What weather conditions are most suited for painting the outside of a building?

When painting the exterior surfaces, one needs to avoid rainy and windy conditions by all means otherwise the drying time will be adversely affected. Windy weather conditions can blow dirt onto the wet surfaces. Painting in rainy weather will lead to unnecessary paint problems, for example, blistering, bubbling paint film etc.

How Does One Prepare Walls for Painting

Cleaning and Scrapping. Cleaning is the first step in preparing a surface for painting. This is a step that should not be avoided, irrespective of how new or how old the surface is. Cleaning will vary from dusting to washing depending on the condition of the surface. Old walls and surfaces with chalking and flaking paint must be treated accordingly.

Sanding

Remove paint from a surface only if necessary. Sanding provides an even surface and also provides a good key for the new coating of paint to adhere to the substrate. Various grades of sand paper are available from hard ware stores for this purpose. Always remember to clean the surface thoroughly after sanding.

Filling

Very often cracks and holes need to be filled and must be done before painting. Use Calcimo Crack fillers. Fill cracks properly to ensure that they do not reopen. Seek professional help from builders if necessary. Sand excess filler, (once dry) to create a smooth and even surface.

Where should one start painting?

When painting a room, start with the ceiling, and then do the walls, windows, doors and cornice mouldings, skirtings and finally the floor.

When painting the floor, always work out towards the door. One does not want to work oneself into a corner!

How could one keep paint in a can fresh for longer?

When painting, it is always advisable to pour a small amount of paint into a tray or smaller bucket. Close the original paint can. This is a good way to keep your paint fresh and free from skins and contaminants. Although this takes time, it is well worth the effort.

How long should one wait before one can paint newly plastered walls?

While the weather (temperature and humidity) will play a part, the general rule of thumb is to wait one week for every 5mm of plaster thickness, before applying a breathable, alkali resistant paint.

What causes blistering and bubbling in dry paint films?

Blistering and bubbling may be defined as formation of air-pockets or swellings in the paint film. This may be visible within hours or a few days of painting. This is often a result of the surface or substrate being moist. If one paints over moist surfaces, the moisture is trapped between the paint film and the substrate. When the external temperature increases (warm rays of the sun fall directly on the painted surface), the trapped moisture then needs a point of exit. This results in bubbling and blistering which is indicative of moisture trying to “escape” through the paint film.

Astra Paints manufactures a comprehensive portfolio of products that can be broadly divided into four categories:

Decorative Paints:

These are paints used in the painting and decoration of homes and offices as well as associated ancillaries. Products include:

•  Oil based paints amongst them: High Gloss Enamel paints, Eggshell Enamel paints,
• Red Oxide metal primer and Zinc Phosphate primer.
•  Water based paints among them Super Advanced Acrylic Exterior/Interior PVA, Ceiling PVA White, Polycril acrylic PVA, Double Velvet luxury PVA and Micatex textured coatings.
• Varnishes that include Clear varnish, Woodcoat Clear varnishes, Varnish stains.

Industrial Paints and coatings:

These are paints used in industry for the finished of industrial goods of hard durability and include Baking enamels, powder coatings, drum enamels Copon pipe and tank coatings and bitumen paints.

Furniture Paints and Coatings:

All paints used for the industrial manufacture of furniture. Products include Plaseal base coat, Reaction lacquers, Colour Coats and ancillaries like wood grain fillers.

Automotive Paints:

Manufactured by Astra Paints as well as imported from Barloworld Coatings for the OEM and refinish markets. Brands include the Glosskote enamel, Fleetline enamel, Grey Surfacer Primer, Acrylac 2K auto range, Barloworld’s Acryline 2K auto range and top of the range Herbert’s Standox 2K auto range.

It is also noteworthy that Astra Paints offers technical services for all of these categories as well as boast the best project assistance service in support of their paint and coatings products