What is the difference between an oil-based (alkyd) and water-based (latex) paint?

Latex: Generally latex paints provide better long-term flexibility that will resist cracking and chipping, and yellowing (when not in direct sunlight). Latex paints also tend to emit fewer odours, and are easily cleaned up with soap and water. Latex also takes less time to dry.

Oil: Oil-based paints adhere better to difficult surfaces, such as areas not thoroughly cleaned. They also offer a better one-coat hiding and are generally a stronger more durable finish. However, oil-based paint emits a strong odour during application and drying, and requires a solvent based clean up. It could also yellow with age.

What is the dry time for both oil-based (alkyd) and water-based (latex) paint?

Generally, latex paints when applied at room temperature will be dry (to touch) within an hour of application. Additional coats may be added within four to six hours after the original coat was applied. Poor ventilation, low temperature, high humidity and thick films will increase times.

Oil-based paint when applied at room temperature will dry (to touch) generally within six to eight hours. Additional coats may be applied within sixteen hours of the original coat. Poor ventilation, low temperature, high humidity and thick films will increase times.

How do I know which sheen I should use?

The sheen you choose will affect the colours appearance slightly due to the difference in the gloss level in the paint.

Primers
Primers are used on surfaces prior to top coating to provide added adhesion, protection, and uniformity of finish. They can having sealing, stain blocking, or high hiding functions. Primers require a finish to be applied over top of them.

Semi-gloss
Semi-gloss sheens have a slightly glossy appearance that is not as highly reflective as that of gloss sheens. These types of sheens offers good stain resistance and scrubbability. They are ideal higher traffic areas: walls, kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, childern's rooms, doors and trim.

Flat
Flat sheens are ideal for low-traffic areas: dining rooms, master bedrooms. They provide a beautiful matte finish that hides minor surface imperfections. They are primarily used on walls or ceilings.

Eggshell
Eggshell sheens provide better scrubbability than flat sheens, providing a nice balance between washability and subtle gloss. They perform and look great in any room of the house where some sheen is desired and good cleaning properties are required.

Pearl
Pearl sheens provide better scubbability than Eggshell sheens, providing a nice balance between washability and subtle gloss. They perform and look great in any room of the house where some sheen is desired and good cleaning properties are required.

Gloss
Gloss sheens offer a smooth finish that is highly reflective. These sheens are very scrubbable, and washable. They are ideal for areas of high traffic or heavy use: utility rooms, laundry rooms, doors and trim.

Velvet
Velvet sheens provide better scrubbability than flat paints, providing a nice balance between washability and subtle gloss. They perform and look great in any room of the house where some sheen is desired and good cleaning properties are required.

Melamine
Melamine sheens provide the scrubbability and stain resistance of higher sheens, but offer a subdued finish. They are ideal for walls, kitchens, bathrooms, cupboards, shelves, doors and trim where some sheen is desired and good cleaning properties are required. They are ideal for high humidity areas.

Is it possible to apply a latex paint over an existing oil paint?

Yes. First apply a 100% acrylic primer, such as 777 SuperStick, over the existing oil-base paint. Preparation of the surface is key to ensuring a good bond between the existing paint and the primer. For good adhesion, if the existing paint is a semi-gloss or gloss finish, the old paint should be dulled with sandpaper prior to applying the primer.

How can I tell if I am about to paint over a latex paint or an oil-based paint?

Rub the surface with a cloth wet with nail polish remover. Latex paint will leave a mark, oil will not.

How important is good ventilation during application?

Having good ventilation is very important when painting. It not only decreases the scent of any paint odours, but it also helps the paint curing process.

What types of paint should I use in the kitchen, bathroom and other high-moisture areas?

Areas with high humidity and condensation will make paint crack and peel. Use a 100% Acrylic Kitchen & Bath paint, such as Ultra 4200. These paints will have a higher sheen value, generally a satin or platinum finish, which will provide a harder finish that is more moisture-resistant.

What sort of steps should I take prior to painting?

Preperation is the most important part of painting. Almost all common paint problems are associated with poor surface preparation. A clean surface will maximize paint adhesion and minimize any stain bleed-through. General pointers on product application include:

• Make sure the surface is clean and in good condition before applying any coating.

• Apply the product when the temperature and humidity are favorable

• Check surface temperature – should be the same as the room temperature.

