1.  How do I prepare my walls for painting?

    2.  How many coats of paint are recommended?

    3.  How do I know if my walls are painted with oil or latex paint?

    4.  How do I convert from oil to latex paint?

    5.  What is a "Pearl Finish", and where would I use this paint?

    6.  What is an "Eggshell Finish", and where would I use this paint?

1.    How do I prepare my walls for painting?

A paint's performance is largely determined by the quality and thoroughness of  surface preparation.  Proper adhesion of paint film requires a firm, clean, smooth substrate free from oils, rust, mill scale, mildew, dirt, grease, corrosion products, oxides, old paint films, drawing and cutting compounds, steel wool dust, sanding dust, salts, waxes, chalk deposits, efflorescence, moisture, and any other surface deposits.

Here are a few simple steps to follow:
        1) Wash your walls to remove any dirt, grease or film.
        2) Patch any nail holes, or damaged walls with spackling
        3) Sand all patched and uneven surfaces, and spot prime the affected areas
        4) If your walls have been painted with oil base paint you may need to prime if you are converting to latex.
        5) Mask off trim and ceiling with painters tape to provide an even edge
        6) You are now ready to do your "cutting in" and lastly roll the paint.

2.    How many coats of paint are recommended?

 If you want to achieve the desired look of the paint chip, at least two coats of paint should be applied.  Some deep, dark colours may even need three or four coats or a deep base primer.

3.    How do I know if my walls are painted with oil or latex paint?

An easy way to test your walls is to lightly rub nail polish remover (containing acetone) on the surface.  If the paint comes off, the walls are coated with latex paint.  If it doesn't come off they are painted with oil based paint.

4.    How do I convert from oil to latex paint?

 Wash your walls with T.S.P. to get rid of any residue. If the walls are shiny, you should lightly sand to dull the surface. Then wipe them with a damp cloth to remove any dust and allow to dry. You can now prime the walls with one coat of 100% acrylic primer/underbody or oil based primer/underbody, and then roll your walls with latex paint.

5.    What is a "Pearl Finish" and where would I use this paint?

A pearl paint has a soft gloss when it dries on the walls.  This paint finish is most often used in kitchens, bathrooms, trim, doors and children's rooms.  The shine level of the paint allows for a washable and scrubbable surface.

6.   What is an "Eggshell Finish" and where would I use this paint?

An eggshell paint has a low sheen level and is most often used for living, dining, bedrooms, and hallways.  This paint finish is washable but not scrubbable.

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