Commercial • Residential
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between water-based (latex) and oil-based (alkyd) paints?
The two types of paint get their names from the components used to bind the pigment particles together. Latex paint uses acrylic or vinyl, while alkyd paint uses binders which are derived from a vegetable oil like linseed oil or soy bean oil.
Water-based paints are easier to use, brushes and rollers are easier to clean after use, and spills can be cleaned up with a wet rag. Latex paints are also more fade-resistant and they adhere to the surface better than their alkyd counterparts. Oil-based paints have a stronger odor, the clean-up is harder, and they are more likely to fade or peal.
Are non-toxic coatings inferior in quality?
Top manufacturers like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Pittsburgh Paints have all made great strides in lowering or eliminating the VOC content in their coatings while improving their durability and coverage.
What does VOC mean?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are highly evaporative substances used to improve the drying time and ease of application of many coatings. VOCs are highly toxic and they contribute to indoor and outdoor pollution, as well as a host of health problems, for years after the initial application. Pelican Painting Company uses products with the lowest possible VOC content for each application.
What products do you use?
Pelican Painting Company uses only the highest quality coatings from manufacturers like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Pittsburgh Paints. Higher quality paints yield better results, they go on better and they stay on longer.
Why should I spend more on expensive paints?
When it comes to paint, you truly get what you pay for. High quality paints can last as much as two to three times longer than their cheap counterparts and it covers better, so you actually use less paint and it takes less time to apply so you save money on labor.
Is there a difference between exterior and exterior paint?
Yes. Interior paint is formulated ease of touch up, ease of cleanup, and its ability to mask surface imperfections. Exterior paint is formulated to retain its color and resist fading in the face of sunlight and other environmental conditions.
The flexibility to withstand the expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes and mildew resistance are also important qualities of exterior paint.
What is the difference between Paints and Stains?
The most obvious difference is the thickness; stains are much thinner than paints. Stains require minimal surface preparation and they are easy to apply and recoat. Stains get soaked into the surface, usually wood or concrete, and provide a more natural look, while paints sit on top of the surface creating a film that covers the surface.
Paints are more expensive than stains, they provide uniformity of color, and the surface to be painted should be primed before painting. Paints also come in a broad range of sheens and colors. Check out our Picking the Right Finish page for more information about the different levels of sheen.
What is a Primer?
Primers help the paint adhere to the surface and it makes the paint more accepting of the topcoat. Primers also prevent stains from bleeding through the painting and they give a more uniform appearance to your paint job.
Why is my wood deck blistering and peeling?
This is caused by moisture trapped under the paint and it can be prevented by properly preparing the surface, and using high quality coatings and application techniques.
Why is my paint getting chalky?
Chalking is caused by a chemical reaction that occurs between the oxygen in the air and it is accelerated by sunlight and other environmental conditions. The effects of chalking can be mitigated by sealing a surface before applying a topcoat and using high quality coatings.
How do I know if I have Mildew?
If you have black, gray or brown spots on the paint film or caulking, you probably have mildew. Mildew thrives in damp areas that do not receive direct sunlight like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. To avoid problems with mildew, it is important to use high quality paints and ensure that the surface to be painted is completely free of mildew before applying a coating. Glossier paints tend to be more mildew resistant.
Do I need to be concerned about lead paint?
If your home was built before 1978, this should be a very real concern for you. Until 1978, lead was commonly used in the manufacture of interior and exterior coatings. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates that about 38 million homes in the U.S. still contain lead paint. As the paint deteriorates or in the course of renovation and remodeling activities, the lead can emerge and cause lead poisoning. People working in the area must take all necessary precautions to avoid coming in contact with the paint, all furniture and furnishings must be protected, and all debris generated must be thoroughly contained to avoid contamination.
Pelican Painting is an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Contractor as enacted by the EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, and all of our employees are trained in lead-safe work practices. The RRP Rule requires that all firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and pre-schools built before 1978 have their firm certified by the EPA, use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers, and follow lead-safe work practices.