Substrates and Surfaces - Interior

Knots bleed through paint. It's frustrating and leaves an unattractive finish. It occurs when resins seep to the surface and cause discolouration. Stopping this resin can be very challenging. Blocking primers such as Multistop for interior wood or Pinja Flex Isolator for exterior can and do help, but heat sealing can provide a more effective solution:

1. Scrape away excess resin.
2. Heat knots with a heat gun and again scrape away excess resin.
3. Once complete, wash down all oily surfaces with cellulose thinner, then rinse with clean water.
4. Allow timber to settle

Once complete, prime with Ultra Primer.

Topcoat options include:

1. Ultra Matt
2. Ultra Classic
3. Valtti Opaque

If you require more advice on painting over knots, give our technical team a call on 0131 334 4999 or send a message to our technical team.

Engineered Logs are timbers that are glued with non-toxic and environmentally friendly waterproof adhesive and pressed together under a regulated pressure rating until they bond as one solid piece of wood, i.e. a laminated log.

This multi-layered log is stronger and more durable than a traditional solid log. A laminated log home will be less subject to the wear and tear of time and the elements. This added value will keep maintenance costs to a minimum, and consequently save you money.

Interior

Painting log surfaces causes headaches for many log home builders. The whole idea of a log house is ruined if you choose the wrong, non-breathable paint for the surface. For this reason, translucent treatment agents – oils, waxes and various pigmented protections – are common on the inside surfaces of log houses. Tikkurila recommend Paneeli-Ässä Log Protection. For a more opaque finish, apply several layers of the translucent shade over the log surface. In translucent shades, the final colour is always influenced by the colour and porosity of the wood and the number of times it is applied. So it is worth doing a test patch!

Exterior

Putting paint on the exterior of your log cabin is not recommended. Your wooden house has to breathe and you cannot let moisture get trapped within your wood. So we always recommend using a high-quality wood stain, like Valtti Plus Kesto. When it comes to painting/staining the exterior of log cabins, we always recommend getting in touch with our technical team for further advice.

Give our technical team a call on 0131 334 4999 or send a message to them here.

Prepare surfaces by ensuring they are clean and dry, free from anything that can interfere with the application or adhesion of materials and Tikkurila products to be applied, removing loose and failing material by scraping or brushing with a stiff bristle brush to a sound edge.

Feather the sound edges with a fine grade abrasive paper, removing all visible signs of organic growth and using Tikkurila Mould Removal Solution to treat areas before allowing them to dry.

Use methylated spirit to ensure the surface is free from any contaminants and anything that could interfere with adhesion, frequently changing the cloth, before priming overall with one full coat of Otex Adhesion Primer.

Apply the primer in accordance with the technical data sheet and allow it to dry.

Finish with two full coats of Panssari Akva. Follow the minimum drying times (depending on conditions as per the technical data sheet) between coats.

Plastic is a tricky substrate to paint and we always recommend consulting our technical team for specific advice related to application and suitability. Please give our technical team a call on 0131 334 4999 or send a message here.

Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. Unlike conventional liquid paint which is delivered via an evaporating solvent, powder coating is typically applied electrostatically and then cured under heat or with ultraviolet light. These surfaces are tough to cover over as conventional paints won’t adhere to the surface

Surface Preparation

Clean down the surface and ensure it is dry and free from anything that could interfere or affect adhesion of the primer and materials to be applied. Remove loose and failing material from the surface through scraping or brushing, using a stiff-bristled brush, to a sound edge before feathering with a fine-grade abrasive paper.

Remove all visible signs of organic growth and use Tikkurila's mould removal solution, to treat the affected areas and allow to dry.

If any sound paint remains, clean the area down with Tikkurila's cleaning solution to remove any remaining contaminants and rinse with clean water thoroughly before allowing the surface to dry.

Priming

Prime all over with one full coat of Temaprime EE

Tikkurila's range of two pack polyurethane coatings, Temadur 10 and Temadur 20 are also suitable for priming but are recommended for professional use only

Decoration

If topcoating over Temaprime EE, there are a wide range of interior and exterior products that can be used

If the Temadur range has been used for priming, it should also be used for topcoat.

