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Do I have to do a coat of primer on an old painted steel surface? If not, is there any harm in doing a primer coat?

Mark Spelman
Construction Professional
Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.

Mark Spelman

Construction Professional

Expert Answer

First, you should clean the surface thoroughly. Then you need to sand it. Finally, yes, you should add a coat of primer.

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What is the best cleaner for enamel paint brushes?

Mark Spelman
Construction Professional
Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.

Mark Spelman

Construction Professional

Expert Answer

Try cleaning your enamel paint brushes with mineral spirits. If this isn't strong enough, use lacquer thinner.

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How can I thin water-based enamel paint?

Mark Spelman
Construction Professional
Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.

Mark Spelman

Construction Professional

Expert Answer

To thin water-based enamel paint, use a product called flotrol.

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Are enamel paint fumes toxic? If so, how should I protect myself?

Mark Spelman
Construction Professional
Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.

Mark Spelman

Construction Professional

Expert Answer

No, enamel paint fumes are not toxic. However, it's a good idea to wear a mask if the smell bothers you.

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The gloss enamel got stringy when I brushed around the door knob. What should I do?

Mark Spelman
Construction Professional
Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.

Mark Spelman

Construction Professional

Expert Answer

If it got stringy, it must've still been a little wet. You'll have to sand it down.

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Does enamel paint stick to varnished wood work that is over 40 years old?

Mark Spelman
Construction Professional
Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.

Mark Spelman

Construction Professional

Expert Answer

Yes, enamel paint will stick to old wood work. To keep this from happening, use a good primer.

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