PAINTING SERVICES

 

GAIACON offers a variety of painting and restoration services to its clients. Whether it is a simple repair or re-paint of a single wall to a much larger project involving an entire structure make-over, GAIACON is more than capable. What separates GAIACON from other painting companies is our ability to correct any possible building defects, structural problems or any issues that may occur during any project. As a, primarily, construction based company GAIACON can assess and repair any structural or building issue quickly and conveniently during any project, making us the optimal choice for any restoration or painting project.

GAIACON painting services are par to none, operating for over 40 years we have adopted the international ISO 9001 standard Quality Systems Model for quality assurance in design, development, production, installation and servicing as its standard for quality assurance.

PAINT & APPLICATION TYPES

GAIACON uses materials of the highest quality from well-known suppliers, guaranteed to complete your painting or restoration project beautifully and professionally. GAIACON guarantees long-lasting professional paint work that exceeds all client expectations and project requirements.

 

 

PAINTING SERVICES

GAIACON’s experienced team of painters are skilled to complete even the toughest painting projects in compliance with the highest standards.

 

Painting to newly erected masonry work

• Direct coatings to various masonry types, such as R.O.K. (Clay brick), CMU’s (Concrete Masonry Units).
• Interior masonry constructed walls
• Exterior masonry constructed walls
• Boundary masonry constructed walls

Painting to gypsum based plaster

• Coating of various paint applications to gypsum based plaster work

Painting to cement based plaster

• Coating of various paint applications to cement rendering and plaster work

 

 

RESTORATION SERVICES

 

• Residential restoration projects
• Industrial restoration projects
• Large scale restoration

 

PAINTING, REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE

 

• Repairs to cracked and damaged walls
• Graffiti removal
• Re-applying of protective coatings to various wood types & structures

 

 

APPLICATION

Paint can be applied as a solid, a gaseous suspension (aerosol) or a liquid. Techniques vary depending on the practical or artistic results desired. As a solid (usually used in industrial and automotive applications), the paint is applied as a very fine powder, then baked at high temperature. This melts the powder and causes it to adhere to the surface. The reasons for doing this involve the chemistries of the paint, the surface itself, and perhaps even the chemistry of the substrate (the object being painted). This is called ‘powder coating’ an object.

 

As a gas or as a gaseous suspension, the paint is suspended in solid or liquid form in a gas that is sprayed on an object. The paint sticks to the object. This is called "spray painting" an object. The reasons for doing this include:

• The application mechanism is air and thus no solid object touches the object being painted;
• The distribution of the paint is uniform, so there are no sharp lines;
• It is possible to deliver very small amounts of paint;
• A chemical (typically a solvent) can be sprayed along with the paint to dissolve together both the delivered paint and the chemicals on the surface of the object being painted;
• Some chemical reactions in paint involve the orientation of the paint molecules.

 

Surface application

The application of the paint is fairly easily if done correctly. It is the prep work and order of operations that is tedious and detailed. Your first step when painting is to make sure you move all of the furniture, pictures, tables, etc. out of the room and most importantly out of your work space. Next is to lay down tarps or drop cloths to protect your flooring, but most of all if you spill or splash any paint. The next step, wall preparation, is a detailed process which could involve anything from skim coating, spackling, caulking, sanding, priming, taping, etc.

After all the prep work has been completed you can now begin painting. Usually your first step in painting should be the "cutting in phase". This phase includes the brushwork around the edges, windows, doors, trim, molding, ceiling or wall line, etc. It is up to the painter in which order of wall spaces he or she chooses to do first. For instance it does not matter if you cut into the ceiling or paint the window trim first and paint the walls last or vies versa. What is important is that the user cuts in first on every wall space. From there, depending of your order of operation, you can use a roller to roll-out the large open space on each wall space. After you applied the necessary amount of coats to the wall, you can remove any tape left behind and clean up. It is recommended that you do not try to wash your walls for at least two weeks after painting to let the paint cure fully. In the liquid application, paint can be applied by direct application using brushes, paint rollers, blades, other instruments, or body parts such as fingers and thumbs.

 

Rollers generally have a handle that allows for different lengths of poles to be attached, allowing painting at different heights. Generally, roller application requires two coats for even color. A roller with a thicker nap is used to apply paint on uneven surfaces. Edges are often finished with an angled brush.

