Although vast differences exist between painting for a residential home and painting for a commercial location, a few areas of similarity can be found. One of those areas of convergence is in color matching.
Color matching is the practice of selecting colors that most closely resemble other colors found in an environment. In a residential setting, this may done by the home owner or a professional decorator, who will likely use a series of color swatches to find the right hues to use in a design.
In large scale public places such as hotel or hospital lobbies, arena reception areas and convention centers, color matching to the carpeting, drapes or other design elements needs to be done accurately and efficiently. Even more important for color matching in commercial settings is a high degree of reproducibility, especially for chain retail stores that must present a brand identity.
In order to deliver color matching at commercial scales, some paint manufacturers such as Sherwin-Williams use a spectrophotometer to match colors under controlled conditions. A spectrophotometer is a computer that is able to differentiate between very fine shadings of color, and is able to so more quickly and accurately than the human eye.
Using sample swatches of carpet, fabrics and other materials from a public setting, a spectrophotometer is able to recommend color matches that complement the hue and intensity of the colors present in the samples. This leaves the painting contractor free to focus on the performance aspects of the paints needed for a project.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Asbestos Certification
The costs of certification and training means that encapsulation and asbestos abatement work is most often performed by specialized asbestos and hazardous materials contractors. The specific requirements for asbestos certification may vary slightly from state to state and are based on guidelines set by the federal government.
In the state of California, the required certification for asbestos work is the Asbestos Abatement Certification (ASB). The certification is awarded by testing. Five general subjects are covered by the certification exam: safety procedures and regulations, handling and containing asbestos-containing materials, asbestos abatement procedures, containment area preparation, and site evaluation.
Generally, asbestos abatement work must be done by certified professionals. However, in a very few instances, asbestos related work may be performed without asbestos certification. In California, the installation, maintenance or repair of a few types of asbestos-containing materials (asbestos cement pipe or sheets, vinyl asbestos floor materials, or asbestos bituminous or resinous materials) can be done by contractors without certification.
For all other types of asbestos-related work involving 100 square feet or more of asbestos-containing material, contractors are required to be certified by the state in order to perform the work.
In the state of California, the required certification for asbestos work is the Asbestos Abatement Certification (ASB). The certification is awarded by testing. Five general subjects are covered by the certification exam: safety procedures and regulations, handling and containing asbestos-containing materials, asbestos abatement procedures, containment area preparation, and site evaluation.
Generally, asbestos abatement work must be done by certified professionals. However, in a very few instances, asbestos related work may be performed without asbestos certification. In California, the installation, maintenance or repair of a few types of asbestos-containing materials (asbestos cement pipe or sheets, vinyl asbestos floor materials, or asbestos bituminous or resinous materials) can be done by contractors without certification.
For all other types of asbestos-related work involving 100 square feet or more of asbestos-containing material, contractors are required to be certified by the state in order to perform the work.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Asbestos Encapsulation Step by Step
Encapsulation techniques of asbestos abatement seal off materials containing asbestos behind a barrier of some sort. One common method for performing asbestos encapsulation uses various coatings to cover asbestos materials. Encapsulation is often used to cover non-friable materials which may be subject to weathering or use, such as asbestos-laced concrete.
Here is a quick step by step run down of the encapsulation process.
Unlike most painting projects, surface preparation for asbestos encapsulation is limited to removing mold, lichen or other growths. No attempt is made to sand or roughen the surface in preparation for the primer coat. Doing so would release asbestos fibers, and create a health hazard.
After any mold and lichen have been removed, an initial sealer is applied to the surface. The characteristics of this sealer allow it to penetrate deeply into the material and lock into the substrate. The sealer, if properly applied will decrease the likelihood of the material degrading or deteriorating and releasing harmful asbestos fibers into the air.
Once the sealer has thoroughly dried, a tough topcoat is applied to protect the sealer from weathering effects. For interior locations, gypsum wallboard may be applied over the encapsulated surface.
Asbestos abatement procedures must be done by properly licensed professionals. If your paint and coating contractors do not have the required training and certification, they should be able to put you in touch with professional asbestos abatement company.
Coming Up: Asbestos Certification
Here is a quick step by step run down of the encapsulation process.
Unlike most painting projects, surface preparation for asbestos encapsulation is limited to removing mold, lichen or other growths. No attempt is made to sand or roughen the surface in preparation for the primer coat. Doing so would release asbestos fibers, and create a health hazard.
After any mold and lichen have been removed, an initial sealer is applied to the surface. The characteristics of this sealer allow it to penetrate deeply into the material and lock into the substrate. The sealer, if properly applied will decrease the likelihood of the material degrading or deteriorating and releasing harmful asbestos fibers into the air.
Once the sealer has thoroughly dried, a tough topcoat is applied to protect the sealer from weathering effects. For interior locations, gypsum wallboard may be applied over the encapsulated surface.
