In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean enamel paint.
This will help you keep up with the upkeep so it lasts longer. Until then, you’ll need to grasp the distinct sorts of enamel pigment.
It will help you know the correct cleaning technique and solution to employ. If you’re ready, let’s get on with our discussion.
Clean Up Enamel Paint
Enamel paint can be an ideal option for decorating articles suited for outdoor use. The hue is sustainable, fast-drying, glossy, and resilient to injury, scratches, and blots.
It’s perfect for painting metal surfaces, such as automobiles and appliances. While true, the color can be tricky to clean if it gets dirty.
Enamel Paint Clean-Up Processes
Many classes of this pigment are on the market.
They include oil-based, acrylic-based, and water-based enamels. Each of these paint varieties has its unique set of sterilization guides.
The following paragraphs will discuss these paints and how to clean them accordingly.
Cleaning Oil-Based Enamel Pigment
This brand of enamel pigment is resistant to wear and tear. It yields a smoother finish when applied to surfaces. But it may take time to dry, depending on atmospheric conditions.
Furthermore, oil-based enamel is best suited for exterior surfaces or projects. That’s because natural lightening can prevent discoloration or yellowing of the object over time.
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Cleaning Guide
To scrub oil-based enamel paint, you’ll need a mild solution. In this regard, you must mix water and dishwasher detergent to create a non-abrasive washing solution.
That way, you’ll prevent ruining the enamel finish on the superfine. Next, apply the mixture to the desired area using an abrasive sponge. You can use a spray to spread the wash mixture with ease.
Now, allow the solution to sit for five minutes to dissolve any dirt and grime. Gently rub the surface in one direction until the dirt is all gone.
If there’s additional residue, rub them again and ensure they’re properly cleaned. When you’re done, rinse the area with water and let it dry. You can use a dry towel to dry out quickly.
Apart from dish soap and vinegar, you can use mineral spirits to scrub oil-based enamel pigment. This cleaner is powerful enough to eliminate the oil-based dirt on a painted surface.
You’ll need a rag or lint cloth to utilize this solvent. Dampen it slightly and clean it across the surface with gentle strokes. Ensure the entire surface is covered.
While covering the surface, the dampened cloth will pick up dirt.
Keep wiping from side to side until the surface looks sparkly. If the cloth gets dirty while washing, you can turn it over or get a new one.
However, you must know that mineral spirits have the potency to peel oil-based enamel paint. Therefore, you’re not advised to leave it to dry.
When done brushing, dampen a fresh cloth in water and clean the solvent residue. Ensure all areas you use the product to clean are correctly wiped off.
Cleaning Acrylic Enamel Pigment
Acrylic enamel is very popular among its contemporaries.
The paint is also tolerant to wear and tear, water, and scratches. This makes it an excellent choice for exterior applications.
It’s also a fast-drying substance made from acrylic pigment and resin. The coloring is intended for glass, plastics, and metals. You can get it in various colors, and it can be mixed to get other hues.
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Cleaning Instructions
You don’t need strong chemicals to clean acrylic enamel paint. With mild soap and warm water, you’ll restore the vibrancy of your paint.
First, mix the mild soap or white vinegar in water and spray on the surface. Use your sponge and gently scrub the areas with dirt. When you’re done, you rinse the area with clean water.
You’ll see your enamel paint looking neat.
When you’re done rinsing, you allow the surface to dry. Similarly, draining the remaining water with a dry towel can speed up drying.
However, you’re not advised to use an abrasive solution or solvent for the cleanup. That’s because it can result in the pealing of the acrylic paint.
Cleaning Water-Based Enamel Paint
Water-based enamel pigments have fast-drying tendencies and are easy to clean. However, they aren’t resistant to wear and tear and will require significant care.
Because they lack a lot of gloss, the paint has a higher chance of dirt and imperfections. When applied to a surface, it will reflect.
Most water-based enamel is used for outdoor projects. That’s because they have strong protection against environmental elements and conditions that can make them susceptible to dirt.
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Cleaning Instructions
You’ll need a mild solution, such as white vinegar or dish soap, to clean a water-based enamel. You’re to get a medium-sized container and fill it with warm water. Next, add some dish soap and mix it very well.
Alternatively, mix the solution in a spray bottle for easy application.
Once you’re done mixing, apply the solution and allow it to sit for at least five minutes. This will ensure the dirt is dissolved.
Dampen your sponge in the solution and gently scrub the entire surface in a circular motion. If some dirt still appears, spray the solution and scrub until it disappears entirely.
When you’re done, rinse the area thoroughly with clean water. You can still use the sponge to clean the surface once again. This will ensure there’s no sticky residue left.
After that, you are to allow the area to dry. You can use a dry towel and remove excess water to speed up the drying process.
Needed Supplies for Enamel Paint Cleaning
Enamel paint isn’t just ordinary paint that will require just water to clean. You must gather specialized supplies to ensure your cleaning operation goes smoothly and efficiently.
You’ll need a non-abrasive sponge, a medium-sized container, water and dish soap, mineral spirits, and a rag. In the absence of a rag, you can use a lint-free cloth.
Having read to this point, cleaning enamel paint is pretty straightforward. The color doesn’t require a more potent solvent, so you have expenses.
But those who will opt for mineral spirits to address stains on oil-based enamel pigment might spend a bit. You can be sure of a sparkling enamel coating following the washing guidelines above.