1. Temadur 10, Temadur 20, Temadur 50 or Temadur 90, our range of 2 pack polyurethanes

If you require more advice on painting over powder coated surfaces, give our technical team a call on 0131 334 4999 or send them a message here

Resinous softwoods tend to to grow in cold or milder weather regions and are considered an ideal material due toheir excellent mechanical resistance. These types of woof are one of the most commonly used in carpentry and construction projects. The most popular are pine, fir and larch which all come with a problem called colour bleeding. This is an issue especially with knotty softwoods since the knots leak more resin, leaving a stain. Stopping this resin can be very challenging. Blocking primers such as Multistop for interior wood or Pinja Flex Isolator for exterior can and do help, but heat sealing can provide a more effective solution:

1. Scrape away excess resin.
2. Heat knots with heat gun and again scrape away excess resin.
3. Once complete, wash down all oily surfaces with cellulose thinner, then rinse with clean water.
4. Allow timber to settle

Once complete, prime with Ultra Primer.

Topcoat options for interior include:

1. Everal Aqua 10, Everal Aqua 40 or Everal Aqua 80, depending on sheen level required
2. Helmi 10, Helmi 30 or Helmi 80, depending on sheen level required
3. Empire Furniture Paint

Topcoat options for exterior include:

1. Ultra Matt
2. Ultra Classic
3. Valtti Opaque

If you require more advice on painting over softwoods such as pine, fir or larch, give our technical team a call on 0131 334 4999 or send a message here.

Elm is a coarse grained hardwood which is moderately hard and very tough – good at resisting splitting under stress so useful for items like chairs where great strength is needed in small sections and joints cut close to ends of boards but commonly used for all kinds of furniture.

The key before the application is to remove all surface oils using cellulose thinner and rinse with clean water

Interior

Priming Options

1. Ultra Primer
2. Akvi Primer (Spray Only, Fast Drying)

Intermediate (Blocking Primers)

1. Multistop (ensure left to dry for 24 hours before topcoat). Due to the dark tannins in Idigbo, we recommend 2 coats of our blocking primers
2. Akvi Isolator (ensure left to dry for 24 hours before topcoat)

Topcoat Options

1. Everal Aqua 10, Everal Aqua 40 or Everal Aqua 80, depending on sheen level required
2. Helmi 10, Helmi 30 or Helmi 80, depending on sheen level required
3. Akvi Top DS25

Lacquering Options

1. Kiva 10, Kiva 30 or Kiva 70, depending on sheen level required
2. Akvilac FD-J 10

Exterior

Priming Options

1. Ultra Primer
2. Pinja Flex Combi 25

Intermediate

1. Pinja Flex Isolator (exterior blocking primer)

Topcoat Options

1. 1. Ultra Matt
   2. Ultra Classic
   3. Valtti Opaque
   4. Unica Semi-Gloss Enamel
   5. Unica Akva
   6. Valtti Teho
   7. Pinja Flex Combi 25

If you require more advice on painting over hardwoods, give our technical team a call on 0131 334 4999 or send a message here.

The key to restoring rusty metal is to properly prep the rusty steel before you paint. A little work up front will yield long lasting results.

The first step is to clean off loose rust and flaking paint and then apply a rust-inhibitive primer. You don't need to get down to bare, shiny metal—just clean off the flakes and powdery surface rust that prevent paint from adhering. However, badly rusted metal areas need more prep work.

Start with a wire brush. Scrub partially rusted metal areas with a wire brush to remove flakes and powdery surface rust.

If the area is heavily rusted and pitted and wire brushing by hand is ineffective, use a drill with a wire wheel. Grind down heavily rusted metal spots faster with a wire wheel and a drill or angle grinder.

Once prepared, wash down all areas with Tikkurila roof cleaning agent, 1 Part Solution: 4 parts water (depending on degree of contamination) this can be applied by brush or rag. If possible power wash and rinse with clean water. 

Priming Options

• Rostex Super Metal Primer
• Rostex Super Akva
• Temaprime EE  (Temaprime EE preferred on corroded surfaces)

Topcoat Options

• Panssari Akva (water-based option)
• Panssarimaali  (solvent-based option)

If you require more advice on painting over rusted areas, give our technical team a call on 0131 334 4999 or send them a message here

Softwoods usually grow quicker than hardwoods and are cheaper, softer and easier to work. They are often used to make furniture, paneling, and all sorts of other things. While softwoods aren't tough to paint, they comes with a problem called colour bleeding. This is an issue especially with knotty softwoods since the knots leak more resin, leaving a stain. Stopping this resin can be very challenging. Blocking primers such as Multistop for interior wood or Pinja Flex Isolator for exterior can and do help, but heat sealing can provide a more effective solution:

1. Scrape away excess resin.
2. Heat knots with heat gun and again scrape away excess resin.
3. Once complete, wash down all oily surfaces with cellulose thinner, then rinse with clean water.
4. Allow timber to settle

Once complete, prime with Ultra Primer.

