Technical Support
With 20 years of strong experience in the industry, Yalaz Boya provides professional customer services and technical support. Assessing customer expectations and need, Yalaz Boya reaches the customer with its sales and technical service personnel equipped in order to provide the customer with best solutions in selection, use and application of paint.
1- When to use the brush and when to use the roll?
Generally on wide surface (on walls) it is faster and easier to work with a roll. On the other hand, brushes should always be used at the wall edges and wood elements like doors, windows, etc. If a generalisation is required, synthetic brushes can be used for water based paints, while natural bristle brushes can be used for oil paints, long bristled rolls can be used to create rough and decorative surfaces, and rolls with very short bristles can be used for straight surfaces.
2- How to ensure brushes have a long useful life?
Brushes of various sizes can be required to paint a space. Using high quality brushes is important for results of the painting job. Care should be taken to ensure bristle ends are on the same level, soft and flexible. Before use new brushes should be washed with detergent water to ensure bristles ready to fall does fall before use with paint. After painting job the brush should be cleaned with the appropriate solvent, then washed with detergent water and dried. The brush then can be wrapped in paper until next use.
3- What are the tricks of selecting the correct paint by trying it on the wall?
Paint should be applied on an area of 1 m2 as a minimum in order make it easier to decide the colour to paint the area. Lighting condition of the space should be taken into consideration. The conditions of the space at various hours of the day should be taken into account when assessing paint selection. Some colours appear completely different under natural light and electric light. To ensure harmony between the paint and the furniture in the space the specifically preferred furniture should be placed around the subject area when deciding paint selection.
4- How to prepare walls for painting?
Preliminary surface preparation is very important to ensure good results. To ensure an easy and durable paint job the old paint and wallpaper on the surface should be removed, the surface should be sanded and the resulting dust should be wiped away. Dirt and stains should be cleaned with detergent water and these areas should be dried out. Small cracks and holes should be filled with a suitable paste and finally the entire surface should be coated with primer. Once the primer cures, paint application can be commenced.
5- Where to start painting: in the middle or at the edges?
First, wall intersections and edges should be painted with a finger roll or suitable brushes, and then the painter should proceed to paint the larger surfaces with a large roll. If lining brush is used for the edges the resulting marks can be concealed by lightly sweeping over them with the large roll. Using strokes in the same direction will result in a better look.
6- What are water based and solvent based paint?
Paints which can be diluted in water are called as water based paints, while paints which can be diluted in certain solvents are called as solvent based paints.
7- What the differences between post-application results of water based and solvent based paints?
Solvent based paint forms a thick film layer, minimising wall permeability. The opposite is true for water based paint. Solvent based paints provide a glossier look, but emit paint smell for a certain period of time after application. Water based paint is odourless.
8- What are important points to remember before paint application?
Application surface should be thoroughly cleaned, necessary repairs should be made and the surface should be cleaned off of all dust. Paint should be mixed and diluted in the necessary proportion immediately before use.
9- How to keep surplus paint?
According to type, the paint can be kept for long terms by adding water into water based paints or solvent into solvent based paints (in order to ensure the paint inside the container does not contact air).
10- How to clean painting tools?
Tools used with water based paints can be cleaned with water, while tool used with solvent based paints should be cleaned with the appropriate solvent. Then these tools should be left to cure naturally.
11- Does ambient temperature effect paint application?
Especially in case of applications performed in open spaces the air temperature should be higher than +5 °C and the weather should be dry and windless. In closed spaces the ambient conditions can cause the paint to cure later or earlier than estimated.
12- What is the most appropriate scale for paint measurement: kilograms or litres?
Since paint is a fluid and liquid material its unit of measurement is litres. The important measurement of paints is the area that can be painted with 1 litre of paint. Calculations made on basis of weight can cause errors, especially between different colours of the same type of paint. The reason for this is the fact that each paint type and colour has a different specific weight.
13- What would be the results of diluting paint beyond the specified ratios?
Covering ability and surface adhesion strength of the paint would decrease. This, in turn, would decrease the expected protective and decorative functionality of the paint.
14- What should be the paint dilution ratio?
Paints should be diluted in the ratios specified on their packaging or technical specifications. Each kind of paint has a different dilution ratio. In addition, dilution ratio also varies according to properties of the application tool.
15- Are paints flammable?
Water based paints are not flammable. Solvent based paints are flammable and inflammable.
16- How to store paints?
Used paints should be stored in completely sealed containers, while paint in unopened original packaging should be stored in a dry place, at ambient temperature, on pallet (to prevent contact with ground).
