Residential - Paint - Tips
How much paint do I need?
High quality paint - what's the difference? Why should I buy high quality paint?
What size containers of paint are available?
How many coats do I need to apply?
How large an area does a container of paint cover?
How long will paint last?
How long will stains last?
Can I use old paint?
Can I use leftover paint as a primer?
If I choose a higher gloss paint, will the next paint coat adhere to it well when it's time to repaint?
Can I use alkyd paint over latex paint?
Can I use alkyd paint over latex paint?
What should I do to prevent paint from peeling?
What should I do to prevent paint from blistering?
How do I remove mildew?
Tools - What do I need?
Do I need a brush, roller or sprayer?
What type of brush do I need?
What are angular sash brushes for?
What are the advantages of higher quality brushes?
What size brush do I need?
What kind of roller sleeve do I need?
How do I prepare to paint?
How do I paint the interior of my house?
How do I paint the exterior of my house?
How long do I have to wait between coats?
How do I apply stain to my siding?
TIPS TO MAKING YOUR PAINTING JOB EASIER.
How much paint do I need?
First simply calculate the surface area to be painted (and multiply by the number of coats)
Read the container label to find out how much area the paint will cover. If necessary, make adjustments for relevant factors, but don't plan to skimp. (Spreading paint too thinly lowers its durability.)
Divide the area per container into your total surface area to determine how many containers you need
High quality paint - what's the difference? Why should I buy high quality paint?
High quality paint is a good investment. The most important benefit is the tremendous saving in hours of work. You (the customer) value your time, and in most cases your time is by far the largest expense. Taking that into consideration, you will usually find that using high quality paint that lasts twice as long will cut the total cost roughly in half.
What size containers of paint are available?
The most common sizes are:
0.945 litres
3.78 litres
18.9 litres
How many coats do I need to apply?
Generally one or two. The paint label will state the recommended number of coats and may briefly describe situations in which you would use a primer before applying the paint.
How large an area does a container of paint cover?
The label will state the approximate area per litre, which will typically work out to approximately 400 square feet (single coat) for a 3.78 litre container. However, this figure can increase or decrease due to factors related to the surface to be painted and the paint to be applied:
Irregularity of surface (of siding, for example), which results in surface area that is greater than the measurement would indicate
Porosity of surface
Color of surface
Color of the paint
Product used (its hiding power, for example)
How long will paint last?
With good preparation on a sound surface, the best quality exterior paint can provide eight to ten years of service, and interior paint can last much longer.
How long will stain last?
Solid color stain can last up to five years. Semi-transparent stain can last approximately two to three years
Can I use old paint?
Yes. Paint that has been stored properly in a nearly full container may retain its qualities for many years. However, before using old paint:
Apply some to a scrap of material to check that it will still dry well and provide the correct degree of gloss.
When reopening latex paint, check that it is relatively odorless. (If it smells rotten, don't use it.)
Ensure that you have enough for the entire job because new paint may not precisely match the old paint.
Can I use leftover paint as a primer?
Only if it is designed as a primer! Remember that primers are specifically formulated to provide properties such as hold-out and tannin blocking. See Primers and Undercoats for more information.
If I choose a higher gloss paint, will the next paint coat adhere to it well when it's time to repaint?
Yes, as long as you do good surface preparation, including thorough sanding before repainting.
Can I use latex paint over alkyd (oil) paint?
Yes. If the alkyd paint is high gloss or semi-gloss, lower the gloss first. This may be done with sanding or a suitable primer or undercoat.
Can I use alkyd paint over latex paint?
Yes, but it is a good idea to do some sanding to remove any loosely adhering latex paint and provide adhesion.
What should I do to prevent paint from peeling?
Sand the surface thoroughly so that the paint you apply adheres well.
What should I do to prevent paint from blistering?
Paint blisters because of moisture getting in behind the paint film. Either remove the source of moisture or apply a coating that resists blistering (i.e., latex).
How do I remove mildew?
