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Answers to your questions from our Paint Experts, p 22

Here's a taste of some of the Paint Expert questions and answers to help you with your own projects.

Always make sure you read the product label and data sheet prior to application. If in doubt about any aspect of your project, please ask our Paint Expert for help or come in and see our staff at your local Resene ColorShop or Reseller.

 
 
 
 

Q&A   p. 22


Q. I'm painting the exterior of our home which is 1970s concrete fibreboard. I was advised to use Resene Lumbersider but I want to go for a dark brown colour. I'm a little concerned that in the heat it may bubble. Is Resene Lumbersider suitable? What preparation do you recommend? Currently painting a light shade and is generally in good condition.

A. The potential for blistering is determined by the number on soundness of the existing paint system. Given that you are repainting in a pale colour there is less likelihood of blistering. The selection of paint is not really the issue; you can use Resene Lumbersider or Resene Sonyx 101 (semi-gloss). Resene Sonyx 101 will give a longer time till the onset of surface chalking.

January 2017

Q. We are doing a new build and are planning to clad the house in vertical hardwood in either a shiplap or board and batten profile. We intend to stain the timber a dark grey or black Resene product. I need advice on which product would you recommend. I was hoping to use copper nailing to fix the battens so that they are proud and visible. Would the product we use obscure the nail heads when we paint? How hard would it be to ‘wipe’ the stain off the nail heads? Or should we just forget the copper nails?

A. Stain uptake into new hardwood is low, to improve this we recommend leaving the timber to weather for a few months or scrub down using Resene Timber and Deck Wash diluted and used to label directions. This will open up the timber surface to improve stain penetration. We recommend staining with Resene Waterborne Woodsman tinted to the Resene CoolColour™ version of the stain. The CoolColour stain versions are not cool to touch but reflect more heat than the same colour made using non cool pigmentation. Wiping stain off the nail heads will be a time consuming practice but can be done if you wipe the stain immediately after application.

January 2017

Q. I am looking at cladding my whole house with kwila and staining it with Resene Waterborne Woodsman. Is it a good idea to bulk Resene Timber and Deck Wash and pressure wash, then apply two coats before nailing up (to allow for shrinkage)? Also can I bulk apply using an airless spray gun? If so what tip should I use?

A. Kwila is a very dense timber and when new does not allow stains to achieve penetration into the timber surface. Kwila also has a water soluble tannin extract that when the timber is new and then wetted will run off and discolour concrete and the like. Our recommendation for staining Kwila is to leave the timber to weather for 2-3 months to open up the timber surface then stain, or alternatively scrub down with Resene Timber and Deck Wash diluted and used to label directions (this will wash out tannins) then stain. To get the best outcome recommend both.

January 2017

Q. Can you apply stain by airless spray gun? Or is it best done with a speed brush?

A. As stain penetration is a key requirement at least the first coat should be applied using a speed brush. The stain is formulated at a low viscosity and this will make airless spray application and avoiding runs/sags a real challenge.

January 2017

Q. I have applied a Resene Pitch Black stain and it looks thicker, more ‘paint like’, than expected.

A. Stain uptake is a function of timber porosity, within a section of timber there are early and late wood sections, the latter are denser and stain uptake is less than other areas. Waterborne stains do tend to give a more painted look compared to a solvent borne stain.

January 2017

Q. The builder has replaced old cedar weatherboards with new ones. He has also preprimed them with Resene Quick Dry primer. I told him that he was supposed to have primed them with an oil based primer. Do I have a problem as I want to put two coats of Resene Lumbersider on these boards?

A. Our recommended primer for cedar is Resene Wood Primer. Application of a waterborne primer can lead to tannin release/bleed and this will contaminate following waterborne paint application.

January 2017

Q. I need to repaint a ceiling that has crazed paint. The paint seems well adhered and the crazing may have been caused by heat from a fire in the space. Can you recommend a sealer and topcoat to avoid stripping?

A. Sorry but we recommend removal of the crazed areas of paint prior to painting.

January 2017

Q. I'm after some advice on a hard wearing external textured/grip paint which will be applied to a first floor upstairs balcony - North facing, external, fibreglass covering plywood floor lapped up the face of the external wall cladding. Can you please let me know what you have in the way of external high friction paint of sorts for intense sun exposure all year round? Preferably one that comes with a colour selection - Mist Green or similar.

A. We would recommend Resene Non-Skid Deck & Path.

January 2017

Q. We are redoing our bathroom and putting fibreboard that is grooved panels on the walls 1200 high. Can I paint the fibre board with Resene Enamel Paint for bathrooms?

A. Best to use Resene Sureseal as the seal coat, if using a waterborne enamel topcoat then use a coat of Resene Quick Dry as the undercoat over the Resene Sureseal.

January 2017

Q. We purchased a house that is clad with PVC weatherboard (complete with fake wood grain). It’s currently a yellow with blue grey aluminium joinery. We find the cladding gets quite mouldy and dirty through the colder months so we waterblast it. What can be used to paint the PVC boards? Will we still be able to waterblast? We are not too sure on colour but would prefer a grey based or greige colour to keep it neutral and detract from the blue in the joinery.

A. Any Resene exterior waterborne topcoat paint (two coats) can be used to paint PVC cladding. We recommend applying a pale colour especially for old weathered PVC cladding. The cladding must be clean and chalk free, this can be achieved by treating with Resene Moss & Mould Killer diluted and used to label directions and then a scrub down with Resene Paint Prep and Housewash used to label directions.

Apply Resene Deep Clean at least once a year in spring or autumn to provide ongoing control of biological growth (no waterblasting needed).

January 2017

Q. I want to paint my kitchen benchtops in limewash. Can I clear coat over this? Do i use oil based or water based clear?

A. Resene Colorwood Whitewash can be overcoated with Resene Aquaclear. For a bench top I would recommend at least three additional coats of Resene Aquaclear.

January 2017

Q. Can we use a dark colour to repaint weathered PVC boards to cover up the old yellowed boards?

A. Pale colours will reflect more of the infra-red component (heat) of sunlight compared to dark colours. The analogy is the surface temperature of a white and black car on a sunny day. With any substrate that is subject to thermal expansion (PVC is one of these) extra stress is placed on the substrate when coated with dark colours. Resene CoolColour™ technology can reduce but not eliminate this feature of dark colours.

If you are moving towards application of a light colour a coat of Resene Quick Dry Waterborne Primer Undercoat will facilitate topcoat coverage with two coats.

January 2017

Q. I want to paint over a wall that has write on wall paint on it, what preparation is required?

A. Wipe down with methylated sprits and a cloth to remove any residual pen markings then sand using 220 grit sandpaper to degloss. Dust off and then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of any Resene interior wall paint.

January 2017

Q. What paint should I use on new window putty?

A. If the new putty is a linseed oil putty allow the putty to skin over then prime with Resene Enamel Undercoat. Extend the paint line just above the putty line onto the glass. You can then apply a Resene waterborne enamel or Resene Super Gloss enamel as the topcoats.

January 2017

Q. I need to paint a PVC downpipe white. Result of a messy plumber!

A. Any exterior Resene waterborne paint (two coats) can be applied direct to clean contaminant free PVC.

January 2017

Q. I am building a house using pine weatherboard cladding. The local council have specified paint of 37% or less LRV. The weatherboard manufacturer recommends 45% or greater LRV. If I use Resene Friar Grey, which has an LRV of 31% can it achieve an effective LRV of 45% or greater, using your CoolColour product?

A. The LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of a given colour is the same for the non-CoolColour and CoolColour™ versions of the colour. The TSR (Total Solar Reflectance) of the CoolColour version of the colour is always higher than the non-CoolColour version. TSR is a measurement of near infra-red reflection (heat). The LRV of Resene Friar Grey is 31%, the TSR of the non-CoolColour version is 26.9% and the TSR of the CoolColour version is 45.4%.

We have developed a way to link an LRV cut-off with TSR, an LRV cut-off value of 45% is equivalent to a TSR value of greater than 36%. All TSR measurements are done with the application of two coats of topcoat applied over a solid white base coat. So using this, the TSR of the CoolColour version of Resene Friar Grey does meet the requirements.

January 2017

Q. Is Resene Zylone Sheen, kitchen and bathroom paint able to go straight on plasterboard (stopped to Level 4)? Or do I need to use a specific undercoat? This applies for the ceiling too with standard ceiling kitchen and bathroom paint. The ceiling is white low sheen, and walls are Resene Sea Fog in semi-gloss if that makes a difference.

A. We do not recommend Resene Zylone Sheen for wet areas such as bathrooms. For these areas we recommend a Resene waterborne enamel such as Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom. We always specify application of a dedicated plasterboard sealer prior to application of Resene topcoats.

January 2017

Q. I have some new exterior solid plaster and I want to use a dark Karen Walker colour – Resene Sanguine Brown to seal it. The Resene paint shop said to use Resene Lumbersider. Is this okay? Do I need to seal the plaster?

A. We recommend application of Resene LimeLock first.

January 2017

Q. Our blackboard paint wall has been used a lot and has some residues of chalk. What is the best way to clean these off?

A. Use a soft lint free cloth and Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner.

January 2017

Q. Can you recommend paint for our Formica® kitchen counter tops?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve. The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing. Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the laminate.

January 2017

Q. I am looking to paint the exterior of our bach. After painting a few test colours we finally decided on Resene Billabong only to be told it is too dark and will fade and is not suitable as an exterior colour due to low LRV. Please could you confirm if this is in fact the case and also alternative solutions.

A. Colour fade is related to the UV light stability of the pigments used to formulate the colour and not LRV. All exterior waterborne paints will chalk, the rate is primarily determined by the paint gloss level, the higher the gloss level the longer the time to the onset of surface chalking. Surface chalking is often thought to be colour fade but the two are quite different. If a chalked paint surface is washed down to remove the chalking then the original colour returns, if the colour has faded washing down does not restore the original colour.

For this situation I would recommend the colour be tinted in Resene Sonyx 101 and that you use the CoolColour™ formulation, the CoolColour version of the colour will reflect more heat than the same colour tinted using the non-CoolColour tint formulation, however while CoolColours are not cool to touch they do reflect more heat.

January 2017

Q. I am painting a 1900 villa ceiling. The original base coat is shellac. I have removed the existing top coat plus most of the shellac with a hot air gun but there is still shellac left. It melts and spreads. It is secure and not peeling. What is the best paint for a primer/undercoat?

A. Sand and then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat. Thorough sanding is the key to achieving adhesion.

January 2017

Q. Is it ok to spray Resene Enamacryl with a pressure pot? I want to coat some radiators using it; they are too small for an airless and I will brush and roll if I cannot.

A. It can be sprayed with a pressure pot but you will need to use a 1.8mm or greater. Some judicious thinning with water may also be required to achieve good atomisation.

January 2017

Q. My wooden ceilings are made of Douglas fir with stain (I don't think they are varnished as they are not shiny nor do they have a slippery feeling). The stain has been on for over 30 years, untouched. I now want to paint the ceilings with a light colour. How do I prepare the ceilings so I can paint them with lighter paint?

A. Apply a coat of Resene StainLock then two coats of a Resene waterborne topcoat.

January 2017

Q. Would I use the same product before I paint over stain?

A. For interior yes but not for overcoating an exterior stain finish.

January 2017

Q. I have two brass wall lights that I do not want to replace but I need to change their colour as I am redecorating. Can I paint over them and if so what paint do I use?

A. Apply an adhesion coat of Resene Vinyl Etch, a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of any Resene waterborne enamel tinted to your choice of colour.

January 2017

Q. I have a hallway cabinet - it is 350mm wide, 1140 high and 2370mm in length. It is absolutely plain with 6 doors, all the same size.

It is a dusky dull pink and in excellent condition. The entire exterior of the cabinet is shiny, very smooth but not wooden, nor metal but it must be a once-pliable material as the edges of the cupboards are 'rolled over' so they finish tidily on the inside. The top of the whole length of the cabinet (2370mm) also has a rolled over edge along the front. It looks like it is painted with a type of baked-on paint. I want to paint it a different colour but do not know where to start. It is in excellent condition because of its exterior being so hard. I wonder if you can assist me with what preparation, undercoat and topcoat I need.

A. The only suggestion would be to try a test patch of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer. Clean down first using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner then apply a thin coat of the Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer, leave for 48 hours and see if the sealer has adhered. If adhesion is achieved then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl (add Resene Hot Weather Additive at the recommended addition rate).

January 2017

Q. I am sanding my weatherboard house down, there are only a couple coats on it, so I’m sanding to smooth, not right down to raw board. I need to know how do I get up under the weatherboard overlap and is it important to sand up under there? Also is there such a thing as a primer-undercoat-sealer-top coat ALL IN ONE as a hard extreme sunblock paint I can use?

A. You will probably need to use a Tungsten Carbide scraper, to scrape the cracked flaky paint under the weatherboards. It may be something that needs to be hand sanded. If there are no areas of bare timber you can use a finishing paint like Resene Sonyx 101 as its own undercoat. So that would be two coats of Resene Sonyx 101 on. Some light and bright colours often require an additional coat however, though this can depend on the colour you are overcoating. If you have bare timber areas it is best to spot prime those areas before applying any topcoats.

January 2017

Q. I want very dark grey/black colour paint for my home’s exterior. Which would be the best range of paint to fight off the sun, as we are in an all-day very high sun area?

A. Dark colours attract a lot of infra-red heat. If you are going to use a dark colour, it would be a good idea to use Resene CoolColour™ technology. Note that it does not mean it will be cool to touch. Using CoolColour is not a guarantee that you will not have heat related issues but it certainly would help reflect more infra-red heat. The paint type I would recommend is Resene Sonyx 101, this is a semi-gloss acrylic, tinted using CoolColour.

January 2017

Q. I want to use black in the following locations: MDF ceiling internally, Fibre Cement Sheet externally, Exposed H1.2 trusses internally, Exposed H3.1 trusses externally (covered, protected but exposure to sun). To stop trusses from twisting I want to use CoolColour throughout. I also want to get a flat finish or low sheen if I have to but I want a matching gloss level internally and externally.

A. The fibre cement board would be primed with Resene Concrete Primer, the MDF and timber trusses need to be primed with Resene Quick Dry. Resene SpaceCote Flat can be used interior/exterior. It is important to note that CoolColour™ does not mean that it will be cool to touch. Using CoolColour is not a guarantee that you will not have heat related issues but it certainly would help reflect more infra-red heat.

January 2017

Q. What filler products do you have, that are suitable to fill small cracks in solid plaster coatings, in place for 20 years or so. It has existing acrylic paint coatings which need repainting.

A. Resene Brushable Crack Filler is suitable for cracks up to 2mm wide. This product should be brushed across the crack to bridge it. Product will dry back and may require recoating to fill the crack. As this product is quite thick it may fill up the texture, so that is something that will need to be taken into consideration. Certainly feathering the product upon application will help with this.

January 2017

Q. I am looking to create a Common Green Screen. Apparently you can put things against it and they give the image of being able to disappear..

A. To make a green screen you need a bright green colour in a flat finish. We recommend Resene FilmPro Digital Green. Use two coats of Resene Howzat as an undercoat.

January 2017

Q. I am teaching a class how to make paints. I’d like to know - what is in solvent? What is in pigment? What is binder?

A. Paint can be anything from a coat of linseed oil to a sophisticated baked on silicone enamel for painting space shuttles.

Solvents - make the paint easier to handle and apply. Some solvents make paint hazardous so require good ventilation. A solvent is the substance into which another substance dissolves.

Pigments - Prime pigments give colour. Extender pigments control gloss level, sandability, texture etc. Anti-corrosion pigments give corrosion protection.

Binder - Can also be known as a resin, a latex or as an oil etc. It holds the paint together. It forms a continuous film and provides adhesion. A binder gives the paint its important properties especially with regards durability.

  • Convertible binders: these change as they dry. The binder is converted into a different chemical structure e.g. alkyd resins or 2 pack paints.
  • Non-Convertible binders: These don't change chemically as they dry e.g. lacquers.

