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highest durability and remove stains very easily. They also have the highest mildew resistance which is five years. Additives for mildew resistance can be purchased for paints, however, most paint stores will not recommend the additive to paint with a resistance to it already. The reason for this is because you can only get five years out of the resistance. They will also not suggest an exterior paint for an interior surface due to the additives in the paint. An exterior paint may be more durable because it has to withstand the elements, however, the fumes it may emit can be toxic indoors, therefore, it is not recommended to put an exterior paint on interior walls.

If your paint problem is mildew or mold, it can be cleaned off an interior surface using one part bleach to three parts water. Your exterior surfaces can be washed off with an exterior solution for a pressure washer. Both can be purchased at your local hardware store. You can also rent pressure washers at some stores for a weekend.

For peeling paint, scrape (or pressure wash) your surface, fill any holes with putty or spackle (putty for wood, spackle for walls), and then follow with a fine sanding. Gently wipe off the dust from the surface and allow it to dry completely before you paint. A rule of thumb for a pressure wash (or even a rainy day) is 24 hours, but check your manual and paint can for a better gage.

To avoid fading of color, most people will shy away from bright, bold colors like a deep red for example. If you like deep colors, but not the fading, look for hues that have a golden or ruddy tone to them. A paint associate can assist you with this by finding out how much yellow oxide or red oxide colorant is used for the particular color in question. Generally, if there is about one ounce or so of each colorant going into the tint base to make a color, it will be a color that will resist fading.

Once your surface is dry, you can start to prime. Priming is beneficial to your surface for proper paint adhesion. Primer works well for new drywall, areas where peeling has occurred, areas where staining has occurred, and general prep from paint "break down". Primer can also save the homeowner time and money because a second coat (in most cases) won't be needed.

Your painting can start as soon as your primer is dry. Try to purchase the same batch code for your paint to have a consistent color. A batch code for paint is like a die lot for yarn, the color may be the same, but the shade may be different. If it is impossible to purchase the same batch code, mix your gallons together, or finish your project at a "natural break" in the room or outside. A "natural break" can be the end of the wall. After following these steps, your painting problems are over. Unless, you decide to change the color.

Learn more about this author, Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom.
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