Product questions:
- What type of tiles can I use International tile paints on?
- My melamine kitchen units are looking old and shabby, but I can't afford to replace them. Do you have a suitable product?
- What can I paint MDF with?
- Can I use International's Blackboard Paint or Magnetic Blackboard Paint on a plastered surface, such as an interior wall?
- Where can I use International's Anti-Damp Paint?
- Can I use International Anti-Damp Paint and Anti-Condensation Paint together?
- I want to seal a bare brick wall in my home. What should I use?
- What can I paint my metal garden furniture with?
- Do you have a product I can paint children's toys with?
- I need to prime copper heating pipes. What product should I use?
Application questions:
- Does it matter what type of brush I use?
- My solvent-based paint is too thick to brush on. What can I do?
- What can I do to ensure a good final effect when I use spray paints?
Misc:
Answers
Q. What type of tiles can I use International tile paints on?
A. International tile paints are suitable for use on glazed, ceramic wall tiles in kitchens and bathrooms. Although, we do not recommend their use around heat sources such as cookers. International One Coat Tile Paint with Teflon® surface protector needs no primer or undercoat and covers in just one coat.
International's new One Coat Tile Paint with Teflon® surface protector provides a finish that is up to 3 times more durable & scratch resistant than the nearest competitor.*
* Test carried out by DuPont
Q. My melamine kitchen units are looking old and shabby, but I can't afford to replace them. Do you have a suitable product?
A. International's Furniture & Cupboard Paint with Teflon® surface protector is especially formulated for use on melamine. There's no need for a primer or undercoat, and the paint covers in one coat. The paint can also be used on MDF.
International's new Furniture & Cupboard Paint with Teflon® surface protector, gives a finish that is up to 50% more durable & scratch resistant than the nearest competitor.*
* Test carried out by DuPont
Q. What can I paint MDF with?
A. As MDF is a very porous surface, it can either be primed by using International's Quick Drying MDF Primer to ensure the paint does not sink into the surface, followed by a coat of International Furniture & Cupboard Paint. Alternatively, two coats of International's Furniture & Cupboard Paint with Teflon® surface protector can be used to the same effect.
Q. Can I use International's Blackboard Paint or Magnetic Blackboard Paint on a plastered surface, such as an interior wall?
A. Yes, although we would recommend that the plaster surface is in a sound condition, fully dry, and primed with International's Universal Primer Sealer, before applying the blackboard paint.
Q. Where can I use International's Anti-Damp Paint?
A. This product can be used on interior walls and ceilings, where paint is prone to bubbling, or where wallpaper is prone to lifting. Apply the paint to the problem area. Any mould growth should first be treated with a fungicidal wash.
For stains caused by damp problems which have been cured, we recommend using International's Stain Block Paint.
NB: International Anti-Damp Paint will not cure the cause of damp. For serious damp problems, seek professional advice.
Q. Can I use International Anti-Damp Paint and Anti-Condensation Paint together?
A. These products can be used in the same area. Anti-Damp Paint should be applied first to deal with any problems caused by damp. Anti-Condensation Paint can be applied over this, after allowing for the recommended drying time, to help combat condensation problems.
Q. I want to seal a bare brick wall in my home. What should I use?
A. We suggest using International's Universal Primer Sealer. Remove any mould or fungal growth with a proprietary cleaner. Rinse well, wipe clean and allow to dry.
Q. What can I paint my metal garden furniture with?
A. International's 10 Year Exterior Gloss is an excellent long-lasting finish, suitable for use on exterior wood and metal. Prime any bare surfaces first with International's Exterior Primer Undercoat.
Q. Do you have a product I can paint children's toys with?
A. International's Japlac High Gloss Finish and Japlac Metallic Finish are both multi-purpose paints that can be used on wood, metal, ceramic and cardboard, both inside and out. International's Japlac products are certified as child-safe* and do not contain any hazardous ingredients that would be harmful to children once dry.
* All Japlac products meet the European Toy Safety Standard BSEN71 Part 3 1995 (Certificate available on request)
Q. I need to prime copper heating pipes. What product should I use?
A. We would recommend the use of International's Special Metals Primer. Two coats should be applied, allowing 6 hours drying time between coats. The pipes can then be overcoated with standard gloss, satin or emulsion paints once primed.
Application questions:
Q. Does it matter what type of brush I use?
A. There are two types of paint brushes — those made with natural hair bristles and those made with synthetic material (eg. nylon, polyester).
Natural bristle brushes are suited for use with solvent-based paints. Because the natural bristles are hollow, they are not suited for use with water-based paints, as they can absorb water and become soft & limp.
Most synthetic brushes work well with both water-based and solvent-based paints, but always check the brush manufacturer's recommendations. However, as some of the solvents used in solvent-based paints can cause the synthetic material to break down, always check the paint tin label, to see what type of brush the manufacturer recommends.
Q. My solvent-based paint is too thick to brush on. What can I do?
A. Keep on stirring the product, with a broad stirring stick to the bottom and edges of the can, both before and during application.
Q. What can I do to ensure a good final effect when I use spray paints?
A. Apply several thin coats rather than one thick one to ensure the paint doesn't run, and allow enough time for the paint to dry between coats. Use newspaper / masking tape to mask off the surrounding area, in case of any overspray.
Misc:
Q. I have seen the terms 'Matt', 'Satin' and 'Gloss' referring to paint. What do these terms mean?
A. They refer to the sheen or 'gloss' level of a paint, and it does make a difference which one you select. They simply refer to the level of light reflectance in the paint, so for example, matt will not appear shiny as it does not reflect the light, whereas gloss will be shiny.
Q. How should I care for my brushes?
A. Clean the brush immediately after use. When you have used a solvent-based paint, clean the brush with brush cleaner. When you have used a water-based paint, clean the brush with soap and water. Use a brush comb to ensure all paint residue is removed and bristles straightened. If possible, store your brush by hanging it up. Don't store a brush by balancing on the bristle tips.