17- How to conceal stained and sooty surfaces with paint?
Any paint application will not provide sufficient performance to conceal stains like oil, soot, pen marks, smut, etc. After a certain time these stains raise to the surface again. Therefore, an application that will prevent such stains from raising to surface should be performed before applying paint.
18- What is the cause of dampness?
There are two reasons for dampness: negative water pressure and positive water pressure.
19- What is negative water pressure?
This is dampness caused by lack of sufficient isolation against water permeation from earth, roof or the environment. The moisture forming of the surfaces or inside the plaster and/or wall can cause blisters, eruptions and mould and/or bacteria on the paint.
20- What are important points to remember when applying paint on a surface with dampness caused by negative water pressure?
Points to remember when applying paint on a surface with dampness include the following: 1. The surface should be scraped down to the plaster. 2. The wet areas should be partially dried and the dry areas should be partially wetted. 3. Paint should not be limited to local application, the paint should be applied on an area as wide as possible.
21- What is positive water pressure?
The sources of dampness arising from ambient conditions are called as positive water pressure. This problem is typically seen in spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, mess halls, etc. where water vapour is heavily generated. The water vapour condensates back into water which dampens the walls, and after a certain time causes mould and/or bacteria, stains, blisters and eruptions are seen on the paint.
22- Why use precoat primer?
Precoat primer must be applied on damaged and old surfaces as well as freshly plastered surfaces. This application helps strengthen the surface and enhances adhesion of the paint film applied on top of it. The primer gets absorbed into the capillary cracks on the surface, thus increasing protective effect and decreasing the amount of paint required to cover the surface.
23- Why use second coat primer?
This application is used in synthetic paint systems. It helps surface absorption of the final coat paint and prevents ripple effect on the surface. In addition, it enhances surface adhesion of the final coat paint.
24- Why use paste?
The only purpose of using paste is to straighten the surface.
25- What delays curing and how can this be prevented?
The application surface being oily, dirty or damp, the application space lacking sufficient ventilation, lack of sufficient oxygen in the application space, air temperature and humidity conditions being unsuitable, addition of wrong diluting agents in the paint and disruption of curing balance can cause the curing process to be delayed. This problem is typically encountered with synthetic based paints. Synthetic based paints cure by oxidation. In comparison to water based paints more time is needed for the solvent (thinner) in the paint structure to evaporate and oxygen to enter the structure. Therefore application must be performed in strict compliance with label instructions. In addition, solvents like naphtha, kerosene, cellulosic thinner, etc. should not be substituted in place of the synthetic thinner used as the diluting agent in the synthetic paints. Such solvents disrupt the cohesive structure of the paint, causing other problems in addition to late curing problem. In case late curing problem is experienced on a surface the user should wait until full curing is achieved, then the dust and particles stuck in the paint during this waiting period should be sanded off and the surface should be repainted in accord with the manufacturer's instructions.
26- What are important points to remember when painting metal surfaces?
Metal surfaces react with the oxygen in the air and after a certain time suffer corrosion due to oxidation-reduction reaction. In result of this reaction, known as rusting, the paint film breaks up in time. Therefore, 2 coats of primer should be applied on metal surfaces in order prevent contact with oxygen and prevent corrosion. Only then the final coat synthetic paint should be applied over the primer surface. Due to adhesion problems faced in these types of applications synthetic paint systems are not used to paint galvanised, aluminium and copper surfaces.
27- How to select paint?
Firstly paints should be visually examined. Then conditions of the paint application areas should be determined: is it an internal or external space, or both? Selection of paint type is the next step. Then the size of application surface should be determined and required amount of paint should be calculated on this basis.
28- What is the typical life of a paint coat?
A high quality paint job applied in sufficient number of coats should last for 5-6 years as longs as necessary and appropriate surface repairs are made and good workmanship is used.
29- How many coats of paint should be applied?
Being dependent on the colour of previous paint and condition of the surface, generally 2-3 coats are sufficient.
30- Should a freshly painted house kept unoccupied for some time?
Some paint small will remain in the house for some time, but the occupants do not need to evacuate. Keeping windows and doors open will help dissipate the paint smell. In any case, the paint smell will not persist more than 2-3 days.
31- What is the curing time according to paint type?
Curing time varies according to type of the applied paint and the number of coats applied.
32- How to keep freshly painted walls clean?
Dust gathering on the walls can be cleaned off with a brush from time to time. Stains on the wall can be removed with a soapy sponge. However, user should take care to act gently and avoid damaging the paint while cleaning.
33- Why does the paint look ragged and stained?
