Frequently Asked Questions
- General
- Paints
- Colour
Where could I get product advice on how to apply an APCO product?
Every APCO paint can clearly indicates exactly how each product is to be applied to different surfaces. You may also contact an APCO Representative to get any further advice needed
What international standards does APCO meet?
We are committed to adopting and using only the best and safest products. Many of APCO products conform to APAS Standards. In addition, the company's Management and Environmental systems have both been certified and recertified according to international standards ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 certifications.
What should I do if paint gets into my eyes?
If you get any paint in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. If the eye is still irritated, seek medical help immediately.
Should I use a water-based paint or an oil-based paint?
Both will perform well under most circumstances. Water-based paints have many advantages such as low odour, easy clean-up after use and easier to apply. APCO provides top-quality water-based paints with excellent adhesion to most surfaces comparable to oil-based paints. However, to determine the best choice for your specific project, consult your nearest APCO Dealer or meet the APCO Sales Incharge.
How much paint will I need?
The average one-gallon pail paint will cover 90-100 sq. m. depending on the texture and porosity of the surface. If you’re painting 3,000 square m., divide 3,000 by 100, then multiply this number by the number coats you’ll need to paint. Unless you’re making a drastic colour change, on a previously painted surface one coat may suffice. However, on new surfaces, we recommend one coat of primer to neutralize the impact of the dark colour. Calculate exactly how much paint you'll need before your buy to avoid buying too much or too little.
Are all paints stain resistant?
No. Porous surfaces allow stains to penetrate. Using lower quality paints that are porous in nature or painting un-primed surfaces can both lead to poor stain resistance. Super premium quality acrylic paints such as Fortuna Silk are easy to clean, made especially to prevent stains from penetrating the surface and provide easy stain removal.
How do I get the rid of white powdery substance on my walls?
Using low-quality, highly pigmented paints or interior paint on exterior surfaces can also lead to premature chalking. To solve this problem, wash the surface with soap and water and let it dry. If there’s no evidence of chalking, priming won’t be necessary, so proceed to paint as normal. If chalking is still present, use APCO Block Sealer to seal and then proceed to paint.
How can I tell what paint I used the last time I painted?
Simply soak a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and run it over the painted surface. If your cotton ball has paint on it, then the surface is water-based. If it doesn’t, then the surface was painted in oil based paint. If it’s oil-based, you might need to prime it with oil-based primer before starting to repaint.
How can I tell if the blackish spots on my walls are mildew?
To test for mildew, wash the surface with detergent and water. If the spots remain, chances are they’re mildew. Mildew is a fungal growth that thrives in cool, moist areas. That’s why it’s so important to keep walls exposed to the sun, and keep trees and plants pruned and away from walls.
How would I know which sheen to use?
Whether flat, silk, low-sheen, semi-gloss or glossy, sheens can dramatically change how a colour looks, especially with glossy finishes. Gloss can add depth to colour, and is also very reflective, which not only changes perception of the colour but will also reveal surface imperfections. The glossier the finish, the more light bounces off the walls. Flat finishes on the other hand reflect the least amount of light, and conceal more, making them the best choice for imperfect walls.
Can I apply more than one coat of primer?
Sure you can. In fact in extreme cases of exposure to the elements, a second coat of primer is absolutely recommended. It will increase the durability of the paint job, and provide an additional wear-layer against the wind, rain and sun - all of the elements that erode paint and help to create rust.
What is the best paint for exterior walls?
Concrete is prone to hairline cracks, decay from salt spray, and moisture related problems with daily exposure to the elements. These problems are more widespread in the South Pacific, where many properties are close to the sea. Exterior paints like Villa Sunfast are made especially to resist fungus and algae on exterior surfaces in these harsh conditions.
Where should I use a high gloss paint?
High gloss paints such as Endure Interior Exterior Enamel provide a bright, polished look that makes them ideal for heavy-use surfaces. Such sheen creates a shiny, glass-like finish that is easy to clean, resists moisture and mildew, making it great for doors, furniture, moulding, windows and trims, inside and outside. High gloss paint is less forgiving of surface imperfections and looks best on smooth surfaces.
Where should I use semi-gloss paint?
Semi-gloss paints such as Fortuna Silk & Villa Sunfast have good stain resistance and are easy to clean. They are excellent in many of the same areas as gloss paints and are ideal for walls and woodwork that are subject to wear. It is also ideal for use on weatherboards and on exterior cementitious surfaces.