Asbestos abatement procedures must be done by properly licensed professionals. If your paint and coating contractors do not have the required training and certification, they should be able to put you in touch with professional asbestos abatement company.
Coming Up: Asbestos Certification
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Asbestos Abatement Step by Step
Asbestos removal is one method of dealing with asbestos materials during repair of renovation. The procedures get rid of the hazardous material so it does not have to be dealt with in the future. However, the process of asbestos abatement by removal is time-intensive and is quite expensive, as a quick step by step look at the process reveals:
Containment
Asbestos removal begins by sealing off the area with heavy grade plastic sheeting. Once the area has been cordoned off, HEPA air filters are installed in the work area to trap any free asbestos fibers floating in the air.
Monitoring
Air quality is continually monitored during asbestos removal. Samples of air are taken several times through out the procedure and sent to labs for testing.
Preparation
The asbestos material is readied for removal. Where possible, the material is dampened to reduce the amount of asbestos fibers released by disturbing the material. Specially trained workers don clean room suits to perform the removal work.
Removal
Most asbestos removal is done by hand in order to minimize the amount of asbestos-contaminated dust produced by the procedure. The asbestos material is placed in plastic bags. Once the material is removed, the bags are sealed and tagged.
Disposal
The sealed bags of asbestos material are transported to a licensed disposal facility. At each step of the disposal process, the bags of asbestos contaminated waste are tracked and reported.
All of these precautions are necessary due to the health risks associated with friable asbestos. Unfortunately, the precautions are an expensive addition to a renovation budget. Encapsulation and containment may be a more cost effective way to deal with asbestos.
Coming Up: Asbestos Encapsulation Step by Step
Containment
Asbestos removal begins by sealing off the area with heavy grade plastic sheeting. Once the area has been cordoned off, HEPA air filters are installed in the work area to trap any free asbestos fibers floating in the air.
Monitoring
Air quality is continually monitored during asbestos removal. Samples of air are taken several times through out the procedure and sent to labs for testing.
Preparation
The asbestos material is readied for removal. Where possible, the material is dampened to reduce the amount of asbestos fibers released by disturbing the material. Specially trained workers don clean room suits to perform the removal work.
Removal
Most asbestos removal is done by hand in order to minimize the amount of asbestos-contaminated dust produced by the procedure. The asbestos material is placed in plastic bags. Once the material is removed, the bags are sealed and tagged.
Disposal
The sealed bags of asbestos material are transported to a licensed disposal facility. At each step of the disposal process, the bags of asbestos contaminated waste are tracked and reported.
All of these precautions are necessary due to the health risks associated with friable asbestos. Unfortunately, the precautions are an expensive addition to a renovation budget. Encapsulation and containment may be a more cost effective way to deal with asbestos.
Coming Up: Asbestos Encapsulation Step by Step
Monday, August 18, 2008
Containment and Encapsulation Re-Visited: Asbestos
Lead paint is not the only hazardous substance subject to abatement laws in the United States. Asbestos, a tough, chemical-resistant mineral once widely used in insulation, flooring and soundproofing materials, is also subject to abatement standards.
Materials made from asbestos are generally safe, unless they become damaged by use or are disturbed during renovation or remodeling. If they are damaged or disturbed, these products may release microscopic asbestos fibers which can become lodged in the lungs, leading to serious lung diseases such as asbestosis. In some cases, exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to a deadly form of lung cancer called mesothelioma.
In order to prevent asbestos materials from becoming a health hazard, specially licensed workers must perform asbestos abatement. The level of training and certification required for asbestos abatement work will usually require your paint and coating contractor to sub-contract with a specialty abatement company.
During a renovation project, the cost of asbestos removal or containment must be factored into the project budget. A removal strategy pulls out the asbestos materials during a repair or renovation, while a containment strategy seals the asbestos material from further exposure.
The removal of asbestos materials is more likely to create harmful asbestos dust, which increases both the health and economic costs associated with the project. Containment is more often recommended because this method costs less and is less likely to create asbestos laden dust during the project.
Coming Up: Asbestos Abatement Step by Step
Materials made from asbestos are generally safe, unless they become damaged by use or are disturbed during renovation or remodeling. If they are damaged or disturbed, these products may release microscopic asbestos fibers which can become lodged in the lungs, leading to serious lung diseases such as asbestosis. In some cases, exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to a deadly form of lung cancer called mesothelioma.
In order to prevent asbestos materials from becoming a health hazard, specially licensed workers must perform asbestos abatement. The level of training and certification required for asbestos abatement work will usually require your paint and coating contractor to sub-contract with a specialty abatement company.
During a renovation project, the cost of asbestos removal or containment must be factored into the project budget. A removal strategy pulls out the asbestos materials during a repair or renovation, while a containment strategy seals the asbestos material from further exposure.
