PAINTING faq's - PAINTING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

The Power of Color: Tricks of the Trade

A Practical Guide for Using Color the Way Decorators Do

The conscious use of color is one of the quickest and least expensive ways to change the look of a room. One way to make a space seem more intimate, for example, is to use warm colors on the walls. orange and yellow hues make walls appear to advance, causing a room to seem smaller. Cool greens and blues make a room seem more spacious because walls seem to recede.

Color intensity also influences the way we perceive space. Brighter colors make a room seem smaller, whereas low intensity colors make a room seem bigger. Darker shades seem to diminish room size because they absorb light, while unbroken areas of pale tints reflect light and "open up" space. Ceiling color also affects the sense of space in a room. A darker paint color visually lowers a high ceiling; conversely, a low ceiling painted in a lighter color than the walls seems higher than it really is.

Painted-on wall patterns can also be used to fool the eye. For instance, painted-on stripes - depending on their direction - can visually raise or lower the ceiling. Narrow, vertical stripes give the impression of raising a low ceiling; wide, horizontal stripes effectively anchor a ceiling that floats too high. If the dimensions of a room don't quite "measure up", the strategic use of stripes can also help to visually correct slopes and off-kilter angles.

The color paint you choose can sometimes affect its performance as well. If your exterior paint is suffering premature fading, check the color. certain bright reds and bright yellows are especially vulnerable to the sun's ultraviolet rays. If color retention is important, avoid bright colors, especially those designed for interior use only. On the other side of the coin, paints with inorganic "oxide" color like reddish brown, brown, dark yellow, and other "earthtones" usually retain their color very well. If you want the very best color retention, consider selecting a high-quality latex paint in one of these colors.

TIPS FOR PICKING INTERIOR PAINT

To gloss or not to gloss?

That is the question homeowners and do-it-yourselfers often ask when they visit their local paint store. With so many options available, selecting the right type of paint for your latest home improvement project can be a confusing task, especially with interior paints.

The following tips are designed to take the mystery out of selecting an interior paint.

These tips - along with advice from your local paint retailer, hardware store or decorating centre - will help you get the best results from your next paint job.

Hide Flaws

Use flat paints on walls and ceilings, anywhere you want a muted, low-reflecting surface or where it's important to hide surface imperfections. Flat paints are best suited for low-traffic areas of your home, because it takes more effort to remove dirt and stains from these paints than from finished with higher sheen or gloss.

Eggshell, sheen and satin paints are best suited for areas where a slight luster is desired, such as kitchen and bathroom walls, children's rooms and playrooms, hallways and woodwork - in general the high-traffic areas of your home. These paints are easier to clean than flat paints, hold up better after repeated washings and provide a shinier appearance.

Gloss Accentuates

Semi-gloss and high-gloss paints and enamels are most suitable for trim, banisters and railings, shelves, kitchen cabinets, bathroom and kitchen walls, furniture, door jambs and window sills and surfaces that you want to accentuate.

A general rule to remember is: the higher the gloss you choose, the more it will highlight surface imperfections. So it's especially important to properly prepare surfaces where a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish is applied. Be sure patched areas are thoroughly sanded prior to painting.

When selecting an interior finish, consider choosing a water-based gloss enamel as an alternative to using an oil-based gloss paint. Water-based enamels have less odor than oil-based paints. They are also much easier to clean up after and are less prone to yellowing and embrittling as they age.

Select a top-quality paint. Quality paints perform better for a longer period of time. They won't yellow, are easier to wash, are stain-and-dirt-resistant; and won't show unsightly brush marks. They tend to go on more readily and hide the surface better than ordinary paints. With the better performance you will get from using top-quality paints, you won't have to repaint as often. That means you will get more for your money in terms of years of service.

Before heading to the paint store, you need to decide whether to buy a glossy or flat paint.

Flat	General use on walls and ceilings	Hide surface imperfections; stain removal can be difficult. Use for uniform, non-reflecting appearance. Best suited for low-traffic areas
Eggshel / Low	Use in place of flat paints on wall surfaces	Resists stains better than flat paints and gives a luster. Paints especially in halls, bathroom and playrooms more lustrous appearance. Use on trim in place of semi-gloss paints for a less shiny appearance.
Semi Gloss	Kitchen and bathroom walls, hallways	More stain-resistant than flat paints and easier children's rooms and playrooms, doors,to clean. Better than flat paints’ for high-traffic areas woodwork and trim.
High Gloss	Banisters and railings, trim, kitchen	More durable, stain-resistant and easier to wash. Cabinets, bathroom and kitchen walls, But the higher the gloss, the more surface furniture, door jambs and window sills. Imperfections will be accented.

ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT PAINTING OLDER HOMES

Many people take great pride in owning an older home. But home ownership necessitates home maintenance, and the owners of older homes have more than their share of that.

One of the best ways to keep an older home looking fresh while accenting its character is with top quality exterior paint. of course, paint is also the first line of defense against the harsh elements that can weather a home's exterior.

Here are answers to some common painting questions from the owners of older homes.

Q. What type of paint provides the most durable protection for old woodwork?
A. It depends upon the type of surface to be painted and its condition. With a sound substrate that has been properly prepared (i.e., scraped, sanded and cleaned), two coats of a top quality acrylic latex paint provide the best adhesion and, consequently, maximum durability.
However, if the old paint is chalking badly and cannot be thoroughly cleaned, then apply an oil-based primer followed by a top quality acrylic latex topcoat.

Q. Can latex paint be applied over oil-based paint?
A. Yes, today's high quality acrylic latex (water-based) paints are formulated to provide excellent adhesion to surfaces painted with oil - or alkyd-based paints. But if you encounter a surface with more than three or four coats of oil paint, you may want to apply an oil-based topcoat. Be sure to properly prepare the surface before applying either type of paint.

Q. How can you tell whether the old paint is oil-based or latex?
A. Remove a piece of the old paint with a scraper. Then place it between your fingers and apply pressure. If the paint snaps in half or breaks into pieces, it's probably oil-based. If it is flexible enough to bend between your fingers, then it is most likely a latex product.