The ragged and stained look can be caused by the final coat being applied on ragged surface of the previous coat, the coat before the last not being fully seated, the primer being not cured properly, the final coat not being applied properly or application of paste in a layer thicker than what is necessary.
34- What is enamel?
Enamel is a washable water based or oil based final coat application material used to provide a smooth and hard surface resistant against staining. While it typically provides a glossy finish, matte options are also available on demand.
35- How to remove mould forming on the surface?
All mould on the surface should be removed by scrubbing it with a prepared mixture (one part bleach, three parts water) or a ready-made chemical agent. Then the surface should be rinsed with plenty of water and left to dry. The new paint should be applied as soon as the surface dries.
36- What is better: natural bristled brushes or synthetic bristled brushes?
This is dependent on which type paint you will use. Some oil based paints can be used with both types of brush. Only, synthetic brushes should be used with latex or acrylic paints (the water in latex or the acrylic paint will absorb the oils on the natural bristled brushes, thus making it very hard to use natural bristles).
37- Can a latex paint applied on alkyd enamel?
Generally latex paints cannot be applied on alkyd enamel without sufficient surface preparation, i.e. sanding and cleaning.
38- Is there any paint that will prevent damp leaking through the ground walls?
Products including Portland cement can be used as waterproofing agent in walls. However, excessive damp leakage can necessitate other measures like constructing vapour barriers outside the wall.
39- What is the best external surface paint: acrylic or alkyd?
100% acrylic final coats are the best choice for preventing colour loss and preserving elasticity. However, it is important to apply an oil based precoat before the final coat on wood surfaces that lets stains rise. Full acrylic paint systems can be used on surfaces that do not let stains rise.
40- What is the cause of chalking in paint on external surfaces?
Chalking can be deemed normal up to a degree. Some paint manufacturers claim that chalking is a self-cleaning mechanism of the paint. However, heavy chalking can also be seen due to heavy blistering of a thin paint layer. Heavy chalking occurs due to a thin layer of paint breaking down because of weather conditions. Some typical reasons of chalking include application on unsuitable surface, excessive use of paint or use of low quality paint. When these are combined with adverse weather condition they might cause chalking.
41- Can paint be applied in cool weather?
Most latex and acrylic paints should not be applied when temperature drops under 10 °C. Alkyd/oil based paints can be applied in temperatures down to 5 °C.
42- Why is it not recommended to paint under direct sunlight?
Paint has to remain wet for a certain time after application in order to properly permeate and adhere to the surface. Heat of direct sunlight can cause the outermost layer of paint to dry before fully curing. This in turn causes blisters to form on the paint.
43- What is the main reason of blisters and peels occurring on external wood surfaces?
The most basic reason for this problem is moisture. However, blistering can also occur due to application of paint under direct sunlight, insufficient surface preparation or use of low quality paint.
44- Can aluminium or vinyl sidings be painted?
Vinyl or aluminium sidings can be painted with 100% acrylic paint without use of primer as long as their surface is clean and dry. Aluminium exposed to open air must be cleaned and applied with oil based primer before application of acrylic final coat. When painting vinyl sidings care should be taken to ensure the selected paint's colour is not darker than the original colour. Because dark colours absorb sunlight and this might cause warping and twisting.
45- What kind of coating should be used for wood surfaces like fences and decks?
Most decks are made of pressurised wood. The horizontal surfaces frequently show staining especially since a lot of people walk on these surfaces. However, on vertical surfaces or fences painting is almost arbitrary. Before starting paint application the wood's water absorption capacity should be tested by spraying water over the wood. If water remains on the surface in droplets the paint will not permeate the wood. If the surface is new the test should be repeated after a 30 day wait. If the surface is not new, it should be thoroughly cleaned to prepare for painting.
46- How can an old brush with dried paint on it be made usable again?
Dried latex paint can be removed by letting the brush sit in ethyl alcohol before cleaning. For oil based paints the brush can be left to sit in special chemicals made for this purpose.
47- What should be size of brush to use?
It would be best to decide according to surface size. As the surface grows larger the brush size will also grow. However, the most important point is to select the brush which is easiest to use.
48- What kind of sponge should be used for decorative paint applications?
Natural sea sponges give excellent results after application. But this cannot be said for synthetic sponges.
49- What are the important points when pointing wooden floorings?
Wooden elements can expand or contract due to temperature differences, and this can damage the paint. Also, wooden floorings will be exposed to heavy foot traffic and associated wear. Therefore, primer and patty application stages should be performed with special care and attention.