The removal of asbestos materials is more likely to create harmful asbestos dust, which increases both the health and economic costs associated with the project. Containment is more often recommended because this method costs less and is less likely to create asbestos laden dust during the project.
Coming Up: Asbestos Abatement Step by Step
Friday, August 15, 2008
New Products: Bug Juice, the Insecticide Paint
Some of the most intriguing developments in painting and coating technology occur in the field of paint additives. One area of interest for new commercial and industrial paint additives research is insect control. For many years, tree banding has been used to control the damage that harmful insects inflict on managed forests. However, finding an additive that is effective for use in exterior and interior paints has been selective process.
Designed by Walla Walla Environmental, Bug Juice is the first paint additive with insecticide qualities. It is also the first EPA-registered insecticide paint rated for interior and exterior use. The product is available as a concentrate which can be added to latex based paint, as well as oils, stains and sealers.
How Does It Work?
The active ingredient in Bug Juice is a chemical called deltamethrin. This complex compound damages the nervous systems of insects which crawl and feed on a treated surface. When used as a paint additive, deltamethrin works on contact, and the manufacturer recommends washing down a surface treated with deltamethrin additives to provide a clean surface for insects to come in contact with the pesticide.
Applications
A current application for the product is for insect control in manholes, electrical vaults and underground utility access spaces. White latex paint with the Bug Juice additive is sprayed on the surfaces. The insecticide additive helps control cockroaches, fire ants and other nuisance insects.
Designed by Walla Walla Environmental, Bug Juice is the first paint additive with insecticide qualities. It is also the first EPA-registered insecticide paint rated for interior and exterior use. The product is available as a concentrate which can be added to latex based paint, as well as oils, stains and sealers.
How Does It Work?
The active ingredient in Bug Juice is a chemical called deltamethrin. This complex compound damages the nervous systems of insects which crawl and feed on a treated surface. When used as a paint additive, deltamethrin works on contact, and the manufacturer recommends washing down a surface treated with deltamethrin additives to provide a clean surface for insects to come in contact with the pesticide.
Applications
A current application for the product is for insect control in manholes, electrical vaults and underground utility access spaces. White latex paint with the Bug Juice additive is sprayed on the surfaces. The insecticide additive helps control cockroaches, fire ants and other nuisance insects.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Two Latex Paint Myths
Here are two myths about latex paint that pop up from time to time. In the paint and coatings industry, latex paint is one of the most commonly used paints for light duty surfaces.
Latex Paint Triggers Latex Allergies
No. Latex allergies are usually caused by prolonged skin contact with products containing natural rubber, such as surgical gloves. In most cases, a latex painted surface will not be in extended contact with bare skin. Plus, latex paint does not contain natural rubber and therefore cannot trigger a latex allergy.
However, some people may be sensitive to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). If they are sensitive to VOCs, they may experience headaches or nausea. In order to avoid this, low VOC paints are a good choice for settings in which chemical sensitivities are an important concern (day care centers, schools, hospitals, etc).
Latex Paint Is Made from Rubber
No. Although named after the unprocessed sap of the rubber tree plant, latex paint is not made or derived from natural rubber. Latex paint is an emulsion of polyvinyl and acrylic compounds in water. In its “raw” state, without pigments or additives, latex paint is a milky fluid which strongly resembles rubber tree sap. This similarity is what earned the paint its name, and has caused confusion ever since.
Latex paint shares more than its name with latex rubber. Like rubber, latex paint shrinks to fit its surface. During the drying process, the particles of polyvinyl and acrylic compounds are drawn together as water evaporates, making a tight protective barrier.
Although it does not have the impressive wear characteristics of the epoxies, latex paint is versatile general purpose paint.
Latex Paint Triggers Latex Allergies
No. Latex allergies are usually caused by prolonged skin contact with products containing natural rubber, such as surgical gloves. In most cases, a latex painted surface will not be in extended contact with bare skin. Plus, latex paint does not contain natural rubber and therefore cannot trigger a latex allergy.
However, some people may be sensitive to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). If they are sensitive to VOCs, they may experience headaches or nausea. In order to avoid this, low VOC paints are a good choice for settings in which chemical sensitivities are an important concern (day care centers, schools, hospitals, etc).
Latex Paint Is Made from Rubber
No. Although named after the unprocessed sap of the rubber tree plant, latex paint is not made or derived from natural rubber. Latex paint is an emulsion of polyvinyl and acrylic compounds in water. In its “raw” state, without pigments or additives, latex paint is a milky fluid which strongly resembles rubber tree sap. This similarity is what earned the paint its name, and has caused confusion ever since.
Latex paint shares more than its name with latex rubber. Like rubber, latex paint shrinks to fit its surface. During the drying process, the particles of polyvinyl and acrylic compounds are drawn together as water evaporates, making a tight protective barrier.
