How to Use Sanding Sealers Over Old Paint

Preparing the Surface

• 1

  Scrape off loose paint and any bubbles in the old paint. Use a 1- to 3-inch scraper for flat surfaces. For surfaces where a near-perfect finish is needed, you may want to strip the old paint with a paint stripper or sandblaster.

• 2

  Sand the surface smooth with a medium- to fine-grade sandpaper. Test a small area first. If you use a medium-grade sandpaper, finish sand the area with a fine-grade sandpaper afterward.

• 3

  Wipe down the surfaces if interior using a rag and a small amount of dish detergent and water. Make sure that the surfaces are completely clean and dry before painting.

• 4

  Remove all furniture from the room if repainting inside. Tape edges that will not be painted with blue painter's tape. Cover all fixtures and areas that will not be painted. Cover the floor and other exposed areas with drop cloths or plastic. Remove all switch plates. Also tape over electric receptacles with blue painter's tape.

Paint

• 5

  Choose the type of paint that you will use and mix it thoroughly. You can use an acrylic, oil-based or tinted shellac paint.

• 6

  Cut in, or paint the edges and corners of the room or other project, with a small 1 1/2- to 2 1/2-inch brush. For small stains you can use a sanding sealer in a spray can dispenser.

• 7

  Roll out the walls of the room using a paint roller, or use a paintbrush to paint over the old paint with the sanding sealer. If you are painting ceilings and walls, use an extension pole, which can be as simple as a broom handle attached to the end of your paint roller handle. One coat will usually be enough.

• 8

  Paint your final coat. Allow drying time, according to the manufacturer's instructions, which can be as short as 30 minutes to an hour, and paint your final coat over the sanding sealer coat.

• 9

  Clean up using water for acrylic-based sanding sealer primer, mineral spirits for oil-based and ammonia and water or other appropriate solvent for tinted shellac.