FAQs

What is the difference between regular and premium emulsions?

• All emulsion paints give a smooth finish and soft feel to the wall. They come in lovely shades and are long lasting. Shield & Regal are the premium emulsions for exterior & interior purposes respectively. They look better on your walls whist imparting a mild shine, that gives your room a silky and classy look. With the right lighting, your walls will appear to glow.

Are Legend paints products lead free?

• Yes, all our products have no added lead.

Are all paints washable?

• Shield Exterior, Regal Interior, Koversheen / Kovermatt (interior / exterior) Emulsions and Regal Enamels of Legend Paints are completely washable. They give a good finish to walls which can very easily be cleaned of dirt or stains.

How can the walls be maintained in good condition? How should one keep the painted walls clean?

• You can dust your walls from time to time. Remove stains with a sponge and mild soap while it is still wet. Take care not to press too hard while cleaning.

How can walls be protected from insects?

• Paints do not attract insects. Kitchens can have insects due to the presence of food. Since most paints are washable, it is easy to keep the walls clean. However, it is advisable to opt for regular pest control in your house.

How many years does the paint last for?

• Good paints applied with the correct number of coats generally last 5 to 6 years.

What is the curing period of cemented surface for painting?

• The curing period for a newly constructed exterior surface is 30 days from the day of plastering, (depending on exposure and weather conditions).

What is the difference between emulsion and enamel?

• Emulsion paint is water-based combined with select additives that makes it durable. It can usually be scrubbed clean with water and detergents after 24 hours of drying. Enamel paint is solvent-based, and can be scrubbed clean with water & detergents after a full cure of seven to eight days. Emulsion is used primarily over concrete surfaces whereas enamel is applied over metal & wood surfaces. Although enamel can be used over old concrete surfaces with some modification, its visual results will not be as attractive as emulsion.

What are the main reasons for failure of paint after application on a surface?

• The main reasons of paint failure after application on a surface are the applicator and improper treatment of surface.

What problems can a very low dry film thickness lead to?

• Extremely low dry film thickness can lead to: 1) insufficient corrosion protection 2) hiding power problems 3) erosion - removal of paint film from selected areas 4) grinning - underlying surface is visible 5) rust spotting 6) undercutting - visual corrosion beneath the film.

What is the role of primer in paint?

• Primer is the preliminary layer of coating that is applied on the surface prior to painting. It ensures proper paint adhesion to the surface and enhances the durability of paint. It also imparts anti-corrosion properties of the surface over which it is applied and extra safety to the surface being painted. Primer also seals pores in permeable materials and averts bleeding from knots. If suitably applied, primers will extend the life of the painted surface and improves its appearance.

What is the difference between exterior pu and interior pu?

• Exterior PU has UV guards which protect wood from UV rays consequently reducing cracking of wood. Besides, wood tends to expand and contract more when exposed to the external environment due to heat, moisture etc compared to internal environments. That is why exterior PU is designed to be more flexible, whereas interior PU is designed to be stronger in hardness, stain & chemical resistance.

How to select interior color?

• Light colors will help lighten a dark or poorly lit room, and provide a psychological lift. Light colors also make walls and ceilings appear to be further away, and can be used to make small rooms appear larger and more open.
• Dark colors can give a room a dramatic look, and create a sense of intimacy. They can also make walls and ceilings appear to be closer, and can be used to make a large room appear smaller and more cozy.
• Bright and vibrant colors will give the room a cheerful feel, with a sense of excitement.
• Reds, yellows, and oranges are warm colors. When these colors are applied in a room, they make the walls appear closer, creating the illusion of a smaller room.
• Violets, blues, and greens are cool colors. When these colors are applied in a room, they make the walls appear farther away, creating the illusion of a larger room.
• Tans, greys, and off-whites tend not to attract attention, and can be used to create a restful, relaxing atmosphere. They are also easier to coordinate with other colors in the room.
• For long, narrow rooms, paint the shorter walls with a darker color. This will make these walls appear closer together, so the room will seem less like a tunnel.
• For square rooms, paint one wall a different color, preferably the wall first seen when entering the room. This will give the room a more dramatic look and make it seem less 'boxy', (depending on the color of paint used).