Q. What is the best way to remove oil-based paint from old exterior woodwork?
A. most professional painting contractors use a torch or heat gun to remove old oil-based paint, but some prefer sand blasting. In some cases, chemical paint removers are used. Since all of these methods can be dangerous if proper safety practices aren't followed, consider using a professional painter if you are not thoroughly familiar with the proper procedures.

Q. When is it necessary to strip old paint down to bare wood before painting?
A. If the surface has more than three or four old coats of oil-based paint and you want to use an acrylic latex topcoat, then the old paint should be completely removed. You could, however, add an extra coat of oil-based paint without removing the earlier coats.

If the old paint is latex or if there are only a couple of coats of oil-based paint, however, you can use a quality latex paint without removing the old paint, assuming that the surface is clean and stable.

PRIMERS HELP SOLVE PAINT PROBLEMS

Without proper information, selecting the right primer for a paint job can be as confusing as choosing the right paint. There are primers for wood, metal and masonry. There are latex and oil-based (alkyd) primers. And there are sealers that aren't exactly primers, but are close cousins.

To avoid confusion, it's necessary to first understand the role of a primer and how it can improve a paint's performance and longevity.

The purpose of a primer is simple: to help create a tight bond between the paint and the surface to be painted. Simply speaking, the primer helps paint get a better "grip" on a base surface by making the surface more uniform and accepting for a top coat. In addition, the primer helps prevent stains and tannins from seeping through the paint.

According to experts at the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, nowing when to use a primer is largely a matter of common sense.

primers should be applied over surfaces that have never been painted before - like new wood and plaster. When repainting, primers are needed in two instances: when a surface is uneven; or when the surface has been stripped or is worn down to the original substrate.

But primers can also solve some sticky problems that require more than a simple coat of paint. most can do one or more of the following:

Keep iron and steel from rusting;
Help cover stains and graffiti;
Hide water damage;
Seal off knots and sap streaks in wood;
Prevent bleed-through from "staining woods" like cedar and redwood;
Seal porous surfaces like sheetrock, cured plaster and weathered masonry;
Help paint adhere to slick surfaces such as tile and high-gloss enamels.

While primers are effective problem solvers, however, they can hide only so much. If a stain is caused by a leaky water pipe, for example, it is important to fix the leak before using a primer to conceal the stain.

Sealers, although they are similar to primers, are designed to serve a different purpose. They are commonly applied before painting so that the surface will not absorb the paint.

Typically, sealers are used to coat wood or masonry surfaces that have areas with varying degrees of porosity. If a sealer were not applied to these surfaces, the finished job would not look smooth and uniform. instead, the more porous areas would look "flatter" than the non-porous areas and the effect would be very unflattering.

Even after deciding that a primer or sealer will improve the final appearance of a paint job, it still is important to choose the right type of product for the project at hand. To that end, it is important to know that there are two general types of primers and sealers; latex or water-based products; and alkyd or oil-based products.

Alkyd products were once the only choice available. but with the development of latex primers and sealers that contain state-of-the-art acrylics, today these products perform just as well as their alkyd counterparts in many applications.

And latex products have some big advantages. For example, latex products are easier to work with, since they clean up easily with plain soap and water. And unlike alkyd primers and sealers, acrylic latex products do not have a strong odor.

Armed with this basic information, you should be able to determine when you need a primer or sealer, and have an idea of the type you would prefer. but if you need more advice, ask for help at your local paint or hardware store, or decorating center. A knowledgeable salesperson can help you select the product that is best for your needs.

PRIMER ON PRIMERS

SURFACE TYPE	RECOMMENDATION
New Wood	Prime with quality acrylic latex or oil primer, use stain-resistant primer for cedar, redwood, mahogany or other "staining woods", oil-based primers better for severe staining woods.
Repaint	Primer usually not needed unless paint is very chalky or bare wood is exposed (see below)
Weathered Wood	Thoroughly sand weathered or exposed wood; dust off the surface, then apply a quality latex or oil primer before applying paint
Masonry	Apply masonry sealer first if surface is very porous; otherwise not necessary. In repaint situation, use sealer only if old paint is removed by scraping or wire brushing
Ferrous Metals	Apply one or two coats of acrylic latex or oil-based corrosion-resistant primer before painting
Aluminum	Primer not necessary unless surface has galvanized rust - follow recommendations for ferrous metal surfaces; remove white, powdery oxide on aluminum surfaces with steel
Galvanized Steel	Wool and dust off before painting

QUALITY PAINT DESERVES QUALITY TOOLS

Purchasing a top quality acrylic latex paint is the first step toward a top-notch exterior paint job. But to get the best results with latex or water-based paints, it's also important to use high quality brushes and rollers made of synthetic materials.

PROPER BRUSHES AND TOOLS HELP PERFECT HOME PAINTING

Experts agree that for best home painting results, you should pay a little more to get a top quality paint. But authorities at the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute say it is also important to use top quality application tools - high quality brushes, rollers and other accessories - to get a job that not only looks great, but will be long-lasting too.

Here are some tips on what to buy and what to avoid:

Since natural bristles tend to absorb water and swell, be sure to use synthetic bristle brushes to apply water-based latex paint. Polyester brushes are best. They will maintain the proper stiffness and keep their shape regardless of the amount of water and humidity they are exposed to.
For the same reasons, if you are using rollers, be sure to select those that have synthetic covers when painting with a latex or water-based product.
Natural bristle brushes or rollers are fine to use with oil-based or alkyd paints.
Regardless of the type of brush you select, it should be a high quality product to ensure even and effortless application of the paint. Before purchasing your brushes, test them for springiness. Be sure they don't fan too much or have bristle gaps or loosely held bristles.
A good brush is one that is well balanced, will hold a lot of paint and will apply the paint evenly. Look for brushes that have tightly packed bristles and are between 3/4" and 1" thick for a standard 4" brush.
A five-gallon bucket with roller grid will speed up your work. just as important, it will place a more even amount of paint on the roller and thus give better results.
Don't discount the possibility of using spray equipment. power washers and spray painting gear are available from most equipment rental companies. Follow manufacturers' suggestions for safe and proper use.
If you need additional advice about brushes, accessories or top quality acrylic latex paint, ask for help at your local paint or hardware store or decorating center.

