Enamel paint for wood or metal dries to a hard, glossy coating that can withstand cleaning products that might degrade or remove latex-paint finishes. While latex can be flat or shiny, enamel always has a glossy sheen. Doors and baseboards are examples of wood surfaces typically painted with enamels.

 

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Enameled metal has the glasslike coating baked on to produce the durable surface found on appliances such as clothes washers and dryers, as well as plumbing fixtures such as enameled steel sinks and tubs. It’s also used to coat the inside surface of dryer tumblers.

While household cleaners can be used on enameled surfaces, stick with non-abrasive products applied to a sponge or cloth. Abrasive pads and cleaners will scratch enamel-coated metal, dulling the finish and complicating future cleaning, and these products can strip enamel paint completely. Easy does it!