Important Factors to Consider Prior to Painting

•  Reduction of Finishing Materials
•  Stirring of Pigmented Products
•  Temperature and Atmospheric Conditions
•  Ventilation
•  Removing Organic Growth from Unpainted and Painted Surfaces

1.Reduction of Finishing Materials

Improper thinning is one of the most widespread abuses of painting and almost invariable produces inferior or unsatisfactory results. Painting materials are delicately balanced formulations which produce correct hiding, levelling, drying, lustre, colour retention, and durability. Unauthorised, excessive, or incorrect thinning upsets the balance of a formula and most often causes a shoddy paint job.

Explicit directions for the use of the material are printed on the label of each container of all Torginol Products. If a product is designed to be reduced by the user, the exact amount of the particular thinner to be used is definitely specified. If no reduction is specified, the product should be used exactly as it comes from the can.

2.Stirring of Pigmented Products

Insufficient stirring, both before and during application, often causes unsatisfactory results. Pigment particles are heavier and gravity causes them to layer out. In storage and in use, pigments have a tendency to settle and reduce the normal pigment-vehicle balance. Unless the coating is thoroughly mixed prior to application and during use, the paint or stain will not hide properly and the finish colour will be off-shade. Stirring of settled material is more easily accomplished by first pouring the liquid into another container. The paste in the bottom should be stirred and the liquid poured back while stirring continues. Stirring penetrating stain products is very important both before and during application.

3.Temperatures and Atmospheric Conditions

Low Temperatures.

Paints and varnishes are temperature sensitive: the ideal application temperature is 70°F (21°C). Lower temperatures and cold surfaces increase viscosity and thicken the paint. The products do not brush quite so easily, resulting in heavier coats. This fact, coupled with the slower evaporation rate of the solvent, may result in runs or sags on vertical surfaces or wrinkling. The gloss of the finish may also decrease due to the low temperature. At temperatures below 50° F (21°C), the resin or emulsified particles in latex tints do not fuse together to form a film. This results in a tender film lacking in adhesion, washability, and/or durability.

 High Temperatures.

Elevated temperatures decrease viscosity and thin the paint. The paint or varnish becomes more fluidic: it brushes easier, resulting in thinner coats. Again, runs and sags may be evident because of the greater fluidity. The gloss of the finish may also decrease when subjected to high temperature.

Humidity.

In general, paints or varnishes dry more rapidly and more uniformly when the humidity is low. Moisture-laden air is less receptive to the evaporation of solvent than dry air and can retard their drying. This may result in the finish drying with a lower gloss and also allows dirt and dust to settle on the film or result in wrinkling.

4.Ventilation

Ventilation should be provided during and after the application of any coating. Ventilation helps remove the volatile portion from the film. A strong draft may affect the uniformity of lustre of interior enamels and varnishes. A freshly coated surface should be protected from a strong draft.

5.Removing Organic Growth from Unpainted and Painted Surfaces

Organic Growth on external surfaces is naturally occurring micro-organisms including fungi and algae which, when left unchecked, can cause blemishes or staining of painted and unpainted surfaces. The blemishes or stains are the result of site and environmental conditions that support or “feed” their growth.

Fungus, otherwise known as mould or mildew, requires no sunlight and only minimal amounts of water in order to grow. Fungus will develop on any surface that is periodically moist and that can provide sufficient nutrients.

Algae, on the other hand, need sunlight, and a surface that can provide nutrients and is almost permanently wet. Algal growth does not occur on interior surfaces and is normally seen on exterior surfaces in very wet environments.

Where organic growth has initiated and spread, general cleaning alone will not prevent further growth. The key to reducing the risk of continued contamination is managing the conditions that otherwise fuels growth and a complete sterilisation of the infected substrate.

Use Torginol Fungi-Kill liquid biocidal solution to treat and sterilise surfaces infected with fungus and algae.

Torginol Fungi-Kill treatment removes and prevents the growth of fungi, algae, etc., on the surface and improves the durability of the topcoats.

It is important to understand and keep in mind that algae/fungi are natural, living organisms and therefore able to survive and adapt to many conditions. Consequently, surfaces require periodical observation and cleaning. If periodic cleaning of a surface is not carried out then a layer of contaminants, such as dirt or dust, will form a microscopic layer on the surface and this layer will provide an excellent place for algae/fungi growth.