FOUR SIMPLE RULES FOR THE PERFECT PAINT JOB

Getting picture-perfect and long-lasting results when painting the exterior of your home is not as tough as you might imagine. in fact, experts say that you can achieve painting perfection if you just follow four simple rules:

Rule #1: Take time to prepare the surface properly.

Although there is a natural urge to start painting as soon as possible, don't overlook the importance of surface preparation. Even the best quality paints can fail if they are applied to a poor surface.

Before beginning to paint, make sure the surface is clean and free of dirt and chalk. use soap and water with a scrub brush, then rinse. or, consider using a power washer, which may be rented. Remove any loose, flaking or peeling paint by scraping, sanding or wire-brushing.

on wood siding, sand areas that have glossy paint on them to provide a more inviting surface for the new paint. And spot-prime any areas where bare wood shows.

Brush off any dust or particles left from the sanding and scraping. Then get read0 to paint.

Rule #2: Buy top quality paint.
This is one place that you don't want to skimp. Even though all paint is rather inexpensive, some people try to save a few dollars by using a lesser-quality product. That can be a big mistake, since lower quality paints have a shorter lifespan.

High quality paints provide better performance than do ordinary so it pays to buy the best. For most exterior applications, that means a top quality acrylic latex (water-based) paint, according to the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute.

Top quality acrylic latex paint has superior adhesion, so it will grip and tenaciously hold onto a properly-prepared surface. That helps prevent blistering, flaking and peeling.

Another benefit to top quality acrylic latex paint is its flexibility, which enables it to expand and contract with the surface below, helping to avoid a host of paint failures.

Rule #3: Use High Quality Brushes and Tools.
To get the best results with your top quality paint, you should apply it with high quality tools and accessories. They'll not only help you apply a thicker, more uniform coat for a better looking paint job, but they'll also make the work easier.

Choose brushes that are well-balanced. look for multiple lengths of split bristles packed tightly through a 3/4" to 1" thickness for a standard 4" brush. Make sure the brushes are springy and that they contain no bristle gaps.

If you are working with latex paints, apply them with brushes and rollers made of synthetic materials. Polyester bristles are the best material for brushes, since they hold their shape and maintain the proper stiffness regardless of the amount of water they encounter.

When applying oil-based or alkyd paints, it's fine to use natural-bristle brushes or rollers with natural fibers.

And don't discount the possibility of using power washers and spray painting equipment. however, be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions for safe and proper use to achieve professional-looking results.

Rule #4: Paint under the Right Weather Conditions.
Choose the right type of day to do your exterior painting. Ideally, you should paint when the temperature is between 70 and 85 degrees; and when there is little or no wind. It's also best to avoid painting in the hot sun, since the surface of your house can be 10 or even 20 degrees hotter than the air temperature.

The Paint Quality Institute says that by painting in moderate weather, you'll get the best performance from your top quality paint. That's because these conditions foster good formation of the protective paint film.

So when you tackle your next exterior home painting project, don't be a rule-breaker. Follow these simple steps and you'll have a long-lasting and attractive paint job on your home.

For more advice on exterior home painting, see your local paint retailer, hardware store or decorating center.

BRUSH UP ON YOUR PAINT KNOWLEDGE

Anyone knowledgeable about paint can tell you that there's more to a can of paint than an attractive label. To test your paint savvy, take this short quiz. it will take the lid off the mystery of why some paints perform better than others.

Answer true or false to the following:
1. Price is no indication of paint quality.
2. Latex (water-based paint is easier to apply and clean up than oil-based paint.
3. both latex and oil-based paints come in a variety of finishes; high-gloss, semi-gloss, eggshell and flat.
4. its safe to use interior paint for exterior application.
5. When a contractor paints your home, the costs of paint and labor are roughly the same.
6. Exposure to the sun increases the life of a paint job.
7. Vinyl siding can usually be repainted as easily as wood.
8. Careful surface preparation results in better paint adhesion.
9. Some areas of a home are more vulnerable to mildew than other.
10. A properly-applied coat of top quality acrylic latex paint can last at least seven to 10 years.

Answers:
1. False - Within a paint line, a higher price usually indicates top quality raw materials, which translate into top performance in terms of adhesion, durability and color retention.
2. True - Latex paints are easy to apply and clean up with water.
3. True - For many years, glossy paints were the province of oil-based paints, but today, acrylic latex paints are available in excellent gloss and semi-gloss finishes, as well as the traditional eggshell and flat finishes.
4. False - Interior paints are not formulated to withstand harsh environments. outside the home, use top quality acrylic latex exterior paint for the best performance.
5. False - Paint typically represents only about 10 to 15 percent of the cost, and labor the remainder. Consequently, it pays to invest in a long-lasting top quality paint.
6. False - Direct sunlight can deteriorate paint and cause fading. To prevent rapid fading, use a top quality acrylic paint.
7. True - Vinyl siding should not, however, be painted darker than its original color, because the darker color can absorb heat from sunshine and result in buckling of the siding.
8. True - Paints adhere best to clean, sound surfaces, so it's wise to take time to prepare the surface carefully.
9. True - The north and west sides of a home receive comparatively little sun. As a result, moisture is often present there, providing a hospitable environment for mildew.
10. True - Ordinary paint lasts only three to four years, but top quality acrylic latex paint can look great 10 or more years after it is applied.

LEARN ABOUT TOP QUALITY PAINT

TOP QUALITY PAINT THE BEST INVESTMENT FOR HOME EXTERIORS

Finding a top grade investment is not easy in today's uncertain business climate. But regardless of what happens in the financial markets, one investment is always rewarding in terms of dollars and cents, as well as personal satisfaction; protecting and improving the appearance of your home with a top quality exterior paint.