Topcoat options for interior include:

1. Everal Aqua 10, Everal Aqua 40 or Everal Aqua 80, depending on sheen level required
2. Helmi 10, Helmi 30 or Helmi 80, depending on sheen level required
3. Empire Furniture Paint

Topcoat options for exterior include:

1. Ultra Matt
2. Ultra Classic
3. Valtti Opaque

If you require more advice on painting over softwoods, give our technical team a call on 0131 334 4999 or send a message here.

Stove Enameling is a process is based on liquid paints which are cured by oven baking. It normally requires several coats and a high level of skill, particularly when applying special finishes such as hammers, wrinkles and spatter finishes. Powder coating has largely replaced this traditional coating technique.

Unfortunately, Tikkurila do not have an appropriate system for overcoating stove enamels.

If you would like to discuss your specific projects requirements further, please give our technical team a call on 0131 334 4999 or send them a message here

Teak wood is a dense, close-grained type of hardwood that is sourced from the Tectona grandis tree, native to south and southeast Asia. Teak is originally golden in colour and has a smooth grain and texture.

One of the reasons for using teak, especially for outdoor furniture, is its abundance of natural oils. The oils prevent rot and give the wood a shiny patina, but they also inhibit paint adhesion and can bleed through finishes, so painting teak isn't recommended. You may have some success, though, if the wood is old and weathered. See our guide to painting hardwoods for further details.

One of the most common questions that arises in relation to teak outdoor furniture is whether or not it should be oiled.

Unlike some wooden garden furniture sets which do benefit from an application of a treatment product, teak's natural oils mean that this is generally not necessary. There is simply no need to oil your teak garden furniture.

If you require more advice on painting or oiling teak, give our technical team a call on 0131 334 4999 or send them a message here

A common question we get asked by our customers is can you paint UPVC windows and doors? The simple answer is yes. For many homeowners, a quick way of refreshing their home exterior is by adding a new paint colour for that extra curb appeal.

Prepare surfaces by ensuring they are clean and dry, free from anything that can interfere with the application or adhesion of materials and Tikkurila products to be applied, removing loose and failing material by scraping or brushing with a stiff bristle brush to a sound edge.

Feather the sound edges with a fine grade abrasive paper, removing all visible signs of organic growth and using Tikkurila Mould Removal Solution to treat areas before allowing them to dry

Use methylated spirit to ensure the surface is free from any contaminants and anything that could interfere with adhesion, frequently changing the cloth, before priming overall with one full coat of Otex Adhesion Primer.

Apply the primer in accordance with the technical data sheet and allow it to dry.

Finish with two full coats of Panssari Akva. Follow the minimum drying times (depending on conditions as per the technical data sheet) between coats.

If you require more advice on painting over UPVC, give our technical team a call on 0131 334 4999 or send a message to us here.

Walnut is a straight-grained hardwood that ranges from chocolate brown (when it's from the center of the tree) to yellow (from the outer portion of the tree). A top pick for head-boards, ornate antique-style dining tables, and mantels, walnut is typically clear-coated or oiled to bring out its color.

Interior

Priming Options

1. Ultra Primer
2. Akvi Primer (Spray Only, Fast Drying)

Intermediate (Blocking Primers)

1. Multistop (ensure left to dry for 24 hours before topcoat). Due to the dark tannins in Idigbo, we recommend 2 coats of our blocking primers
2. Akvi Isolator (ensure left to dry for 24 hours before topcoat)

Topcoat Options

1. Everal Aqua 10, Everal Aqua 40 or Everal Aqua 80, depending on the sheen level required
2. Helmi 10, Helmi 30 or Helmi 80, depending on sheen level required
3. Akvi Top DS25

Lacquering Options

1. Kiva 10, Kiva 30 or Kiva 70, depending on the sheen level required
2. Akvilac FD-J 10

Exterior

Priming Options

1. Ultra Primer
2. Pinja Flex Combi 25

Intermediate

1. Pinja Flex Isolator (exterior blocking primer)

Topcoat Options

1. 1. Ultra Matt
   2. Ultra Classic
   3. Valtti Opaque
   4. Unica Semi-Gloss Enamel
   5. Unica Akva
   6. Valtti Teho
   7. Pinja Flex Combi 25

If you require more advice on painting over hardwoods, give our technical team a call on 0131 334 4999 or send a message here.