January 2017


Q. I have a bare concrete block wall that is three years old I would like to paint. The builder has used some sort of butanol sealer that has dripped down onto the block work. I have tried to remove it, unsuccessfully. What should I do in regards to the butanol drips so I can paint the concrete blocks.

A. Scrub the wall down with Resene Paint Prep and Housewash diluted and used to label directions and rinse clean, then allow to dry. The drips of butanol sealer will need to be spot primed with Resene Membrane Roofing Primer followed by three coats of Resene X-200.

January 2017

Q. I want to paint my wood sewing cabinet black. It was originally covered with a wood effect contact paper which started peeling off after a number of years. I have now peeled it all off and have sanded the cabinet ready to paint. Can you please recommend the best hard wearing paint to use that would withstand my sewing machine being placed on the top of the cabinet during use?

A. Prime the bare custom wood with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat. Then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel. This paint will develop most of its durability in 5-7 days but will continue to harden over several weeks. It is important to note that this will not have the characteristics of the contact paper. It is a paint system and would likely still scratch if objects are pulled or dragged across the surface.

January 2017

Q. I am repainting the exterior of our 1940s bungalow and the corner soakers of the weatherboards where we had an alteration done about 30 years ago are showing signs of corrosion both white powder, black spots and red rust. It appears that the builders may have only put pink oil based primer on these. I have Resene Rust-Arrest and Resene Galvo One primer but I am unsure how to pretreat the corrosion.

A. Scrub with Resene Roof & Metal Wash. Clean back any light corrosion with a nylon Scotchbrite® scouring pad or similar. For heavier red rust clean back by sanding with 80 grit sandpaper or a 3M rust and paint disc. This should be confined to the red rusting areas only. This will avoid damaging the protective galvanised layer, which will simply lead to more rusting. Apply a coat of Resene GP Metal Primer. Areas showing significant red rusting will require an additional coat of Resene GP Metal Primer. You could use Resene Rust-Arrest on the red rust areas, but it does not adhere well to the adjacent galvanised surfaces.

January 2017

Q. What would the best product/system be to use to cover the black tar that overflows from the bottom plate (melthoid) onto the concrete base if we want to pad the concrete base of our house?

A. Any bituminous substrate would first require painting with Resene Membrane Roofing Primer. The bare concrete area can be primed with Resene Concrete Primer. If any release agents were used on the concrete base these need to be removed prior to painting. Then a waterbased topcoat can be applied over both these primers.

January 2017

Q. Do you have a paint for glazed tiles that it is not shiny, for around the outside of a pool (not in the pool)?

A. Clean the tiles with Resene Paint Prep and Housewash diluted and used to label directions. Apply a coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer, leave for 48 hours with no contact with moisture. Apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat. Follow with two 2 coats of Resene Non-Skid Deck & Path (if rolling use a #15 High Solids Sleeve).

January 2017

Q. I have some paint I want to use that I think is about 3 years old. What is the shelf life of paint. Is it still ok to use?

A. Our product should be in good order for at least 3 years which is how long we keep our retain samples as part of our ISO accreditation. Most water based products are still quite usable for 5 years+ but it will vary from product to product.

If the product can be mixed easily to a homogeneous consistency then usually it is ok to use. Only concerns are if its lumpy, smelling badly or gelled.

January 2017

Q. We want to paint the interior walls in a business office gold. We want a gold colour if not exact, very close to a photo we have.

A. It is very difficult to match a colour based on a photo. Our main golds are Resene Gold or Resene Gold Dust. I would suggest you view a physical sample so you can decide if the colour is close enough for you.

January 2017

Q. I have a home-made wooden bookcase I would like to paint. It is not stained, but has been oiled (linseed oil, applied a long time ago). What do I need to do and what kind of paint should I use?

A. Lightly sand and apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

January 2017

Q. Despite careful preparation the paint on my sun baked east/north facing window sills doesn't last more than 2-3 years before cracking. I use Resene Quick Dry x two coats, and topcoat with Resene Enamacryl Gloss Crab Apple x 2 coats. I was advised applying several layers of Resene Acrylic Undercoat will improve durability. I would like to know if I could use 2-4 layers of the primer/undercoat as the undercoating paint instead of straight undercoat. Would that be better or as good as using undercoat or have you another suggestion?

A. I see no technical reason to use more than two coats of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and two coats of topcoat tinted to the colour. I am sure that colour selection is the main contributory reason to the failure. Dark colours attract more heat and this stresses the paint system often to the point of failure. We would normally recommend using the Resene CoolColour™ version to address this as the CoolColours reflect more heat than the non-CoolColour version of the colour. However Resene Crab Apple cannot be formulated as a CoolColour so this option is not available.

Resene Enamacryl is a cross linking waterborne enamel paint and over time will develop into a hard paint film with reduced flexibility; paint film flexibility does allow the film to expand and contract without undue stress. Are there any areas on the sills where two painted surfaces come into direct contact? If not then a change to a conventional non cross linking paint such as Resene Hi-Glo (gloss) or Resene Sonyx 101 (semi-gloss) may offer a better solution.

January 2017

Q. I have a pine bookcase I stained some years ago. I now want to paint it white. What can I use to paint over the stain and which system is best for a bookcase?

A. Clean down using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner to label directions, lightly sand, dust off and apply a coat of Resene StainLock then finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Add Resene Hot Weather Additive to the Resene Lustacryl.

January 2017

Q. Could you please advise me what product to use to seal unpainted concrete blocks? They have been laid for 10 years so are quite dirty with salt stain from mortar and mould etc. I want to leave them natural but would like to tidy them up and seal them to keep looking good.

A. We would normally recommend a solid paint finish for this situation. The only suggestion which will retain a natural look is to remove all loose efflorescence by power wire brushing then apply a saturation coat of Resene Solventborne Aquapel.

January 2017

Q. Could you please tell me the best way to remove paint from aluminium windows? Our house was painted by the previous owner and when the house was painted they managed to get some on the window frames.

A. It may be difficult now as the paint is probably well cured. I suggest you try Resene Graffiti Cleaner on a small area that is inconspicuous to see if that removes the paint.

January 2017

Q. I want to paint my customwood sewing cabinet black. It was originally covered with a wood effect contact paper which started peeling off after a number of years. I have now peeled it all off and have sanded the cabinet ready to paint. Can you please recommend the best hardwearing paint to use that would withstand my sewing machine being placed on the top of the cabinet during use?

A. Apply a primer coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat then finish with two coats of Resene Lusta-Glo.

January 2017

Q. I am repainting the exterior of our 1940s bungalow and the corner soakers of the weatherboards where we had an alteration done about 30 years ago are showing signs of corrosion - white powder, black spots and red rust. It appears that the builders may have only put pink oil based primer on these. I have Resene Rust-Arrest and Resene Galvo One primer but am unsure how to pretreat the corrosion.

A. Wash down with Resene Roof and Metal Wash following data sheet/label directions then remove all loose corrosion and any paint using a 3M Rust and Paint Removal Disc then apply two coats of Resene Galvo One before topcoating.

January 2017

Q. I have exterior timber repaired with fibreglass before painting. What primer or undercoat can I use over fibreglass before Resene Sonyx 101 topcoats?

A. Fibreglass bog is not that successful as a timber repair system as the filler does not achieve good adhesion to the timber substrate. However after sanding you can use Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat as the priming system.

January 2017

Q. What would the best product/system be to use to cover the black tar that overflows from the bottom plate onto the concrete base if we want to paint the concrete base of our house?

A. Apply a primer coat of Resene Membrane Roofing Primer to bare bitumen than apply two coats of Resene X-200 (suitable for all above ground areas).

January 2017

Q. I want to use black in the following locations: MDF ceiling internally, fibre cement sheet externally, Exposed H1.2 trusses internally, Exposed H3.1 trusses externally (covered, protected but exposure to sun). To stop trusses from twisting I want to use Resene CoolColour throughout. I also want to get a flat finish or low sheen if I have to; I want matching level internally and externally.

A. Prime the MDF with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and the fibre cement with Resene Concrete Primer then apply two coats of Resene Lumbersider CoolColour™ (exterior) and the standard version of the colour for interior.

