BESTING FURNITURE | An incomplete primary guide to latex paint regardless of its quality!

This article is about latex paint. When it comes to latex paint, many friends might think that I'm going to write about how to choose latex paint or deeply analyze latex paint brands. But actually, neither. This article has nothing to do with the quality or brand of latex paint, but it is related to the presentation effect of latex paint. If you want a better and more perfect latex paint effect, quickly take out your notebook and write it down!

Glossiness
When we choose latex paint, we often only focus on the color and rarely pay attention to the glossiness. In fact, like many other things, latex paint also has different glossiness levels such as matte and glossy.

European and American countries prefer latex paint with a certain degree of glossiness. Imported brand latex paints have a wide variety of glossiness levels. Some brands have as many as nine or ten types of glossiness, such as flat, eggshell, silk, soft, satin, and high gloss. These terms can be confusing.

Usually, flat, eggshell, and satin are more commonly used. The following picture is very intuitive (the same glossiness may have different names for different brands).

Generally, flat and eggshell are used more frequently, and higher glossiness is relatively rare.

Flat

Flat can well cover wall defects, hide wall flaws, does not reflect light, and is simple to construct. It has relatively low requirements for the wall.

Eggshell

Eggshell has a slight luster effect. Its finish effect is better, has high scrub resistance, and has a better light effect, just like an eggshell covering the surface. However, the construction requirements are relatively high. The base layer needs to be sanded smooth. Otherwise, after the latex paint is done, the flaws of the wall will be exposed.

Simply put, flat can be understood as a matte effect. Eggshell has a slight luster, a halo, and a good finish effect, but it has high requirements for the base layer. The wall needs to be sanded smooth.

Generally, eggshell can be used on the wall to show the luster and the texture of the latex paint, while flat can be used on the ceiling. Because there are lamps on the ceiling, using eggshell or higher glossiness will cause excessive reflection and other problems. Wall eggshell + ceiling flat is a good combination!

Primer
The common practice for latex paint construction is one primer and two topcoats, that is, one coat of primer and two coats of topcoat. The topcoat is the paint film that is finally presented in front of us. What about the primer? What is its function? Is it necessary to apply it?

Many unreliable decoration companies do not apply primer at all and directly apply the topcoat, and they do not use latex paint that does not require primer. IDEA summarizes the four functions of primer to remind friends to apply primer!

Anti-alkali

Putty walls are prone to alkalization when exposed to water and moisture, resulting in blisters on the latex paint and yellowing of the wall. Especially the extremely irresponsible practice of applying latex paint before the putty is completely dry, the wall is more prone to alkalization. Primer can play a sealing role to prevent wall alkalization, extend the lifespan of the topcoat, and water-resistant putty is generally more alkaline and must use latex paint primer to seal the alkalinity.

Adhesion

The adhesion and bond strength between the topcoat and the primer that penetrates into the wall are better and stronger, and the quality of the formed paint film is also better.

Leveling

The primer can also level the wall base to a certain extent, making up for the defects of the wall base.

Saving topcoat

Applying primer can save the amount of topcoat used. For walls that have not been painted with primer, the amount of topcoat used is approximately 20% more than that of walls painted with primer. Moreover, topcoat is generally much more expensive than primer. Therefore, applying primer is very cost-effective.

Construction methods
Currently, there are mainly two construction methods for latex paint: roll coating and spray coating. Roll coating uses a roller, and spray coating uses a spray gun.

Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. However, IDEA suggests choosing roll coating, which has lower construction costs and saves paint. More importantly, wall bumps and cracks are often inevitable. Choosing roll coating is easier and has a better effect for later repairs. Another point is that the wavy texture of roll coating is precisely the reason why many people choose roll coating.

Tools and base layer
As mentioned earlier, roll coating requires a roller, and spray coating requires a spray gun. In addition to tools, the condition of the wall base has a great influence on the effect of latex paint.

Especially for latex paints with glossiness such as eggshell and satin, which are increasingly popular now, the requirements for the wall base are very high. The wall needs to be sanded smooth and combined with professional tools to achieve a good effect.

What kind of tools are professional tools? For spray coating tools, high-pressure airless spray guns are generally widely used, and their effect and efficiency are much better than ordinary spray guns. What about rollers? There are also professional rollers. A good 9-inch roller costs over a hundred yuan.

As the saying goes, a good horse needs a good saddle. Buying good latex paint without good tools is a waste.

Water dilution rate
Latex paint has requirements for the water dilution rate. Imported latex paint is generally thicker and has a lower water dilution rate, while domestic latex paint has a relatively higher water dilution rate. Many workers, using the habit of applying domestic latex paint, apply imported paint and add water without hesitation. Basically, this bucket of latex paint is ruined.

The water dilution rates of paints such as Fenlin，Sherwin-Williams，and Albena are relatively low. The water dilution rate requirement for dark colors is even lower, and they also recommend construction without water dilution. However, it is more difficult for workers to apply.

The water dilution rate of Fenlin is quite interesting. Different models have different water dilution rate requirements. For example, REMONTTI-ASSA requires a water dilution rate of 10%, while SIRO requires within 20%.

It is recommended to find a master with experience in applying imported paint. Otherwise, a master who is not familiar with the construction method of imported paint or finds the construction of imported paint troublesome may add a lot of water when you are not paying attention.

Color and color matching
Latex paint comes in various colors and is colorful. Some brands have thousands of colors. What we most hope for is that the color we choose and the color effect after painting meet our expectations, the color is correct and there is no color difference.

Color difference

However, latex paint generally has color differences. Because the printing color difference of the color card or the color difference of the mobile phone and computer monitor is inevitable, and the color card and the actual painting environment are different, which will also cause sensory differences.

Color matching

In addition to this inevitable color difference, color matching of latex paint is a more important factor causing color differences.

Good latex paint has accurate color matching and minimal color difference. While some disappointing latex paint cannot be trusted with its color matching formula. It requires on-site color testing, adjusting while testing, and may not be able to achieve the desired color.

Remind friends that when purchasing latex paint, it is best not to let the merchant directly adjust the color. Latex paint that has been adjusted in color cannot be returned. Ask the merchant to provide the prepared color paste. During construction, add the color paste to the latex paint. In this way, any remaining unopened latex paint can be returned.

In addition, the water dilution rate, the number of painting coats, the degree of stirring, and the quality of the primer will all affect the color presentation.

A color selection app

IDEA recommends a color selection app from Sherwin-Williams - ColorSnap. All colors of Sherwin-Williams can be viewed and displayed their effects on this app. Even if you do not choose Sherwin-Williams latex paint, you can also use this app for color selection, note down its color parameters, and find the same or similar color in the latex paint brand you choose.

ColorSnap also has an interesting function - matching the colors in the photo to the color number of Sherwin-Williams. If you see a color you like but don't know which color number of Sherwin-Williams it corresponds to, what should you do? It's very simple. Take a photo and use ColorSnap to match it.

Waterproof latex paint
Tired of the unchanging tile walls in the bathroom and kitchen? Try waterproof latex paint! Using waterproof latex paint in the bathroom and kitchen is very common.

The construction must be rigorous. Use water-resistant putty and waterproof latex paint. It is recommended to choose imported brands of waterproof latex paint for more reliable quality!