Where should I use a low-sheen paint?
Low sheen paints like Fortuna Silk are ideal where some sheen, moisture resistance and good cleaning properties are desired, such as living rooms, hallways, bedrooms and playrooms. Low sheens can also highlight surface imperfections, but to a lesser extent and are most commonly used over interior and exterior timber, concrete and plaster finishes.
What does low VOC mean?
VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds are gases that escape into the air from products such as paint, glue and even many common household cleaners. These gases can linger after the paint has dried and are known to cause a variety of health problems. Select Low VOC paints such as Fortuna Silk, Fortuna Pearl & Villa Sunfast which are much safer to use in your living space. They dry faster too.
How soon after plastering can I paint?
Concrete plaster should be allowed to cure fully, at least 30 days before painting. This will allow the surface to completely dry and allow any salt in the wall to rise to the surface where so that it could be removed by wire-brushing or power washing.
Can floor paint be used on walls?
Absolutely! Floor paint is designed to provide greater durability than regular wall paint and this why it is also more expensive. Floor paint is made to resist abrasion and the rigours of handle foot traffic. Actually, it is good option for properties close to the busy roadsides, and with accent base now available, it is available in many more dark colours.
How can I convert my trowelled wall to a smooth flat surface?
This will take time, patience and can be dusty, but it’s sure worth the effort when done. Use APCO Wall Putty to smoothen the walls. This will however require an experienced professional, to get the desired finish. Once complete, prime with APCO Sureprep Undercoat and topcoat in any premium APCO emulsion in the sheen and colour of your choice.
What’s the best paint for interior walls?
It all depends on the use of the space. E.g. if the room receives high-traffic and heavy use, then an Ultra premium emulsion like Fortuna Silk Luxury Interior Finish would be the best option.
How do I treat fungus and mildew on my walls?
Many persons and even some painters believe that pressure washing will remove fungus and mildew. Whilst doing so it will remove most of what the eye can see,it will not kill fungal or algal growth. Pressure-washing alone will only slow their growth. To kill fungus and algae, use commercially available bleach solution. After treating, waterblast and then proceed to prime and paint.
Should I first remove rust before repainting metal?
Definitely yes. Loose rust should be removed, either with a wire brush or power tools. For corroded but clean metal surfaces, Metal Prep Enamel Primer is great inside and outside. For topcoating, use Endure Interior Exterior Hi Gloss Enamel.
How can I view the colours I like before I paint?
APCO has a software called color visualizer set up in all color world outlets - you can see how the colour you select combines on a computer screen. But do consider that the colors that appear on the computer screen will vary to a major extent from the actual colors. So select the colors only based on the shade cards in store.
Where can I get colour advice?
APCO trains all shop staff to provide product and color advice. If you need any further help, please ask the store manager to meet the APCO Sales Incharge.
How do I select colours for a child’s room?
Colours opposite each other on the colour wheel are complementary colours and are a great choice to augment your décor. Such highly contrasting colours work best for a child's bedroom.
What colour other than white, could I paint my ceiling?
Any pastel shade could achieve the same effect on a ceiling. Add a few drops of your wall colour to a pail of white ceiling paint. It might just be enough to add a hint of colour to your ceiling, without making it feel smaller.
I see a colour that I like but don't know how to match it.
If you can bring the sample of the color to the nearest store, we can match the same using our shade card. In case, you are not able to take the color to the store, you can ask for an APCO Sales Incharge to visit your place and do the matching.
How could I make my dining room feel warm and inviting?
So you’ve planned a nice sit-down dinner, down to the last detail; and you realise that the ambience is uninviting? Warm colours stimulate conversation and build a healthy appetite. Cool colours such as blues are generally not ideal for a dining room. For achieving colour balance, consider a warm accent colour combined with a soft white, in subtle, silk sheen. This elegant combination would definitely add style to your décor.
Why did the paint that looked so good in the can, didn’t quite look the same on my walls?
This could be due to the type of lighting in the room or even the amount of natural light entering the room. Take yellow for example; though it may look great under fluorescent lighting, it will look many shades brighter under yellow or incandescent lighting. So while choosing paint colours, consider the impact that your lighting could have on the colours you choose.
Could I still get the APCO colour I used 20 years ago?
Yes. Even though the colour you used 20 years ago may no longer appear on the latest colour cards, they are still available through the APCO tinting system. However, it is better to actually look at a shade from the new shade cards as the colour on the wall would have changed substantially over such a long period of time.
