Pre-painting Tips

Here are some handy tips to keep in mind before you start painting. Following them will help you achieve the best results.

Check the surfaces to determine any defects that exist and the tools necessary to fix them.
Determine what types of finishes have been previously used on the surface to help you select the correct primer, sealer, undercoat or topcoat required.
Clear out the room/area as much as possible to ensure easy accessibility to the surface.
Remove any pictures, nails, hooks, curtains, rods, light fittings, door handles and other items that are attached to or near the surface.
Arrange all your bulky furniture in the centre of the room and cover it up with a drop cloth.
Mask all skirting boards, especially if stained or varnished to protect against paint spots.

Wash with high pressure to remove all dirt, dust, grease and grime.
Ensure surface is clean, dry and free from any contamination.
Fill up any holes and cracks with a suitable exterior filler and then sand smooth.

Allow the plaster to cure/set for at least 1 month in summer and 3 months in winter.
Conduct a Tape Test by applying masking tape firmly to the plaster surface and then quickly pull it off.

Remove any loose particles by dry brushing the surface.
Fill any holes and cracks with a suitable filler.
Wash the surface if necessary with a solution of water and household detergent.
Rinse with water and allow it to dry thoroughly.
Apply Deluxe Coatings Super Seal. Leave for 24 hours and then apply a second coat.

Remove all dust and dirt from the surface.
Sand smooth the surface before you start painting. Timber should be sanded along the grain to prevent any fibres being raised.
Use Deluxe Coatings Acrylic Undercoat or Deluxe Coatings Super Seal to seal the surface.

All edges should be slightly rounded by sanding or scraping.
Any soft material on the surface should be scraped clean.
If the timber has been exposed, damaged, has cracks or holes, then it should be filled up with Builders Filler (2 pack) and re-sanded.
All sanding should be carried out with the grain.
Wash or dust off as necessary prior to painting.

Concrete should be allowed to dry for at least 12 weeks before painting. If any wetness remains, the moisture can cause blistering or peeling of the coatings later on.
Fill all unwanted holes in the surface with suitable filler.
If needed, wash surface with a solution of Water (2 to 18 litres) and Hydrochloric Acid. This will help achieve a clean etched surface before painting.

Surfaces must be cured and allowed to dry before painting. At least 6 weeks for oil based paints and 4 weeks for acrylic paints.
If any mould has formed, treat it with a solution of Deluxe Coatings Fungicide and water (2 to 18 litres).

New metal should be thoroughly de-greased by wiping with a de-greaser and rinsing the surface thoroughly.
Structural galvanised steel (pipes, beams, hand rails etc) must be thoroughly abraded by sanding or grinding to remove any chemical treatments from the surface and ensure adhesion of coatings.
Use Deluxe Coatings Acrylic Undercoat to prime the surface, then you can apply Deluxe Coatings Gloss Acrylic or Deluxe Coatings Gloss Enamel.