Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the products for my decorating project?

The room surface and the decor will all influence the choice of paint that you will use. The depth of color, the feel, the sheen, the amount of activity and the life expectancy will determine the selection of and alkyd or latex and the choice of sheen finish.

Let your Nu Decor staff assist you in choosing the product to complete your project. A simple description and measurement of your surface areas will help your Paint Expert determine your painting needs.

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Preparation

What preparation tools will I need?

Some suggested prep tools are:

• Drop-sheets
• Masking tape
• Sandpaper, scraper and wire brush
• Spackling compound and putty knife
• TSP (or biodegradable alternative) and a bucket

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Paint

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Can I paint over Oil/Alkyd paint with Latex/Acrylic paint?

It is best not to paint over Oil/Alkyd paint with Latex/Acrylic, but it is possible if you first prime the surface with a conversion primer such as Aqualock products. This will take you from one type of paint to the other. Note that the older the oil paint being painted over, the better the adhesion of the latex paint. It is also recommended to sand your oil base coat with a rough grit sandpaper.

How do I prepare my walls for paint?

The preparation of the surface to be painted is the most important step in ensuring a desired result from your paint. Remember the preparation in 80% of the overall appearance of your final job. Walls should be cleaned, cleared of debris, dust and dirt, grease, and natural oils. A light sanding of the surface and washing with TSP will help to achieve the desired result and adhesion.

Are all paints washable?

No; paints that are of a high quality, such as HP2000 or Private Estate are more washable/scrubable. The greater the sheen of the paint means the more washable it is. Flat finishes being the least washable and semi-gloss being the most scrubable.

Latex/Acrylic paints need to cure for at least 30 days before they are washed or scrubbed.

When should I prime my walls?

You should prime your surface, if you do not know what paint was previously applied. If the original surface is visible, the wall is uneven, there are repairs to be done, if there is evidence of grease, stains, wallpaper glue, etc priming is essential. Always prime your new drywall prior to painting.

It is also a good idea to prime a surface prior to painting if you are making a drastic change in color.

Can I buy “Touch-Up” paint?

Because of air pollution, gases, furnace, etc., touchups will often be noticeable even after only a short time. There is never a 100% guarantee that your “touch-up” color will match the original color. It is best to plan ahead and purchase enough paint at the time of your original purchase for the purpose of touchups.

Prior to starting your final coat, always ensure that you have enough paint to finish the job.

Another option is to re-paint the entire wall.

If you need to stretch your paint just a tiny bit further, try adding Dynamic Dyna Flow Extender to Latex paints. This product is not thinners, it is a conditioner, which will help to stretch the usage of your paint if mixed with the paint in the proper quantities.

What should I use to paint a textured ceiling?

If the textured ceiling has never been painted before it is recommended that you use General Paint “Fresh – Tex” oil/alkyd base paint. However, if the textured ceiling has been sealed and/or painted before you can repaint it with a latex based paint.

It is important not to use a waterborne product, like latex paints, on a never before painted texture ceiling as the texture ceiling is also a waterborne product. If these two waterborne products come into contact with one another with no sealer/primer to protect the textured ceiling it will become “reactivated” and the texture could actually fall off of the ceiling.

When is the best time to paint the exterior of my home?

Only after we have experienced 10 days of warm, dry weather will conditions be suitable for painting the exterior of your home. Ideal exterior painting conditions lie between 20ºC and 30ºC (or 70ºF and 85ºF) and with relative humidity between 40% and 70%.

Never paint in direct sunlight. Also do not paint if there is a high probability of rain within the next few days after completion.

What is a wash or glaze?

WASH: A wash is latex paint thinned down using water or it can be alkyd paint thinned using the appropriate solvent.

GLAZE: A glaze can be water-based or alkyd product to prolong open-time and used when painting faux finishes.

Why do I need to use a glaze?

 It creates a mixture with less chance to drip, more translucent and a longer open-time. The more complex techniques, requiring a buildup of color, such as marbling are accomplished with glazes that will stay wet longer and give you more time to manipulate them before they dry. Some water-based glazes have an open-time of 45-60 minutes, which are great for negative techniques or added to washes for larger areas.

What is open-time?

Open-time is the length of time that a glaze will remain workable and wet.

TIP: Choose a comfortable area to work on right in front of you. A 3' x 3' area with the edges fuzzed out is manageable. Always remember to keep a “wet edge” as you work your way around the room.

Can I use a different color glaze?

Any universal tint color can be chosen and mixed with a glaze. An alternative is to mix the glaze with your paint color, usually 4 parts glaze to 1 part paint or up to 6 parts glaze to 1 part paint. Test first, the tint appears lighter when wet.

When do I use an alkyd or water-based glaze?

ALKYD GLAZES, the traditional glaze will stay wet and workable longer. They produce a beautiful translucent finish, which is great for marbling or complex finishes.

WATER-BASED GLAZES are ideal as a non-toxic, easy cleanup option for many surfaces.

What is a positive - negative technique?

A negative technique is created by applying the glaze with a brush or roller and removing it with your cloth or tool.

A positive technique such as "sponging", "ragging-on" or "cheese clothing-on" all require the materials to be saturated with paint or glaze and patted on.

Why should I buy high quality paint?

High quality paint is a smart investment, improved application features and longer lasting performance. This will result in saving in hours of work. Quality paint provides years of service and lasting beauty, saving you the prospect of repainting sooner than you would expect.

Remember that the professional finish requires quality application tools and a surface properly prepared to ensure the maximum benefits from your paint.

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Wallpaper

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What is the best method to use when stripping wallpaper?

