Products and Materials

Paint consists of binder (resin), pigment, solvent/carrier, and additives; the binder holds pigment together and bonds the film to the surface.

Latex (water-based) paints dry fast, clean up with water, and have low odor and VOCs; oil-based (alkyd) paints offer leveling and stain-blocking but clean up with mineral spirits.

100% acrylic latex provides better exterior adhesion, flexibility, and color retention than economy vinyl-acrylic (PVA) formulas.

Primers seal the substrate and promote adhesion; use PVA on drywall, stain-blocking primer on knots, rust-inhibitive primer on steel, and block filler on masonry.

Epoxies cure to hard, chemical- and abrasion-resistant films for concrete floors and industrial surfaces, with a limited pot life once catalyzed.

Elastomeric coatings form thick, flexible films that bridge and waterproof hairline cracks in stucco and masonry.

Higher sheens (semi-gloss, gloss) are more washable and durable for kitchens, baths, and trim; flat hides imperfections but is harder to clean.

California regulates VOC content of architectural coatings through CARB and local air districts to reduce smog; select compliant low-VOC products.

Select coatings by substrate and exposure, choosing UV- and fade-resistant products for surfaces in constant sunlight.

Gallons needed equal area divided by spread rate; for example, 1,400 sq ft at 350 sq ft/gal = 4 gallons per coat, and always round up.

Rough or porous surfaces have more actual area and absorb paint, lowering the effective spread rate below the label value.

Dry film thickness equals wet film thickness times percent solids by volume (for example, 4 mils wet at 50% solids = 2 mils dry).

Thin and clean latex with water and oil-based coatings with mineral spirits; thin only to the manufacturer's recommendation and within VOC limits.

Avoid mixing incompatible systems, since aggressive solvents can lift or wrinkle an underlying film; check recoat and compatibility data.

Consult the product/technical data sheet for spread rate, film thickness, dry/recoat times, thinning, and surface prep.