If you are thinking about redoing your home's exterior, experts at the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute recommend that you consider the "home economics" of painting rather than re-siding your home. A quick analysis shows why.

Adding aluminum or vinyl siding to a home can cost many thousands, or even tens of thousands of dollars. recent quotes to add aluminum siding to a standard 3,500 square foot home were in the $15,000 range; vinyl siding would cost about the same.

Compare that to the cost of hiring a contractor to repaint the same home with the best exterior finish - a top quality acrylic latex paint. The total bill for repainting would be only about $2,500.

You would thus have to pay about six times as much to re-side your home with aluminum or vinyl siding as it would cost to have a top quality paint professionally applied.

And if you are willing to provide the labor, the cost of repainting a 3,500 square foot home would drop to $500 or less. In that instance, re-siding would be 30 times as expensive as repainting.

Is the price differential worth it? According to the Paint Quality Institute, the answer is "no".

Although aluminum and vinyl siding products are durable, they are subject to many of the same weathering problems more commonly associated with paint.

For example, after several years of exposure to the elements, aluminum and vinyl siding can chalk and fade. As a result, they may need to be repainted much as wood siding does.

Aluminum siding also can dent or scratch, and if the metal is exposed, it can oxidize, producing an unsightly white powder. So it is far from carefree.

When you consider that a properly applied top quality acrylic latex paint can last 10 years or longer, the economic advantages of repainting versus re-siding become obvious.

Assuming a 10-year lifespan, the $2,500 contractor-applied paint job mentioned earlier will cost only $250 per year of service; if you do it yourself, the cost drops to just $50 per year.

Even under ideal circumstances, residing will cost $600 per year of service ($15,000 for 25 years), much more if the siding weathers or wears quickly.

If you are one of the many homeowners who are bullish on repainting, rather than re-siding your home, the Paint Quality Institute offers a final bit of advice:

Be sure to use a top quality acrylic latex finish to get the highest return on your investment in paint. ordinary paints, while less expensive, last only three or four years, compared to a decade or more with top quality acrylic latex paint.

OIL PAINTS AND LATEX PAINTS both have three key components: pigment, thinners and binders. While similar pigments are used in both kinds of paints, oil and latex use different thinners and binders.

COMPARING OIL AND LATEX PAINTS

More and more, homeowners are switching from traditional alkyd or oil-based paints to latex or water-based paints. To discover why, see the outline below. it shows how these paints compare on eight important criteria homeowners look for when choosing a paint.

Durability

Good adhesion is probably the single most important property of paints, because it helps prevent blistering, flaking and cracking. Top quality latex paints that contain top quality acrylic binders provide maximum adhesion to most surfaces. Latex paints are also very flexible, so they continue to adhere even when temperature changes cause the surface to expand and contract. This elasticity helps forestall chipping, cracking, peeling, flaking and other common paint failures.

Alkyd paints also have excellent adhesion, and perform better than latex paints over heavily chalked surfaces. but with time, the alkyd can embrittle, sometimes resulting in cracking in just a few years.

Color Retention

Top quality acrylic latex paints provide superior resistance to bleaching and fading, even when exposed to damaging ultraviolet sun rays.

Alkyd paints fade faster than latex paints. They are more likely to chalk (develop a powdery substance on their surface), which causes the color to whiten.

Ease of Application

Latex paints glide smoothly from the brush or roller onto the surface. Top quality latex paints are especially easy to apply, since recently developed additives provide even application and spatter resistance.

Compared to latex paints, alkyd paints are more difficult to apply, especially when brushing a large area, because they have more "drag". On the other hand, they go on heavier and give more complete one-coat hiding and coverage.

Mildew Resistance

Top quality acrylic latex paints contain mildewcides to discourage mildew and help the paint maintain a fresh appearance.

Alkyd paints, while also containing mildewcides, are derived from vegetable oils which provide nutrients for mildew growth.

Variety of Uses

Latex paints can be used on wood, concrete, metal, vinyl siding, aluminum siding, brick and stucco.

Alkyd paints should not be applied directly to galvanized metal. They also require special chemical pre-treatments before use on new concrete, stucco and other masonry surfaces.

Odor

Latex paints have little odor and are non-flammable.

Alkyd paints have noticeably more odor to the solvents and oils they contain.

Cleanup

Latex paints clean up easily with soap and water.

Alkyd paints require solvents for cleanup, making this chore messy and complicated.

Drying Time

Latex paints dry in just a couple of hours, so you can recoat quickly. However, they are vulnerable in case of sudden rain.

Drying time for alkyd paints can take up to two days - plenty of time for dirt, insects and people to come in contact with the surface and mar it permanently.

CAULKING CAN HELP REDUCE ENERGY COSTS

To battle against rising home energy costs, pick up your caulk gun and commence firing!

According to experts at the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, using top quality acrylic latex caulk to seal cracks and openings in your home exterior can help lower your heating and cooling bills and improve the comfort of your home.

Here are some of the spots where caulking is often needed to make a home more energy-efficient:

Joints between windows and walls;
Joints between doors and walls;
where siding meets the trim on windows or doors;
the sill area where walls meet the foundation;
entry points of wiring, pipes and vents

LATEST HOME PAINTING TREND INVOLVES GREATER USE OF COLOR

Interior designers have always recognized the power of color in making a fashion statement. only recently, however, has the trend spread out-of-doors.

With the help of high quality paints and sophisticated color planning systems, today's homeowners are increasingly bringing painting fashion to their home exteriors. Two of the most popular trends; more colorful exteriors, and painting schemes involving up to four different colors.

one connection between quality paint and homeowners' expanded color palette has to do with the color-fastness of top quality acrylic latex paints, according to the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute.

Top Quality Paints

Top quality paints resist fading better than ordinary paints, so the homeowner can paint with confidence in virtually any color. Even on stucco, brick and other masonry surfaces, top quality 100 percent acrylic latex paints perform better because of their superior alkali-resistance.

