Can you colour match?
Yes, we can match any colour! You can also take any item to your local Johnstone's Decorating Centre where they will be able to scan your colour using a spectrophotometer. This will offer you our nearest colour in the Voice of Colour range to the item being scanned.
Why does my colour look different?
There are a number of factors that can cause a colour to look different to the one you initially selected. If you are selecting your colour from a website, the final colour you end up with can be very different as there can be a huge variation between how one screen monitor is set up to another. If you are selecting from a colour card or fan deck, the difference could be because the colour was printed. Some colour cards are deposited which are produced by putting small squares of wet paint pigment onto the colour card; whereas printing utilises the CMYK system and can be subject to variation from one printer to another. If you have painted your colour, you may find that the walls look different depending on the time of day or the light source in the setting that you are painting in.
You should always test colours in the location you are going to be painting, so that you can see exactly how the light influences the colour. North facing rooms can make colours look cool and bluish; whereas East facing rooms have warm light in the morning, but this light turns cooler in the evening.
We recommend that you obtain tester pots or sample, paint a small space and experiment with different options for a while before making a decision.
Why have I not achieved the coverage rate quoted on the tins?
The covering or spread rate of paint is determined by the condition, porosity or texture of the surface on to which it is applied.
Most of the surfaces on to which paints are normally applied are naturally absorbent. It may be necessary to quench this absorbency as unsealed surfaces will absorb more material, thus reducing the spread rate. The profile of the surface will also affect the spread rate of the coatings. In some instances, particularly on heavily textured masonry surfaces, the raised profile can increase the surface area by 30%.
I have painted my doors in a white oil based gloss finish. The back side of the door has started to discolour and turn yellow?
An oil based product uses UV light to stabilize the paint, in areas of low light we would recommend using a water based alternative such as the Johnstone’s Aqua Water Based Gloss.
My gloss paint has a matt appearance and has not fully dried, why?
This effect is commonly known as “Blooming”. It is usually caused by exposure of the still drying coating to cold or damp conditions before it has fully cured. Atmospheric conditions of dampness and low temperatures are not conducive to the film forming characteristics of this material. In some instances they also affect the drying properties and cause it to remain tacky for some time.
I have applied floor paint to a garage floor. How long should it be left until I can park on it?
Johnstone’s Flortred will be recoatable after 24hours however the coating should be allowed to fully cure for a minimum of 5 to 7 days before subjecting the floor to stationary or standing vehicles.
Some masonry paint I applied has washed off in a rain shower, why?
Most masonry coatings are water based, therefore, as in this case, it is highly likely that the paint film had not had time to fully cure, before the shower of rain. Water based coatings dry mainly by evaporation. Drying can be slowed or even stop during and immediately after application of the paint by cold, damp or humid conditions. It is recommended that a solvent based masonry coating like Stormshield Pliolite Masonry Paint is used in lower temperatures or when rain is imminent.
High levels of moisture in the underlying surface and temperatures, 5ºC and below prevent the paint from drying properly, and therefore it should not normally be applied during these conditions or just before they are expected.
Is a stabilising primer/solution really necessary under masonry paint?
If the surfaces which are to be treated with a masonry paint are highly porous, chalky or friable, then they should be treated with stabilising solution. Johnstone's Stabilising Solution is a highly penetrative material designed to bind unstable and quench highly absorbent surfaces, this provides a suitably bound or sealed surface which will receive a masonry coating.
To ensure good adhesion of the masonry coatings following application of the stabilising solution it is essential that a non-glossy surface be produced. The stabilising solution should be initially applied to a small test area, if it dries to and leaves a glossy finish then it should be thinned and a new test area undertaken until a new test area undertaken until a non-glossy appearance is achieved.
Do I need to prime powder coated metal?
It is always advisable to prime this type of surface and the Johnstone’s Single Pack Primer is ideal.
Do I need to treat galvanised metal?
Pre-treatment of galvanised metal is dependent on the condition. If it is well weathered then once cleaned it generally will accept a paint coating. If the galvanised metal is new, bright and shiny it’s advisable to pre-treat with Johnstone’s Mordant Solution. Johnstone’s Steel and Cladding Semi-Gloss Topcoat or Water Based Steel and Cladding Topcoat will provide perfect finishes for galvanised metal.
Leyland Trade
Application & finish
Does the range provide a durable finish?
The Fast Drying Range is a durable system and is ideal in high traffic areas, for example skirting boards in a corridor.
How long should you wait between coats?
Fast Drying Undercoat takes about 1 to 2 hours; Fast Drying Satin and Gloss take about 3 to 4 hours. Do not apply below 10°C or when rain is imminent.
Is there anything you need to do to prepare a metal or wooden surface?
