Primer
Why Prime?
Most new surfaces, such as wood, masonry, fresh plaster, or drywall, need a primer to seal the surface and cover minor imperfections. Using the right primer on the surface you’re painting can really make a difference in your finished project.
When Do You Prime?
* When you are painting over a bare surface such as new wood, new drywall or any other surface that has never been painted before.
* When you are painting a light color over a dark color or using a very dark color.
* When your surface is porous and does not pass the water test.
The water test is when water that is splashed on the surface soaks in instead of rolling off.
Paint will soak in the same way as water, so the surface needs to be sealed with a primer.
* When you have a problem surface, i.e.:
o Your surface is uneven or badly deteriorated.
o Your surface is stained with ink, dirt, crayon marks, grease, rust, smoke residue, or is water-stained, etc.
o You are painting over wallpaper. Many wall coverings contain dyes that can bleed through
o paint.
o Your surface has water stains on the walls and/or ceilings.
* When your surface has been stripped or is worn down to the original surface material.
Painting Tips
Wait at least 14 days after painting before cleaning the surface with a non-abrasive, mild cleanser.
Bare, unpainted surfaces must be primed before top-coating.
Dark colors may take at least two coats to cover.
For the best stain removal and scrubbable paints, choose 100% acrylic semi-gloss or gloss paints rather than ordinary latex paints. As a general rule, stains are easier to remove from paints with higher levels of sheen and tough acrylic formulas. These paints are also excellent choices for kitchens, baths, kids’ rooms, cabinets, and doors.
FAQ
Q: I tried to touch up my living room wall and the color and finish look different.
A: It is very important that you use the same paint (color and finish) and the same application tool (brush or roller). Thinning the paint by a small percentage before beginning may help as well.
Q: Can you put latex paint over oil paint?
A: Yes. Latex paints or stains can be used to re-coat over an oil paint or stain. It is very important, however, to do excellent surface preparation which includes scuff sanding any glossy areas, removing any loose or flaking paint, and cleaning all the dirt and contaminants off the surface. If the existing oil paint or stain is tightly adhering and in good condition, the latex can be applied without a primer. If bare surfaces are showing, a primer is required.
Q: I just painted my walls with a dark green latex paint and it is still not dry after 24 hours. What is wrong?
A: Paints with large amounts of colorant usually take longer to dry than lighter colors. Make sure temperatures and humidity are adequate. Increase the amount of air movement in the room.
Q: What is the best exterior paint: acrylic or alkyd?
A: 100% acrylic topcoats are typically the best due to color retention properties and flexibility. It is important, however, to use an oil based primer before using the acrylic topcoat when painting over bleeding woods like Redwood or Cedar. A complete acrylic system may be used on all other non-bleeding woods.
Q: What causes exterior paint to chalk?
A: Some degree of chalking is normal. Some paint manufacturers have even touted this as a “self-cleaning” process. However, excessive film erosion can result in unsightly heavy chalk. Excessive chalking is caused by the disintegration of the paint film during weathering. Some common causes of heavy chalking include application to an unsealed surface, overspreading the paint, or poor quality paint. All can lead to premature breakdown by the weather.
Q: Can paints be applied in cool weather?
A: Most latex or acrylic paints should not be applied when temperatures are below 50° F. Alkyd/oil-based paints may be applied in temperatures as low as 40° F. There are some paints that allow application in lower temperatures. Check with your retailer for details.
Q: Why is it not recommended to paint in direct sunlight?
A: Paint needs to be liquid for a period of time for proper penetration and adhesion after application. The heat from the sun can cause the outer layer of the paint film to dry prematurely which could result in solvent entrapment, which can cause blisters to form.
Q: What is the most common cause of blistering and peeling paint on exterior wood?
A: The most common cause is moisture. But blistering can also be caused by painting in direct sunlight, inadequate surface preparation, or using a low quality exterior paint.
Q: Can aluminum or vinyl siding be painted?
A: Vinyl siding or new aluminum may be painted with a 100% acrylic finish without priming, as long as the surface is clean and dry. Weathered aluminum needs to be cleaned and then primed with an oil-based primer before applying the acrylic topcoat. When painting vinyl siding, be sure that the color chosen is a shade no darker than the original color because dark colors absorb heat from the sun and may cause warping or buckling.
Q: What steps are involved in painting my metal lawn furniture?
A: Wire brush to remove any loose or chipping paint, sand any rusted areas, spot prime those areas with a rust inhibitive primer and finish with an oil-based topcoats. Do not use a latex because it may become tacky when hot.
Q: My gutters have peeled. How do I paint them?
A: The most common cause for gutter peeling is improper surface preparation. Power wash or wire brush the gutters to remove any loose material. Spot prime bare areas with a primer suitable for galvanized metal (there are several) and topcoat with a 100% acrylic finish.
