Clear Coat Shining Bright

Recently, a colleague of mine complained that after refurbishing her banister and applying a shiny coat on it to protect the wood below from chipping and wear and tear, the glossy coat of enamel turned yellow after drying and the overall look of the wood changed. This problem is not uncommon. Local paints often give this result. Therefore, go for a good quality enamel to protect your wooden furniture. Also, people have a perception that clear coat paints require low maintenance. This notion is wrong. Because of the absence of any pigment in the enamel, the transparent colour fades out gradually. So if you want the coat on your wooden furniture to be shiny and reflective for a long time, get the surface painted with good enamel. 

Dulux Clearcoat is one such product which gives a water-based finish that doesn’t turn yellow and remains shiny for a long time. Another product, Dulux Trade gives special fashion effects. It is also easier to apply and gives a smooth matt to the surface and looks elegant. These paints are low odour paints and provide superior durability and washability to the surfaces as well. Some people complain that the clear coat turns yellow few months after its application. People don’t grow bored of clear coats soon. The water based paints generally dry quickly, within two to three hours of application and then require a recoat. These paints dry from outside, unlike the oil based enamel which dry from inside out and thus take a longer time to dry. However, drying also depends on the outside humidity and temperature.

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Tips of applying enamel to surfaces

Once you are done with painting the walls, it is turn to paint the grills, doors, banisters and furniture. People often confuse between emulsions and enamels. Emulsions are usually water based and used for paints in walls while enamels are oil based and used to protect metal and wood surfaces. However, they can be applied on the walls too as they stick to the primer efficiently. These can withstand frequent cleaning and high traffic areas without losing its shine. The basic instructions of applying enamels as well as emulsion are similar. The surface must be clean and dry before applying the enamel. Since enamels have some spirit content in them, good ventilation should be ensured while painting and face should be covered with a cartridge mask of assigned protection factor to prevent inhaling of particulates. The chemical’s contact with skin and eyes should be avoided. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. In case of contact with skin, do not use thinner or white spirit to clean hands. Wash your hands with soap and water or a proprietary skin cleanser.
Dulux provides safety data sheet for professionals and patrons on request.

Enamel comes in matt and glossy finish. The kind of paint to be chosen depends greatly on the finish and interior décor of the room. Glossy paints look good on centre tables, dining table and banisters where as matt finish paints are advisable for iron railings and grills. The matt paints give ample options to chose the shade and colour. They will render a retro and oriental look to the house whereas glossy paints will impart a more contemporary look. So decide what you want and go for the paint accordingly!

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Protect your furniture with enamel paints

After buying you favourite mahogany, poplar or oak wood furniture, the next thought that crosses your mind is to protect it from decay or moulds. Purchasing good enamel is a premier requirement for this. Enamel paints are basically hard, glossy and washable paints that give protection to the underlying wood furniture. Enamel paints are usually oil based or alklyd based. These dry from inside out in a time frame of 8-24 hours and protect the surface from being marred by outside stress. Use them on a surface which bears high traffic, grubby hands and food spills and you won’t have to worry about your vintage furniture getting soiled.

Generally, enamels are used in painting kitchen cabinets. One can use enamel that gives glossy to eggshell or matt finish. But usually, the glossier the paint, the harder it is and the more effectively will it protect the underlying wood. But imperfection, if any, becomes more visible on such a surface. Therefore, it is imperative to even out wood surface with sandpaper before applying glossy enamel.

However, Dulux Lustre finish is a high quality, mildly glossy enamel that not only enhances the beauty of furniture but also makes it resistant to mould attacks, chipping and water decay. Some varieties of enamel are also heat resistant and work well in kitchen. If the painted surface is touched up with a roller while it is still wet, you’ll get a pearly finish.

Enamel paints are also used to paint flower pots kept in porch or garden. Nowadays, you can use colourful enamel paints to match the shade of the surrounding wall or go for a contrasting colour! Happy painting! Whatever the case may be, you can be rest assured to protect your furniture and valued items for a long time to come.

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