PAINTING
- Why is a (too) thick layer of paint on window frames not good?
Applying a thick layer of pain on window frames is not a good idea, especially with alkyd paint. If the paint is applied too thick, the paint will dry on the surface but not underneath. This results in solvent evaporation that cannot be gotten rid of. The result: the top layer may start to crease. It is better to apply two thin layers instead of one thick layer.
- Which paint is best for outdoor use: high gloss or silk gloss?
In most cases it is better to use high gloss paint rather than silk gloss paint for outdoor use. High gloss paints are usually more durable than silk gloss paints. Due to the hard top layer, dirt does not stick to it as quickly. High gloss paints are also more weather resistant. High gloss can withstand moisture well and the paint is less likely to downgrade due to UV-radiation, as long as you follow the instructions on the paint can.
- Should you put the brush in white spirit if you will carry on with painting the next day?
Do not put brushes in white spirit if you will use them again the next day. This is bad for brushes as the hairs can fall out afterwards. Furthermore, white spirit remains in the brush. Another disadvantage is that the dirty white spirit has to be returned to the waste collection facility. It is better to saturate the brush or roller with paint and then pack it in a plastic bag or with aluminium foil and then put it in the fridge. The next day (or, at the latest, a week later) you can continue with the same brush or roller.
- Which paint should you use inside? Which paint should you use outside?
Acrylic paint (water-based) is for indoor use. Water-based paint is excellent for indoor use, but less suitable for outdoor use. This type of paint has many advantages: a less strong smell, less harmful to health, less yellowing and also has a quick drying time. This paint is less suitable for outdoor painting due to the Dutch climate. The humidity is often too high and that slows down the drying of the paint and in the bright sun the acrylic paint dries too quickly.
Alkyd paint (based on alkyd resin) is for outdoor use. This paint is absorbed easier and also more durable. As the paint dries slower, you can stroke longer with the brush and repair any painting errors for a better result.
- How do you store paint?
When storing a paint can, remove the remaining paint from the rim of the lid and close it tight on the can. Hold the tin briefly upside down. The lid will then be full of paint and become airtight. Always return unusable paint to the designated waste collection facility for paint.
- How long can paint be stored for?
Paint has a limited shelf life. It depends on the temperature and humidity in the room where the paint is stored, how the lid is closed and the quantity of paint in the can. The expiry date is stated on the technical info sheets of the product in question and the manufacture date is stated on the can. Alkyd paint which has been opened has a shelf life of two to three years. Acrylic paint which has been opened has a shelf life of only one to two years. Always store acrylic paint in a frost-free space as it is a water-based product and could therefore freeze and the quality would deteriorate.
- Which is better: a plastic bristle brush or a pig bristle brush?
A plastic bristle brush is just as good as a pig bristle brush. Professional painters prefer to work with a pig bristle brush. It is wear-resistant and distributes the paint evenly. However, a brush with plastic hair also works well. The plastic hairs can be a bit stiffer so you cannot apply the paint in too thick layers which makes painting along an edge a bit easier.
- When should you use a round brush, a flat brush or a roller?
Use a round brush for window frames. Large surfaces (such as doors) are best painted with a paint roller. Purchase your paint at a specialist paint shop and ask which brush or roller you should use to achieve the best result.
- Should you always dilute paint before usage?
With most products you can get started straight away. Diluting paint on a white spirit basis is not recommended for environmental reasons. Furthermore, the composition of contemporary paint changes when you dilute it. This can cause the paint to become mat faster and shorten its life span considerably. It is important that the paint is at the correct temperature (room temperature) for good processing.
- Which colour primer should I use?
Make sure that the colour primer you use is almost the same as the topcoat. This can be very useful in several cases, e.g., with bright colours as this ensures an even coverage of the primer and means you will need fewer layers of topcoat, which also saves costs.
- Is sustainable paint always the most environmentally friendly?
Sustainability is not just about how long the paint lasts on our window frames. Sustainability also stands for how much energy is needed in the production, processing and waste stage. Paint manufacturers are increasingly investing in products that have a lower environmental impact. They do this, for example, by using fewer solvents in the paint and offering it as a ready-to-use product. This is the reason why it is preferred not to add extra white spirit to the paint.
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