A favourite cabinet, an old bedside table or a set of dining chairs can easily become your next paint project. Preparing the surface is simple: clean it properly and let it dry completely before you paint.
Tjhoko Paint has a built-in primer and sealer, so you don't need complicated preparation. Before you start, choose your colour.
Grease, dust and residue stop paint from sticking. A good clean gives you a smooth finish that lasts.
CHECK YOUR SURFACE FIRST
Recently varnished wood or melamine: wait at least six months before painting.
Enamel paint or linseed oil treatment ... how to test if your surface is an enamel surface:
· Sand Lightly to create a rough area to test if it is an enamel-based surface or not.
· Clean the small, sanded area with Lacquer thinners, wait 40 minutes, paint a first coat, wait 40 minutes, and paint a second coat. Wait overnight and conduct a scratch test.
· If the paint comes off, you first need to apply a universal undercoat (allow a 4-hour drying time and then continue to Tjhoko it).
· If you have used Linseed oil on your furniture, the furniture pieces needs to first cure for a period of 6 months before you start painting it.
Safety tip: When using lacquer thinners, follow the manufacturer's safety instructions. Work in a well-ventilated area, keep away from flames and make sure the product suits your surface.
WHAT YOU NEED
· Tjhoko Paint in your chosen colour
· Brush or roller
· Lacquer thinners
· Clean cloths
· Scrubbing brush (for wall tiles)
· Sandpaper and rust converter (for rusty metal)
· Tjhoko Paint Clear Glaze (for extra protection)
1. Wood and melamine
2. Clean with lacquer thinners to remove grease, dust and residue.
3. Let it dry for about 40 minutes.
4. Clean a second time.
5. Let it dry completely, including corners, edges and detailed areas.
Sanding: Wood and melamine don't usually need general sanding unless you have an uneven surface that you wish to smooth out. The sanding is not required for painting purposes but you need to sand to get a smooth surface is your surface is uneven.
Metal
1. Clean off grease and dirt with lacquer thinners.
2. Let it dry for about 40 minutes.
3. Lightly sand any rusty areas.
4. Apply a rust converter and follow the product instructions.
5. Let everything dry completely.
Wall tiles
1. Scrub the tiles, especially the grout lines, with lacquer thinners and a scrubbing brush.
2. Let them dry for about 40 minutes.
3. Repeat the scrub.
4. Leave for 24 hours before painting.
For wall tiles only. We don't recommend painting floor tiles.
Plastic
1. Lightly sand with 100 grit sandpaper.
2. Clean the surface with Lacquer Thinners if the plastic allows for it.
3. Plastics vary and some react to cleaners, so test on a small hidden area first. If you're unsure, contact us.
Fabric
1. Tjhoko Paint works best on natural woven fabrics. We don't recommend synthetics.
2. Lightly dampen the fabric.
3. Apply thin, even coats. Stencilled designs work especially well.
4. For small items like cushion covers or table runners, let the paint dry, then heat seal from the reverse side with a warm iron. Check the fabric's care label and heat tolerance first.
5. Hand wash painted fabric in cold water.
Paper and canvas
No preparation needed. Paint directly onto the surface.
Glass and ceramic
1. Clean with lacquer thinners to remove grease, dust and residue.
2. Let it dry for about 40 minutes.
3. Clean a second time.
4. Let it dry completely, including corners, edges and detailed areas.
PAINT YOUR PIECE
1. Shake the paint well and pour into a container.
2. Apply with a brush or roller.
3. Wait 20 to 30 minutes until the first coat feels dry.
4. Apply a second coat. Two coats is the minimum for good coverage.
5. Drying times vary with temperature and weather.
ADD EXTRA PROTECTION (OPTIONAL)
1. Tjhoko Paint has a natural matt finish and a built-in sealer. For kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor projects or anything that needs extra washability, add Tjhoko Paint Clear Glaze for a subtle satin finish.
2. Wait about 24 hours after your final coat before applying it, and follow the product instructions.
KEEP YOUR COLOUR CONSISTENT
Colours can vary slightly between batches. For bigger projects, buy enough paint from the same batch. If you use more than one container, mix them together before painting.
· Painting over grease or dust
· Skipping the second clean
· Painting before the surface is completely dry
· Using the standard method on enamel or linseed oil surfaces without checking first
· Using the wall tile method on floor tiles
· Applying Clear Glaze too soon
READY TO START?
Know your surface, clean it correctly, let it dry, then enjoy adding colour. For demonstrations, watch the How-to video series.
Unsure about a surface or existing finish? Contact Tjhoko Paint support at support@tjhokopaint.co.za or call 011 708 3166.