Limewashes represent the best of both form and function. They're beautiful and breathable, making them the perfect choice for both historic and new buildings. Unlike typical modern paints, they don't trap water and they age beautifully--instead of getting shabby, they develop a lovely mellow patina over time.

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. See similar questions...

Traditionally, latex finishes cannot be applied to an alkyd enamel without proper surface preparation which includes sanding, cleaning, and priming. However Porter's ADVANTAGE 900 Interior/Exterior Acrylic Enamel, with its new age acrylic resin, may be applied directly to clean alkyd enamel surfaces. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

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: See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

Latex paint cannot tolerate a freeze without some negative consequence. In many cases, it may not be noticeable in the can or during application; however, long-term durability will suffer relative to how hard the paint freezes. Oil paint, in most cases, can take almost any temperature. There are some formulations that can 'shock' if exposed to extreme cold. A paint that has been 'shocked' will have the different ingredients (oil, resin, pigment, solvent and additives) separate. See similar questions...

This depends on the siding and the look you are trying to achieve. For most homes, using a 100% acrylic (latex) paint will provide the longest lasting finish. 100% acrylics tolerate more movement in the wood and retain their color much longer than an oil based paint. See similar questions...

Yes. You have two choices to do this. First would be to wash the surface then sand and then clean the sanding dust off. You then apply your latex paint over the oil based paint. That process works for both interior and exterior applications. Your other option is to wash the surface and then apply a coat of a bonding primer and then topcoat. No. The particles of acrylic latex paint fuse together to form a film that remains flexible over the life of the paint. See similar questions...

Water-based emulsion acrylics belong to a larger group called latex. Most people however are referring to latex house paint when using the term latex. The binder and pigment qualities in these paints are not artists’ quality. House paint quality latex becomes brittle with age and is therefore not recommended for use under artists’ acrylics. See similar questions...

Different raw materials yield different grades of paint. Kirker manufactures three grades of paint, suitable for different automotive refinish applications. See the chart below for specific differences in the performance expectations of each Acrylic Urethane (ULTRA-GLO) features the most modern coatings technology, which gives it excellent durability, gloss retention and color holdout. ACRYL-GLO Acrylic Enamel is a traditional coating, most often used on passenger cars and commercial vehicles. See similar questions...

ACRYLIC. A 100% Acryllic Latex paint fortified with urethane will provide a sealed system that swells and contracts with the wood as the seasons pass, avoiding unsightly cracks and blistering. The fact that Acrylic based paints can shed water and breathe enhance their longevity. This will offer you the optimal protection. all-acrylic latex top-coat paints, applied in two coats over a stain-blocking acrylic latex primer, last longer than other paint systems, even on difficult-to-paint surfaces. See similar questions...

TOil based paints have been al but phased out. The exception being for industrial uses as well as some exterior rust inhibitors. Unless you can provide us with a sufficient amount of fresh oil base paint we will be using all latex paints as of the beginning of this year. The paint manufacturers have done a great job of solving the problems attributed with early latex paints. See similar questions...

Currently, there is no recycling outlet for oil-based paint. Residents can dry it out with kitty litter or sawdust and throw it away with their regular garbage. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

Latex paint is not considered hazardous waste and, after hardening, should be put in your trash. Paint hardener, good for about 3 gallons of paint, is available at minimal cost from Lynch Paint near the Main Westford Post Office on Littleton Road (Route 110). Kitty litter also works as an absorber hardener but is not quite as effective. See similar questions...

Baked enamel paint uses enamel-based paint applied to the surface of the letters. This provides a smooth, durable, and consistent finish. Like any paint, it isn't eternal. That's why some incur the expense of anodized and oxidized finishes, for permanent colorization. Consider anodized aluminum or oxidized bronze if color permanence is your primary concern. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...