Acrylic paints are used for everything from automobiles to houses to fine art. There is no universal acrylic paint; acrylics are polymers, synthetic resins which give paint better adhesion, better blocking power, more resistance to water and greater resistance to cracking and blistering. Acrylic paints may be water-based, as in what is commonly termed acrylic latex house paint, or chemical-based. Acrylics are often used on vehicles and other objects that need a tough paint.
Prepare
Preparation is the key to any good paint job. The surface for acrylic paint needs to be clean and dry. Sand wood using medium to fine sandpaper; clean metal with a wire brush and steel wool to remove rust, grease or other material down to bare metal. Rough up plastic and other smooth surfaces with very fine sandpaper. On cars, determine the type of existing paint; it must be compatible with acrylic enamel or it will not adhere. If unsure, wipe a hidden area with lacquer thinner on a cloth. If color comes off or paint wrinkles, it is enamel; if color comes off only with vigorous rubbing, it is lacquer; if no color comes off, it is urethane.
Prime
Prime bare wood, exposed metal, any unpainted surface or an entire surface for a dramatic color change. Match the primer to the paint; check the acrylic enamel manufacturer's recommendation for primer types. Most automotive paints use either a red or a gray primer, which dries with a slightly rough texture so the finish coat will adhere well.
Spray
Spray acrylic enamel. For small jobs, use a spray can. For vehicles and other big objects, use either a compressed air or airless sprayer; airless is easier. Either can be rented. Shake a spray can for 2 minutes to thoroughly mix the paint inside, then test spray an area to sure the spray is working properly and the paint is compatible. Hold the can 10-12 inches from the object and spray evenly side to side. Test spray cardboard or similar material with a sprayer to make sure the flow and viscosity of the paint are correct; most acrylic enamel must be thinned to work in a sprayer (check manufacturer's recommendations). Hold the spray tip about a foot from the area being sprayed.
Mask
Mask off any areas on the object not to be painted, with painter's tape and plastic sheeting (for large areas). On a car repair, mask an area slightly larger than the repaired section and "feather" the repaint from the repair to blend with the existing paint. If the spray tip clogs, turn off the equipment and clean the tip (with a can, wipe the tip with a cloth). Never try to clean the tip while the sprayer is running; the sprayer uses such high pressure it can inject paint into your skin.
Use a Booth
Work in a booth or other protected area. Make a temporary spray booth with a big cardboard box for small objects. For a car, spray in a garage or similar area, but make sure it has adequate ventilation (and always wear goggles and a mask when spraying). Mask off areas around the spray job with big plastic sheets to prevent spray from getting on walls or other areas. The spray area must be protected from any wind.
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