Painting Commonly Asked Questions

When do I need to apply a primer?
Generally speaking, a primer should be applied to any surface that has never been painted before. When repainting, a primer is needed when the surface is uneven in porosity, or when the surface has been stripped of paint or is worn down to the substrate (bare wood is a good example).
Can water-based paint be applied over oil-based paint?
Today’s high quality acrylic latex paints provide excellent adhesion to surfaces painted with oil-based or alkyd paints. But if a surface has more than three or four coats of oil-based paint on it, you may want to apply an oil-based topcoat.
What is the best way to store open paint?
Do not dispose of it as you may need it in the future. Use a paper towel to clean the paint form the groove on the rim. Cover the can opening with plastic wrap to keep the container airtight. Replace the lid by using strong pressure to press it down into the groove lines. When the paint is alkyd or oil-based it is helpful to place a piece of waxed paper directly onto the paint before sealing the can or store the cans of paint upside down. Always store paint in its original containers, with the label intact. Never store paint where it will be subjected to freezing cold or extreme heat. Never pour paint down the drain or bury it. In A.B. utilize your local paint care collection sites. Why not donate your leftover paint to charitable institutions?
Do I need to re-paint my basecoat?
The colour and condition of the walls will affect your final faux finish. Any repairs must be sanded smooth and sealed or it will show darker as they absorb more glaze. A flat latex paint will make the glaze dry faster and is not recommended for negative techniques or washes. Eggshell and semi-gloss finishes are the easiest surface to work on because they let the glaze slide and blend properly. All plaster work is better on a flat very dry latex surface.
Is it always necessary to apply two coats of exterior paint?
The best exterior paint system consists of a coat of quality primer, followed by two coats of top quality paint. However, if the surface was previously painted and the old paint is still sound, even a single coat of a top grade paint will provide good protection from the elements.
How do I choose the products for my decorating project?
The room surface and the decor will all influence the choice of paint that you will use. The depth of colour, the feel, the sheen, the amount of activity and the expected years of washing will determine the selection of and alkyd or latex and the choice of sheen finish.
Let your stored Expert assist you in choosing the product to complete your project. A simple description and measurement of your surface areas will help your Paint Expert
What size containers of paint are available?
The most common sizes are:
0.945 litres
3.78 litres
18.9 litres
How many coats do I need to apply?
Generally one or two. The paint label will state the recommended number of coats and may briefly describe situations in which you would use a primer before applying the paint.
How large an area does a container of paint cover?
The label will state the approximate area per litre, which will typically work out to approximately 400 square feet (single coat) for a 3.78 litres container. However, this figure can increase or decrease due to factors related to the surface to be painted and the paint to be applied:
Irregularity of surface (of siding, for example), which results in surface area that is greater than the measurement would indicate
Porosity of surface
Color of surface
Color of the paint
Product used (its hiding power, for example)
How much paint do I need?
First simply calculate the surface area to be painted (and multiply by the number of coats)
Read the container label to find out how much area the paint will cover. If necessary, make adjustments for relevant factors, but don't plan to skimp. (Spreading paint too thinly lowers its durability.)
Divide the area per container into your total surface area to determine how many containers you need.

What is oil paint?