New drywall must be primed and painted properly to ensure good adhesion of pressure-sensitive vinyl wall graphics. You wouldn’t think that applying vinyl wall graphics to newly painted drywall should be a problem. Of course, problems can and do happen. Especially when contractors rush to get the job done.
Read more »How Dyes and Pigments Differ
The chemicals that color our world, whether we are painting or digitally printing or decorating fabric, fall into two categories: dyes and pigments. Both types of colorants add color to materials ranging from wood, paper, textiles, glass, plastic, ceramic glazes and even concrete. Each type of colorant, however, is very different with respect to chemical composition, solubility, durability […] Read more »
Digital Printing and Metamerism
A Horse Of A Different Color…learn how colors can change in appearance under different lighting conditions. Read more »
Printing and Painting Problems Caused by Static Electricity
In much of the country September ushers in climatic changes. As the autumn air becomes colder, the humidity of the air outdoors decreases. The drop in humidity can result in an increase of problems related with static electricity. Static problems in print shops are further exacerbated, as we switch from air conditioning to a heating cycle. Read more »
Intercoat Adhesion
Intercoat adhesion refers to either the bond of a primer coat to a substrate, or to the adhesion of one coating to another. In many cases, a primer or top coat bonds to the primer or another coating mechanically. Although you may not see microscopic imperfections on a surface, a primer or paint will grip […] Read more »
Painting Aluminum Composite Panels
I had asked an old sign painter what primers and paints he used when painting MDO. “Why would anyone today use MDO, when you could paint on Dibond® or Polymetal™?” he responded brusquely. Read more »
Painting Tips: Preventing Wrinkling Paint
There is only one solution for wrinkling paint. You must first scrape off the wrinkled paint and then sand the affected area, blending it in with the surrounding unaffected paint. Then you must repaint the problem area. In some cases, you may need to use a primer, especially if you sanded down to […] Read more »
How Acrylic Paint Compares with Oil Paint
I had stepped into an artist’s shop in New Orleans. What had attracted me were the vibrant colors in his paintings. I had assumed that he must have used acrylic paints. To confirm my suspicions I questioned the artist, “Are you using acrylics?” He defensively replied, “What great artist has ever used acrylic paints?” […] Read more »
