Lesson 1Paint chemistry and performance: acrylic, latex (PVA), alkyd/enamel, epoxy, and polyurethane — composition, UV resistance, flexibility, adhesionExamine how various binder chemistries affect adhesion, flexibility, chemical resistance, and UV stability. Compare acrylic, PVA latex, alkyd, epoxy, and polyurethane for interior and exterior textured jobs in New Zealand's variable weather.
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 waterproofersExplore sealers and waterproofing systems to manage liquid water and moisture entry. Discover applications for silane and siloxane repellents, cementitious slurries, liquid membranes, and acrylic waterproofers in wall builds common in NZ homes.
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 usesInvestigate standard architectural paint sheens, how gloss levels influence appearance, durability, and ease of cleaning, and select the best finish for walls, ceilings, trim, and textured surfaces under various conditions in NZ settings.
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, vapour permeability, elasticity, UV/weather resistance, maintenance and cleanabilityMaster comparing products via a structured matrix covering durability, breathability, vapour permeability, elasticity, UV resistance, and maintenance, to justify choices for each project in New Zealand's humid and coastal 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 texturesGrasp how substrates interact with primers and paints, including porosity, alkalinity, and movement effects on adhesion, and specify compatible systems for cement, lime, gypsum, and existing textured coatings in local builds.
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 primary texture base materials for painting, like premixed textures, joint compound, gypsum, and acrylic systems. Compare workability, open time, curing, and acceptance of primers and topcoats for reliable NZ applications.
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 primersUnderstand primer roles in enhancing adhesion, controlling suction, blocking stains, and resisting alkali and efflorescence. Select primers for cement, gypsum, and tricky substrates prevalent in New Zealand construction.
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 primersInvestigate additives and specialty coatings tackling moisture, biological growth, carbonation, efflorescence, and corrosion. Specify mildewcides, anti-carbonation, sacrificial, and inhibitive primers for NZ's damp conditions.
Biocides and mildewcides in coatingsAnti-carbonation coating mechanismsAnti-efflorescence primers and sealersSacrificial coatings for graffiti controlCorrosion-inhibiting primers for metals
