Hints and tips for using Biopin Wallpaint.
- Carefully prepare surfaces by thoroughly cleaning and repairing where necessary.
- Carefully remove lid and clean before replacing as dry specks of paint in the tub are a hassle to remove while you are decorating.
- Stir thoroughly before every use and during use if you are painting for a while.
- Absorbent surfaces such as bare plaster, lining paper or areas of filler must have a watered down (10-20%) coat of paint first. This is followed by a top coat (can be slightly diluted). This is usually enough for most surfaces however some instances may require an extra coat. A patchy finish usually means the paint has been rolled-out too thin or unevenly and the unevenness of the wall underneath is visible. Some walls with lots of ‘character’ will always appear patchy due to shadows – especially if there is a window at either end of the wall. NB: dark colours are more difficult to work with than lighter colours and the risk of a patchy finish is greater due to the high pigment content!
- Biopin emulsion can be applied by roller or brush although a more uniform finish is achievable with a roller. The fluffier the roller the more textured the finish. A medium or short pile is usually best. A good quality brush will make for smoother cutting-in. A common mistake when rolling is to press too hard and role too quickly which can cause lines to appear at the edge of the roller and bubbles on the surface of the paint.
- The difference in texture between a rolled and brushed edge can be minimised by carefully rolling as close to the edge of the wall as possible.
- Your brush must be completely clean. Never use a brush that has been used with oil based paints. Clean brushes in warm water and soap.
- If applying more than one coat of paint, it is essential that the first coat is fully dry before the second is applied. Leave at least 4 hours between coats. Drying time is greatly increased by low temperatures or damp so decorating in an unheated house in winter will take longer.
- Stirring in small amounts of water (not too cold) to your tray of paint while decorating can make for smoother and easier application. Don’t be tempted to water it down too much as opacity will be reduced so always add water a little at a time.
- Painting equipment is best cleaned as soon as possible after use with plenty of warm water and soap.
- Biopin paint is wipeable after about 10 days. This is because although it is dry a few hours after painting, the natural oils in the paint do not fully harden for sometime afterwards. For a more washable finish, clear wallglaze can be applied over the paint although this will make the finish slightly shinier.
- Small marks and blemishes on fully dry paint can sometimes be removed with a white pencil eraser.
NB: The hints and tips above are given by IEKO in good faith, however they are given without guarantee and are no substitute for the manufacturers instruction on the tin. It is for the customer to ensure the surface to be painted is suitably prepared and if in doubt the product should be tested on a small inconspicuous area first. IEKO 2009 www.ieko.co.uk