Start by removing the vinyl face of the paper. Using a chemical remover like Zinsser’s Dif, put chemical into a spray bottle and spray the surface of the walls allowing the product to work. This process takes approximately 10 minutes. Scrape the paper residue with a flat scrapper. Dilute the chemical stripper and wash the walls  with TSP to remove the remaining glue residue. Rinse well with water.

If the vinyl face doesn’t peel off, a tool called a Paper Tiger can be used to perforate the vinyl allowing the chemical stripper to penetrate throughout. Apply just enough pressure when using the Paper Tiger to score the surface. If too much pressure is used you will probably need to perform some minor repairs to your wall before applying new wallpaper, otherwise small imperfections on the surface of the wall will be evident once you have completed your project.

When should I use wall size?

It is a good idea to always use wall size. Wall size creates a barrier between the wall and the wallpaper making your future job of stripping off the wallpaper much easier. Also, because vinyl paper can be stretched, causing permanent wrinkles, sizing allows you to freely move the paper into position without stretching while hanging. Should the paper be lacking glue, the sizing will help with paper adhesion.

What must I do to prepare my walls for wallpapering?

Once existing wallpaper has been taken off remove all nails, screws, electrical plates and  other wall fixtures. Next, fill any hole and ensure that the surface to be papered is clean, dry and smooth. Sanding is always a good idea. Wall size should be used in the preparation of the paper to be hung.

Can I wash my wallpaper?

Yes, try using one capful of vinegar in half a pail of warm water or mild detergent to clean away dirt and grime. Thicker wallpaper with a high percentage of vinyl will increase the washability of your wallpaper.

What is the “Booking” method?

Booking is a method used to activate the adhesive on the back of the wallpaper. Once you have run your strip of paper through the water lay it down with the patterned side down (on an available workspace). Fold paper back (glue to glue) without creasing the paper. Leave your wallpaper strip in this position for 2 to 5 minutes depending on the instructions given by the wallpaper manufacturer. When you separate the back of the paper from itself the adhesive will be activated and ready to hang.

Where should I start hanging my wallpaper?

Draw a “Plum Line” about four inches from the corner of one wall in your room to make sure you hang your paper straight. If the first piece is not “Plum” all additional strips of wallpaper will be crooked. By the time you get all the way around your room the pattern will be off. Never start by hanging your paper right in the corner of your room.

Cut each strip of wallpaper 4 inches longer than the height of the room that you are papering. Match the second strips of paper with the first strip cut. Always cut one strip ahead.

Six Steps to a Successful Paint Contract from Nu Decor

1. Inspection: We personally visit your home or jobsite to accurately assess your individual needs and provide a comprehensive estimate of the job cost.
2. Preparation: We provide all tools, materials, wood repair, wall filling, sanding, masking and drop cloths. Your valuable belongings and landscape are properly covered and protected.
3. Primary Treatment: A quality, lasting paint job depends on proper preparation. Our primary treatment includes all necessary preparation steps to ensure good adhesion and usually a primer coat, depending on the application.
4. Lasting Finish Coats: Nu Decor uses only the highest quality finish coat products to ensure a beautiful finished product that you will enjoy for years.
5. Touch-Ups: After completing the major paint work, we will perform a thorough review and identify and paint spots requiring touch-ups.
6. Post-Production: The job isn’t finished until the customer says so. We will accompany you through a personal inspection of our work to guarantee every aspect of the job meets your satisfaction.

Let Nu Decor’s Six Steps to Painting Success work for you. Schedule your personal appointment by calling us today at 519-842-8628 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Products

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Are all rollers the same?

No; a paint roller of higher quality provides better results on your finished product. Lint-free rollers that have the proper nape provide excellent coverage.

A rough surface may require a 20 - 30 mil roller.

An average surface requires a 13 - 15 mil roller.

Shinny surfaces or oil paints require a 5 mil roller

Ceilings are sometimes done with 10 - 15 mil roller.

If an ultra smooth finish is desired use a 5 mil roller.

When should I use caulking?

Caulking is most often used to seal a joint where a window meets a wall, or where the miter joints come together on trim. Caulking will fill in small voids making them disappear. Always use a high quality paint caulking.

What are the advantages of higher quality brushes?

Higher quality brushes deliver more paint to the surface by means of:

• Longer, more numerous filaments
• Better blending of long/short and thick/thin filaments
• Better "tipping" (trimming of filament ends)
• More durable anchoring of filaments
• A more comfortable handle
• What does all this mean – a smoother more desirable brush stroke.

What type of brush do I need?

Synthetic (polyester/nylon) brush:

• Mainly for latex /acrylic
• Usable for alkyd but not recommended (bristle holds more paint and gives a smoother finish)

Bristle brush:

• For alkyd (oil) paint

What are the angular sash brushes for?

Sash brushes are used:

• For cutting-in from ceiling or walls. Also used for painting trim around windows, doors and baseboards.

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Clean Up

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How do I clean my brushes and rollers?

A wire brush will help to loosen dry paint on the edge of your brush. Make sure you use the wire brush in the same direction as the bristles in the brush. Use dish soap and warm water to clean your brushes after painting with latex/acrylic paints. Rinse in clean water. Gently pull the bristles back into shape. Hang the brush up to dry. Reshape the brush by replacing it in its packaging. Store the dry brush in a sealed plastic bag in a dry place.

When painting with oil/alkyd paints a paint thinner/mineral spirits will be needed to clean up. You can leave your brush to rest in some Varsol after washing but remember to re-clean it before you use it again.

When using epoxy products or lacquer finishes use lacquer thinner.

To clean rollers, scrape excess paint out of the roller use a Dynamic 5 in 1 tool to remove excess paint. Then essentially follow the same steps as you did to clean brushes. Dynamic Roller washer is a good investment for the frequent painter.

Keep in mind that brushes and rollers will never be completely clean after uses no matter how well you attempt to clean them.

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