Although it does not have the impressive wear characteristics of the epoxies, latex paint is versatile general purpose paint.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
A Short History of Paint
Paint has been around for a very long time. From the earliest cave paintings to today’s high performance industrial coatings, paint have played a vital role in the history of humankind. Some of the earliest examples of paint were put in use by the ancient Egyptians, who developed a blue pigment by grinding glass into powder.
Iron oxides, lead and pigments derived from the soil were used as colorants and dyes for thousands of years. Living creatures were often used to make colors. The royal purple developed by the Romans was made from a type of shellfish, the Murex mollusk. Cochineal red came from the cochineal beetle.
Until the middle of the Nineteenth Century, only naturally occurring substances were used for pigments, which restricted available colors to a relatively narrow range. Synthetic color manufacture opened new horizons for paint manufacturers, and gave them the ability to produce rich ultra-saturated paints.
Binding agents in early paints used varied from water to pressed oils. Egg tempera was used, as well as various types of glue. Eventually, linseed oil became the favored binder for paints. However, the paint had to be mixed in small batches. When Sherwin-Williams developed a method of maintaining pigment suspension in linseed oil in 1880, the first modern paints as used in the commercial painting industry were born.
Over time, linseed oil gave way to binders based on petroleum products and solvents. Today, paint can be custom manufactured, with the exact performance characteristics dialed in using highly specialized chemicals and additives.
Iron oxides, lead and pigments derived from the soil were used as colorants and dyes for thousands of years. Living creatures were often used to make colors. The royal purple developed by the Romans was made from a type of shellfish, the Murex mollusk. Cochineal red came from the cochineal beetle.
Until the middle of the Nineteenth Century, only naturally occurring substances were used for pigments, which restricted available colors to a relatively narrow range. Synthetic color manufacture opened new horizons for paint manufacturers, and gave them the ability to produce rich ultra-saturated paints.
Binding agents in early paints used varied from water to pressed oils. Egg tempera was used, as well as various types of glue. Eventually, linseed oil became the favored binder for paints. However, the paint had to be mixed in small batches. When Sherwin-Williams developed a method of maintaining pigment suspension in linseed oil in 1880, the first modern paints as used in the commercial painting industry were born.
Over time, linseed oil gave way to binders based on petroleum products and solvents. Today, paint can be custom manufactured, with the exact performance characteristics dialed in using highly specialized chemicals and additives.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Restoration Painting Jobs: Restoration Paints
Restoration painting is the practice of painting a structure so that it looks as good as new. For historically important buildings, being faithful to the original look of the building can be a little tricky because of the advances in painting and coating technology. These restoration projects require special paints which are formulated to look like the original, but give state of the art performance.
Restoration Paints
Restoration paints can be divided into two groups: authentic and serviceable. Authentic restoration paints attempt to use the same types of materials which were used to create the original paints, and are offered in colors that are historically appropriate to a given era. Serviceable restoration paints are meant for restoration work where functionality is a top concern.
The authenticity of authentic restoration paints can vary considerably between manufacturers. A truly authentic paint would have to be manufactured and distributed in the same fashion as it was originally, which may be cost-prohibitive. Also, some manufacturing processes are no longer legal due to hazardous material and pollution concerns. Thus, every paint manufacturer must balance historical accuracy with pricing and safety concerns when making authentic restoration paints.
For serviceable restoration paints, their protective qualities will trump historical accuracy. Serviceable paints are meant to cover small flaws and imperfections in the surface materials, and provide a protective barrier against the effects of weather. As long as these performance characteristics are meet, the remaining challenge is matching the colors used in the original structure.
Restoration Paints
Restoration paints can be divided into two groups: authentic and serviceable. Authentic restoration paints attempt to use the same types of materials which were used to create the original paints, and are offered in colors that are historically appropriate to a given era. Serviceable restoration paints are meant for restoration work where functionality is a top concern.
The authenticity of authentic restoration paints can vary considerably between manufacturers. A truly authentic paint would have to be manufactured and distributed in the same fashion as it was originally, which may be cost-prohibitive. Also, some manufacturing processes are no longer legal due to hazardous material and pollution concerns. Thus, every paint manufacturer must balance historical accuracy with pricing and safety concerns when making authentic restoration paints.
For serviceable restoration paints, their protective qualities will trump historical accuracy. Serviceable paints are meant to cover small flaws and imperfections in the surface materials, and provide a protective barrier against the effects of weather. As long as these performance characteristics are meet, the remaining challenge is matching the colors used in the original structure.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Restoration Painting Jobs: Special Concerns
Restoring historic and special interest buildings takes a lot of planning, research and hard work. When it comes to painting and recoating a historic structure, there are several special concerns that are unique to this type of project. During the next few days, we will cover the some of these concerns, beginning with the first stage of any painting project: surface preparation
Surface Prep
Although surface preparation is a vital and time-intensive part of every painting project, professional restoration projects have a number of special considerations that have to be successfully taken into account to produce a fantastic final coat. Excessive paint build-up, fragile surfaces and ornate surfaces are just a few of the special challenges that your painting contractor will face during the project.