• Using the finish flat one would most likely use a 1/2" nap roller
• Using the finish eggshell one would most likely use a 3/8" nap roller
• Using the finish satin or pearl one would most likely use a 3/8" nap roller
• Using the finish semi-gloss or gloss one would most likely use a 3/16" nap roller

 

After liquid paint is applied, there is an interval during which it can be blended with additional painted regions (at the "wet edge") called "open time." The open time of an oil or alkyd-based emulsion paint can be extended by adding white spirit, similar glycols such as Dowanol (propylene glycol ether) or open time prolongers. This can also facilitate the mixing of different wet paint layers for aesthetic effect. Latex and acrylic emulsions require the use of drying retardants suitable for water-based coatings.

 

Spray paint application

Paint application by spray is the most popular method in many industries. In this, paint is atomized by the force of compressed air or by the action of high pressure compression of the paint itself, and the paint is turned into small droplets which travel to the article which is to be painted. Alternate methods are airless spray, hot spray, hot airless spray, and any of these with an electrostatic spray included. There are numerous electrostatic methods available.

Many paints tend to separate when stored, the heavier components settling to the bottom, and require mixing before use. Some paint outlets have machines for mixing the paint by shaking the can vigorously for a few minutes.

 

Water based paint

Water-based paints tend to be the easiest to clean up after use; the brushes and rollers can be cleaned with soap and water.

 

Disposal of paint

To dispose of paint it can be dried and disposed of in the domestic waste stream, provided that it contains no prohibited substances (see container). Disposal of liquid paint usually requires special handling and should be treated as hazardous waste, and disposed of according to local regulations.

 

Proper disposal of left over paint is a challenge. Sometimes it can be recycled: Old paint may be usable for a primer coat or an intermediate coat, and paints of similar chemistry can be mixed to make a larger amount of a uniform color.

 

 

PRODUCT VARIANTS

 

Primer

Primer is a preparatory coating put on materials before painting. Priming ensures better adhesion of paint to the surface, increases paint durability, and provides additional protection for the material being painted. It can also be used to block and seal stains, or to hide a color that is to be painted over.

 

Emulsion paint:

Emulsion paint is a water-based paint used for painting interior or exterior surfaces.

 

Flat Finish:

This finish is generally used on ceilings or walls that are in bad shape. This finish is more forgiving in terms of hiding imperfections in your walls and covers greatly. However this finish provides no washability if you were to get a stain on the wall.

 

Matte Finish:

This finish is very similar if not the same to the flat finish, but comes with some washability and good coverage.

 

Eggshell Finish:

This finish has some sheen to it, the equivalence to a shell on an egg. This finish provides great washability, but shows some imperfections on walls. This finish is ideal for bathrooms because it offers not only washability, but has enough shine so water will not stick to it and make it peel.

 

Pearl (Satin) Finish:

This is very durable in terms of washability and resistance to moisture. It will offer the user the full protection on their walls from dirt, moisture, stains, etc. This finish is ideal for bathrooms, furniture, and kitchens, but will show even more imperfections on walls because of its strong shine (this finish is shinier then eggshell).

 

Semi-Gloss Finish:

This finish is typically used on trim to add detail, elegance, and to show off the wood work. It is used on doors and furniture as well. This is a very high shine, but provides the most protection from moisture and stains on your walls. Obviously this finish will show the imperfections on the wall tremendously. This finish is generally used where washability and durability are the only considerations.

 

Varnish:

Varnish provides a protective coating without changing the color. They are paints without pigment.

 

Wood stain:

Wood stain is a type of paint that is very "thin," that is, low in viscosity, and formulated so that the pigment penetrates the surface rather than remaining in a film on the surface. Stain is predominantly pigment or dye and solvent with little binder, designed primarily to add color without providing a surface coating.

 

Laquer:

Lacquer is usually a fast-drying solvent-based paint or varnish that produces an especially hard, durable finish.

 

Enamel paint:

An enamel paint is a paint that dries to an especially hard, usually glossy, finish. Enamel paints sometimes contain glass powder or tiny metal flake fragments instead of the color pigments found in standard oil-based paints. Enamel paint is sometimes mixed with varnish or urethane to increase shine as well as assist its hardening process.

 

Glaze paint:

A glaze is an additive used with paint to slow drying time and increase translucency, as in faux painting and Art Painting.

 

Roof paint:

A roof coating is a fluid applied membrane which has elastic properties that allows it to stretch and return to their original shape without damage. It provides UV protection to polyurethane foam and is widely used as part of a roof restoration system.

