General Questions About Paint and Preparation

Frequently Asked Questions > Paint & Preparation

General Questions About Paint and Preparation

Which is better – oil paint or latex paint?

While oil paint has traditionally been viewed as superior to water-based paints, the chemicals that made oil paints especially durable have been legislated out of use by the government. As such, oil paints are being phased out of the marketplace for residential painting. At the same time, the technological advances in 100% acrylic resin latex paints have improved dramatically.

What types of preparation need to be done to my house?

Each homeowner has a different vision for his/her project. This means the level of preparation will be tailored to meet the needs of each homeowner and unique project. Below is a description of the various types of preparation we usually perform. Your estimator will discuss with you what you hope to achieve with your project, tailor the proposal to capture that vision, and price the project accordingly.

• Washing – New paint requires a clean, dry, and firm base to adhere correctly.
• Scraping – All loose and peeling paint should be removed by scrapers, knives, and/or steel brushes. All areas should be scraped back to a firm edge.
• Sanding – Sanding, depending on the condition of the substrate, is sometimes necessary to remove loose and peeling paint. Sanding can also help smooth out rough edges. Your estimator can help discuss the level of prep needed for your project.
• Caulking and Sealing – We will caulk areas that have been previously caulked where the caulk is missing or failing. We will also remove any failing caulk prior to re-caulking.

Does all the old paint on my house need to be removed before it can be repainted?

No, not all of the old paint needs to be removed. It is important to have any loose, peeling, cracking, or degraded paint removed prior to painting. However, if you do wish to have specific areas of the building stripped of all old paint (such as entryways or front doors), please discuss this with your estimator. These services can usually be priced as an option, although this type of “restoration” can be rather expensive.

What is a ‘paint system’, and which is appropriate for my project?

A paint system is the combination of sealers, primers and paints that are developed to work together for different substrates to produce a durable and beautiful finish. Your proposal will have the paint system listed the estimator deems appropriate for your project.

What is the purpose of primer, and when it is needed?

Primers are specifically designed coatings used to prepare different substrates to accept top coats of paint. They solve specific challenges painters face: sealing out moisture, resisting bleeding of stains and chemicals from inside the substrate, and locking down chalky surfaces.

Substrates that have paint adhering to them, in good condition, usually do not need a full prime coat. Rather, spot priming is performed where the surface is bare, or preparation tasks have been performed. However, if an extreme color change is planned, it is often helpful to have a tinted prime coat applied to help the finish coats cover better.

How many coats of paint are appropriate for my project?

The durability and longevity of a paint job is affected more by the quality of the preparation than the number of coats of paint. In most instances, CertaPro Painters specifies two complete coats of paint for previously painted surfaces. New, raw surfaces usually receive a full prime coat prior to finish coats being applied. Additionally, very dramatic color changes often require a full prime coat prior to finish coats being applied. This is most often seen when covering deep reds, greens and browns and/or when re-coating with a very light color. Your estimator will consult with you and can provide an option for an additional coat in those areas.

If you are not changing color, and the existing paint is in relatively good condition, a single coat of matching color and sheen may suffice. Your estimator will discuss the pros and cons of such a paint system with you.

How long does it take the new paint to dry?

Most latex paints set up in 30-120 minutes but may take as long as 30 days to fully cure. For this reason, we recommend opening and closing newly painted windows and doors regularly during this period to avoid sticking.

Is there anything I can do to increase the longevity of my new paint job?

Here are three things: make sure you use only the highest quality materials and paints, have your home power washed every few years, and ensure the proper level of preparation is specified and performed on your project.

Will I save money if I buy the materials?

Not likely. In fact, we get better discounts than the employees of most of the major paint manufacturers. If you want the best materials for the lowest price, then let us get them for you.

Is there a difference between hand-brushed and sprayed paint?

Both spraying and brushing are acceptable application methods when performed by a skilled applicator. If the surface has been properly prepared, sprayed paint will adhere as well as if brushed.

What does VOC mean?

VOC stands for “volatile organic compound” and refers to the chemicals that are off-gassed into the environment as part of the drying process. Some of them may be toxic and have a bad odor. The government has limited the types and amount of VOC’s that can be used in paints. Some examples of VOC’s are: paint thinner, mineral spirits, alcohol, gasoline, ethylene glycol, acetone and xylol. Most architectural paints contain some VOC’s.

Are more expensive paints better?

Generally, yes. More expensive paints contain more durable pigments and resins. The resins, along with the binders, give you the quality of finish. The way the product is produced can also impact the quality. Better pigments mean less coats of paint. Your estimator can help recommend the product best suited for your specific application.

What if dry rot or other carpentry issues are discovered during the estimating process?

We regularly perform basic carpentry repairs that are commonly found as part of exterior painting projects. These include removing and replacing rotten window trim, door casing/trim, siding boards, etc.

Your estimator will provide you with a separate price to complete any wood repairs we find during our inspection.

Occasionally, additional repair needs are uncovered during the pressure washing process or when our carpenters access areas that are difficult to access or clearly see during the estimate. We will consult with you, as soon as possible, when additional repairs may be needed and will get your approval for additional work before it is performed.

I’m concerned about water leaks into the house. Will painting solve these issues?

Water intrusion can occur for many reasons: poor draining from gutters, rusted or damaged window and/or roof flashing, rotted siding or trim work, or damaged roofing, just to name a few. It is difficult to determine the exact point of water entry because water follows the path of least resistance once it enters a structure. This means it may come in at one point, travel along an interior joist or other hidden structural elements in the home and come through drywall or plaster in an area far from the point of entry.

The caulking and sealing that are part of the normal preparation process of painting often solves leaking problems. However, if the root of the leaking problem is from some other source (for example, a damaged roof or gutters) the painting process probably will not solve the problem.