How to paint kitchens, bathrooms & laundries

Q. I had a kitchen facelift and my first non-negotiable was that the splashback and back panels must match. They told me I could have any Resene colour, so I chose Resene Yeehaa as I wanted a standout metallic/sparkly finish. They confirmed with me that was possible. They have now tried numerous times to match it and can’t. I'm not too sure if it is their workmanship or Resene paint issues. Is it possible to get some advice before I go back to them again?

A. If these were both painted in Resene paint they should match. I would ask your supplier to confirm what product they used for both areas - it is possible they didn’t use Resene and have had another paint brand try to match our paint and colour and they are unable to as they don’t have access to the Resene product, formula or tinters.

We sell metallic paint that is specifically for use on splashbacks, being our paint and our colour these do match even if multiple cans are purchased, just like the rest of our paint range.

I highly recommend raising your concerns again with the kitchen company and asking them to come back and address it. If it is our paint and they are having trouble with application, we are always available to help. They will be able to answer our questions to enable us to problem solve with them.

September 2023

Q. I have a plasterboard wall that is plastered but not sealed behind the stove. We are finally installing a splashback, but I need to seal and paint the wall first. The plasterboard has been up for about 15 years so is stained with cooking grease behind the stove (started renovations and never finished them due to running short of funds). Will Resene Sureseal be ok to seal the plasterboard?

A. Solventborne Resene Sureseal would be the best option to try. In saying that unfortunately, we would be unable to give any guarantees or long-term assurances due to grease and oils that have penetrated the surface of the bare plasterboard over a long period of time. These contaminants could affect the adhesion of any paint coating, we recommend replacing the plasterboard with new GIB® if possible.

August 2023

Q. What paint can I use to cover a Formica® benchtop? Ideally, I just want a simple paint, not a two-pack product.

A. We have a decorative single-pack system that allows for easy touch-ups and maintenance. Scrub down using a cleaner such as Jif and remove all residues. Wet sand with 400 wet and dry sandpaper taking care not to unduly scratch the laminate surface. Rinse clean and allow to dry then apply Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer (this only needs to be a thin coat and will not achieve opacity over the laminate colour). Allow to cure for 48 hours then undercoat with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss in your desired colour. For the best result roll the topcoats using a Resene No.4 roller sleeve or professional spray.

The paint system will take at least five days to develop adhesion and harden (during this time the coating will be susceptible to knocks and chemicals), full cure requires a month. The painted surface will not have the hardness properties of the original laminate/Formica®).

August 2023

Q. I have previously painted cork tiles in my kitchen through to my laundry and bathroom, however it’s been 18 years and they need repainting. Could you advise me on the products to use and the process? There are also a few small gouges that need filling.

A. We got the cork tiles prepainted from the manufacturer and from memory they had applied a clear finish over the top and used waterbased paints. Also what product would you use to patch little gouges in the cork?

A flexible filler like PAL Contract Filler or a wood filler will be fine. Since there is a clear coat present I would follow the following:

• Apply one thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer (if possible leave for 48 hours to start curing).
• Next apply one coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat

For the topcoat you have a few options:

• Either two topcoats of Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel (I recommend looking at one of the sheen boards at your local Resene ColorShop to check you are happy with the sheen level).
• Or alternatively apply two coats of Resene Walk-on.
• I would apply a clear coat over the top for cleanability and easy maintenance. I'd recommend Resene Concrete Wax. This wax is low sheen and very easy to reapply if and when scratches to the surface occur while providing cleanability.

August 2023

Q. The windowsill close to the kitchen bench gets wet often and turned black. I think it is alkaline soapy water I use for doing the dishes. What paint would hold? I also would like to use it for all my timber surrounds attached to the aluminium extrusion. Aluminium is often moist and the paint is starting to peel off.

A. An oil-based paint system would be best in this area.

We recommend sanding the existing coating back to a sound/stable surface, then prime using one coat of Resene Enamel Undercoat, followed by two coats of Resene Lusta-Glo interior semi-gloss in your desired colour.

Alternatively, a waterborne enamel topcoat could be used, as the next best thing - over the Resene Enamel Undercoat. I recommend Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom semi-gloss.

This system will have the best vapour transfer resistance and be easy to wipe down. Please note any paint system where moisture is able to pond for a long period of time will likely crack and lift over time and require ongoing maintenance.

The enamel undercoat will not protect any previous coat from peeling. You only need to sand off the old paint completely if it was not adhering to the timber at all, otherwise, just sand back any peeling edges and smooth them out. We describe this as sanding back to a stable paint layer that is properly attached and in good condition.

July 2023

Q. I am investigating ways to recolour kitchen tiles and have been told that painting over them might be simpler than re-tiling. I would like to paint over bright red tiles with black grout with white paint.

I was wondering if you have any products you recommend for this kind of project, or if you have alternative recommendations for recolouring tiles? These are on the wall as a back-splash.

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow it to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. The sealer is not designed to be applied as a thick wet film thickness or give opacity, the thinner the coat the better.

Then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss. This is the most popular gloss level for this type of project.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until a full cure occurs. In the early stages, the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Please note that tiles are not intended to be painted, and adding paint will not replicate the hardness properties of the surface of the original tile.

Paint will add a level of maintenance.

December 2022

Q. We have a concrete benchtop in the kitchen that needs to be resealed. However, the surface is already pitted and has black spots that will need a cleaning treatment (or possibly re-polishing?) first. The benchtop was poured on-site by our builder 20 years.

A. I suggest trying specialist concrete companies first who do interior polished floors/grinders as they have the skill set and possibly have done benchtops before. Secondary, I would approach a local joinery company as they may have someone who pours concrete benchtops for them.

December 2022

Q. I’m quoting a lounge-kitchen ceiling. The customer wants a perfect looking finish which can be washed down to remove fly marks.

A. The best flat paint we have for this situation is Resene SpaceCote Flat. The fly deterrent version does not give total protection against fly poop deposition, but it does reduce the size and number of fly spots as it discourages flies from sitting. Resene SpaceCote Flat can be cleaned down without burnishing.

June 2022

Q. I have a red glass splashback. Is it possible to paint over it?

A. The reverse side of the glass is the face that is painted as the glass acts as the protective layer. While you can paint the exposed side it will not look like the original splashback and may not have the required heat resistance or ease of cleaning.

June 2022

Q. Just looking at buying some paint for our soon to be newly renovated kitchen. Can you tell me the difference between your kitchen and bathroom low sheen compared to the flat one for use on w wall?

A. As the gloss level increases so does the ease of cleaning. In a kitchen I would definitely recommend Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom on walls in place of the flat version.

April 2022

Q. What do you recommend for a waterbased polyurethane for timber kitchen cabinets?

A. You could use Resene Aquaclear satin, semi-gloss or gloss (not Resene Aquaclear Natural).

October 2021

Q. We will be renovating our kitchen in 1-2 years. I want to change the colour of the benchtop while we wait for the reno. I am using Resene Uracryl 402. I assume that I should use two coats?

A. Allow the Resene Quick Dry to cure for at least 48 hours then apply at least two coats of Resene Uracryl 402.

October 2021

Q. What should I use to varnish a kitchen bench that is newly made using recycled timber including cedar/redwood, and rimu?

A. The best clear system would be four coats of Resene Polythane.

October 2021

Q. What paint should I use to paint a previously painted (Resene Lusta-Glo) kitchen benchtop? I want the hardest wearing option?

A. Resene Lusta-Glo will be the hardest semi-gloss paint for this application unless you want to upgrade to Resene Super Gloss enamel.

October 2021

Q. We had an accident in our kitchen. My daughter left a pot of oil unattended and it caught fire. It's left smoke settled on the ceiling and I tried to wipe it off but this just made it worse.

A. The easiest option is to apply a coat of Resene Sureseal then apply two coats of Resene Ceiling Paint.

October 2021

Q. I have an old 70s kitchen that I want to paint retro style, e.g. different colours on cupboards and drawers. The doors are timber that have been polyurethaned. I have bought all the colours in testpots, can I sand back and then just paint the testpot colours on directly or will I need to undercoat first, if so with what?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas. Then sand to de gloss/profile using 220 grit sandpaper. Dust off and wipe clean with a damp cloth to remove residual sanding dust. Then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry before topcoating. Testpot paint is a standard low sheen waterborne paint and is not designed for wear resistance so you may need to touch-up areas of hand contact in the future.

September 2021

Q. I plan to do a kitchen remodel and want to paint the walls, skirtings, ceiling and kitchen cupboards if possible. What should I use to paint these areas?

A. Assuming the existing paint system is waterborne and sound for walls, use two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen and Bathroom. This paint can be used for painting walls in any room of the house.

If changing from a dark to a paler colour, apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry before topcoating with the new colour.

For ceilings apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Flat (either the normal or the Kitchen & Bathroom version).

For skirtings sand to profile, dust off and apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom.

For the cupboard, using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas. Sand to profile/degloss with 220 grit sandpaper. Then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene Lustacryl, Kitchen & Bathroom version. The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

September 2021

Q. I want to change the colour of my kitchen cupboards which look to be MDF sprayed with a two pot lacquer. I don't have a sprayer but hope to get a good finish with a roller. What should I use as an undercoat and topcoat, and which roller sleeve should I use?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas. Sand with 220 grit sandpaper to degloss/profile, dust off and wipe clean with a damp cloth then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom versions.

Use a Resene No.4 sleeve and add the recommended amount of Resene Hot Weather Additive to maximise flow and levelling.

August 2021

Q. What paint can I use for a kitchen splashback area?

A. You can use Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom or Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom for kitchen splashbacks but it does depend upon how close the painted surface is to a heat source. If close to a heat source consider getting your colour painted onto a glass splashback (it gets painted on the back).

August 2021

Q. I have made a concrete bench top for my kitchen and I am looking for a sealant for the concrete. Is Resene Concrete Wax (waterborne satin glaze) a suitable sealant for a kitchen countertop? Is it food safe?

A. Resene Concrete Wax is suitable for this application. After the system has cured wipe down with a damp cloth then it can be used. These are no recognised components in the cured film that are toxic.

Note that the clear coated system will not be suitable for cutting on or for placement of hot items, but it will withstand coffee/tea mugs.

June 2021

Q. We have Resene Zoop De Loop on our kitchen glass splashback and we are looking at putting in two glass pendant lights above the bench, not selected yet. We are wondering if it is possible to paint maybe the inside of a clear glass pendant with Resene Zoop De Loop to have a good match (it is proving difficult to find a nice blue light to go well with the Resene Zoop De Loop).

A. There is no technical reason why not as long as the paint used for the splashback (Resene Imperite I.F. 503) is also used for the glass light fitting.

June 2021

Q. What paint product/system should I specify for a commercial kitchen ceiling (13mm GIB®)?

A. Apply a seal coat of Resene Sureseal and follow with a coat of Resene Enamel Undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Super Gloss enamel.

February 2021

Q. I am putting in a new kitchen. I have had the walls plaster coated to a paint finish. What paint would I use to seal over the plaster and what topcoat paint should I use after sealing them?

A. Assuming the kitchen is well-ventilated, apply a seal coat of Resene Broadwall Waterborne Wallboard Sealer and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

February 2021

Q. We have varnished dark timber beams in our kitchen. How can I get rid of the varnish and paint them white?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas. Lightly sand using 220 grit sandpaper, then dust off. Sanding is not to remove the existing varnish coating but to degloss. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before over coating. The sealer is not designed to be applied as a thick wet film thickness or give opacity, the thinner the coat the better. Then finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Flat Kitchen & Bathroom White.

February 2021

Q. I’m after some form of documentation or official statement that can confirm Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K over H3.1 strandfloor is suitable as an impervious surface in wet areas such as bathroom, kitchen laundry. This is to satisfy local council requirements.

A. Use four coats of Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K, which will give a film that is impervious to liquid water but not water vapour. Our recommended clear coating for this application is Resene Polythane.

January 2021

Q. I'd like to know what interior paint options you have for wet areas to satisfy NZBC E3/AS1, Sec 3.1.2(c): "Sheet linings finished with a semi-gloss or gloss coating or a hard-wearing low-sheen latex paint containing mould inhibitors." I'm unsure what a hard-wearing low-sheen latex paint is.

A. For new Aqualine GIB® the system would be a seal coat of Resene Sureseal, an undercoat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

January 2021

Q. We are looking for a local product with similar qualities to the one we are currently using as a protective coating for waterbased printed latex ink on glass splashbacks.

A. The only clear 2K waterborne clear we have is Resene GraffitiShield. As the name suggests the product is formulated to allow for graffiti removal using a solventborne graffiti cleaner so not sure if it would suit your purpose.

November 2020

Q. I am planning to paint a glass splashback for my kitchen. What do I use?

A. Resene Imperite IF 503 is our splashback paint, which is painted on the back of the glass. The glass for splash backs neds to be low iron glass to get the correct colour when viewed through the glass. You will also need to apply a seal coat of Resene Imperite IF 503 Grey over the Resene Imperite colour.

November 2020

Q. I want to paint a kitchen splashback area with Resene FX Faux Rust Effect.

A. I would advise against applying the Resene FX Faux Rust Effect as a splashback system as it will not be cleanable - rust stains will run off the coating if it gets wet.

You could install the rust effect to a level of rust development then add a low iron clear glass overlay to isolate the rust effect.

September 2020

Q. I am looking for a high build paint with a very durable gloss finish suitable for use over new concrete block in a commercial kitchen. This surface is likely to be cleaned down daily with strong cleaning agents. It does not need to be a single coat system. By high build I am looking to fill the natural small cavities in blockwork and then (over the top if necessary) to provide a durable gloss finish that handles cleaning. Looks like an ammonia based cleaner/degreaser is being used.

A. Assuming bare blockwork apply a seal coat of Resene Armourcote 510 thinned 15% with Resene Thinner No.6, then apply a body coat of Resene Armourcote 510 to achieve a dry film thickness of 125 microns and finish with two coats of Resene Imperite 413 topcoat.

June 2020

Q. I need to restore a wooden kitchen bench. It needs to be a very water resistant finish and maybe have a bit of wood colour to repair the damaged parts.

A. To fill depressions use a PolyPatch Filler in as close a colour as possible to the table timber. Then thoroughly sand and apply 3-4 coats of Resene Polythane.

May 2020

Q. I want to remove a glass splashback and repaint it.

A. Glass splash backs are fixed with an adhesive sealant, they are very hard to remove without the glass breaking.

May 2020

Q. I am repainting my Melteca® kitchen cupboards. I have already applied the Resene sealer to them. We are keen to keep the finish effect of Melteca - are we better to use Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom or Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom?

A. Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom is closer to the Melteca® gloss level.

May 2020

Q. My partner and I are wanting to paint the interior walls of our kitchen and bedrooms but have no prior experience or knowledge on the process. There are some cracks in the current painting.

A. Fill nail holes and small cracks using PAL Contract Filler, use GIB Redi Filler for repairs to plasterboard. Seal all repairs with Resene Quick Dry, based on the assumption that the existing paint finish is waterborne then apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen.

April 2020

Q. I have a compressed bamboo benchtop. Can you advise how to care for it? Should I use some sort of edible oil? And how to apply it?

A. Paint systems, clear and pigmented, don’t tend to work as well on bamboo. Bamboo isn’t a timber but a grass so timber coating principles do not apply. Only suggestion is to thoroughly sand the surface with 120 grit sandpaper, dust off and finish with a wipe using a wet cloth.

Apply a coat of Resene Aquaclear Gloss and leave to dry overnight then lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper then apply a second coat of Aquaclear Gloss.

April 2020

Q. I need a paint system for a semi-commercial kitchen (In a church hall). We are going over GIB® plasterboard. We need something hard-wearing and washable. The GIB® will be new, stopped to level 4.

A. Apply a seal coat of Resene Sureseal, an undercoat of Resene Enamel Undercoat and two coats of Resene Super Gloss (gloss) or Resene Lusta-Glo (semi-gloss). The higher gloss level is easier to clean.

April 2020

Q. Can I paint the front of a glass splashback which is attached to the wall and how do I do that?

A. In principle yes but the reverse of glass splashbacks are usually coated as the glass gives a barrier to heat, abrasion and cleaners.

April 2020

Q. We were advised to use Uracryl for the kitchen bench top. Colour is great and it seems tough. My question is there any tips to ensure a smooth final coat and also do we need a clear sealer to finish it? Just wondering if it is ok with food prep etc?

A. We recommend two coats of the pigmented topcoat – you can apply an additional coat of the clear of the same gloss level as this does give protection to the pigmented base.

While the Resene Uracryl paint system does have a degree of heat resistance it will be damaged if hot pans are placed direct on the surface or if the surface is used for cutting.

April 2020

Q. In the kitchen there is a sheet of bare hardboard which I have sealed but I don't have any undercoat. Can I just use the top straight onto the sealer?

A. Bare oil tempered hard board must be primed with Resene Sureseal before topcoating.

April 2020

Q. What gloss level is the kitchen and bathroom paint? We are looking at doing a kitchen/dining area for a client in a Resene white but we want it as matt as practical for the area but still wipeable.

