Painting and Staining Tips

• preparation for painting
  Wiping down clean metal surfaces with a vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 5 parts water) prepares the surface for painting and reduces the incidence of peeling. 

• painting
  Painting adheres better to galvanized metal after it has been brushed with vinegar. 

• cleaning varnished wood
  If varnished wood has taken on a cloudy appearance but the cloudiness hasn't gone through to the wood, it can be removed by rubbing the wood with a soft cloth soaked in a solution of 1 tablespoon of distilled vinegar in 4 cups (1 liter) of lukewarm water. Wring out the cloth and rub into the wood. Complete the job by wiping the surface with a soft dry cloth. 

• prevent plaster from drying out too quickly
  Prevent plaster from drying too quickly when patching or filling in by adding one tablespoon of vinegar to the water when mixing. This will slow the drying time.