Isabella Flores
There are several products that can help paint stick to smooth surfaces. Slick Stick Primer, for example, is a water-based product that can be used on non-porous surfaces such as glass, mirrors, plastics, tiles, and laminate. Another option is to use a stain-killing primer, which is designed to stick to any clean surface. If you're painting concrete, you can etch the surface with an acid solution to create microscopic depressions for the paint to adhere to. Additionally, when painting over previously painted surfaces, products like Latex Agent can improve adhesion and eliminate the need for sanding or priming. For plastic surfaces, sanding with high-grit sandpaper can create a rough texture that paint can adhere to.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Slick Stick Primer |
| Use Case | Used for painting on non-porous, glossy, or slick surfaces like glass, mirrors, plastics, tiles, countertops, builders' grade cabinets, laminate, melamine, linoleum floors, particleboard, metal, ceramics, vinyl, PVC, Formica, varnish, shellac, etc. |
| Application | No sanding required. Does not cover stains or bleed through. Meant for non-porous surfaces. |
| Surface Preparation | The surface must be free of dirt, dust, grease, and any cleaner residue for good adhesion. |
| Surface Etching | For concrete surfaces, etching with acid solutions like muriatic acid, phosphoric acid, or citric acid can create microscopic depressions for better paint adhesion. |
| Primer Type | Water-based |
| Colour | White |
| Tinting | Can be tinted with water-based paint |
| Alternatives | Gesso, Zinsser 1-2-3, Wilbond, Latex Agent |
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What You'll Learn
Priming the surface
Choose the Right Primer
Select a primer that is specifically designed for smooth or glossy surfaces. Look for products like Slick Stick Primer or a water-based stain-killing primer, which can adhere to challenging surfaces such as glass, plastic, or glossy finishes. If you're painting over a previously painted surface, choose a primer that is compatible with the existing paint type (e.g., oil or latex).
Prepare the Surface
Before priming, ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free of any dirt, grease, or dust. Use a suitable cleaning agent, such as White Lightening, and thoroughly rinse and dry the surface afterward. If you're working with concrete, you might need to etch the surface using an acid solution (muriatic, phosphoric, or citric acid) to create a rougher texture for better paint adhesion. Always follow safety precautions when working with etching solutions, including wearing protective gear and ensuring proper ventilation.
Apply the Primer
Once the surface is prepared, apply the primer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some primers may require multiple coats and specific drying times between coats, so be sure to read the instructions carefully. If you're using a water-based primer like Slick Stick, you can tint it with a small amount of water-based paint to match your desired colour while maintaining its slick formula.
Sanding and Deglossing
While priming can often be done without sanding, some painters choose to lightly sand smooth surfaces before priming to create a slightly rougher texture that paint can adhere to more easily. This can be done with high-grit sandpaper, especially on plastic surfaces. Alternatively, you can use a deglossing liquid like Wilbond to prepare the surface for better paint adhesion.
Allow for Proper Drying
After applying the primer, allow it to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. Depending on the primer used, you might need to wait for a specific amount of time, such as 24 hours or more. Refer to the primer's instructions for guidance on drying times.
Reprime if Necessary
In some cases, you might need to reprime the surface, especially if the repaired areas are extensive. For example, if you're painting over wallpaper or dealing with significant wall repairs, it's often recommended to prime the entire wall again to ensure a uniform surface for the final coat of paint.
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Using sandpaper
Sanding is an important part of many painting projects. Sandpaper, sometimes called "grit paper", can be used alongside a sanding sponge or a sanding block. This will help you properly prepare surfaces like wood, metal, drywall, and laminate before and during painting, ensuring an ultra-smooth finish.
The goal of sanding for most painting projects is to dull the surface. Dulling is particularly crucial when dealing with a previously painted surface that has a high-gloss coating. If you skip this step, you may encounter issues with paint adhesion. Choosing the right grit level is key to achieving optimal adhesion and a smooth finish. All sandpaper has a grit level, which ranges from coarse to fine. The higher the grit number, the smaller the grains, and the finer the grit. Conversely, the lower the grit number, the larger the grains, and the coarser the grit.
If you're working on a project that requires multiple rounds of sanding, start with a coarse-grit product, then switch to fine-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish. For example, a grit level of 100 to 150 is ideal for dulling a previously painted surface with one or two coats of paint. A grit level of 180 to 220+ is best for smoothing a surface between coats of paint. Additionally, a grit level of 100 to 150 is suitable for sanding laminate.
It is important to be cautious when using higher-grit sandpaper to avoid over-sanding, which can lead to adhesion issues. Consider the type of paint you're using—if it's a clear finish, you'll need to be more precise and careful not to damage the surface. Sanding is a recommended practice for projects using acrylic and alkyd paints, as well as stains. To achieve an ultra-smooth finish, lightly sand between each coat of primer and paint using fine-grit sandpaper.
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Applying a deglossing liquid
Preparation
Before applying a deglossing liquid, it is important to ensure that the surface is clean, dry, and free of any dirt, dust, or grease. Use a suitable cleaner and thoroughly rinse and dry the surface. If the surface is wooden, consider using a TSP substitute cleaner or a heavy-duty kitchen degreaser to ensure effective cleaning.
Application
After preparing the surface, apply the deglossing liquid to a clean rag, sponge, or lint-free cloth. Then, wipe down the entire surface, including any nooks and crannies that sandpaper might not be able to reach. Make sure to follow the safety precautions mentioned on the product label, such as wearing gloves and protective eyewear.
