Preparation
The most important part of any redecoration programme is the preparation of the substrates that are to be painted, particularly as multiple coats of paint that have built up over the years, are one of the main causes of flaking and peeling.
Consideration should be given to all surfaces but one of the most vulnerable substrates is timber. Flaking paint must be removed to allow the underlying timber to be examined and necessary remedial work and repairs can then be undertaken.
This stage is a real investment as once all paintwork has been brought up to a good standard of repair it will be much easier to maintain. Although extensive remedial work can be both time consuming and costly, by helping to extend maintenance cycles this initial outlay is soon recouped.
Specification
Choosing paint is about much more than colour and the use of the incorrect type of paint can prove to be a very expensive decision to live with.
Durability is essential and the choice of an acrylic durable matt emulsion for internal walls and ceilings can provide exceptional coverage, whilst helping to disguise minor imperfections to achieve a high quality and attractive finish. An acrylic durable matt emulsion that has a washable formula allows walls and ceilings to be regularly cleaned between redecoration programmes and ensures that the matt appearance is retained even when the surface is rigorously cleaned.
In a busy high-traffic environment such as a school or college, it's vital that a high quality finish is the only thing that the specified product leaves behind as strong or unpleasant odours in a room can delay occupation. The use of low-odour water based paints are therefore ideal as it means a freshly decorated room is reusable within hours of painting and projects can be completed in a day.
Repainting
Although factors such as the amount of wear and tear that the facilities are exposed to may vary from school to school, it is generally recommended that internal redecoration cycles are carried out every three to five years.
Maintenance programmes should, as the name suggests, help to maintain a certain standard and repainting should be done before the existing paintwork starts to deteriorate. It is always better to repaint a substrate when the existing coating is still in good condition and so any minor repairs should be made on a regular basis, with the view to carrying out a full repaint in a cycle of five to six years. Annual maintenance can also prove extremely cost-effective as it helps to extend the life of painted surfaces and can reduce the need for total redecoration.
To help specifiers working in the education sector to select products that tick all boxes, Johnstone's also offer a dedicated resource in the form of its Specification Team.
Full details of the support services available can be found at http://www.johnstonestrade.com/