Armed with the assurance that these paints will look bright and fresh for an extended time, many homeowners are shunning the traditional, more conservative look of white house paint and decorating with added flair.

Regional Favorites

In warm climates like Florida, the Gulf Coast and California, homeowners are favoring pastel shades, particularly pale blue, pink or coral. Sometimes several of these shades are used on the same house to create a pleasant complementary effect.

Other paint color trends are developing in other parts of the country, say color specialists at the Paint Quality Institute.

In northern climates, for example, darker colors are gaining popularity, especially those in the brown and red families. Browns are also popular in the Southwest, as are beiges.

Often, homeowners will experiment by using a light, perhaps pastel color for exterior walls, then giving the house some drama by adding a "punch" color on doors and windows for contrast.

Occasionally homeowners will even add a personal signature to their homes. Although the methods vary, some employ the European technique of stenciling on a decorative pattern in a contrasting or complementary color.

Multi-Color Schemes

Throughout the US and Canada, more homeowners are using combinations of three and four different shades in sometimes complicated color schemes.

Victorian homes lend themselves especially well to multi-colored treatment because of their "gingerbread" and lavish trim. But the appearance of almost any home can be enhanced by using color to highlight a home's most interesting architectural details.

Owners of standard suburban ranchers and colonials are proving that when it comes to home painting, a little imagination can go a long way. By adding complementary or contrasting paint to siding, trim, shutters and doors, even cookie-cutter homes can be given a highly personalized look.

High-tech Help

To help homeowners develop the most attractive color combinations for their homes, leading paint companies have introduced interactive video color planning systems. These systems permit users to test paint schemes on a home styled like their own.

Working with an easy-to-use computer, the homeowner can see on the display screen how their home would look in a variety of paints and the system allows the homeowner to experiment with different colors for siding, trim, doors and other parts of the home.

Regardless of the color you paint your house, remember to use a top quality acrylic latex paint to keep it looking freshly painted for years to come.

YOU CAN'T PAINT YOUR WAY OUT OF SURFACE PREP

Believers in deferred gratification tend to be good amateur house painters. Because painting, after all, is the fun and easy part; it is the surface preparation that kills you.

There is only one good rule of thumb for surface prep. The more time and care you put into it, the more likely you are to succeed in creating a durable finish.

Note, I say likely. I've seen by the numbers jobs fail drastically in a couple of years, while sloppy ones sometimes last inordinately long. That's because the interaction of house, paint and people is a pretty complex one.

Let's take for example, a badly peeling 80 year old clapboard house. Besides the peeling paint, there's evidence of alligatoring - a hidelike finish caused by too many coats of paint.

Getting by, with a house like this, involves using a paint scraper to remove any surface material that appears overtly loose. Bare wood is spot-primed, and we follow up with two good coats of latex.

That's the easy way. This may last for five years, or start peeling the next day. The areas you've scraped will be fine, but two more coats of paint may be just too much for what appeared to be sound painted surfaces.

The lazy man's prescription here: Buy an extra gallon of paint, and mix it with the batch you're using on the house. Save the can, carefully sealing it, and come back once a year to touch up peeling sections. The color match won't e perfect, but you'll be the only one who notices.

An alternative to scraping is a pressure washer, which you can pick up at a good tool-rental shop. This will blast away most of the loose paint, and take off grease and grime as well. Touch up with a hand scraper.

Have a little more time for preparation? If you want to spend a couple of weeks on a ladder, buy or rent a heavy-duty grinder, and remove all the paint. This is brutal work - hot, dirty, and moderately hazardous - and you should wear a respirator and goggles. Alternately, you can use an electric heating element and scraper to get all the paint off.

If you've taken the time to strip the surface down to bare wood, you can further improve your odds by using not a paint, but a stain, solid or semi-solid. Stains breathe more readily than paint, which means that moisture problems on the interior of the house are less likely to cause peeling. Then, too, if you're looking 20 or 30 years down the road, stains tend to build up less than paints, so the thickness of the coating is less of a problem.

There are some finishes that can't be prepped well by an amateur. The striations in painted shakes make them virtually impossible to strip completely. If they're not too far gone, you can however, use the pressure washer to remove some of the loose paint on them.

For total removal, a professional normally would spray on a chemical remover with specialized equipment, let it soak, then blast it off with a solvent. This type of process can be expensive and damaging to shrubs around the home. If you're modestly handy and the home has no particular historic merit, you might as an alternative, consider installing new cedar shakes yourself.

Aluminum-sided homes rarely peel, but after a couple of decades, as increasing numbers of homeowners are discovering, the paint on the aluminum begins to break down and chalk. You can scrub this chalking off by hand, or as per wood, rent a pressure washer and clean it off. You apply one coat of latex paint to which a binding agent has been added, the second coat goes on straight. In general, you'll want to use a semi-gloss paint, since it sheds dirt more readily and looks more like the original finish of the aluminum.

A lot of homes have asbestos shingles. These too can be painted with a latex-binder combination. If shingles like these are shedding badly they should be coated first with oil-based masonry conditioner, then they will seal and stabilize the surface. Then you apply a latex paint atop.

ornamental ironwork is somewhat easier to deal with today than it was a decade ago, when painting required a finicky cleaning of all rust from affected surfaces. In the past few years, though, manufacturers have perfected so-called rush stabilizer. you remove loose and flaking rust with a wire brush. But instead of worrying about polishing the metal bright, you merely coat it with the rust stabilizer, which reacts chemically and bonds. Then you paint over it.

Where do amateur painters go wrong? Improper cleaning is the main problem and where you see it show up most often is beneath the overhang of the roof. Lower parts of outside walls are washed by the rain; higher up, they're not, which is why you frequently see soffits that are peeling.

Caulking is another sore spot. For good adhesion of both paint and caulk, all the old material should be removed and replaced with fresh, before repainting.

When you're cleaning or scraping the building, be sure to spot prime the areas where you've cut down to bare wood, aluminum or asbestos. And finally, sand to a dull finish all glossy surfaces or paint won't adhere properly.

