There are many different paths to find the right color. It all starts with the quality of the paint. It is our strongest recommendations not to use anything but the best, the color decision has a tendency to become very controversial among professionals, so The Kansas Paint Company encourages the customer to decide on the color themselves, and if unable The Kansas Paint Company would be happy to help. For our assistance please visit the links below.
Sherwin Williams Paint Colors
https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview
When evaluating paint options, it is important to remember that paint cost increases with increasing paint quality. This is primarily the result of two factors. Quality paints tend to use higher cost components than paints of lesser quality. Higher cost components translate to higher product costs. Quality paints also have a higher concentration of solids. As a result, higher quality paints have a long list of advantages: They are easier to apply, flow better during application, require fewer coats for the same coverage, splatter less during application, have better hiding characteristics, hold color better, resist pealing and flaking, resist mildew, and provide a longer service life.
For better coverage over old paint colors select a paint with prime pigments such as titanium dioxide.
Maintenance cleaning is vital to the overall service life of a painted surface. However, when selecting a cleaner, be sure to use a non-abrasive cleaner. If cleaning a waterborne paint, avoid products that are ammoniated. Mild, soapy water will generally suffice. However, always test the cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area to ensure that it does not damage the paint film.
Until a few years ago, painting needed to done when temperatures were going to be above 50° Fahrenheit. However, with advances made in waterborne technologies, products like Duration®, Resilience®, SuperPaint®, A-100® latex, in addition to WoodScapes® products can be applied when temperatures are as low as 35º F. Please note that surface, air and product temperatures must be at or above 35º F and that environmental conditions during and after painting need to be considered. Stable conditions and temperatures above 35º F are needed early in the paint’s drying schedule. The first 48 hours could be critical to successful drying.
If this is a concrete slab on grade, check to ensure that the surface does not have a moisture problem prior to considering an opaque coating. To do this, tape a 2-foot square plastic sheet to the floor (use duct tape and tape around the entire perimeter of the plastic sheet). Leave in place on the floor for one or two days. Then, check to see if moisture is present between the floor and the plastic. If moisture is present, painting should not be attempted. If the area is still dry, then the surface can be painted. Clean the surface to remove all contaminants. If the surface is smooth, etch the surface to create a profile with the H&C Clean and Etch or similar product. To resist hot tire pick-up we recommend a polyamide two part epoxy.
Redwood, red cedar and other resin-rich wood species have tannins, which weather to a gray look. You can remove the tannin from the wood’s surface using a product like SuperDeck® Revive. The oxalic acid in this material will remove the damaged surface, thereby exposing fresh wood. Be sure to follow all cautionary statements on the label to avoid damage to nearby plants or person.
I have an older deck and fence that has grayed out and is somewhat stained. How can I restore this wood to its original appearance?
The pressure-treating process soaks wood. When newly installed, it will not allow coatings to adhere well. For the most part it is best to allow the surface to dry, and the time needed can vary. An easy test is to splash/sprinkle water on the surface. If the water beads on the surface, more drying time is needed. If the water droplets soak into the wood, then the surface can be coated. The deck should be cleaned at that time, with one or two days following to permit it to dry. Once it’s dry, coat pressure-treated decks with SuperDeck® or a variation of Stain.