Softwood/MDF should be sound, clean and grease-free; treat knots, lightly sand, prime with diluted Fast Dry Undercoat, fill defects, sand smooth and apply undiluted undercoat before the topcoat. Bare metal should be rust- and grease-free and primed with Anti-Corrosive Metal Primer. Previously painted solvent-based surfaces should be cleaned, degreased and abraded before undercoat and topcoat.
What are your top tips to achieve the best finish?
Use the Fast Dry system of undercoat followed by Satin or Gloss. Apply, lay off and leave it rather than over-brushing. Apply slightly more paint than with traditional solvent products. On large flat areas, roll first and quickly lay off with a quality synthetic brush.
What methods of application can be used?
Brush with a good-quality synthetic brush; roller with a high-quality short-pile microfibre or glosser roller, not foam; or HVLP/airless spray with suitable respiratory equipment and ventilation.
What surfaces can the range be applied to?
Interior and exterior woodwork such as front or internal doors, window frames and skirting boards, plus interior and exterior metalwork such as radiators and gates.
Exterior masonry & woodwork
Can I paint Fletton Common Bricks?
Painting is not recommended because these bricks are generally very smooth, dense and non-absorbent, making adhesion difficult.
Can the Flexible Exterior Gloss system be used on previously painted surfaces?
Yes. It offers improved resistance to UV attack and weathering compared with traditional gloss, retaining colour and gloss for longer.
Do I need to use a stabilising solution before applying masonry paint?
Not on a sound, clean surface. Use it where the surface is extremely porous, chalky or friable. Test a small area; if it dries glossy, thin one part white spirit to two parts stabilising solution. Follow the product data sheet.
Do I need undercoat on unpainted plastic rainwater goods?
No, provided they have weathered. Clean and dry them, then apply Gloss directly.
How can I avoid batch-to-batch colour variation when using more than one can?
Use the same batch where possible. If using multiple batches, intermix the paint. If that is impractical, change batches at a natural break.
How can I hide recurring hairline cracks on exterior walls?
Use Hi-Textured Masonry Finish. It hides and disguises cracks, and its flexibility helps prevent them reappearing for a period.
I have mould on external walls. What should I do before painting?
Check the damp-proof course, cracks and leaks. Treat mould and fungal growth with Fungicidal Wash for at least 24 hours; a second treatment may be needed.
My customer's exterior front door is flaking badly. What is the best remedy?
Remove existing coatings back to bare wood and use the full Flexible Exterior Gloss System for flexibility, colour retention and microporous breathability.
The masonry paint I applied this morning washed off in the first rain shower. Why?
The water-based paint had not fully cured. Cold, humid conditions and temperatures of 10°C or below can prevent drying. Where conditions are uncertain, use Pliolite Based Masonry, which is rain-resistant within 20 minutes and can be applied down to -5°C.
What are the benefits of Flexible Exterior Gloss and Undercoat on exterior woodwork?
The flexible alkyd resin film resists cracking and blistering as timber moves or becomes damp. The product has been independently tested for a life expectancy exceeding five years.
What can I use to paint external walls during winter?
Pliolite Based Masonry is suitable because it is shower-proof after about 20 minutes and can be applied at temperatures as low as -5°C.
What would cause masonry paint to flake off?
Possible causes include inadequate preparation, dirt, mould or lichen, an unstable surface, moisture in the substrate, water ingress, or weak bonds between heavy existing paint layers.
Which coating can meet an anti-carbonation specification for car park walls?
Smooth Masonry and Fine Textured Masonry paints have been tested and provide anti-carbonation properties that resist carbon dioxide ingress from exhaust fumes. Confirmation is available from Leyland Paints.
Which sealer do I need for my unpainted concrete walls?
If the walls are clean, dry and sound, use a first coat of slightly thinned masonry paint. If friable and dusty, treat with a stabilising solution.
Why have I not achieved the coverage rate quoted on the tins?
Coverage is a theoretical average. Actual spread depends on surface condition, porosity and profile. Absorbent or textured surfaces use more paint, so use suitable primers or sealers where required.
Floors
Can I use this paint on a metal floor area?
Yes. Prime the metal first with All Purpose Primer.
How long should I wait before painting a new concrete floor?
As a guide, allow one month of drying for every inch of concrete depth. Building conditions also affect drying. Painting before the floor is fully dry can cause premature failure.
I have never applied floor paint before. Do you have any tips?
Cut in edges with a brush and apply the rest with a roller, ideally on an extension pole. Work in equal sections to keep a wet edge. Use a heavier-pile roller on rougher or more textured floors.
Why has the floor paint stuck to my car tyres?