Excessive Paint Build-Up
Older buildings may have dozens of layers of aged, chipped and worn paint covering its surfaces. Many times, the paints will be of widely different bases and compositions. Oils and acrylic layers will be mixed in with latex and alkyd coatings. Lead abatement may become as well. Getting rid of all this old paint is the first hurdle to overcome in the restoration project. Several applications of stripping products may be necessary, along with hand scrubbing and brushing before the building is ready for a new coat of paint.
Fragile and Ornate Surfaces
Once the old paint has been taken care, the surfaces need to be prepped to receive a fresh layer of paint. However, older buildings may have structural issues that need to be addressed before the project can move forward. Special care must be taken not to damage irreplaceable architectural details.
Coming Up: Restoration Paints
Surface Prep
Although surface preparation is a vital and time-intensive part of every painting project, professional restoration projects have a number of special considerations that have to be successfully taken into account to produce a fantastic final coat. Excessive paint build-up, fragile surfaces and ornate surfaces are just a few of the special challenges that your painting contractor will face during the project.
Excessive Paint Build-Up
Older buildings may have dozens of layers of aged, chipped and worn paint covering its surfaces. Many times, the paints will be of widely different bases and compositions. Oils and acrylic layers will be mixed in with latex and alkyd coatings. Lead abatement may become as well. Getting rid of all this old paint is the first hurdle to overcome in the restoration project. Several applications of stripping products may be necessary, along with hand scrubbing and brushing before the building is ready for a new coat of paint.
Fragile and Ornate Surfaces
Once the old paint has been taken care, the surfaces need to be prepped to receive a fresh layer of paint. However, older buildings may have structural issues that need to be addressed before the project can move forward. Special care must be taken not to damage irreplaceable architectural details.
Coming Up: Restoration Paints
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
More Fire Resistance Tests
ASTM E119 is only one test used o determine the effectiveness of fire protective coatings. The test does not measure all of the factors involved in a fire. To rate a coatings ability to resist these important aspects of a building fire, paint manufacturers turn to a selection of other fire resistance tests.
FM 4975
This fire resistance test measures the ability of a fire protective coating to resist the spread of flames for a short period of time. The test subjects a treated surface to flame for ten minutes, during which the thermal energy radiating from the material is measured. FM 4975 is meant for use with a narrow range of building materials, including Douglas fir plywood and ceiling tiles.
UL 1715
From Underwriter’s Laboratories, the painting industry uses UL 1715, the fire test of interior finish material, to further evaluate the performance of fire protective coatings. This test measures flame spread across the surface, and is thus a valuable indicator of the protective qualities of a fire resistant paint.
ASTM E662-97
Another test from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the E662-97 measures the density of smoke produced by burning solids. Combined with the data generated by the other fire resistance tests, the E662-97 helps provide a detailed picture of how well fire protective coatings work.
Proven fire protective coatings are a valuable addition to buildings fire safety methods, and they effectively augment other safety measures such as sprinklers and fire suppression systems.
FM 4975
This fire resistance test measures the ability of a fire protective coating to resist the spread of flames for a short period of time. The test subjects a treated surface to flame for ten minutes, during which the thermal energy radiating from the material is measured. FM 4975 is meant for use with a narrow range of building materials, including Douglas fir plywood and ceiling tiles.
UL 1715
From Underwriter’s Laboratories, the painting industry uses UL 1715, the fire test of interior finish material, to further evaluate the performance of fire protective coatings. This test measures flame spread across the surface, and is thus a valuable indicator of the protective qualities of a fire resistant paint.
ASTM E662-97
Another test from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the E662-97 measures the density of smoke produced by burning solids. Combined with the data generated by the other fire resistance tests, the E662-97 helps provide a detailed picture of how well fire protective coatings work.
Proven fire protective coatings are a valuable addition to buildings fire safety methods, and they effectively augment other safety measures such as sprinklers and fire suppression systems.
Fire Resistance Tests
Considerable research goes into developing more effective fire prevention systems. Fire resistant paints and coatings are a valuable part of a building fire safety plan, and manufacturers are constantly pushing their performance.
How do paint manufacturers judge the performance of a fire resistant paint? Simple: fire resistance tests.
The effective properties of fire protective coatings are often measured by comparison testing. First, fire resistance tests are performed on standardized materials that have not been coated with the special paints. Once the data has been gathered the tests are run again, this time on materials that have received a coating of the fire protective paints.