Drying
Once the deglossing liquid has been applied, let it dry completely. The time required for drying can vary depending on the product and surface, so it is important to refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Some products may require only a few hours, while others may need a couple of days.
Testing
After the deglossing liquid has dried, you can test the surface by applying a small amount of paint, stain, or varnish to ensure the desired results are achieved. This step is important to ensure that the deglossing liquid has effectively prepared the surface for the new coat of paint.
Ventilation
When working with deglossing liquids, it is crucial to work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors to avoid inhaling any harmful chemicals or fumes. If necessary, wear a painter's mask to protect yourself from inhaling any chemicals released during the process.
Limitations
While deglossing liquids are effective for removing gloss, they may not be sufficient for smoothing surfaces or fixing flaws. If the surface is irregular, peeling, or chipping, you may need to use sandpaper in addition to the deglossing liquid to achieve the desired results.
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Etching the surface
Etching is a process that involves using chemicals to create designs or patterns on surfaces. In the context of making paint stick to a smooth surface, etching specifically refers to roughening the surface slightly to enhance paint adhesion. Here are some detailed instructions for etching a surface to improve paint adhesion:
Preparing the Surface:
First, ensure that the surface is clean, oil-free, and dry. Any dirt, dust, or oils can hinder paint adhesion and create smudges in your final product. Use a mild soap solution with warm water and a soft cloth to gently wipe down the surface. Rinse thoroughly and either air dry or use a lint-free cloth to ensure no water spots are left behind.
Light Sanding:
After the surface is clean and dry, you may want to lightly sand it to enhance its texture. Use fine-grit sandpaper (around 220 grit) and gently smooth out any imperfections without removing too much material. Work in one direction, applying even pressure and moving in small circular motions. Wipe away any dust with a clean cloth after sanding.
Applying an Etching Solution:
Once your surface is prepared, you can apply an etching solution to create the desired texture for paint adhesion. If you're working with glass, a solution containing hydrofluoric acid (HF) or another suitable etchant can be used. However, always exercise caution and wear protective gear when working with chemicals.
Priming the Surface:
After etching, you may want to prime the surface before painting. While some etch primers allow for direct painting, it's generally recommended to consult the manufacturer's instructions to avoid compatibility issues. Primers can be especially useful for challenging surfaces like steel fences, where they create a rough texture for the paint to adhere to.
Painting:
Finally, you can begin the painting process. Choose the right tools for the level of detail you desire. For intricate designs, soft-bristled brushes like hog bristle brushes are well-suited for holding liquid while allowing for precise application. For larger areas or quick coverage, paint rollers can be used, but they may result in a less detailed finish.
Remember, when working with etching solutions and paints, always prioritise safety and work in a well-ventilated area.
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Using a stain-killing primer
When it comes to painting, adhesion is key. Paint will adhere more strongly if the surface is roughened slightly. However, if you're working with a smooth surface, you can use a stain-killing primer to ensure the paint sticks.
A stain-killing primer is a water-based primer that prevents stains from water, smoke, nicotine, tannin bleed and more from showing through paint. Zinsser, for example, offers a range of stain-killing primers that can be used on interior and exterior surfaces. These primers are designed to stick to virtually any clean surface, so it's important to clean the surface of any dust, dirt or oils before applying the primer.
Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is a water-based, stain-blocking primer and sealer that can be used on interior and exterior surfaces. It provides a high hiding and stain-sealing function, meaning surfaces will be free from stains like oil, water, fire and smoke damage. Zinsser 1-2-3 can be used with any top coat and has a quick 30-minute drying time and 1-hour recoat time.
Zinsser B-I-N is another option and is a shellac-based primer that offers great stain-blocking properties and adhesion for your chosen top coat. It is particularly suited to covering any stains on wood or MDF. As a fast-drying stain-blocking primer, it can be applied directly without any sanding and is ready for a top coat after just 45 minutes.
Zinsser Cover Stain is an oil-based stain-blocking primer that helps prevent cedar bleed under an oil-based or water-based top coat. It is ideal for interior and exterior surfaces.
In addition to the Zinsser range, there are other options for stain-killing primers. Gesso, for instance, is a product that is made to shrink over surfaces to help paint stick. However, higher-quality gessos are too grainy, so it is recommended to opt for a cheaper, smoother variety.
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Frequently asked questions
Slick Stick Primer is a water-based product that can be used on non-porous, slick surfaces like glass, mirrors, plastics, tiles, and even concrete. It is not required for most pieces of furniture. However, when you have a piece of furniture or any slick surface that has a shiny, slick, non-porous surface that you can't or don't want to sand, this is the perfect solution.
Before applying Slick Stick Primer, ensure the surface is free of dirt, dust, and grease. Clean the surface with a suitable cleaning product and wipe off any residue. Slick Stick can be tinted with water-based paint.
Yes, there are a few alternatives. For concrete surfaces, etching the surface with acid can create microscopic depressions that give the paint something to adhere to. For plastic surfaces, a water-based stain-killing primer can be used. Gesso can also be used, but it can be too grainy and may damage brushes.
Yes, it is important to ensure that the surface is clean, oil-free, and dry to ensure paint adhesion. For previously painted surfaces, ensure that the previous paint job is not loose or lifting off. If necessary, apply a deglossing liquid before painting.
