How much paint do you need?
One gallon of paint covers approximately 400 square feet.
What Primer should be used on new walls on the Interior?
Concrete Primer of a thin consistency may be applied before 2 coats of emulsion on interior walls
What Primer should be used on new walls on the Exterior?
For best results and true colour retention, thin down Weatherguard Exterior Emulsion of the colour being used (1 quart water to 1 gallon of pant) and use as a primer.
What Primer should be used on new wood to be varnished?
Sissons Sanding Sealer, which is clear.
What Primer should be used on new wood to be painted?
Sissons Universal Undercoat, which is white
Can Emulsion Paint be applied to surfaces already varnished or painted with Oil Gloss Paints?
Sand surface with a fine grade sandpaper, remove residue and apply a coat of Sissons Universal Undercoat. Allow to dry thoroughly before applying emulsion.
What are the advantages of flat (e.g. Weatherguard) and low sheen (e.g. Super Matt) paints?
- They provide even light reflection, to give the surface a softer, more uniform look.
- They don't highlight surface imperfections like higher sheen paints, so they usually don't require as much surface preparation (like patching, texturing or sanding) prior to painting.
- They are much less likely to show 'lap marks', so they are generally easier to apply and touch-up than higher sheen paints. (When one painted section dries before the next section is painted, the two sections won't flow together into a uniform film, resulting in a 'lap mark'.)
- They don't need to be sanded or deglossed before repainting, unlike higher sheen paints.
What are the disadvantages of flat and low sheen paints?
- They are less stain and scuff resistant than higher sheen paints, so they should not be recommended for high-traffic areas or on surfaces that will be handled, washed or scrubbed frequently.
- They are less washable and less moisture resistant than higher sheen finishes, so they are not the best choice for areas that are exposed to high humidity levels, or on surfaces that will be washed frequently.
What are the advantages of higher sheen (e.g. Super Gloss) paints?
- They have better stain resistance, so they resist dirt pick-up and stay cleaner longer.
- They have better scuff and wear resistance, so they're good for high traffic areas and on surfaces that are handled, washed or scrubbed frequently.
- They have better moisture resistance, which makes them ideal for surfaces and areas that are frequently exposed to high humidity levels.
- They have a smooth, bright, more lustrous finish that some people prefer.
What are the disadvantages of higher sheen paints?
- They tend to highlight any surface imperfections, so more surface preparation (like patching, texturing or sanding) will usually be needed before painting.
- They are harder to touch-up than lower sheen paints, because the higher sheen tends to highlight the slightly raised surface of the film where the touch-up was done.
- They usually need to be sanded, deglossed or primed prior to repainting, to ensure good adhesion of the new paint.
What are the advantages of latex (e.g. Weather Guard & Super Gloss) paints?
- Less objectionable odour makes them good for repaints and painting in occupied areas, where solvent odour is an issue.
- Easy to clean with soap and water, no need to work with hazardous and/or flammable solvents, and no used solvent to dispose of afterwards.
- Faster drying, and can be recoated sooner; this makes them a good choice for painting in occupied areas, where someone might touch or brush up against the freshly painted surface.
- Latex paint binders hold up better in sun-exposed areas, because they're more resistant to UV (ultraviolet) radiation; alkyd and oil binders will absorb more of this radiation and break down more quickly.
What are the advantages of solvent-based (e.g. Super Gloss) paints?
- Less sensitive to application conditions. They can be applied over a wider temperature and humidity range (however, the surface must still be dry for good adhesion).
- Can be applied in a thicker coat with less sagging, for better coverage.
- Better flow and leveling characteristics. Will dry to a smoother finish, with fewer brush or roller marks (this advantage is reduced somewhat for low V.O.C. alkyd paints).
- Provide better surface penetration, especially on weathered wood; this means improved adhesion and better surface protection.
- Have better adhesion on smooth surfaces.
- Initially have a sharper, richer-looking gloss (however, they also tend to lose their gloss faster over time).
- Initially provide a harder, more durable finish (however, they also tend to become more brittle over time).