Summit Coatings

Taubmans Endure voted best interior paint by CHOICE magazine

2011-09-15T23:18:00.000-07:00

Choice Magazine: Interior paint review September 7, 2011

Taubmans Endure Interior Low Sheen wins overall best Interior Paint

Taubmans Endure Interior Low Sheen

· Overall best performer, with excellent or very good scores in all categories

· Excellent hiding power

· Excellent scrub resistance – best in test

· Excellent wash resistance

· Very good stain resistance

Top 5 Requested Interior Paints
Product	Price	Overall Score
Taubmans Endure Interior Low Sheen	$16	90%
Dulux Wash & Wear 101 Low Sheen	$17	74%
Wattyl: Interior Design i.d Luxury Low Sheen	$16	73%
Dulux Once: Low Sheen acrylic for Interiors	$20	67%
British Paints: In Colour Interior Low Sheen	$18	66%

Prices are approximate and per litre, based on 4L can price where possible

How Choice Magazine tested:

Relative dry hiding power is tested by an accredited laboratory as per the Australian Standard AS 1580. This measures how well the paint hides a black test pattern, using two coats at the manufacturer’s recommended maximum coverage rate.

Resistance to washing is tested by the same lab as per the Australian Standard. This involves 200 wash cycles with sponge and soapy water, with the gloss of the paint measured before and after.

Scrub resistance is tested by the same lab, based on the US standard ASTM D2486. The paint panels are scrubbed with a bristle brush and an abrasive cleanser (jif): the number of cycles taken to significantly wear the paint is noted.

Stain resistance was tested using coffee (with milk), red wine, tomato sauce and crayon. Our tester applies stains to the panel for one minute, then assesses for stain removal using water on a damp sponge, if unsuccessful, then with water and detergent(Cussons morning fresh super strength), if unsuccessful, then with Ajax spray and wipe.

CHOICE tested 21 low sheen acrylic paints – the most commonly used paint type for interior walls – for hiding power, how well they handled washing and scrubbing, and stain resistance. They tested white paint: adding tints may affect the hiding power, but should have no effect on resistance to washing, scrubbing or staining.

LEAD PAINT MANAGEMENT WORK PROCEDURES

2011-05-19T16:13:00.001-07:00

WORK PROCEDURE:

Identification

If property was constructed prior to 1970 - assume all painted surfaces contain lead and complete paint sample testing in accordance to

Refer To: Work Procedure 2: Paint Sampling Prior to Painting

If property was constructed after 1970 - allow to perform lead tests on surfaces that will be required to be sanded or stripped. Complete Stick Test in Accordance with Work Procedure 1 - Determination of a Lead Based Paint Job. If stick test is positive, the Company representative will complete paint sample testing in accordance with Work Procedure 2: Paint Sampling Prior to Painting; AND
Document results and send to WHS&E Officer so Lead Paint Register may be updated.

Determine Scope of Work

The Company Representative shall determine the scope of work:

Determine whether the paint surface is suitable for encapsulation (i.e. painting over the paint surface) or whether the paint surface will require removal to facilitate painting in accordance with AS/NZS 2311: 2000;
Individual walls will be treated separately according to the soundness of the existing coatings
Document results of inspection and decision to repaint or remove paint layers prior to painting.

Results of Test

If there is no lead paint present, proceed in accordance with a Specification for General Maintenance to Residences - External Painting Services, OR
If the job is a Lead Based Paint Job and requires surface preparation of any kind (including washing down surface only), to facilitate painting, all work shall be done in accordance with:

Refer To: Work Procedure 2: Paint Sampling Prior to Painting, AND
Refer To: Work Procedure 3: Soil and Dust Sampling Prior to Painting, AND
Refer To: Work Procedure 4: Site Management for Lead Based Painting – Exterior, AND/OR
Refer To: Work Procedure 5: Site Management for Lead Based Painting – Interior, AND
Refer To: Work Procedure 6: Completion and Testing of the Lead Based Paint Job, AND

Refer To: Work Procedure 7: General Waste Management Procedures for Painting, OR
Refer To: Work Procedure 8: Site Management for Lead Based Painting - Wall Wash Down Only

(See Appendix 1)

Notify the tradespersons:

That the job is a lead based paint job and that their quote must allow for costings to address all Company's parameters in relation to lead based paint including taking paint and soil samples, AND
That the tradesperson is a "Certified Lead Paint Contractor", OR
That the work procedures (through a site specific work plan) reflect the current standard procedures to manage a lead based paint job.
Keep owner and occupier of the premises informed of all times throughout the painting job;
Document results of inspection on the job file;

Sampling

Conduct paint sampling prior to the commencement of the job in accordance with Work Procedure 2: Paint Sampling Prior to Painting, AND
Conduct soil and dust sampling prior to the commencement of the job in accordance with Work Procedure 3: Soil and Dust Sampling Prior to Painting, AND
Proceed in accordance with the Specification for Minor Works and General Maintenance to Residences - External Painting Services