A. We have 3 gloss levels available, semi-gloss, low sheen and flat. The higher the gloss level the easier cleaning will be, matte paints also tend to be more absorbent.

March 2020

Q. I have a new plywood wall panel in a plasterboard lined kitchen painted with Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom. Which paints would be required for ply? And what is needed if we decided on a clear finish?

A. For a solid paint system apply a primer coat of Resene Quick Dry and then finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom. For a clear system apply three coats of Resene Aquaclear gloss, semi-gloss or satin (note that Aquaclear Natural is not suitable for this application).

February 2020

Q. I’d like to paint the back of my new glass splashback with a white metallic effect.

A. The splashback supplier can apply a thin coat of Resene Silver Aluminium colour then a body coat of Resene White – this should achieve what you are after.

February 2020

Q. I have white tiles with a fine black line design for my kitchen backsplash and would really love to change the colour from black to navy or lighter blue. At this point they have not been installed so it might be easier to re-colour. Is it possible? Which paint?

A. Are the tiles glazed? If so the following can be used to paint the tiles – using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. The sealer is not designed to be applied as a thick wet film thickness or give opacity, the thinner the coat the better. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss. The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

February 2020

Q. Which is the best stain blocker primer paint to use in an old kitchen that has years (30 plus) of greasy build up. Even when washed with sugar soap it’s not good. Plus something that would cover the dark blue/green colour on the ceiling.

A. Sorry but paint stain blockers cannot be applied over a greasy/oily surface. Sugar Soap would be your best cleaning product to remove the grease/oi. Yu may have to repeat the cleaning a number of times. Re covering the dark ceiling colour, as long as the painted surface is grease/oil free you can apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry primer undercoat to assist with topcoating in a light colour.

February 2020

Q. I am looking at painting or covering a laminate kitchen? Is there a way to do this that looks nice?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. The sealer is not designed to be applied as a thick wet film thickness or give opacity, the thinner the coat the better. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene Lustacryl.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing. Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the laminate and will give a decorative effect only.

January 2020

Q. I am looking at building a kitchen island in my flat out of untreated plywood. I would need it to be waterproof, but I wouldn't be using knives or anything particularly damaging on it directly. I am hoping I could get some advice on the best way to seal a surface like that, so that it would be suitable for food prep.

A. We recommend Resene Polythane. If possible envelop seal with the first coat then apply an additional three coats to the exposed areas. It is critical to ensure the full system is applied to cut edges such as those around a sink placement.

December 2019

Q. Is there a paint suitable to cover splashback ceramic tiles in the kitchen? I'm looking for a cost effective way to change the colour of the tiles that is going to be durable and easily cleaned of kitchen residue.  If there is a product what would the preparation process be?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. The sealer is not designed to be applied as a thick wet film thickness or give opacity, the thinner the coat the better. Then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the tile surface. The paint system will not give the same heat resistance as the tiled surface.

Q. I have beige wall tiles in my kitchen and I would like to change the colour. Is this possible? I did purchase Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer as a primer. Can you advise what paint I would use after the primer?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before over coating. The sealer is not designed to be applied as a thick wet film thickness or give opacity, the thinner the coat the better. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene Lustacryl.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages, the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the tiling.

Q. I want to paint my existing kitchen. It is MDF with a spray paint finish. What low sheen paint would you recommend and how many coats? Incidentally I tried a drawer by just painting with waterborne paint a year ago and that is still ok, so no problem with adhesion.

A. We would normally recommend sanding to profile then application of a full coat of Resene Quick Dry primer undercoat before applying two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom for a low sheen finish.

Q. We have purchased a house with hardboard walls and ceiling in the kitchen, which has been painted with gloss paint. We have purchased Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer to use on varnished window frames and are wondering if this can be used on the painted hardboard. 

A. As long as the gloss paint is traditional enamel paint then in principle you could use Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer as the adhesion primer, ensure the hardboard areas to be painted are degreased before applying the sealer.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before over coating. The sealer is not designed to be applied as a thick wet film thickness or give opacity, the thinner the coat the better. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom. The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages, the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Alternatively, degrease and sand to profile then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry before applying two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

Q. Is Resene Lustacryl the best product to be used on pressed metal, to be used in my new kitchen, from bench to ceiling? The paint will need to be sprayed on. I do not want a high gloss finish, and definitely not matt, as the pressed metal has texture, and the cupboards will have a satin finish. What is the best choice to use, as I have also been told to use Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom?

A. After a through degreasing apply a prime coat of Resene Galvo-Prime and then finish with Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom (both paints to be spray applied). Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom should give you your desired gloss level.

Q. We are in the process of creating a large, open plan living area that combines the kitchen, dining and living room areas. The kitchen will be down one end. Will it be best to use kitchen paint for the whole room (walls and ceiling)? The sink will be on an island, not near any painted surfaces, and the cooking area will have a splashback.

A. You may as well use the Kitchen & Bathroom paint through the whole area.

Q. Can I paint ceramic splashback tiles in a kitchen successfully? They are large tiles 15cm x 15 cm and currently navy blue.  

A. If you can maintain hand contact on the tiled area when the elements close to the tiles are at full heat, then yes.

Q. I have a problem with a repaint of kitchen cupboard doors. I diligently sanded and applied the products, waiting 48 hours between coats and results were good. Now after 3-4 months the paint is coming off the doors at the area around the handles and by my observation, is only at the contact point where fingers/hand comes into contact with the paint finish. What has happened is that the contact area becomes sticky and then comes off when wiped with a cloth, no other area is affected only the skin contact area. Could you please advise on a remedy?

A. The most likely reason is oil from hand contact, it is critical to thoroughly degrease areas of hand contact before applying three adhesion primers.

Q. We would like to paint over two pack lacquer in the kitchen, to change the colour. How do we go about this please as the painter does not deal in enamel?

A. Degrease and thoroughly sand, then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl. This system will give the required colour change but may not achieve the same features as a two pack lacquer finish.

Q. Can I use Resene Rust-Arrest and Resene Galvo One on the back of my slightly corroded/rusted kitchen sink? The products mentioned do not mention stainless steel. I want to treat the rust/sand back and prime before reinstalling in my kitchen.

A. Prepare corroded areas by wet sanding with 400 grit sandpaper. Take care not to unduly scratch the metal. Then apply two coats of Resene GP Metal Primer.

Q. Can I use Resene paints on a wooden salad bowl? It would be washed by hand but it would come into contact with food, oils etc.

A. Four coats of Resene Polythane would be our recommendation, allow at least seven days cure after application of the last coat before using.

Q. We have replaced our kitchen and have stopped the plaster and have bare MDF walls. How should I treat these prior to hanging Paste the Wall wallpaper?

A. Prime the bare stopped plasterboard with Resene Sureseal, prime the bare MDF with Resene Quick Dry then overcoat with a coat of Resene Sureseal.

Note that Resene Sureseal must be the basecoat for applying the wallpaper but cannot be applied direct to MDF.

Q. We currently have a textured wallpaper in our kitchen. I like the texture look but want to know if I can paint over it? If so what paint do you recommend? The wallpaper gets dirty so I want to be able to wipe it clean?

A. We recommend application of Resene Vinyl Wallpaper Sealer for vinyl papers. For older wallpapers (not vinyl) and papers with metallic as part of the pattern use Resene Sureseal. You can then apply at least two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom or Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom.

Q. If I want a semi-gloss finish, what LRV should I be looking at? I want to use it on a kitchen wall.

A.Resene Lustacryl would be the semi-gloss product to use. LRV, light reflectance value, is usually applied to exterior colours and not an interior colour scheme. We see no restriction on the LRV values for an interior colour scheme. In architecture, light reflectance value (LRV), is a measure of visible and usable light that is reflected from a surface when illuminated by a light source. The values are used by lighting designers to determine the number and type of light fixtures needed to provide proper lighting for interior spaces.

Q. Can you please specify the correct Resene Imperite paint, to paint glass splashbacks?

A. We sell Resene Imperite IF 503 to the glass painting industry.

Q. I have a kitchen and bathroom which I suspect has been painted with oil based paints. I would like to repaint with waterborne paint. Is this possible?

A. Yes, clean down the surfaces to be painted, using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner, sand to profile and then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of a Resene Kitchen & Bathroom paint.

Q. Could you please advise the best washing and wearing paint for my kitchen? I would like something I can wash with soap and water to get rid of fingerprints and fly spots etc. I am not keen on the bathroom paint which seems to run and leave marks once steam condenses on it.

A. Resene waterborne enamel paint such as a Resene Kitchen & Bathroom paint is the best paint to meet your requirements.

The effect you have seen is usually due to early exposure of the waterborne enamel paint to steam or a poorly ventilated bathroom.

Allow the waterborne enamel to cure for at least three days with good ventilation; this may require the use of a de-humidifier to remove water released from the new paint.

Q. What paint should I use to recoat the inside of a pewter 'snack' bowl? I am going to put peanuts etc into the bowl.

A. Oil based paints would give the best adhesion. After degreasing, prime using Resene Galvo One and then apply two coats of either Resene Super Gloss or Resene Lusta-Glo enamel, then leave to cure for at least three weeks. Wipe down with a cloth and warm water, with a dish detergent liquid added before using.

Note: that the painted item cannot be cleaned in a dishwasher and is best cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth.

Q. I am thinking of painting over some two pack, kitchen cupboard doors etc., preferably with acrylic gloss or semi-gloss paint.

A. Use Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner to ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas. Lightly sand, dust off, then apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow curing without water contact, for at least 48 hours before over coating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene Lustacryl waterborne enamel. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion, and continue to cure for an additional three weeks, until full cure occurs. In the early stages, the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Q. Do you have paint that is coloured and can be applied to the back of a clear glass, splashback?

A. To get the same colour seen through the glass applied to the reverse side, you need low iron glass that has been heat treated.

Clean the glass to be coated, by wiping with methylated spirits and a clean cloth. Do this a couple of times using a different cloth each time.

Then spray Resene Imperite IF 503 tinted to your chosen colour. Allow this to cure overnight then apply a coat of the same product, tinted to a medium grey. The backing colour is to avoid any direct contact of the paint colour on the glass, with the fixing adhesive. The fixing adhesive must be a neutral cure type.

Q. We have recently completed upgrading our kitchen and laundry. We only have the door frames to complete. The issue is, the previous owners painted over the door frames but the paint is chipping off. When I start to sand back the old paint it just chips off, it looks like it has been stained originally. Even when I sand the stain, it is still really smooth.

A. Strip off all the existing paintwork, I suggest you use a heat gun and a tungsten blade scraper and then sand. You may have to use a coarser sandpaper first, and then reduce coarseness subsequently.

Q. What is the best/recommended type of paint to use behind a glass splashback for a kitchen bench?

A. We supply Resene Imperite to the splashback industry. The product needs to be spray applied and back coated. The glass used is low iron glass. If you apply to standard glass the green tone of the glass has a dramatic effect upon the colour viewed through the glass.

Q. Our main work is for commercial food outlets. Is there any benefit in using oil-based enamel, in a high use commercial area on toilet doors? Or is waterbased as good?

A. Solventborne enamels are a harder dry film than a waterborne analogue. Given this, they would be more hardwearing than waterborne enamel for doors in a commercial situation.

Q. Is your Resene High Temp Black Enamel, suitable for painting a Belling oven? I want the matt black look to go with a honed granite bench. I also need it to be washable without leaving streaks. Harvey Norman advertises that they can paint it your choice of colour but they previously said they couldn't do matt as it is unable to take heat. Is your paint suitable and serviceable in a kitchen?

A. The finish can take up to 500°C, but it is not a finish that is meant for regular washing. It could be wiped clean, but I would expect it to burnish if scrubbed. It also needs to be cured at 200°C, to be serviceable. Because of these reasons it doesn’t suit your project.

Q. I have a client who wishes to have a paint finish in their commercial kitchen (prep and washing areas) to comply with performance criteria G3.3.2 and clause G3/AS1-2.1 walls within food preparation and washing areas to ensure surface shall be imprevious and easily cleaned. Plasterboard lining will either be GIB® Aqualine or Magroc Magnesium board.
Could you please advise if my paint specification is going to be okay for this situation?
Paint spec: Resene Broadwall Waterborne Wallboard Sealer with 2 coat min topcoat of Resene Enamacryl. Or should I use Resene Sureseal as the sealant?

A. Swapping to the following system will be suitable (a tighter crosslinking barrier that has lower moisture vapour transmission rates):
One coat of Resene Sureseal
Two coats of Resene Room Velvet or Resene Lusta-Glo (enamel).

Q. We are painting our kitchen and we have an existing painted splashback. We now need to change the colour of the splashback. Can I paint the front of a splashback or will I need to have it removed and new one installed?

A. We do not recommend painting the exposed side of a splashback as the glass does provide protection to the paint layer from intense heat or splashes. Yes it can be done but we cannot guarantee that the paint will remain unaffected in use. For a colour change normally the splashback is removed and a new one installed with the new colour.

Q. It has been suggested to me, that deliberately increasing the orange peel effect with a special roller, hides surface imperfections. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and I am concerned that a heavy orange peel surface in a kitchen, which has no range hood, will make it harder to clean kitchen grease off the walls.

A. You are correct that a degree of orange peel can assist in hiding surface imperfections but a better way is to use a flat paint such as Resene SpaceCote Flat Kitchen & Bathroom.

Q. What paint is suitable for a kitchen splashback wall? I want to clean this wall of a greasy substance by using some grease cutter i.e. sugar soap.

A. After a thorough degrease, I would suggest a traditional solventborne enamel topcoat such as Resene Super Gloss.

Q. We have Melteca® kitchen cabinets that are in great condition however the colour is very outdated and I would like to paint over them. Is this possible with your Resene paints?

A. Yes you can paint over Melteca®. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing. Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the laminate.

Q. I have an old lino kitchen floor that I want to paint. It is glued down and has asbestos backing so I don't want to try to remove it or sand it. Do you have any suitable products to paint over it please that won't scratch or come off?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene Walk-on and overcoat with a coat of Resene Concrete Wax.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing. Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the flooring lino.

Q. How do I paint a white ceramic platter, black, so the paint does not flake or chip? We won't be eating off these platters but are using them for a candle table display.

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Q. What metallic product do you recommend for a splashback?

A. We sell Resene Imperite IF 503 Metallics to some commercial splashback painters, which they overcoat with a solid grey coat of the same product before installation. This is a 2 pack paint that is best applied by spray to achieve a uniform finish.

To give the same colour when viewed through the glass the glass has to be low iron glass.

Q. I wish to use a matt finish on kitchen cabinetry for a job I am proposing. Which paint would you recommend?

A. Resene SpaceCote Flat waterborne enamel is the only flat finish we have.

Q. I have a new kitchen with plywood joinery and was wondering what might be the best clear coat to use on it? My walls are also plywood and I have been using Resene Aquaclear on them but wondered if the kitchen might need something hardier to cope with steam etc.

A. Resene Aquaclear would be our best single pack option.

Q. I am currently trying to decide on a colour for a glass splashback and like the colour Resene Emerge. I was wondering if there is a slightly darker tone of Resene Emerge as the testpot has come up a little lighter than the A4 sample that I borrowed from the Resene shop.

A. Low iron glass must be used for splashbacks. Colours viewed through standard glass will not be the same due to the green colour of the glass, so if you are looking at the colour using standard window glass this may explain the difference.

Q. What can I use to paint over a vinyl floor in a kitchen?

A. Clean the surface using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve. The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Q. I'm looking to paint kitchen cupboards that are made of something like laminate, or they may be coated. What would I use to make the paint stick? What would I use when painting a lino/laminate floor?

A. The only possible adhesion primer for both substrates would be Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer. Apply a thin coat of the product and leave to cure without water contact for two days then apply two coats of any Resene waterborne enamel topcoat. The paint system will take 5-7 days to develop good adhesion and film hardness.

Q. I want to paint my kitchen benchtops in limewash. Can I clear coat over this? Do i use oil based or water based clear?

A. Resene Colorwood Whitewash can be overcoated with Resene Aquaclear. For a bench top I would recommend at least three additional coats of Resene Aquaclear.

Q. I have a kitchen ceiling which has wood cladding and is varnished. I now want to paint it white.

A. Ensure the varnish is thoroughly degreased using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner then apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer. Leave to dry for 24 hours then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Flat Kitchen & Bathroom.

Q. I have granite splashbacks in my kitchen. Can I paint them?

A. Yes but painting does require use of two pack paints and the painted surface will not have the features of the original granite stone.

Q. I've just bought a house with a horrendous pink laminate kitchen. How can I paint over this?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve. The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing. Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the laminate.

Q. I have laminate/Formica bench tops and splashback (1984 house). Is there a Resene product(s) to change the colour? And what is the process?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow curing without water contact for at least 48 hours before over coating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene Lustacryl (semi-gloss). Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the laminate.

