Painting
For best results application of three coats is recommended. If you wish to take the extra steps, fill and sand any nicks and scrapes in the particle board as needed, depending on how much time you are willing to devote to the project, a tough high luster finish is desirable but it is not a must .

 We obtained great results with Rustoleum Painter's Choice Latex Semi-Gloss. This paint is a good choice based upon lack of fumes, ease of use and cleanup. The first coat should be a primer/undercoat as it is absorbed quite readily. For our KwikPit we used primer gray and flat black for a military look, we used three coats of each. For our Eze-Pit we used three coats of flat black which covered quite well even without the primer gray undercoat.

Apply second and third coats or additional coats as required. If a super smooth finish is desired a light sanding using 280 to 320 grit paper is recommended after the first coat and between subsequent coats. Sealing and painting of both sides of the panel is recommended. This creates a balanced panel which is far less likely to bow or warp.

The hinges can be used in their unfinished state or they may be painted also. Use the same type paint as above. Use a solvent or cleanser to remove the protective film from the hinge. Spray a couple light coats of primer on the hinges letting the hinge dry between each coat. Flex the hinges to ensure freedom of movement between each coat. Finally paint with 2 to 3 light coats of finish color flexing between each coat.

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Decals

We have now added a set of cut and stick on decals in the Eze-Pit kits. After installation they should be protected with a couple of coats of acrylic spray as described below.

If you wish to print out the graphics included with the plans follow the steps below:

Any heavyweight white paper or transparency sheet can be used to print the decals. A good way to print the graphics is to use blank white label sheet which can be obtained at home office stores, craft stores or on the internet. Once you print your graphics on full sheet label paper cut them out and apply tothe unit. Protect them with a couple of coats of  Clear High Gloss Spray.

Another  more complex alternative  is to use decal sheets, these can be obtained from a hobby & craft store or on the internet. The following instructions are for decal sheets:

Set your printer’s resolution to “Highest” or “Best” and choose “Photo” or “Gloss” for your paper option (you will be printing on the “glossy” side of the decal paper).

After printing your decal, use Krylon’s® Acrylic Crystal Clear High Gloss Spray and apply an even shine on the sheet. You can buy this locally. It is available at Loews, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Walmart, etc. Any acrylic clear coat spray will work. Allow 45 – 60 minutes drying time.

Carefully cut and remove your decal using a pair of scissors. Immerse the decal in a wide bowl of water for 30 - 60 seconds and remove once you see that the film detaches from the backing material.

Your decal is now ready to be applied. Please make sure all surfaces are clean before applying the decal. Carefully place and position the decal on the object. Gently remove the backing paper and hold in position for approximately 30 seconds while the decal sets. Add water to the surface as needed, patting dry the decal. You may seal the decal with a gloss spray finish.
 

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