A FRESH COAT OF PAINT CAN HELP SELL YOUR HOME

CAN'T SELL YOUR HOME? TRY PAINTING.

Most realtors agree that a freshly painted home is more marketable than a neglected house because of its added "curb appeal". If you plan to paint your home before putting it up for sale, the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute recommends that you choose white or another "safe" color that would appeal to most prospective buyers.

The sluggish real estate market is causing many would-be home sellers to lose sleep these days. But steps can be taken to make a home more marketable and improve the chances for a sale.

One strategy that can provide a selling edge is to add a fresh coat of exterior paint, according to experts at the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute.

Fresh paint enhances a home's "curb appeal" - the first impression you get as you walk to the door. And real estate professionals agree that a good first impression is important when selling any home.

In addition, more than any other improvement, fresh exterior paint imparts a well-maintained appearance to a house. With so many homes for sale, that can be a significant selling advantage.

But is it worth spending hundreds, possibly thousands, of dollars to repaint when you are about to move? Although every situation is different, the answer is "yes".

Take one example offered by the Paint Quality Institute relating to a 3,500 square foot suburban home. While a contractor would typically charge about $2,400 to paint such a house, a do-it-yourselfer could do the job for just $400.

Assuming that the house -with a new coat of paint - were to sell even a month or two earlier, savings on mortgage payments, taxes and other expenses could amount to thousands of dollars (the exact amount would depend on property value, mortgage terms, and other factors).

Consider, too that a better looking house usually brings a higher sales price. As a result, repainting and otherwise sprucing up the home is more like an investment than an expense.

If you are thinking about putting your home up for sale, the Paint Quality Institute offers these painting pointers:

Finish painting your home before the "For Sale" sign goes up. it's best to avoid the appearance that you are painting just to get a higher sales price.
Choose white or another "safe" paint color that would appeal to most people. Offbeat colors can scare away buyers.
Paint doors, trim and window frames, not just the siding. The condition of these areas can drastically affect the home's overall appearance and perceived value.
use a top quality acrylic latex paint and promote it to prospective purchasers. These paints last up to 10 years or more compared to three or four years for ordinary paints, so the new buyer can avoid painting for quite a while.
Ask your local real estate agent about the wisdom of painting the home you are selling. He or she is in the best position to suggest how to make your home more marketable.

EXTERIOR HOUSE PAINTING

One of the Best Ways to Enhance the Appearance of your Home and its Marketability

How to make improvements pay off

What homeowners can expect to recoup at resale on their investment in various improvements and renovations

Major Kitchen Remodeling - 80%
Minor kitchen remodeling - 100%
Major bathroom remodeling - 80"
Swimming pool 30% to 60%
Landscaping 100%
Skylights 100%
New Roofing 60%
Exterior Painting 100%
New aluminum or vinyl siding 40% to 60%
Fireplace 110%
Wooden Deck 75%
Family room off kitchen 100%
Garage converted to family room 30%

BEFORE YOU HAVE YOUR HOUSE PAINTED - READ THIS!

QUALITY PAYS OFF

Here's what it costs to paint an average house* and how long that paint job will last - using top-1uality acrylic latex or oil-based paint vs. using ordinary latex or oil-based paint.

HOUSE A	HOUSE B
Labor Cost $2000	Labor Cost $2000
20 Gallons	20 Gallons
Ordinary Paint @ $15 gal $300	Top Quality Paint @ $20 gal $400
Total $2300	Total $2400
Lasts 4 Years	Lasts 8 Years

*Estimates based on a house with 3,500 square feet in exterior surface area, requiring two coats of paint.

When your house needs an exterior paint job, it's not enough just to find an experienced contractor. You should also become familiar with what's involved in painting a house - from prep work to cleanup - so that you'll have specific criteria for your contractor to meet.

Before settling on any one painter, ask to see the completed work of a few contractors. Be sure that some of the jobs are several years old, to see how the paint has help up. Ask to see examples of homes that are similar in structure and surface to your own.

Also, make sure any contractor you're considering has insurance coverage - both for liability, should anyone get hurt while working on your property, and for damage to your property.

GET ESTIMATES

Get bids from at least three contractors for an accurate comparison. These bids should be based on comparable materials, preparation and workmanship. The more complete and detailed the estimate, the less likely there'll be misunderstandings or surprises. Items that should be included:

1. Choice of paint.

In a typical paint job, the paint itself is the smallest expense - labor charges account for 80 to 85 percent of the total cost. So whether it's oil-based or latex, buy the best quality paint available: You'll save money in the long run since quality paint lasts longer. Top quality acrylic latex and oil-based paints have superior adhesion, helping to prevent blistering, flaking and peeling and are more resistant to the formation of mildew.

2. Surface Preparation.

Proper surface preparation is critical to achieving a long-lasting paint job; even the best quality paint can fail if the surface isn't properly prepared. To get an idea of what's involved, inspect the outside of your home. For good paint adhesion, the surface must be completely free of dirt, chalk, and mildew.

For most homes, prep work begins with a soap/water scrubbing and rinse, either by hand or with a power washer. If mildew is present, it should be removed with a bleach solution and thoroughly rinsed. Loose or flaking paint must be scraped, sanded or removed with a wire brush. Bare spots should be spot primed.

Any open seams or gaps, which occur mostly where exterior walls meet and around windows and doors, will have to be caulked and sealed before painting begins.

Make notes of whatever surface preparation you think your house needs, then compare your notes with your contractor's recommendations. If possible, have these details included right in your contract.

3. Number of Coats.

The number of coats should be specified for each part of the job, i.e., primer, top coat, trims, etc.

4. Method of Application.

The way the paint will be applied - using a brush, roller, or sprayer - should be stipulated.

5. Itemized Breakdown of Total Bid.

Make sure that each contractor's bid is broken down by labor charges and material cost. labor charges for preparation work should be itemized, as should all paints and materials.

REQUEST A GUARANTEE

Most reputable contractors will insure their work for a period of one year against chipping, peeling, blistering, or excessive fading. Be sure to obtain in writing the contractor's agreement that he will repair any of these problems at no cost to you.

