How to Prepare Different Surfaces for Acrylic Paint

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If you are a crafter, chances are excellent that you have run across acrylic paint and having a hard time using it. It might not stick to the surface properly or it might not be able to provide a solid coat no matter how many layers you add. If you've ever experienced this, chances are good that you've been preparing the surface on which you were going to paint incorrectly or not preparing it at all. Here are some tips for preparing a variety of different surfaces before you apply acrylic paint to them.

1. Wooden Surface

First, go to the craft store and purchase sandpaper that has a very fine grit. You want to get the surface of the wood that you are going to be painting as smooth of large lumps as possible in order to make sure that your paint won't look bumpy, but also to ensure that there is enough of a texture on the surface that the paint won't slide right off. Once you have the sandpaper, start sanding the surface of the wood on which you are going to paint with the grain of the wood. Do this until you can run your hand on the surface of the wood and not feel any obvious bumps. Use a clean, wet cloth to wipe off any sawdust and then allow the wood to dry. Once the wood is dry, you can start painting.

2. Terra Cotta Pottery

If you are going to try to paint terra cotta pottery, you are going to need to make sure that you take a clean wet cloth and wipe down the surface. This will get rid of any dust that might have accumulated on it while it was at the craft store. 

3. Canvas Shoes or Bag

If you are going to be working with the surface of canvas shoes or the surface of a canvas bag, you are going to need to make sure that you apply canvas primer. This will help mix with the acrylic paint when you apply it and make the acrylic paint more flexible. This way, it won't crack when someone actually wears the shoes or uses the bag that you are painting.

4. Plastic

Make sure that the surface of the plastic is clean by wiping it down. If you are going to be painting on un-primed plastic, you are going to need a special acrylic paint that will stick to this smooth surface. Otherwise, you are going to need to apply a few layers of primer before your traditional acrylic paint is going to stick.

For more information, talk to a company that specializes in paint, such as Koontz Hardware.

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15 December 2015

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