Handy Solutions for Common Interior Paint Problems

Tips from The Paint Quality Institute

(HIT) - Now is the perfect time to look around your home and take stock of areas in need of repair or an inexpensive spruce up with the holiday season behind us and warmer weather still months away.

"A simple change of paint color can rejuvenate a tired kitchen, warm a family or living room or help to create a restful bedroom. But, before opening that first can of paint, correct surface issues and make sure your walls are clean and sound. Good surface preparation coupled with top quality paint, brushes and rollers will help to insure a long-lasting and beautiful finish," Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute explains.

Common Interior Surface Paint Problems

1. Foaming or Cratering—This occurs during the formation of bubbles and results in small, round concave depressions when those bubbles break during paint application and drying.

Possible causes include shaking a partially filled can of paint, use of low quality paint or very old latex paint, applying paint too quickly or excessive rolling and brushing, using a low quality roller cover or wrong nap length or applying a gloss or semigloss paint over a porous surface.

Courtesy or The Paint Quality Institute

Solution

2. Mildew—The black, gray or brown areas of fungus growth can occur on paint or caulk surfaces. Mildew forms most often on areas that tend to be damp with little or no sunlight. Ideal areas include bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.

Possible causes include use of a low quality paint, with minimal or no additives to prevent growth, painting over a surface where the mildew has not been removed or applying paint in "too thin" of a coat.

First test for mildew by applying a few drops of household bleach to the discolored area, then rinse; if it disappears it is probably mildew.

	Courtesy or The Paint Quality Institute

Solution

3. Brush and Roller Marks from Poor Paint Flow and Leveling—Failure of the paint to dry to a smooth film results in unsightly marks or patterns after the paint dries.

Possible causes include use of low quality paint or wrong type of roller cover or low quality brush, adding additional paint to "touch up" partially dried painted areas, re-brushing or re-rolling partially dried painted areas.

	Courtesy or The Paint Quality Institute

Solution

Use high quality paints to prevent this problem from occurring. Quality paints contain ingredients that enhance paint flow and form a smooth film. When using a roller, be sure to use a cover with the recommended nap length for the type of paint being used. Use a high quality brush, a poor brush can result in poor flow and leveling.

Visit www.paintquality.com to view the new 2009 PQI color trend information.

About the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute

The Paint Quality Institute(SM) was formed by Rohm and Haas Company in 1989 to educate people on the advantages of using quality interior and exterior paints and coatings. The Paint Quality Institute's goal is to provide information on the virtues of quality paint as well as color trends and decorating with paint through a variety of vehicles, including television appearances, newspaper and magazine articles, and instructional literature. Be sure to visit the Paint Quality Institute at www.paintquality.com.

About Rohm and Haas Company

Leading the way since 1909, Rohm and Haas Company (NYSE:ROH) is a global pioneer in the creation and development of innovative technologies and solutions for the specialty materials industry. The company’s technologies are found in a wide range of industries including: Building and Construction, Electronics and Electronic Devices, Household Goods and Personal Care, Packaging and Paper, Transportation, Pharmaceutical and Medical, Water, Food and Food Related, and Industrial Process. Innovative Rohm and Haas technologies and solutions help to improve life every day, around the world. Based in Philadelphia, PA, the company generated annual sales of approximately $8.9 billion in 2007. Visit www.rohmhaas.com for more information. imagine the possibilities™

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center

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