10 useful tips for success in your painting project
Micca Paint is sharing with you a few tips and answers to the most frequently asked questions about the planning and carrying out of a painting project.
How do I calculate the amount of paint I need?
The surface to be painted must be calculated in square feet of square meters, then multiplied by the number of coats you will apply (the number of coats of primer and finishing paint must be calculated separately).
As a rule of thumb:
- 1 litre (946ml) of paint covers approximately 100 ft2 (9 m2)
- 1 gallon (3.78L) covers approximately 400 ft2 (37 m2)
- 15 gallons (18.9L) covers approximately 2000 ft2 (186 m2).
You can also use our paint calculator, which allows you to estimate how many gallons you will need to paint your surfaces according to their measurements.
What is a 100% acrylic paint?
A 100% acrylic paint is water-based and offers superior resistance and durability compared to traditional latex paints. Because this paint contains an antifungal agent, it is particularly well suited for kitchens, bathrooms and busy areas such as hallways. The 100% acrylic paint can be applied on bricks, wood, concrete, aluminium and many other materials.
We invite you to contact your nearest Micca store for any question regarding our various types of paint and their particular uses. We will gladly provide you with the information you need.
How do I choose the right paint finish?
First of all, you must know that the more a paint or a coating is glossy, the more the surface defects of your walls or moldings will show. This should be taken into account when choosing a finish.
Flat: A matte finish that has little or no gloss, usually used for ceilings.
Sublime: An ultra-flat, high hiding finish that is still washable.
Eggshell: This finish has a small degree of gloss that can be used in very low traffic areas or ceilings.
Satin: The most popular of finishes since it has a low gloss level but is still washable.
Pearl: This finish is designed for the most demanding areas of your home (kitchens, bathrooms and hallways).
Semi-Gloss: Provides excellent washability and durability. Recommended for kitchens, bathrooms, woodwork and trim.
Gloss: The highest level of gloss. Ideal for woodwork and trim.
Do colors really influence our perception of a room’s size?
Yes! While light colors will make a room seem larger and brighter, dark colors will produce the opposite effect. For example, if the ceiling is painted with a color much darker than the walls, the ceiling will seem to be lower.
For expert advice on paint color selection and combination, visit the Color advice page of our Tips and Tricks section, or drop by your nearest Micca store to meet one of our interior design specialists.
Before you start to paint, check the room’s temperature!
Both inside and outside, painting work should never be carried out below 10°C (50°F), or when the moisture is too high. An adequate temperature and humidity rate are needed for the application and drying of the paint.
Use quality tools
This little additional investment will be worth your while! Good tools will make your work easier and yield better results, not to mention that they will last longer.
Prepare the surface to be painted.
Make sure that the surface is dry and free of dirt (oil, grease, dust, wax, etc.). If needed, sand the shiny spots lightly. You can clean the stains with trisodium phosphate (T.S.P.) or Micca’s multi-use surface preparation product (M0019-00), then rinse and let dry completely. Scratch off and sand any flaking paint. Use a pore filler to hide holes and cracks and remember to apply a primer before and after your repairs.
Where should I start painting?
You should begin at the top and finish with the bottom. The ceiling is painted first, and then the trims followed by the baseboards and the walls last.
What product should I use to clean my painting tools?
Cleaning your brushes, rollers and accessories well after use will extend their life span. If you used latex or acrylic paint, wash your tools with warm water, absorb the excess water with a rag and let dry. If alkyd paint was used, clean your tools with mineral spirits, such as Micca’s paint thinner (#M0060-00).
How long should I wait before applying another coat?
Three hours are generally enough for the latex and acrylic-based paints to dry. Alkyd paints dry more slowly and it is recommended to wait 24 hours before applying another coat. Note that a paint’s drying time can be longer if humidity is high or if your colors are very bright.
Complete curing of the paint takes 4-5 days on average. To avoid damaging your work, you should wait a week before cleaning the painted surface.