Prime design

This week’s Hot Home Products column looks at the new generation of paints that are supposed to function — under some circumstances — as paint and primer in one. That’s the claim of CIL’s Smart paint, which is shown in the pic at left (love those gorgeous pinks and purples.) The pic below shows Behr’s Ultra Premium paint/primer line used to stunning effect.

But some paint companies insist that a separate primer is often essential. Sarah Cole, director of Farrow & Ball, says poor priming or surface preparation is the most common reason for painting failures. Farrow & Ball primers and undercoats come in a range of colours to enhance the colour intensity of the top coat. The correct undercoat colour is denoted on the back of each colour card.  Beauti-Tone doesn’t market its paints as paint/primer, but its Designer and Natura series in suede and matte finishes can be painted directly o drywall or low-sheen paints.

Literature from CIL suggests that the higher the sheen, the greater the durability of the painted surface will typically be. That’s why semi-gloss and gloss finishes are a good choice for high-traffic areas. The sheen also helps sunlight bounce off and highlight architectural features. Flat, non-reflective paints are good at hiding imperfections. Of course, tools matter, so look for good-quality synthetic brushes that can be used with latex or oil paints. Roller should spin easily; choose a 15 mm pile for dark colours or 10 mm pile for light colours.  Try “conditioning” the roller by moistening it slightly with water and then running your hand up and down it.

Speaking of tools, the Green Toad Pivoting brush, which won the Retailers’ Choice Award for best new product at the National Hardware Show, will be on sale this Sunday (Nov. 8) on The Shopping Channel. It has a rotating head system that locks in eight different positions, and handles that come in two different grips — standard or extra contoured.