January 2017

Q. I am painting the interior of our house and my wife is concerned about the paint fumes having an effect on our 16 month old baby. We are using Resene Sureseal penetrating pigment sealer – solventborne, Resene Ceiling Paint flat - waterborne and Resene Enamacryl – waterborne.

Is he OK to be in the house while we are painting (in a separate room of course) and how long before he would be OK to go into the finished room?

A. Ventilation and air flow is the key, usually if changes in the room air can regularly be achieved then at least a week will be required to allow for release of solvents and dissipation to exterior to occur.

January 2017

Q. I like your colour Resene Coriander. Can this be used on a front door? Is it suitable? Can it be changed to an exterior finish?

A. Resene colours can be used for interior and exterior painting so I see no issues with using the colour for an exterior door; however I do suggest that you use the Resene CoolColour™ version of the colour applied over a white basecoat such as Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat.

January 2017

Q. I have a stainless steel plate that has the number 16 machined into it to a depth of 2mm. I want to paint fill the number, what do you suggest for best adhesion/fade resistance? The colour is bright red.

A. Apply a thin coat of Resene Vinyl Etch then two coats of any Resene exterior waterborne paint; this includes Resene testpot colours.

January 2017

Q. The job is treating the flashings on the house as we paint it. The house is a 1980 McRayway plywood clad two storey house. At the joins of the sheets of plywood galvanised tin flashings were used. They were also used over the aluminium windows. Galvanised tin flashings were also used at the corners of the building. Some of the flashings have developed a bit of rust. My plan was to scrape and strip all of the old paint off of the flashings, wirebrush the loose rust, then treat with a rust converter. I was then going to cover that with a primer undercoat followed by Resene AquaShield or Resene Lumbersider as topcoats.

A. Resene does not recommend using rust conversion primers for treating areas of rust. Our product for this would be Resene GP Metal Primer, two coats applied to areas of rust that have been washed down using Resene Roof and Metal Wash diluted and used to label directions then wire brushed to remove loose rust deposits. You can then apply two coats of any Resene exterior waterborne paint.

January 2017

Q. We have purchased a 3 year old block house. We have cedar trim on the exterior and the previous owners said it was requiring recoating soon. They said they used Resene English walnut. Not sure if water or oil based. Is a paint more durable than stain and will it go over the top ok.

A. Stained exterior timber has a high maintenance demand to maintain aesthetics (typically every third summer). A solid paint finish will extend the usual recoat time to 8-10 years depending upon exposure levels, colour and paint type.

January 2017

Q. Six months ago a painter painted our basement floor which is concrete and not in very good order - laid about 45 years ago. I had no previous sealant/paint experience but was shown the white ‘scale’. He used Resene Limelock, and after talking with the local Resene shop assistants, it was the wrong product to use. We are asking what paint/sealant we can use now. We wish to put carpet tiles down. It is a recreation space only, not living as such.

A. I am of the opinion that the white material on the surface was not lime but was in fact efflorescence due to moisture moving up through the floor bringing dissolved concrete salts to the surface. Resene LimeLock will act as a barrier to the movement of salt through the paint film but not address the underlying cause.

To move forward you will need to diamond grind the coated surface to remove the Resene LimeLock and efflorescence and to generate a surface profile similar to 180 grit sandpaper. Then apply a seal coat of Resene ArmourBond.

January 2017

Q. I have just had a new plasterboard ceiling put up and the stopping has been completed. It’s time to paint. What do I need to use before using a ceiling white (or whatever)?

A. If this is not a bathroom or laundry ceiling then apply a seal coat of Resene Broadwall Waterborne Wallboard Sealer then two coats of Resene Ceiling Paint. For wet areas or for a more durable finish use Resene Sureseal as the sealer and topcoat in Resene SpaceCote Flat in place of Resene Ceiling Paint.

January 2017

Q. I need to do the design and to paint a long corrugated iron fence. What would be the procedure for it - what do I need to do with the surface before painting and what kind of paint should I use? It has been previously factory primed.

A. If the metal fencing has been exposed to direct weathering for more than a month then all that is needed is to clean down with Resene Roof and Metal Wash diluted and used to label directions and assuming no corrosion apply two coats of any Resene exterior waterborne paint finish.

January 2017

Q. I need to paint over a small wall of unglazed coloured bricks. They are the multi coloured sort that we saw in the 70s or 80s. We have decided on Resene Grey Friars. Is there anything I should be doing here? The rest of the flat is cedar weatherboards that looks terrible. The weatherboard has been affected by sunlight but I think good enough for painting. The current finish is like a Redwood stain that was also popular in those days.

What procedure should I follow to achieve a good job on both the bricks and the weatherboards? The concrete blocks will be water blasted/hot washed. Not sure whether to do that with the weather boards because water blasting might damage the soft wood. We want to paint it with a blue grey.

A. You can waterblast concrete/bricks BUT not timber as the timber surface is easily damaged by waterblasting.

For the best outcome on the cedar I would recommend a complete strip of the existing coating as it sounds to be in an aged condition with poor adhesion. Alternatively thoroughly sand areas of failed coating back to a sound base and spot prime bare cedar with Resene Wood Primer then apply two coats of Resene Lumbersider (if using a dark colour apply the Resene CoolColour™ version of the colour, the surface will not be cool to touch but the will reflect more heat than the non-CoolColour version of the colour). The same paint system is required if you undergo a full strip of the existing paint system.

For the blockwork the system is a coat of Resene Concrete Primer and two coats of Resene Lumbersider (use Resene CoolColour if you select a dark colour).

The garden beds may be a problem unless the inside face has been sealed with a waterproof coating to prevent water coming through the blockwork, if this does occur there may be loss of adhesion or efflorescence development. You can use the same system for the planter boxes but to address the water issue apply a saturation coat of Resene Solventborne Aquapel and leave this to cure for 48 hours before priming with Resene Concrete Primer. This will give the best chance of success.

January 2017

Q. At 14 sq. metres per litre how many microns is the coat of paint? Also the same for 16 sq. metres?

A. There is no direct relationship between coverage expressed as sq metres per litre and dry film thickness, you need to have the volume solids of the paint to do this: Coverage = volume solids x 10/dry film thickness.

February 2017

Q. I am going to paint my iron roof that has a few surface rust spots. What product do I need to kill this rust and then what primer do I need and how many final coats do you suggest. Finally I have a five year old part of the roof that is COLORSTEEL® which is a different colour, what do I need to prep this to then paint the roof the same colour?

A. If any areas of moss or mould infestation exist then treat them with Resene Moss & Mould Killer diluted and used to label directions. For heavy infestations more applications may be needed. Scrub down using Resene Paint Prep and Housewash diluted used to label directions. Rinse clean or hose down with fresh water ensuring all salts are also removed. All paint that is flaking or unsound must be removed by using mechanical methods (3M Rust and Paint Removal Disc), chemical stripper or high pressure waterblasting taking care not to damage either the substrate or the surrounding areas.

Remove all areas of white corrosion material and as much red rust as is practicable and all paint that is flaking or unsound must be removed by using mechanical methods (3M Rust and Paint Removal Disc), chemical stripper or high pressure waterblasting taking care not to damage either the substrate or the surrounding areas.

Where under-film corrosion is taking place the existing paint must first be removed as above and remove under film corrosion products taking care not to damage sound zinc coated areas. All paint edges must be feathered to a smooth finish.

Note: The performance of the subsequent paint systems will be largely dependent on the thoroughness of this surface preparation stage.

Ensure all edges of damaged paint are sound and immediately spot prime all areas of corrosion and any other bare metal with a full coat of Resene GP Metal Primer before applying the topcoat system.

February 2017

Q. We are building a new timber weatherboard home. Should the Resene exterior paint be brushed on, rolled on or sprayed on? Which gives the better protection and finish? What thickness should paint be and how do we check the thickness/coverage is adequate?

A. Our longstanding position on application method is that the primer should be brushed. Undercoats/topcoats can be brushed, rolled or sprayed. Spray application will give the best level of finish. The standard system for weatherboard claddings is a coat of primer and two topcoats applied to the coverage for each. Unlike steel or metal the dry film thickness of paint applied to timber or fibre cement cannot be accurately measured. However the wet film thickness can be measured using a wet film comb and this can then be related to the dry film thickness.

