Frequently Asked Questions

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 government has steadily legislated out of use the chemicals in oil paint which used to make it very durable, and 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. In the Indianapolis area there are increasingly strict regulations on the amount of solids allowed in paint which is reducing oil paint from the marketplace.

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

Each customer has a different vision for their project, and that means the level of preparation will be tailored to meet the needs of each customer and their 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 to correctly.
• Scraping – all loose and peeling paint should be removed by scrappers, knives, and/or steel brushes. All areas should be scrapped back to a firm edge.
• Sanding – sanding is a beautification process and does not add longevity to the paint job. As such, this is one point where you must discuss your desires with the estimator. Often, sanding is focused on high visibility areas.
• Caulking and Sealing– gaps, cracks, and crevices in siding, and around doors and windows will be sealed and caulked. Different substrates require different caulks and sealers, and we will use the correct product for each specific circumstance.

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 – this 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 that the estimator deems appropriate for your particular situation.

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, such as 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 which helps 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 coat(s) being applied. Additionally, very dramatic color changes often require a full prime coat prior to finish coats being applied.

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, but will require discussing the pros and cons of such a paint system with your estimator.

What is elastomeric paint?

Elastomeric paint is a special coating designed for stucco and masonry surfaces where water intrusion has been an ongoing problem. It can require a special primer and two complete finish coats to create a very thick film between the building and the environment. As the name implies, this coating has a very elastic nature that helps it to bridge underlying cracks in stucco and masonry surfaces. The costs for elastomeric paint are much higher than for latex paint due to a much lower spread rate and the difficulty of working with this specialty product.

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 so that they do not stick.

How long should the new paint job last?

The longevity of the paint job is affected mostly by the quality of the preparation. Cedar siding and trim often requires painting every 6 years, while surfaces like fiber-cement and brick can hold up for ten or more years. Other aspects that will affect the longevity include the age, and condition of the substrates, their exposure to the elements, and how protected a structure is by other near-by structures.

Most often it is not the top coats of paint that fail, but the bottom coats that fail because they are the oldest coats on the house their resins simply degrade. When this happens the top coats don’t have anything solid to adhere to, and thus begin to peel and crack.

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; ensure the proper level of preparation is specified for you 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 so long as the paint is put on at the proper spread rate (sq. ft./gallon) and performed by a skilled applicator. Spraying will provide a smoother appearance, and less chance for mildew to get into brush marks and grow. As long as 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. Many of them can be toxic and have a bad odor, so the government has limited what sorts of VOC can be used in paints, as well as limited the amounts that can be used. Some examples are paint thinner, mineral spirits, alcohol, gasoline, ethylene glycol, acetone and xylol. Most architectural paints contain some VOCs.

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. If you really want to save money, spend a little more on quality materials.

That said, there are instances where the most expensive paints may not be appropriate for your situation. An example is Sherwin Williams Duration. This is a super-premium paint that lasts a long time. However, it dries very tight and is not necessarily recommended for homes with lots of previous coats of paint because Duration may pull off the old coats. Again, working with CertaPro means that you will get the right paint specified and expertly applied by our experienced crews.