• Ensure the product is at room temperature before application

• Consult the directions on the product label before application

• To get rid of mildew, wash the surface with a bleach-water mix.

• Bleach is an easy way to combat the fungus that causes the growth of mildew.
  
  

What do I do to a surface that has had mildew growth before painting?

Taking into account all safety precautions:

Step 1: mix one part bleach into three parts warm water
Step 2: apply the mixture to the surface, starting at the bottom. Rub the surface with a bristle brush or scouring sponge.
Step 3: Let the solution work for 5 to 10 minutes
Step 4: Rinse the surface with clean water. Allow the surface to dry completely before applying the paint.

Is there a paint that I can use that will work over wood or laminates?

Yes. PARA's Melamine Enamels are ideal products to use to freshen up the look of your cabinetry, appliances book cases where a mar-resistant low-sheen finish is desired. Available in almost any custom-tinted colour, ask your PARA dealer about #4300 100% Acrylic Latex Melamine Enamel and #4500 Urethane-Fortified Enamel.

What type of product finishes are offered by PARA Paints?

Primer: Primers are used on surfaces prior to top coating to provide added adhesion, protection, and uniformity of finish. They can having sealing, stain blocking, or high hiding functions. Primers require a finish to be applied over top of them.

Flat: Flat sheens are ideal for low-traffic areas: dining rooms, master bedrooms. They provide a beautiful matte finish that hides minor surface imperfections. They are primarily used on walls or ceilings.

Velvet: Velvet sheens provide better scrubbability than flat paints, providing a nice balance between washability and subtle gloss. They perform and look great in any room of the house where some sheen is desired and good cleaning properties are required.

Eggshell: Eggshell sheens provide better scrubbability than flat sheens, providing a nice balance between washability and subtle gloss. They perform and look great in any room of the house where some sheen is desired and good cleaning properties are required.

Melamine: Melamine sheens provide the scrubbability and stain resistance of higher sheens, but offer a subdued finish. They are ideal for walls, kitchens, bathrooms, cupboards, shelves, doors and trim where some sheen is desired and good cleaning properties are required. They are ideal for high humidity areas.

Pearl: Pearl sheens provide better scubbability than Eggshell sheens, providing a nice balance between washability and subtle gloss. They perform and look great in any room of the house where some sheen is desired and good cleaning properties are required.

Soft-gloss: Soft-gloss sheens have a subdued gloss appearance, offering good stain resistance and washability for all surfaces where some sheen is desired and good cleaning properties are required.

Semi-gloss: Semi-gloss sheens have a slightly glossy appearance that is not as highly reflective as that of gloss sheens. These types of sheens offers good stain resistance and scrubbability. They are ideal higher traffic areas: walls, kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, childern's rooms, doors and trim.

Gloss: Gloss sheens offer a smooth finish that is highly reflective. These sheens are very scrubbable, and washable. They are ideal for areas of high traffic or heavy use: utility rooms, laundry rooms, doors and trim.

Semi-transparent: Semi-transparent finishes provide a satin appearance allowing the natural grain of wood to show through, while providing protection against weathering.

Solid: Solid finishes provide an opaque finish which hides the grain of wood, but allows the texture to show through. This finish provides maximum UV and weathering protection.

Translucent: Translucent finishes provide a rich satin appearance allowing the natural grain of wood to show through while providing better UV protection and longer lasting colour retention.

Clear: Clear finishes are used to protect and seal porous surfaces. Clear wood varnishes allow natural colour and grain of wood type to show, while adding a protective layer over natural or stained wood. Wood varnishes are generally available in Flat, Semi-gloss or Gloss sheens.

What product lines are offered by PARA Paints?

Ultra: Our finest quality complete line of interior and exterior primers, paints and architectural finishes for all your painting needs.

Premium: A complete line of premium quality products for consumer and professional painting applications.

Professional Precision: A line of top quality selected products formulated to meet the specific needs of painting professionals.

Professional: A selected line of good quality products formulated to meet the needs of commercial and maintenance applications.

Timbercare: A complete line of top quality exterior stain products that bring out the best in wood and provide maximum protection and durability.

Woodcare: A complete line of extra tough professional varnishes that provide long-lasting protection and beautify interior wood.