Dealing with complex problems
Chalky wall surfaces occur when the previously painted surface starts to break down due to either UV or environmental action. This results in the film build breaking down and becoming unstable characterised by a chalky or dusty feel to the surface...
Damp is indeed a tricky and multifaceted problem. There are many causes with wind driven penetrating damp, poor ventilation causing condensation or rising damp due to poor damp proofing being the most common. In each of these cases the root...
Distemper paint predates the advent of modern latex and acrylic based paints and is an older more traditional paint covering made from chalk or lime powder mixed with a traditional animal derived glue. It can be easily identified by rubbing your...
Efflorescence is a powdery deposit of salts often visible on the surface of masonry. The root cause involves water ingress or dampness causing the natural salts with the wall substrate to come through to the surface. It can cause unsightly discolouration...
Water can ingress through a structure for multiple reasons, fundamentally this needs to be resolved first before any consideration is given to decorating. Paint will not prevent water ingress. Once solved the surface must be allowed to thoroughly dry...
Fire can discolour and damage walls and previously painted areas often leaving a soot residue or staining. It is important to properly prepare and clean these areas before decorating as this will prevent discoloration and future problems <strong>Preparation...
Cement based renders, concrete walls and some plaster finishes are alkaline in nature making the selection of primer and paint ever more important to prevent any unsightly reaction between the coating and substrate. In most cases using an alkali...
Mould and mildew are forms and names for a fungus, left untreated these can cause unsightly staining and patination. Moulds appear in shades of black, blue, red, and green, whereas mildew is white. When seeking to paint an area that has an...
A porous surface is one that has pores and will naturally wick and absorb water, a good example is brickwork or plasterboard. These pores are tiny, microscopic holes or crevices that allow liquids and air to penetrate it. Using the correct primer...
There are two primary reasons for rust staining in external masonry. First is the natural Iron Ore oxidising within the actual substrate itself the second is from ferrous fixing withing the wall rusting and leeching to cause the staining. Both ...
Surface salts or efflorescence to give it is technical name is a powdery deposit often visible on the surface of masonry. The root cause involves water ingress or dampness causing the natural salts with the wall substrate to come through to the surface...
The common term used to describe a wood boring insect is Woodworm refers to the larvae of all wood boring beetles. There are several species found in the UK, but most of the damage is caused by the offspring of the Common Furniture beetle. Left untreated...
Painting wooden floors is quite a common aesthetic, giving a really fresh look to old, tired floors. Keeping them looking great however, is a real challenge especially in high traffic areas. Often it is the actual wood that erodes away leaving ...
Bubbling or Blistering is an unsightly defect in a painted surface. There are a number of causes and very much dependant on what substrate is being painted. However, the common mechanism that causes the bubble is something is ‘off-gassing’ and ...
Composite GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) doors essentially have a compressed plastic surface with either gloss or wood grain effect finish. The plastic is designed to provide a durable pre-coloured finish that is not usually designed to be painted. The...
Painting over Creosote is a really tricky problem and one that shouldn’t be undertaken lightly requiring a very specialist primer. If you need to paint over any previously creosoted surfaces please contact our technical team on 0131 334 4999 or...
Water leaks leave behind mineral deposits which are dry and discoloured. To prevent this stain bleeding through the paint system we recommend using the system below, however the water damage must be fixed and surfaces dry before treatment <strong>Preparation...
Greasy marks or surfaces require real attention prior to painting as improper preparation of the surfaces will prevent the newly painted surface adhering properly. This is a really important consideration when painting anything in a kitchen. However, ...