Does ‘maintenance free’ have to mean ‘paint free’?

If you live in a newer home, chances are your “wooden” deck is actually made of plastic planks, your shingle siding may be made of a cement and fiber blend, and your ornate interior cornices made of fiberglass.

These are just a few examples of the new crop of building materials that are being used both indoors and out. Take a look around your home and you are likely to find many more examples, such as factory-finished aluminum in window frames and entry doors, or PVC materials in exterior siding, railing and fences. All of them are marketed as “maintenance free.” But what if you still want to paint them, to change the color or refresh their appearance, or even to help protect them against the elements? All this space age technology could leave you wondering – can you paint something that does not actually require painting?

The answer, according to the experts at The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, is a resounding “yes.” To find out how, and for expert tips for your specific project, visit www.paintquality.com

All new building materials can benefit from the use of a top quality acrylic latex primer applied prior to painting. A primer helps the paint better grip the surface, and allows the finished job to appear more uniform in color and sheen.

In addition to following specific guidelines for your particular job, the experts at The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute also say it is now more important than ever to follow the four steps to a quality paint job to achieve good results. These steps apply regardless of what surface you are painting. They are:

Do Proper Surface Preparation. Always clean the area to be painted before you begin. To prepare most surfaces, thoroughly wash and rinse them. Make sure you wear proper eye and skin protection before you begin.

Use Quality Tools. Top quality brushes and rollers help paint to go on thicker and help the top coat achieve a more uniform appearance in color and gloss.

Use Nothing But the Best Paint. When you are ready to paint, choose only top quality paint. By using a top quality acrylic latex paint, you reap many important benefits – better adhesion to the surface you want to paint, greater durability, and a paint job that will remain more uniform in terms of color and gloss level. As a result, your paint job will not only look great, but it will also maintain those looks for years to come.

Check the Weather Forecast. A paint job can be ruined if it is applied in conditions that are too hot, cold or windy. For an ideal finish, check the manufacturer’s label for specific temperature guidelines.

For more information on selecting paints and primers for use
on your newer building materials, consult with the PQI experts at www.paintquality.com.