Lesson 1Paint chemistry and performance: acrylic, latex (PVA), alkyd/enamel, epoxy, and polyurethane — composition, UV resistance, flexibility, adhesionExamine how different binder chemistries influence adhesion, flexibility, chemical resistance, and UV stability in Ghana's hot climate. Compare acrylic, PVA latex, alkyd, epoxy, and polyurethane systems for interior and exterior textured work on walls and ceilings.
Role of binders, pigments, and solventsAcrylic versus PVA latex propertiesAlkyd and enamel behaviour on trimEpoxy coatings for high-wear areasPolyurethane for abrasion resistanceVOC, odour, and curing considerationsLesson 2Sealants, waterproofing and damp-proofing products: silane/siloxane repellents, cementitious waterproofing, liquid-applied membranes, acrylic waterproofersStudy sealers and waterproofing systems that control liquid water and moisture ingress in humid Ghanaian environments. Learn where to use silane and siloxane repellents, cementitious slurries, liquid membranes, and acrylic waterproofers in wall assemblies for rainy seasons.
Capillary absorption and water ingressSilane and siloxane water repellentsCementitious waterproof coatingsLiquid-applied waterproof membranesAcrylic waterproofers for facadesDetailing joints, cracks, and terminationsLesson 3Finishes and sheens: flat/matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, gloss — cleaning durability, hiding power, and recommended usesExplore common architectural paint sheens, how gloss level affects appearance, durability, and cleanability in dusty Ghanaian settings, and how to choose the right finish for walls, ceilings, trim, and textured surfaces in different home conditions.
Gloss scale from flat to high-glossEffect of sheen on hiding defectsCleanability and stain resistance by sheenSheen selection for walls, ceilings, trimSheen choices over textured surfacesLesson 4Selection criteria matrix: durability, breathability, vapor permeability, elasticity, UV/weather resistance, maintenance and cleanabilityLearn to compare products using a structured matrix of durability, breathability, vapor permeability, elasticity, UV resistance from Ghana's sun, and maintenance needs, so you can justify material choices for each project condition in local climates.
Defining key performance criteriaRating durability and abrasion resistanceAssessing breathability and permeabilityEvaluating elasticity and crack bridgingUV, chalking, and colour retention factorsMaintenance cycles and life-cycle costLesson 5Substrate-specific compatibility: interaction of paints/primers with cement-render, lime renders, gypsum plaster, and painted-over texturesUnderstand how different substrates interact with primers and paints in Ghanaian construction, how porosity, alkalinity, and movement affect adhesion, and how to specify compatible systems for cement, lime, gypsum, and existing textured coatings on buildings.
Porosity and suction of mineral substratesAlkalinity and curing of cement rendersLime render compatibility and carbonationGypsum plaster and joint compound issuesPainting over existing textured coatingsLesson 6Texture compounds and base media: premixed texture compounds, joint compound, gypsum-based textures, acrylic texture compounds — workability, curing, and paintabilityReview the main texture base materials used under paint in Ghana, including premixed textures, joint compound, gypsum, and acrylic systems. Compare workability, open time, curing behaviour, and how each accepts primers and topcoats for smooth finishes.
Premixed texture compounds overviewJoint compound as a texture baseGypsum-based texture mixes and setsAcrylic texture compounds and resinsCuring, shrinkage, and cracking risksPriming and painting textured surfacesLesson 7Primer types and functions: cement primers, alkali-resistant primers, gypsum/gypsum-board primers, bonding primers, stain-blocking primers, and anti-efflorescence primersLearn the roles of different primer families in promoting adhesion, controlling suction, blocking stains, and resisting alkali and efflorescence in Ghana's humid air. Understand how to select primers for cement, gypsum, and problem substrates.
Functions of primers versus sealersCement and alkali-resistant primersPrimers for gypsum and drywall boardsBonding primers over glossy surfacesStain-blocking and tannin-blocking primersPrimers to control efflorescenceLesson 8Additives and special-purpose products: mildewcides, anti-carbonation coatings, anti-efflorescence treatments, sacrificial coatings, corrosion-inhibiting primersExamine additives and specialty coatings that solve moisture, biological growth, carbonation, efflorescence, and corrosion problems in Ghanaian weather. Learn when to specify mildewcides, anti-carbonation, sacrificial, and inhibitive primer systems for longevity.
Biocides and mildewcides in coatingsAnti-carbonation coating mechanismsAnti-efflorescence primers and sealersSacrificial coatings for graffiti controlCorrosion-inhibiting primers for metals
