Library

DIY Tips

General Guidelines
Surface-Specific Instructions

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

  1. Clean the surface thoroughly from dust, grease, and loose material. If the surface has been washed, allow it to dry completely.
  2. For minor imperfections, apply thin layers of PROPLASTEX filler. For skim coating, use STOCOWALL or STOCOWALL SUPERFILL.
  3. 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.
  4. Apply plastic emulsion paint in two coats.

Metal

  1. Clean the surface from dust, grease, rust, and loose material. Allow to dry thoroughly after washing.
  2. For rust removal or stabilization, use PRERUST or RUSTABIL, respectively.
  3. For filling dents or joints, apply POLYMASTIC polyester filler or SPATULA FILLER for seams and cracks.
  4. Apply the appropriate anti-rust primer (NEOMIN, PRIMETAL, REDOX, GRIDOX).
  5. Finish with the suitable topcoat in two coats.

Wood

  1. The surface must be clean and dry, free from dust, grease, or loose residues.
  2. To remove old paints or varnishes, use REMOVER.
  3. Fill joints or cracks with SPATULA FILLER.
  4. Apply VELATURA for solvent-based paints or VELATURA AQUA for water-based paints.
  5. Finish with two coats of the final paint.

Stone Surfaces

  1. Clean the surface thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
  2. For impregnation and protection without film formation, apply odorless ULTRASTONE AQUA.
  3. For painting stone floors with high durability requirements, choose the two-component varnish SMALTOVER.
  4. For easy and quick application, select the one-component varnish SMALTON.