The level of protection is determined by the paint system used and achieving the correct coverage per coat not application method.

February 2017

Q. I am looking for a black paint to paint bathroom floor tiles (not in the shower). Do you have a suitable paint? They are ceramic. They look very tired and a few are cracked. I can't afford to completely renovate the bathroom yet. I am concerned about waterproofing and being slippery to walk on. If paint wears off well too badly, I can redo a bit. I will probably put an outdoor mat over the main traffic area anyway. I will not do the shower floor.

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow curing without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene Lustacryl. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing. This paint system will not reproduce the features of the original tile flooring.

February 2017

Q. Would we have issues painting cedar as it appears to be a troublesome product to keep paint on?

A. We do not consider sound cedar a troublesome substrate to paint. If the cedar is sound then our long standing exterior system is a coat of Resene Wood Primer and two coats of any exterior Resene waterborne topcoat.

February 2017

Q. I have had some parts of rotten weatherboards etc. replaced on a 100 year old bungalow. The builder has suggested that I put sealant e.g. Selleys No More Gaps to fill any visible cracks underneath the weatherboards where they overlap. I have read conflicting opinions on this, some say to not fill these gaps due to movement, moisture etc. But my builder has suggested filling all exterior gaps to prevent moisture penetration which would encourage more rot. I have also read that only the sides and tops of windows should be sealed, so the water can drain underneath. Can you provide a definitive answer re this?

A. The BRANZ recommendation is quite specific DO NOT seal.

February 2017

Q. During the last 9 months I've used quite a lot of solvent paints such as Resene Sureseal and Resene Enamel renovating three houses. What I've found is that the solvent paint produces a heavy skin on top of the paint inside the can and also on the sides of the can. This means that I have to get rid of them every time when I use them and resulting in lumps and wastage of lots of paint. I do close the lid pretty tight. I was told that this is the nature of solvent paint.

A. The skinning is akin to drying of the paint when applied. The paints require air to cross link/harden and a partially full can will have more than sufficient air to see the surface of the paint skin.

There are only two possible options, ensure the can is well sealed and invert or to re can into a smaller sized sealed can.

February 2017

Q. I'm planning to paint some old weathered timber planters boxes with Resene Lumbersider in black. The weathered timber surface has been cleaned with a high pressure water cleaner, if I now coat with Resene TimberLock, is another coating required before applying Resene Lumbersider? Or will Resene Lumbersider properly adhere to cured Resene TimberLock?

A. Allow the Resene TimberLock to dry for 48 hours then apply coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat then finish with the two coats of Resene Lumbersider.

February 2017

Q. I am a member of a Croquet Club and the hoops we use require repainting. Normal enamel is too soft and comes off on the balls. I am looking for a white paint that will withstand the impact of the croquet balls striking the hoops yet will not mark the balls.

A. An interesting challenge. The only possibility would be a two component pigmented polyurethane paint but this would need to be tested to see if it does overcome the issue you have.

February 2017

Q. One of my clients has asked me, if there's a paint that can be used to paint over floor tiles. The tiles are located in the kitchen, laundry and toilet. The tiles are ceramic.

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease; pay particular attention to hand contact areas.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the floor tiling and is not a slip resistant paint finish.

February 2017

Q. I'm about to renovate four internal core doors. The plywood surfaces are painted and there are a few tiny nicks, small dents and scratches that I'd like to fill before painting. The worst scratch is 2mm wide but only 0.1mm deep and runs for about 200mm. Can you please recommend a procedure for repair and repaint and a list of products I will need? The paint is 25 years old and possibly the original surface. It has a tendency to chip rather than peel or become grazed or marked with an impact which makes me think it is possibly oil based. The same paint is used on wooden window sills (aluminium frame windows). There has been 25 years of moisture seepage from the window frames to the wooden sills due to condensation and heat exchange. The seepage has travelled for about 3-4 mm under the paint. The paint is lifting off in chips rather than being curled up into splinters of paint.

A. It seems that the paint is chipping back to the bare substrate. There is likely to be a build-up of paint and this can cause the very first coat of paint to lose adhesion upon knocking. My suggestion is that it is time for a complete strip and start again.

A heat gun and a tungsten blade scraper is the most efficient way to remove paint from flat areas. For detailed areas a paint stripper is often required.

Use RepairCare Dry Flex SF for filling, this is a two component filler that comes in a cartridge and with a cartridge gun delivers the right quantities of base and hardener which you then mix to a homogenous mix before using, then sand smooth when hard cured. The easiest paint system is a primer coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and two waterborne topcoats, for cladding use Resene Sonyx 101, for windows and joinery use Resene Lustacryl as the topcoats respectively.

February 2017

Q. I have a rental which has damaged stained walls; they are also marked with graffiti. My intention is to use a pigmented sealer then skim plaster, using high solids Resene Broadwall as undercoat. I am spraying, so my question is, can I use pigmented sealer to spray off old varnish door jambs as primer or will I still need to prime jambs separately.

A. Resene Sureseal is designed to be applied to substrates with porosity and this is not the case with a varnish coating. If you are applying a waterborne enamel finish to doors and jambs then you will need to brush or roller apply Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer as the adhesion primer. Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer is supplied at near water viscosity and spraying is not an option for this product.

February 2017

Q. What undercoat should I use under Resene Sonyx 101, on a concrete chimney which I have water blasted and wire brushed? It still has 50% of the old topcoat remaining.

A. Spot prime any bare concrete with Resene Sureseal.

February 2017

Q. How do I clean paint off a concrete wall where someone has cleaned brushes?

I spilt white Resene Sonyx 101 on my stained deck, how do I remove that?

A. Sorry, but removal of Resene Sonyx 101 spills from the deck will be difficult to achieve without affecting the stain finish.

February 2017

Q. I'm looking at painting a new house with Resene All Black. The exterior is a flat cement board with timber battens (i.e. board-and-batten finish). I want to spec a painting finish that will last - can you tell me what depth (e.g. microns) I should spec? I thought saying two coats of All Black on top of an undercoat (white) would be fine, but someone mentioned there was a difference in depth depending on whether it was sprayed/rolled/brushed etc.

A. Measurement of dry film thicknesses on any substrate other than metal is difficult and prone to significant measuring error. To achieve the full TSR (Total Solar Reflectance) for the CoolColour system it is essential to use a white basecoat and to ensure that the topcoat total dry film thickness is a minimum of 70 microns.

When applying by brush/roller two coats will be required to achieve the DFT but when sprayed it is possible to achieve this in a single application. The base requirement is to achieve the product coverage value per coat. The only way to check this is to check the wet film thickness on a regular basis as this can then be back calculated to a dry film thickness. We do have wet film gauges available for applicators to use.

February 2017

Q. The previous owners of my house didn't believe in masking and managed to get oil based paint on the aluminium joinery. It is white powder coated Fisher Aluminium joinery from 1989. What would you recommend to get this off without damaging the powder coat?

A. Once the oil based paint has dried and aged removal without damaging the powder coating is extremely difficult. The only suggestion would be to try Resene Graffiti Cleaner but test first on an area that is not that noticeable.

February 2017

Q. I have several window sills and door sills that have the paint (semi-gloss enamel) lifting in thick chunks where the sun shines on them. I don’t think sanding them by hand will be sufficient to remove the paint to repaint the frames. How do you suggest I go about the repaint? How best to do a total strip?

A. A heat gun and a tungsten blade scraper is the most efficient way.

February 2017

Q. I am fixing up weatherboards. The paint bubbles in some parts over what looks like resin in the wood. Is there a way to treat this prior to painting?

A. Resene Aluminum Wood Primer applied over sap bleed, after scraping the surface exudation, will give the best chance to block future sap bleed. Dark topcoat colours will exacerbate sap bleeding.

February 2017

Q. On one side of our house the weatherboards are mouldy. I have tried waterblasting it which didn’t seem to help.

A. Mould growth usually appears on the south side. Waterblasting alone will not remove or prevent mould growth. Areas of mould growth must be treated using Resene Moss & Mould Killer diluted and used to label directions. For ongoing mould control apply Resene Deep Clean diluted and used to label instructions at the beginning of spring or autumn.

