In the satin and gloss finishes which are commonly used on woodwork, oil enamels traditionally exhibited a richness, touch and leveling ability which was unmatched by waterborne paints. However, with the introduction of Eco, many professional painters and designers believe they have discovered an odorless, waterborne alkyd, which can be used interchangeably with traditional Hollandlac oil enamels.

Oil-based and acrylic paints cannot be mixed. Acrylic paints are water-based. There is a new type of paint out now, called alkyd paint. Although it is water-based, alkyd paint can be used with oil paints. You can never paint in acrylic over a painting previously done in oil paint. You can, however, paint with oil paint over an acrylic painting.

There are buildings in North America and Europe that have been known to have linseed oil on the exterior from 300 years ago. They are still intact today because of the linseed oil's ability to prevent water from soaking into the wood surface. Because the organic, cleaned, linseed oil is very close to the natural oil in wood, the linseed oil has an exceptional ability to preserve wood over a very long time.

Although acrylic spas are by far more prevalent today than wooden hot tubs, it was the wooden hot tub that began the experience of social bathing in America. Whether to purchase an acrylic spa or a wooden hot tub depends mostly on personal preference and each individual situation. There are many reasons for choosing a wooden tub over a plastic spa. Because they are assembled on site, they can be carried through any doorway, stairs or other narrow access.

Linseed oil paint will actually never fade. Earth pigments are used in linseed oil paint. The linseed paint will dry out over time and may look faded. This is because wood will absorb the oil into the grain leaving the pigment to dry out. This is very easily and inexpensively corrected by applying the cleaned boiled linseed oil or the linseed oil wax every 5-10 years.

The oil, which is fluid, will reach areas that are out of reach for a thicker product. Also, the oil’s fluidity allows it to penetrate the metal. As for thicker products, they form a protective coating on the metal surface. This thick coating will, in time, dry, crack and fall to pieces, and may also clog up drainage holes. The areas left unprotected will be vulnerable to rust.

Alkyd, or oil-based paint penetrates wood better than latex (water-based) paint and won't stick when you keep your doors and windows shut for the winter. For the bulk of most jobs, latex (water-based) paint is the better choice. It dries faster, doesn't yellow and can be cleaned up with soap and water when you break for the day.

acrylic topcoats are typically the best due to color retention properties and flexibility. It is important, however, to use an oil based primer before using the acrylic topcoat when painting over bleeding woods like Redwood or Cedar. A complete acrylic system may be used on all other non-bleeding woods.

Yes, however you may find you need to use the solution (80% boiled linseed oil and 20% mineral turpentine). Sometimes acrylic paint has been painted over old layers of oil-based paint, and again using the solution will usually enable this to be removed using the Speedheater Method?.

Oil paints, which have been in use since the 15th century, use oil as the medium to bind the color pigments together. They were the dominant medium used until recently, when acrylics were developed (in the 1960's). Oil paints have the following characteristics: they generally are slow-drying; they tend to be richer and more luminous on the painted surface; and if applied correctly, will last many, many years.

Paint rollers are much less expensive than other types of high-output paint applicators (like spray equipment).

The more gloss a finish has, it will most often have a harder and more washable finish, and dirt will wash off easier. Low gloss or flat finishes need a very good quality resin (binder) to be washable. Lower quality coatings do not wash as well.

Most of the time we see electrocoating being applied for one of two reasons. As a primer for other top coatings or as a single protective coating for components. Examples of the latter are under-body or under-hood automotive or other equipment components. Epoxy will perform best for these purposes. However, epoxy will form a chalk film on the surface if it is exposed to the ultraviolet rays from sunlight for a relatively short period of time.

The patented crushed neoprene used for the CF200 is the most durable material available for drysuits. It is so tough we use it to make kneepads and boots for our other suits! Given this ruggedness the material is heavier than other fabrics. Although totally dry inside, the outer nylon layer absorbs water making it heavier still when wet, and requires about as long as a wetsuit does to dry.

Aside from the obvious advantage of being able to get in and out of the suit unassisted, self-don suits have other positive features as well. The telescoping torso on a self-don suit allows for an excellent fit with complete range of motion. That is to say, the suit is actually fitted at the legs and hips, while the telescoping torso provides the extra material needed to reach or bend without adding extra bulk.

The TLS350 is unsurpassed as the suit capable of handling the broadest range of diving conditions. Its extreme durability and lightweight flexibility are second to none. This allows divers to use the suit in the warm waters of Florida to the chilly seas in Antarctica by simply varying the insulation worn underneath. The 30/30 drysuit was designed for divers who dive specifically in warmer waters and climates. It is a slender cut, low drag design to accommodate lightweight insulation only.

You can expect a 5-7 year shelf life from Liquitex acrylic products, provided the materials are stored properly at room temperature, kept tightly capped and kept free of contaminants. High temperatures, freezing and the use of tap water, dirty brushes and painting tools will all adversely effect the shelf life of the paint.

Latex paint is a great choice for most instances, but there are still situations where a solvent-based paint may be preferable. To help decide which is best in your case, consider the following: