Tips for Painting Walls

You may be asking yourself: Aren't all paints basically the same?
Well, no, different types of paints perform different functions. Some have better moisture resistance, some have better gloss retention and some have better color.

Can the aerosol paints be applied to galvanized metal?
No. The oil in the paint will react to the zinc and form a soapy gunk, which will result in poor adhesion of the paint.

Can you paint aluminum?
Yes. If you can rough-up the surface, you can probably paint it. The water-based acrylic Painter's Touch brush products are our best recommendation.

Can you paint fiberglass?
Yes. If you can rough-up the surface, you can most likely paint the fiberglass. But if the surface flexes a lot, the paint may crack off.

Can you paint plastics?
Yes. American Accents brush and Painter's Touch brush products can be used on some types of plastics. We recommend doing a test patch to ensure that the paint won’t soften the plastic.

If a can of oil based paint seems a little thick, can I thin it?
Yes. For brush or roller applications, use mineral spirits. For spray gun applications, use V.M.P. Naphtha.

With what do I thin water-based acrylics?
Thin them with water.

What product should I use to paint galvanized steel?
Any of the water-based acrylics, such as Painter's Touch brush products or the American Accents brush products.

What product should I use to paint my cement yard statues?
Any of the water-based acrylics, such as Painter's Touch brush products or the American Accents brush products.

Can I use Rusty Metal Primer on clean metal?
No. The fish oil in the primer needs to penetrate into rust to seal it from air and moisture. If there isn’t rust, the oil will rise to the surface making adhesion of the finish coat difficult

Why do I have to wait between applying a second coat?
To avoid wrinkling, which is when paint folds or crinkles. Allow the paint to dry in between coats. If it’s too late and you need to repair your paint job, scrape or sand off wrinkles, wait the recoat time, and reapply a thin coat.

What type of brush should I use if both oil and water base paints are being applied?
Nylon & polyester blend paint brushes work well in both oil and water base paints.

How should I care for my brush so that it maintains its performance level use after use?
Clean it immediately after use with paint thinner or kerosene for bristle brushes; soap and water for nylon/polyester brushes. Use a brush comb to clean and straighten the bristles. Don’t soak your brushes for extended periods of time or they may loose their shape. If possible, store your brush by hanging it and don’t store a brush on its tips.

When purchasing paint, I've been asked if I want flat, high gloss, satin and even an eggshell finish. What do these terms mean, and does it really make any difference what kind of finish I have?
They refer to the sheen or gloss level of the paint, and, yes, it does make a difference which one you use. The sheen or gloss level simply means the degree of light reflectance of the paint. The terms you mention are ones that various manufacturers use to describe the shininess of their products. Your local independent paint retailer can recommend the type of gloss you need for your particular paint project.

Does it matter what type of brush you use with any type of paint?
Generally, there are two types of paint brushes, those made of natural-hair bristles and those made with synthetic materials (usually nylon or polyester). Natural bristle brushes are preferred for use with solvent-based (oil- or alkyd-based) paints, especially for enamel or finish work. Natural bristles are hollow and can absorb the water contained in a latex paint, causing them to swell and become soft and limp (like your own hair when it’s wet). Most synthetic brushes work well with both latex and solvent-based paints, but always check the manufacturer's recommendations on the brush. Some of the solvents used in solvent-based paints can break down the compensation of a synthetic bristle-once again check the label.

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