Frequently asked questions

 

Q. Should I choose latex or solvent-based (oil based) paint?

A. Latex is generally a great choice for most projects, but there are times when
A solvent-based paint would be best. When making your choice between latex and solvent-based, first consider the surface you are planning to paint and its environment. Use these guidelines to help you decide:

Advantages of latex paints:

• They have a less odor than Solvent-based paints, making them a good choice for occupied areas

• Latex paints dry faster which is helpful when painting occupied areas

• Latex paints are more resistant to ultraviolet light, making them a good choice for exterior use or indoor areas with lots off windows

• Because latex films are more elastic, they are less likely to peel and crack over time.

• Latex paints have better vapor transmission (breathability) which will resist blistering and peeling better than oil.

 

Advantages of solvent-based paints

• Solvent-based paints can be applied over a wider temperature and humidity range as they are less sensitive to application conditions.

• Solvent-based paints can be applied thicker for better coverage.

• Solvent-based paint has very good adhesion on weathered surfaces.

 

Q. Can Oil-Based paint be applied over 100% Acrylic Latex paint? What about Acrylic Latex over Oil-Based?

A. With the proper surface preparation, you can apply acrylic latex over oil-based paint. Remove all surface contamination by washing with an appropriate cleaner, rinse thoroughly, and allow to dry. Existing peeled or checked paint should be scraped and sanded to a sound surface. Glossy surfaces should be sanded dull. You should not apply an oil-based paint over an acrylic latex paint. An oil-based paint, when applied over an acrylic latex paint, will trap any residual moisture that would evaporate through the acrylic latex coating. This results in coating failure of the oil-based paint.

 

Q. How will the chemicals in my paint be effected by the weather? If I have wood painted in a freezing temperature, room temperature, and hot temperature, what will be the difference in how it looks?

A. With latex paint, the chemical composition is not affected much by application temperature. However, the physical make-up of the paint film can be dramatically impacted. If an exterior latex paint, primer, or stain is applied below its minimum application temperature (noted on the label; 35°- 50°), the tiny particles of plastic-like material called the binder will not form an adequate film, because the cold makes them too hard to fuse together properly. The result can be a paint that will crack easily. In extreme cases, the paint will also dry in a cracked state, or with a lower gloss than it should have. If painted at room temperature, the particles will fuse into a tough, continuous film, and will provide maximum durability. If the temperature is high when the paint is applied, the heat may make the paint dry too quickly. The binder particles may not fuse properly, and cracking could result in just a few years. In addition to high temperature, the following factors can make paint dry too quickly: low humidity, breezy conditions, a porous surface, a hot surface, or painting in direct sunlight. This is especially true if the paint is a dark color, as dark colors absorb more sunlight, heating up faster.

 

Q. Can a quality latex paint be damaged if it has been frozen and thawed?

A. Yes, latex paint can be damaged if it has been frozen. Problems that can occur are reduced gloss, separation of ingredients, and the formation of “grit” or lumps. Often, though paint may survive one or two freeze-thaw cycles. If paint is frozen, it should be thawed slowly and then thoroughly stirred. If it appears to be smooth, of normal consistency, and of the proper color, it is OK to use.

 

Q. How do I paint over wallpaper?

A. Wallpaper should be removed instead of painted. If you must paint over wallpaper, choose an inconspicuous area to test, like behind the couch, in order to make sure the dyes in the wallpaper don’t bleed through or that the water in the latex paint doesn’t penetrate the paper, soften the paste and cause peeling.

 

Q. Does Paint have an expiration date?

A. If stored properly, an unopened can of oil based or acrylic latex paint should have a shelf life of more than two years. Store paint in a cool, dry area away from extreme hot and cold temperature. Be sure you store paint way from heat generating appliances like furnaces and wood stoves. It isn’t uncommon to find paint in an unopened container that is properly stored to be in “like new” condition for 10-15 years or longer.

 

Q. How can I remove mildew prior to painting an interior surface?

A. Remove all mildew by scrubbing with a solution of household bleach detergent and warm water (1Quart bleach, 1 cup T.S.P. + 1gallon water). Be sure to wear rubber gloves and eye protection. After you’ve scrubbed away the mildew, rinse thoroughly with clean water. Mildew that is not removed or only partially removed, will continue too grow through the topcoat of the new paint. Refer to our problem solving section to get a detailed info.

 

Q. What is the difference between paint and a stain?

A. The main difference between paint and stain, besides their basic formulations, is the intended appearance of the finished project. With a staining project, one is usually trying to obtain a specific color of the substrate, while still being able to see the texture of the substrate showing through. When painting, the desired goal is usually to coat and cover the substrate, hiding imperfections and most often changing its color.