Is it me or the paint that's too thick?

lump · 12 Jun 2011

I have posted the details below but my questions are:

What can I use to thin Zinsser allcoat solvent based paint?

What can I use to tint that paint?

Are paint pads just a gimmic?

TIA
The Lump

I have been forced into repainting my parents home and have never decorated in my life. My father has dementia and is a chain smoker, the walls and ceiling are thick with stain. After spending some time on this forum I got some sugar soap and went to work, I spent about 3 hours on the corner of the room that dad sits but the tobacco just kept bleeding through the walls.
I then came back to the forum and found references to Zinsser allcoat
//www.diynot.com/forums/viewto... bull. I think I should just get a roller.

TheDec · 12 Jun 2011

I would try applying the Allcoat with a synthetic bristle brush, and perhaps now to late to tint. Try the brush and see how you get on.

Dec

lump · 12 Jun 2011

Thanks Dec.

So a brush will work better than a roller?

I have only started on the ceiling, the tint would be for the walls

misterhelpful · 12 Jun 2011

Neither the water-based or solvent-based version of Allcoat should be thinned. The water-based version can be applied by brush quite easily but I prefer to use a foam mini roller for the solvent-based product, which can be sticky rather than thick. Most paint pads are not very good for anything really and fall apart in next to no time.

You can buy universal paint tinters online but they don't seem to be so readily available in stores these days.

TheDec · 12 Jun 2011

Problem with the tints is they should be to a specific percentage per litre, this would be done in store at the time of purchase.

Dec

lump · 12 Jun 2011

Thanks for the fast replies.

I know this sounds stupid but I need to ask...
If I use a roller does it need to be a mini one? the kitchen is about 17m*5m and I still have all the other rooms to do.

Should I use foam rollers as you stated or sheepskin? My limited understanding was foam was cheap and nasty and sheep was quality.
Any chance you could link to a roller to give me a better understanding of what I specifically need to buy?

I will give up on trying to tint it, I can just go over the allcoat on the kitchen walls with tinted emulsion. Is that the easiest way?

As I can get the allcoat so cheap should I do the whole house with it? Thinking as I get used to this paint things will be easier for a novice?

TheDec · 12 Jun 2011

I think that you will find that the use of either a foam or simulated mohair roller will offer very poor covering power, on this type of work even a short pile sleeve can prove difficult so a medium pile would be better. Just make sure that you roll your product out evenly and cover the entire surface. yet if it was me I would choose the brush.

Dec

TheDec · 12 Jun 2011

Sorry missed a bit here you don't need to go overboard with regard to expensive sleeves and the cheaper ones are readily available from all DIY outlets, a 9" sleeve should serve you well.

Dec

lump · 12 Jun 2011

Thank you for being so patient with me.

So can I take it a brush will give a better finish than a roller, but a roller will be a lot faster? I do believe if a job's worth doing.... but I have 6 rooms and a large hallway to paint.
I know this is going to look bad but is mum is blind and dad's only care in the world is tea and tobacco, so speed trumps finish on this occasion. I have to do all the DIY now and there are a lot of other jobs that need doing.

I am a little confused as to what sleeve to use, if possible I would prefer to throw the sleeve after each session to save on clean up time and mess.
From the last post I have taken I should not use foam or mohair, it should be a 9" medium pile average priced sleeve. Hope I got that right?

Thanks again for your time and patience,
The Lump

TheDec · 12 Jun 2011

Firstly it does not look bad at all it was my Dad who lost his sight and my Mother who is now the ripe old age of 86 of whom became the carer, so I fully understand your problems.

Anyway, a brush will always offer a better finish than a roller, yet if it is your intention to use a roller to apply the finishing coats it makes no difference therefore stick with the roller. When I have found myself in a similar situation I will just purchase a few cheap sleeves and then disguard after each application. So buy cheap and for ease of application use a 9" medium pile sleeve and just through it away after each days toil has ended.

I wish you the very best of luck and never be afraid to seek more advice

Dec

misterhelpful · 12 Jun 2011

A roller will be quicker (doesn't have to be a mini one), but as Dec says, will go on thinner and so may well need a second coat, although not usually necessary. Allcoat dries quickly though and can be recoated in about 2 hours, so perhaps if you feel the staining is that bad, 2 coats would be better than one.
Also, if you have a flat ceiling/walls, then I would go with the roller, simply because it will be easier to even the Allcoat out, but the choice is obviously yours.

TheDec · 12 Jun 2011

Well I have no recollection of uttering the word thinner only evenly, when any paint system is applied a brushstroke will offer a far better bond for a roller will only tend to flirt over the surface, yet the roller in this situation would be the way foward.

Dec

misterhelpful · 12 Jun 2011

TheDec said:
I think that you will find that the use of either a foam or simulated mohair roller will offer very poor covering power,...

I interpreted this as 'thin', which is generally what it means.

TheDec · 12 Jun 2011

No, just means even.

Dec

lump · 12 Jun 2011

Ah, I see the topic has been a little busy as I was looking for sleeves

Can I use an emulsion sleeve if I am going to throw it away at the end of the session?

B&Q do
Hamilton Perfection Woven Roller Medium Pile 9 Inch
For £4
the fabric will not unwind even when soaked in water or solvent.
This is the cheapest one that mentions solvents.

Screwfix has
Harris Knitted Roller Sleeves Set Medium Pile 7Pcs @ £7 but no details on emulsion/solvent

And Wicks has
Rapid Roll Advanced Woven Roller Sleeve x5 @£12 but it states for emulsion

This is all a bit of a minefield!

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Is it me or the paint that's too thick?

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