How to Attain Good Surface Finish
The number one factor in obtaining a flawless surface when applying finish coatings is surface preparation. Regardless of how much you pay for the finish products, a clear, smooth, blemish-free finish will not be obtained if the surface is not properly prepared. The second most important factor is selecting the right coating for the application. Therefore, the process for obtaining a flawless finish starts long before you open a can of paint or varnish. The process starts with gaining information.
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Things You'll Need
- Sandpaper
- Tack cloth
- Appropriate sealer/primer
- Stain and finish (for wood surfaces)
- Alkyd or latex paint (for wall board)
Instructions
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Identify the end use of the item or room to be painted/coated. Select a final finish that is designed for the materials being coated. It should also be designed to give a durable finish in its environment.
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Read and understand the finish directions thoroughly. If applied improperly, some finishes will create a monumental problem. Know the process before beginning the project.
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Prepare the surface by sanding with light-grade sandpaper to remove all surface imperfections. When finishing wood surfaces, wipe the surface with a tack cloth as a final step before priming/sealing. When finishing plaster or wall board, wipe the surface with a slightly damp cloth to remove sanding dust. Surfaces must be clean, smooth, patched, dry and dust-free before they receive a new coating. Take the time needed to create a perfect substrate.
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Seal the substrate with the appropriate sealer/primer before applying the final finish. Most finishes will soak into an unsealed surface, creating a rough surface that must be resanded. If you use the correct sealer, the surface will be properly prepared, and the final finish will create a more durable coating.
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Apply the paint or finish. Check the surface between each coat. Take note: Is the finish drying properly? Is the finish raising the grain of the surface, thus creating the need for additional sanding?
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Allow the sealer, primer and subsequent coats of finish to dry completely before recoating. If a new layer of finish is applied over a coat that is not completely cured, the result will likely be a failed coating, because the moisture/drying agent will push off the surface coating during the drying/curing process.
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