Paints
Bluebird Matt Emulsion Usability/Application Guide
Bluebird Matt Emulsion is the premium offering in the Bluebird Emulsion series, providing a luxurious, smooth, and non-reflective finish. Suitable for both interior and exterior applications, it offers excellent coverage, durability, and weather resistance, making it ideal for walls in high-traffic areas and harsh outdoor environments. Follow this guide for the best application results.
1. Considerations
When applying Bluebird Matt Emulsion, consider the following factors to optimize performance and finish:
- Temperature: Apply the emulsion in temperatures ranging from 10°C to 35°C. Avoid painting in extreme heat or freezing conditions, which can affect drying and curing.
- Humidity: Ideal humidity levels should be below 80% for both interior and exterior applications. High humidity may slow down drying, while low humidity can cause the paint to dry too quickly, leading to cracks.
- Surface Dryness: Ensure the surface is completely dry, particularly for exterior walls exposed to moisture or rain, to prevent adhesion issues and blistering.
- Ventilation: For interiors, ensure proper ventilation to help the paint dry evenly and quickly, minimizing fumes.
2. Surface Preparation
Proper surface preparation is essential for a smooth and durable finish:
- Cleaning: Remove any dirt, dust, grease, or old paint flakes from the surface. You can use a mild detergent or a surface cleaner to ensure the wall is free from contaminants.
- Sanding: Sand the surface lightly to remove imperfections and create a slightly rough texture for better adhesion of the emulsion paint.
- Repairs: Fill any cracks, holes, or imperfections with a suitable filler. Once dry, sand the filled areas smooth.
- Drying: Ensure the surface is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
3. Priming
Priming is essential for better adhesion and durability:
- Primer Selection: Use a suitable primer based on the surface type (e.g., interior drywall, masonry, or previously painted surfaces). For exterior surfaces, use a weather-resistant primer for added protection.
- Benefits of Priming: Priming helps seal porous surfaces, enhances paint adhesion, and blocks stains, ensuring a smooth and consistent topcoat.
- Drying Time: Let the primer dry completely, typically 4-6 hours, before applying Bluebird Matt Emulsion.
4. Application Techniques
Use the proper techniques to achieve a flawless finish:
- Tools: For large areas, use a roller for even application. A brush is recommended for smaller areas, edges, and corners. A sprayer can be used for faster coverage on exteriors.
- Dilution: Dilute the emulsion with clean water as per manufacturer’s instructions (usually around 15-20%) to achieve the right consistency, especially for the first coat.
- Stirring: Stir the paint thoroughly before and during application to maintain an even consistency and color.
- Brush and Roller Application: Apply the paint in long, even strokes with a brush or roller. Use a ‘W’ or ‘M’ pattern for roller application to ensure uniform coverage.
- Spray Application: For exterior surfaces or large interior walls, a sprayer can be used to ensure quick, even application with minimal texture marks.
5. Number of Coats
Achieving the best finish often requires multiple coats:
- First Coat: Apply the first coat evenly and allow it to dry for 2-4 hours. The first coat may appear lighter and patchy but acts as the base for further coverage.
- Second Coat: Apply a second coat after the first has fully dried. The second coat provides full depth, uniformity, and color saturation.
- Additional Coats: For surfaces exposed to heavy weathering or dark color changes, a third coat may be necessary for complete protection and aesthetic consistency.
- Sanding Between Coats: For a superior finish, lightly sand between coats to remove any imperfections.
6. Clean-up and Ventilation
Ensure proper clean-up and ventilation for long-lasting results:
- Clean-up: Since Bluebird Matt Emulsion is water-based, clean your brushes, rollers, and other tools immediately after use with warm soapy water. Avoid letting paint dry on the tools, as it becomes more difficult to remove.
- Ventilation: Maintain good ventilation while applying the paint and during the drying process to speed up drying and minimize exposure to fumes. For interior applications, open windows or use fans to keep air circulating.
- Drying Time: Allow at least 24 hours for the paint to fully cure before exposing the surface to heavy use or harsh weather conditions. For exteriors, ensure no rain or moisture contacts the surface for at least 48 hours after application.
