Paint FAQs
Q: I’m painting my house, where do I start first?
A: Painting a room or exterior of a house in the correct order will not only save time, but it will also save money. If you’re painting interior rooms, begin with the ceilings (1), walls (2), doors (3), windows (4), radiators (5), and trim (6). When painting the exterior of a house start with the gables (1), siding (2), windows (3), trim (4), and doors (5). For more detailed information about how to paint, please refer to Interior Paint Application and Exterior Paint Application within our “Advice & How To” section.
Q: How much paint should I buy?
A: Bennett’s Carpets has a Glidden Paint Calculator will help you determine how much paint you’ll need.
Q: Should I use an oil or latex paint?
A: Usually, a quality latex or water-based paint will be sufficient to fulfill your painting needs. However, in some circumstances, it may be better to use an oil or alkyd-based paint. Here are a few suggestions and some strengths and weaknesses for both:
Latex
Quality interior latex paints provide better long-term flexibility, that is, resistance to cracking and chipping. Latex paints also tend to resist yellowing with age in areas protected from sunlight. They emit fewer odors, clean up with water and are not flammable. Latex paint takes a shorter amount of time to dry than oil paint.
Pros
- Low odor
- Faster dry time
- Water clean-up
- Long term flexibility
- Non- yellowing
- Not combustible
Cons
- Relatively small open-time (amount of time paint can be brushed before it sets)
Oil
Oil-based paints offer superior one-coat hiding and better adhesion to difficult surfaces (such as those not thoroughly cleaned). Oil-based paints allow for greater ‘opentime’ (or length of time the paint may be brushed before it sets), superior resistance to ‘blocking’ (or face-to-face sticking) and resistance to abrasion, once cured.
Pros
- Hard, durable
- Moisture resistant
- Greater flow and leveling
- Greater open-time
Cons
- Yellows with age
- Strong odor
- Solvent Clean-up
Q: How long does latex paint take to dry between coats?
A: The majority of latex paints when applying at room temperature will be dry set-to-touch within one hour or less and may be recoated within four hours. Poor ventilation, low temperatures, thick films and high humidity will increase these times.
Q: How long does alkyd/oil paint take to dry between coats?
A: The majority of alkyd/oil paints when applying at room temperature will be dry set-to-touch within six to eight hours and may be recoated within 16 hours. Poor ventilation, low temperatures, thick films and high humidity will increase these times.
Q: What can I do to minimize paint odor?
A: Ventilation! Ventilate well, any rooms being painted. Warm air movement is the most effective paint curing mechanism. Remove any drapes and furniture, if possible before painting. Paint fumes, even from latex paints, can permeate drapes, carpet and furniture. Cover furniture, if unable to remove.
Q: Can I apply latex over existing oil paint?
A: Yes, applying a latex paint over an existing oil paint can be done but only after the surface involved is properly prepared. To insure that proper adhesion takes place when one is painting over a semi-gloss or gloss surface, the old paint should be either dulled with sandpaper or a dulling solvent prior to applying the new topcoat. It is always a good idea to prime a previously painted surface prior to applying a topcoat.
Q: How do I prepare the surface before I paint?
A: Surface preparation is the most important part of painting. Almost all common paint problems are associated with poor surface preparation and rarely due to failure of the paint itself. A clean surface will maximize paint adhesion and minimize stain bleed-through.
- Spackle any nail holes or cracks.
- Sand any rough spots lightly to a smooth finish.
- On smooth surfaces such as walls or doors a mild detergent and warm water applied with a rag or sponge is usually sufficient.
- Rougher areas such as masonry, brick or tile can be cleaned with a bristle brush.
- A stronger cleanser such as ammonia should only be used where grease and dirt build-up is substantial.
- Always rinse thoroughly to eliminate any detergent residue and allow the surface to dry completely.
- Prime the surface.
Q: Is it always necessary to use a primer before painting?
A: Glidden recommends that a primer always be applied prior to the topcoat for both interior and exterior projects.
There are several key reasons to prime:
INTERIOR
- Use on any new or bare surface to seal the surface
- Prevent smoke or water stains from consistently bleeding through to the surface
- Prevent grease and mildew stains from bleeding through
- Making a major color change
- Painting over a glossy surface
- Don’t know when last painted; so topcoat will not be absorbed into the surface
- Ensures great adhesion of the topcoat which will promote:
- Greater color retention
- Greater wash and scrub resistance
- Makes for a more uniform attractive appearance of the topcoat
- Ensures better holdout if topcoat has a sheen
EXTERIOR
- Use on any new or bare surface to seal the surface
- Ensures great adhesion of the topcoat
- Helps prevent blistering, cracking and peeling of topcoat
- Offers better color retention and fade resistance
- Helps control growth of new mildew
- Needed to cover stains or major changes to ensure complete coverage of topcoat
- Needed to cover old chalky or weathered surfaces
In addition to the above reasons, a primer can also be tinted with a topcoat colorant to help promote coverage. This becomes necessary when you’re working with a dark or accent color. It is advised in this situation that you can only add two ounces of colorant per gallon of primer.
Q: How do I know which sheen to choose?