Removal

Barricades and appropriate lead based paint signage will be erected at an appropriate distance (at least 3metres) from the immediate work areas whilst the lead based paint is being removed to prevent persons from entering the sites and to ensure all persons near the sites are protected;
In high risk areas (e.g. schools or housing), children are not to be exposed to the hazards associated with lead based paint work by appropriate containment of the work site and/or working out of hours;
Work procedure for carrying out the Wall Wash Down procedure for a lead based paint job of the premises shall be in accordance with Work Procedure 8: Site Management for Lead Based Painting - Wall Wash Down Only
Work procedure for removal of lead based paint on the exterior of the premises shall be in accordance with Work Procedure 4: Site Management for Lead Based Painting – Exterior
Work procedure for removal of lead based paint on the interior of the premises shall be in accordance with Work Procedure 5: Site Management for Lead Based Painting - Interior

Testing and Inspection Process

Clean – up on completion of a lead paint job in accordance with Work Procedure 6: Completion and Testing of the Lead Based Paint Job, AND
Work Procedure 7: General Waste Management Procedures for Painting
Inspect work and take soil samples (within 4 weeks) in accordance with Work Procedure 6: Completion and Testing of the Lead Based Paint Job;
If the laboratory results of the final soil samples tested reveal lead contamination on site contact Safety Professional.;
Job is completed when the soil samples are tested at a lead level in the soil at or below <300 mg/Kg.
Document results and record on the job file and send a copy to the WHS&E Officer so the lead paint register may be updated.

APPENDIX 1 - Environmental Paint Management Work Procedures

Work Procedure 1:

Determination of a Lead Based Paint Job

Determination of a Lead Based Paint Job

Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) eg. gloves should be worn for this procedure.

The Project Coordination Representative for the job site will:

Use a lead stick test kit (2 tests per pack) to test if the type of paint on the structure is lead based. Areas to be tested shall be soffit, window frames and sills, handrail areas and walls (especially if they are powdering).
Scratch back test sample points to bare wood at the sample point exposing all the layers of paint.
Wipe the stick over all exposed layers of paint.
Determine if the lead stick test chemical changes to a red colour, then the presences of lead is confirmed - the job is suspected of being a Lead Paint Job;
Determine if the lead stick test chemical does not change to a red colour, then the presences of lead is not confirmed - the job is not a Lead Paint Job;
Document results and send to WHS&E Officer so Lead Paint Register may be updated
As soon as lead is confirmed, the Project Coordination representative shall immediately contact the Housing Area Office Representative and advise that the work involves lead based paint.

Work Procedure 2:

Paint Sampling Prior to Painting

If the paint job has been determined as a lead based paint job, the following procedures must be followed by the tradespersons, in the presence of a Company Representative, prior to the commencement of the job.
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) eg. gloves / dust mask should be worn for this procedure.

Taking Paint Samples for laboratory testing:

Top layers of possible non-lead paint need to be removed to expose the old base paint that needs to be tested to achieve an accurate quantitative reading.
A good amount of sample paint (about a tablespoon) shall be taken from each sample point and must include the base paint back to the timber.
This sample shall be placed in a laboratory sample bag, labelled e.g. Sample No. 1 Paint from front window sill and each sample must be recorded on a sample register kept with the job documentation. DO NOT COMPOSITE SAMPLES.
A laboratory request form (including Company work order, name and place to be recorded) and a chain of custody form signed by the tradesperson, the courier and the laboratory (on receipt of the sample) shall be filled out when the sample is sent for testing. (Approximate costs are $16 /sample).
Document results on job file and send a copy of the results to the Environmental Officer so a Register may be updated.

Work Procedure 3:

Soil and Dust Sampling Prior to Painting

If the paint job has been determined as a lead based paint job, the following procedures must be followed by the tradespersons, in the presence of a Company Representative, prior to the commencement of the job.
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) e.g. gloves / dust mask should be worn for this procedure.

Soil and Dust Sampling

Soil and dust sampling should occur before and after a job to advise the owner as to whether contamination already exists and to establish that lead contamination existed prior to the work being carried out - and did not result from the actions of the current painter. If the lead levels in the post samples of the soil increase, it is possible that contamination has taken place during the work. The owner and occupier of the premises should be kept informed.

Soil Sampling

A minimum of 4 samples shall be collected from around the perimeter of the building as detailed below. One sample in every 15-20 linear metres shall be taken in each sampling area. The samples should be collected from the centre of the sample area, within 300mm from the face of the wall, since most contamination results from rainwater run off or from previous sanding activities.

Sampling locations to be repeated on each side of the building. (One sample every 15-20 Metres)
Samples taken to a depth of 100mm by a core sampler or hand spade from sample locations (in each sampling area on each side of the building)
Each sample shall be placed in a sealed polythene bag and labelled (e.g. Sample No. 1 Soil from northern wall of house)
Each sample must be recorded on a sample register and kept with the job documentation. When tested, each sample will be tested as a single sample by the laboratory.
Each pre-job soil sample is to be stored in a labelled laboratory sample container, not tested, and sent to the Company's Supervisor. (Supervisor will retain samples until job is completed in case the site is contaminated and these initial samples are needed for testing).

Dust Sampling

Dust samples can be taken from anywhere but usually the dust will accumulate in corners or on ledges etc. At least one composite sample from each building face should be collected.
This sample shall be placed in a laboratory sample bag, labelled (e.g. Sample No. 2 Dust from front window sill), and each sample must be recorded on a sample register and kept with the job documentation.
Each pre-job dust sample is to be stored in a laboratory sample container, not tested, and sent to the Company's Supervisor (Supervisor will retain samples until job is completed in case the site is contaminated and the samples are needed for testing).

Work Procedure 4:

Site Management for Lead Based Painting - Exterior

If the paint job has been determined as a lead based paint job, the following procedures must be followed by the tradespersons.
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn for this procedure.

