Paint Systems
How much do you know about paint?
If you are a painter, decorator, or sprayer, then you should know all about paint. After all it’s your area of expertise. However, when speaking to decorators up and down the country this does not appear to be the case. They are a little sketchy in their knowledge. They rely on the guy behind the counter at the paint suppliers just a bit too much. If a customer asks them for advice on a certain situation that need painting, then they will get back to them with the answer.
Have a look at the following questions and ask yourself if you know the answer.
1. What would you prime concrete with? It’s a swimming pool so it will be underwater?
2. What do I prime the tiles in my bathroom with? Will the paint stand up to the high humidity? How long will it need to cure before I can use the bathroom?
3. What paint should I use to paint my kitchen? Should I use a two-pack paint? There is a single pack available and you can use a crosslinker, would that work okay? What would be the advantage of that system?
4. Is water-based paint better or solvent-based? I am based in Florida and I am painting the outside of the house.
Need I go on? There are a thousand different surfaces, a million different situations and a thousand new paints coming out every year. You do not get that with wood, do you?
Understanding paint systems
Understanding paint systems is essential if you are a decorator and you want to provide a first-class service to your customer. You cannot rely on asking your mates for the information and you certainly cannot rely on the guy behind the counter at the local decorating supplier.
There are a number of strategies that you can do so that you never fall into the trap of using the wrong paint system that breaks down in 6 months’ time, do you know what they are?
Check out the rest of the article on my website, link in the comments below.
Painting and Decorating Lecturer City of Liverpool College
4 年Hi Pete, Totally agree every substrate/surface can be primed. Products change need to keep up with these changes. However all good decorators should always have a product guide just incase you forget what's available
Store manager
4 年Excellent article.
Marketing professional
4 年Great stuff Pete. Working for a manufacturer I will confirm the point that we are always pleased to assist with choosing the right paint for the job. We also recommend patch testing wherever possible if you are working with an unusual substrate/ situation. So dont be afraid to ask for a little sample pot.
Construction Consultant Equipping Trades, Building Contractors, Main Contractors, and Developers with systems to work smarter, not harder, achieving exceptional results in their developments safer & more profitability!
4 年Love reading your content mate, always so interesting but also down to earth with no waffly bollocks like so many authors, fair play keep it coming pal.
Glasgow Painting Contractor. Integrity, Commitment, Excellence, Responsibility
4 年Brilliant Pete,