Paint

Technology

More info coming soon!

• seal and protect
• cover existing stains and imperfections
• block stains from subsequently coming to the surface
• prime - make it able to better able to accept and hold a subsequent layer of paint.
• aesthetics - make something look the way you want

• Make sure the surface is clean and dry. Wax, oil, and dirt and your enemies.
• If there is old paint, make sure it is solid. Flaking paint must be removed.
• Read the label on the paint.
• It helps if the surface is porous or a little rough; it gives the paint something to "grip" on. You might want to scuff the surface with fine sand paper; or even sand it all over. Either way, wipe off the dust afterwards.

In general, the easiest paints to work with are latex emulsions. They can be thinned with water, and cleaned up with soap and water. Once dried, the paint resists water and will not normally wash off.

The toughest paints to work with are oil paints, because they require nasty organic colvents to thin, clean, and remove.

Here's a can of Bortzoil Odorless Thinner.

The can warns that it is flammable. It's probably a carcinogen, too. Most oil paints and the thinners that they use are hazardous chemicals.

Read the paint label for specifics on thinning, cleanup, and removal.

If you are saving money by buying mis-mixed paint, store employees usually refuse to tint it:

• Since you are already buying the paint below their cost, they are reluctant to throw in additional service and materials. There's not much that you can do about this.
• The paint is already contaminated with assorted colors, so getting a precise result is difficult. If you are using the paint for Halloween props, color match is seldom inportant, and you may be able to convince them that you aren't fussy and just making it darker will do. "Put in as much black as you can" will often yield some shade of gray usable in a haunt.

If the store won't tint the paint, you can do it yourself. Tints are available in paste and liquid form.

This tint claims to be "Universal", able to mix properly with almost any kind of paint. They use a strange glycol-based carrier to make this work.

This tint is the consistency of chocolate syrup.

I don't remember the price, but it is a bit expensive.

This bottle of colorant is intended to dye concrete. It is very inexpensive, since it is intended for use in large quantity. But since it isn't meant for use with paint, it might not work well or at all.

I suspect that this stuff is water-based and compatible with latex paints, but not oils.

Before buying of using any paint tinting product, carefully read the label to make sure that it is compatible with the kind of paint you are using.

Exterior stain penetrates into the project, coloring the material and making it more resistant to the elements.

Interior stains don't protect much, and require a layer on top of them to protect both material and stain (such as varnish, shellac, or oil). But they are designed to bring out the natural beauty of the wood grain by coloring more strongly the more absorptive portions of the wood.

At least they are rated for indoor/outdoor use.

At least they are rated for indoor/outdoor use.

When used to seal, paint would stay on the surface, providing a protective layer on top of the project. WaterSeal penetrates into the project, making the material itself more resistant to the elements.

WaterSeal is normally clear, and can be used on any porous surface, without affecting the appearance. Thompson's also makes tinted versions of WaterSeal.

Krylon makes a fluorescent blue spray paint, #3109. If your store does not carry it, ask them to order some.

If you apply this generously, subsequent coats of oil-based stain don't stick very well.

[circa 10/2005]

It soaks rapidly into the wood, unless you previously put a lot of water-based stain there.

[circa 10/2005]

It soaks rapidly into the wood, unless you previously put a lot of water-based stain there.

[circa 10/2005]

Saving Money

• Buy your paint in bulk, preferably gallon cans or larger. It's less convenient than an aerosol can, but much cheaper.

• Buy mis-mixed "oops" paint.

  When a customer comes in asking for a custom-mixed color, and something goes wrong, a can of expensive paint could become just another container of toxic waste. The stores try to sell mis-mixed paint, usually in a special corner of the paint department devoted to mis-mixes. This lets them (a) dispose of it (b) and not lose as much money. You can often get quite servicible paint for $1 a gallon.

  Have them shake it for you. They might even tint it for you. Warning: Some stores require that the paint be sold at full price if they tint it - ask first.

Saving Time

• Consider using disposable "chip" brushes. If you are really thrifty, you can clean and reuse these, but they are ideal for use as disposables.

• You can also find disposable trays for paint rollers. Some of these are so flimsy that they make better liners for real paint trays.

• Consider painting pieces before assembly. If you paint the wooden beam that will be part of your patio cover while it is sitting on the ground, you won't have to get up on a ladder to paint it after the beam is installed.

Storage

• Store unused paint in a cool, dry place. Any environment that you feel comfortable in is ideal for storage of paint, glue, and ammunition. This means that, ideally, you should avoid attic and garage storage. Your living room would be great if your spouse can stand a dozen old cans of paint and a few cases of 223 Remington. Perhaps stacking it neatly will help.

• Keep unused paint well-sealed. The factory seal is good; resealing an opened can is often problematic. Take the time to insure you did a good job.

• Consider using after-market plastic paint can lids. They are easier to put on and take off than the usual metal lids. They are reusable, and probably seal better than a reused metal lid.

Assorted Tips

• Several thin layers of paint is better than a single thick one. Really!

• Make sure the paint is well mixed before use. Even if they shook it at the store, stir it again: paint settles out.