Painting Works
Guide to paint types, prices, and application stages. El-Eman Office provides painting as part of general contracting services.
Surface preparation: the secret of good painting
Many paint jobs fail not because of the paint's quality but because of poor surface preparation, which is the foundation of successful painting works. The surface must be dry, clean and free of dust, flaking paint and mould. Cracks are widened and filled with suitable filler, damaged parts are repaired, and dampness is dealt with before painting, otherwise blisters and stains appear. A primer coat is then applied to seal the surface, reduce its absorption and improve paint adhesion.
Common defects and their causes
- Peeling: caused by painting over a damp or dirty surface, or without a suitable primer.
- Blisters: usually due to trapped moisture or application in high heat.
- Shade differences between areas: due to different colour batches, tools or application methods.
- Visible brush or roller marks: from poor thinning, fast drying or poor tools.
- Cracking: from using incompatible materials or too thick a layer of filler.
Colour planning and coordinating with other trades
Light changes how colour is perceived, so a colour that looks right in a showroom may look different in the room depending on the light source and the direction of the windows. Try a sample on the wall and view it at different times of day before approving the colour, and reserve enough from the same batch to avoid differences in shade.
Painting comes at the end of the finishing works, so electrical, plumbing, plaster and flooring work should be finished first, and floors, doors and windows should be protected with covers. Allow suitable drying time between coats, ventilate the space well during and after the work, and use low-odour materials in occupied spaces.
Choosing the paint for each location
No single type of paint suits every place. Dry rooms such as living rooms and bedrooms suit a water-based paint with a low sheen that hides surface flaws, while kitchens and bathrooms need paint that withstands moisture and cleaning better. External facades face sun, rain and dust, so they need products designed to resist weathering and cracking. Doors and ironwork need paints that resist rust and abrasion, and metal surfaces need an anti-rust primer before painting.
It helps to read the product data to learn the approximate coverage per litre, drying time and permitted thinning, and to estimate the quantity accurately from the wall area after deducting openings, to avoid running short of a single batch and getting a colour mismatch.
Frequently asked questions
How many coats of paint do I need?
It depends on the condition and original colour of the surface and the type of paint. Two or more coats over the primer are usually needed for an even finish.
Can I paint new walls straight away?
No. New walls need time to dry, then filler and primer. Painting early over a damp surface causes peeling and stains.
How do I clean paint without damaging it?
Use a soft damp cloth and a mild cleaner, and avoid hard scrubbing. How much cleaning a paint tolerates varies by type.