Q. I had my kitchen spray painted a few years ago, and the paint started to chip away far sooner than I would have expected (within the first month). Not only did it chip, but rather than going back to the previous colour it went right back to the MDF or whatever material the cupboards were made of. I intend to do the repaint myself. What do I need to do?

A. You will need to sand back to bare substrate and then prime with a full coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat then apply two coats of Resume Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom.

Q. We have old kitchen cupboards that we want to freshen up for the short term. We think it is very old enamel paint underneath. We want advice on what we need to do to stop the paint coming off. We don't want to sand back to the board.

A. Sorry but unless you expose the old enamel paint surface and sand this there will be a continuing issue with the adhesion of new paint.

Q. Can you paint over laminated MDF like you get with modern kitchen cabinets?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow curing without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the laminate.

Q. I want to paint my kitchen using some sort of acrylic paint. What is the toughest paint finish I could get with either rolling or spraying, not a two pack finish as I am a DIY.

A. We recommend Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene Lustacryl.

Q. I want to paint my brass kitchen cupboard handles a turquoise colour. Is this possible?

A. Yes. Degrease the handles using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner then prime the brass with Resene Vinyl Etch. Then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry Primer Undercoat and two coats of Resene Lustacryl. If you can, leave the painted handles to cure for a few days before using but at least treat with care for the first week or so until the paint fully hardens.

Q. I am looking into painting my old almond/brown coloured fridge to match my white kitchen. It works really well and I can't afford to replace it with a new one the same size so thought this could be an option. It has no rust and I would want to just paint the entire thing the one colour. Which paint would be best for this?

A. Clean down using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner to label directions then apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and leave to cure for 48 hours then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom. The paint will take at least 7 days to develop reasonable adhesion and hardness.

Q. I am looking to paint my kitchen cupboard doors and wanted to know which of your paint products you would recommend to be tough and reasonably stain resistant. I prefer a semi-gloss or satin finish.

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease. Pay particular attention to hand contact areas.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before over coating. Then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the laminate.

Q. Can I paint my Formica® bench top?

A. Yes. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the laminate.

Q. I have some older tiles behind the hobs in my kitchen that I want to paint. There is also a smaller square of the same tiles on the bench top, close to the hobs. Is there a heat resistant tile paint/product that I can paint the tiles with?

A. The following is what we recommend for painting Formica and glazed tiles:

Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease. Pay particular attention to hand contact areas.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote or Resene Lustacryl.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing. Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the laminate/glazed tiles. Painting is for decorative purposes only and we cannot state heat resistance information when the paint system is to be used close to a gas hob.

Q. Is there a paint system that can be applied over glazed terracotta tiles in a small kitchen and toilet area?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve. The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing. Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the tile surface.

Q. I would like to get the local panel beater to spray-booth paint my kitchen cupboard doors. I don't want a gloss finish, but naturally the finish needs to be durable and cleanable. I am thinking of using Resene Double Lemon Grass. What paint system would you recommend?

A. Resene Uracryl 404.

Q. I am considering a glass splashback with paint on the back. What benefits are there vs tiles or something else and what is the cost?

A. Resene supplies paint for splashbacks but then the splashback supplier will apply it and quote accordingly so you are best to get a quote direct from your splashback supplier.

A glass splashback backpainted with paint gives you a huge range of colour possibilities that can be chosen to work with the rest of your colour scheme. As the paint is on the back the colour is well protected and the surface is easy to keep clean – no cracks, valleys or grouting that kitchen grease can get stuck in. And can be made custom sized to suit whatever size you need.

It always pays to check the glass being used as one glass type (low iron oxide clear glass) shows the colour true to colour and standard glass doesn't (standard glass tends to have a greenish tinge to it).

Make sure your splashback supplier is using the correct paint brand and colour otherwise you might be disappointed in the colour.

If you want to change the colour in the future you would need to remove the splashback and replace it with another one.

Q. I want to paint my kitchen table. I'm going to sand the top and want to leave it as wood, but from the top down I want to paint white. What paint will work over stained wood? Do I sand first and prime then paint or can I paint straight over with an oil based paint?

A. Assuming it was a stain that was then overcoated with a clear varnish then the following can be used to give a solid paint finish: Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease; pay particular attention to hand contact areas. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve. The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Q. I am trying to do a commercial kitchen renovation (very light traffic). I have an area that has concrete and one that has some very ugly coloured tiles.

A. As long as the concrete is sound and clean then Resene Aquapoxy for Flooring should be suitable. Adhesion to the tiles may be an issue depending how they are finished.

Q. Can we use Resene Write-On Wall Paint as a backsplash over a painted wall behind an induction cooktop? Can any colour and/or brand of whiteboard markers be used and easily cleaned off?

A. Yes it can be. Pental MaxiFlo is our preferred brand of whiteboard marker.

Q. How do I paint Melteca® cupboards in the kitchen? They are currently white.

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve. The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing. Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the laminate.

Q. What is the best type of paint to use on kitchen drawers and kitchen cabinet doors?

A. We recommend a solventborne enamel first followed by a waterborne enamel.

Q. Can you please advise if the following two colours are current and readily available and if they are suitable for kitchen cabinets - Resene True Blue and Resene Blue Night.

A. Both colours are available and can be used for painting any surface as long as the correct paint is used.

Q. Is Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer adhesion primer the best to use for repainting lacquered kitchen cupboards, or is there another option?

A. Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer is the only adhesion primer we sell when looking to repaint laminate or polyurethaned substrates.

Q. After stripping the walls in my kitchen and doing the preparation, I have hung lining paper in readiness for painting. Am I ok to roll on two coats of waterbased paint?

A. Suggest you apply a coat of Resene Sureseal before applying the waterborne topcoats.

Q. I have kitchen cabinet doors in awful faux-wood vinyl wrap. They are in great condition. Can I paint them?

A. Apply Resene Vinyl Wallpaper Sealer then finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl, using roller application for both products. Add Resene Hot Weather Additive at the recommended level in the Resene Lustacryl.

Q. I am going to paint my kitchen cabinets/doors (solid wood). They are currently have a natural finish, so I gather just a clear varnish or clear coat is needing to be sanded back. What primer and paint would you recommend? I will be using a brush and/or roller.

A. Clean down using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner then apply a coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and leave to cure for 48 hours then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom. Please note that the Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer is not designed to give opacity. After application of the topcoats it will take up to five days to achieve good adhesion and a month for full cure. Roller application is recommend to achieve the most uniform finish.

Q. I have an island bench painted with two pack. Can I paint over this with another paint and if so what type?

A. All painted surfaces should be repaintable with the correct prep and priming. Thoroughly sand the two pack then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat then you can topcoat with a waterborne or solventborne enamel.

Q. I have picked a colour (Resene Half Ash) for my wood kitchen cabinets. I was wondering what finish would be best? Is a gloss finish available and is that what you would recommend for easy cleaning?

A. A gloss finish will always facilitate easier cleaning then a flat finish.

Q. Could you please recommend a suitable paint for me to repaint kitchen cabinets myself as professional repainting is too expensive for me? The cabinets are already painted in the original finish they came with from new - this is a low sheen finish. I would still like a low sheen finish, just a different colour and also, something which would be easy to wipe down and clean and not show fingermarks.

A. I do understand the expense of getting cabinetry spraypainted but it is the only application method to achieve a high standard of paint finish. Based on the assumption that 'the skin' of the doors is a baked laminate such as Melteca or Formica I would recommend the following… using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve. The new paint system will take 5 days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional 3 weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Q. I'm making wooden kauri flutes and looking for a glossy clear finish to the flute and mouth piece. Is there a non-toxic finish I can use on the mouth piece? Obviously a person’s lips and mouth are sucking and blowing on it.

A. I suggest you use Resene Polythane. After the coating is fully cured there will be no issues re toxicity.

Q. An existing kitchen wall has a gloss laminated board on it. The client wants this painted.

A. You can paint a glossy paint but this will not provide the same features that may have been present with the original surface.

Q. I had my kitchen cupboards spraypainted, which was great. But I am moving so don't want to spend a lot by spray painting again. What method do you suggest to repaint?

A. To repaint you will need to clean the surfaces down using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner then thoroughly sand to provide a mechanical key for the new paint. Then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of any Resene waterborne enamel in your chosen gloss level. Recommend rolling all coats using a Resene No.4 sleeve. You can get a nook and cranny roller to roll small areas such as cupboard doors. Rolling will give you a more even finish than brushing but a small orange peel to the finish. Brushing will inevitably end up with brush marking.

Q. Do you have a clear primer to paint glass splashback using a metallic paint as a topcoat?

A. Sorry no Resene product for this application. However you can use Resene Imperite Metallic colours for painting glass splashbacks direct.

Q. I have 20 year old kitchen cupboards which were professionally sprayed with polyurethane white paint. Over the years they have deteriorated in colour. Does Resene have a product that I could carefully repaint these cupboards with, perhaps with some light sanding with fine sandpaper, beforehand?

A. We should be able to match the paint colour if you can bring in a sample but you will need to spray apply to match the finish.

Q. Can I paint my kitchen's Formica® bench top? And what kind of paint would you suggest?

A. Clean down the bench top using Jif® type cleaner then wipe clean. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and leave to cure for at least 48 hour (avoid water contact for the first 24 hours) then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl. For best results roll apply the Resene Lustacryl. This will give a slightly textured finish. The adhesion and cure of the system will take a minimum of five days to develop. For at least the first 48 hours after application of the waterborne enamel finish try to avoid water contact with the new paint. The painted Formica will not have the hardness of the original laminate.

Q. I see people using chalk paint as an oven splashback in their kitchen. Wouldn't it get oil on it that would be difficult to remove?

A. We do not recommend using conventional waterborne paints (which includes chalk style paints) for splashbacks.

Q. I have just moved into my new home which has a black shiny kitchen which looks stunning and perfect except in direct sunlight when the surface looks slightly scratched, like it's been buffed. I was warned that a black kitchen would need to be cleaned regularly re fingerprints but not this. Before I go back to the kitchen specialists I would like some advice on how it should look in direct sunlight.

A. The higher the gloss level the more likely surface defects will show especially when light glances across the surface. All paint finishes have the potential for this to occur. The only possible way is to apply a clear coat over the basecoat colour but even this may not solve the issue but it will protect the underlying pigmented basecoat.

Q. I am using household paint to make paint skins. I have been experimenting with Resene acrylics, donated and from recycle centres. Is waterborne better than solventborne?

A. There are a number of artists creating paint skins. Most use acrylic paints as it tends to be more thermoplastic (stretchy) and are nicer to work with (less toxic, less fumes and easier to clean up). However at Designday there were paint skins exhibited using solventborne paints.

Q. We are currently renovating our kitchen. We have flatpack carcasses but are doing ply doors and benchtops. We would like to know which product you would recommend to use on the ply please? Obviously it needs to be pretty hardwearing for a benchtop (along the lines of a marine grade varnish). We would like it to stay as natural looking in colour as possible.

A. We recommend four coats of Resene Polythane, edge sealing important.

Q. I wish to spray paint existing velvet finish Melamine kitchen doors and panels. What should I use?

A. Factory produced laminates such as Melteca and Formica can be painted where a colour change only is required. However painting cannot replicate the original laminate properties and features. Painting for colour change or upgrade should not be considered for laminates in wet areas such as shower linings

Thoroughly wipe down using Resene Interior Paint Cleaner to remove all dirt, grease, stains, dust and other contaminants.

Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Allow to dry. For best results thoroughly wet sand with 220 grit wet and dry paper to aid adhesion. Wipe down with a cloth and water to remove sanding debris. While sanding will give the best results this can be omitted where contact with the painted surface is low frequency.

Suggest that you use Resene Lustacryl Kitchen and Bathroom as the finish. Painting will not reproduce the original wear and hardness features of the laminate.

Q. I would like to change the colour of my kitchen work tops that are melamine. Is there a paint I can use?

A. Clean down to remove any grease oil etc and then apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and leave to cure for 48 hours then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl waterborne enamel. Adhesion will take a minimum of five days to develop so care must be taken not to damage the new paint system over this time. The painted work tops will not have the same wear and hardiness as the original factory laminate surface.

Q. What paint and method can be used to paint directly on to glass in the same way as a coloured splashback?

A. We sell Resene Imperite IF 503 for glass splashback painting. See the data sheet and labels (Base and Hardener) for application instructions.

Q. We are building and don't know whether to paint the kitchen cupboard doors a high gloss or low sheen? The colour will be white. What would you recommend?

A. The higher the gloss, the easier cleaning will be, but it does come down to a personal choice. High gloss white can be stark especially under certain lighting conditions.

Q. I am making a cake stand out of timber and wish to paint it white. What finish can I put on top of the paint to make it waterproof and food safe?

A. Apply a primer coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and then two coats of standard Resene Lustacryl. Allow to cure for two weeks then wipe down with a cloth and warm water before using. This will not give a dishwasher safe coating system. Best to wipe down to clean.

Q. What is the best low sheen wall paint for a kitchen area?

A. Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

Q. Can I use Resene Uracryl 403 as a topcoat on an epoxy sealed kitchen bench top?

A. Resene Uracryl 403 can be self-coated without sanding, as long as the Resene Uracryl surface to be recoated is clean and free from contaminants. In your case a light sand to de-nib between coats should be the only sanding required. The applied film will take up to 5 days to achieve reasonable cure and hardness so any polishing should be delayed until this time has elapsed.

Post note: The coating was successfully sanded down to 2000 grit wet and dry, then buffed with a cutting compound.

Q. I am wondering if you have a solution for me to paint an old kitchen counter top. It is currently apricot and want to make it a silver or grey.

A. If it is a Melteca type laminate then ensure the surface is degreased and apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and leave to cure for 48 hours (ensure the surface remains dry) then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroomand leave for an additional 48 hours before using. Note: this is a decorative paint system and the painted surface will not have the properties of the original laminate.

Q. We are painting the space where a new freestanding cooker is to be installed. The cupboards will be close to the oven part. The installation manual does not actually give any heat requirements for this situation - but it would be the heat of the oven. I understand that the ovens nowadays are insulated. One cooker we looked at said 100 degrees Celsius.

A. We have no standard Resene paints that we could confidently say would have heat resistance to 100 degrees Celsius; it would be best to tile.

Q. Can I use Resene paint to colour a glass splashback in my kitchen?

A. We do have a product Resene Imperite IF 503 that is used by the industry for painting splashbacks but it is a 2 pack paint and must be spray applied.

Q. Can I paint over my melamine kitchen cupboards?

A. Yes, clean down the surfaces to be painted with Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner then apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and leave to cure for 48 hours then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl (best finish by roller application). The system will take 5-7 days to develop adhesion.

Note that this is a decorative finish and the painted surfaces will not have the features of the original laminate.

Q. I want to apply white water based paint to kitchen cupboard doors which are currently stained with a satin finish stain/varnish. Feels sticky-ish to touch. Once sanded and cleaned what primer should I use?

A. Use Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat.

Q. Do you have any paint that you would recommend for kitchen laminate countertops?

A. Degrease and then apply a coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure for at least 48 hours (the Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer is not designed to achieve a high film build). Then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl. The total system will take at least five days to develop good adhesion. This is a decorative system and does not have the features of the original laminate surface.

Q. What is the most suitable polyurethane for a kauri kitchen bench after sanding? It is a highly used old farmhouse kitchen. There is a butler sink and tiles in the area. Just an old farmhouse kitchen.

A. We recommend Resene Qristal Clear polyurethanes.

Q. What paint can I use to paint laminate kitchen cabinets? Needs to be durable/washable and I suppose not too easily stained. Does Resene have a paint for this?

A. Clean down with Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner and apply an adhesion coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and leave to cure for 48 hours. The primer is not designed to give film build or opacity. Then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom. The last two paints are best applied by roller to avoid brush marking on the finish.

Q. I am using your Resene Uracryl 802 acrylic system and spraying it onto kitchen cupboards. They have been sealed and undercoated using Resene recommended products. After having sprayed two topcoats the finish looks dry in places. The coats went on beautifully. Am using a 1.4 fluid needle gti automotive spray gun. What am I doing wrong? Perhaps a larger fluid needle and less water thinning?

A. I suspect the problem is dry spray, try thinning a little more with water. Remember to take care not to overbuild the product as this can cause gassing within the wet film.

Q. I am currently in the process of renovating an old, large, high ceiling kitchen. The walls are Seratone®. I just wanted to know if it was possible to just paint over it due to limited budget.

A. Clean down the walls using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner then apply a coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer, leave to cure for 48 hours ensuring good ventilation then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat followed by two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom. The system will take up to five days to develop good adhesion.

Q. We have just replaced the plasterboard in our kitchen and are about to paint it. What paint system should we use? We have been told to use Resene Sureseal as the undercoat and Resene SpaceCote Kitchen & Bathroom for the wall. Is that correct? How about the ceiling?

A. Yes apply Resene Sureseal to the stopped GIB® then apply the two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom. You can use the same paint for finishing ceilings or use Resene SpaceCote Flat Kitchen & Bathroom.

