Frequently Asked Questions

What is decorative painting, and how is it different from regular paint?

Decorative painting involves various techniques and materials to create artistic and visually appealing finishes. It differs from regular paint by offering a wider range of design possibilities, textures and effects.

Which surfaces can decorative painting be applied to?

Decorative painting can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including interior and exterior walls, ceilings, joinery items like cabinets and furniture, and even wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.

What are the most popular decorative painting techniques for walls and ceilings?

Some popular techniques include faux finishing, stencil work, murals, textured plaster, and metallic finishes. The choice depends on the desired aesthetic and the surface.

Is decorative painting suitable for outdoor applications?

Yes, decorative painting can be used for exterior walls and surfaces. However, it's important to use weather-resistant paints and techniques that can withstand environmental factors.

How long does decorative painting last?

The durability of decorative painting depends on factors like surface preparation, quality of materials, and environmental conditions. With proper care and maintenance, it can last for many years.

Can I paint over existing paint or wallpaper with decorative painting?

Yes, in many cases, you can apply decorative painting over existing surfaces. Proper preparation, such as priming and surface leveling, may be required for the best results

What is microtopping, and where is it commonly used?

Microtopping is a thin layer of decorative concrete that can be applied over existing surfaces. It is often used on floors, countertops, and walls to create a modern, seamless look.

What are the advantages of using stone carpet for flooring?

Stone carpet is a durable and decorative flooring option made of natural stones bound with resin. It offers a unique texture and appearance, is easy to maintain, and provides good slip resistance.

What is epoxy terrazzo, and where is it commonly applied?

Epoxy terrazzo is a decorative flooring material made of epoxy resin and colored aggregates. It's commonly used in commercial and high-traffic areas due to its durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal.

How can I maintain and clean decorative surfaces like epoxy terrazzo or stone carpet?

Regularly sweep or vacuum to remove debris and mop with a mild, pH-balanced cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning tools to prevent damage.

Can decorative painting or other decorative finishes be customized to fit a specific design or theme?

Yes, one of the major advantages of decorative finishes is their ability to be customized to match specific design concepts, themes or color schemes.

What's the cost of decorative painting and related products?

Costs vary widely based on factors like the surface area, materials used, complexity of the design and the level of customization. It's best to get a quote from a professional for an accurate estimate.

Do I need a professional for decorative painting, or can I DIY it?

While some decorative techniques can be DIY projects, complex designs and high-quality finishes are best left to professionals with the experience and skills to achieve the desired results.

Are there any environmental considerations when choosing decorative painting materials?

Some decorative materials may have low VOC (volatile organic compounds) options, which are more environmentally friendly. When working on interior projects, it's a good idea to ask about eco-friendly choices.

What is a floor coating?

A floor coating is a tough layer applied to a floor surface to protect against heavy wear and corrosion. Floor coatings are typically crucial in settings such as commercial buildings, warehouses, manufacturing floors and chemical plants.

Concrete floor coatings are often used to define, brighten or aesthetically enhance specific areas of a property or facility.

What material is used for floor coating?

The most common and preferred materials for floor coatings are epoxy, PVC, polyurethane, laminated, ceramic and tile.

Selecting suitable floor coating materials depends on how the surface will be used. Homes and offices, for example, call for more decorative flooring options that make spaces more visually pleasant and inviting. On the other hand, commercial properties such as shopping malls and sports halls bring in heavier traffic and thus require floor coating materials that are durable, easy to clean and long-lasting. Meanwhile, industrial settings call for flooring materials that are resistant to chemicals and mechanical traffic.

How do you maintain floor coating?

Properly caring for a coated floor requires developing a floor care maintenance program that includes the following steps: sweeping and scrubbing floors, cleaning up spills and repairing all gouges and scratches. Floor maintenance also involves preventing movements over the floor that could cause future coating damage.

The frequency and intensity of floor care and maintenance depends on the environment and the traffic and soilage levels. It's important to properly maintain coated floors because dust and dirt can be abrasive, while liquids can damage and stain the floor coating finish. Insufficient care can lead to a dull finish and a shorter lifespan for the floor coating.

How long does floor coating last?

How long a floor coating lasts will depend on the type of coating you choose. For epoxy floor coatings, which is the most popular floor coating option, the lifespan is between 2-3 years with heavy traffic or generally 5-20 years with less foot traffic and wear and tear plus proper care and maintenance.

What is the benefit of floor coating?

When you use commercial or industrial coatings like epoxy floor coating materials, you can enjoy benefits such as having a bright and beautiful high-gloss surface for interior areas, a hard-wearing and durable surface for high-traffic spaces, and a seamless floor surface that can last for many years.

Other advantages include greater water and oil stain resistance, quick and easy installation, enhanced safety thanks to anti-slip additives, compatibility with self-leveling products as well as paints and colors to mask cracks and chips, greater protection for concrete floors, and little to no major maintenance.

What is the best paint for concrete?

The best paint for concrete is epoxy concrete paint. The most popular choice among professional contractors, designers and architects, oil-based epoxy concrete paint is highly durable, long-lasting, weather-resistant and provides a more expensive-looking and aesthetically pleasing finish. 

Another option for concrete coatings, acrylic latex concrete paint, is a water-based type of paint that is easy to apply and quite affordable. However, it is more suitable for concrete walls or spaces that undergo much less wear and tear and receive less exposure to outdoor elements.

Can you paint directly on concrete?

Yes, you can directly paint on a concrete surface. The key is to select the right kind of concrete paint for your specific surface and its intended use, as well as follow the correct preparation and application guidelines for this kind of surface. 

Concrete is a porous material, which means it will generally absorb the first layer of paint into its substrate. This can often result in a patchy finish. It is also not ideal to immediately paint on new concrete. The key is to ensure that the concrete surface is sufficiently cured, and that the first coat of concrete paint or coating is prepared (thinned down) so it can bind better with the substrate. 

Can textured paint or microtopping be applied over existing tiles?

Yes, both textured paint or microtopping wall texture can be applied over existing tiles. Textured paint provides a durable and stylish solution for imperfect surfaces as well as for projects that aim for an industrial look. For optimal adhesion, make sure the tiles are clean, dry, and in good condition.

What is the advantage of microtopping floors?

Microtopping floors offer the combined advantage of aesthetics and practicality. Microtopping results in a seamless, sleek and durable coating that’s ideal for covering existing surfaces. This makes microtopping the preferred solution for floor renovating projects. With a thickness of just a few millimeters, it is resistant to stains and can be applied to various substrates, making it a versatile choice for those looking for low-maintenance flooring solutions.

Can stone carpet be applied in swimming pool decks or on vertical surfaces?

Yes, stone carpet is suitable for decks and areas around swimming pools and vertical surfaces. Its porous nature allows for effective water drainage, making it easy to keep pool areas free from puddles. With proper application and usually with a binding agent, stone carpet dries fast, making it practical to use for walls and other vertical surfaces. 

Can limewash paint or microtopping be applied in wet areas?

Limewash paint or microtopping is suitable for wet areas. Limewash paint has natural antibacterial properties, making it a good choice for bathrooms and kitchens. Microtopping, when properly cured and sealed, creates a waterproof surface that’s highly durable and resistant to moisture in wet environments.