Label on the Paint
Can is Often a Valuable Source of Information
What's the world's least-read
written document? Some in the paint business fear that it just might be
the printed label on a can of paint.
Yet most paint can
labels have valuable information that can be important to the success
of your paint job, and even to your health, say experts at the Paint Quality
Institute, a leading authority on paints and coatings.
Color, sheen and volume
are some of the basic facts on the front of the paint container label.
But there's much more information to be found on the back.
While no two labels
are alike, most contain important information about the suggested "spread
rate" for the paint or coating. The spread rate is the number of square
feet of surface that each gallon of the paint will normally cover. For
many paints, the spread rate will be 400 square feet per gallon.
Why is the spread
rate important? Because it allows you to accurately estimate how much
paint you'll need. Just divide the total surface area you intend to paint
by the spread rate to determine how many gallons (or liters) you'll need
for each coat you want to apply.
Many manufacturers
also put helpful tips on surface preparation on the back of the label.
If you're unsure whether you need to sand, power wash or prime a surface
before painting, you might find some expert advice right on the can.
Are you wondering
how best to stir or apply the coating? That, too, can often be found on
the label, as well as information about the temperature range in which
the paint or coating may be applied.
Frequently, the label
will provide information about drying time, cleanup, storage and proper
disposal of paint or paint containers.
Paint safety tips
and even first aid instructions are also printed on many paint can labels.
And, should you have
any problem with your paint, you can find warranty information on many
labels as well.
So, the next time
you undertake a painting project, take a look at the paint container label.
You might be surprised at what you find there.
For more information
on paints and painting, ask a knowledgeable paint salesperson
or visit the Paint Quality Institute's extensive Web site
at www.paintquality.com.
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