ASTM E119
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) developed this standard test for building materials. ASTM E119 measures the amount of time that building materials can contain a fire and/or retain their structural integrity. The test notes various factors, such as how much heat and hot gasses are transmitted through a material. The effects of fire on the material’s load-bearing capacity is also measured.
This test alone does not measure the amount of smoke and other combustion products through the material, nor does the test measure the degree of flame spread. To see how materials affect these important properties of a fire, and how well a fire protective coating enhances the properties of the coated material, other fire resistance tests are required.
Coming Up: More Fire Resistance Tests
How do paint manufacturers judge the performance of a fire resistant paint? Simple: fire resistance tests.
The effective properties of fire protective coatings are often measured by comparison testing. First, fire resistance tests are performed on standardized materials that have not been coated with the special paints. Once the data has been gathered the tests are run again, this time on materials that have received a coating of the fire protective paints.
ASTM E119
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) developed this standard test for building materials. ASTM E119 measures the amount of time that building materials can contain a fire and/or retain their structural integrity. The test notes various factors, such as how much heat and hot gasses are transmitted through a material. The effects of fire on the material’s load-bearing capacity is also measured.
This test alone does not measure the amount of smoke and other combustion products through the material, nor does the test measure the degree of flame spread. To see how materials affect these important properties of a fire, and how well a fire protective coating enhances the properties of the coated material, other fire resistance tests are required.
Coming Up: More Fire Resistance Tests
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Getting a Greener Building, Part II
Having the certification to back up your claims is an important part of building a green reputation.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a group of independent certification programs that were developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) to rate the level of compliance with environmentally-friendly building practices recommended by its members.
LEED has several certification programs, each geared toward a specific segment of the building and construction market. The programs of most interest to facility managers are the Commercial Interiors, New Construction, Core and Shell, Hospitals, Schools, and Retail programs. Existing public buildings of all types are covered under the Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance program.
Each certification program addresses environmental concerns within six broad categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and the innovation and design process. A building is scored for its performance of several sub-category tasks.
For example, Painting and coating is directly addressed under indoor environmental quality, and has its own category of low emitting materials. However, using recycled paint can help a building score higher in materials and resources. A careful selection of paint may also boost the building’s score in other categories, such as thermal efficiency and lighting control.
The LEED programs are periodically revised as technology creates new opportunities to make a greener building. For example, the Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance program is due for an update in September of 2008.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a group of independent certification programs that were developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) to rate the level of compliance with environmentally-friendly building practices recommended by its members.
LEED has several certification programs, each geared toward a specific segment of the building and construction market. The programs of most interest to facility managers are the Commercial Interiors, New Construction, Core and Shell, Hospitals, Schools, and Retail programs. Existing public buildings of all types are covered under the Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance program.
Each certification program addresses environmental concerns within six broad categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and the innovation and design process. A building is scored for its performance of several sub-category tasks.
For example, Painting and coating is directly addressed under indoor environmental quality, and has its own category of low emitting materials. However, using recycled paint can help a building score higher in materials and resources. A careful selection of paint may also boost the building’s score in other categories, such as thermal efficiency and lighting control.
The LEED programs are periodically revised as technology creates new opportunities to make a greener building. For example, the Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance program is due for an update in September of 2008.
Getting a Greener Building
If you want to build or maintain a greener building, you may want to take the LEED.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an independent certification program developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The USGBC is made up of building and construction professionals who believe that greener buildings are viable and sustainable. The members of the USGBC develop strategies for building construction, use and maintenance that are more environmentally friendly. The LEED program is used by many painting and coating manufacturers such as Sherwin-Williams to develop products that are more environmentally sound.
Participation in the program is not mandatory. If you are interested in presenting an environmentally conscious identity, you contact the USGBC and initiate a third party review of your building practices. Once the review is complete, your building is assigned a rating based on how well your building or operating practices stack up against industry suggested criteria.
Rankings for the LEED program are based on the level of compliance, with an established minimum score for certification. Higher levels of compliance earn higher rankings, from silver to gold to platinum.
Because this rating is from a third-party source, your commitment to a cleaner environment is not an empty statement, but a verified fact. By taking the LEED, your facility has proven its commitment to greener practices, which can be an important public relations asset.
Coming Up: Getting a Greener Building, Part II
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an independent certification program developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The USGBC is made up of building and construction professionals who believe that greener buildings are viable and sustainable. The members of the USGBC develop strategies for building construction, use and maintenance that are more environmentally friendly. The LEED program is used by many painting and coating manufacturers such as Sherwin-Williams to develop products that are more environmentally sound.
Participation in the program is not mandatory. If you are interested in presenting an environmentally conscious identity, you contact the USGBC and initiate a third party review of your building practices. Once the review is complete, your building is assigned a rating based on how well your building or operating practices stack up against industry suggested criteria.
