Questions and Answers
- Q: I tried to touch up my living room wall and the color and finish look different — even though I used the same paint.
- A: It is very important that you use the same paint (color and finish) and the same application tool (brush or roller). Thin the paint by approximately 25% before beginning.
- Q: I need a pastel base in order to give one of my customer's color choices the right tint, but I only have midtone base in stock. Can you give me a formula?
- A: Unfortunately, you cannot interchange bases. If a formula requires a pastel base, the Lowe's store associate needs to use a pastel base. The level of TiO2 (titanium dioxide) is higher in the pastel base than in the midtone and will always appear lighter and whiter than the midtone. No added amount of colorant will bring the midtone base up to the same whiteness as a pastel base.
- Q: I just painted my walls with a dark green latex paint and it is still not dry after 24 hours. What is wrong?
- A: Paints with large amounts of colorant usually take longer to dry than lighter colors. Make sure temperatures and humidity are adequate. Increase the amount of air movement in the room.
Interior/Exterior Painting Tips:
- Wait at least 14 days after painting before cleaning the surface with a non-abrasive, mild cleanser.
- Bare, unpainted surfaces must be primed before topcoating. Use Olympic SealZall primer.
- Dark colors may take at least two coats to cover.
- For the best stain removal and scrubbable paints, choose 100% acrylic semi-gloss or gloss paints rather than ordinary latex paints. As a general rule, stains
are easier to remove from paints with higher levels of sheen and tough acrylic formulas. These paints are also excellent choices for kitchens, baths, kids'
rooms, cabinets, and doors.
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Why Prime?
Most new surfaces, such as wood, masonry, fresh plaster, or drywall, need a primer to seal the surface and cover minor imperfections. Using the right primer on the surface you're painting can really make a difference in your finished project.
When Do You Prime?
- When you are painting over a bare surface such as new wood, new drywall or any other surface that has never been painted before.
- When you are painting a light color over a dark color or using a very dark color.
- When your surface is porous and does not pass the water test.
The water test is when water that is splashed on the surface soaks in instead of rolling off.
Paint will soak in the same way as water,so the surface needs to be sealed with a primer.
- When you have a problem surface, i.e.:
- Your surface is uneven or badly deteriorated.
- Your surface is stained with ink, dirt, crayon marks, grease, rust, smoke residue, or is water-stained, etc.
- You are painting over wallpaper. Many wall coverings contain dyes that can bleed through paint.
- Your surface has water stains on the walls and/or ceilings.
- When your surface has been stripped or is worn down to the original surface material.
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FOUR STEPS TO A LONGLASTING, QUALITY PAINT JOB
- 1. Prepare the surface properly:
- To ensure good adhesion
- To discourage corrosion
- For uniformity of color and finish
- To prevent discoloration of the coating from the surface
- 2. Use quality tools
- Top quality brushes apply paint with minimal brush marks
- Quality rollers are designed to apply a heavy, uniform coat
- 3. Apply a quality product designed for the job
- Top quality products like Olympic paints will go on in a heavy, uniform fashion, which is important for appearance and durability
- Quality products will provide maximum adhesion, color retention, mildew resistance and general durability
- 4. Apply the coating under proper conditions for optimal performance
- If painting in cold weather, check the manufacturer's directions closely
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