Drop cloths or plastic will protect your floor and walls from paint splatter and cleaning chemicals.
Wear gloves when you use a solvent cleaner. You can also use an eco-friendly acetone alternative, such as Replacetone or Bio-Solv. Find a product online or at a home improvement store. You’ll just have to use a little more elbow grease if you go with an acetone alternative.
Apply a liquid rust remover with an old paint brush or spray on an aerosol product.
After using a solvent cleaner and rust remover, sanding the lockers might seem like overkill. However, you need to scuff up the surface so it’ll accept the primer. If you don’t have sandpaper, use fine steel wool or a heavy-duty nylon scouring pad.
Self-etching primer labeled for metal creates a foundation that will bond to later coats of paint.
The instructions might say it’ll be dry to the touch after 1 or 2 hours, but this doesn’t mean it’s ready for another coat of paint. Wait around 24 hours before applying the top coats for best results.
Be sure to let the first coat dry before adding another coat of primer. Check the instructions to find out when it’ll be ready for another coat.
If your project is more detailed, use a liquid oil-based paint and brushes or rollers. For instance, use liquid paint and brushes if you’re painting pictures or designs.
Don’t worry if coverage looks a little spotty after the first coat. Your coats need to be thin and even, or you might end up with drip marks.
Work in small sections around 2 by 2 feet (61 by 61 cm) in area. Apply the wax, then let it sit for around 10 minutes, or as long as the instructions recommend. After letting the wax sit, buff it off with a clean microfiber cloth.