Exterior Site Management for Lead Based Painting

In carrying out physical removal of the external lead based paint job, the following procedures shall be implemented:

Barricades and appropriate lead based paint signage will be erected at an appropriate distance (at least 3metres) from the immediate work areas whilst the lead based paint is being removed to prevent persons from entering the sites and to ensure all persons near the sites are protected;
In high risk areas (e.g. schools or housing), children are not to be exposed to the hazards associated with lead based paint work by appropriate containment of the work site and/or working out of hours;
All windows shall be taped to prevent dust entering the building
Plastic disposable tarps shall be placed against the walls and a second tarp shall be draped from the edge of the awning to the ground, encapsulating the working face
Appropriate PPE will be used at all times while carrying out the lead based paint job
Removal of old paint from the building shall only occur when the air is still
Removal techniques include wet stripping or wet sanding, chemical stripping, or dry sanding with HEPA filters only
Collect contaminated water from wet processes
All surfaces are to be wiped down and vacuumed and the work area cleaned to remove all potential airborne particles at the conclusion of every work day and at the end of the job
At the conclusion of the job, all plastic tarps will be disposed of appropriately through a Licensed Waste Contractor.

Work Procedure 5:

Site Management for Lead Based Painting - Interior

If the paint job has been determined as a lead based paint job, the following procedures must be followed by the tradespersons.
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn for this procedure.

Interior Site Management for Lead Based Painting

In carrying out physical removal of an internal lead based paint job, the following procedures shall be implemented:

Barricades and appropriate lead based paint signage will be erected at an appropriate distance (at least 3metres) from the immediate work areas whilst the lead based paint is being removed to prevent persons from entering the sites and to ensure all persons near the sites are protected;
In high risk areas (e.g. schools or housing), children are not to be exposed to the hazards associated with lead based paint work by appropriate containment of the work site and/or working out of hours;
Remove all furniture from room
Remove soft furnishings, curtains and unattached carpets and rugs. Permanent carpets must be securely tarped and sealed to prevent dust and water from wet processes entering the carpets.
Cover any furnishings which can not be removed with plastic and seal
Remove food and medicines
Install plastic drop sheets over floor surface, sealing joins and edges with heavy duty tape
Seal windows, doors, vents, air ducts etc. with tape to seal the room
Paint removal techniques include wet stripping or wet sanding, chemical stripping, or dry sanding with HEPA filters only
Collect contaminated water from wet processes
To minimise the airborne lead dust in the building, seal the work area in the room with a containment system (plastic drop sheets to encapsulate the work area on a wall of the room etc.)
Remove dust regularly, vacuuming with a HEPA equipped filter and wet mop plastic floor sheeting
Wet wipe all treated surfaces and dispose of cloth. Wipe all horizontal surfaces and dispose of cloth with paint debris
Thoroughly clean any contaminated soft furnishings and replace

Work Procedure 6:

Completion and Testing of the Lead Based Paint Job

If the paint job has been determined as a lead based paint job, the following procedures must be followed at the completion of the job, by the tradespersons, in the presence of a Company Representative.
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) e.g. gloves / dust mask should be worn for this procedure.

Clean – up on completion of a lead based paint job

At the conclusion of the paint job, the site shall be cleaned up including removal of all debris, spills and physical collection of all visible chips of paints. All waste shall be placed in plastic bags, sealed and disposed of to a Licensed Waste Contractor.
Clearance Testing at the conclusion of the job

Within 4 weeks, the operator shall:

At the conclusion of the job, in the presence of Company Representative, a minimum of 4 soil samples from around the perimeter of a building shall be taken (as per the soil sampling methodology in Work Procedure 3).
Samples taken to a depth of 100mm by a core sampler or hand spade from sample locations (in each sampling area on each side of the building),
Each sample shall be placed in a separate sealed polythene bag and labelled (e.g. Sample No. 3 Soil from northern wall of house).
Each sample must be recorded on a sample register kept with the job file documentation.
A laboratory request form (including Company work order, name and place to be recorded) and a chain of custody form signed by the tradesperson, the courier and the laboratory (on receipt of the sample) shall be filled out when the sample is sent for testing.
Each sample will be tested as a single sample by the laboratory.
If the lead levels in the soil samples tested at the conclusion of the job are elevated above >300 mg/Kg, the initial samples will be tested and the results used as a reference baseline value to check operator work procedures and to determine clean up methodology (if applicable). If site is contaminated, consult the Company Supervisor for site-specific clean-up methodology.
Job is completed when the samples are tested at a lead level at or below <300 mg/Kg. File all records on job file.
Document results and send to WHS&E Officer so Lead Paint Register may be updated.

NOTE:
No dust should be available to sample at the completion of the job as the site will have been vacuumed as part of the clean up process.

