to produce a clean, professional-looking result.
Step 2: Prime The Surface.
After you’ve cleaned the surface and it has fully dried, you can apply primer. Primer is important mainly for surfaces that are likely to warp, like wood. Temperature shifts can cause wood to warp, increasing the risk of paint chipping. The primer will prevent chipping in your enamel paint to preserve a hard, glossy finish. Paint primer is available at most hardware stores. If you’re painting an outdoor surface, finding a primer that’s designed for the outdoors is likely your best option.
Step 3: Prep The Paint.
You’ll need to mix your enamel paint before applying it. Open up the can of paint and stir it with a stick or similar tool. Make sure to not use your brush to stir the enamel paint. This will create a mess and make your brush unusable for the project.
Step 4: Apply The Paint.
Now, it’s finally time to apply the enamel paint. Using cheap paint brushes for this step can lead to visible brush marks in the finish. Since enamel paint should provide a solid, shiny finish, these brush marks can significantly diminish the appearance of the painted surface. So, invest in higher quality paint brushes for this project. The final result will be well worth the investment!
Contact Brush Strokes Painting today for professional Denver painting services.
