• Keep a fan on while painting with enamel paint.industrial fan image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
  
  Enamel paint is chosen for painting surfaces that are most likely to be abused. Areas with high traffic, appliances and vehicles all use enamel paint. Doors, bathroom, trim and areas of the kitchen also make use of the solid moisture-resistant properties of enamel. The paint is available in both high gloss and matte formulas and in many different colors. Enamel paint, however, needs special treatment to achieve the best results.
  
  

When to Paint

• For best results, use enamel paint when the temperature is between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat will make the paint blister and will not allow it to cure completely. If working outside, watch the weather to avoid painting if rain is expected.
  
  If painting inside, keep air circulating through the room. Open a window and place a fan nearby in order to speed drying time.
  
  Be sure plastered and wood surfaces are completely moisture-free before applying enamel paint. Use a cement-based primer and allow it to dry fully before applying enamel.
  
  

Application

• Apply enamel paint with a specially made enamel brush. This will prevent brush strokes from being seen in the final product. Enamel brushes are angled on each side and have a soft bristle, allowing the paint to flow smoother than with a regular paint brush.
  
  Prepare the undercoat well. Glossy paint shows any surface imperfections. If you are sanding down the surface, be sure to wipe off any dust that is generated. Fill all holes and imperfections, sand down, clean and dry before applying enamel. Making the area to be painted smooth and clean is a good way to ensure a longer-lasting finish.
  
  Several thin layers are better than one or two thick layers. Be sure to allow the layers to dry completely in-between coats. Ignoring this tip and applying a layer of paint over wet paint will prevent the underlying layers from ever drying completely
  
  

Drying

• Be aware that the darker the color of your enamel paint, the longer it will take to dry. Heavy pigments are slow-drying.
  
  There is a difference in the drying process of oil-based and water-based enamel paints. Oil-based enamels dry from the inside out, meaning that if the surface is dry to the touch, the paint is dry through-out. Water-based enamels are different. These paints dry from the outside in. If the outside is dry to the touch, the inside is most likely still wet. While water-based enamels may be dry on the surface within an hour, the underlying paint can take days to fully cure. If the weather is humid or very cold, several weeks may be required.
  
  Oil-based enamel paints fully dry within 24 hours, and water-based enamel can take up to a month. During this curing time, the surface is easily damaged.
  
  Japan Dryer can be added to oil-based enamel to speed drying time. Mix 2 to 4 ounces into the paint before applying. Japan Dryer can be found in craft stores.