Q. I need to repaint over a stipple finish on kitchen cupboards. Need a more streamlined finish.

A. Degrease using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner and sand thoroughly to provide a mechanical key for the new paint system. Apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat followed by two coats of Resene Lustacryl waterborne enamel. At this time of the year add Resene Hot Weather Additive to maintain a wet edge and to minimise brushmarking.

Q. Do Resene have a melamine paint? I need to touch up some old kitchen joinery.

A. The melamine finish is baked not painted on. We recommend using Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer as the adhesion primer to bare laminate, leave to cure for 48 hours then apply Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl. However this system does not replicate the gloss level or the toughness of the original laminate.

Q. What is the best option for painting wooden/varnished kitchen cupboards? How would I prepare them and how can I ensure the paint won't look streaky? I was hoping to paint them white if that's possible.

A. Clean down using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner then lightly sand and dust off then apply a coat or Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and leave to cure for 48 hours then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl. The paint system will require 5-7 days to develop reasonable adhesion and hardness. Please note that the Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer is not designed to achieve opacity or build. Roller application using a Resene No.4 sleeve will give the most uniform finish.

Q. We want to paint the kitchen cabinets in our kitchen white. The cabinets are a shiny, grey laminate I think. What would be the best way to tackle this? Sanding, then two coats of primer and topcoat? Maybe a sealer?

A. Painting will not reproduce the wear and hardness features of the current laminate. However the following paint system can be used to achieve a colour change; clean down the surface with Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner following label directions. Apply an adhesion coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure for 48 hours before overcoating. Note the sealer is not designed to achieve opacity or build. Then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry Waterborne Primer Undercoat and finish with two coats of a Resene waterborne enamel such as Resene Lustacryl. It's best to apply all coats with a roller as brushing will always give some brush marking. The system will take a minimum of 5-7 days to begin to harden and develop ultimate adhesion.

Q. My kitchen cupboard doors are powder coated Customwood. Am I able to paint over these to change the colour? If so, what do I have to do to prepare and which paint do I use?

A. Sand using 180 grit sandpaper to provide a mechanical key for the new paint system, dust off and prime with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and then apply two coats of Resene Lusta-Glo.

Q. Just sanded down a huge piece of macrocarpa which we are making into a kitchen work bench (no sink in it). Please advise on a clear varnish to use on it.

A. Best product is Resene Polythane, four coats.

Q. What is best to apply to all the Beech (raw) wood bench surfaces in a kitchen area? Satin finish is our first preference to cut back surface glare.

A. Suggest that you apply a pretreatment of Resene TimberLock (ensure any excess is wiped from the surface), allow to dry for at least 48 hours then follow with 3-4 coats of Resene HD Poly-Satin varnish.

Q. I have a renovated bathroom/shower room where the walls and ceiling are a mixture of bare plaster, bare plasterboard and previously painted surfaces (probably acrylic paint). I have purchased Resene Sureseal to use as the first coat and Resene SpaceCote for the finish coats, but I wanted to check first that the Resene Sureseal is a suitable undercoat on the surfaces which have been previously painted?

A. Resene Sureseal is not normally used as an undercoat over previously painted surfaces. In your case I would apply the Resene Sureseal where required, sand the existing painted areas then apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry Waterborne Primer Undercoat to the entire area before applying the two coats of waterborne enamel.

Q. I want to paint over varnish - my kitchen is large and almost entirely varnished wood (a bit like a Lockwood home) including the ceiling! If I have to sand it all it will be a huge job. Iis there any alternative or primer I can use directly over 30 year old varnish?

A. Clean the surfaces down using Resene Interior Paint Cleaner Concentrate diluted and applied following the label instructions. Allow to dry then apply a coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and leave to cure with good ventilation for at least 48 hours. Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer is not designed to give hiding or a high build. Apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat followed by two coats of a Resene waterborne enamel. I suggest Resene Spacecote Low Sheen for walls and Resene SpaceCote Flat for ceilings. The paint system will require at least five days to develop adhesion and avoid contact with steam for the first 5 days.

Q. I am looking at painting my kitchen cupboards which have a paint finish over melamine which is now chipped. I have heard there is a paint you can apply which gives a great finish. I am looking at high gloss white paint. Can you help?

A. Thoroughly sand the existing painted surface and apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat. Use PAL Contract Filler to fill chips, allow the filler to dry then sand smooth and reprime filled areas with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat. Then apply two coats of Resene Super Gloss enamel.

Q. I have a damaged white Formica kitchen carcass, cabinets, wall panels, drawer and cupboard fronts. Is it possible to paint the Formica® and what paint system do you suggest to restore the Formica®?

A. The following paint system be used to paint laminates such as Formica® - degrease using Resene Interior Paint Cleaner following label directions then prime with Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and leave to cure for 48 hours before undercoating with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat. Finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl. The Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer is an adhesion primer and not designed to give film build or opacity. The system will take at least five days to develop full adhesion. Painting will not restore the original properties of the Formica® laminate, it will provide a colour change. It's best to apply the undercoat and topcoats by rolling to avoid brushmarking.

Q. How do I recoat kitchen cupboard doors? They look like gloss spraypainted over customwood.

A. Sand with 220 grit sandpaper to degloss then prime with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat, and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Apply all coats using a small nook and cranny roller for a good finish. There will be orange peel but roller application avoids the issue of brushmarking. The system will take about five days to achieve reasonable adhesion and hardness.

Q. I operate a glass studio and have a client who wishes me to create a blended colour glass splashback using colours to match existing colours we have used in their stained glass. What paints (that can be tinted) do you have available that are suitable to back paint glass, similar to that used to create glass splashbacks?

A. The splashback industry uses Resene Imperite IF 503. It's available in pigmented solid colour and there is a metallic option.

Q. I wish to paint a glass splashback and I am sure I have heard a Resene ad saying that you have paint to do this. The only paint system I can find on your system requires an adhesion primer which is not clear. Obviously I wish to paint the back side of the glass so this will not work. Is there a product you do for this purpose or am I dreaming!?

A. Traditional solvent based enamels such as Resene Super Gloss have good adhesion to glass and may be the easiest for you to use. The product we generally sell for glass painting is a two pack product that must be spray applied.

Q. I would like to paint my kitchen cabinets which are made of a laminate material. Do you have a primer that would stick to this that I could paint over? And if there is a primer is there any special type of paint that I would need to use to paint over it?

A. Ensure the laminate surface is degreased and then the following paint system can be applied:
Adhesion primer: Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer
Undercoat: Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat
Topcoat: Resene Lustacryl

The Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer is not designed to give film build. Leave the primed surface for 48 hours before undercoating. The paint system will take at least 7 days to develop adhesion. The painted laminate will not have the features of the unpainted laminate.

Q. I want to change the colour of my laminated kitchen benchtop. Is there a system and paint that I can use?

A. Yes, degrease and then wet sand with 400 wet and dry sandpaper (taking care not to unduly scratch the surface) wipe clean and allow to dry then apply a coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer (note this is an adhesion primer and not designed to give opacity or high build). Allow to dry for 48 hours with good ventilation then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat followed by two coats of Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel. Allow to cure for at least five days before re-using. Note that the painted surface will not replicate the properties of the original laminate surface.

Q. I want to paint our kitchen cabinetry which I am guessing is Formica, Melteca or melamine. It's approximately 15 years old and has a very slight grainy texture. Do you have product(s) that I can spray, roll or brush on and will it be a durable surface? I am picking it will be a two pot system or similar.

A. The following can be used to change the colour of the laminate. Degrease and then wet sand with 400 wet and dry sandpaper (taking care not to unduly scratch the surface) wipe clean and allow to dry then apply a coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer (note this is an adhesion primer and not designed to give opacity or high build). Allow to dry for 48 hours with good ventilation then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat followed by two coats of Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel. Allow to cure for at least five days before re-using. Note that the painted surface will not replicate the properties of the original laminate surface. If you want to have a two pot system I suggest that this is best done by a furniture painting business.

Q. We are repairing the kitchen and an automatic bug sprayer had been spraying against the wall for a sustained period. What is the best way to clean off the spray and ensure that the new paint applies over the area without it bleeding through?

A. Wipe the area down with Resene Emulsifiable Solvent Cleaner and then wash down with water until the wash water is no longer milky (you will need to rinse the cloth out each time and also change the wash water for each wash down). Allow to dry then apply Resene Sureseal to the affected areas, allow to cure overnight then apply a coat of Resene StainLock over the Resene Sureseal before applying two coats of Resene acrylic wall paint, such as Resene Zylone Sheen or Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen.

Q. I cut and supply acrylic splashbacks. Can you please advise the best paint to use on clear cast acrylic to paint on the back of sheets as the colour would be seen through the clear? Also is it available in testpots so I can make up samples for clients to see?

A. You can use Resene testpots for this application.

Q. I'm looking at painting my wooden kitchen cupboards - I've been looking at various options, but wondered what paint you'd suggest? I want it to be very hardwearing!

A. I would suggest that you use a traditional solventborne enamel paint system as these are more resistant to wear than a waterborne enamel type.

Q. I have built an island unit in my kitchen and want to apply painted toughened glass to the wall surfaces. I have the glass and spray gun and compressor. Can you please tell me the undercoat and topcoat system I should use to apply the paint to the glass?

A. Resene Imperite 503 is the product you want as it’s used by a number of splashback companies. It’s a specialist product (two pack) and requires a bit of expertise to apply. Generally you paint the back side that fixes against the wall, then all you have is glass exposed to the kitchen and you can’t damage the paint etc.

Q. Is Resene MoulDefender added to paint safe for pantry shelves and walls?

A. Resene MoulDefender additive is perfectly safe; however a great option would be a product like Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom. It includes MoulDefender and also anti-bacterial silver.

Q. What is the best paint for a kitchen? What paint should I use if I am painting over Resene Sonyx 101 (in a kitchen)?

A. We would not normally see Resene Sonyx 101 being used for interior paint jobs, even less so for kitchens. The system would be to apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and then two coats of a Resene waterborne enamel such as Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

Q. I would like advice on a suitable paint finish for a wall surface behind a gas stove in a kitchen.

A. Glass or tile splashbacks are the best option for this situation. There are few paints that will have sufficient heat resistance to be used behind a cooking top, gas or electric. It does depend upon the distance between the back elements and the wall but generally it’s best to opt for the glass or tiled splashback. You can get the glass back painted in your favourite Resene colour.

Q. I want to paint my Melteca kitchen cupboard doors white (currently they are cream). What products should I use – primers/sealers, paint type?

A. The following paint system can be used for painting laminates such as Melteca. Scrub down using a cleaner such as Jif and remove all residues. Wet sand with 400 wet and dry sandpaper taking care not to unduly scratch the laminate surface. Rinse clean and allow to dry then apply Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer (this only needs to be a thin coat and will not achieve opacity over the laminate colour). Allow to cure for 48 hours then undercoat with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl. For best result roll the topcoats using a Resene No.4 roller sleeve. The paint system will take at least 5 days to develop adhesion and harden, full cure requires a month. The painted surface will not have the hardness properties of the original laminate.

Q. We have a bright green Formica benchtop in our kitchen. Is there anything we can paint over it to change the colour?

A. The following paint system can be used for painting laminates such as Melteca. Scrub down using a cleaner such as Jiff and remove all residues. Wet sand with 400 wet and dry sandpaper taking care not to unduly scratch the laminate surface. Rinse clean and allow to dry then apply Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer (this only needs to be a thin coat and will not achieve opacity over the laminate colour). Allow to cure for 48 hours then undercoat with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl. For best result roll the topcoats using a Resene No.4 roller sleeve. The paint system will take at least five days to develop adhesion and harden, full cure requires a month. The painted surface will not have the hardness properties of the original laminate.

Q. I wish to paint the back of a glass lazy susan that I have mosaiced to stop the glue showing through. I need a permanent glass paint. Which would you recommend?

A. For this you could use two coats of Resene Super Gloss enamel.

Q. I have wooden kitchen cupboards that were painted blue, and I want to paint them white. What sort of paint should I use?

A. Sand to a smooth dull finish and apply Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat then apply two coats of a Resene waterborne enamel such as Resene Lustacryl (semi-gloss) or Resene Enamacryl (gloss).

Q. I am looking to finish a pressed tin product with a powdercoat to make it resemble the attached image for a kitchen backsplash.

A. We do not supply powders to powder coating operations. Powdercoating requires a bake step and specialised powder application equipment. However if you want to paint the product then ensure the metal is degreased and apply a coat of Resene Armourcote 221 followed by two coats of a Resene Uracryl 400 Series topcoat. We can match the Resene Uracryl finish to Resene colours (with the exception of metallics).

Q. Have you got a product that seals hand painted china/ceramic cups? The paint keeps rubbing off. It would obviously need to be clear and safe for drinking from after curing time.

A. The underlying problem is the adhesion of the paint used to the glazed pottery, not sure what type of paint was used but I am not aware of a sealer that can be used to 'glue' the applied paint to the pottery surface.

Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer can be used as the adhesion primer for waterborne paints onto glazed pottery but pottery painted with this system will not survive cleaning in hot water or dishwashing.

Q. We have tiles in a splashback area and are wanting to alter colour. We know you can paint tiles in Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and then what else would we need to meet the fire rating requirements for a kitchen behind a stove etc?

A. We don’t recommend paint being applied on top of splashbacks next to stoves or similar, due to the direct exposure of the painted surface to heat, oils/fats and cooking splashes. You would be best to get a new splashback backpainted in your chosen Resene colour, even if you just install it over the existing one (depending on the space available), or if limited room then remove the old and replace with a new one.

Q. What would you recommend for repainting a kitchen counter in our home?

A. If we are dealing with Formica and similar and a pigmented system is required then the topcoats will be a waterborne enamel then best to use Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer as an adhesion primer, then Resene Quick Dry as an undercoat and topcoat in your choice of Resene Enamacryl gloss waterborne enamel or Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel.

Q. I have specified a wallpaper to go under a kitchen bench. Is there a clear spray or paint I can use to protect it and make it wipeable?

A. Many years back a clear acrylic sealer was recommended for this but with the advent of modern vinyl based papers this should no longer be a requirement.

Q. Do we need to use a particular type of paint on the kitchen walls? Also, we have a piece of wood that runs behind the sink and oven, assume this would be painted the same as the doors/skirtings? Does this need to be a high gloss seeing as it is in contact with water? Normally do you use the same colour as the doors/skirtings for the ceiling too? Or is that normally a different tone/colour? Is there special ceiling paint too?

A. Generally service rooms – kitchens (and bathrooms and laundries) require an enamel paint as the rooms are jeopardised with steam, food born stains, soap and cleaning products and often require 'tough' paint films to withstand all of that. These days most people favour a less shiny paint finish so all the rooms in the house have a similar type of paint finish. Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen waterborne enamel - Kitchen & Bathroom formula with extra silver fungicidal protection is the most popular. However, some people need a bit more sheen and prefer Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom (semi-gloss) waterborne enamel. I usually recommend a mix of both – Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom formula for walls, Resene SpaceCote Flat Kitchen & Bathroom on ceilings and Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom for all skirting boards, door frames, doors and window frames and sills.

For people who adore the rich wet looking sheen of a full gloss there is Resene Enamacryl (gloss waterborne enamel) which can be used for all woodwork instead of Resene Lustacryl. That strip of wood between the sink and oven needs a paint that will take hard cleaning and be able to withstand everything - but the choice of sheen level is up to you - either Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss or Resene Enamacryl gloss.

Solventborne (turps based) enamels are still available but they take longer to dry.

Often ceilings and woodwork are the same colour - but not always - in this particular case you need to decide whether to do either the same as walls for the ceilings or highlight the ceiling more with the lighter colour.

The paint that is often seen in 10 litre pails and is called Resene Ceiling Paint is recommended in rooms other than wet areas. Resene SpaceCote Flat is a waterborne enamel that can be used on ceilings and is washable - one version of this product has a fly deterrent in it and another has extra mould additive in it as well as anti-bacterial silver protection.

Q. I want to paint my kitchen ceiling a light colour as the room is very dark. At present the ceiling forms the upstairs floor and comprises exposed dark stained beams and the varnished underneath of floorboards. Will your standard ceiling paint cover this?

A. You will need to apply Resene Sureseal to the dark stained beams and also prime the varnished areas with Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer prior to applying two coats of our Resene Ceiling Paint.

Q. We need a paint spec for a commercial kitchen floor. There is a fire damaged paint system on old concrete that needs to be replaced as part of insurance works.

A. Degrease using Altex P40 then diamond grind. For the paint system, seal prepared concrete with Resene Sureseal followed by Resene Aquapoxy for Flooring.

Q. We have a house with painted kitchen worktops in need of a refresh. What paints can we use to make the surface more hard wearing?

A. Here the main substrate used for hardwearing kitchen surfaces is either Formica or Melteca. These are baked laminates and it is our experience that while paints can be applied to change the colour, they cannot upgrade the substrate to maintain the original wear properties of the original surface.

Q. I’m hoping to get some advice on a primer that I should use on skim-coated walls in the bathroom before using Resene SpaceCote Flat Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamel paint. Pigmented sealer was applied on painted walls prior to skimming.

