Experts
Answer Paint Questions
If
you're like most do-it-yourselfers, you probably consider yourself
knowledgeable when it comes to interior painting. But even experienced
painters run into situations where they can use some expert
advice. To
help out, the Paint Quality Institute, a leading authority
on paints and painting, has a special section on its Web site
(www.paintquality.com.) for frequently asked questions. But
here are answers to some of the most common questions on interior
painting.
Question:
Should I use an oil-based or latex-based interior paint?
Answer:
Generally speaking, high quality latex interior paint will
perform as well as, or better than, oil-based paint. Latex
paint is easier to apply and easier to clean up after. It
also dries much more quickly, so you can put a room back into
use, or add a second coat, sooner. In addition, latex paints
have much less odor than oil-based paints. Quality latex paints
tend to remain flexible and resist yellowing compared with
oil-based paints.
However,
when maximum hardness and resistance to sticking is required,
a quality alkyd ("oil-based") will excel.
Question:
How should I decide on the sheen level to use?
Answer:
The choice of sheen level depends upon the look you want,
and the type of paint performance you need.
High
gloss interior paints are the toughest, most durable and most
stain-resistant paints. They are also easier to clean than
paints with lower sheen, so they are ideal for high traffic
areas and kids' rooms. However, because they are highly reflective,
gloss paints tend to highlight surface imperfections, so they
are not a good choice for irregular or marred walls and woodwork.
Semigloss
paints are moderately glossy, but are not as reflective as
gloss paints. They offer good stain resistance and are easy
to clean, so they too are good for kids' rooms.
Flat
paints are non-reflective, so they tend to conceal surface
imperfections better than paints with higher sheen levels;
however, they are less easily cleaned, so it's best to use
flat paints only in areas that do not get soiled frequently.
Eggshell and satin finishes fall between flat and semigloss
paints for sheen level, and often are a good solution where
both low gloss and washability are desired.
Question:
Is it worth paying a few dollars more to get a top quality
interior paint?
Answer:
Absolutely. When it comes to paint, you get what you pay for,
and higher quality interior paints offer the best value. High
quality interior latex paints generally have better adhesion,
hiding, spatter resistance, and stain removal characteristics,
and provide greater overall durability. In addition, they
go on thicker and smoother than ordinary interior paints do,
so they help produce a better looking paint job.
Question:
What is the proper sequence in which to paint a room?
Answer:
It's best to approach the elements of the job in the following
order: ceiling, walls, windows, doors and trim, and finally,
the baseboards. Before you begin to paint, simplify your work
by removing electrical switch plates and outlet covers, as
well as door handles and window locks. For the same reason,
it's wise to loosen the base plates on overhead light fixtures.
For
answers to other painting questions, visit the Paint Quality
Institute Web site at www.paintquality.com.
Click on the "FAQs" link on the home page.
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