Likely causes include poor adhesion from dirt or grease, applying one very thick coat, or returning the vehicle before the coating has fully dried and cured.
Interior walls & ceilings
Does this paint help with bathrooms that suffer from bad condensation?
Yes. Hardwearing Acrylic Eggshell is stain- and moisture-resistant and can handle extreme condensation, including commercial kitchens, bathrooms and swimming pool environments.
I'm applying the paint to bare plaster, any tips?
Ensure the plaster is fully dry. Apply a mist coat by diluting Hardwearing Acrylic Eggshell with 10% clean cold water, or use one coat of Acrylic Primer Undercoat. Once dry, usually after 3 to 4 hours, apply two undiluted coats. Previously glossy walls should be lightly sanded and primed.
Is Hardwearing Acrylic Eggshell scrubbable?
Yes. It is rated as scrubbable and is easy to clean, making it suitable for kitchens, bathrooms and high-traffic areas. Allow a seven-day curing period after application before cleaning.
Which rollers and brushes will help me achieve a great finish?
Clean and wet-sand painted surfaces, rinse and dry. Use a high-quality synthetic bristle brush. For walls use a short-pile roller on flat surfaces or a medium-pile roller on slightly textured surfaces. For wood or metal use a short-pile polyester or glosser microfibre roller. Do not use foam rollers.
I applied two coats but can still see the colour beneath. What can I do?
Contrasting colours may require extra coats. Under Vinyl Silk, first apply Vinyl Matt in a similar shade to improve hiding power.
What finish is best for school corridor walls?
Use a tough, durable and washable finish such as Acrylic Eggshell or Hardwearing Matt. Both are low odour and quick drying.
What is the best paint for bathroom walls?
Acrylic Eggshell is durable, washable, does not promote mould growth, and offers quick drying and low odour.
What should I do about white crystal-like deposits on new plaster?
This is efflorescence caused by moisture. Dry-brush the deposits and monitor until they stop. Super Leytex Matt can be used on new plaster.
What should I use to seal dry new plaster before painting?
Thin the first coat of the chosen emulsion with about 10% clean water, such as 500 ml water to 5 litres of paint. Do not seal with another product that could make paint application harder.
Which paint is best for new plaster?
Use a permeable, breathable coating such as Super Leytex Matt so moisture can escape without blistering the paint film.
Why are touched-up areas on a new build still visible?
Different paint batches, application tools, textures and film thicknesses can show in the light. If touching up fails, repaint the full area. Deep colours and higher sheens are harder to touch up invisibly.
Why did new plaster use so much paint on the first coat?
New plaster is highly absorbent. Thin the first coat with about 10% clean water; the second coat should spread further.
Why do cleaned patches on Vinyl Matt look shiny?
Vigorous rubbing can remove and burnish standard matt emulsion. In high-traffic areas, use a specially formulated Hardwearing Matt.
Why has my emulsion dried streaky and patchy?
Likely causes are uneven application, inadequate stirring, surface porosity or contamination such as grease and dirt.
Why have I not achieved the coverage rate quoted on the tin?
Actual spread depends on the surface condition, porosity, profile and how generously the coating was applied.
Why is old emulsion peeling from my kitchen walls?
The surface may have been contaminated or insufficiently prepared. Paint applied to a hard glossy or oil-based finish without abrasion may lack a suitable key.
Primers & surface preparation
Can I leave primed timber exposed externally for long periods?
No. Primer is not weather-resistant. Exposed primed surfaces may need preparation and re-priming. Apply finishing coats as soon as possible, preferably within seven days.
Can I use Acrylic Primer Undercoat on bare timber architraves and skirting before Gloss?
Yes. It can serve as both primer and full undercoat, and any Leyland finish, including solvent-based gloss, can be applied over it.
How do I treat nicotine-stained surfaces?
Wash down to remove as much contamination as possible, apply Alkali Resisting Wall Primer to stained areas, then finish with Acrylic Eggshell.
What primer can I use on different surfaces?
Acrylic Primer Undercoat can be used on correctly prepared wood, metal and plaster.
Which primer should I use before glossing external stone window sills?
Use Alkali Resisting Wall Primer to seal powdery surfaces and resist alkali attack, followed by Flexible Exterior Undercoat and Gloss.
Why do I need to prime bare timber?
Primer soaks into the timber, creates a good bond and reduces absorbency, providing a sound base for subsequent coats.
Wood & metal
Can I apply gloss directly to faded plastic rainwater goods?
Yes, after thorough cleaning. No undercoat is needed unless the surface was previously painted. More than one gloss coat may be required.
Can I use Non-Drip and One Coat Gloss externally on window frames?
Yes. Both can be used externally and provide protection and durability when the surface is prepared and the product is applied as instructed.
