Step 1: Preparation for Milk Paint
All wood projects require preparation sanding, and all existing finishes require prep cleaning and sanding. If you skip this critical step, your finish may fail.
Preparation for Raw Wood or Raw Wood Projects That Are to be Stained
- Sanding Schedule: 120-grit followed by 150- or 220-grit sandpaper.
- Remove dust with a vacuum, compressed air, an oil-free tack cloth or a water-dampened rag.
- Let dry completely before applying GF product.
- Do not over-sand with fine-grit sandpapers; this will close and seal the wood grain, preventing ideal color absorption.
- Do NOT use steel wool with water-based finishes; the particles will get trapped in the finish and rust.
Preparation for Projects with an Existing Finish (Sealed Surface)
For high-use areas with heavy grime build-up and oil from hands, give your project a deeper cleaning.
- Scuff clean with a Scotch Brite™ pad and a 50:50 mix of denatured alcohol and water. Dry 1-2 hours. Avoid cleaning with products containing phosphates (salt), which can linger in the substrate and produce a white haze. If your project requires a deeper cleaning, see Power Prep Cleaning Highly Used Existing Finishes below.
- Sand lightly with a fine-grade (220-320) foam sanding pad.
- Remove dust with a vacuum, compressed air, an oil-free tack cloth or a water-dampened rag.
- Let dry completely before applying General Finishes product.
Power Prep Cleaning Highly Used Existing Finishes
For high-use areas such as kitchen cabinets or table tops with heavy grime build-up and oil from hands, give your project a "Power" clean.
- Scrub clean with a detergent, such as Spic and Span or Dawn, using a Scotch Brite™ pad.
- Rinse well with water.
- Scrub clean with a Scotch Brite™ pad and a 50:50 mix of denatured alcohol and water. Dry 1-2 hours.
- Sand lightly with a fine-grade (220-320) foam sanding pad.
- Remove dust with a vacuum, compressed air, an oil-free tack cloth or a water-dampened rag.
- Let dry completely before applying General Finishes product.
Alternative Cleaning Solutions For Existing Finishes (Not as aggressive or effective as denatured alcohol; requires rinsing.)
- 50:50 mix of bleach and water
- 50:50 mix of vinegar and water
- Mineral spirits can be used when working with water-based products, but only if the surface is thoroughly rinsed and allowed to dry for 72 hours.
- If you use with products containing phosphates (salt), which can linger in the substrate and produce a white haze, be sure to rinse thoroughly.