Section: Commercial and Residential FAQs
What is the meaning of flat, silk, semi-gloss and gloss paint?
It is defined based on the gloss level.
Flat paint : ≤ 10 unit on gloss meter at 60⁰ angle
Silk/eggshell paint : 20 -30 unit on gloss meter at 60⁰ angle
Semi gloss paint : 50 -70 unit on gloss meter at 60⁰ angle
Gloss paint : ≥ 75 unit on gloss meter at 60⁰ angle.
What are the advantages of flat paints?
They provide an even, softer and uniform look to the surface.
They don’t highlight surface imperfections like higher sheen paints. Hence, these paints usually do not require as much surface preparation (like patching, texturing or sanding) prior to painting.
They are much less likely to show 'lap marks,' so are generally easier to apply and touch up than higher sheen paints. (When one painted section dries before the next section is painted, the two sections won’t flow together into a uniform film, resulting in a 'lap mark.')
They don’t need to be sanded or de-glossed before repainting, unlike higher sheen paints.
What are the disadvantages of flat paints?
They are less stain and scuff resistant than higher sheen paints. Should not be used on surfaces that will be handled, washed or scrubbed frequently.
They are less moisture resistant than higher sheen finishes. Not the best choice for areas that are exposed to high humidity levels, like bathrooms, or on surfaces that will be washed frequently.
What are the advantages of high sheen paints?
They have better stain resistance, so resist dirt pick up and stay cleaner longer.
They have better scuff and wear resistance, are good for high traffic areas and on surfaces that are handled, washed or scrubbed frequently.
They have better moisture resistance, which makes them ideal for surfaces and areas that are frequently exposed to high humidity levels.
What are the disadvantages of high sheen paints?
They tend to highlight any surface imperfections.
They are harder to touch up than lower sheen paints, because the higher sheen tends to highlight the slightly raised surface of the film where the touch up was done.
They usually need to be sanded, de-glossed or primed prior to repainting, to ensure good adhesion of the new paint.
What is VOC and why do I care during selection of paint?
All paints, varnishes, and solvents contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Exposure to VOCs can trigger asthma attacks, respiratory problems, eye irritation, nausea, or dizziness. Because of these health concerns, we have introduced low or no VOC paint alternatives. Also, VOCs have a negative effect on global warming.
Section: Wood Coating FAQ
Is PU Wood coating same as normal PU?
No. PU Wood coating is a two pack Polyurethane topcoat based on a premium quality saturated polyester resin which is much tougher and harder than normal PU.
Why we need to sand new wood before applying stain or sealer?
Wood will have flaws like scratches and dents. It needs sanding before painting to prevent the flaws being highlighted.
What sand paper need to be used for sanding?
Start sanding with sandpaper that has grains of about 80 or 100 grit followed by 150 or 180 grit.
Always sand along the direction of the grain.
Can I directly stain the wood after sanding?
No. Always before application, apply a small bit of stain to an innocuous part of wood such as the underside to check if the shade and depth is as desired. If it is ok, then proceed with staining.
If the wood has blemishes or marks, what should be done?
It needs to be sanded.
How many coats of stain need to be applied?
Normally two coats. However, depending on the colour depth more coats may be required
Which sand paper is to be used for sanding the sealer?
Sand the first coat by using 220 grit sand paper and subsequent coats. In case of multiple coats sand the sealer with 320 or 400 grit sand paper.
Can I sand the top coat?
No. Sanding will remove the nice shine and finish of the top coat.
Section: General Industrial Coating FAQ
Can I use red lead based primer?
No. Red lead is highly poisonous, outdated and banned in most of the countries. Use a zinc phosphate primer.
Can stoving paint be used for air drying application?
No. Stoving enamel need to be stored at a higher temperature, normally above 140 degree for proper curin. It willl not perform if air dried.
Can I use any thineer available in the market for thinning the paint?
No. Only recommended thinners should be used, otherwise it will spoil the paint and performance of the coating.
What surface preparation is required for scaffoldings prior to painting?
Good surface preparation is required before painting. For scaffolding, at least the grease should be removed prior to painting.
What is ‘bleeding in port-a-cabin coatings? How can it be prevented?
The pre-treated MDF or ply wood will have some pre-treatment chemicals in it which will leach out through the subsequent paint coating which is known as bleeding. To prevent it, solvent based sealants should be used.
What percentage thinner is recommended for dipping process in scaffolding?
Maximum 1:1 Paint to thinner by volume.
Section: Protective Coatings FAQ
Can I apply paint in any environmental condition?
No. You can apply paint if the humidity is less than 85% (except ethyl silicates) and surface temperature is above 3°C of dew point. Application at temperature below 5°C is not recommended. For ethyl silicates, minimum humidity is 50% and max is 95%.
Can I use any thinner to dilute the paint?
No. You have to use the recommended thinner.
What will be the effect in case of less or excess dilution of paint by thinner during application?
There will be excessive spray fog and orange peeling in case of less dilution and sagging in case of excess dilution of paints by thinner during application.
Can I apply paint on any type of surface condition?
No. Surface should be free from dust, rust, loose flakes, oil, grease and all other contaminants. For better performance, we recommend blast clean the surface to Sa 2.5 BS7079: Part A1: 1989. Manually prepared surface should be to a minimum standard of St 3 BS 7079: Part A1: 1989.
What is an ideal airless spray technique?
Hold the gun at right angle to the surface and move parallel to surface. Keep the spray gun at about 1 feet distance from the substrate. Use the appropriate spray nozzle and set the pressure based on the paint type. Apply stripe coat by brush or roller on difficult areas like edges, corners, holes, welded areas before spray application.
Can we use the paint after it’s pot life is over?
No. You can’t use paint after the pot life is over. It will affect the final performance. It is also not recommended to dilute the paint and usage after it’s shelf-life.
How do we know the pot life is over? Can we expand the pot life? If yes then how?
The end of pot life is signaled by exothermicity and double the initial viscosity/thickness of the product to the final stage. You can expand the pot life by mixing and keeping the paint at the lowest temperature possible. At 10°C rise in temperature halves the pot life and 10°C drop in temperature doubles it.
How do I figure how much paint I will need for my project?
Check the square meter area. Refer the technical data sheet for theoretical spreading rate (M2/ Ltr.).
Theoretical Paint Consumption (Ltr.) = Total Area (sq. m/Theoretical spread rate (sq.m/ltr). Also include the lost factors like paint wastage due to handling, spillage, surface roughness, application technique, actual film thickness and painter’s skill.