• Thursday 12 May 2022
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WHAT DOES CLEAN, DRY AND SOUND MEAN?

The success of every painting job starts with surface preparation. No matter what you are painting, the recommendation is always that the surface must be clean, dry and sound, but what does this mean?

CLEAN

FOR THE BEST ADHESION

In order for paint to be able to form the best adhesion to the surface you are painting, it has to be as clean as possible. Hands contain oils which make the surface greasy and day to day grease, dirt and grime make it harder for the paint to stick. Over time, this will cause your paint to fail, it can cause flaking and cracking or an uneven finish. Its very important the surface is clean.

DRY

TO PREVENT BUBBLING AND BLISTERING

When you clean down a surface, we recommend using products such as sugar soap, degreaser and finally cleaning down with warm water. Its very important that once you use any of these products, you must allow them to dry fully. This can take a couple of hours depending on the drying conditions. If there is any moisture left in the surface when you apply the paint, this can then cause your paint to bubble or blister.

Make sure your surface is fully dry before you paint, this is especially important for any outdoor wood or masonry as it will have a higher moisture content from being outside.

SOUND

FOR MAXIMUM LONGEVITY AND DURABILITY

Any cracks, flaking or defects in the surface will cause your paint to fail. If the paint doesnt have a smooth, flat surface to adhere to, it will cause it to peel and flake off . Remove any flaking, old paint or peeling. Sand down any cracks or flaking until the surface is smooth. Fill any holes or cracks with an appropriate caulk. Sand down again until the surface is smooth, remove any dust and allow the surface to fully dry. Finally, surfaces need to be primed correctly prior to painting to ensure surface is sound for the topcoat.

ASK OUR INSTORE EXPERTS AT BANDON, KINSALE OR ENNISKEANE FOR ADVICE ON CHOOSING A PRIMER