How to select exterior color?

• When selecting exterior paint colors, take the fixed colors into account (like roofing, brick, stonework or any stained wood), and make sure all the colors look good together.
• Light colors will make a small house seem larger, and dark colors will make a large house seem smaller.
• A large, boxy house can be broken up by using a trim color that contrasts the body color.
• A small house will appear larger if the trim is painted the same color as the body of the house.
• Light colors will help keep a home cooler in warmer climates, because they absorb less heat. Dark colors will help keep a home warmer in cooler climates, because they absorb more heat.
• Because light colored paint films absorb less heat, they will generally last longer than darker colored paint films.
• Some communities have restrictions on what colors can be used on house exteriors, so check this out before you make your choice.

How to estimate paint quantity?

• Along with selecting the right products and colors for your project, you'll also need to estimate how much paint you'll require. This is done by calculating the surface area that's being painted, and dividing it by the estimated coverage rate of the paint you're using. When estimating your paint needs, keep the following things in mind:
• In most cases, it's better to buy a little too much paint rather than not enough, so you don't run out in the middle of the job. But don't overdo it! Ideally, you should end up with 1 - 2 quarts of paint leftover, for future touchups.
• Paints in ready-mixed colors are returnable (in full, unopened containers), but tinted paints are not. This means estimates for tinted colors must be done much more carefully, so you don't end up with more paint than you can use.

What is blistering?

• Blistering is a defect caused by trapped moisture or gases in paint film (more likely in enamels). It is nothing but bubbles like appearance on paint film.

How does one prevent blistering?

• Prevent blistering with the following steps: 1) wall should be free from dampness (waterproof the affected area), 2) apply paint/putty in thin layers only, 3) allow plaster/POP to cure properly, 4) remove distemper completely before applying emulsion paint.

What is adhesion failure?

• Adhesion failure is when a paint fails to adhere to the substrate or underlying coats of paint.
• How does one prevent adhesion failure?
• Prevent adhesion failure by: 1) ensuring proper surface preparation, 2) using the correct coating specification and follow the advised over coating times.

What is bleeding or 'bleed through'?

• Bleeding is a defect of an undercoat color migrating through the topcoat.
• How should I prevent bleeding?
• Prevent bleeding by: 1) using correct coating specifications and materials, 2) using compatible materials, 3) using appropriate sealer coat if possible.

What are the causes of 'bloom or blush'?

• Bloom or blush are caused when paint film is exposed to condensation or moisture during curing especially at low temperatures (common phenomenon with amine cured epoxies). Incorrect solvent blend can also contribute to blooming.

How does one repair blooming?

• Remove a blooming with a clean cloth or suitable solvent cleaner. If necessary, apply an undercoat/topcoat following the recommendations for the product. 

What can I use to clean a surface that has already been painted?

• Maintenance cleaning is vital to the overall service life of a painted surface. However, when selecting a cleaner, be sure to use a non-abrasive cleaner. If cleaning a waterborne paint, avoid products that are ammoniated. Mild, soapy water will generally suffice.

How can I remove the white, chalky material that is developing on my masonry surface?

• Efflorescence is often seen as a white, fluffy deposit of salt crystals on concrete wall surfaces. It depends on the presence of salt and moisture. The growth of crystals will continue as long as both elements are present. Salt is present in mortar blocks or concrete structures and the moisture is usually attributable to some building defect. When emanating from mortar in brick or block buildings, efflorescence will appear as narrow bands corresponding to mortar joints. Painting should be delayed if efflorescence continues. Salts should be removed by mechanical brushing. The use of water (at high pressure) to remove efflorescence is not recommended as it may exacerbate the problem. Repair areas where moisture penetrates the wall. Allow walls to dry thoroughly prior to priming.