FAQ
Do you have questions about painting? Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions.
Would you like to paint walls, ceilings, panels or kitchen doors? If you can´t find the answer to your question in our FAQ you can call our technical support at 0320-189 00 for how to´s and suggestions on getting the best results. Listed below are the most common questions about painting and oiling. Good luck with your new painting projects!
We answer more how to´s than you can see below. Type a keyword in the box to see a list of relevant questions and answers (such as “ceiling paint”).
Must I apply primer to walls indoors?
No, but if you apply paint to an absorbent surface, you may find it to be better if you first apply a coat of Colorex Pro Grund primer, and then apply your desired paint. This will ensure that the sheen is uniform all over the wall. If you are painting on plaster or fabrics, you will notice a considerable difference in the end result.
Is it possible to apply wall putty to wallpaper?
If the wallpaper is still completely attached to the wall, it is OK to paint directly onto it. If the wallpaper has an embossed pattern, this pattern will show after the application of the paint. In such cases, you may prefer to strip off the wallpaper or to apply wall putty in order to hide the embossed pattern and get a smooth surface. Make a trial run on a smaller surface. If the wallpaper peels when applying the wall putty, you must remove all the wallpaper before applying the wall putty. You can also use Colorex Blocka sealer, a primer that is impermeable to water.
Should the primer always be white, even if I will apply a darker colour later?
In principle, you could use a dark-coloured primer if you are going to apply dark-coloured paint, but most primers are usually only available in white.
Do I have to paint the whole wall at the same time, or can I take a break, and continue later where I left off?
If you want to ensure a uniform result, without uneven patches, it is always recommended that you apply the paint ’wet-on-wet’, i.e. that you do not leave the paint to dry before applying the next coat of paint. This also applies to edges and the areas around fixtures and fittings, etc. You should aim to be able to paint the entire wall at the one and the same occasion.
Can I paint the kitchen cabinet doors myself, or should they be spray-painted by a professional?
You can definitely paint the cabinet doors yourself, but you must be aware of the following facts. It is extra important to be able to clean the surfaces, because kitchen cabinet doors will quite easily get a layer of grease caused by frying, etc. Clean the cabinet doors with Hagmans Målartvätt. In order for the final coat to adhere properly, it is important to use Carpentry Basecoat Snickerigrund Aqua as a primer. Then apply 2 coats of Colorex Briljant Lacquer Paint. Use a foam or felt roller for a smooth finish. We recommend that you let the cabinet doors hang in place, this makes it easy to reach everywhere.
Can I dilute indoor paint with water?
As a rule, we do not recommend diluting our products before use. An exception can be made if you are using a spray gun to apply the product. Our products will lose some of their features if they are diluted.
Can I paint on ceramic tiles?
Usually, it is possible to apply paint to glazed ceramic tiles if they are on a wall in a dry room. However, it is important to remove any trace of grease and dirt that may be trapped in the joints of the tiles. Prepare the surface using paint wash, and dull the surface using fine-grade wet-and-dry sanding paper. Prime the surface using Colorex Häftprimer Aqua adhesion primer, and then apply two coats of Colorex Briljant Lacquer Paint in the colour of your choice.
Which outdoor wall paint should I use?
If you are repainting a previously painted surface, it is important to know what was applied to the surface. If it is possible, bring a sample of the surface you are going to paint to your paint dealer, where they may be able to tell you what kind of paint that was used. If the surface was painted with distemper (e.g. Falu red distemper), just apply a new coat of distemper (after brushing off the surface). If you are painting a previously untreated surface, you are free to use whatever please you (i.e. alkyd paint, acrylate paint, distemper, wood stain, etc.).
How do I prepare the outdoor wall surface for painting?
Make sure that you have prepared the work environment for the entire painting process. Do not take any short-cuts with safety measures, such as balancing on tall ladders. Do rent scaffolding if you are going to work on a tall wall. Prepare the surface thoroughly. If the surface has been painted previously, make sure that you clean it properly with paint wash, and do not forget to rinse properly afterwards. If there is algae or mildew on the surface, you must use a cleaning agent that is specific for these. Scrape off any loose paint. If you scrape off so much that the wood surface appears, you must prime the surface before applying the first coat of paint. Do not forget to cover parts of the wall where you do not want the paint to splash (windows, doors, the patio or the house foundations).