A: A paint color’s appearance is affected by the difference in its gloss level. Here’s a quick recap of what to expect from a paint finish, and what finishes to use where.
- Flat: Traditionally used on interior walls, a flat finish is soft, non-reflective, and good at hiding minor surface imperfections. Consider a flat finish for living rooms, bedrooms and ceilings.
- Eggshell: close cousins of the flat finish, an eggshell finish gives you increased durability and wash ability.
- Satin/Silk: This is your most versatile finish, excellent for higher traffic areas and kid’s rooms. Satin finishes are rich, velvety, and offer outstanding scuff resistance.
- Semi-Gloss: This shiny finish provides decorative contrast with flat, eggshell or satin/silk. Highly wear- resistant, semi-gloss finishes work well in bathrooms and kitchens, and on wood trim.
- Gloss: Very luminous and reflective, a gloss is used for bold, decorative accents, or where maximum durability is required, such as cabinets, doors and furniture.
Q: How do I paint my woodwork without ruining my carpet and walls?
A: There are two different methods to painting woodwork depending on whether it’s the trim or the baseboards, but for each a 1- or 2-inch brush is the most practical.
For the most precise coverage when painting trim, an angled trim brush is recommended. You’ll save time by using masking tape over areas not freshly painted, but remember to remove the tape quickly after painting — you’ll avoid pulling the paint away with the tape.
When painting baseboards, it is helpful to use a 2-inch masking tape around the edges of the carpet. The tape should be placed about 3/4″ on the baseboard and then tucked down over the carpet fibers as you pull them back from the baseboard. Because this tape will not stick firmly to the carpet, it is best to let the paint dry before removing the tape.
Q: What do I do about mildew on painted walls?
A: Mildew is an exterior surface problem and is areas of black, gray, brown spots formed on paint and other surfaces, particularly in damp, shady areas. Mildew is caused by warm, humid conditions, poor air circulation and little direct sunlight, like under eaves or overhangs. Shrubbery planted too close to a building is an ideal place for mildew to grow.
Mildew must be removed before painting or it will come through the new paint. Remove all mildew by scrubbing with a solution of household bleach and water. Mix 1 part bleach to 3 parts water, and remember to rinse the surface thoroughly with a garden hose after washing. (Power washing is recommended for larger areas). Always wear appropriate safety equipment (rubber gloves and eye protection) when using this solution, and protect your shrubbery and plants with plastic sheeting.
After getting rid of all mildew, priming is essential for better adhesion, sheen uniformity, mildew control, and durability. Select a top quality exterior paint in the color and sheen of your choice.
Q: What are the best paints to use in my kitchen, bathrooms, and other high moisture areas?
A: Due to the high levels of humidity and condensation that both kitchens and bathrooms are subjected to, they become prone to paint cracking, peeling, and mildew. In order to avoid these problems, a semi-gloss paint is recommended. A semi-gloss paint has a higher sheen value meaning it provides a harder finish that proves more moisture resistant. Along with this, a semi-gloss finish is also very washable and scrubbable.
Q: Where can I get/find Endurance Oil/Alkyd Semi-Transparent Deck Stain?
A: Endurance Deck Stain is available through Glidden Dealers now labeled as Spred Dura Exterior Semi- Transparent Deck & Siding Stain. Check the “locator” on the web site for the nearest Glidden Dealer. It’s best to call first and verify whether the Dealer carries the deck stain before venturing out.
We also sell comparable oil/alkyd semi-transparent stains through Independent Devoe (www.devoepaint.com) and Fuller O’Brien (www.fullerpaint.com) Dealers under the All-Weather Exterior Solventborne Semi-Transparent Stain label and through our company owned ICI Dulux Paint Centers (www.iciduluxpaints.com) under the Woodpride Exterior Oil/Alkyd Semi-Transparent Stain label.
Q: Can I use interior paint outside?
A: We do not recommend that you use an interior labeled paint for exterior use. Interior paints are designed for specific use on interior surfaces, hence performance and film integrity may be compromised if used on exterior surfaces.
Q: Can I use exterior paint inside?
A: We do not recommend that you use an exterior labeled paint for interior use. Exterior paints are designed for specific use on exterior surfaces, hence performance and film integrity may be compromised if used on interior surfaces. Additionally, exterior paints typically have included in their formulation mildewcides, to resist the growth of mildew on the dry paint film, and the level of mildewcide in the exterior paint may be above the level recommended for interior use.
Q: How can I safely dispose of any leftover paint that I may have?
A: If you have any leftover paint, thinner or other chemicals they should never be poured down the drain or otherwise disposed of carelessly. Leftover paint in useable conditions can be donated to churches, schools or other organizations. To determine if old paint is still useable, stir it with a paint stick and if the paint is smooth, it is still good!
Empty cans or those with a small amount of water-based paints in them should be left open and allowed to dry in a ventilated area, out of the reach of children and pets. In most states, cans with dried latex paint may be discarded with household trash.
Oil-based or alkyd paints should be allowed to dry by adding absorbent material such as kitty litter. Leftover paint can become dangerous if not disposed of correctly. Become familiar with the disposal procedures recommended in your municipality. Some make regular, scheduled pickups of household hazardous waste; some have recycling programs.