February 2017

Q. I am painting a bathroom ceiling. The paint on it is peeling away and I can’t get rid of the mould.

A. Treat areas of mould with Resene Moss & Mould Killer diluted and used to label directions. Then sand to remove all loose and flaking paint back to a sound feathered edge then spot prime bare substrate with Resene Sureseal. Apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

February 2017

Q. We are painting plaster on the outside of our house – looks like stucco. Some is flaking off down to whatever is underneath. What prep is required for it to ensure a good paint finish but also ensure its weatherproof?

A. Waterblast the stucco at 3000 psi, allow to dry then repair any plaster defects with Resene Construction systems MultiStop. Apply Resene Sureseal to plaster repairs and bare plaster then finish with two coats of Resene X-200.

February 2017

Q. Is it better to roll, brush or spray on exterior rough cast surfaces?

A. Roll using a lambswool sleeve or spray.

February 2017

Q. We need to repaint a child’s bedroom where some of the paint and plaster has chipped off. Do I just plaster the bits that need it then sand just those bits and then repaint the whole wall?

A. Sand chipped areas back to a sound feathered surface and spot prime bare substrate with Resene Broadwall Waterborne Wallboard Sealer (if deep damage then fill these areas using a gypsum plaster repair product and then seal using Resene Broadwall Waterborne Wallboard Sealer). Finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen.

February 2017

Q. I want to paint the top of a cabinet. It was covered with wood grain paper which has been pulled off. What prep do I need to do before I paint?

A. The wood grain paper will need to be removed back to bare timber then finer grades to end up with a smooth timber finish, then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

February 2017

Q. We are painting a spare room. We have stripped the old wallpaper but it has left heaps of little indents and marks. What's the best way to help hide the defects?

A. After removal of the wallpaper apply a seal coat of Resene Sureseal and 1-2 coats of Resene Broadwall Surface Prep and Seal before applying two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen.

February 2017

Q. What paint would I use on bathroom floor tiles to cover an unwanted colour?

A. If glazed ceramic tiles then apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and leave to dry for 48 hours before applying two coats of Resene Walk-on and a final coat of Resene Concrete Wax.

February 2017

Q. If I need a non slip product am I better to use Resene Walk-on or Resene Non-Skid Deck & Path?

A. The best wet slip resistance is achieved with the Resene Non-Skid Deck & Path.

February 2017

Q. I'm painting an old wooden outdoor fort. I was going to waterblast first then how many coats of paint will it need and does it need an undercoat?

A. Suggest you apply a primer coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lumbersider.

February 2017

Q. Can I paint straight over varnish?

A. Clean the varnished surfaces using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

February 2017

Q. How do I paint white tiles around a fireplace? They are currently gloss white and I want a black?

A. Clean down then sand and apply two coats of Resene Lusta-Glo.

February 2017

Q. I have a weatherboard cladding that is painted. Does it need sanding or just cleaning and waterblasting before a new coat of paint?

A. Avoid waterblasting timber as this can damage the timber if the blasting pressure is too high. If the existing coating is sound and chalk free and it is a waterborne paint being recoated with a waterborne paint then there should be no need to sand.

February 2017

Q. I need to sand bits of my garage door, due to bit of rust from sea spray. What type of paint do I use to repaint it and what undercoat would I use on surface rust bits of door?

A. Spot prime prepared areas of corrosion using Resene GP Metal Primer then apply two coats of Resene Summit Roof.

February 2017

Q. I have a painted brick wall I want to repaint. The current paint doesn't look glossy at all but it’s hard to tell whether it's enamel or not. Can I use fence paint over it?

A. Ensure the painted surface is sound and chalk free - scrub down with Resene Paint Prep and Housewash diluted and used to label directions. Fence paints are often relatively inexpensive paints with poor adhesion to existing paints. Suggest you use Resene Lumbersider as the topcoat.

February 2017

Q. What paint would you recommend for painting concrete steps?

A. Resene Walk-on applied over a suitability prepared and primed substrate.

February 2017

Q. I want to paint over wall paper that is in good condition just an insipid colour. What's the best paint and application process?

A. Apply a coat of Resene Vinyl Wallpaper Sealer then two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen; apply by roller using a Resene No.1 roller sleeve.

February 2017

Q. We have many doors in our house painted an awful dark brown. We want to paint them white. What is the best way to paint these interior doors?

A. Degrease using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner paying particular attention around door handles or push points. Apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

February 2017

Q. What’s the best paint to use on a set of drawers? They are laminated.

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing. Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the laminate.

February 2017

Q. What can I use to paint over a vinyl floor in a kitchen?

A. Clean the surface using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve. The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

February 2017

Q. What's the best type of paint for doing internal window sills and the surrounds?

A. We recommend Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel. If you prefer a higher gloss you could use Resene Enamacryl gloss waterborne enamel.

February 2017

Q. Do I need special paint to paint a laundry?

A. A laundry is considered a wet area so we recommend that your topcoat is a waterborne enamel or a solventborne enamel. We normally recommend the Resene Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamels as they provide extra protection against mould and bacteria. The most popular options are Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom or Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom (semi-gloss).

February 2017

Q. I've got a set of pine drawers that I am wanting to restore with a whitewashed type effect. I need to strip them back first, but how do you recommend painting them to get that grey/blonded whitewash effect?

A. We recommend Resene Colorwood Whitewash, which will allow the timber grain to show through also. Alternatively for a more painted whitewash effect you can achieve a whitewashed effect using Resene Paint Effects Medium mixed with white.

February 2017

Q. What kind of paint is best for the bathroom?

A. We recommend topcoating in the Resene Kitchen & Bathroom range - Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom for walls, Resene SpaceCote Flat Kitchen & Bathroom for the ceiling and Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom (semi-gloss) for trims and joinery.

February 2017

Q. Can you just clear coat weatherboard if you want a natural wood look as a feature or is it meant to be painted?

A. No we don't recommend clear coating as it doesn't protect the timber. Pick a Resene Woodsman stain colour close to your existing timber colour - that will then provide some extra protection without too much colour change.

February 2017

Q. I am looking for an exterior primer and topcoat paint to protect hot dip galvanised steel. It is for a pergola.

A. The simplest system for new hot dip galvanised steel is to apply 1-2 coats of Resene Galvo One and then finish with two coats of Resene Sonyx 101, tinted to your selected topcoat colour.

Alternatively, two coats of Resene Armourcote 221 epoxy primer and finish with two coats of Resene Uracryl 402 tinted to your selected topcoat colour (this is a heavy duty industrial two pack paint system).

February 2017

Q. My 1950s house has enamel paint. Can I use waterbased primer and waterbased paint to paint over my house?

A. Yes, for weatherboard cladding (sound paint system, no peeling/flaking) wash down with Resene Paint Prep and Housewash diluted and used to label directions, sand, dust off, then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Sonyx 101 tinted to your selected colour. For windows and joinery same approach but use Resene Lustacryl instead of Resene Sonyx 101 as the topcoat.

February 2017

Q. My house has fibrous plaster ceilings, built in the 1960s and paint will only stay on them 12-18 months before starting to peel. I have had them repainted by at least three different professional painters, one of which came back and repainted after 18 months. Each time the loose paint has been removed. The ceilings have insulation above and there is no indication of leaks or moisture. Can you suggest a cause and more importantly a cure?

A. Bare fibrous plaster must be sealed with oil based pigmented sealer such as Resene Sureseal. Waterborne sealers do not adhere to the substrate.

You may need to do a full strip as the only way to achieve adhesion is to remove and apply the correct sealer and topcoat system. Care will be needed to avoid significant damage to the fibrous plaster surface. If the paint adhesion is poor, a wide flexible flat blade such as is found for plastering can be used, once you start at an area of detachment then work away from it the paint should come off relatively easily.

February 2017

Q. I am using corflute as a support for an outdoor, temporary art project. Does Resene make a water based undercoat which will adhere to the corflute as well as being a sufficient basecoat for the topcoat paint?