A. Resene Sureseal (waterborne or solventborne) is best applied again over the plaster before the topcoat.

November 2023

Q. What is the correct Resene paint for windowsills and doors in wet areas?

A. Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom semi-gloss is an ideal topcoat for interior timber doors and windowsills in wet areas such as bathrooms.

Once painted, allow five days until first use of showers (or cause of humidity). Paint reaches full cure around 28 days. In this time the paint will be susceptible to light scratches and humidity. If the areas get condensation, wipe dry.

November 2023

Q. I am painting our newly renovated bathroom which has floor-to-ceiling tiles. I already have used ceiling paint in the bedrooms and Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss on the windows and doors so am wondering can these be used in the bathroom or is it really important to use the kitchen/bathroom range?

Also, I need to prime the cavity door. Should I use Resene Quick Dry primer then Resene Acrylic Undercoat followed by Resene Lustacryl? How long after the painting is finished should you leave to dry before using the shower etc?

A. The Resene Kitchen & Bathroom range has added MoulDefender to defend against mould growth and silver to help provide anti-bacterial benefits.

You can use Resene Lustacryl in a wet area on doors, sills, frames, walls and ceilings but we do not recommend Resene Ceiling Paint as it is too porous. Try using Resene SpaceCote Flat Kitchen & Bathroom or Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom for the ceiling.

Apply one full coat of Resene Quick Dry primer undercoat to the cavity slider followed by two full coats of Resene Lustacryl in your chosen colour.

Allow ideally a minimum of five days before you use shower. After the first few showers, it is good to wipes the walls and ceiling down from any moisture. Full cure of paint can take 28 days so be mindful of extra ventilation in that time period.

September 2023

Q. We have a hardboard ceiling in the bathroom of our 1960s house. There were a lot of nails with rusty heads, we have sanded these back but are not sure what primer and paint is recommended for this ceiling. The hardboard is painted white – this was done a long time ago.

The rusty nailheads have stained the existing coating. I have sanded back the nail heads to get rid of the rust but there is still some rust on the paint immediately surrounding the nails.

The moisture looks like it is only coming from the bathroom. The entire bathroom need repainting and I am hoping to fix the ceiling as part of that. I don't think it’s possible to replace the nails. Eventually we will have to replace the ceiling but hoping for a fix that will last a few years.

A. The course of action is to replace the nails with a type that doesn’t rust.

If this is not possible, we recommend two coats of Resene ArmourX GP Metal Primer over the nail head and any rust staining on the current paint coating. Please note if the nails are not replaced, this system will hold back any under film corrosion for a time but will not eliminate it coming through to the surface again eventually. You can then topcoat.

August 2023

Q. We are repainting a feature wall in our bathroom (wet area). We like your Resene Laurel green colour. I see that colour is available in Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen, but not in Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom, with mould killer. We are painting over existing paint, which is in pretty good condition. We are looking for advice on whether we should try to find a similar colour in the Kitchen & Bathroom paint - or if the Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen will be okay as is?

A. The kitchen and bathroom range is only available for white and off-white colours. For your project, it would be best to get the standard Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen and ask the Resene ColorShop to add the MoulDefender to it when they tint your colour. The cure time is slightly longer for the standard formula, so be mindful of the temperature and wipe your walls down for about a week after showering.

August 2023

Q. Our tenant sprayed some 'Exit Mould' in the bathroom, and some of it got on the wall paint - the effect is that it looks like a luminous stain. Before I just paint over it, I wondered if there is any process to go through? Should I use regular undercoat over the top of it first, or some kind of sealant? I tried to google this question, but there doesn't seem to be anything online.

A. The Exit Mould will have bleached the area so providing the affected area is cleaned using a light cleaner like Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner then thoroughly rinsed with clean water it will be fine to paint directly over that area.

July 2023

Q. I have to paint new Aqualine plasterboard. The finish coat colour will be Resene Bianca. What should I use for the sealer, undercoat and topcoat? How many coats of each would be required in order to ensure the green colour of the Aqualine plasterboard won’t show through?

A. The below is the assumption that the painting will be in a wet area such as a bathroom on walls.

Apply a seal coat of Resene Waterborne Sureseal or Resene Sureseal, followed by a coat of Resene Quick Dry (this is white in colour and will assist in hiding the Aqualine colour) and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom or Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom.

July 2023

Q. What paint can be used on plastic, e.g. outside edge of shower base butted against painted wood? It needs to be a little flexible.

A. I recommend spot priming with one coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer followed by two topcoats of Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss or whichever topcoat you used originally. Paint doesn't adhere well to all plastics.

If the paint is coming off the silicone gap filler rather than the plastic, you can try the above or I would remove the silicone and replace it with a paintable version (there are many on the market). You can also leave the silicone unpainted if it blends in.

March 2023

Q. My bathroom was painted with an oil paint on top of an oil paint, you can peel it off with your finger nail. Is there an undercoat you can use without scrapping it all off?

A. Unfortunately, there is no undercoat that will penetrate the top layer to make these layers adhere to each other. The only way is to remove via scrapping and sanding or a paint stripper.

March 2023

Q. I'd like to know the best paint system to use for a bathroom with tongue-and-groove timber walls. There are lots of small gaps etc. I'm not sure which it is, but there is currently a coating on there. Looks more like polyurethane to me. I will sand it but, because there are so many grooves, I don’t think removing is realistic.

A. Lightly sand and clean using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner, paying attention to high-contact areas.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Sureseal sealer and allow it to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. The sealer is not designed to be applied as a thick wet film thickness, the thinner the coat the better.

Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom or Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom if you want a higher gloss level.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until a full cure occurs. In the early stages, the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion, as these features develop as the film undergoes curing. Note that the painting will not reproduce the original features or hardness properties of the original timber and adding any paint system will always require a level of maintenance.

If you would like, the gaps can be filled with a paintable style gap filler, prior to painting.

February 2023

Q. I've used Resene Concrete Primer on fibre cement sheet, which is usually fine, however it's in a bathroom. Can I just topcoat with Resene SpaceCote or do I need to put in a solventborne sealer like Resene Sureseal (which, in hindsight, I should've used originally).

A. It is fine to continue over the Resene Concrete Primer with the Resene SpaceCote. You are right in the future Resene Sureseal is our recommendation.

February 2023

Q. I have used Resene Sureseal pigmented sealer in our newly plastered bathroom. I have then used Resene SpaceCote Kitchen & Bathroom and I have now noticed that where the plasterer has stopped and it has been sanded the surface is smooth but where only the Aqualine GIB® is it is gritty to the touch.

A. To smooth out, lightly sand to smooth and recoat.

January 2023

Q. I am using James Hardie Groove Lining as a vanity splashback in bathroom which they say are suitable for semi-wet areas. What paint system should we use to comply with Building Code?

A. Resene's understanding is that our standard paint system for wet areas will comply with E3 Internal moisture, splash zone requirements from the building code. Seal with one coat of Resene Sureseal followed by two coats of a waterborne enamel such as Resene Lustacryl.

January 2023

Q. I have painted over Sika silicone for wet areas – and have just found it says it is non-paintable. Is this an issue?

A. Silicone is too smooth for the paint to adhere to, it will still dry etc but will just be sort of floating on the surface.

December 2022

Q. We have failed a building inspection due to the clearance from a shower rain head to painted GIB® being less than the 1,500mm stated in E3/AS1. The distance is about 1,200mm from the rain head to the corner of the shower. It is over 1,500mm from the main shower rose to the corner of the shower.

The painter has applied two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom over one coat of Resene Sureseal over 10mm GIB® Aqualine. There are tiles on the bathroom walls which extend 1m above FL and have a sealed edge trim at the top. Can you confirm that the Resene SpaceCote can withstand some water splash without any damage to the paint finish or wall lining?

A. As long as two full coats of the Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom have been applied to the data sheet coverage, the topcoats will not allow liquid water to pass through the cured topcoat film.

June 2022

Q. Would the normal Resene ceiling paint white be okay for bathroom ceilings or should we go with Resene SpaceCote Flat for bathrooms/kitchens?

A. Standard ceiling paints are not suitable to use in wet areas such as bathrooms. Our usual recommendation for bathroom walls and ceilings is Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

June 2022

Q. Our bathrooms are painted in a semi-gloss solventborne enamel, along with our skirting boards, windowsills etc. We like the hard, semi-gloss finish and have found it great in the bathrooms – easy to clean and doesn't get mould. What would you recommend we use now? The bathrooms seem a little yellower than they were.

A. A solventborne enamel paint when cured is a harder finish than a waterborne enamel topcoat paint. However, solventborne enamels do yellow on ageing, but most don’t contain any additive to control mould growth. If you have not experienced mould growth, then this is probably due to the bathroom environment not being conducive to mould growth. You could use Resene Lusta-Glo if you wanted to stay with a solventborne product.

Another option is Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom. It’s not as hard a finish but is designed or bathrooms.

June 2022

Q. I would like to know which product is best suited for a 20mm eucalyptus ply veneer bathroom vanity carcass/top.

A. We recommend 3-4 coats of Resene Polythane. If possible, apply 1-2 envelope coats before installation. End cuts must be sealed to prevent water uptake.

June 2022

Q. We have just got our bathroom plastered? How long do I leave before I paint it? Also what do I use after plastering but before painting?

A. The stopping plaster needs to be through dry before painting. There is no set time for this to occur as the drying is dependent upon temperature, humidity, and air flow. This could take up to a week. Once the plaster is dry apply a seal coat of Resene Sureseal followed by a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

June 2022

Q. I want to paint our previously varnished cork tile bathroom floor. I see you suggest Resene Quick Dry then two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

A. You will need to sand the existing clear to degloss/profile for recoating. Dust off and then wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any residual sanding dusts. Apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and leave to dry overnight, then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl or Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom versions.

June 2022

Q. Which process and paint should I use on a new bathroom and toilet ceiling?

A. Apply a seal coat of Resene Sureseal, followed with a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

The completed system will need to cure for three days before exposure to steam/condensation. Ensure good ventilation and if you can, warm the areas using an electric heater and run a dehumidifier.

June 2022

Q. Should I use kitchen/bathroom paint on my bathroom ceiling or just normal ceiling paint? It does have an extractor fan above the shower and a window for ventilation but the room is pretty small. I don’t want it peeling off when steamy etc.

A. If this is a new job, apply a coat of Resene Sureseal to the plasterbvpard followed by a coat of Resene Quick Dry before finishing with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

Experience has shown us that this is the best system to apply for a wet area, particularly above an open shower. You will need to leave the new paint system to cure for at least 3 days with ventilation before using the shower. This is to minimise the occurrence of surfactant leaching.

If you can, run an electric heater and a dehumidifier during curing.

June 2022

Q. I wish to paint over some Formica walls that are in a bathroom. Can you suggest what primer and paint I would need?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner clean down to remove grease/oil paying particular attention to hand contact areas. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before over coating. The sealer is not designed to be applied as a thick wet film thickness or give opacity, the thinner the coat the better. The sealer will have a chemical odour for a few days until fully s cured so ensure good ventilation of painted areas. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene Lustacryl (Kitchen and Bathroom versions).

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to condensation, cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the laminate and is not suitable for a shower lining.

June 2022

Q. As our GIB® was going up today it was realised that the builders didn't order Aqualine for the ceilings in the wet areas. The draftsman did some research and found it could be used if finished with oil based products. Can you please advise?

A. Use a seal coat of Resene Sureseal, an undercoat of Resene Enamel Undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lusta-Glo topcoat colour.

June 2022

Q. We have a bucket of Resene Zylone Sheen we have been using on the walls throughout our house. We have a lot leftover and we're hoping to use it in our bathroom. We understand for the bathroom it is best to use Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom on the walls. But we were wondering is there a way to make our Resene Zylone Sheen paint more suitable for the bathroom? E.g. Can we add anti-bacterial silver protection and MoulDefender to the Resene Zylone Sheen paint?

A. Resene Zylone Sheen is not suitable for painting bathrooms. Resene Zylone Sheen is based on a conventional waterborne resin system. When exposed to steam/condensation, paints based on this resin type can blister. Addition of extra mould or antibacterial additives will not overcome this.

June 2022

Q. We want to paint our bathroom. We're starting with new GIB® plasterboard, no previous painting. How do I coat it?

A. Best recommendation is to apply a seal coat of Resene Sureseal, an undercoat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

June 2022

Q. I am painting a new bathroom that is lined in GIB® Aqualine. What do I need to seal and paint it?

A. My recommendation is to apply a seal coat of Resene Sureseal, followed by an undercoat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

June 2022

Q. I was just wondering if a Resene testpot was ok to touch up in a bathroom where the paint could possibly get drips of water on it or do I have to buy a particular kind of paint. I opted for the Resene test pot because I only have a very small area to paint.

A. Resene testpots are made using a conventional waterborne resin system and are not suitable for use as bathroom paints. Our bathroom paints are based on a self-cross linking waterborne resin system. We would recommend a Resene waterborne enamel such as Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen.

June 2022

Q. I want to paint some bathroom tiles to modernise them. The tiles are not glazed and they are above the vanity. Can you please advise the best way and products to do this?

A. Given that the tiles are not glazed, wash down using Sugar Soap to remove surface contaminants, rinse clean and allow to dry then apply a seal coat of Resene Sureseal and follow with a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

June 2022

Q. What do I use to seal a raw wood rimu benchtop in a bathroom?

A. We recommend four coats of Resene Polythane.

April 2022

Q. I have replaced the toilet seat which makes the cistern look even yellower. It is plastic but the supplier couldn’t let me know what type. What could I paint it with?

A. Some plastics can be painted. Without being able to find out the plastic, the only suggestion that I could make is to try a test area using a Resene testpot, leave for a couple of days and then see if you can scratch the paint off. If not then you can use any Resene interior paint to paint the cistern. Firstly apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry then two coats of a kitchen and Bathroom waterborne enamel finish.

April 2022

Q. Do Resene have a product suitable for refinishing an old cast iron bath/hand basin?

A. My recommendation is on the assumption that you are finishing the outside of the bath only.

All paint that is flaking or unsound must be removed by using mechanical methods, (3M Rust and Paint Removal Disc), chemical stripper or high-pressure waterblast taking care not to damage either the substrate or the surrounding areas.

Remove all areas of white corrosion material and as much red rust as is practicable and all paint that is flaking or unsound must be removed by using mechanical methods (3M Rust and Paint Removal Disc) to leave only tightly adherent corrosion products taking care not to damage either the substrate or the surrounding areas.

Where under-film corrosion is taking place, the existing paint must first be removed as previous methods including under film corrosion products taking care not to damage sound zinc coated areas.

All paint edges must be feathered to a smooth finish.

Sand the existing sound paint system and prime bare and prepared areas of corrosion with a coat of Resene Rust-Arrest and apply a coat of Resene Enamel Undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Super Gloss or Resene Lusta-Glo enamel.

April 2022

Q. I have used Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen waterborne enamel (kitchen/bathroom) for my bathroom shelf (as well as walls). Can or should I put a clear coat on the bathroom shelf? Or just wait for the paint to harden? Potentially some wet items will go on it.

A. The use of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen on a shelf is fine. Some customers prefer a higher sheen level for cleanability reasons. If you find you would like to change the sheen level I would recommend Resene Aquaclear in a semi-gloss finish, this is a waterbased clear varnish.

April 2022

Q. I need a robust paint specification for plywood wall and ceiling linings in a bathroom.

A. I assume that this request is in response to the supply issues with the plasterboard. The recommended system is to apply an envelope prime coat of Resene Wood Primer prior to fixing and seal any saw cuts with the same primer. Then after installation apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom. This will give a liquid water impermeable finish to the ply.

March 2022

Q. We are repainting the bathroom ceiling and walls. They are currently painted and the paint is in ok condition but we will need to do some plastering to make some repairs/fill in to holes. My intention was to use SpaceCote Flat Kitchen and Bathroom for the ceiling and Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen and Bathroom for the walls. My understanding is that the new plaster will need to be primed and I was planning to use Resene Sureseal, unless you recommend something else. Do I need to use an undercoat as well as Resene Sureseal? If so, do I need to undercoat the whole ceiling or just the plaster, and how many coats?

A. Yes, seal plaster repairs with Resene Sureseal and then sand the existing paint to profile, dust off and apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry. Flat coatings are porous and if there is regular condensation on the ceilings during use of the shower I would suggest that you use the Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom for the ceiling as well.

September 2021

Q. How do I paint over bare paint the floorboards in a bathroom?

A. Sand to achieve a smooth surface, wipe dust off using a wet cloth then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry. For a hard-wearing finish then apply two coats of Resene Lusta-Glo enamel topcoat. Waterborne enamel topcoats do not have the same wear resistance.

August 2021

Q. Can you please advise on the best undercoat to use on bare custom wood in a bathroom? We are doing the top coats in Resene Super Gloss, turps based enamel.

A. Use two coats of Resene Quick Dry, it would be advisable with this substrate to ensure end cuts are also sealed but this may not now be possible.