Tricoya is an MDF panel that enables simple manufacturing and can be used in the most extreme environments. It is durable and stable enough for outside use.

Preparation

Sand the surface until it is smooth using your sanding block or a handheld oscillating tool with a sanding accessory. Start with 80-grit sandpaper on a rough surface to begin the process and move to the progressively finer grits of 120 and 220.

Wipe the surface clean with the dry rag to remove most of the dust created by sanding. Don't dampen the rag; the water will raise the grain and you'll have to sand again. Wipe it a second time with the tack cloth to remove the finer dust that remains.

Once the surfaces are prepared, it’s time to apply the first coat of primer.

Interior Priming Options

1. Otex Akva     
2. Helmi Primer
3. Akvi Primer (Fast drying option for spraying)    

Interior Topcoat Options

Once dry, the surface can be painted with your preferred topcoat.

1. Everal Aqua 10, Everal Aqua 40 or Everal Aqua 80, depending on the sheen level required
2. Helmi 10, Helmi 30 or Helmi 80, depending on the sheen level required
3. Empire Furniture Paint
4. Akvi Top DS25  (Fast drying option for spraying)

Exterior

Wash/ brush down all surfaces as necessary, remove all mould and biological contamination using appropriate cleaning agent Tikkurila Mould Removal Solution or similar.

Apply one coat of Ultra Primer to all surfaces.

Allow minimum of 2 hours before overcoating.

Topcoat Options

1. Ultra Matt
2. Ultra Classic
3. Valtti Opaque

If you require more advice on painting over tricoya (particularly if using in wet and humid environments), give our technical team a call on 0131 334 4999 or send them a message here

• Asbestos is a carcinogenic silicate material commonly found in old insulation, fire-resistant boards, roofing sheets and ceiling tiles. If found it should be left untouched, appropriate authorities called and should only be disturbed, removed and disposed of by qualified licensed Asbestos removal experts. Asbestos is highly toxic if broken down into its fibrous state.
• Asbestos must not be sanded or abraded in any way which will cause the surface to break down.
• At most a light wash down may be completed with a soft brush and Tikkurila Cleaning agent, all washing residue should be collected in a sealed container and disposed of by a certified licensed asbestos removal company.

Priming Options

1. Asbestos-cement boards - If the boards are in good condition, make sure the surface is clean from dirt and grease. Spray the surface with a thin layer of ProSeal to seal the remaining dust.
2. Asbestguard – Encapsulating Primer (Interior Use only)
3. Finngard Opaque (thinned by 20%)

For Topcoating

1. Finngard Opaque

If you require more advice on painting over lead, give our technical team a call on 0131 334 4999 or send them a message here.

Although unusual to paint Bronze, due to its often polished or lacquered finish, it can be very difficult to paint. Please consult our technical team for further advice on your particular project

• While cedar can be painted, it is not recommended unless it is extremely weathered as it requires heavy preparation and is still prone to failure. It is a highly acidic oily hardwood and is so naturally durable it prevents proper adhesion of paint and wood stain products. In addition, if cedar is new and un-weathered resin bleeding will be an issue. 

If there is still a requirement to paint, we recommend using a non-filming forming coating like Valtti Color

• Ensure the surface is degreased thoroughly first with Tikkurila cleaning agent. Ensure you use a white rag and keep degreasing until no residues are present on cloth 
• Also ensure the surface is degreased with cellulose thinner to remove the surface oils. 

Fibreglass can be tough to paint over as it needs to be suitably prepared and primed for topcoats to properly adhere and stick to the surface.

Prepare surfaces by ensuring they are clean and dry, free from anything that can interfere with the application or adhesion of materials and Tikkurila products to be applied, removing loose and failing material by scraping or brushing with a stiff bristle brush to a sound edge.

Feather the sound edges with a fine grade abrasive paper, removing all visible signs of organic growth and using Tikkurila Mould Removal Solution to treat areas before allowing them to dry

Use methylated spirit to ensure the surface is free from any contaminants and anything that could interfere with adhesion, frequently changing the cloth, before priming overall with one full coat of Otex Adhesion Primer.

Apply the primer in accordance with the technical data sheet and allow it to dry.

Finish with two full coats of Panssari Akva. Follow the minimum drying times (depending on conditions as per the technical data sheet) between coats.

NB. Valtti Opaque and Unica Semi-Gloss are also suitable as topcoats if preferred

If you require more advice on painting over fibreglass, give our technical team a call on 0131 334 4999 or send a message to our technical team.

