Frequently asked questions on paints
What are the different types of cracks and how can they be treated?
- They can be classified as structural and non-structural:
- 1) Structural cracks: They are caused by movements of the foundation and the shrinking of masonry. These cracks should be taken care of by specialists.
- 2) Non-structural cracks: They are mostly caused by reactions within plaster compounds and building materials, and external forces like temperature changes, environmental factors, etc. They can also be caused by the use of poor materials and inferior labour. They can be effectively treated using crack-filling compounds.
After filling cracks, the treated part of the wall is not level with the rest of the wall. Is this shrinkage?
- Most water-based crack fillers contain some amount of water along with other ingredients so that they can be applied easily with a putty knife. Once the crack is filled in with the paste, the water may evaporate from it, causing it to depress a little. This is called shrinkage. The issue can be solved easily by applying multiple coats till the crack is fully filled.
Why is low voc important?
- VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds are substances within the paint that emit harmful substances. These emissions continue long after the paint has dried. They have a strong odour, and cause a variety of health problems, such as headaches, dizziness, asthma, and allergies. They are also linked to cancer. So, select a low VOC finish for the safety of your family.
Why is surface preparation important?
- For paint to adhere well, perform over time, and display all its characteristics, the substrate must first be prepared properly. The smoother the surface, the better the finish and performance. So, fill all holes and sand surfaces to create an even surface for the paint.
Can I wipe painted walls with water to clean them?
- New-generation paints have excellent washability characteristics. This means you can wipe them with mild detergent and water to remove stains, without affecting the colour or the finish of the paint. Most beverages, food, dirt stains, and other chemical patches can be removed in this manner. Washability characteristics differ from paint to paint so check the technical features to understand what performance you can expect.
How can we avoid the smell of paint?
- Water-based finishes are usually odour-free. Do keep windows and doors open while painting. However, a slight smell may linger for a few days if you’re using solvent-based paint.
How do I remove fungal or algal growth on walls?
- Brush the affected area thoroughly with a wire brush. After the growth is removed, clean the surface with a bleaching powder solution made by mixing 50g of bleaching powder in 1 litre of water. Apply on the affected area with a sponge, and leave the solution on overnight. After it dries, wipe it off with clean water. This will effectively remove the growth. However, if there’s dampness in the area, the growth may recur. Therefore, it is a good idea to waterproof that entire area. Keep doors and windows open so that the area is exposed to air and sunlight.
How do we remove paint from an electric board?
- First, ensure that all switches are off before you start removing the paint. If the paint splatters are recent, they can be cleaned with a cloth soaked in warm water. If they have already dried, scrape off with a paper cutter, after wrapping its blade in a cloth to prevent scratches from forming. Do not use any strong solvent as it may damage the plastic surface of the panel. Do not switch on any fixtures till the board is dry. You can also use mineral turpentine oil to remove paint from glass and steel. Do note that the recommended method for painting involves proper masking of light fixtures and other elements in the house to avoid such problems.
What are the best conditions in which to paint?
- Try to paint when the temperature is above three degree centigrade and relative humidity is less than 85%. For more details, refer to the technical data sheet of your selected product.
What is the difference between waterproofing and damp proofing?
- Damp proofing is a system of control which prevents moisture from passing through walls and floors into interior spaces. It increases moisture resistance, but does not completely prevent water from entering the surface. Waterproofing, on the other hand, is a more complete method of resisting moisture as it stops water seepage caused by hydrostatic pressure, which is the increase of ground water into your surfaces. Damp proofing uses materials like tar, while waterproofing is more environmental-friendly and uses materials like rubber.
What is the difference between leakage and seepage?
- Seepage and leakage are often confused with one another. Seepage is when water escapes from a porous surface, usually leading to damp patches. Leakage, on the other hand, is when water or any other liquid escapes through defined cracks or holes on a surface. It usually appears in the form of drips. Depending on whether the problem is leakage or seepage, the wall can be treated accordingly.
How do you measure moisture content in the substrate?
- The most effective way to measure moisture within a substrate is to use a moisture meter. This is usually carried out by professionals.
How do I ensure moisture in the wall does not blister the paint?
- Moisture causes blisters, where the paint lifts from the surface in little bubbles. It usually occurs when moisture seeps through exterior walls into the home, or through damp interior spaces like bathrooms, to the exterior surface. It can also happen if paint is applied on a damp surface. Check for sources of interior and exterior moisture, and deal with them by installing vents, exhaust fans or sidings. Then, scrape away all loose paint and sand the surface. Repair old caulk. Once the surface is completely free of old coatings and fully dry, you may repaint with a high-quality water-based paint.
What is the difference between a sealant and an adhesive?
- Adhesives and sealants perform two different functions, though some of the properties are common. Adhesives are used to bind two materials together and prevent them from separating. Sealants are used to block gases and liquids from entering the surface on which it has been applied.
What is Movement Accommodation Factor (MAF)?
- Movement Accommodation Factor (MAF) refers to the ability of a sealant to expand or contract to accommodate movements in the joint. It is expressed as a percentage of the joint’s minimum size. MAF is important because all materials change in size depending on the temperature.
How can we dispose paint?
- Avoid wasting paint. Empty containers may also contain some residue of the paint, so they must be disposed of safely. Dispose of surplus and non-recyclable products via a licensed waste disposal contractor.
What safety precautions must be followed while painting?
- Store your paints in cool and dry conditions. Ensure there is adequate ventilation during application. Wear overalls, goggles, masks, and gloves, and avoid any contact with skin and eyes.
My wall has overlap marks. how can I avoid this?
- Overlap marks usually happen when you paint in large sections and it begins to dry before you paint the area next to it. So, make sure you paint in smaller sections.
How do we prevent brush marks on the wall?
- Brush marks are usually caused by improper paint dilution, worn-out brush bristles, or poor application techniques. However, experienced painters do not face this issue. So, if you face such an issue, get in touch with us.
Why is it important to carry out paint thinning correctly?
- Thin paint as recommended by the manufacturer. Both overly thinned or insufficiently thinned paint will not perform as indicated. Some products can be used without thinning, others require varying degrees of thinning. Make sure you use the recommended thinner and ratio at all times.
Why is it important to use the right tools?
- The recommended tools vary from product to product. Depending on the surface, consistency of finish or type of look required, you will have to use brush, roller, or spray as recommended. For porous substrates, a roller or brush is ideal. Fully solid floor screeds are laid on with trowels, while decorative indoor finishes need specific tools.
How do I decide how much paint to buy?
- Use our paint calculator feature to figure out the amount of paint needed for your project. Usually, one litre yields one coat of a little less than 100 sq. ft of surface area, but this varies significantly depending on the surface finish and type of paint. Rough and textured surfaces will yield less coverage.
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