August 2021

Q. I'd like to paint my bathroom and would like some advice on products please. I have sanded back the peeling paint and have filled it with Permafilla but now need to seal the Permafilla (or prime it - or both) and then paint the whole bathroom.

A. Prime the filled areas with Resene Sureseal. Sand the remaining sound paint to profile dust off and then apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

Allow the new paint system to cure for at least three days without steam/water contact.

August 2021

Q. Can I use Resene Waterborne Aquapel Water Repellent to re-seal grout and floor tiles in a wet floor shower?

A. Resene Waterborne Aquapel is technically only a water repellent, not a sealer and is only designed to be applied to a cementitious substrate, not a tile surface. So it would possibly work for the grouting but not when applied to the tiles. We don’t provide coatings for tiles inside a shower area.

August 2021

Q. Which sealing coat would you recommend to be used on an existing tongue-and-groove timber floor in a bathroom? I would imagine the tongue and groove is rimu. It’s original. We want to convert the small bedroom into a bathroom and the client wants to keep the timber flooring, but as it’s going to be a water splash area it will need to be sealed, I would think a clear system would give the best look.

A. After sanding and dusting off, apply four coats of Resene Polythane.

August 2021

Q. I need some advice on the system to be used. This is a commercial communal shower floor that needs repainting (you don’t stand on this while having a shower but step out on to it afterwards).

It looks like the flaking paint is an old two pack that's quite hard and is lifting and breaking off. The original floor (red) feels rough (anti slip). I was thinking a grinder would be best to remove and feather loose edges etc to begin with.

A. Scrub down using Resene Heavy Duty Paint Prep and Oil Remover diluted and used to label instructions. Rinse clean or hose down with copious amounts of fresh water ensuring all wash solution and surface chalk residues are removed.

Diamond grind to remove the existing coatings and to achieve a uniform surface profile similar to 180 grit sandpaper. Ensure all grinding dust is removed, this may require wet mopping.

Then apply a seal coat of Resene ArmourBond, and finish with Resene Aquapoxy for Flooring.

July 2021

Q. I have a motel with 19 bathrooms that need painting. I have struck problems with one so far after doing 6. Three weeks after painting there is small flaking occurring, it looks like it’s going through to the previous paint.

The bathroom ceiling was in a somewhat bad condition. Previous paint (+-6 years ago) was flaking away to a large extent but it was bubbles rather than the whole surface. I dried it out totally, sanded using an electric sander (it got a good sanding). I primed with Resene Quick Dry waterborne prime undercoat to the areas that had been flaking, not the entire ceiling, then topcoated it with two coats of Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom. First guest to use room was 11 days later. What have I got wrong and what is best way to rectify please?

A. Application of more layers of paint can stress an already poorly adherent existing paint system. From what you describe this is the most likely cause of the issue. You may need to get some strong adhesive tape and check adhesion in a number of places to ascertain what the adhesion of the existing paint system is. It is likely that you may have to look at a more widespread removal of the ceiling paint.

I recommend priming the bare substrate with Resene Sureseal then apply Resene Quick Dry before topcoating.

June 2021

Q. I have a timber ceiling in my bathroom that has begun getting mouldy. What’s the best way to remove the mould and what’s the best product to use to protect it from humidity and keep the timber finish.

A. Mould only grows when the environment is cold, moist and dark. If you can change any of these conditions then you will start to reduce the conditions for mould growth.

Treat areas of moss/mould infestation with Resene Moss & Mould Killer diluted and used to label instructions. For heavy infestations more applications may be needed. We have no clear system with added mould inhibition.

June 2021

Q. On Peter Wolfkamp's program the other week, he discussed with your expert the problem of discoloration of paint in bathrooms - like a watermark. I wonder if you could provide me with more detail of how/why it occurs.

A. I assume that this discussion was on surfactant leaching. This occurs when a waterborne paint that has not achieved sufficient cure to resist condensation. Surfactants are used in paints for several reasons and once the paint film has reached a level of cure to resist moisture the surfactants are locked into the film. Surfactants are water soluble and if not locked into the film will become mobile and end up on the topmost surface pf the paint film. If there are surfactants present when a small section of the paint is wiped there is a tide mark seen where the surfactants are removed. This is why we say the wipe the whole area down.

Hope this answers your question.

May 2021

Q. I have undercoated my bathroom with Resene Sureseal. We will be having a feature wall of Resene Mangrove and the rest Resene Double Sea Fog. We are spraying the feature wall first. Is it necessary to mask the areas that will be sprayed Resene Double Sea Fog or will the two coats of Resene Double Sea fog hide the colour change from the overspray at the corners?

A. It would be better to reverse the order of colour application or mask – i.e. apply the Resene Double Sea Fog first, then do the feature wall. You will need to leave the first coat of colour to dry for a few days before masking.

May 2021

Q. Does Resene Sureseal pigmented sealer also act as an undercoat or will I also need to buy undercoat on brand new plasterboard in a bathroom?

A. Resene Sureseal is the sealer and for best adhesion of a waterborne enamel topcoat apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry before applying the two coats of waterborne enamel, use the Resene Kitchen & Bathroom version.

May 2021

Q. What should be used to prime an old 1960s oiled hardboard (oil tempered)? The hardboard is in kitchen, laundry and bathroom areas. The original paint was oil based undercoat with enamel topcoats. Paint has failed in some areas exposing the substrate board with some mild water damage.

A. Use Resene Sureseal for priming bare oiled hardboard.

May 2021

Q. What’s the best paint to use on walls in a bathroom? I have repainted recently and after show use streaks have appeared

A. Resene Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamel is our recommendation: Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene Lustacryl. The streaking you are seeing is surfactant leaching. This occurs if the new paint finish is subject to condensation before the film has reached sufficient cure to resist water or if a conventional waterborne paint has been used. When applying a waterborne enamel in a bathroom we reconned at least three days cure with warmth and ventilation before using the bathroom. This time can be reduced using heating and a dehumidifier. In your case you should wipe down the walls and affected areas using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner or warm water and a sponge as soon as possible. When wiping down rinse the sponge regularly and make rinse water changes.

April 2021

Q. I am going to be doing up our bathroom. Which is your best undercoat to use in bathrooms? It’s a repaint. The paint is glossy looking and is rather flaky above the shower.

A. Prepare areas of flaking paint back to a sound feathered edge. Sand remaining sound paint to degloss. Spot prime the bare substrate with Resene Sureseal then apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom or Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom.

The completed paint system will need to cure for at least 36 hours without water contact. The alternative is to run a heater and dehumidifier in the bathroom for at least 48 hours.

February 2021

Q. I'm thinking of using Resene FX Metallic paint in a bathroom. The walls are plasterboard and they have been painted with an oil based pigmented sealer. Can I go straight over this or do I need a primer or broadwall sealer?

A. A basecoat colour is part of the system. You will need to apply a coat of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen tinted to the basecoat colour for the metallic, then apply the metallic. It’s advisable in a bathroom situation to apply a coat of Resene Aquaclear over the metallic finish.

December 2020

Q.We have just built an outside shower which has plywood panels with vertical boards as pillars. I am looking for an oil based primer for the verticals and then a topcoat - what system should I use?

A. Prime with Resene Wood Primer, then follow with a coat of Resene Enamel Undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Super Gloss. If possible, envelope coat, that is both sides and edges.

November 2020

Q. The house we moved into has wallpaper with (vinyl?) texture on it. I would have to reglue some of the seams before painting over it. What would be the best way? Won't the glue react with the basecoat/prep you recommend before painting over vinyl wallpaper?

A. You can use PVA glue to re attach detached areas. Use sparingly but once dry the adhesive should not present any issues for painting.

November 2020

Q. Is it possible to successfully paint wall tiles in bathroom? I have a frieze around the room that I want to disappear.

A. Outside of a shower lining, yes. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before over coating. The sealer is not designed to be applied as a thick wet film thickness or give opacity, the thinner the coat the better. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom or Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom. The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing. Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the tile surface.

November 2020

Q. I have used a satin waterborne enamel in my new bathroom walls. It was painted a month ago and I have drip marks from moisture running down the walls. I am surprised that an enamel is showing these marks, should I have painted the walls in a different sheen level?

A. The issue is surfactant leaching and occurs if the waterborne enamel is not left to achieve water resistance before being subject to steam. While a solventborne enamel is less likely to show surfactant leaching, if the waterborne enamel is applied under good painting conditions for a waterborne coating and allowed to be well cured there will be no issues.

September 2020

Q. I painted my bathroom a few weeks ago using Resene SpaceCote Flat Kitchen & Bathroom version and two weeks later there is still a really strong smell almost like sweaty socks. The paint was brand new and smelt ok in the tin so not sure what to do about it. Do you have any advice?

A. If it was a new can of Resene SpaceCote then the odour cause is not the paint. Suggest you make a diluted bleach solution and carefully wipe all surfaces down and ensure good ventilation.

September 2020

Q. I am using ply in the bathroom and kitchen of a new building. What Resene clear coat would be best suited for a bathroom to keep the ply protected from water and what would be most suitable for the kitchen walls and floors?

A. Best product for this application is at least three coats of Resene Polythane.

September 2020

Q. I have just installed James Hardie Hardigroove (cement board) in a bathroom. Please recommend sealers/primers/ topcoats to use.

A. The following system can be used but not within a shower lining. Apply a seal coat of Resene Sureseal, a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

June 2020

Q. I painted over tiles using Resene Uracryl 402 (not the water based version) on top of an approved primer/sealer. The area is in a toilet and bathroom so gets reasonable traffic. It’s worn ok but cracked in a few places and need recoating.

Can you please recommend the best product to use? Ideally something waterborne e.g. Resene Walk-on. And a primer/sealer as the original tiles are now showing.

A. It’s unusual for the Resene Uracryl film to crack. I’m not sure what would have caused this. To recoat a Resene Uracryl 400 finish with an acrylic clean down and thoroughly sand then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry before applying Resene Walk-on. Apply a seal coat of Resene Concrete Wax on top of the Resene Walk-on to make cleaning easier.

June 2020

Q. Can you help me specify a product to meet E3 in a bathroom? I want to seal existing timber (kauri) floorboards. I have previous noted it to be polyurethaned but council are now wanting more information.

A. For new solid timber flooring apply four coats of Resene Polythane.

June 2020

Q. We have just finished painting our downstairs bathroom with Resene SpaceCote Kitchen & Bathroom and we want to know how long we should leave it to cure before we resume using the shower in that bathroom.

A. With good ventilation, we recommend 3 days.

May 2020

Q. What is an acceptable ‘waterproof applied coating’ to seal particle boards or grooved interior plywood linings to comply with impervious requirements of E3/AS1 section 3.1.2 walls? I am asking as I have clients who do not want to tile their wet area/bathrooms extensively and want to explore other linings as alternatives.

A. Resene Lustacryl is a self-cross linking waterborne enamel and would be suitable, however we would recommend a full prime coat of Resene Quick Dry before applying the Resene Lustacryl.

Regarding the polished floor question, it depends on how polished. Is the floor in a wet area? If so, we cannot provide a clear coating system. If not within a wet area, you could use Resene Concrete Wax.

May 2020

Q. Can I use gloss enamel oil based on my bathroom ceiling? Does it have a tendency to peel?

A. You can use a gloss enamel on a bathroom ceiling. The tendency for peeling is determined by the adhesion of the existing paint system and preparation prior to topcoating.

April 2020

Q. I’m painting the outside of an old cast iron claw foot bath. The bath has some patches of rust on the feet and on the bath itself (just surface I think not flaking away etc). The bath is partially painted and partially just the iron.

How do I prepare and paint this?

A. All paint that is flaking or unsound must be removed by using mechanical methods, (3M Rust and Paint Removal Disc), chemical stripper or high-pressure waterblast taking care not to damage either the substrate or the surrounding areas.

Remove all areas of white corrosion material and as much red rust as is practicable and all paint that is flaking or unsound must be removed by using mechanical methods (3M Rust and Paint Removal Disc) to leave only tightly adherent corrosion products taking care not to damage either the substrate or the surrounding areas.

Where under-film corrosion is taking place, the existing paint must first be removed as previous methods including under film corrosion products taking care not to damage sound zinc coated areas.

All paint edges must be feathered to a smooth finish.

Sand the existing sound paint system and prime bare and prepared areas of corrosion with a coat of Resene Rust-Arrest and apply a coat of Resene Enamel Undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Super Gloss or Resene Lusta-Glo enamel.

April 2020

Q. We have a project – new unisex toilet cubicles in a church building. We need an interior wall paint finish over Level 4 plaster/GIB® Aqualine. This needs to be durable, easy commercial clean. Can you recommend a product please?

A. Apply two coats of Resene Broadwall Surface Prep and Seal then finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom.

April 2020

Q. We are painting an ensuite. The current paint is in good condition previously painted with Resene waterborne enamel. New GIB® plasterboard has been put in around new shower and vanity. I have sealed the bare plasterboard and plaster work with Resene Sureseal. My question is do I need to prime rest of walls and ceiling (ceiling also has waterborne enamel on it in on good condition) or can I just put two coats of Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom on top of sanded existing paintwork?

A. Apply an undercoat of Resene Quick Dry to areas of Resene Sureseal.

The existing waterborne enamel will need a sand to profile for recoating so given the area size you could also apply an undercoat of Resene Quick Dry to the existing prepared waterborne enamel.

March 2020

Q. Do you have any paints suitable for painting on porcelain tile? Thinking of kid friendly options for decorating tiles.

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before over coating. The sealer is not designed to be applied as a thick wet film thickness or give opacity, the thinner the coat the better.

The primed tiles can then be painted with any Resene waterborne paint including Resene testpots.

March 2020

Q. I have a set of metal brackets in a bathroom with a gloss white enamel finish which I want to paint black. What is the appropriate surface prep and paint to use?

A. Sand the existing paint to de-gloss then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene Super Gloss enamel.

March 2020

Q. Can Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom be used on joinery and generally anywhere ‘normal’ Resene SpaceCote is used to provide more protection from mould?

A. The Kitchen & Bathroom versions of our waterborne enamels contain an anti-bacterial additive and increased levels of anti-mould additive. The anti-mould actives are inhibitive which means they won’t kill existing mould or mould spores. Existing mould infestation needs to be treated with Resene Moss & Mould Killer prior to painting.

March 2020

Q. I’d like a metallic finish in a bathroom – what could I use?

A. We recommend Resene FX Metallic for areas such as walls.

February 2020

Q. What do you have available for coatings and sealants for ply interior linings in bathrooms? We need a clear finish.

A. For steam/water resistance the best clear is Resene Polythane. However it is only available in a full gloss finish.

January 2020

Q. Just recoated an interior bedroom with the original paint the builder bought but the room smells horrendous. The paint is likely five years old. Should the paint now be removed somehow from the wall?

A. If the paint was a waterborne paint it may have become contaminated with bacteria. Try wiping the walls down using a dilute bleach solution and see if this deals with the odour. Take care to avoid splashing the bleach solution onto furnishings.

December 2019

Q. I want to line bathroom walls in grooved plywood with a semi-gloss paint finish. As I am trying to minimise interior toxins/VOCs I was hoping to use untreated plywood and seal it against moisture penetration. The plan was to envelope coat with Resene Quick Dry then finish the surface with two coats of Resene Lustacryl, however I see in the technical info that prepping with Resene TimberLock is recommended for this application. Given that Resene TimberLock has very high VOCs would I be better off going for a treated plywood in the first instance and then just priming with Resene Quick Dry? What is the healthiest option that will still withstand a bathroom application?

A. I would go with the treated ply option.

Q. Can I use waterbased paint to paint a washhouse that has previously been painted in enamel? If so, what prep should I do?

A. I assume you are talking about painting walls/ceilings. If so, yes, clean down using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner then sand to degloss. Dust off and apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom.

October 2019

Q. In the bathroom, I am undercoating Resene Sureseal onto GIB® Aqualine. However there is some cement board around the bath. Can I use the Resene Quick Dry primer (used for the wood skirting), on the cement board, or do I need to use something else?

A. I recommend sealing the Aqualine and fibre cement board with Resene Sureseal then apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry to all substrates then topcoat.

While the Resene Sureseal can be topcoated without the Resene Quick Dry, experience has shown that for wet areas such as bathrooms, with possible restricted ventilation/steam removal, that the Resene Quick Dry does give a belt and braces solution when a waterborne enamel topcoat is being used.

Q. We recently took possession of a new house. We notice that in the two bathrooms the walls have developed wet shiny looking run marks, probably triggered from condensation (both rooms have extractor fans that we use). I have read about surfactants leaching out, but these marks are not chalky, just shiny like there is a drip of water running down the wall. It's dry to the touch and can be removed by wiping the walls with a damp cloth; however this is not something we have seen with other bathrooms. What do you think might be the issue?

A. The phenomenon you see, is more than likely surfactant leaching and commonly arises when a waterborne paint is applied under what the industry refers to as marginal curing conditions, usually low temperatures/high humidities and with poor ventilation to the painted area.

