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DIY Tips
General Guidelines
- Cover switches and power outlets with masking tape to keep them clean during painting. When painting doors, remove handles and protect floors with plastic sheets or cardboard.
- If painting the entire room, start with the ceiling, continue with doors and windows, and finish with the walls.
- If choosing a feature wall in a different color, carefully mask the edges on adjacent walls and the ceiling to achieve clean, sharp lines.
Before You Start Painting
- Before applying any product (primer, paint, etc.), carefully read the instructions on the product label. Make sure you have all the necessary materials, both for surface preparation and painting.
- Choose high-quality painting tools (rollers, brushes, etc.) for better results and longer-lasting performance.
- Proper surface preparation is essential. Clean thoroughly and allow sufficient time—surface preparation often takes longer than the painting itself.
- Opt for high-quality products. The cost of paint represents a small portion of the total painting cost, while quality paint offers greater durability and resistance to cleaning.
- Ensure suitable application conditions to avoid affecting paint performance:
– Application temperature: 10–30°C
– Low relative humidity of both surface and environment
– Avoid painting in strong sunlight or when humidity exceeds 70% - Use only the thinner recommended for each product and application method to preserve the paint’s properties and final appearance.
- Do not paint new plaster or concrete surfaces for at least 2–3 months. Alkaline substances released during curing may negatively affect the final result.
- Always use the appropriate primer.
- Primers:
– Stabilize surfaces and block stains and contaminants
– Protect the substrate (anti-rust, preservative, or stabilizing action)
– Reduce absorbency on porous surfaces - Applying a complete paint system ensures excellent aesthetic results and long-term durability.
During Painting
- Stir paints regularly during application.
- Use clean tools in good condition and clean them thoroughly after each use.
- Do not exceed the dilution ratios specified on the packaging.
- Strictly follow drying times between coats. Do not apply a second coat before the first is fully dry. Enamel paints require several days to fully cure—avoid placing objects that may leave marks.
- For optimal results, light sanding between coats is recommended.
- For emulsion paints, dilute only the amount you intend to use. Diluting the entire container may cause deterioration and unpleasant odors during storage.
- Enamel paints should not be stored in containers with excess air. Clean the rim, seal tightly, and store containers upside down under suitable conditions.
- Do not leave primed surfaces unpainted for long periods.
- In case of spills, clean surfaces immediately before the paint dries.
Walls
- Clean the surface thoroughly from dust, grease, and loose material. If the surface has been washed, allow it to dry completely.
- For minor imperfections, apply thin layers of PROPLASTEX filler. For skim coating, use STOCOWALL or STOCOWALL SUPERFILL.
- Plaster, cement, bare concrete, or skim-coated surfaces should be primed with PRIMEX A-300 or PRIMEX MICRO. Previously painted surfaces should first be treated with MONOX or MONOX AQUA.
- Apply plastic emulsion paint in two coats.
Metal
- Clean the surface from dust, grease, rust, and loose material. Allow to dry thoroughly after washing.
- For rust removal or stabilization, use PRERUST or RUSTABIL, respectively.
- For filling dents or joints, apply POLYMASTIC polyester filler or SPATULA FILLER for seams and cracks.
- Apply the appropriate anti-rust primer (NEOMIN, PRIMETAL, REDOX, GRIDOX).
- Finish with the suitable topcoat in two coats.
Wood
- The surface must be clean and dry, free from dust, grease, or loose residues.
- To remove old paints or varnishes, use REMOVER.
- Fill joints or cracks with SPATULA FILLER.
- Apply VELATURA for solvent-based paints or VELATURA AQUA for water-based paints.
- Finish with two coats of the final paint.
Stone Surfaces
- Clean the surface thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
- For impregnation and protection without film formation, apply odorless ULTRASTONE AQUA.
- For painting stone floors with high durability requirements, choose the two-component varnish SMALTOVER.
- For easy and quick application, select the one-component varnish SMALTON.