Which is better? Latex or Oil based paints?
Both types of paint have there own attributes; it is usually a trade off and
will depend on what you are painting. Oil based or Alkyd paints have a harder
finish, offer better adhesion on most surfaces especially older, chalky
surfaces. They also provide a tighter paint film, can be applies at lower
temperatures and have a glossier initial finish. Alkyd base paints tend to
yellow, especially lighter colors and whites, they also take longer to dry and
clean up with mineral sprits or paint thinner. Latex or Acrylic paints provide a
more flexible finish and are better at resisting mildew and retaining color and
gloss. Acrylics are also easier to clean up, last longer and dry quicker.
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The use of a primer is never a bad idea.
A primer is beneficial because it helps provide a uniform surface that promotes good adhesion of the topcoat. Primers have different qualities then finish paints and can serve a special purpose by sealing a porous surface, blocking out stains, preventing rust on iron and steel, and preventing tannin bleed on wood.(back)
Why does this spot keep coming back?
If you have a spot that keeps coming through your finish coat of paint
chances are it is either ink, crayon or a water spot, the spots will need to be
primed with a stain blocking primer to keep them from coming through your finish
coat.
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Do I have to remove wallpaper or can I paint over it?
The good news is that you can paint over wall-coverings. Check to make sure
that the wallpaper is intact and is not coming down or loose. While a primer is
not necessary we feel it is a good idea to prime with a specialty primer that
offers stain-blocking properties. After priming you can then apply whatever
topcoat you choose.
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Why can't I clean my walls? Or why does the paint come off when I do?
If you try to clean your walls and the paint comes off this is an indication
that there is flat paint on your walls, most flat paints are not washable
because they are porous. There are flat paints on the market that are washable.
The one advantage to flat paint is that most of the time it will touch up.
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To find our how much paint you will need, you need to figure the square
footage of the surface you are painting. If you are painting walls measure the
Width x Height this will give you the square footage, divide that figure by 400,
this is the number of square feet a gallon of paint will cover.
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Yes you can, as with any other painting project, prep work is the most
important step. To paint over stained or laminated cabinets you will first need
to clean them, we recommend a good de-glossing agent as it will also remove any
grease or oil, then sand the surfaces to be painted with a medium grit
sandpaper. Make sure you clean all the dust and residues off before you prime.
The primer should be a good specialty primer designed for whatever surfaces you
are painting. After priming sand again, clean and apply your topcoat.
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Can I apply latex paint over a surface finished with an oil-based product?
Yes you can. You have two choices to do this, first would be to clean the
surface then sand and wipe the dust off. You may then apply your latex paint
over the oil base paint. That process works for both interior and exterior
applications. Your other option is to clean the surface and then apply a coat of
a bonding primer and then your acrylic topcoat.
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Which holds up better, oil-based or latex products?
With the advancements in today’s Latex and Acrylics you will get the same
or better performance out of an Acrylic as you will and oil based paint.
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No, it must be cleaned prior to painting. Painting over mildew with guarantee
its return as it will continue to grow under the paint and eventually break
through the paint film. You must remove mildew prior to painting. The best way
to do this is to use a mix of household bleach and water a 3 to 1 mix is good. 3
parts water and 1 part bleach, apply this directly to the mildew and let it set
for a few minutes then rinse it with clean water. Make sure the surface is dry
before you paint.
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