PAINT CHARACTERISTICS

Today most paints, sealants and varnishes are made from synthetic alkyd and epoxy resins and thinners. New micro-porous synthetic paints and varnishes allow the underlying material to breath, thereby expelling moisture and preventing mold. Most paints are water-based, easy to apply and durable.

A new variety of natural paints have come on the marked, based upon soy resins. Lime washes are a natural antiseptic and deter insects. However, me washes in their natural state flake easily and they are not washable. A soy-based sealant can be applied over the lime wash to seal it. See:
New Century Coatings.

Always buy a good quality paint and stay away from the "contractor's special". The name brands we trust are Glidden, Sherwin-Williams, Bear, Mini-Wax, and Rustoleum. All paints, stains, sealers and varnishes we recommend are low-ordor and low-VOC. It is a good practice to paint a 4' x 4' square of the surface you intend to cover, let it throughly dry and then put some dirt or ketchup on it, let it dry, and give it a good scrubbing.