"Fine Architectural Coatings Since 1919" HOME SALES PAINT FREQUENT QUESTIONS CONTACT US FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS If your question isn't answered here feel free to call us or send us an email (contact@porthuronpaint.com) and we will answer it to the best of our ability. - How Can I tell if my existing paint is latex or oil? Take a clean rag with alcohol and rub an inconspicuous area. If color appears on your rag, you have have latex paint. If nothing appears, you have oil paint. - How do I dispose of old paint? Your trash man WILL NOT take wet paint in the can. However he will take dried up paint. To do this, simply add sand, dirt, or even kitty litter to your paint and leave the top off to dry. When it has dried up you can throw it away. - What kind of brush should I use? This will solely depend on the product you are using. If you have a latex paint, varnish, or stain you should use a nylon (or nylon polyester) brush. If you are using oil paint, varnish, or stain you should use a natural bristle brush. - What size roller cover should I use? Generally when rolling smooth walls with latex paint you can use a 3/8" nap cover. If the walls are rough or seem to soak up a lot of paint you might use a thicker nap such as 1/2". If you like more of a stipple you can also use a thicker nap (1/2" or 3/4"). Be careful not to use too thin of a nap (IE 3/16") because this has the potential to cause more roller marks and lapping. You might use a thin nap (such as 3/16") when rolling oil on a smooth surface. Use a thick nap cover (3/4" or 1") for porous surfaces (like block walls). - What kind of primer should I use? If you are priming new drywall you should use a latex based primer. Oil based will fur up the paper and you will have to sand (making more work for you). If you recently took down wallpaper and want to paint your walls you should prime your walls with oil based primer. UNLESS you removed 100% of the existing glue, water based products can activate the glue and cause it to bleed through your finish. Recommendations The best primer for new wood (interior or exterior) is an oil based primer. Try to apply latex paints outside. They do not fade as quick as oil. Coating all sides of wood is the best way to aviod product failure. Do no apply paint/stain in direct sunlight as it will cause the product to dry too quick. Avoid applying oil based products in humid conditions. It can take longer than expected to dry. When in doubt, read the intructions on the back of the can. Copyright 2017 Port Huron Paint Company. All rights reserved. Web Hosting by Yahoo Small Business 317 McMorran BLVD Port Huron, MI 48060 ph: 8109828563 fax: 8109820141 alt: 8109828564 contact@porthuronpaint.com