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SHOULD I BRUSH, ROLL OR SPRAY? |
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If I had to pick a side to debate, I would choose brushing and rolling paint. Most painters say, unless there is a lot of surface to paint, considering the masking and cleanup time, they are faster with a brush and roller. With spray, the paint goes everywhere. Outside spray paint will seem to find the nearest expensive car of the opposite color of the paint, causing a pricy car repaint. If you rent an airless sprayer, it will probably break down before you finish the job. The cleanup is very time consuming. Folks ask my opinion on power rollers. My feeling is that I only want my arms in the air for so long. It feels good to change positions long enought to get more paint on the roller, so I'll stick to the old fashion way. |
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WANT A PAINT COLOR MATCHED? |
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Some paint companies claim to "exactly match" any color you can imagine or any object you bring in the store. Maybe it is because of our own high expectations of what a good color match should look like, but we are cautious about over static human capabilities. Some objects such as fabrics, inks, plants and fruits have color from other sources than we have available in the colorants we use to tint paint. We are limited to the 12 or 16 colorants provided to us by the manufacturer to achieve a paint color. Although we ca n get darn close, there are times, in our expert eyes, that our match is certainly not exact. Another challenge in matching an object may be that that object is not just one color. If you look closely, a surface may actually be composed of many different colors that seem to be one color from a distance. A third challenge to achieving a good match varying light sources. A great color match under one type of light, may look terrible under a different light source. This phenomena is called metamerism and can drive any paint store crazy. We believe we can match a paint color better than anyone around but do not ever use the words exact or perfect when it comes to paint. |
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CAN I PAINT VINYL OR ALUMINUM SIDING? |
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I have vinyl siding that I thought was going to look like new forever. Now it has started to fade and has weather-damaged areas. Must I replace it or can I paint it and save some money? Painting your old vinyl siding makes good sense both economically and aesthetically. Not only can you make it look like new again, you can, if you wish, change the color and give it a whole new look. Note that you can do the same thing with aluminum siding. Surface preparation and the use of a quality paint are the keys to painting both vinyl and aluminum siding. (However, check with the siding manufacturer to make sure that painting does not void the warranty.) But be sure you do not paint it with a color that is darker than the original color. Radiant energy from the sun may warp the vinyl or aluminum in our hot sun.
For vinyl, the first step is to remove any chalking and stains as well as any dirt by cleaning with a power washer or by hand scrubbing with warm, soapy water and thoroughly rinsing. one caution: try to remove stubborn stains on vinyl siding with a wire brush, sandpaper or a power sander. These can permanently damage your siding. After the surface is dry, paint using a quality paint. Again, you should not paint with a color darker than the original color of the vinyl siding. Why? Because dark colors can absorb the sun's heat, causing the siding panels to warp.
For aluminum siding, any surface oxidation must be completely removed by careful, light rubbing with steel wool. If mildew is present, remove it by scrubbing with a bleach solution (one part bleach to three parts water). Power-wash or hand-scrub with warm, soapy water and rinse. Be sure to remove all chalking, loose paint, dust, dirt, and bleach solution. Spot prime areas where bare aluminum may be exposed. After the surface is dry, paint as you would any siding using a good quality paint.
For authoritative advice on repainting your vinyl or aluminum siding along with the proper type and quality paint to do the job, check with us.
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HOW MUCH SHEEN SHOULD THE PAINT HAVE? |
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When purchasing paint, I've been asked if I want flat, high gloss, satin and even an eggshell finish. What do these terms mean, and does it really make any difference what kind of finish I have7 Those terms refer to the sheen or g loss level of the paint, and, yes, it does make a difference which one you use. The sheen or gloss level simply means the degree of light reflectance of the paint. The terms you mention a re ones that various manufacturers use to describe the shininess of their products. The following chart explains what each term means, and where paint with that type of gloss should be used. Your local independent paint retailer also can recommend the type of gloss you need for you r particular paint project.
High Gloss (70+ on a 60-degree gloss meter)
Where to Use: For kitchen and bathroom walls, kitchen cabinets, banisters and railings, trim, furniture, door jambs and window sills. Comments: More durable, stain-resistant and easier to wash. However, the higher the gloss, the more likely surface imperfections will be noticed.
Semi-gloss (35 to 70 on a 60-degree gloss meter)
Where to Use: For kitchen and bathroom walls, hallways, children's rooms, playrooms, doors, woodwork and trim. Comments: More stain-resistant and easier to clean than flat paints. Better than flat for high-traffic areas.
Satin or Pearl (Range overlapping eggshell and semi-gloss)
Similar characteristics to semi-gloss and eggshell. Eggshell (20 to 30 on a 60-degree gloss meter) Where to Use: Can be used in place of flat paints on wall surfaces especially in halls, bathrooms and playrooms. Can be used in place of semi-gloss paints on trim for a less shiny appearance. Comments: It resists stains better than flat paint and gives a more lustrous appearance.
Flat (less than 15 on a 60-degree gloss meter)
Where to Use: For general use on walls and ceilings. Comments: Hides surface imperfections. Stain removal can be difficult. Use for uniform, non-reflecting appearance. Best suited for low-traffic areas.
Matte
Same characteristics as flat except much more scrubable.
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