50- Is it possible to completely get rid of mould?
No. Mould can form at any dark and damp place with low air flow. Even tough paints are formulated to prevent mould formation, after some time mould can be seen to form over the paint. Cleaning the mould would be the best course of action.
51- What can be done for stains and dirt occurring on freshly painted walls?
User should wait minimum two weeks (or four weeks for better results) before cleaning freshly applied paint. Walls can be wiped with soapy water, using a soft cloth or sponge. Excessive use of water might leave water marks on the wall. In addition, if any chemical is to be added to the cleaning water its effects on the paint should be tested on an inconspicuous part of the wall.
52- How to treat small damages on painted surfaces?
In order to achieve best results in treatment of small damages same methods used in original application should be employed. Care should be taken to use the same original paint. The paint should be diluted by 25-50% and a very thin layer should be applied. It would be best to apply the repairs in the same moisture and temperature conditions with the original application.
53- What is the importance of second layer in external façade paint applications?
The second layer of paint, naturally, thickens the paint layer and thus increased paint resistance against external factors.
54- How to prevent overlap marks when painting?
In order to ensure the paint applied on the wall does not dry while dipping the brush the user should paint small areas in each dip, thus preventing overlap marks.
55- Is one layer applied with lots of paint better than two layers?
No, because in that case the paint will not be able to properly permeate and adhere to the surface.
56- What are the most suitable conditions for external façade paint applications?
Moisture should be under 85% and temperature should be between 10 °C and 40 °C.
57- What is the problem with applying paint in very hot weather?
In very hot weather the paint will dry before adhering to and permeating the surface. This will result in peeling and blistering of the paint.
58- Is it recommended to apply alkyd paint on existing latex paint on external façades?
Generally this is not recommended. As time passes alkyd would get harder, while the latex underneath stays elastic. In time the latex paint would suffer stretching or contraction. This will prevent the alkyd layer from adhering to the latex layer, resulting in peeling and cracks in the alkyd layer.
59- How long should we wait before applying paint after rain?
In fact this depends on how wet the application surface got. In such a case a stone or wood surface can get very wet. It is recommended to wait for minimum one day after rain before applying paint. However, the most important criterion remains as making sure that the application surface is completely dry. Any moisture left on the surface will prevent absorption of paint and create peeling problem.
60- What happens when acrylic latex paint is diluted with water? Would durability of the paint be decreased in any way?
When paint is diluted with water the solid content of paint mixture is decreased. This results in a film layer with a thickness smaller than expected. Since thickness of film layer is very important for paint durability, such paint mixtures will display worse performance. The paint might also lose its coating function.
61- Which colours fades slower on external façades?
Firstly, it should be pointed out all paints used on external façades fade in time. However, the rate of this fading changes between different colours and different paints. Organic colours like blue and green are inclined to fade quicker than inorganic colours like brown and yellow. In addition, high quality acrylic latex paints retain colour better in comparison to solvent based paints. On the other hand, one of the most important differences between internal paints and external paints is the fact that external paints retain their colours better.
62- Which paint provides the best result on galvanised surfaces?
After a galvanised surface is left exposed to open air for about six months or cleaned with chemical agents two coats of acrylic latex paint can be applied directly on the metal surface or on metal primer. If the paint is applied without preparations detailed above the oil and zinc will react and cause the paint to peel.
63- What is the curing time difference between alkyd and latex?
Latex paint cures in one hour and can be cleaned with water. Alkyd paint cures in one day and can be cleaned with solvents.
64- Oil based paints sometimes become hard and brittle. Do acrylic latex paints act in the same way?
No. Particles of acrylic latex paint adhere to each other to form an elastic film layer. This layer can expand or contract with the surface. This gives the paint an incredible durability. Oil based paint forms a film layer due to a chemical reaction fixed through its life. In result of these reactions the paint becomes hard and brittle. This, in turn, causes cracks and peels.
65- Why do cracks form on a freshly painted surface?
The most important reason for such cracks would be application of a paint layer thicker than what is necessary. The layer on the surface will dry out faster, while lower layers take longer to dry. The lower layers will contract as they dry and this causes the top layer to crack. In addition, the application surface not being properly cleaned can also cause cracks.
Generally on wide surface (on walls) it is faster and easier to work with a roll. On the other hand, brushes should always be used at the wall edges and wood elements like doors, windows, etc. If a generalisation is required, synthetic brushes can be used for water based paints, while natural bristle brushes can be used for oil paints, long bristled rolls can be used to create rough and decorative surfaces, and rolls with very short bristles can be used for straight surfaces.