INSIST ON A CONTRACT

Before any work begins, make sure the contractor draws up and signs a document covering all details of work to be performed, including all items contained in the estimated. Also, payment terms, completion dates, cleanup procedures, and warranty or guarantee terms should be included.

GUIDE TO PAINTS

When deciding which paint to use, consider the following:

Oil based paints perform better than latex paints over heavily chalked surfaces and give more complete one-coat coverage.
Oil based paints are not recommended for use on new concrete, stucco, or masonry. But they can be applied to these surfaces if previously painted.
Acrylic latex paints offer superior resistance to fading and cracking, provide for easier clean up, and dry more quickly, so you can recoat sooner.
Acrylic latex paints can be applied over oil-based paints and vice versa, but if your house has many coats of oil-based paint, stick with oil unless you are going to completely remove all the old paint.
When painting vinyl siding, never choose a color darker than the original. Darker colors tend to absorb heat and can cause the siding to warp and buckle. Aluminum siding can be repainted any color.

YES, YOU CAN REPAINT YOUR ALUMINUM SIDING

One of the long-held myths about painting can now be permanently brushed aside.

In years past, an entire generation of homeowners were told that if they installed aluminum siding, they could forgo home painting forever.

However, Father Time and Mother Nature have shown that they do not play favorites. Aluminum siding does wear and weather. Ultimately, it too has to be maintained and occasionally restored.

The good news is that aluminum siding is one of the best surfaces to repaint, although the process is a little different that it is for other types of exterior siding.

The color on aluminum siding is part of the factory-applied coating on the surface of the panels. It weathers just like ordinary paint, but it creates special paint challenges.

Although chipping and flaking are uncommon with aluminum siding, the paint on the panels will "chalk" and erode - leading to a fading of color and loss of sheen. In extreme cases, the underlying metal can be exposed and that can lead to unsightly white oxidation.

As with many other painting jobs, proper surface preparation is the key to better paint performance and appearance on aluminum siding, according to experts at the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute.

Power washing is the most effective way to rid large surfaces of loose dirt, chalk or other material. An alternative is to sponge-wash with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.

When surface oxidation is present, carefully remove it with steel wool, and then clean off any residue. Also, if bare aluminum is exposed, the area should be spot-primed.

Although protected siding areas such as aluminum-capped eaves and soffits, porch ceilings, and carports usually degrade less than surfaces exposed directly to the sun and elements, they often have mildew. This can easily be removed with a bleach solution, after which you should rinse the surface with plain water.

When it comes time to paint, the Paint Quality Institute recommends that you use only top quality latex (water-based) paint made with 100 percent acrylic binder on aluminum siding. It offers a variety of benefits that you just can't get with an ordinary paint.

one of the most important benefits is the fact that top quality acrylic latex paint adheres tenaciously to factory-finished aluminum and other siding materials. With proper surface preparation, your new paint job will be extremely durable and long-lasting.

Top quality acrylic latex paints offer excellent resistance to fading. They also contain special additives to provide a thick, uniform film which spreads easily, lets the texture of the siding show through, and offers maximum protection. Other additives in these premium paints help keep mildew from forming.

Regardless of the brand of latex paint you select, the Paint Quality Institute recommends that you spend a few dollars more for the longest lasting, highest quality product. And if your aluminum siding has dents, choose a flat paint rather than a glossy finish. It will help keep surface imperfections from showing.

For more advice on painting your aluminum siding and other home painting needs, ask at your local paint or hardware store, or the decorating center nearest you.

EXTERIOR PAINT: THE "TOUGH SKIN" ON YOUR HOUSE

See if you can solve this riddle: What has to endure 100-degree heat, sub-freezing temperatures, pounding rain, wind and snow, and constant exposure to the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays.

Solution: exterior house paint, an often under-appreciated part of the protection provided by your home.

Top quality acrylic latex paints are truly a wonder of science: They can provide 10 or more years of service without cracking, blistering or fading. Even ordinary paint lasts three years or more.

Yet exterior paint is only two-to three-1000ths of an inch thick. To put that fact in perspective, consider that your skin is 20 times thicker than the paint that goes on your home!

How does such a thin paint layer provide such remarkable protection? According to experts at the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, the answer lies in the way the paint's film is formed. To a large degree, that is what determines paint durability.

Water-Based Paints

Water-based acrylic latex coatings are made of tiny particles of acrylic polymer and pigment that are dispersed in water. When these paints are applied to a surface, the water evaporates and the polymer particles pack together and fuse to form a continuous plastic film.

Since this plastic film is permeable to water vapor, it permits excess vapor to escape from the substrate into the atmosphere. That's important, because trapped moisture can cause paint to blister and peel.

The higher polymer content of top quality latex paints also makes them more flexible than ordinary paints. This allows them to expand and contract with changing temperatures without cracking the paint film.

Oil-based Paints

Oil-based or alkyd paints operate differently. These paints are based on vegetable oils which are dissolved, rather than dispersed, in petroleum-based thinner.

When oil-based paints are applied and exposed to the air, the thinner evaporates. The rest of the paint then oxidizes and hardens, forming a film which water vapor cannot penetrate. As a result, the film can trap moisture in the substrate - and that can eventually cause blistering and peeling.

It is important to note, however, that because of their adhesion characteristics, oil-based paints are a good choice when painting over difficult surfaces, such as old paint that is heavily chalked. They also can be applied in colder weather than water-based paints.

In most cases, however, if you want to protect your home from being riddled with paint problems, use a top quality acrylic latex paint.

For more information, the Paint Quality Institute recommends that you see your local paint retailer, hardware store or decorating center.

UP TO 85 PERCENT of the cost of painting is for the contractor's labor, only 15 percent for paint. So, it pays to spend a few dollars more on long-lasting paint to avoid frequent re-painting. Top quality acrylic latex paint lasts 10 years or more, compared to three or four years for ordinary paint, says the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute. In the end, better quality paint is far less expensive.