When you are washing the surface, add one part of household bleach to three parts of warm, soapy water
Tools - What do I need?
Depending on the type of paint job you will be doing, your tools and supplies will differ with each project. We suggest the following tools before starting any painting project. To complete your painting job you'll need the following supplies.
Sandpaper or hand sander
Wire brush
Scraper
TSP (Trisodium Phosphate), sponge and bucket
Spackling compound and putty knife
Caulking gun and caulk
Masking tape
Masking paper
Drop-sheets
Bristle brushes (for alkyd)
Synthetic brushes (for latex)
Sash brush (for trim)
Roller sleeves
Roller cage handle and extension handle
Trays and tray liners
Cut-in trim guide
Specialty application tools
Paint thinner or solvent (for alkyd) and rags
Gloves
Protective eye wear
Coveralls
Stepladder
Check out European's full line of paint supplies.
Do I need a brush, roller or sprayer?
Choose your application tool(s) depending on the surface to be painted:
Brush for irregular surfaces, trim, and cutting-in (wall corners and the junction of wall and ceiling)
Roller for large surfaces
Sprayers for many uses (ask one of our paint experts)
What type of brush do I need?
Synthetic (polyester/nylon) brush:
Mainly for latex
Usable for alkyd but not recommended (bristle holds more paint and gives a smoother finish)
Bristle brush:
For alkyd (oil) paint
Not for latex paint (bristles would absorb moisture and swell)
What are angular sash brushes for?
Sash brushes are used:
For cutting-in
For window frames
For door trim
What are the advantages of higher quality brushes?
Higher quality brushes deliver more paint to the surface by means of:
Longer, more numerous filaments
Better blending of long/short and thick/thin filaments
Better "tipping" (trimming of filament ends)
More durable anchoring of filaments
A more comfortable handle
What size brush do I need?
You will probably need more than one brush, depending on the size of the area you are painting:
For trim areas, 25-30 mm
For small areas, 38-60 mm
For larger areas, 75-100 mm
What kind of roller sleeve do I need?
It depends on the surface, paint and finish:
Use a longer nap for rougher surfaces.
Foam for clear, fine finishes.
Slit foam for irregular surfaces.
Fabric for latex wall and ceiling paint and for flat alkyd paint.
Lint-free for fine finishes and alkyd paint.
How do I prepare to paint?
Careful preparation of the surface is the single most important factor in the success of your paint job. Even though it may take longer than the application step, it's worth the effort. A clean, continuous (filled), sound surface is the key to a successful paint job.
How do I paint the interior of my house?
After preparation, these are the basic steps:
Spot prime repaired areas with sealer or in the case of latex the paint being used. (Prime bare metal with anti-corrosive primer.)
Cut-in wall corners and the junction of wall and ceiling.
Paint ceiling first. Using a roller, paint metre-wide bands across the width of the ceiling. Do final strokes in the direction of the length of the ceiling before beginning the next band.
Paint the walls. Spread in a W with light pressure. Then spread horizontally or vertically with increased pressure. Finish by rolling vertically from floor to ceiling.
Touch up. If touch-up is needed, use a fairly dry roller, apply in the same direction as the previous application, and feather the edges.
Use a sash brush for trim.
How do I paint the exterior of my house?
After preparation, these are the basic steps:
Choose appropriate weather. Paint on mild, dry days above 10 C but when the sun will not shine on the painted surface for several hours
. Prime as necessary.
Caulk, as necessary, after priming.
Paint down from the top of the house.
Use a wide brush or a roller for siding, stopping only at natural breaks so as to avoid lap marks.
Use a sash brush for window frames.
Dampen stucco with a garden hose before painting.
How long do I have to wait between coats?
The rule of thumb is three hours for latex and 24 hours for alkyd. However, it is important to refer to the instructions on the label of the specific product.
How do I apply stain to my siding?
Generally it is best to brush it on, although a roller can also be used. Apply the stain in the direction of the grain. For best appearance, apply the stain to one or two courses of siding at a time all the way to a natural break. By the way, stain tends to splash. For working with stain, drop-sheets and coveralls are especially important
Tips to making your painting job easier.
