Lesson 1Paint chemistry and performance: acrylic, latex (PVA), alkyd/enamel, epoxy, and polyurethane — composition, UV resistance, flexibility, adhesionLook at how different binder chemistries affect adhesion, flexibility, chemical resistance, and UV stability. Compare acrylic, PVA latex, alkyd, epoxy, and polyurethane for inside and outside textured jobs, considering our hot sun and rains.
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 stop liquid water and moisture coming in. Learn where to use silane and siloxane repellents, cementitious slurries, liquid membranes, and acrylic waterproofers in wall setups, especially 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 paint sheens for buildings, how gloss level changes look, durability, and ease of cleaning, and how to choose the right finish for walls, ceilings, trim, and textured surfaces in different spots like homes or outdoors.
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 simple matrix of durability, breathability, vapor permeability, elasticity, UV resistance, and maintenance needs, so you can pick materials that suit each job's conditions in our climate.
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 bases interact with primers and paints, how porosity, alkalinity, and movement affect sticking, and how to choose systems that work with cement, lime, gypsum, and old textured coatings common here.
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 main texture base materials used under paint, like premixed textures, joint compound, gypsum, and acrylic systems. Compare how easy they are to work with, open time, curing, and how they take primers and topcoats in local use.
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 jobs of different primer types in helping adhesion, controlling suction, blocking stains, and fighting alkali and efflorescence. Know how to pick primers for cement, gypsum, and tricky bases we see in Gambian builds.
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 primersLook at additives and special coatings that fix moisture, growth, carbonation, efflorescence, and rust problems. Learn when to use mildewcides, anti-carbonation, sacrificial, and rust-stopping primer systems for our humid weather.
Biocides and mildewcides in coatingsAnti-carbonation coating mechanismsAnti-efflorescence primers and sealersSacrificial coatings for graffiti controlCorrosion-inhibiting primers for metals