If the rooms are bathrooms, we do not recommend application of standard waterborne wall paint, as in a wet area these paints are more prone to surfactant leaching as the paint film does not cross link to give resistance to steam. Therefore there exists the possibility that the wrong paint type was used in the areas showing surfactant issues. For wet areas, Resene recommends conventional solventborne paints or Resene waterborne enamels.

Q. We're thinking about repainting our bathroom. We originally painted it Resene Half Spanish white. Do bathroom walls require a special type of paint due to the moisture?

A. The topcoats used for wet areas/bathrooms are either solvent or waterborne enamels. Standard waterborne topcoats used for other areas can't be used in these areas as they are permeable to steam or a combination of condensation and increased atmospheric temperatures that exist in bathrooms.

Q. I have moved into a new house and the painter hasn't sealed the MDF board in the bathroom and water has got into the board. I am going to replace it and we have leftover paint from the build. What should I use in the bathroom on the door and skirting? It will get wet from time to time from water under the shower door.

A. Prime the bare MDF with two coats of Resene Quick Dry then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl topcoat.

Q. We have plastic glossy walls in our bathroom. Are there any paints in the Resene range that we could paint over this with?

A. The existing paint is probably solventborne enamel paint. To recoat these paints they require a clean and thorough sand to profile for recoating. Then apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry primer undercoat. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

Ensure good ventilation during painting and allow the new paint system to cure for at least three days with good ventilation before recommissioning the bathroom.

Q. I want to repaint wallboard in a bathroom. After sanding do I need a pigment sealer with two coats of Resene Kitchen & Bathroom paint or can I use two coats of waterbased enamel paint?

A. If the existing coating is enamel in good condition, thoroughly abraded, and completely clean, you could go directly on with Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen (waterbased enamel). You can use the Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom for added anti-bacterial.

A pigmented sealer would be recommended where the existing coating isn't in very good condition, or where there is a build-up of surface contamination (mould, grime, staining etc.) that can be difficult to clean off completely.

Q. We have fake tile looking walls (think they are acrylic sheets maybe) in our bathroom. What would we need to paint over them?

A. Following a thorough clean down of the surface, apply Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer (adhesion primer) - allow drying for 2-3 days so that it keys into the surface. Test a small area first to make sure that it does adhere well.

Then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl (semi-gloss waterborne enamel).

Q. I would like to paint the outside of my antique claw foot bath. It's currently a dark racing green. I'd like to paint it to both lighten the room and to have it match the skirting – Resene Pearl Lusta. Do I need to use a special paint for the outside of the enamel bath or can I just use ordinary interior paint? It's a very professional, smooth, even finish which suggests factory. There's also no hint of the green paint anywhere around the bath which suggests it was painted elsewhere and then installed. It's painted over all the sides and underneath, so my guess is it is a factory enamel finish.

A. Sand to profile for recoating, apply a coat of Resene Enamel Undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Super Gloss or Resene Lusta-Glo.

Q. I am painting the bathrooms at my school. The surface is aluminium and I already have the etch primer (oil based). I am planning to paint things on top of this layer, and want to use testpots. I understand that you can only paint oil based on top of oil based, and was wondering if the testpots are oil based?

A. Resene testpots are waterborne and they can be used as the topcoat paint for aluminium primed with an etch primer. 

Q. What products do you recommended on a small bathroom? It has new plasterboard and stoppings.

A. Assuming that the lining is GIB® Aqualine, then apply a seal coat of Resene Sureseal and undercoat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom or Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom.

You will need to leave the paint system to cure for at least three days after application without water/steam contact of the last coat of top coat, also ensure the room is well ventilated and warm while the paint is drying.

Q. Could you please tell me what products you have that are suitable for priming and sealing wooden frames and architraves in a bathroom and washhouse and also topcoats?

A. Resene Wood Primer would be the primer for solid timber in a wet area such as a bathroom, there are two overcoat options - the first is for a traditional solventborne enamel – use Resene Enamel Undercoat and two coats of Resene Lusta-Glo, or a waterborne system using a coat of Resene Quick Dry and two coats of Resene Lustacryl.

Q. I want a polished concrete 'look' for the walls and floors in my bathroom. Do you have such a product?

A. The polished look is achieved by diamond grinding/polishing of the concrete and then application of a clear coating. For the clear finish we recommend Resene Concrete Wax.

Q.  I am doing a bathroom renovation. The floor is H3.2 plywood, which I am hoping to paint. The building code requires the floor finish to be 'impervious'. What would the best paint system be? The house is currently unoccupied so solventbased is not a concern.

A. Apply a primer coat of Resene Wood Primer and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom.

However the system will not have wet slip resistance.

Q. Should I seal new Aqualine prior to painting and if yes why? Also what about normal plasterboard?

A. It is the GIB® recommendation to seal Aqualine with a solventborne pigmented sealer before applying a decorative paint system.

The sealer increases the barrier to water vapour getting to the GIB® face.  A solventborne sealer is required as Aqualine has a wax component to give water resistance and waterborne sealers may not achieve the required adhesion.

Q. I have a small bathroom that has a wooden particle board floor. I am looking for hard wearing, non-slip, and waterproof paint options. The floor area is small.

A.    Our best system to achieve what you want, is to apply a primer coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat, leave to dry for 48 hours then apply two coats of Resene Waterborne Uracryl 802 (two pack urethane).

If you want slip resistance, add Resene Industrial SRG grit to the first coat at 500 grams per litre (it is sometimes easiest to make up a sandbox and sprinkle it into the wet coat then back roll it rather than mixing into the paint in the can). Including the grit will make the floor not quite as easy to clean though.

Q. Our shower step and associated door frame needs repainting. My thoughts were to use paint stripper to strip off old paint on the step (this is chipped and not in a good state), then sand that and the door frame. Is this the best approach, and what paints should we use?

Quick drying between coats would be good if possible as the house is tenanted and we don't want the shower out of order for too long.

A. After stripping the existing paint system, thoroughly sand the bare timber, dust off and apply a liberal coat of Resene Quick Dry then finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom (the system will not give wet slip resistance).

Q. What paint do we use for a renovated wet area - bathroom and ensuite? I would like to have solventborne enamel ceiling paint as a vapour barrier.  The walls are James Hardie Hardiegroove fibre cement board, some new and some previously painted with plasterboard above a dado. Can you please help with a paint system?

A. Apply a seal coat of Resene Sureseal to the bare GIB® Aqualine and the bare James Hardie fibre cement and sand existing paint to prolife for recoating, following with a coat of Resene Enamel Undercoat. Finish with two coats of Resene Lusta-Glo for walls and two coats of Resene Room Velvet for ceilings.

February 2019

Q. Can I use Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom on my bathroom ceiling? The ceiling will be new plasterboard, so starting from a clear surface. I know it will need priming and I have that paint.

A. Yes, suggest that you apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry over the Resene Sureseal sealer, prior to application of the Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom topcoats.

February 2019

Q. Our bathroom paint has started stripping quite badly. The shower top is uncovered and it looks like the previous owners haven't primed the walls prior to painting. What primer and paint would you recommend for a bathroom? I also want to use the same paint to go over a feature wall in the master if possible.

A. Yes, you are correct in giving the reason why the failure has occurred, unfortunately a commonly reported failure for ceiling areas above an open shower head, can be made worse if there is poor steam extraction in the bathroom.

You will need to scrape back to a sound edge and feather off the edge by sanding then apply a coat of Resene Sureseal to the bare substrate, followed by a coat of Resene Quick Dry then finish with two coats of either a solvent or waterborne enamel topcoat.

Q. I recently spoke to technical person about a recent low sheen paint put in the bathroom. The bathroom wasn't used for two weeks after the paint was applied but has streaks down the walls now. I understand that the painter should have told us to wipe the walls down after the shower was used for the first time, and that the streaks are known as 'surfactant leaking' and that there is a Resene product that can help with the problem.

The painter has also offered to repaint, that being the case, is the best solution a matt, like we have now, or a semi-gloss?

A. This can occur with any waterborne paint if application and curing is at what the industry calls marginal conditions. Gloss level has no influence on the potential for surfactant leaching to occur. My suggestion would be to use Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

Q. I am painting our bathroom and want to know apart from cleaning the mould off the ceiling with a bleach mix, how else should I prepare it before painting? The current colour has a slight shine to it.

A. After treating for mould infestation, apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry and then finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

Q. I want to paint over some ceramic tiles in our bathroom - standard white tiles with grout. Is the best option to use Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer then Resene Lustacryl? I am also painting our floor tiles using the Resene Uracryl 400 series (was advised to do that due to foot traffic).

Will Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer seal the grout as well?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. The sealer is not designed to be applied as a thick wet film thickness or give opacity, the thinner the coat the better. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene Lustacryl.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion, as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the laminate and is not suitable for shower linings or floors.

Re floor tiles to be to be coated with a Resene Uracryl 400 Series topcoat, you will need to use Resene ConcreteSeal 3 in 1 as the adhesion primer first.

As to your question about grout: Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer is designed first and foremost as an adhesion primer but it will attain adhesion to grout.

Q. We are being advised by the painter that oil based paint should be used in the bathroom and kitchen. I was thinking to use Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel. Most of the bathroom is tile with painted walls only above the dado line. Please tell me why I should sway my line of thinking.

A. Some painters prefer to use a traditional oil based system as it avoids the issue of surfactant leaching.

If the waterborne enamel paint (e.g. Resene Lustacryl) is given time to cure then there is a reduced chance for this to occur.

If changing to Resene Lustacryl finish then we recommend sanding of the existing paint and application of a full coat of Resene Quick Dry before applying the Resene Lustacryl topcoats. We recommend Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom for the bathroom topcoat.

Q. Have you got a suitable paint to go over MDF panel in a wet area?

A. MDF in wet areas can be an issue if there is water uptake by the MDF. The only way to address this is to apply an envelope seal coat of Resene Quick Dry and then a coat of Resene Enamel Undercoat and then topcoat the exposed face with Resene Room Velvet.

December 2018

Q. We are using kwila timber in a bathroom area. What would you recommend to coat it with?

A. The only product we would recommend is Resene Polythane (four coats).

Q. I want to paint a bathroom wall with Resene Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne paint. However, I suspect the current paint on the wall is oil based. Can I paint this water-based paint over oil-based if I use Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer as an undercoat? If yes, do I need to do anything else as prep? It no, is there something else I could use as an undercoat?

A. Ensure the existing paint surface is cleaned to remove any surface residues using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner then sand with 180 grit sandpaper and dust off. Then apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry primer undercoat and finish with the two coats of Resene Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamel.

Q. I have recently had a shower repaired, but the plasterboard wall the shower butts up to, needed to be replaced also. So I now have an area of naked uncoated plasterboard above my shower which needs painting.

Please advise what kind of sealer I should use on the plasterboard before painting?

A. Apply a seal coat of Resene Sureseal and then an undercoat of Resene Quick Dry before applying a Resene Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamel. Allow the completed paint system to cure with good ventilation for at least three days before using the shower.

Q. The interior of our beach utility needs painting; it contains a shower, toilet and washing machine. What do you suggest for the wall, the current paint is in poor condition with splitting and a small amount of mound is appearing? I am wondering whether, after cleaning and sanding, if I should prime with pigmented sealer or similar?

A. Treat areas of mould with Resene Moss & Mould Killer diluted and used to label directions. Then apply two coats of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom. The paint system will give the best possible protection against mould growth but the initial mould kill is important, as the paint system is inhibitive only.

Q. We want to have our ensuite painted and this includes a shower. At our last house, I painted the bathroom with another product, and now water runs down the walls and has left permanent marks. If we have our ensuite painted will that develop marks from water runs?

A. The issue is surfactant leaching. This can still occur with any waterborne paint that has not been cured under the right conditions and is then exposed to steam or if there is poor extraction of steam from a small bathroom space. Resene does not recommend painting a shower lining with a Resene system. Installation of a Showerdome can significantly reduce the amount of condensation released to the room atmosphere. We recommend leaving the waterborne enamel paint to cure for at least three days before steam exposure and using a heater and dehumidifier for the cure time, a must for small poorly ventilated bathrooms.

Q. I’m after some help selecting polyurethane to paint over plywood in a wet area. What product would you recommend for this application?

A. We recommend four coats of Resene Polythane.

Q. I am painting a ground floor bathroom made of masonry blocks. It has been cleaned and loose paint stripped and one coat of sealer applied but brown spots are appearing though the first coat and forming run marks on the blocks. It’s the external bathroom wall – opposite side from shower.

A. The usual way to paint an exterior concrete wall is to apply a saturation coat of Resene Sureseal as the seal coat; this should also control rust leaching. Then given the use apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl waterborne enamel.

Q. I want to paint bare Gib® Aqualine which has been stopped/plastered in my bathrooms.

Gib® says to use a 'pigmented oil based sealer'. Is that what Resene Sureseal is? It says on your website Sureseal is a 'Resene pigmented, solvent borne, alkali-resistant, penetrating sealer'. Is solvent borne the same as 'oil based'? Do you recommend Resene Sureseal for Aqualine® which has been stopped/plastered? Is it okay to apply two coats or just stick to one coat?

For the topcoat I was planning on Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom semi-gloss. How long should I allow the Resene Sureseal to dry before applying this?

A. Resene Sureseal is the sealer we recommend for sealing stopped Aqualine.

If using Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom as the topcoat I would recommend a coat of Resene Quick Dry be applied over the Resene Sureseal particularly on the ceiling.

The drying rate of a solvent borne paint is temperature related, the colder the temperature the longer the dry time. The dry time of a waterborne paint is a function of temperature, humidity and air flow (room air changes). When applying waterborne paint systems in a poorly ventilated room space then a combination of a de-humidifier and heating (electric only) and good ventilation will be beneficial in addressing what may be marginal painting conditions for waterborne paint.

Q. Can the metallic paints be used on bathroom tiles? I would be using it to paint over a strip of feature tile.

A. As long as the metallic paint is applied over an appropriate primer/sealer and then clear coated it should be fine (excludes shower linings).

Q. Our bathroom has been painted with oil based paint. Should I repaint it with oil based paint or could I use water based paint? Would it need to have a sealer under the water based paint? It gets a bit steamy but I do keep the window open.

A. Based on the info you have given, I suggest stay with a traditional oil based system. To recoat, sand the existing paintwork, and if there are no areas of bare substrate, then recoat with two coats any areas of bare substrate. Spot prime with Resene Sureseal before topcoating with your chosen topcoat, such as Resene Room Velvet.

August 2018

Q. What paint should I be using on my bathroom walls and ceiling? The GIB® is new and we have an extractor fan.

A. Seal the GIB® Aqualine with Resene Sureseal (note GIB® recommend a solventborne sealer for this substrate). Apply an undercoat of Resene Quick Dry, and then finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl or Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom. Allow for curing of the competed system, for at least three days with warmth and ventilation.

Q. I have a bathroom painted with Resene Lustacryl and want to paint over it with Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom. What surface prep do I need to do to the existing paint?

A. Clean down using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner and thoroughly sand, then apply two coats of the new paint.

Q. I would like to know what product I can recommend to the painter to seal then paint a mens' and ladies' bathroom where all the walls are lined in Formica®. We need to change the colour from beige to white. It is a Medical Clinic and won’t have heavy duty use.

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before over coating (this only needs to be a thin coat and will not achieve opacity over the laminate colour). Allow to cure for 48 hours then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Q. I am painting a new bathroom ceiling (white) that has just been plasterboard stopped. What paint should I use on this?

A. Assuming that the ceiling is stopped GIB® Aqualine, apply a seal coat of Resene Sureseal and an undercoat of Resene Quick Dry and then there are two possible topcoat options - Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom or two coats of Resene Room Velvet.

Q. We have an old state house which has wooden painted walls in our bathroom. I don't have money to do up the bathroom at this time so I am looking to repaint this area which frequently gets splashed by my 6 year old son. What paint can you recommend for this job to give it a facelift and also to prevent the walls deteriorating?

In places where it has been wet the paint is flaking and in other drier places it is fine. It is at least 12 years since it was painted probably longer.

A. Would therefore recommend a full strip to bare timber. There may be lead present in some of the older layers of paint.

After stripping, prepare surface to remove any residual stripper residues following manufacturer’s instructions, sand and then apply two coats of Resene Quick Dry primer sealer undercoat followed by two coats of Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom. After application of the last coat of Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom you will need to leave the system to cure for at least three days with good ventilation and no water/moisture contact during this time.

Q. When painting a bathroom, how must I prepare the surface to paint over existing acrylic paint with waterborne enamel? Also, can Resene Sureseal be painted directly on to GIB® Aqualine or does the GIB® need to be lightly sanded?

A. Assuming the existing paintwork is sound, clean down using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry and finish with two coats of a Resene Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamel.

Q. I have chipped and cracked paint on the ceiling and scotia in my bathroom. Most areas are small, but there is one on the ceiling the size of my palm. I have scraped and sanded down and in some cases the plasterboard has some small damage. Do I plaster and then use Resene Sureseal? I want to make sure it gives the best adherence to the surface.

