Check your local weather forecast to find out the humidity. If it is too humid, it would be best to save the project for another day when it is less humid.

Don’t mask off the hardware. This won’t give you a nice finish and could lead to the paint cracking or flaking. If the item has caulking, strip the caulking away. You will need to apply fresh caulking after the paint has cured.

If you are working on a larger object, work in a bathtub instead. For especially large objects, such as tubs and boats, scrub it outside with soapy water, then rinse it with fresh water.

For stubborn sanding dust, use a rag dipped in mineral spirits. [7] X Research source

Run your fingernail across the edges of the tape to ensure a tight seal. If there are any gaps, the paint may seep underneath and give you a fuzzy line.

Polyurethane paint is ready to use. Epoxy paint must be mixed with a catalyst, just like epoxy resin. The catalyst is usually sold with the epoxy paint.

Check the label on the bucket or can of paint to find out if you need a primer and topcoat. Set the topcoat aside for later.

If your primer is not coming out evenly, apply it in short bursts rather than a single, sweeping, side-to-side motion. [10] X Research source

If you apply the paint before the primer finishes curing, the final surface may be tacky.

Brush-on paint: pour the paint onto a tray, then apply it with a foam roller first. Smooth it out with a fine-bristled paintbrush. [12] X Research source Spray paint: apply the paint in short bursts, rather than one continuous, side-to-side motion. [13] X Research source How much you use of each part for epoxy paint will vary from brand to brand. In most cases, it will be a 1-to-1 ratio, but read the label to be certain.

Apply the paint using the same method as before.

If you applied spray paint and get a chip, spray some paint onto a tray to make a puddle, then apply the paint from the puddle with a small paintbrush.

Not all paints require topcoats. Polyurethane and epoxy paints are durable and act as topcoats as well as paints. Spray paints and latex-acrylic paints do need top coats.

Read the label on the can of topcoat to find out the exact curing time. It could be anywhere from a few hours to several days.