Galvanisation or galvanising is the process of applying a protective zinc coating to steel or iron, to prevent rusting.

The problem with painting galvanised metal is that the surface when new is very shiny and smooth, making it difficult for paint to stick to the surface. It also has surface contaminants (oils, greases, residues, etc.) left on the surface from the manufacturing process that interfere with the adhesion of paints. You need to tackle this with the right products and preparation to make sure it stays put. You’ll notice on surfaces that haven’t been treated properly, that the paint will peel and blister very quickly.

Priming and Preparation

If you want to paint a galvanised surface, you need to prepare it properly with thorough cleaning and a good primer where required.

New Surfaces:

Thoroughly wash with an alkaline cleaning solution using a Scotch-Brite pad to scrub the surface. Once cleaned, thoroughly rinse down with fresh water and allow to dry. Now you’re ready to prime with one of Tikkurila's suitable primers:

1. Rostex Super Akva
2. Rostex Super Metal Primer
3. Otex Adhesion Primer
4. Temaprime EE (for professional use only)
5. Temadur 10 or Temadur 20 (for professional use only)

Weathered Galvanised Surfaces (12 months +)

If the galvanised metal you’re intending to paint has been left out in the elements for 12 months or more then the tricky cleaning process of removing all the manufacturing contaminants has been carried out for you. All you need to do is clean any dirt and grime that has built up on the surface and apply one of the aforementioned primers

Previously Painted Galvanised Surfaces

You’ll want to remove any old flaky paint with a non-metallic abrasive (sandpaper) and wash down as you would with newly galvanised surfaces (see above). Once it’s ready, you should apply one of the aforementioned primers to any bare galvanised surfaces.

Painting and Decoration

Once you’ve prepared your surface and primed it if required, you are ready to apply a topcoat. The selection of topcoat will depend on the ultimate use. Suitable topcoats from the decorative range include:

1. Everal Aqua 10, Everal Aqua 40 or Everal Aqua 80, depending on the sheen level required
2. Panssari Akva
3. Panssarimaali

If your project is more industrial in its nature, we recommend looking at products from our industrial range which include:

1. Temalac FD20, Temalac FD50 or Temalac FD80, our range of single pack alkyds.
2. Temadur 10, Temadur 20, Temadur 50 or Temadur 90, our range of 2 pack polyurethanes

If you require more advice on painting over galvanised steel, give our technical team a call on 0131 334 4999 or send a message to our technical team.

Step 1

Before you can paint glass with any success, take the time to clean it thoroughly. Use hot and soapy water in combination with a clean cotton cloth. Wait for the glass to dry completely before you proceed. Also, bear in mind that to avoid smudging the glass with your fingers, it’s wise to wear latex gloves while you work.

Step 2

Prime with Otex Adhesion Primer.

Step 3

Paint with suitable topcoat. The topcoat chosen will depend on the location and finish required.

For example, if it is interior glass in a kitchen cabinet, our Helmi range will be most suitable:

• Helmi 10, Helmi 30 or Helmi 80, depending on the sheen level required

If it is exterior glass, a product like Unica Akva will be most suited for topcoat.

If you require more advice on painting over glass, give our technical team a call on 0131 334 4999 or send a message to our technical team.

GRP stands for Glass Reinforced Plastic. It is also called fibreglass, composite plastic or FRP. It is strong, extremely light and highly versatile. GRP can be tough to paint over as it needs to be suitably prepared and primed for topcoats to properly adhere and stick to the surface.

Prepare surfaces by ensuring they are clean and dry, free from anything that can interfere with the application or adhesion of materials and Tikkurila products to be applied, removing loose and failing material by scraping or brushing with a stiff bristle brush to a sound edge.

Feather the sound edges with a fine grade abrasive paper, removing all visible signs of organic growth and using Tikkurila Mould Removal Solution to treat areas before allowing them to dry

Use methylated spirit to ensure the surface is free from any contaminants and anything that could interfere with adhesion, frequently changing the cloth, before priming overall with one full coat of Otex Adhesion Primer.

Apply the primer in accordance with the technical data sheet and allow to dry.

Finish with two full coats of Panssari Akva. Follow the minimum drying times (depending on conditions as per the technical data sheet) between coats.

NB. Valtti Opaque and Unica Semi-Gloss are also suitable as topcoats if preferred

If you require more advice on painting over GRP, give our technical team a call on 0131 334 4999 or send a message here.