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All
cracks and leakages should be repaired and filled with appropriate
sealants. It is best to paint a newly plastered wall after at
least six months only. Surface imperfections should be filled
with cement plaster. Use of putty for filling the cracks should
be avoided.
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The
overall look of the paint is entirely dependant on the surface
and hence it becomes absolutely necessary to ensure that the
surface to be painted is free from dust, grease, algae, fungi,
stains, loose particles of old paint etc. This can be archived
by a through brushing of the surface with a good wire brush.
For areas covered with black fungus, cleaning the area with
a good bio wash would be ideal.
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Using
a primer for the base coat ensures excellent paint adhesion
to the surface. Selection of the primer again depends on the
type of surface to be painted and on the type of paint you intend
to use. A water based primer can be used as a base coat while
applying cement paint, while a solvent based primer has to be
applied as a priming coat for textured and acrylic finishes.
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While
the choice of paint depends on the painting budget, it is economical
in the long run to choose an acrylic based paint which is designed
to last for a longer time than a cement paint which has a shorter
life span.
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It
is best to apply the paint when the weather is not too hot as
this affects the film formation. Also painting should be refrained
from, during heavy rains or when it is windy.
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Wait
for the paint to dry completely after the first coat before
putting on the second coat.
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Cement
paint when applied, should be cured thoroughly with water after
each coat to prevent chalking. Do not ever use saline water
for curing.
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A
minimum of two coats of paint is required to give a finishing
look to the painted surface.
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Paint
should be diluted with clean potable water only.
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For
horizontal surfaces like parapets and ledges application of
3 coats of paints yields long term benefits.
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While
choosing a particular shade to check from the manufacturer if
the colour is likely to fleet or bleed Light shades like Bone
White, Cream, Ivory etc are likely to last longer as compared
to certain shades like Brick Red, Blue etc.
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Over
Dilution of the paint will result in shade variation, poor hiding,
poor bonding and flaking of the paint.
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Stir
the paint well and sieve it for best results.
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Refrain
from intermixing shades and adding strainers to the paint as
it could lead to light / dark patches on the surface.
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A
good quality brush or roller should be used while applying the
paint. Ensure that the brush used is a clean one and free from
any previous colour residue.