Fresh
coat of paint offers several benefits
By James and Morris Carey
The Associated Press
Few home improvement projects are as instantly
gratifying as is a fresh coat of paint. It can, in a matter of hours,
transform a dark and dingy space into a bright and cheerful one.
There are other benefits. A fresh coat of high-quality
paint is more washable and, thus, easier to keep clean. And, in
the case of an exterior job, high-quality paint acts to protect
siding, trim and other painted finishes from weather damage.
Painting can be one of most user-friendly of do-it-yourself
projects. Armed with high-quality paint, the proper applicators,
ample time and a bit of practice, you’ll get impressive results.
As are many home improvement projects, painting can be therapeutic
and enjoyable. Yet, a painting project could become a nightmare.
There are steps that will ensure success.
An important part of a good paint job is preparation
— making sure that the surface is clean and free of chipped
and flaking paint. Damaged areas should be patched, sanded and primed.
Masking and protection is another factor that can yield professional
results. Use blue painter’s tape and plastic or canvas drop
cloths to prevent paint from making contact with areas not intended
to be painted.
What most influences the quality of a paint job
is the quality of the paint, the type of paint, and the applicators
— brushes, rollers, etc.
There are two basic types of paint that can be
used for interior and exterior house-painting — oil-base (alkyd)
and water-base (latex). All paint, oil or water, consists of three
basic ingredients that greatly influence its quality and use. They
are pigments and fillers, liquids or “carriers,” and binders.
Pigment and fillers are for hiding and color. According
to chemists, they consist of organic colors, inorganic colors and
extenders such as clay. This is really where the “rubber meets
the road” when it comes to paint quality. Fillers typically
consist of titanium dioxide or clay. Better-quality paints contain
more titanium dioxide and less clay. Titanium dioxide gives the
paint better “hide.” Titanium dioxide also is a substantially
more costly ingredient than clay. Thus, if you’re looking for
one-coat coverage, look for paint that contains more titanium dioxide
and less clay.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to determine
quality by the label. There are, however, three means to determine
quality — name brand, price and touch. Start by selecting a
respected name brand and plan to spend about $20 to $25 per gallon.
A trick to determine paint quality is the touch test. Have a gallon
of the paint mechanically shaken. Have the paint salesperson remove
the lid. Stick your thumb and index finger into the paint and rub
them together. If the paint feels smooth and silky it is good quality.
If it feels gritty, it has high clay content and you can count on
more than one-coat coverage.
The second ingredient in paint is the liquid or
solvent. It gives the paint proper consistency and acts as a “carrier”
for the binders and pigments. Its purpose has been fully served
once it has completely evaporated. In oil-base paints the solvent
is mineral spirits. Water is the solvent in latex or water-base
paints. Most do-it-yourselfers prefer water-base latex paints because
they are particularly easy to work with and offer soap and water
cleanup.
Mineral spirits must be used for cleanup when using
oil-base paint.
Binders are the final ingredient in paint. Binders
are used for adhesion and film bond. Linseed oil, tung oil or alkyd
resins are the primary binders for oil-base paints. One-hundred
percent acrylic or vinyl acrylic are the binders for water-base
paint. Better quality paints also contain mildew inhibitors and
ingredients that minimize running and splattering.
Now that you know to look for high-quality paint,
should you use oil or latex? It might be appropriate for you to
use both, depending upon what’s being painted. We recommend
oil-base primers and finish coats for interior doors and trim (windows,
doors, crown, base) because it offers a hard abrasion-resistant
surface that easily can be cleaned. Oil is also an excellent primer
for raw metal rain gutters, ornamental iron fencing and furniture
and bare wood. Use a paintbrush made of natural bristles for the
best results when using oil-base paint.
Latex is the best choice for interior walls and
ceilings and exterior siding and trim (wood or stucco). Most do-it-yourselfers
prefer water-base paints because they are easy to use, and cleanup
can be done with soap and water. In addition, latex paints dry quicker
than oils and don’t have the pungent odor that is common with
oil-base paints.
Whereas in the past we have exclusively recommended
an oil-base primer and finish coat for “wet” areas such
as kitchens, baths and laundries, today’s high-quality, 100-percent
acrylic latex paints — especially those with higher sheen or
gloss — are exceptional at resisting moisture, dirt and stains.
And they stand up, even after repeated washing or scrubbing.
Thanks to advances in latex technology, latex paints
go on smoother; brush and roller marks are barely noticeable. According
to paint experts, the latest top-quality acrylic latex paints also
have a longer “wet-edge time” than do older counterparts.
This tendency to dry more slowly makes it easier to blend one section
of paint into another, which can be especially important when working
over a large and-or complex area.
Tip: If your painting project will take more than
a day, wrap your roller cover or paint brush in plastic food wrap
and place it in the fridge overnight. Remove it the next morning,
remove the plastic wrap, let it reach room temperature and continue
where you left off.
For more home improvement tips and information
visit our Web site at www.onthehouse.com.
|
