1. What is mill glaze ?
2. Why is it required to clean the deck surfaces every time before staining ?
3. What is chalking ?
4. What causes cracks in my drywall and plaster ?
5. Why has the once shiny finishes change to this present dull flat finish ?
6. What is the ... Guarantee Home Protection Program ?
7. What are the pros and cons of different sheens in paint coatings and best areas of use? ... (flat, eggshell, semi-gloss, gloss)
8. How to test if your deck needs staining ?

 

Question 1... What is mill glaze ?

Answer ..It is the smooth glossy surface that developes on new milled lumber caused by planners and saw blades cutting the wood at such extreme high speeds and pressure as to cause the wood to heat up to a high enough temperature as to cause the resin or sap in the wood to the surface and polish it to a glaze - like finish. In other words, it glues the wood shut.

If this is not removed this " Mill Glaze " will prevent proper coating penetration and adhesion causing peeling and coating failure. Removing this mill glaze finish is just part of the surface preparation before the benefits of staining any wood surface should be done.

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Question 2... Why is it required to clean the deck surfaces every time before staining ?

Answer...Cleaning a deck is vital to remove problems found in or on the wood such as the following : mill glaze, graying , fading , UV damage, mill stamps, nail / iron stains, algae, moss, tree rosen, mildew, grease, grounded in dirt, and all the other damaging effects the weather has to offer. The cleaning process prepares the wood surface for the adhesion and penetration of the stain. This insures the bond will be deep below the wood surface, providing the optium long lasting protection.

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Question 3....What is chalking ?

Answer...All surfaces are exposed to the damaging effects of the ultra violet rays of the sun . In time this exposure causes fading and chalking.

Chalking is part of the natural break down process of paint over time. If you rub your hand on the surface and your hand is covered with the powdery colour substance of that surface - You have Chalking !

The paint finish has broken down and requires refinishing to maintain the protective qualities and renew the surface back to the beautiful shiny original factory finish it was when it was new. Our skilled craftmen will be happy to assist you to get these surfaces back to their new finished state again

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Question...4 ...What causes the cracks in my drywall and plaster ?

Answer...Cracks are caused by a number of conditons, such as stresses in the architectural structure caused by movements ( ie due to building setting ), water damage, moisture ( causing blistering, or bubbles of pimple like imprefections to the surface ) or poor plastering amd taping skills in the original work. Cracks in older ceilings maybe caused by sagging joints, or the plaster itself beginning to fall away from the ceiling structure

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Question...5....Why has the original shiny finishes changed to this present dull flat finish ?

Answer... The protective paint finish on all these surfaces are exposed to the damaging effects of ultra violet rays from the sun.

This exposure causes fading and chalking ( a natural breakdown of paint over time ) If you rub the surface with your hand and the colour of that surface in powder form appears on your hand...you have chalking or paint brake-down. It is now time to renew and restore the protection and beauty of the surface back to the original coating by refinishing it ... The present worn out finish is failing and is no longer adequent to do it's job of protecting these surfaces.

If left, exposed to the elements, of our ever changing seasonal weather conditions, this deteriorated coating will allow the promotion of rot, pitting, further corrosion and damages to the surface to the point of the costly position of replacement ( ie. door ,window, sliding, eaves trough or supporting structures )

Call on the services at Discount Home Painters and our experts can advise you on how we can refinish it to the original protective and decorative finish.

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Question... 6...What is the ..Guarantee Home Protection Program .. ?

Answer... Our legendary work in combination with our products, we provide, are fully guaranteed, under our Guarantee Home Protection Program, so that our customers can assured of the endurable protective high performance of our beautiful coats, will last. We stand behind our work, products and services. For full details, call us, to talk to one of our expert representatives, at Discount Home Painters, and we will happy to explain and assist you to keep your home beautiful and protected.

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Question... 7.. What are the pros and cons of different sheens in paint coatings and best areas of use? ... (flat, eggshell, semi-gloss, gloss)

Answer...

Flat - gives a matt finish that hides surface imperfections, but can be difficult to clean. (not washable) It is recommended for ceilings and low-traffic areas.

Eggshell - offers a slight sheen, giving your walls a soft glow, best used in livingrooms, diningrooms, bedroom or hallways. It is the best choice. It has the benefits of flat, hiding most of the imperfections, with the benefits of a higher sheen, as it is, washable for easy cleaning, without a visible trace on the surface when trying to removed dirt or marks.

Semi-gloss - provides moderated sheen and easy cleaning, but, does show more imperfections on walls and ceilings, than an Eggshell finish would. It tends to dry darker than the colour clip . It is good for trim, kitchens and bathrooms. For outside it is a good choice to hide imperfections and to reflect some of, the damaging effects of the exterior UV rays of the sun.

Gloss or High Gloss - has the most shine and washable but highlights all imperfections on the surfaces. For your interior projects, gloss, is best used on trim, such as, doors and baseboards. For exterior work, gloss, is best for reflecting the UV rays of the sun, that in time, brakes down all paint coatings. Gloss, resists this brake down the most, of all the sheen levels.

For more details, contact our expert representatives, and we will be happy to assist you, as you plan your project with us.

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Question... 8.. How to test if your deck needs staining ?

Answer... To test your deck - first sprinkle water on it and watch which of the following happens next to the wood surface ...

• If the water beads up and remains on the surface, the stain is doing it's job and protecting the wood on the deck.
• If the water soaks in the wood right away, it's time to have the deck rejuvenated or stripped, then, re-staining and sealing it again, to protect it. The present stain, is no longer protecting and sealing the wood. (Stained and sealed wood surfaces may need to be treated and re-stain about every 2-3 years depending on exposure to the harsh Canadian weather)

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