1. Never hesitate to ask questions.
If you're not sure of a particular type of paint or procedure, come into European and talk to one of our paint specialists.
2. Preparation is the key to a long lasting paint.
Never start a painting project without proper preparation, such as thorough cleaning of the surface, removal of old peeling paint and use of a primer if required. Time spent on preparation will improve the look and life of your paint job.
3. Get rid of surface mildew.
Mold and mildew usually appear as a brown or black staining on the surface and will continue reappearing after each paint job unless eliminated. Wash the affected areas with a mixture of one part household bleach and three parts warm soapy water, then rinse.
4. Store brushes in the freezer overnight
. Brushes and roller sleeves used with oil-based paint can be temporarily kept soft by being wrapped in aluminum foil, placed in a plastic bag and stored in the freezer. This saves clean-up time and trouble when you plan to resume painting in the next day or two.
5. Take good care of your painting tools.
Wash brushes used with latex paint in warm (dish) soapy water. Leave a little soap in the brush and wrap in wax paper to preserve the softness and shape. Comb brushes and rollers after cleaning to eliminate excess fuzz and remove loose bristles.
6. Prepare plants around the house.
Before painting exterior siding, tie back any shrubs or branches that may scratch the fresh paint. Leave tied back for a week to allow complete drying.
7. Keep records.
Always keep a record of the paint used as well as the color code. You'll be glad you did when down the road you discover you need more paint for a touch up or another coat.
8. Avoid painting in direct sunlight.
Heat blistering may result if a hot sun causes too rapid drying of the paint film, trapping solvents which later vaporize and put pressure against the topcoat. This is most common with dark color coatings which are naturally heat absorbent.
9. Check the compatibility of the products you use.
For example, when filling seams on new plywood sheeted sundecks, be sure the filler you use is compatible with the deck coating you intend to use.
10. Take advantage of specialty brushes.
Use an angled brush for sash areas and corners. Ask your General Paint representative about other special tools available to help make your job easier.
11. Line your paint tray.
Use foil as this makes changing the color or type of paint fast and easy.
12. Tip the paint can.
Keep paint in prime condition by storing the container upside down. Make sure the lip of the can is cleaned before sealing.
13. Keep the bugs away.
Put a few drops of wintergreen in exterior oil to reduce the attraction of bugs and flies around the freshly painted surface.
14. Use an extension handle
. An extension handle can eliminate use of ladder in many cases and thus increase safety, speed and mobility. Most people are aware that extension handles can be used with rollers, but not many know that a brush attachment is available for extension painting of edges and corners.
15. Protect your windows.
When painting exterior windows, leave approximately 1/8" of paint extending onto the windowpane. This will provide a waterproof seal that will extend the life of the paint film and also protect the window putty.
16. Read the fine print.
Almost everything you need to know about your paint job is written of the back of the paint can. What kind of primer should I buy? You can always find bargain brands of primers and paints costing much less than premium products. And for many projects they may be fine. We often see customers with the same story. For that important project, they wished they'd spent the extra and bought the better products which produce better looking and longer lasting finishes. These premium products sometimes require only one finish coat saving you time and money. We can tint the primer to match your finish paint! Sometimes it eliminates the need for a second coat of finish paint! What types of finishes are available? There are generally 3 kinds of paint finishes: High-Gloss and enamels are the shiniest and most reflective paints. Although surface flaws show up the most, they are the hardest, most water-resistant and most washable surface coating. Often it's used on wood trim, kitchen, bath and high traffic walls. Flat Paints have a dull or matte finish. They are most used on irregular wall surfaces where you want to hide imperfections. Often it's used on living and dining rooms. Semi-Gloss Paints such as eggshell, velvet or satin paints, are a little more shiny or reflective than flat but not as reflective as high-gloss. They're more washable and durable often used in hallways, kitchens, baths and bedrooms.
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