Work Procedure 7:

General Waste Management Procedures for Painting

Solvent Management – Management of contaminated solvents

Clean (uncontaminated) Mineral Turpentine
Clean (uncontaminated) Mineral Turpentine will be retained for reuse.
Mineral Turpentine contaminated with enamel paint will be disposed of by one of the following means:
By allowing the contaminated Turps to stand, the residue will sink to the bottom, after which, the clean turps (in the top layer in the container) can be drained off and reused, while the contaminated bottom layer will be allowed to stand unsealed until dry and disposed of (with it's container) – off site.
Removal from site to a recognised trade waste treatment plant.
Clean (uncontaminated) thinners
Clean (uncontaminated) thinners will be retained for re-use.
Thinners contaminated with paint
Thinners contaminated with paint shall be treated in the same ways as contaminated turps.
Solvent Management - Management of contaminated wash water
Clean (uncontaminated) water
Clean (uncontaminated) water will be retained for reuse, or disposed of to normal drainage or to natural ground away from the works
Water contaminated with water based paints
Water contaminated with water based paints will be disposed of by one of the following means:
Where the total volume is small and the site conditions allow, the contaminated water may be disposed of by pouring it on to natural ground where the waste water cannot discharge into a drain or watercourse.
By the addition of a flocculating agent in accordance with the manufacturers instructions, after which the clean water may be disposed of to drainage or natural ground and the settled residue will be allowed to dry and be disposed of (with it's container) – off site.
Removal from site to a recognised trade waste treatment plant.

Disposal of Excess Paints and Containers

Excess Paints - Water Based Paints (Acrylics and PVA's)

Excess paint can be collected in a sealed commercial drum with a tap. As required, the paint can be REUSED as an undercoat etc. or disposed of in accordance with Company procedures.
If waste paint is <5% of the total volume of the original paint can, then it can be evaporated off and disposed to landfill as a solid (as the quantity is insignificant).

Excess Paints - Oil Based Paints (Enamels and Varnishes)

Excess paint can be collected in a sealed commercial drum with a tap. As required, the paint can be REUSED as an undercoat etc. or disposed of in accordance with Company procedures.
If waste paint is <5% of the total volume of the original paint can, then it can be evaporated off and disposed to landfill as a solid (as the quantity is insignificant).

Excess Paints - Epoxy Based Paints and Coatings

Part A and Part B, if not mixed, will be used as required with no excess resulting;
The hardened mixed solid can be disposed of at landfill.

Excess Paints - Zinc and Lead Based Paints (Kill Rust/White Knight)

Excess paint can be collected in a sealed commercial drum with a tap and disposed of in accordance with Company procedures.
If waste paint is <5% of the total volume of the original paint can, then it can be evaporated off and disposed as a Regulated Waste to a Licensed Waste Contractor.

Containers
Excess paints, of any type, will not be disposed of on-site. Empty drained cans must be brushed out and then wiped out with a rag. This rag and can are allowed to dry and are then placed into a skip bin at the depot for disposal to a disposal facility as designated by the Company.

Equipment Clean – up

Water Based Paints (Acrylics and PVA's)

The cleaning of brushes, rollers, spray equipment, etc. that have been used with water-based paints will be carried out using the two-container method.

Any excess paint should be initially removed with newspaper or rags.
Two containers of clean water are then prepared.
The first container shall be used for the substantial removal of paint to a point where the equipment is no more contaminated than the water.
The equipment will then be transferred to the second container for a final clean.
The wastewater resulting from this process shall then be disposed of as described under – SOLVENT MANAGEMENT.

N.B.

Equipment contaminated by water-based paints shall not be cleaned under a tap or where sullied water can escape. If equipment requires more thorough cleaning that the two-container method allows, this activity will be carried out off-site or where trade waste treatment facilities are available.

Oil Based Paints (Enamels and Varnishes) / Epoxy Based Paints and Coatings

Any excess paint should be initially removed with newspaper or rags.
Two containers of clean solvent are then prepared.
The first container shall be used for the substantial removal of paint to a point where the equipment is no more contaminated than the solvent.
The equipment will then be transferred to the second container for a second clean. This process is repeated with successive containers having progressively lower levels of contamination, until a final rinse is appropriate.
The equipment will then be transferred to the final container for a final clean.
The solvent resulting from this process shall then be disposed of as described under – SOLVENT MANAGEMENT.

N.B.

Further cleaning shall be carried out off-site.
Rags, newspapers, etc. used for cleaning purposes may be disposed of in a site bin where that use complies with the builder's environmental work plan. Otherwise rags, newspapers, etc. used for cleaning shall be removed from site.

Work Procedure 8:

Site Management for Lead Based Painting Wall Wash Down Only

If the paint job has been determined as a lead based paint job, the following procedures must be followed by the tradespersons when the scope of work is deemed to be a sugar soap wash down and hand wet sand.

Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn for this procedure.

1. Site Management for Lead Based Painting - Wall Wash Down

In carrying out the Wall Wash Down
procedure for a lead based paint job, the following procedures shall be implemented:

Barricades and appropriate lead based paint signage will be erected at an appropriate distance (at least 3metres) from the immediate work areas whilst the lead based paint is being removed to prevent persons from entering the sites and to ensure all persons near the sites are protected;
In high risk areas (e.g. schools or housing), children are not to be exposed to the hazards associated with lead based paint work by appropriate containment of the work site and/or working out of hours;
All windows shall be taped to prevent dust entering the building
Plastic disposable tarps shall be placed on the ground/floor against the walls out at least 1metre from the work face to trap the contaminated wastewater from the activity
Appropriate PPE will be used at all times while carrying out the lead based paint job
Removal of old paint from the building shall only occur when the air is still
Removal techniques include wall wash down and wet hand sanding only
Collect contaminated water from wet processes
All surfaces are to be wiped down and vacuumed and the work area cleaned to remove all potential airborne particles at the conclusion of every work day and at the end of the job
At the conclusion of the job, all plastic tarps will be disposed of appropriately through a Licensed Waste Contractor.