What colour should I choose for the wall?
Look at the house, it’s style, look at similar houses and try to find inspiration in the neighbourhood, online or in glossy magazines. You may want to return to the original colours, or maybe you want something quite different and new. The combination of colours on windows, doors and other woodwork may enhance or subdue the appearance of the colour you choose. Consider the environment: is the house embedded in greenery, what colours do the neighbours use, do you want your house to stand out or to adapt to the environment? Certain communities may have regulations concerning colours and designs. Check with your local authority if you are unsure about the regulations.
What kind of paint should I use for painting windows and other woodwork on my house?
First and foremost, it is important that the surface to be painted has been properly prepared. Scrape off any loose paint and primer and apply fresh primer to any exposed wood sections. Also check the window putty: maybe you have to remove it and apply some new? Use Titan window paint, our specially formulated product for windows and woodwork. Those surfaces usually use planed and sanded wood, so a different paint structure is required. Do not forget to use a good quality brush for this kind of work, it really makes a difference!
I have built a railing and laid a new deck, both of pressure-treated wood. I want to paint the railing white, and I want to oil the deck. When can I do that?
Pressure-treated wood should be left one year before you treat it. Pressure-treated wood can be treated or painted once is has less humidity than 16%, and when substances used for the pressure-treatment have leached out. Buy or borrow a humidity meter so that you can check the humidity in the wood.
Can I paint the bricks of the outside wall?
Brick walls usually do not require any surface treatment, and are best left unpainted. If you do paint the bricks, there is a clear risk of frost damage if you live in a temperate area. If, however, you decide to paint your bricks, we recommend that you first apply a coat of slurry plaster to even out the surface and to minimize the joints. Thereafter prime the wall with Colorex Betoprime, followed by Colorex Betopaint for a nice and durable surface.
How late in the year can I paint an outdoor surface?
Often it is possible to paint well into September, but of course it will depend on the temperature. Remember that the ambient temperature must never fall below +5˚C at any time, day or night. The surfaces must be dry and the wood should not have a humidity exceeding 16%. Also consider not starting to early in the day, and not finishing too late, because you do not want dew to affect the results of you work.
What kind of paint should i use for my wooden fence?
Use a rather impervious paint, that protects the wood from rotting. You should select Colorex primer oil and outdoor primer before applying any outdoor paint. We recommend using Colorex Titan facade paint or Stabil oil woodstain for such surfaces.
Is it possible to paint a factory-painted wooden door?
Yes, it is possible. Remember to clean the door with an outdoor wood wash, and to sand the surface slightly before applying Colorex adhesion primer followed by two coats of Colorex Titan window paint.
How do I get the best results when painting the outdoor walls of my house?
It is very important that you prepare your job properly. If you have neglected this step, the end result will inevitably be disappointing. Always start at the top, and work your way down the wall. We also recommend that you finish with one wall before you start with the next one. This will quickly give you tangible results. It will be more convenient to take a work break when you have finished a wall. Read more how to proceed on our page with hints and advice (link), and on the product package. Good luck!
How do I paint the indoor walls of my house?
It is important to select the correct product for the job. Dependant on what you paint and the glossiness you desire, Colorex has a range of high-quality wall paints. Read more about the various products here (link). Protect the floor, mouldings and windows using masking tape and floor protection such as rosin paper. The surface should be clean and dry. Apply putty and sand any irregularities in the surface. We recommend that you use a 50 or 70 mm angled brush for the area near the ceiling and near the mouldings. Apply two coats of Colorex wall paint. Use a roller, minimum 18 cm wide (the packaging usually states the size). Make sure the roller does not lose any hair by first rinsing it in water before use. Do you need to take a break? But the brush and the roller in a plastic bag. Remove all air as best as you can. You can continue using your tools after having had your break. Read more how to proceed on our page with hints and advice (link), and on the product package. Good luck!
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