Is there a most suitable paint for a specific region?
- Snow White, Mauvacryl, Cashmere: Dry regions with low rainfall.
- Mauvitop, Anti Fungus, Proflon: Dry to humid regions with average rainfall.
- Mauvilith, Anti Fungus: Very humid regions with high rainfall.
Is it necessary to use a priming coat before applying the finishing coats?
The first coat is essential in all paint systems. Its function will depend on the nature of the application:
- To obtain good adhesion on the surface e.g. Two Pack Etch Primer or MA 10 Primer on galvanised surfaces.
- To protect against corrosion e.g. zinc phosphate anti corrosive primers on mild steel.
- To regulate the absorption of subsequent coats of paints e.g. Clear Emulsion Binder on very porous and absorbent surfaces.
- To seal chalked surfaces e.g. Mauvilith Sealer.
- To isolate e.g. Mauvilith Sealer to isolate subsequent coats against the alkalinity of cement.
- To prime e.g. Wood Primer or Universal Undercoat on wood, plywood or MDF.
What is a sealer?
Normally a sealer is used to isolate, seal and to get good adhesion on a substrate. The sealer can be transparent or tinted. Its function will depend on the nature of the substrate. Mauvilith Sealer is used for example to seal cement based surfaces and to protect subsequent coats of paints against the alkalinity of the cement.
What treatments are available against fungus on cement based surfaces?
Solutions containing fungicides are available, Fungicidal Wash is used to clean and sterilize the surface. Fungicidal Treatment is applied prior to painting to prevent further growth of fungus.
Mauvilith, Anti Fungus and Proflon are paints which have good resistance against fungus. It should be noted that fungus can grow on surfaces which have been soiled with dust and other contaminants as these contain organic matters on which they can feed. Regular maintenance by washing with water under medium pressure will help to keep the surface clean and prevent growth of micro organisms.
Tip: Fungus needs water to grow. They derive the water that they need from the surface on which they develop. Try to avoid conditions that will keep the surface constantly wet, repair leaks in gutters and downpipes. Install a good rainwater drainage system.
Is it possible to mix ‘Clear Emulsion Binder’ to a water based emulsion paint prior to its application?
It is not recommended for the end user to mix Clear Emulsion Binder to water based emulsion paints even if they are compatible. Both products have their own characteristics and specific functions, Clear Emulsion Binder is used to regulate the absorption and seal the surface. Water based paints are used as topcoats. The characteristics and functions of the two products are altered when they are mixed together.
What solutions exist for waterproofing flat roofs?
If the water infiltration is caused by cracks which can be localized, spot repairs can be made with Duram 195. If the water infiltration cannot be localized, it is advisable to have to whole surface treated by water proofing specialists.
Are there any specific colors that are recommended for exterior?
Pastel colors and those obtained from inorganic ochre pigments are better suited for exterior conditions. Avoid bright colors obtained from organic pigments as they do not have optimal resistance to light and weathering. Dark colors, even those which have good light and weathering resistance, should be avoided on walls that are exposed to sunlight as they can cause other defects such as cracks in the substrate due to greater heat absorption.
How many coats of paint are required to obtain a good finish?
As a general rule, three coats are required to achieve a good finish and sufficient build for long term protection as exterior coatings will gradually lose in film thickness due to weathering.
What is the maximum level of dilution for water based emulsion paints?
The rate of dilution will vary depending on the mode of application. It is not necessary to dilute, always dilute to facilitate application and to obtain a better finish. For application by roller or airless spray, the paint can be diluted up to 10%, up to 15% for brush application.
Tip: Avoid over dilutions, as diluting paint reduces its opacity.
Is the finish different if the paint is applied by roller or brush?
For smooth water based emulsion paints, the finish is more or less identical whether they are applied by brush or roller. The choice of the roller is important as there are different ones which are available. The most common are long hair rollers which are used for smooth water based emulsion wall paints and short hair rollers which are used for gloss enamels. Before using a roller, follow the recommendations of the roller manufacturer and check for which type of application it is recommended.
Is it possible to get advice on color selection?