A. Suggest you try Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat.

February 2017

Q. We have painted our tables and bar leaners at our cafe every year for the past three summers. Every year we need to paint them again as the paint gets sticky. We've sanded to bare timber every time we have used waterbased paint with three coats, we've tried a clear lacquer finish, and nothing seems to help. They are subjected to the sun, as it is an outside cafe. We initially thought it was a reaction to cleaning product. We think we've determined it is a reaction to suntan lotion. What paint do you recommend, as it is getting very time consuming and expensive?

A. I would probably expect this to occur with application of a conventional waterborne paint as these paints are thermoplastic and will soften with heating. I suggest that you look to sand and then apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Uracryl 802.

February 2017

Q. I want to paint the ceiling of my old caravan, it is laminate. What paint do I use?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing. Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the laminate.

February 2017

Q. Can I put waterborne enamel over enamel paint?

A. Yes, as long as the existing enamel is thoroughly sanded and then, for best adhesion primed with a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat.

February 2017

Q. I am thinking of putting my antique pine unit/dresser into our conservatory when it is finished. Will it be ok in there with changing temperatures? Does it need special varnish/treatment?

A. Temperature changes only affect the moisture content of timber due to humidity changes. The only issue will be U.V. exposure; while glass can absorb a portion of U.V. it is far from 100%.

February 2017

Q. Can I achieve a wet look on a concrete benchtop using Resene Concrete Wax?

A. Not with Resene Concrete Wax. You will need to use a solventborne clear such as Resene Walk-on Concrete Clear Wet Look.

February 2017

Q. How do you apply Resene Colorwood Whitewash?

A. The key to achieving a uniform look is to apply a consistent, even wet film to the substrate. The easiest way to do this is to apply Resene Colorwood Whitewash by rolling and work in one continuous direction along a section of flooring. The product has low pigment content and as such, areas of overlap will dry with a greater degree of whiteness.

February 2017

Q. We have painted our ceiling with white ceiling paint, two coats later and the yellow staining is still there? Do you have an idea of how to fix this?

A. The yellowing staining is more than likely from smoke stains. Apply a coat of Resene StainLock and then re-apply the Ceiling Paint.

February 2017

Q. I need to paint some sun damaged paintwork on the outside of my wooden house. I will be sanding back the existing paint but not back to bare wood (some paint will be left). Can you advise me of a product to use? This also needs to be a dark grey colour.

A. You will need to sand areas of failing paint back to a sound feathered edge, then spot prime with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lumbersider or Resene Sonyx 101.

February 2017

Q. In regards to your Resene GraffitiShield product, is it worth recoating a surface that has had the surface coated, say a year prior?

A. The clear coats correctly applied in the correct manner are stable, recoating is only required if the surface has been regularly cleaned using a graffiti cleaner.

February 2017

Q. Our house is part brick and part cedar boards. To modernise it, I want to paint the bricks. My husband is reluctant as he thinks it will just add more maintenance for him in the long term. What are the pros and cons of painted brick in your opinion? Does it affect the insulating properties of the brick in any way? Do they need to be repainted often or not? Our concrete block wall seems to hold the paint very well so I am assuming brick would be the same.

A. The recoating intervals of the painted bricks should be the same as painted blockwork (assuming a solid paint finish). Painting will not alter the current insulation properties of the bricks.

February 2017

Q. Could you please advise what paint I can use to paint beehives, and are thus not unhealthy for the bees?

A. We have no approved system for this application but I see no reason why a Resene Environmental Choice product such as Resene Lumbersider cannot be used. I would suggest that the best way is to paint the hive when uninhabited, allow the paint to cure for two weeks then wipe down the painted surface with warm water and a cloth before placing back into use.

February 2017

Q. I'm looking to paint kitchen cupboards that are made of something like laminate, or they may be coated. What would I use to make the paint stick? What would I use when painting a lino/laminate floor?

A. The only possible adhesion primer for both substrates would be Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer. Apply a thin coat of the product and leave to cure without water contact for two days then apply two coats of any Resene waterborne enamel topcoat. The paint system will take 5-7 days to develop good adhesion and film hardness.

February 2017

Q. I have a baby cot which someone has started to sand. It is currently varnished. I want to paint over it now but trying to sand the rest is unrealistic. Is there a product I can use over the varnish that will have great coverage without letting the varnish bleed through into the topcoat?

A. Yes, Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer. Leave this coat to cure for at least 48 hours then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Allow the painted cot to dry for two weeks then wipe down using warm water and a cloth before using the cot.

February 2017

Q. I am trying to determine what are your external paint colours/paints? I want to use one of your orange colours but am not sure what you can use on either fibreboard or wood externally.

A. Our paint colours can be used for exterior or interior work - we don't have a separate paint colour range for inside and outside. If you choose the colour you like our staff can then make it up in a product suitable for the project you are doing.

February 2017

Q. I've just painted my lounge ceiling with a roller and I've just noticed as it dries, that I have missed a few places (painted same colour as previous). Do I need to re-roller the whole ceiling, or can I just roller the places I've missed?

A. Touch up of ceiling paints can leave the touch up area as a visible difference even if the same paint and application method is used. However, there is no harm in trying, when rolling, feather out past the touch up area to blend the new with existing. Allow the touch up areas to dry for a couple of days and then see how well they blended in, if they are visible then the only option is a total repaint.

February 2017

Q. What type of paint would you specify for a metal garage door that has been previously painted? It is in a good condition - not flaking or peeling.

A. Scrub down with Resene Paint Prep and Housewash diluted and used to label directions, then apply two coats of Resene Sonyx 101, if using a dark colour then we recommend application of the CoolColour™  version of the colour, this will reflect more heat than the same colour made on non-CoolColour technology.

February 2017

Q. My walls are painted with Resene Zylone Sheen. What do I use to overpaint to lighten the colour?

A. As long as the walls are clean you can use Resene Zylone Sheen again or change to Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen.

February 2017

Q. I am about to strip and repaint the exterior of my home. The timbers are kauri and totara. I understand from friends that I need to treat these with a specialist coat before painting or the paint will blister. Can you advise please?

A. Our primer for bare totara is Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and Resene Wood Primer for the kauri (Resene Wood Primer will not dry if applied to totara).

February 2017

Q. What kind of paint is good for painting a bed frame for a two year old?

A. Sand, dust off and then apply a prime coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Both these paints are Resene Environmental Choice Approved. Then leave to cure for two weeks, then wipe down with warm water and a cloth before putting into use.

February 2017

Q. I am enquiring about painting one wall in my hairdressing salon. It is the back feature wall where the basins are. It is currently a dark purple and I would ideally like to repaint it a light colour. All I know is that the current paint has been there for about 20 years and the actual wall was put up as a barrier/separator so it’s relatively thin. The wall sometimes gets splashed with water as the basins are about 30cm away from the wall. If you could please advise me on a quick easy way to paint this, that would be great!

A. Clean down using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner and then sand the wall, dust off and apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat then finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom.

February 2017

Q. I have bought the Resene Woodsman Banjul to paint my pergola. The pergola posts have large cracks in them so I wanted to fill them before staining. What filling product can I used with the stain so the fill doesn't show through the stain?

A. Sorry but we are not aware of any filler that can be used under a stain finish. There are two possible issues - the filled areas will be seen through the semi-transparent stain and also most fillers will not accept stains due to the filler surface.

February 2017

Q. What preparation, primer and paint are the very best to use in bathrooms? I am having trouble with a repaint job resulting in flaky patches.

A. You will have to remove all loose and flaking paint back to a sound feathered edge, then sand remaining paint to give a mechanical profile for the new paint. Spot prime bare substrate with Resene Sureseal, apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry Waterborne Primer Undercoat then finish with two coats of Resene Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamel paint, such as Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

February 2017

Q. For a combined kitchen dining area with new and old plasterboard should I use Resene Sureseal for the whole area or just the kitchen part and does the Resene Sureseal go on top of the plasterboard direct or does it need to go on top of a sealant? Will a mixed finish of Resene Sureseal (over kitchen only) and Resene Broadwall Wallboard Sealer across the rest of the ceiling/wall show through the top two coats?