Blackboard Paint!

2011-05-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

Remember back to those school days, when the greatest honour would be to write on the teachers' blackboard?
Well now live out that dream (vicariously) and paint a wall in your children's room with blackboard paint!
And whilst they are having hours of fun creating artworks or playing "teachers", you can relax and know all you need is a wet cloth to clean it all up!

Visit this ideabook, for some totally trendy ideas:
Decorating a Kids' Room with Chalkboard Paint!

traditional kids design by media and blogs From House to Home

PAINTING FAQ - Study up and get results!

2011-05-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

What is HWI (Home Warranty Insurance)? Do I need to get it?

HWI is an insurance introduced by the Home Building Act. It is taken out by the painter/builder/tradesman on behalf of the client on a job by job basis for the client’s protection. Should a warranty issue arrive and the painter does not honour the warranty or the company goes into liquidation, a claim can be made under this insurance. This insurance is run by the Department of Fair Trading and compulsory if the contract is over $ 12,000. It covers the whole project on a certain site, ‘job splitting’ (dividing a quote into 2 or 3 components to stay under the limit) is illegal. If the client decides to sell his home/unit within the warranty period, it will become part of the settlement condition of a sale and has to be provided to the conveyancor. They will always ask for it. The cost of this insurance depends on the actual contract amount and starts at around $ 250. Quotes have to be obtained on an individual basis.

Why do quote prices vary?

1. Different specifications/scope of work:

When obtaining quotes, make sure that all painters quote on the same specification. Compare ‘apples with apples’. On larger jobs, it is wise to get an independent consultant to write the specification and even pay and oversee the work. Detail to your painter what you expect. A good painter will ask what your motivation is and what you are looking for in the finished paint job. You might only want a ‘clean up’, such as for a rental property or to prepare a house for sale. Or, on the other end of the scale, you might expect a high quality job and are prepared to pay a little extra for it. Preparation is the key to good and lasting paint work and usually takes about 2/3rd of the time spent on the job. Make sure your painter has this covered.

2. Painter has no work:

This is a bad sign. If painters have no or little work, they are often not very sought after. Good quality tradesmen are always busy. In order to get the work, they quote cheap, but later give an excuse such as health reasons for quitting the job, once a better paying on comes in.

3. Painter does not know how to quote:

When you get a quote which is a lot cheaper than other comparable quotes, it is possible that the painter has made a mistake (left items off the list) or does not know how to quote efficiently. Once you have engaged this painter, you might find that they charge for ‘extras’, do a low quality job, or simply walk away as they realize they cannot finish the work for the price quoted.

4. Painter does not engage his employees properly.

Many contractors can work for ‘cheap’, if they are not paying employee allowances, taxes and most dominantly insurances, such as WorkCover, Public Liability and Superannuation for their employees. Make sure all workers on site have White Cards and are properly instructed under the WorkCover Act.

Many painters also engage painters on holiday visas, paying them as little and $ 6/hour. This might sound attractive, but is highly illegal and destroys the industry. These contractors never honour their warranty.

5. Using inferior paint:

Make sure all paint tins delivered to site are new and from reputable manufacturers. It is quite common that old Dulux or Taubmans/Bristol paint tins are refilled with poor quality paint. Inferior paint will not last and is difficult to look after. It does not make that much different to the cost of a paint job as painting is labour intensive (this is where the cost is), so it does not make much sense cutting costs that way.

Touching up your paintwork:

Paint does not touch up mid wall. Touch-ups need to be done wall to wall. Shade and sheen differences occur even with the same type of paint, especially if the original work has been done a while ago.

Why do windows and weatherboards always peel?

After about 30 years, primers become oxygenated. This causes the primer to powder and become an unstable substrate. The result is ‘crocodiling’ and peeling. If paint is applied over unstable surface, the paint job looks good for about 6 months and then peels again.

The only solution is to start again. The underlying paint and primer will need to be burnt off or Summit Coatings uses a non-caustic paint stripper on larger areas. Preparation is the only thing which will guarantee lasting paintwork, but it is time consuming and hence a little costly.

Why do clear finishes fail?

On new timbers, tannin needs to leach out of the timber. On hardwood, that can take up to 6 months.

Tannin boils under clear coatings and ‘pops’ off the coat.

Any failures in clear coatings need to be completely removed. It cannot be treated like paint, where you can sand patches. Clear coating is hard to match and the failure usually runs along the whole section.

Clear finishes must be maintained. In high UV areas, once the finish looks flat, it will need another coat. The darker the stain, the more UV stable is the finish, as it blocks the UV from getting into the tannin.

If you consider a clear finish on your weatherboards, it is wise to seal the back of them to stop moisture ingress. This is particularly advisable when building decks.

Why do timbers rot?

End grains should be painted before the timbers are put up, as they suck up moisture. This is a job for the carpenter as it needs to be done at the time of construction. Tops and bottoms of doors should also be primed and not installed too low to the ground as water will swell the door and cause rotting. Untreated pine or Oregon timbers cannot be used in external building.

Why do newly rendered buildings stain and peel?

Lime burn from uncured render causes this staining. White marks and eventual hair line cracks appear. It takes 6 weeks for new render to cure. However, it is common that builders don’t adhere to this timeframe as they want the areas completed and scaffolding removed. Try to persuade your builder to stick to it. The problem is unsightly and rectification can be costly. Sometimes all the paint needs to be completely removed and the job started again.

