FAQs

The folowing list contains some of our more frequently asked questions:

How can I tell if a color will take more than one coat to cover?
Is paint lighter or darker than the color sample chips?
Does paint get lighter or darker when it dries?
What are the differences between flat and satin sheen paints?
What are the differences between oil-based and acrylic enamels?
Why don’t you like oil-based products on exteriors?
Do you spray paint to apply it to the surface being coated?

Q: How can I tell if a color will take more than one coat to cover

A: Although there are many factors that determine whether one-coat coverage is possible, lighter colors will cover better than darker ones. Here is an analogy that helps explain this: Compare a glass of cola to a glass of chocolate milk. The cola is dark, but translucent while the chocolate milk is lighter, but more opaque. Lighter paint colors are more opaque. Some colors (e.g. red) require a special primer, and often two color coats for the desired color to develop properly. More info.

Q: Is paint lighter or darker than the color sample chips?

A: If you dab paint onto its color chip and let it dry, the color should be indistinguishable from the chip, with any apparent difference being due to variations in sheen. Be aware, though, that our eyes and brains will perceive an entire wall of color differently than a two square inch chip. More info.

Q: Does paint get lighter or darker when it dries?

A: A bucket of latex paint is about half water. As the water evaporates from newly applied paint, the pigments concentrate together and the color darkens.

Q: What are the differences between flat and satin sheen paints?

A: Satin or eggshell sheen paints are microscopically smoother than flat paints, so soil generally wipes off easier. But satins do not touch up as well as flats (you may see shiny spots). Satins will accentuate texture, but they will also draw attention to flaws such as sheetrock tape seams. More info.

Q: What are the differences between oil-based and acrylic enamels?

A: Oil-based enamels take longer to dry, so brush strokes will have more time to smooth out. Oil enamels also take longer to harden, but once they do they are more durable than acrylics. Oil enamels will gradually yellow over time while acrylics do not. Oil enamels have more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than acrylics and therefore have a stronger smell that lingers longer. More info.

Q: Why don’t you like oil-based products on exteriors?

A: Ultraviolet rays in sunlight break down oil-based products faster than waterborne equivalents.

Q: Do you spray paint to apply it to the surface being coated?

A: For interior work, we typically only spray when painting acoustic “popcorn” textured ceilings, as brush & roll is not practical. For exteriors, spraying is the method of choice to efficiently apply a uniform coat of paint. The painters take care to protect adjacent surfaces from over-spray.