Choose right paint for the job
Consider tools, sheen, surface and colour
Government regulations aimed at protecting the environment and the health of Canadians from the effects of air pollution reduced the quantity of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, allowable in alkyd paints, varnishes and wood stains.
This is all good news for the consumer, but doesn’t make it easier to select the best paint for your specific needs. Here are a few tips: Step 1: Choose the gloss It’s the amount of “shine” paint has when it dries.
Flat to low-gloss finishes are popular paints and stains for siding and fences.
Gloss paints are popular for doors, railings, trim and areas exposed to high traffic or abrasion. Gloss and semi-gloss finishes are durable and characterized by a sheen that reflects light. Step 2: Choose the
paint type Paints are designed to be used on certain surfaces and to perform well under different conditions.
Latex (water-based): Easy to apply and clean up, low odour, quick drying, durable, can be applied to partly moist surfaces, resists peeling and chalking, flexible. Second coats can be applied within two to four hours of the first coat. Available in many glosses and sheens. Ideal for siding, fences, stucco, masonry.
Enamel: A glossy finish that is tough, durable, smooth and impact resistant. Enamel finishes are available for a variety of surfaces, including metal.
Wood stain: Paint covers the surface, but a stain soaks in and allow the natural texture of wood to show. Popular for textured wood and ideal for wood siding, shingles, shakes and fences.
Solid colour stain: Penetrates and covers the natural grain of wood, but allows the natural texture of the wood to show. Use on new wood or previously stained surfaces.
Semitransparent stain: Penetrates the surface of the wood to protect and colour while letting the natural grain and texture show. Ideal for new wood or over previous semitransparent stained surfaces.
Specialty paint: For decks, driveways, machinery, masonry, rusty surfaces. Step 3: Choose a primer Primers seal the surface and help form a tight bond between the top coat and underlying surface material. They should be applied to surfaces that have never been painted and areas that are bare or have been patched. There are products that are considered “two-in-one,” serving the purpose of both a primer and paint.
Two key factors in primer selection are adhesion to the surface and compatibility with the top coat. The paint you choose will usually identify a recommended type of primer on the label. Step 4: Finalize and select
your colours This is a very personal choice. Step 5: Buy your tools and
materials Make sure you buy the best-quality tools you can afford to save application time and achieve better results. One or two premium brushes, a sturdy paint tray that can be attached to a ladder and one or two good rollers will do the job nicely.