Why do planter boxes and retaining walls always bubble?

When this occurs, it is usually that an inadequate membrane had been installed or that there is no damp course.

Bitumen painted behind will not work. A qualified water proofer will need to be engaged during construction to avoid paint to bubble due to water penetration.

Water based epoxy paints can be used to alleviate some of the problem, but eventually, water will win.

Summit Coatings can install DRYZONE, a siliconing agent, to stop rising damp, but this will not work on retaining walls, where hydrostatic pressure is the problem.

Can COLORBOND be painted?

The answer is yes. Summit Coatings has been successfully painted numerous Colorbond roofs and gutters, using Zinseer primers for adherence. Forever Finish as a finishing coat which makes these areas look like new.

I have faded aluminium windows, can they be painted?

The answer is yes. Prepared properly and sprayed with auto paints, they look like new. Visit our website for pictures.

I tried to wash marks off my walls and it leaves a ‘shiny spot’:

Good quality paint washes, but you have to be gentle. Don’t use abrasive products like gumption as they will sand the surface. Use water, then a product like ‘Nifty’. Flat paints don’t clean very well at all. For an easy to maintain surface, use low sheen levels. The glossier the paint, the better its serviceability. Some paints have Teflon added for low maintenance, and it works.

Why are my ceilings mouldy?

Mould is a result of a moist environment. Old paint goes mouldy, because the additive stopping the mould starts failing.

Sub floor and roof ventilation are the best prevention of this to happen. It is important that you remove the moist air. Install ventilation fans in bathrooms and laundries and whirly birds in your roof. A damp house is unhealthy.

Once rust has appeared on your metal surfaces, it needs to be sandblasted, or it will return.

Ungalvanised metal within 20 km of the coast will not last. If you live very close to the ocean, make sure everything you put into your house is stainless steel or plastic. Take a lesson from boaties, they have figured it out. Zinc only works on sandblasted metal. Epoxy mastics are rust tolerant, but need to be treated. There are some new age rust inhibitors, such as Rust Master and Penetrol, on the market, which work quite well. Be prepared to maintain rusted areas. Wash to salt off as much as possible. Metal under overhangs where rain does not wash salt off on a regular bases, does fail.

Rust and what to do about it:

Some Inspiration

2011-05-02T20:41:00.000-07:00

Want to keep up with the latest colour trends for your walls?
Have a look through this article for some walls that will transfrom your life!

Real Living Magazine "Quick Cures for Boring Walls"

The MPA's Guide to Lead Paint

2011-05-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

At Summit Coatings, it's safety first, and we are always telling our customers about the danger's of lead paint.
The Master Painter's Association has a very useful guide when it comes to dealing with these dangers.
Check it out:
The Six Step Guide to Painting Your Home: "Lead Alert"

Get to know: Taubmans Endure

2010-10-12T21:25:00.001-07:00

The Block is back, and this year they are sprucing up their spaces exclusively with Taubmans Endure Interior and Exterior paints. So what’s so good about this new technology paint?

Exterior

Most people think it's the weather that breaks down exterior paint. It's actually dirt and pollution that works its way into the surface of the paint, weakens it, and then the sun, wind and rain finish it off.

Taubmans Endure Exterior is engineered with Nanoguard that creates an interlocking molecular structure so dirt is less likely to stick and surfaces are easier to clean. It's tough, repels dirt and resists the elements such as baking heat from the sun, howling rain, and even snow.

Interior

Hallways, lounge and living room walls are amongst the busiest areas of any home, and as a result are susceptible to collecting dirt, dust, grease and finger marks. It is important that these surfaces can stand up to constant wiping, especially if you have little ones.

Taubmans Endure Interior is engineered with Nanoguard. It has an interlocking molecular structure that works to create a protective shield, so stains can be wiped away without compromising the quality of the paint or damaging the finish on your walls. It provides excellent mould and mildew protection throughout the life of the paint so you will have a cleaner and healthier home environment.

Robin Ottowa is fully accredited as a Taubmans Texture Applicator by the Taubmans Paint Academy

Job of the month: 95 Waterview St

2010-10-12T21:18:00.001-07:00

The Taubmans Website

2010-10-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the new Taubmans website?

With so many new applications you can easily get lost in the wide array of colours and home decorating ideas.

Why don't you drop by the website and have a play with the Taubmans Colour Wall, or explore your options with the drag and drop feature. Perhaps familiarise yourself with the high performance of Taubmans paints, and learn about what different paints mean to your health.

Remember, "colour is the fruit of life" - Guillaume Apollinaire

ASBESTOS – Do you know the risk?

2010-10-12T20:59:00.000-07:00

Most dwelling’s built before the mid 1980’s in Australia contain some form of asbestos.

It is generally accepted there is no significant risk if the material is left undisturbed and is sealed.

Scraping and sanding peeling paint from eave lining made from asbestos sheeting causes airborne asbestos fibres which puts all our health at risk

OH&S

As a painting company, if we allow our painters to be exposed to asbestos we are liable. As a strata manager or Body Corporate, could you also be liable?

Asbestos Awareness Fact Sheet

There are 3 main groups of asbestos

1. Serpentine – white asbestos (most common)

2. Amphibole - Brown asbestos (used for its additional strength)

3. Crocidolite – Blue asbestos (resists acid)

These were used in the production of cloth tapes, ropes, gaskets and vinyl tiles. To make insulation and fire rated doors rubbers to name a few.

