Latex: Generally latex paints provide better long-term flexibility that will resist cracking and chipping, and yellowing (when not in direct sunlight). Latex paints also tend to emit fewer odours, and are easily cleaned up with soap and water. Latex also takes less time to dry.
Oil: Oil-based paints adhere better to difficult surfaces, such as areas not thoroughly cleaned. They also offer a better one-coat hiding and are generally a stronger more durable finish. However, oil-based paint emits a strong odour during application and drying, and requires a solvent based clean up. It could also yellow with age.
Yes. First apply a 100% acrylic primer, over the existing oil-base paint. Preparation of the surface is key to ensuring a good bond between the existing paint and the primer. For good adhesion, if the existing paint is a semi-gloss or gloss finish, the old paint should be dulled with sandpaper prior to applying the primer.
Generally, latex paints when applied at room temperature will be dry (to touch) within an hour of application. Additional coats may be added within four to six hours after the original coat was applied. Poor ventilation, low temperature, high humidity and thick films will increase times.
Oil-based paint when applied at room temperature will dry (to touch) generally within six to eight hours. Additional coats may be applied within sixteen hours of the original coat. Poor ventilation, low temperature, high humidity and thick films will increase times.
The sheen you choose will affect the colours appearance slightly due to the difference in the gloss level in the paint.
Primer – Primers are used on surfaces prior to top coating to provide added adhesion, protection, and uniformity of finish. They can having sealing, stain blocking, or high hiding functions. Primers require a finish to be applied over top of them.
Semi-gloss – Semi-gloss sheens have a slightly glossy appearance that is not as highly reflective as that of gloss sheens. These types of sheens offers good stain resistance and scrubbability. They are ideal higher traffic areas: walls, kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, childern’s rooms, doors and trim.
Flat – Flat sheens are ideal for low-traffic areas: dining rooms, master bedrooms. They provide a beautiful matte finish that hides minor surface imperfections. They are primarily used on walls or ceilings.
Eggshell – Eggshell sheens provide better scrubbability than flat sheens, providing a nice balance between washability and subtle gloss. They perform and look great in any room of the house where some sheen is desired and good cleaning properties are required.
Pearl – Pearl sheens provide better scubbability than Eggshell sheens, providing a nice balance between washability and subtle gloss. They perform and look great in any room of the house where some sheen is desired and good cleaning properties are required.
Gloss – Gloss sheens offer a smooth finish that is highly reflective. These sheens are very scrubbable, and washable. They are ideal for areas of high traffic or heavy use: utility rooms, laundry rooms, doors and trim.
Velvet – Velvet sheens provide better scrubbability than flat paints, providing a nice balance between washability and subtle gloss. They perform and look great in any room of the house where some sheen is desired and good cleaning properties are required.
Melamine – Melamine sheens provide the scrubbability and stain resistance of higher sheens, but offer a subdued finish. They are ideal for walls, kitchens, bathrooms, cupboards, shelves, doors and trim where some sheen is desired and good cleaning properties are required. They are ideal for high humidity areas.
Rub the surface with a cloth wet with nail polish remover. Latex paint will leave a mark, oil will not.
Having good ventilation is very important when painting. It not only decreases the scent of any paint odours, but it also helps the paint curing process.
Preparation is the most important part of painting. Almost all common paint problems are associated with poor surface preparation. A clean surface will maximize paint adhesion and minimize any stain bleed-through. General pointers on product application include:
Areas with high humidity and condensation will make paint crack and peel. Use a 100% Acrylic Kitchen & Bath paint. These paints will have a higher sheen value, generally a satin or platinum finish, which will provide a harder finish that is more moisture-resistant.
To get rid of mildew, wash the surface with a bleach-water mix. Bleach is an easy way to combat the fungus that causes the growth of mildew.
Taking into account all safety precautions:
Step 1 : Mix one part bleach into three parts warm water.
Step 2 : Apply the mixture to the surface, starting at the bottom. Rub the surface with a bristle brush or scouring sponge.
Step 3 : Let the solution work for 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 4 : Rinse the surface with clean water. Allow the surface to dry completely before applying the paint.
Lap marks are created when a wet edge is not maintained while painting. It can also be caused when the paint is applied in a vertical motion only. Make sure to keep a wet edge as well as spread the paint in a “W” or “M” pattern on the wall. This will help spread the coating and create an even film on the surface. Once this is done, you can go right back over that area and roll from top to bottom to minimize a “shadowing” effect in the dried film.
Masking tape or even “Painter's tape” may tend to stick to fresh coatings if not removed shortly after painting or pulled improperly from the surface. When the paint is applied to the walls, it will inevitably cover over the tape as well. As the paint starts to dry, it will start to adhere to the wall as well as the tape. This “bridge” of paint from the walls to the tape will lift as the tape is removed. To help minimize this issue, you can lightly “score” the edge of the tape with a sharp razor or utility knife. This will help break the “bridge” or “film” between the painted wall and tape. Also, try to pull the tape staying close to the wall but pull away from the painted edge.
In general, flat and low sheen paints do not have a high amount of scrubbabilty. Areas that are of higher traffic or that are washed should be painted with a higher sheen product. At minimum, a Satin type or higher sheen is usually recommended in those areas for their overall durability.
There are several reasons why paint will not cover in one coat. Some of the main reasons include drastic color changes i.e. light to dark color or even dark to light color, thinning the product, stretching the product near or beyond its coverage rate, or improper roller cover used.