THE POWER OF PAINT

One of the best ways to protect your home is with a quality exterior paint.

When spring arrives, are you one of the millions of do-it-yourselfers who love to dash out to your local home improvement center for a peek at the new hues? As surely as dandelions pop up in your lawn, there will be at least one paint chore facing you this spring. From that flaking paint on the porch to faded window shutters, there's a paint job somewhere in your future.

But forget trying to find an exterior paint that will last for decades. It's like a diet pill; there is no magic formula. paint is a specialty product. For example, paint that works beautifully on the inside could not withstand the harsh rigors of outside weather. And even the most durable exterior paint cannot be used to paint the porch floor. The only way to guarantee a quality, long-lasting paint job is to make sure you choose the right paint for the job.

That's why the first question a paint store clerk will ask is, "For what purpose will the paint be used?" It is your job to explain accurately where and how the paint will be used.

First things first: What's in a paint? This knowledge will explain the intricacies of paint - and there are plenty. Paint isn't just something in a bucket. It is a complex mixture of different elements designed for specific uses.

Points about Paint. There are three basic ingredients in a paint: binders, solvents and pigments. The two most common solvents are paint thinner and water, although some types of paint use alcohol and lacquer thinner as solvents. Thinners help the paint go on smoothly, soak the surface and get a good grip and cover over the previous paint coat. When the solvent evaporates, it leaves the binder and pigment behind.

Binders work in paint by entrapping the pigment and forming a durable film. Binders come in several forms; alkyd, polyurethane, acrylic, vinyl and epoxy; as well oils like tung, linseed or soybean. Binders determine the toughness of the paint film.

Pigments, of course are the finely ground particles that give a paint its color. The pigment affects the luster, extends the life of the paint film, and "fills" the paint so it covers more of the surface area. A paint may contain several pigments, such as expensive titanium dioxide (white) for strong color or less-expensive ones like silica or clay (also white in color) to extend the paint.

How to Choose the Right Paint. For exterior paint jobs, the paint has to be very tough. It has to stop wind, rain and UV rays - all of which can penetrate and cause damage to wood fibers. It must also be resistant to mildew, dirt and air pollution which further damage an exterior paint job.

By virtue of the demands placed upon it, exterior paint contains very high-quality resins and pigments. A top-quality formula will utilize 100 percent acrylic for the binder in a water-based paint. In an oil-base paint, alkyd resins work well but not many painters use oil-base paints anymore. However, water-base acrylics are more flexible and "breathe", allowing moisture to pass through damp wood, allowing it to dry rot. This helps prevent the paint from peeling. Acrylics also stand up to intense sunlight better than oil-base alkyds (important in hot and humid Texas).

Oil-base solvents are absorbed more readily into bare wood than water, which is another advantage to oil-base alkyd primers. In fact, some painters apply an oil-based primer to the wood and then paint over with a water-base acrylic - sort of the best of the both worlds. A word of caution: while you can apply a water-base paint over oil-base, you cannot put an oil-base over a water-base for use on exteriors (inside, you can do both). Check with a paint dealer if you have any questions.

The Hue to Choose. If you are planning a spring repainting project, be careful. Many lovely colors viewed on small paint chips can turn out hideous when applied to large, flat surfaces. Colors appear more intense in daylight, so always look at paint chips for an exterior project outside in natural light.

Visit a paint retailer and check out the professionally-designed exterior color combinations that are available on larger cards; some even have computers that will produce a line drawing from a photo of your home's facade, and allow you to color on screen.

You can also make your own paint "chips" at home. Ask the paint retailer for a lower grade of paint that is consistent with the hues you wish to try. Take the samples home and brush each color on a large piece of cardboard. Allow to dry. Compare the cards, placing the body, color on top, since it will cover the largest area. Then place the trim and accent colors beneath.

If you are unsure or uncomfortable about choosing the right paint and/or colors, consider consulting with a professional color consultant. For a certain fee, they will come to your home, look it over, and present several color schemes for your consideration.

If you still are unsure of the right paint combination, drive around your neighborhood and look at homes similar to yours. Chances are, if the paint scheme on a similar home looks wonderful, it will probably do the same on your home.

PAINT TERMINOLOGY

Term	Description
Monochromatic Color Scheme	A color scheme featuring the use of the different values of a single color
Complementary Color Scheme	A color scheme featuring a color and its direct opposite
Hue	A term describing an entire color family, such as aqua and navy - both are of the same "hue" - blue
Primary Colors	The three purest colors in the color spectrum; red, yellow and blue
Secondary Colors	The colors derived from mixing an equal blend of two primary colors: violet, orange, and green
Tinted colors	Colors that have been lightened by adding white
Value	The degree of lightness or darkness in a color. High-value colors reflect more light in a color and low-value colors absorb it
Sheen	This term refers to how "shiny" a finish is. Very shiny finishes are referred to as "high gloss" while less shiny finishes are referred to as "eggshell" or "flat

Ideas for Remodeling with Paint.

Most homeowners choose white or off-white for exterior paint jobs because it is easier and there's less chance for error. however, you can choose certain paint techniques and color combinations that can produce interesting remodeling effects.

Finish.

When choosing paint, keep the type of finish in mind. Flat finishes reflect less light and therefore, tend to hide flaws in the siding and trim. Glossy finishes reflect more heat and UV rays longer.

Texture.

If you have a home that has heavily-textured surfaces, like wood or stucco, they produce their own shadows which can make hues appear darker.

Contrast.

Highly contrasting colors will divide a surface dramatically into parts, subsequently making the area appear smaller than it actually is. To make a large home appear smaller, choose a high-contrasting scheme (light body color/dark trim color_ to make a small home appear larger, choose a low contrast scheme. low contrast schemes expand, making your home appear larger.

Shade/Sunlight Effects.

intense sunlight can "wash" out color, so stronger, brighter paint colors may be needed to counteract the effect - particularly in the Southwest. on the opposite side of the coin, if you live in a heavily wooded or shaded area, you may need a color lighter or brighter than the paint chip that appears correct in the store.