What type of finish should I choose?

DEAD FLAT - Great for ceilings. Almost no washablity but does not reflect back any light, which helps it hide most imperfections. This finish gives ceilings a clean crisp look while hiding most imperfections. It is also very easy to touch up.

FLAT ENAMEL - Also known as a "washable flat"

What type of primer should be used?

LATEX We primarily use latex primers for interior application. With the advancement in latex primers we have found them to be a more Green alternative to oil-based primers while delivering the same level of performance as oil.

When applying a finish coat to an already shiny surface we will use a primer to give the finish coat something to stick to. For example, when changing a semi-gloss finish to a matte finish.

When applying a finish coat to a previously unpainted surface such as cabinets, the appropriate bonding primer will be used to make sure the finish coat has something to bond to and will not chip.

OIL - We will use an oil primer in most exterior applications as these primers tend to block cedar bleed and other stains caused by exterior wood. If there is particularly stubborn stain in the interior of the home an oil primer will be used.

What goes into paint?

There are four main components to paint:

• Solvent
• Resin
• Pigment
• Titanium /fillers

Solvent - This is what evaporates out of the paint. It allows it to remain viscous enough to put it on the walls and level out. A good paint will dry slowly without sagging or dripping. This will allow the brush and roller marks to level out. A paint that dries too fast may appear to be easier to use but in the long run will look far worse.

Resin - This is what remains behind after the solvent has dried. The resin sits on the top layer of the paint and acts as a barrier against the elements. The more resin, the more protection. The more protection, the shinier the paint. A dead flat has very little resin giving it no washability, while a semi-gloss has a lot of resin making it very washable. A low quality / cheap paint uses a poor quality resin. They will tend to fade faster, not hold up to repeated washing, or just rub right off.

Pigment - This is what sits beneath the resin and gives the paint its color. The darker the color - the more pigment it must have. Pigment is expensive making darker colors more expensive. Higher quality paint will have more expensive pigments which are less prone to burnishing and fading.

Titanium and fillers - This is what gives paint its coverage. Titanium and fillers are naturally white, so they must be dyed with the pigments. The more pigment you have the less titanium you have. This is why darker or heavily pigmented colors do not cover as well. Primer has the largest titanium ratio which is why it covers the best.

Additives - Almost all paint can have certain additives put in them. This can make them mildew resistant, smell less, be magnetic, or any variety of different functions.

The most important thing to take away is that there is only so much that can be put into 1 gallon of paint before it is no longer one gallon. The shinier the paint (more resin) the less of everything else - Shiny paint does not cover well and will almost always take at least two coats. The darker the color, the more pigment it has in it; darker colors take several coats to look right. The higher the quality of paint, the less number of coats you will need.

How do I care for my new paint?

Washing Procedure:

Always wait at least two weeks after application. This will allow the paint to cure properly.

Things to remember:

Darker, flat paints are more susceptible to being damaged and having pigment rub off when they are scrubbed too harshly. Gloss or semi-gloss enamels can withstand cleaning better than flat or latex paints.

Always test in an inconspicuous corner first.

The flatter the paint the easier it is to use touch up paint. The shinier the finish the more likely it is you will notice touchups. This is due to the amount of light that is reflected back. If you change the direction of reflection, your eyes will catch it more easily.

How often should I paint the exterior siding of my home?

If the house is new - after 4 to 5 years. If it was double dipped or coated then 5 - 6 years.

After a double coat - 6 - 9 years depending on exposure

How often should I paint the exterior windows of my house?

Windows are tricky. The sills allow snow and moisture to sit on them and cause them to peel far faster than the siding around them. They should be looked at yearly to check for peeling and caulk failures. If this is done then the windows can be repainted with the siding. If not, then the windows will need to be repainted independently of the siding every 3 - 5 years depending on exposure.

How often should I paint my deck?

After a deck has been stripped and re coated with the proper materials a maintenance coat should be once a year when temperatures are consistently above 55 degrees.

If the deck is neglected it starts to flake and peel and it will have to be re-stripped and the product re-applied. This would be done every 2 - 4 years depending on exposure.

**Railings - typically can be done every OTHER time the deck floor is done.

How often should I paint my porch?

Porches will hold up better than decks because typically an enamel is used. The less used portions of the porch can last several years, especially if it is covered. Stairs and entryway areas, however, will have to be done yearly.

Can Latex paint go over oil based paint?

Yes - Latex paint can be applied over oil based products as long as the surface is properly prepared. However, oil based products cannot go over latex products.

The Reason: Latex is flexible and tends to move with the wood. Oil based is very hard and brittle and would crack if applied over a moving surface.