A common reason for re-painting is the desire for a fresh, clean surface. But simple repainting will not remedy the most common cause of paint discoloration: mildew. Mildew is the common name used to describe mold and its discoloration, which often appears as black, green, or brown fuzzy, powdery, or slimy patches. Since mold is a parasitic fungus its web-like body can eat through and into porous painted surfaces.... more

Knowing when to paint is just as important as knowing what to paint. Painting under the best weather conditions, at optimum temperatures, and allowing adequate drying time ensures good surface adhesion. Low temperatures and rain Obviously, paint is not going to stick when it is raining. But, it is best to stop painting at least eight hours before anticipated showers. Some paint can labels go further, advising stopping 24... more

Both interior and exterior architectural coatings fall into two general categories: latex or water-based paint or oil-or alkyd-based paint. Contractors and do-it-yourselfer’s select latex for its good performance and ease of use. Latex moved from 30% to 35% of paint sales in the 1970’s to over 80% of architectural coatings sold today. While the pigments in latex and oil-based paints are often the same, different... more