A. You can use Resene Sureseal for sealing plasterboard in any room, but it is a must for a wet areas.

February 2017

Q. When painting a COLORSTEEL® roof is it best to use a paint brush or a roller?

A. It actually makes little difference; a roller will be much quicker.

February 2017

Q. I have a room lined in plywood which has been polyurethaned (unknown what was used). It is a craft room so I want to paint it white, what do you recommend?

A. Clean down using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner and then apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and leave to cure for 48 hours with good ventilation then finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Adhesion will develop over 5-7 days.

February 2017

Q. What exterior surfaces can Resene metallic paint be used on?

A. Resene metallic paints can be used on any appropriately primed substrates.

February 2017

Q. I want to paint my wooden fence a dark green colour. It is currently a light grey colour. What products can you recommend I use?

A. As long as the existing paint is sound then use Resene Lumbersider, two coats in the CoolColour™ version of the colour. For prep, wash down with Resene Paint Prep and Housewash diluted and used to label directions.

March 2017

Q. Can I apply an acrylic paint over bitumastic paint? I need to protect the black bitumastic paint from U.V. damage.

A. For the best adhesion, prime all bare bitumen with Resene Membrane Roofing Primer then apply the waterborne topcoats.

March 2017

Q. My builder is installing a plywood ceiling in the bathroom. How do I make the product waterproof/water resistant? I wish to retain the look of the natural plywood grain so is there a clear coat finish that can be applied which will achieve this?

A. Our only recommendation would be for four coats of Resene Polythane with an envelope seal coat (all sides) as the first coat.

March 2017

Q. We want to paint our fence which is about 100m square. It’s the original fence around our property which is 15 years old. It was painted probably 10 years ago and has some mould but isn't too bad. I've bought your Ross Moss & Mould Killer which we are going to use. What paint would you recommend?

A. Waterblasting mould does not unfortunately remove spores which can re-grow. Best to treat mould with Resene Moss & Mould Killer then waterblast.

Spot prime bare timber with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat then apply two coats of Resene Lumbersider (if using a dark colour we recommend using the CoolColour™ version of the colour).

March 2017

Q. Am I right that using 'CoolColour' formulation will not reduce heat radiation from the interior face of concrete block walls?

A. Yes that is correct. The Resene CoolColour™ technology only functions when solar radiation falls onto the painted surfaces.

March 2017

Q. Can you apply oil based Resene paint over acrylic water based paint that has been on doors, ceiling and trim for 15 years.

A. Yes but a base coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat will be required after degreasing the doors.

March 2017

Q. I have moss/mould/lichen on my outdoor texture surface on my house. As we are on tank water I’m not sure what to use! It’s on a high area of the house, chimney, etc. Any chance of brushing it to kill it?

A. Unfortunately the only way to control these growths is by chemical intervention. Waterblasting can remove biological growths but does not remove spores and regrowth will re-occur. Removal of lichen after treatment with a chemical agent still takes time for the lichen to detach for removal. Sorry but no easy solution when you are collecting drinking water from the surfaces that have bio growth.

Only possible option is to treat areas with concentrated Resene Moss & Mould Killer and leave for two weeks then waterblast, however this will require disconnection of pipes to tankage during this time. However this is not a long term fix.

March 2017

Q. I have an old baby iron fence that has never been painted but is in good condition without any rust. It would probably be 30 years old. Do I have to undercoat it? Or could I use Resene Lumbersider as it is self-priming?

A. Lumbersider is only self-priming on timber substrates. You will need to apply a full coat of Resene Galvo One then the two coats of Resene Lumbersider.

March 2017

Q. What paint is recommended for a garage floor? It is 9 years old and highly polished.

A. Diamond grind to produce a surface profile similar to 180 grit sandpaper then apply a seal coat of Resene ArmourBond and finish with three coats of Resene Aquapoxy.

March 2017

Q. My prepainted, galvanised patio roof support structure needs repainting desperately. What product and process do you suggest I use?

A. You will have to wash down the support structure using Resene Roof and Metal Wash diluted and used to label directions then remove all of the existing paint. Then apply a coat of Resene ArmourZinc 120, two coats of Resene Armourcote 221 and finish with two coats of Resene Uracryl 403.

March 2017

Q. I need enough textured paint to cover about 240sqm. I was thinking about using the Resene Deck and Path paint but it has limited colours. Since I have a largish order would you be able to mix a colour for me? The colour would be some type of off white.

A. Custom colours can be made in this product, though not all colours can be achieved. The best idea is to ask your local Resene ColorShop staff about the sort of colour you would like and then our Colour Lab can see whether that could be matched in this product.

March 2017

Q. I want to paint my wooden fence a dark green colour. It is currently a light grey colour. What products can you recommend I use?

A. As long as the existing paint is sound then use Resene Lumbersider, two coats in the CoolColour™ version of the colour. For prep, wash down with Resene Paint Prep and Housewash diluted and used to label directions.

March 2017

Q. Can I apply an acrylic paint over bitumastic paint? I need to protect the black bitumastic paint from U.V. damage.

A. For the best adhesion, prime all bare bitumen with Resene Membrane Roofing Primer then apply the waterborne topcoats.

March 2017

Q. My builder is installing a plywood ceiling in the bathroom. How do I make the product waterproof/water resistant? I wish to retain the look of the natural plywood grain so is there a clear coat finish that can be applied which will achieve this?

A. Our only recommendation would be for four coats of Resene Polythane with an envelope seal coat (all sides) as the first coat.

March 2017

Q. We want to paint our fence which is about 100m square. It’s the original fence around our property which is 15 years old. It was painted probably 10 years ago and has some mould but isn't too bad. I've bought your Ross Moss & Mould Killer which we are going to use. What paint would you recommend?

A. Waterblasting mould does not unfortunately remove spores which can re-grow. Best to treat mould with Resene Moss & Mould Killer then waterblast.

Spot prime bare timber with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat then apply two coats of Resene Lumbersider (if using a dark colour we recommend using the CoolColour™ version of the colour).

February 2017

Q. Am I right that using 'CoolColour' formulation will not reduce heat radiation from the interior face of concrete block walls?

A. Yes that is correct. The Resene CoolColour™ technology only functions when solar radiation falls onto the painted surfaces.

March 2017

Q. Can you apply oil based Resene paint over acrylic water based paint that has been on doors, ceiling and trim for 15 years.

A. Yes but a base coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat will be required after degreasing the doors.

March 2017

Q. I have moss/mould/lichen on my outdoor texture surface on my house. As we are on tank water I’m not sure what to use! It’s on a high area of the house, chimney, etc. Any chance of brushing it to kill it?

A. Unfortunately the only way to control these growths is by chemical intervention. Waterblasting can remove biological growths but does not remove spores and regrowth will re-occur. Removal of lichen after treatment with a chemical agent still takes time for the lichen to detach for removal. Sorry but no easy solution when you are collecting drinking water from the surfaces that have bio growth.

Only possible option is to treat areas with concentrated Resene Moss & Mould Killer and leave for two weeks then waterblast, however this will require disconnection of pipes to tankage during this time. However this is not a long term fix.

March 2017

Q. I have an old baby iron fence that has never been painted but is in good condition without any rust. It would probably be 30 years old. Do I have to undercoat it? Or could I use Resene Lumbersider as it is self-priming?

A. Lumbersider is only self-priming on timber substrates. You will need to apply a full coat of Resene Galvo One then the two coats of Resene Lumbersider.

March 2017

Q. What paint is recommended for a garage floor? It is 9 years old and highly polished.

A. Diamond grind to produce a surface profile similar to 180 grit sandpaper then apply a seal coat of Resene ArmourBond and finish with three coats of Resene Aquapoxy.

March 2017

Q. My prepainted, galvanised patio roof support structure needs repainting desperately. What product and process do you suggest I use?

A. You will have to wash down the support structure using Resene Roof and Metal Wash diluted and used to label directions then remove all of the existing paint. Then apply a coat of Resene ArmourZinc 120, two coats of Resene Armourcote 221 and finish with two coats of Resene Uracryl 403.

March 2017

Page 22

Always make sure you read the product label and data sheet prior to application. If in doubt about any aspect of your project, please ask our Paint Expert for help or come in and see our staff at your local Resene ColorShop or Reseller.

 

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