Rankings for the LEED program are based on the level of compliance, with an established minimum score for certification. Higher levels of compliance earn higher rankings, from silver to gold to platinum.
Because this rating is from a third-party source, your commitment to a cleaner environment is not an empty statement, but a verified fact. By taking the LEED, your facility has proven its commitment to greener practices, which can be an important public relations asset.
Coming Up: Getting a Greener Building, Part II
Monday, August 4, 2008
A Facility Managers Guide to Paint Failure, Part II
When you budget out for a painting project, you should stack the deck in your favor however you can. Avoiding early paint failure can be as simple as talking with your painting and coatings contractor about the products and practices that will be used on your project.
The Right Products: Not all paints can handle every working environment. Paints are specialized tools that excel at within a limited range of tasks. When you talk with your contractor, make sure that the contractor is aware of how much wear and tear is expected, along with any other considerations unique to your building. A professional painter will be able to tell you why a given paint is the best for your project.
Effective Surface Prep: Although the right products make a difference in avoiding paint failure, effective surface prep is even more important. Surface preparation affects every aspect of paint’s performance, from adhesion to impact resistance. A painting contractor can walk you step by step through the surface preparation techniques that will create the best overall performance for your facility.
Consistent Application: Competent application is necessary for paint to perform as the manufacturer intends. Since application is so important, many paint and coating manufacturers offer contractor certification to painting professionals. The certification process ensures that the painters are skilled in applying painting and coating products in a manner that helps extend the lifespan of the product.
The Right Products: Not all paints can handle every working environment. Paints are specialized tools that excel at within a limited range of tasks. When you talk with your contractor, make sure that the contractor is aware of how much wear and tear is expected, along with any other considerations unique to your building. A professional painter will be able to tell you why a given paint is the best for your project.
Effective Surface Prep: Although the right products make a difference in avoiding paint failure, effective surface prep is even more important. Surface preparation affects every aspect of paint’s performance, from adhesion to impact resistance. A painting contractor can walk you step by step through the surface preparation techniques that will create the best overall performance for your facility.
Consistent Application: Competent application is necessary for paint to perform as the manufacturer intends. Since application is so important, many paint and coating manufacturers offer contractor certification to painting professionals. The certification process ensures that the painters are skilled in applying painting and coating products in a manner that helps extend the lifespan of the product.
A Facility Managers Guide to Paint Failure
All things have a working lifespan. The most important factors that determine paint’s working lifespan are quality products, effective surface preparation and knowledgeable application. Accepting compromises on these three factors can seriously lower the expected lifespan of a coat of paint. Here are some of the common types of premature paint failure, along with their most common causes:
Cracking and Flaking: This is a common paint failure with lower quality paints. Shortly after application, a series of fine cracks appear in the paint and over time, the cracks allow the paint to flake off. Basically the paint is not flexible enough or is unable to adhere properly to the substrate. Painting over bare wood without a primer can lead to cracking and flaking. You can also get this effect if you try to “stretch” the coat by over-thinning or by spreading too thinly.
Alligatoring: Similar to cracking and flaking, except the surface of the paint resembles an alligator’s hide. Alligatoring often occurs when the top coats are applied too soon, before the undercoats have dried properly. This paint failure can also result from using a harder, less flexible paint.
Efflorescence: This paint failure is caused by water passing through cement or masonry. Florescence creates salt-like deposits on the surface of the paint. Good surface preparation prevents this from occurring. The masonry or concrete must be properly cured, cleaned, sealed and dried before painting. Efflorescence may also indicate a previously un-resolved water issue, such as a leak or improper levels of moisture in a building.
Coming Up: A Facility Managers Guide to Paint Failure, Part II
Cracking and Flaking: This is a common paint failure with lower quality paints. Shortly after application, a series of fine cracks appear in the paint and over time, the cracks allow the paint to flake off. Basically the paint is not flexible enough or is unable to adhere properly to the substrate. Painting over bare wood without a primer can lead to cracking and flaking. You can also get this effect if you try to “stretch” the coat by over-thinning or by spreading too thinly.
Alligatoring: Similar to cracking and flaking, except the surface of the paint resembles an alligator’s hide. Alligatoring often occurs when the top coats are applied too soon, before the undercoats have dried properly. This paint failure can also result from using a harder, less flexible paint.
Efflorescence: This paint failure is caused by water passing through cement or masonry. Florescence creates salt-like deposits on the surface of the paint. Good surface preparation prevents this from occurring. The masonry or concrete must be properly cured, cleaned, sealed and dried before painting. Efflorescence may also indicate a previously un-resolved water issue, such as a leak or improper levels of moisture in a building.
Coming Up: A Facility Managers Guide to Paint Failure, Part II
Friday, August 1, 2008
The Secondary Colors
Secondary colors are produced by mixing the primary hues in various proportions. Like the primary colors, secondary colors have meaning and can be incorporated in a color scheme that influences customers.