In the 1960's and 70's loose fibre asbestos was used in some parts of NSW as home roof insulation.

Where it affects painters is mainly in cement sheeting such as; eves, panelled balcony railings and wall sheeting.

The effects on health are that the fibre bundle, as it is disturbed, progressively becomes finer. The small microscopic fibres are the most dangerous, when inhaled as they penetrate the deepest part of the lungs.

It is also a legal requirement of the OH&S regulation clause 169170 to keep a record of any exposure to asbestos and provide a statement on the termination of employment.

Asbestos cannot be cut, sanded or water blasted. Encapsulation is the only method. Encapsulation by putting cladding over asbestos may cause problems in the future and if done must be clearly labelled for future work to the building.

There are products available to encapsulate asbestos such as Cromolyn Fibro seal.

How can asbestos affect my health?

Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. The risk of contracting these diseases increases with the number of fibres inhaled and the risk of lung cancer from inhaling asbestos fibres is also greater if you smoke. People who get health problems from inhaling asbestos have usually been exposed to high levels of asbestos for a long time. The symptoms of these diseases do not usually appear until about 20 to 30 years and in some cases up to 50 years after the first exposure to asbestos.

When does asbestos pose a risk to health?

Asbestos fibres can pose a risk to health if airborne, as inhalation is the main way that asbestos enters the body. Small quantities of asbestos fibres are present in the air at all times, and are being breathed by everyone without any ill effects. Most people are exposed to very small amounts of asbestos as they go about their daily lives and do not develop asbestos-related health problems. Finding that your home or workplace is made from fibro products does not mean your health is at risk. Studies have shown that these products, if in sound condition and left undisturbed, are not a significant health risk. If the asbestos fibres remain firmly bound in cement, generally you do not need to remove the fibro.

People who have suffered health effects from exposure to asbestos have generally worked in either the asbestos mining or milling industry, worked in industries involved in making or installing asbestos products, or are from the immediate families of these people. In all of these situations there was exposure to high levels of airborne dust, from either the processes involved or from the clothes of the workers.

Different forms of asbestos material, different risk levels

If asbestos fibres are in a stable material such as bonded in asbestos-cement sheeting such as fibro and in good condition they pose little health risk. However where fibro or other bonded asbestos sheeting is broken, damaged or mishandled fibres can become loose and airborne posing a risk to health. Disturbing or removing it unsafely can create a hazard.

Asbestos removal

From January 1 2008, removal of loose/friable asbestos or amounts of bonded asbestos sheeting greater than 10 square metres must be undertaken by a WorkCover NSW licensed person. For advice on removal, disposal, and transport of asbestos waste materials in NSW contact WorkCover NSW on 13 10 50.

Precautions

Do not disturb soil or any other material thought to be contaminated with asbestos fibres. Short-term precautions to minimise exposure include:

• Low Pressure Spraying with water to prevent soil/dust from becoming airborne, being careful around electrical fittings.

• Covering with plastic sheeting or a tarpaulin if possible to avoid exposure to the weather.

• Preventing access by children, and/or pets.

• Cover children's toys.

• Using non abrasive wet cleanup procedures used rather than dry sweeping or vacuuming.

• Where loose fibre asbestos insulation may have been installed do not enter the roof space & restrict access to the roof cavity through the man-hole and vents.

If you must enter areas of your home thought to be contaminated with dust containing asbestos fibres use the appropriate Australian Standards (AS) approved respirator or dust mask recommended for the job (see manufacturer's recommendation).

Recent Works “Malvern Towers”

2010-06-27T21:13:00.000-07:00

“Twelve years ago Summit Coatings painted the interior of our seven storey high-rise building.

All residents were most impressed with this work and therefore we were delighted that Summit Coatings were asked to paint the exterior of our building. We had received four quotations, and we selected Summit Coatings, as their quotation was the most competitive in terms of price, preparation and use of quality materials and techniques.

With over half of the external painting now completed, I can report how delighted we are with the exceptionally high standards of work completed thus far, including the challenging task of painting our degraded and corroded aluminum windows, rails and balconies.
A feature of this painting project has been the ease with which we can communicate and negotiate additional work and/or modifications with Robin Ottowa and his painters.
I speak on behalf of our residents and can confidently recommend Summit Coatings as a highly professional company committed to high standards of work, materials, techniques and preparation.”

Bruce Ridings

Chairman

Malvern Towers, Manly

Before After

Why do prices vary?

2010-06-02T23:03:00.000-07:00

We are constantly amazed at the range in prices when quoting on the same job. There are a few areas where over-heads are kept low, but at what cost?

Home Warranty Insurance - It is a legal requirement that all work over $12,000.00 in NSW have Home Warranty Insurance. For a $50,000.00 job this should be no more than $400.00 and based onto the owner anyway. A recent report mentioned that there are over 4000 licenced painters in NSW but only 14 have applied for Home Warranty Insurance eligibility.

Workers Compensation - Workers’ compensation is a system of compulsory insurance for all employers in Australia. The cost of Workers Compensation Insurance is basically the same between insurers. Some painters fly under the radar by using sub-contractors and don’t carry Workers Comp.