 

Anti-graffiti paints:

Anti-graffiti coatings are used to defeat the marking of surfaces by graffiti vandals. There are two categories, sacrificial and non-bonding. Sacrificial coatings are clear coatings that allow the removal of graffiti, usually by pressure washing the surface with high-pressure water, removing the graffiti, and the coating (hence, sacrificed). They must be re-applied afterward for continued protection. This is most commonly used on natural-looking masonry surfaces, such as statuary and marble walls, and on rougher surfaces that are difficult to clean. Non-bonding coatings are clear, high-performance coatings, usually catalyzed polyurethanes, that allow the graffiti very little to bond to. After the graffiti is discovered, it can be removed with the use of a solvent wash, without damaging the underlying substrate or protective coating. These work best when used on smoother surfaces, and especially over other painted surfaces, including murals.

 

 

Anti-climb paint:

This is a non-drying paint that appears normal while being extremely slippery. It is usually used on drainpipes and ledges to deter burglars and vandals from climbing them, and is found in many public places. When a person attempts to climb objects coated with the paint, it rubs off onto the climber, as well as making it hard for them to climb.

 

Insulating paint:

Insulative paint, or insulating paint, reduces the rate of thermal transfer through a surface to which is applied. It consists of any paint with an additive of microspheres that are hollow (vacuum-filled).

 

 

FAILURE OF A PAINT

The main reasons of paint failure after application on surface are the applicator and improper treatment of surface. Application Defects can be attributed to:

 

Dilution:

This usually occurs when the dilution of the paint is not done as per manufacturers recommendation. There can be a case of over dilution and under dilution, as well as dilution with the incorrect diluent.

 

Contamination:

Foreign contaminants added without the manufacturers consent which results in various film defects.

 

Peeling/Blistering:

Most commonly due to improper surface treatment before application. Peeling and blistering is also caused due to the inherent moisture/dampness being present in the substrate.

 

Chalking:

Chalking is the progressive powdering of the paint film on the painted surface. The primary reason for the problem is polymer degradation of the paint matrix due to exposure of UV radiation in sunshine and condensation from dew. The degree of chalking varies as epoxies react quickly while acrylics and polyurethanes can remain unchanged for long periods. The degree of chalking can be assessed according to International Standard ISO 4628 Part 6 or 7 or American Society of Testing and Materials(ASTM) Method D4214 (Standard Test Methods for Evaluating the Degree of Chalking of Exterior Paint Films).

 

Cracking:

Cracking of paint film is due to the unequal expansion or contraction of paint coats. It usually happens when the coats of the paint are not allowed to cure/dry completely before the next coat is applied. The degree of cracking can be assessed according to International Standard ISO 4628 Part 4 or ASTM Method D661 (Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Cracking of Exterior Paints).

 

Erosion:

Erosion is very quick chalking. It occurs due to external agents like air, water etc. It can be evaluated using ASTM Method ASTM D662 (Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Erosion of Exterior Paints).

 

 

 

DANGERS

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paint are considered harmful to the environment and especially for people who work with them on a regular basis. Exposure to VOCs has been related to organic solvent syndrome, although this relation has been somewhat controversial.

 

In many countries, environmental regulations, consumer demand, and advances in technology led to the development of low-VOC and zero-VOC paint and finishes. These new paints are widely available and meet or exceed the old high-VOC products in performance and cost-effectiveness while having significantly less impact on human and environmental health.

 

ASSURED QUALITY

As a certified member of The National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC), GAIACON is required to meet regulated industry criteria for technical, construction and financial capabilities. In addition, the scope and mandate of the NHBRC is governed by The Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act (Act No. 95 of 1998). The Act states that the NHBRC and or any certified member’s role is to:

• Represent the interests of housing consumers by providing warranty protection against defects in new homes
• Provide protection to housing consumers in respect of the failure of bad workmanship.
• To promote ethical and technical standards in the home building industry.
• Improve structural quality in the industry.
• To promote housing consumer rights and to provide housing consumer information.
• Communicate with and to assist home builders to register in terms of the Act.
• To achieve and maintain satisfactory technical standards of home building.

With this kind of assurance you can be 100% guaranteed that all of GAIACON’s painting products and services are of an exceptionally high standard. GAIACON has been operating for over 40 years and has adopted the international ISO 9001 standard Quality Systems Model for quality assurance in design, development, production, installation and servicing as its standard for quality assurance.

 

For any questions regarding GAIACON’s painting services and products please feel free to contact us, we will get back to you as soon as we can.