Gray: Like white, gray is seen as neutral. Using gray can be tricky because the color is often perceived as dull or uninspiring. In commercial settings, gray coatings are often composed of dozens of subtle shades and hues in order to retain visual interest
Brown: Reliability and stability are indicated by brown. The color is seen as safe, and somewhat dull. The color can also trigger feelings of sadness.
Purple: Purple is the color of royalty and nobility. Purple whispers a message of luxury and wealth to the observer. Purple is also a favorite color for young women, so many retail stores that target teenagers will incorporate purple in their color scheme.
Orange: Orange is energetic without having the overtones of danger found in red. Orange tones are playful, and are often incorporated into the color design of toy stores.
Green: Green is the color of nature and is perceived as being refreshing or invigorating. Green is often used in large open areas in malls to provide an uplifting shot of energy that lacks the nervous edge of red or yellow.
Using color to generate emotional effects is a complex field. The paint and other coatings must be integrated into the décor of the retail setting. Without careful study, the desired effects will not manifest. This information is presented as a guide for retail store owners to self-check the impact of their business location and generate ideas for renovation.
Gray: Like white, gray is seen as neutral. Using gray can be tricky because the color is often perceived as dull or uninspiring. In commercial settings, gray coatings are often composed of dozens of subtle shades and hues in order to retain visual interest
Brown: Reliability and stability are indicated by brown. The color is seen as safe, and somewhat dull. The color can also trigger feelings of sadness.
Purple: Purple is the color of royalty and nobility. Purple whispers a message of luxury and wealth to the observer. Purple is also a favorite color for young women, so many retail stores that target teenagers will incorporate purple in their color scheme.
Orange: Orange is energetic without having the overtones of danger found in red. Orange tones are playful, and are often incorporated into the color design of toy stores.
Green: Green is the color of nature and is perceived as being refreshing or invigorating. Green is often used in large open areas in malls to provide an uplifting shot of energy that lacks the nervous edge of red or yellow.
Using color to generate emotional effects is a complex field. The paint and other coatings must be integrated into the décor of the retail setting. Without careful study, the desired effects will not manifest. This information is presented as a guide for retail store owners to self-check the impact of their business location and generate ideas for renovation.
Colors for Commercial Applications
Color is powerful. Study after study has shown that color carries strong connotations for most people. These connotations strike at the heart of the observer and can play a significant role in the decision making process. Marketing professionals have exploited the link between color and emotions for years by carefully selecting a palette of hues that subtly influence customers.
What does the color scheme of your commercial space say to potential customers? Here are the most common connotations of colors used as exterior and interior paints:
White: White is neutral and is used as a background color. Fields of white indicate purity, but also run the risk of appearing cold or sterile. In painting, white is often replaced by warm cream tones which are more inviting than pure white.
Black: Black is the color of power and authority. It is also the most somber of the colors. In commercial painting, black is mostly reserved for accents.
Blue: For calm and peace it is hard to beat blue. Lighter shades of blue tend to be more relaxing than darker blues. Blue can also connote loyalty and inspire productivity.
Red: The color of fire and energy. Red is difficult to use properly in a commercial setting because it produces potent emotional reactions in people. In commercial painting, red is used to draw attention to specific areas within a building.
Yellow: Bright and vivid yellows attract attention even more effectively than reds. However, yellow easily overwhelms the eye, so small doses of the color are best.
Using color to generate emotional effects is a complex field. The paint and other coatings must be integrated into the décor of the retail setting. Without careful study, the desired effects will not manifest. This information is presented as a guide for retail store owners to self-check the impact of their business location and generate ideas for renovation.
Coming Up: The Secondary Colors
What does the color scheme of your commercial space say to potential customers? Here are the most common connotations of colors used as exterior and interior paints:
White: White is neutral and is used as a background color. Fields of white indicate purity, but also run the risk of appearing cold or sterile. In painting, white is often replaced by warm cream tones which are more inviting than pure white.
Black: Black is the color of power and authority. It is also the most somber of the colors. In commercial painting, black is mostly reserved for accents.
Blue: For calm and peace it is hard to beat blue. Lighter shades of blue tend to be more relaxing than darker blues. Blue can also connote loyalty and inspire productivity.
Red: The color of fire and energy. Red is difficult to use properly in a commercial setting because it produces potent emotional reactions in people. In commercial painting, red is used to draw attention to specific areas within a building.
Yellow: Bright and vivid yellows attract attention even more effectively than reds. However, yellow easily overwhelms the eye, so small doses of the color are best.
Using color to generate emotional effects is a complex field. The paint and other coatings must be integrated into the décor of the retail setting. Without careful study, the desired effects will not manifest. This information is presented as a guide for retail store owners to self-check the impact of their business location and generate ideas for renovation.
Coming Up: The Secondary Colors
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