Do I apply water-based gloss like liquid gloss?
Generally yes. Use a good-quality synthetic brush, apply generously, spread evenly without overspreading, and work quickly to maintain the wet edge.
How can I remove the smell after using gloss paint?
Ventilate well by opening doors and windows during and after application. Remove soft furnishings beforehand because they can absorb odour.
What can I use when a customer dislikes solvent-paint odour?
Use Leyland Fast Drying Gloss or Satin. It is low odour, quick drying, tough and hard-wearing.
What causes runs in gloss paint?
Uneven or over-generous application, or adding paint where the coating has begun to set, can cause runs, curtains and sags. Let it harden, rub down and repaint.
Why does paint chip off an existing solvent-based coating?
The surface may not have been fully clean, dry and abraded. Old gloss needs a suitable key; otherwise adhesion and impact resistance are poor.
Why has a deep-colour gloss not fully covered the undercoat?
Very deep shades can need additional coats for full opacity. Extra coats also add protection.
Why has exterior gloss dried flat?
Damp or cold conditions during drying can cause gloss loss or blooming. Rub down once hard and recoat in better conditions.
Why has solvent-based brilliant white gloss yellowed indoors?
Solvent-based paints discolour over time, especially away from natural daylight. Nicotine and oil-burning appliances can accelerate it. Fast Drying Gloss or Satin stays whiter for longer.
Johnstone's Trade
Indoor air quality
How can you determine whether a product is bio-based?
Bio-based content is determined using international standard ASTM D6866. Johnstone's Air Pure is formulated with 45% renewable materials, certified by Beta Analytic in accordance with ASTM D6866.
How does Johnstone's Trade Air Pure improve indoor air quality?
It contains additives shown to reduce up to 70% of formaldehyde from the air from the first day.
What does bio-based mean?
A bio-based paint uses renewable raw materials instead of fossil raw materials.
Why is indoor air quality important?
Clean air is essential for life, health and the environment. Improving indoor air through cleaner technologies and simple behavioural changes can reduce environmental risks to health.
Sustainability & certification
Are paint products with one or more labels circular?
No. Sustainability labels, approvals or certificates do not make a paint product circular, although PPG aims for sustainable production methods and lower-impact raw materials.
Are paint products with sustainability labels more sustainable than products without labels?
Not necessarily. An untested product may still meet a label’s criteria, but without testing the evidence is absent. The page notes that only CE marking is subject to an EU obligation; the other labels and certificates described are voluntary.
Can I receive ISO 14001 certificates as project sustainability evidence for products used?
ISO 14001 concerns an organisation’s environmental management system, not the sustainability of a paint product. A copy of the organisational certificate may be available through Technical Support Services.
Can I receive a BREEAM certificate from PPG for a certain paint?
BREEAM certifies buildings, not products. Paints can be tested against BREEAM emission limits, and successful test reports or attestations may support points in a building assessment. The page refers to products with certificates relevant to BREEAM International 2022 HEA 02.
Can I receive a material passport for a specific paint product?
A material passport may include circularity, carbon footprint, safety and product characteristics. Requirements are determined at EU level. The source page states that a passport is not currently mandatory in the Netherlands and Belgium, while some information is already available through Sigma resources.
Can I receive raw-material information for PPG paint products from a circularity perspective?
PPG does not routinely disclose paint raw materials. Existing paint layers cannot yet generally be recovered from building components and reused circularly, so the paints are not currently suitable for circular use.
Do PPG paints, varnishes and lacquers meet phase 2 solvent-emission standards under European Decopaint Directive 2004/42/EC, and is a certificate available?
PPG is obliged to comply with national and international legislation. No certificate is available.
What does circularity mean?
Circularity treats today’s products as future raw materials that can be dismantled and reused, aiming for a world without waste. It supports reducing raw-material depletion and limiting climate change.
Which PPG label meets a Type I environmental quality mark requirement for interior paints and varnishes?
Under ISO 14024:2018, a Type I environmental label is independently assessed against pre-established life-cycle criteria. Using a paint product with the Ecolabel meets the stated Type I quality-mark requirement.
Wood & metal
How does Johnstone's Trade Aqua Guard differ from existing products in the category?
It combines the expected features of a premium water-based paint with additional durability for a long-lasting result.
Where can Johnstone's Trade Aqua Guard be used?
It is formulated for interior wood and metal.
Will I need to purchase specialist primers or undercoats?
For best results, use Johnstone's Trade Aqua Guard with Johnstone's Trade Aqua Guard Primer Undercoat.
Will Johnstone's Trade Aqua Guard affect my brushes?
No. It should not cause drying or paint build-up problems on brushes.