The service is available at the showroom. color trends are updated on a monthly basis and are available at the showroom and Espace Maison outlets.
How long can I keep water based emulsion paint and an alkyd based paint?
These paints can be kept for 12 months in their original, unopened cans in a dry, cool area. When using water based paints, observe the basic rules of hygiene, avoid contaminating the paint by using clean tools. If only part of the paint is intended to be used, pour the required quantity in another container. Close the original container immediately and store, avoid diluting the part that you intend to keep.
Tip: If you intend to keep an alkyd based paint which has been used partly, pour some Testbenzin on top of the paint before closing the container. The Testbenzin will prevent the paint from reacting with the air contained in the can and prevent the formation of a skin.
Does Mauvilac provide a color selection service on site?
Yes, on request and subject to approval by Sales Department.
Why are tinted varnishes more resistant than clear on exterior?
The colorants that are used for tinting provide UV resistance to the varnishes and the wood. In the case of clear varnishes, the UV rays are able to go through and degrade the film of varnish and the superficial layers of the wood.
What are the most appropriate varnishes for humid regions?
For exterior woods, flexible tinted varnishes based on alkyd resins or water based polyurethanes are more indicated. However it is essential to ensure that there is no water retention, that the wood does not contain excessive humidity prior to coating and to coat all sides of the wood to prevent re-absorption of humidity.
Tip: Do not use nitrocellulose based products such as Nitro Sanding Sealer, Inacel, Karnamel Blending Clear on exterior woods.
What are the spreading rates for each paint?
In general, for smooth water based emulsion paints such as Mauvacryl, Cashmere, VIP Satin, Mauvitop, Anti Fungus, Proflon, Gloss Enamel, the average spreading rate is around 8 m² per litre per coat. Rough surfaces such as tyrolean take more paint, depending on surface roughness, the spreading rate will vary between 2 to 4 m² per litre per coat.
For textured paints, refer to the technical data sheets of the products.
Tip: The opacity of a paint depends on the nature of the color. Some colors do not have any opacity, for example bright yellows and reds. In these cases, another hiding color should be used as a background prior to the application of the transparent color.
Is there a universal sealer for water based emulsion paints?
Mauvilith Sealer can be used as a universal sealer prior to application of water based emulsion paints. Other sealers are available for specific requirements for example, Clear Emulsion Binder is very liquid and penetrates deeply into porous and very absorbent substrates to seal them.
Are perfumed and odourless paints available?
Paints can be perfumed by addition of a perfume but the odour can become unpleasant especially if it is persistent after some time. It is more difficult to obtain an odorless paint as many of the raw materials used have their own characteristics odour. It is however possible by a careful selection of the raw materials to obtain a low odour paint.
When I use a dark color, I do not obtain a uniform color and finish. Why?
Dark colors and also bright ones are often transparent or have poor opacity. When applied solely, they tend to give a patchy finish due to the lack in opacity. Use another hiding color before applying the dark color. Four of these hiding colors are available referenced 1, 2, 3 and 4. For water based paints, use EMULSION UNDERCOAT and for alkyd enamels, use ALKYD UNDERCOAT. The choice of the hiding color will depend on the final color.
Why do some varnishes such as Acid Catalysed and Inacel take time to dry?
Both Acid Catalysed and Inacel are fast drying products. Nitrocellulose products such as Inacel dry only by solvent evaporation. The time taken by the solvents to evaporate is dependent on ambient conditions. When the ambient temperature is low and relative humidity very high, the solvents take longer to evaporate. On the contrary, if the solvents dries too fast and if the surface temperature is below dew point, condensation of water may occur and cause whitening.
Acid Catalysed products dry by solvent evaporation and acid curing. The correct mixing ratio should be used as well as the recommended thinner.
Tip: the glue used in some substandard plywoods and medium density boards is sensitive to the solvents contained in Acid Catalysed and nitrocellulose products. The glue softens and makes Acid Catalysed and nitrocellulose products sticky on drying. This is often confused as poor drying times. It is always recommended to make a preliminary test to check. If the glue is attacked, an isolator should be used.