Materials – Paint consumption on a job is the same no matter who does the work. All painters pay basically the same price for the same products. Where there is a cost saving on materials is using cheaper, inferior products. Normally materials would be around 10% of a job, using cheap paint will save about 1% on the total job. Cheap paint breaks down faster, doesn’t stand the test of time and in most instances requires a lot of preparation when maintenance is required next time.

Safety – We have a moral and legal obligation to ensure the health and safety of our staff, the general public and the environment. Thankfully the good ole’ days of sticking a ladder up three storeys to paint a window have gone. This is cheaper than setting up proper scaffolding but carries a significant risk.

Preparation – It all comes down to preparation and the number of finish coats. Two thirds of the time of works should be spent on preparation alone. Many cheaper quotes might fail to overlook this, however, it is possibly more important than the final colour coat when considering the longevity of the painting works.

Dryzone vs Traditional Chemical Injection DPC (Part 1)

2010-06-02T22:46:00.000-07:00

Dryzone vs Traditional Chemical Injection DPC (Part 2)

2010-06-02T22:45:00.002-07:00

Dryzone

2010-06-02T22:37:00.000-07:00

The No.1 Treatment for Eliminating Rising Damp

Dryzone is now the fastest growing method of eradicating Rising Damp in Australia with successful treatments being carried out nationally each week by Damp Busters Australia. On top of this an increasing number of clients are taking advantage of our DIY system which is by far the cleanest and simplest on the market. Being a water based cream and completely non toxic, Dryzone is safe and completely error proof to apply.

Dryzone. Fast, Clean, Effective & Safe

Fast

Dryzone can be injected two to three times faster than ordinary liquid injection fluids. Treatment can therefore be completed earlier, minimising disruption to the householder.

Clean

Dryzone is not injected under pressure. The risk of fluid leaking into neighbouring rooms or properties and causing damage is therefore virtually eliminated. Dryzone does not contain any hydrocarbon solvents, so has very little smell.

Effective

Dryzone is the result of an extensive in-house research and development programme. This involved the screening and testing of hundreds of potential formulations. These tests demonstrate that Dryzone offers a higher degree of protection against rising damp than the chemical injection systems that it was designed to replace.

Safe

Traditional chemical injection systems, have (prior to the conception of creams) been carried out by introducing silicones into the wall via a paraffin based carrier which have recently proven to be dangerous with a house being demolished by an explosion in South Australia due to poor safety procedures by the installer (see attached link for report in the Adelaide Advertiser here) Dryzone contains no volatile chemicals and is completely safe.

"Rising Damp" and/or "Salt Damp".

The Symptoms...

Flaking paint, bubbling plaster, crumbling bricks, stonework and mortar and/or timber decay and a musty odour are among the most common symptoms of rising salt damp.

Rising Salt Damp...

Rising salt damp is caused by the same natural capillary action by which plants absorb moisture into their stems from the soil beneath.
So whenever there are moisture absorbent materials such as bricks, mortar or external renders in contact with the ground then the moisture will naturally rise through them unless there is a barrier in the form of a damp proof course. This dampness will continue to rise in the walls unless checked, bringing with it liquid salt particles which can cause major damage if not treated.

The Effects...

As the moisture in the wall evaporates upon exposure to changing temperature conditions, the liquid salt particles crystallise and expand leaving salt crystals on the surface. This micro explosion in the substrate starts to create damage to the structure of the wall. The problem is compounded when these salt crystals attract atmospheric moisture which perpetuates the damage cycle.

Often there is no visual evidence of the damage being done and an inspection by our consultant with a moisture meter is the only way to know whether there is a problem or not.

The visual signs, when evident, are discolouration or blistering of internal plaster and paint. Externally crumbling of mortar and brick/stone work at ground level is evidenced.

Any salt damp, like a cancer in humans, will do less damage to the structure of the building if treated in its infancy.

Failure to treat the problem properly can result in a house that is unpleasant to live in and difficult to sell, therefore it is important to choose an effective method of treatment.

The Cover-up...

It can be tempting to try and cover up any damp patches with a special paint or coating in the hope that the problem will go away. However, the dampness will often find a way round such coatings and reappear at a later date. Only by introducing a damp proof course can rising salt damp be properly controlled.

The Solution

Use an authorized applicator of Dryzone, such as Summit Coatings.

Although it costs more for us to buy than ordinary liquid solvent injection fluids, because it is installed quicker than the solvent injection systems, the benefit of a less disruptive treatment saves on labour costs. The end result is that you save $$$$$$$$$$

We are confident we offer a better quality product at the most competetive price. Value for money is guaranteed.

To watch how Dryzone makes all the difference:
Part 1:
http://summitcoatingspainters.blogspot.com/2010/06/dryzone-vs-traditional-chemical_02.html
Part 2:
http://summitcoatingspainters.blogspot.com/2010/06/dryzone-vs-traditional-chemical.html

Robin Ottowa: on the board for the Master Painters Association

2010-06-02T22:12:00.000-07:00

Robin Ottowa has recently been voted vice president of the Master Painters Association (MPA). Through his role, he hopes to establish an accredited MPA member program. This program would involve

1. Regular check ins to ensure a high standard of works is being maintained

2. Occupational Health & Safety program

3. A measure of the quality of workmanship of painters, and assignment of a star rating accordingly

4. A dispute resolution program, through peer mediation, i.e. being judged by other members of the MPA. This would be a step before Fair Trading and litigation, and will hope to alleviate many issues, and give painters an opportunity to be judged by peers.