PAINTING INTERIOR WALLS, DOORS AND TRIM - TIPS & ADVICE
A. Ensure all surfaces are correctly prepared:
Clean surface and ensure there is no grease, dirt or residue left on surface.
Putty and sand any nail holes prior to painting.
Using very fine grit sand paper, sand glossy surfaces to create a key on the surface. Remove any residue, including dust.
NOTE: Follow safety guidelines if working over existing lead paint.
B. Apply a primer:
Axolotl Primer is suitable under all Axolotl Paints. Axolotl Primer is suitable for use over substrates including gyprock, masonry, internal and external timber, concrete, and previously painted water based or oil based paints in sound condition. Follow paint tin directions for application method.
Axolotl Metal Primer is recommended for use over new iron and steel, galvanised metal and zincalume. Follow paint tin directions for application method.
C. Coverage:
To achieve the best colour and opacity, it is beneficial to tint the primer towards the final colour of paint selected.
Three coats of paint are recommended when changing colours, for example from light to dark, when primer isn’t applied. Depending on the nature of the paint, you may require three coats even with primer applied.
TIP: Top quality paints will provide better coverage than economy products because they have a thicker application, shrink less upon drying, flow out better without thin spots in brush marks, and have stronger opacity. It is always worth investing in quality paints to save time and money in the long run.
D. Paint selection:
Consider the nature of the paint, location and the colour chosen:
Sheen levels
Flat paints tend to provide better coverage and hide the under-colour better than paints of higher sheen or gloss.
Flat paints will help to disguise any unevenness or imperfections in the surface.
Flat paints have a rougher surface and can mark easier than paints with a higher sheen. They are best used on ceilings or lower traffic areas.
Low Sheen is the most suitable sheen level for typical home wall application. The sheen level is high enough to allow ease of cleaning, while matte enough to help disguise unevenness and imperfections.
Satin and gloss paints will highlight imperfections more than the matter bases as they reflect more light.
Satin and gloss finishes will highlight trims, and make them stand out visually against matter walls.
Textured paints such as Axolotl Metta can also be used to help disguise unevenness or imperfections in the surface.
Colour & Location
Light colours can show up dirt and dust quicker than other tones. It may be beneficial to use a sheen level that is easy to clean such as Low sheen, Satin or Gloss.
Light colours can help to increase the perceived size of a room. Where as dark colours can make a space feel smaller.
Glossier bases can appear darker than the same colour mixed in a matte base. This is due to the paint bases absorption and reflection of the surrounding light.
Specialty finishes such as Axolotl Micaceous are ideally used to highlight elements of the designs, such as application on trims.
E. Use appropriate, quality application tools:
Use top quality brushes and equipment to achieve a smoother, heavier coat. Wide filament brushes are recommended, they will achieve coverage quicker and hold more paint.
When brushing paints, apply a heavy coat with only 2 or 3 strokes (do not keep working the area or lapping may become evident), refill the brush, and move on.
When rolling paints, keep the roller full, use vertical strokes, and do not overspread the paint. Over-spreading the paint can lead to uneven coats and will require more coats to achieve coverage.
The information above is provided to assist our clients and is based on our experience in the paint industry. For further information, technical assistance or pricing please contact the Axolotl Paint sales team.
The information above is provided to assist our clients and is based on our experience in the paint industry. For further information, technical assistance or pricing please contact the Axolotl Paint sales team.