Tips for Synthetic Enamel Paint

Synthetic Enamel paint is a type of oil based paint with superior adhesion qualities. It is available in two types of finishes - glossy and matt and can stick to all primers. It can withstand frequent cleaning without losing its shinning. It can be used for new as well as old surfaces and can be done on wood, steel and walls.Synthetic enamel paint should be conforming IS:2932 of approved manufacture brand and required color .The paint is fairly durable and stain resistent.

Surface Preparation for Painting

Wood Work

• The surface should be cleaned of dust, mortar droppings and splashes of cement slurry etc.
• The wood work to be painted should be dry and free from moisture.
• All unevenness should be rubbed down smooth with sand paper.
• Knots if any should be covered with putty of same color.
• Priming coat should be applied before painting wood work.

Iron and Steel Surface

• All rust and scales should be removed by scraping.
• The surface should be cleaned of dust mortar dropping rust etc.
• Priming coat should be done on the surface with good quality of primer. 

Plastered Surface

• The painting work should be done after the wall is dried completely.
• The surface should be cleaned of dust mortar dropping splashes of cement etc.
• Holes and undulations should be filled in with putty and be rubbed smooth.
• Primer coat should be done on the wall with good quality of primer.

Painting on Old Surface 

• If the existing paint is firm and sound, it should be cleaned of grease, smoke etc.
• It should be rubbed with sand paper to remove all dusts.
• All patches and cracks should be treated with stopping and filler prepared with the specified paint.
• The surface should be rubbed and be made smooth and uniform.
• Each coat should be allowed to dry and be rubbed down smooth with fine sharp paper to get even and glossy surface.

After surface preparation the painting should be done evenly and smoothly with the help of painting brushes. Each coat should be done when previous coat is dried completely. Brush mark should not be visible on painted surface.

Tips for Painting Work    

• Cement based primer which is white in color is laid on the wall before the application of Synthetic Enamel paint.
• This paint should not be used for bitumen surface (a mixture of hydrocarbons) road marking because the oil of enamel paint reacts with bitumen.
• Putty or POP. (Plaster of Paris) should be dry before the paint is applied.
• For POP. a little roughness of underlying surface is desirable for better sticking.
• No curing is required for POP and putty as they are self curing.
• Primer and each coat of paint should be dried before next coat is applied.
• Synthetic enamel paint should be done after six months of completion of newly plastered surface.
• Synthetic Enamel paint can stick to all primers and be done on wood, steel and walls.

Precautions for Synthetic Enamel Paint   

• The surface should be rubbed with finest grade of sand paper to make it even and smooth.
• The undercoat should be thoroughly dry.
• The surface should be cleaned of grease, smoke etc.
• All patches and cracks should be treated with filler prepared with specified paint.
• The blistered or bubbled old paint should be removed. 

Advantages of Synthetic Enamel Paint

• Available in container, ready to use.
• Tough durable and stain resistant and can withstand frequent cleaning without losing brightness.
• Washable and washing capability is more than that of plastic paint.
• Flows well and provides a durable finish that lasts for years.
• Used for both interior and exterior applications.
• Provides smoothness and brightness to the surface. Glossy finishes are generally used in bathroom, kitchens and for painting dado in hospitals, schools, stairs hall in public buildings etc.

 Disadvantage

• It takes much time to dry.