A. Ensure the area where the paint has been removed is sanded back to a sound feathered edge, dust down and then plaster. When the plaster is dry, sand and dust down and then spot prime the plaster with Resene Sureseal and allow to dry. Then apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat. You can then finish with two coats of any Resene Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamel topcoat. Allow at least three days cure with good ventilation, before subjecting the newly painted surfaces to steam/condensation.

If the bathroom is quite steamy, you may be better to use oil based paint for the two topcoats, either Resene Room Velvet - low sheen oil based enamel or Resene Lusta-Glo – semi-gloss oil based enamel.

Q. What is the best small bathroom ceiling paint to resist mould and blistering/cracking/crazing due to steam from shower (fan ventilation over shower has not helped a lot up till now).

A. Installation of a Showerdome® goes a long way to addressing steam issues in small bathrooms.

Pretreat the ceiling with Resene Moss & Mould Killer diluted and used to label directions. If the existing paint is sound, sand and then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

Allow the system to cure for at least two days after application of the last coat of paint, with good ventilation, before subjecting the new paint to steam/condensation.

Q. How do I treat a rimu architrave in a bathroom? I want to show the timber colour and grain, but seal it from moisture.

A. Outside of a shower area use four coats of Resene Polythane. If possible, envelope seal with two coats and ensure end cuts are sealed to prevent water uptake.

Q. What type of wallpaper is best for bathrooms? Do they have to be waterproof? I like the idea of a fun print in my bathroom to change things up!

A. Bathrooms need all the help in the world to withstand moisture so top quality strong vinyl papers that are water poof and can be scrubbed if soap, shampoo and mould and moisture get onto the surface are the only ones worth considering.  The joins on the paper will always be at risk so you may need to ensure the edges are double pasted to stop them lifting. Lots of ventilation and carefully wiping any free moisture off the paper will help it to look its best in an area that is traditionally known to be tough on wall finishes and wallpaper.

Q. I am planning on using treated plywood for the bottom half of our bathroom walls. What prep would you suggest prior to whitewash being applied? I am planning to use whitewash paint, or 2 parts water: 1 part paint.

A. I suggest that the ‘paint’ you use is Resene Quick Dry, then overcoat with 3+ coats of Resene Polythane.

Q. I am about to start painting a small toilet closet which has previously been stained; but that would have been about 70 years ago. This little room has been subject to quite a lot of borer infestation in the past, but I think I have mainly got on top of that now. To paint the room, should I start with a sealer, or would a wood primer be better? I feel the first coat of paint would be best to be painted in an enamel based paint, to hopefully help deter borer happening again.

The house is an ex-state house and I think the timber on the wall is called ‘match’ lining, or something to that effect. It was often used as wall linings in laundries and toilets. The wall staining is now very old but is still quite a dark brown. I am intending to lighten up the closet with a lighter colour. I am wondering if the first coat should be a sealer rather than a primer.

A. The application of Resene Wood Primer will not address or impact upon borer control.

If there has been no recent repainting, then the existing paint is likely to be old enamel paint and given the age of the dwelling, it may be an old lead containing paint. For this reason, I would advise against sanding to prepare for a new paint system. Clean down using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner and then apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and finish with two coats of Resene Resene Lustacryl.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages, the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Q. What is the best clear polyurethane finish, for wood in a bathroom that is resistant to soap contact? I would prefer a semi-gloss finish.

A. Resene Polythane would give the best water and soap resistance but it is only available as a full gloss.

Q. Can you paint over the top of Seratone® wallboard in a wet area?

A. The following can be used for areas with the exception of the actual shower lining/shower stall area. Use Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner to ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas. If it is the shower lining/shower stall area we do not recommend painting.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow curing without water contact for at least 48 hours before over coating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing. Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the laminate.

Q. I am repainting my bathroom after a new shower goes in. Is Resene Lustacryl okay to go over Resene Sureseal? I need to manage a problem of mouldy spots, which sometimes showed on the previous waterbased painted surfaces (in spite of fan and ventilation). Or should I use a solvent-based topcoat?

A. Treat all areas with Resene Moss & Mould Killer diluted and used to label directions. Then apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry and follow with two coats of Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom. This system will give the best prevention of mould growth, but it requires the existing mould spores to be killed using Resene Moss & Mould Killer first. Both Resene Quick Dry and Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom contain mould inhibiting pigmentation. Solventborne topcoats will avoid the surfactant leaching issue, but not address ongoing mould growth. Pre-treatment with Resene Moss & Mould Killer will still be necessary before repainting and I would advise use of Resene Quick Dry as the undercoat.

Q. I was told not to shower in a painted bathroom for a whole week after painting! Does it need to be a week rather than a couple of days for curing? I know about wiping down for a few showers afterwards.

A. The cure time without steam or water contact is to reduce the potential for surfactant leaching. The cure rate is determined by temperature and ventilation, the longer the better. As a general rule if the room is heated and a dehumidifier used, this is the best way to reduce the potential for surfactant leaching but again the longer the better.

Q. I am using a solventborne sealer in a bathroom but find it has quite an odour. Could I use a low odour Resene waterborne sealer?

A. We have many low odour waterborne sealers. However for bathrooms usually a solventborne sealer is recommended as this helps to hold back any staining that may occur. It can then be topcoated in a low odour waterborne finish. Resene Sureseal, Resene Super Gloss and Resene Lusta-Glo are all lower odour versions. In a bathroom because of the small space it’s best to have all windows open and a fan or similar to keep the air moving around.

While a bathroom could be painted in a waterborne sealer, generally the best longer term results are achieved with a solventborne sealer as a waterborne sealer cannot hold back water stains.

Q. I want to paint my bathroom. For the rest of the house I am using Resene SpaceCote Flat on the ceilings and Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen on the walls. Can I use the same paint for the bathroom or do I need to use a different paint? Additionally, I am planning on applying a pigmented sealer first in the bathroom.

A. Both products are waterborne enamels and can be used for painting wet areas. For ceilings in bathrooms, I recommend applying a coat of Resene Quick Dry over the Resene Sureseal before applying the topcoats.

Q. I'm doing up a little bathroom, and am about to have GIB® Aqualine painted. What should I use?

A. Apply a seal coat of Resene Sureseal to bare Aqualine® and then apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of any Resene waterborne enamel kitchen and bathroom paints.

Q. We have painted our bathroom with Resene paint. We put on two coats of Resene Sureseal pigmented sealer, then two coats of Resene Lustacryl waterborne enamel. After 8 weeks we are still getting what we have been told are crying walls. It is like the leaching of colour, running down the walls. Is this because of the colour or the type of paint?

A. What you are experiencing is surfactant leeching. Surfactants are water soluble products, present in all waterbased paint. They are a necessary evil and are required to be present. Over time, especially in bathrooms, these migrate to the surface with moisture, which then evaporates leaving a glossy, soapy and sometimes oily residue. These are easily cleaned with Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner, but if left for a long period of time, can be stubborn to remove. This issue is usually encountered if someone showers too early after application of the paint system.

The good news is that there is only a limited amount present in the film and they will stop over time, once removed. The key is to ensure good ventilation in the bathroom and staying on top of removal of them.

I must stress this is not an application or a paint failure, but just a reality when using waterbased paints in bathroom scenarios.

Q. Can I use Resene Zylone Sheen waterborne low sheen in a bathroom?

A. We don’t recommend Resene Zylone Sheen in a bathroom, as it is a standard acrylic. For a bathroom you need either a solventborne or waterborne enamel. We recommend Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom (it’s a similar sheen level to Resene Zylone Sheen) for walls, Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom for trim and joinery and Resene SpaceCote Flat Kitchen & Bathroom for ceilings.

These Resene Kitchen & Bathroom products have anti-bacterial silver and MoulDefender. Or you can use the standard versions of these products – Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen, Resene Lustacryl and Resene SpaceCote Flat.

If you prefer solventborne products, we have Resene Room Velvet (low sheen), Resene Ceiling Velvet (flat), and Resene Lusta-Glo (semi-gloss) or Resene Super Gloss (gloss).

Q. We are looking at painting our work bathroom and would like to use something different. We would like to use chalkboard paint, in a bright colour. Do you know if this is able to be used in a bathroom that can be damp at times?

A. You could use Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen.

Q. I asked for oil based enamel paint to paint my bathroom. I need oil based as I am repainting an area that was painted in oil based paint. I said with it being a wet area, I need to be able to wipe the walls down. She asked what finish I was after, to which I replied "Not super glossy". She very decisively suggested - low sheen. I thought that meant semi-gloss - which would have seemed the sensible choice.

I have now painted one coat and left it to dry overnight and realise low sheen is too flat. It feels like it will be a surface that dampness will stick to - not smooth.

My question is, how will this paint perform in a small bathroom/ laundry? Should I have been recommended semi-gloss? And if so, how do I fix it? I'm painting this area because it was starting to show signs of cracking and lifting.

A. Paints, solvent or waterborne are not permeable to liquid water. Until recently, oil based (solventborne) paints were the only paint type that could be used for wet areas such as bathrooms. However, this has now changed with the development of waterborne enamel paints.

If the product you purchased was Resene Room Velvet, then it will be perfectly suitable as the topcoat system for a wet area.

Q. We have just renovated our bathroom and have an existing timber window within the shower enclosure. The rimu timber architraves have started turning black. Is there a product we can use to seal the timber and stop the timber from going black and eventually rotting?

A. As I suspect you know, the black is mould growth due to atmospheric conditions. You can treat with Resene Moss & Mould Killer diluted and used to label directions, but unless the timber is painted with a pigmented system, or the conditions are changed, the mould growth will return.

Q. I have some interior Resene Lusta-Glo semi-gloss enamel paint. Is this suitable for painting the walls of a bathroom? They have recently been painted with an all in one ceiling paint and I am hoping this semi-gloss will be able to go straight over top.

A. You will need to apply a coat of Resene Sureseal then apply two coats of Resene Lusta-Glo.

Q. We have an existing Resene Uracryl 403 coating in showers. When repainting should we use Resene Vinyl Etch primer or sand and paint directly onto the existing coating?

A. Resene Uracryl 400 Series topcoats do not need to be sanded or etch primed for recoating with the same product. The existing coating needs to be clean and free of all contaminants; in your situation soap/body fat residues.

Q. We have just renovated our bathroom. We have sanded the final layer of plaster and sealed it with two coats of Resene Sureseal. My partner likes the way it looks as is. Is it ok to leave it like this as our final coat, or is it necessary to paint it with an acrylic?

A. Resene Sureseal will provide the required level of sealing and in theory does not need to be topcoated; however, we always recommend topcoating especially in a wet area such as bathrooms. If you want, we can look to provide a colour match of the Resene Sureseal colour in a suitable Resene topcoat.

Q. I am using HardiGroove® as a splashback and want a hard washable paint that will take a lot of cleaning.

A. Prime with Resene Sureseal and follow with a coat of Resene Enamel Undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lusta-Glo. The topcoat will not withstand alkali based cleaning agents.

Q. We have old motel bathrooms lined in 70s Formica® board. It's in very good condition and we were hoping to be able to paint it with your products. Can you tell us what to use and how to do this? We are not painting in the shower areas.

A. Ensure the areas to be painted are thoroughly cleaned down using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner used to label directions. Then apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and leave to cure without water or steam contact for 48 hours, and then apply two coats of any Resene Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamel. Adhesion and steam resistance will take up to 7 days to develop, so during this time, try to limit exposure of the new paint system to any form of water.

Q. Can I use Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer on the tiles in our bathroom (above the sink and bench, around the base of the bath and on the shower wall)? The shower is over the bath, or is it more for a drier area like the kitchen?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing. Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the laminate.

Q. I want to paint over old 70s Seratone® in our shower room and laundry. To take the sheets of Seratone® off would be too big a job, plus a lot more expensive to replace rather than try to paint over. It is like a laminated smooth surface (horrible yellow/green colour) with brown hardboard on back. I also have old yellow/green laminated cupboards in my laundry that I would like to do the same. I have read that I can apply Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer to help the paint adhere to the surface. Could you please advise how I should prepare the Seratone® and cupboard surfaces prior to applying Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer (do I do any sanding)? The sheets of Seratone® are attached to the walls with white plastic moulded jointers that they slide into. How do I prepare these as well?

Once I have prepared and then applied the Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer, what is my next step to complete the refurbishment? What do I apply for a topcoat?

A. The following can be used for areas with the exception of the actual shower lining; using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensures the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing. Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the laminate.

Q. Do I need to put an additive in my bathroom wall paint?

A. Not if you use any of the Resene Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamel paints as these contain added mould and anti-bacterial protection.

Q. I am repainting the bathroom. The paint is in very good condition, about 10 years old. Does it need sanding or a good wash down? Can I undercoat the ceiling and walls with Resene Quick Dry waterborne undercoat?

A. To be safe, sand, to provide a mechanical key for the new paint system and yes, apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat. Then apply two coats of Resene Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamel or traditional solventborne enamel.

Q. Am I better to use specific bathroom/kitchen paint in a bathroom areas or is your waterborne Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen good enough?

A. Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom will give added mould and anti-bacterial resistance which does not come with the standard Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen paint. However both can be used for bathroom areas.

Q. I am doing some repair work in our bathroom: I have filled and repaired some small cracks on the walls and ceiling due to moisture. The room was painted with Resene oil based enamel on the walls and on the ceiling. I have repaired all the small cracks with filler and sanded them smooth. I used an oil based undercoat over them and then I put one coat of some waterbased enamel.

Is it OK to put a waterbased enamel topcoat over an oil-based undercoat? If not, should I sand it back or what should I do next?

A. You can apply a Resene waterborne enamel over Resene Enamel Undercoat. For the ceiling and especially the ceiling area above an open shower top I would apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat if you choose to use a Resene waterborne enamel topcoat.

Q. We need to replace the old wallpaper in our bathroom. Do you need to seal the walls before hanging new wallpaper and what type of wallpaper would you recommend for a bathroom?

A. Yes, after removing the existing wallpaper, you will need to apply a coat of Resene Sureseal before re hanging. Full vinyl papers are recommended, these can be viewed at any Resene owned ColorShop.

Q. I am painting a bathroom ceiling. The paint on it is peeling away and I can’t get rid of the mould.

A. Treat areas of mould with Resene Moss & Mould Killer diluted and used to label directions. Then sand to remove all loose and flaking paint back to a sound feathered edge then spot prime bare substrate with Resene Sureseal. Apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

Q. What kind of paint is best for the bathroom?

A. We recommend topcoating in the Resene Kitchen & Bathroom range - Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom for walls, Resene SpaceCote Flat Kitchen & Bathroom for the ceiling and Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom (semi-gloss) for trims and joinery.

Q. What preparation, primer and paint are the very best to use in bathrooms? I am having trouble with a repaint job resulting in flaky patches.

A. You will have to remove all loose and flaking paint back to a sound feathered edge, then sand remaining paint to give a mechanical profile for the new paint. Spot prime bare substrate with Resene Sureseal, apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry Waterborne Primer Undercoat then finish with two coats of Resene Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamel paint, such as Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

Q. We are redoing our bathroom and putting fibreboard that is grooved panels on the walls 1200 high. Can I paint the fibre board with Resene Enamel Paint for bathrooms?

A. Best to use Resene Sureseal as the seal coat, if using a waterborne enamel topcoat then use a coat of Resene Quick Dry as the undercoat over the Resene Sureseal.

Q. Is Resene Zylone Sheen, kitchen and bathroom paint able to go straight on plasterboard (stopped to Level 4)? Or do I need to use a specific undercoat? This applies for the ceiling too with standard ceiling kitchen and bathroom paint. The ceiling is white low sheen, and walls are Resene Sea Fog in semi-gloss if that makes a difference.

A. We do not recommend Resene Zylone Sheen for wet areas such as bathrooms. For these areas we recommend a Resene waterborne enamel such as Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom. We always specify application of a dedicated plasterboard sealer prior to application of Resene topcoats.

Q. Can you recommend paint for our Formica® kitchen counter tops?

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas.

Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve. The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing. Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the laminate.

Q. I'm repainting a bathroom. Which product is best to use on the walls and ceilings? If the paint is in reasonable condition, is there any prep beyond cleaning and light sand?

A. Your prep sounds fine, apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat then finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen.

Q. I want to paint my brand new bathroom which is lined with plasterboard. I have Resene Broadwall Waterborne Wallboard Sealer. Should I have bought pigmented Resene Sureseal instead? My plumber told me I needed a sandable sealant before applying paint.

A. Yes, the correct sealer of new Aqualine plasterboard is Resene Sureseal. I’m not sure why your plumber recommended a sanding sealer as the level of plasterboard finish should be such that sanding is not a requirement.

Q. For a new build, what paint is recommended for walls and ceilings for bathrooms and an ensuite? Is it a special paint to prevent usual bathroom problems like mould etc and can that paint be used in other rooms e.g. living or bedrooms?

A. We recommend Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom or Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom.

New Aqualine® plasterboard needs a seal coat of Resene Sureseal and for best results then an undercoat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat followed by two coats of the Kitchen & Bathroom paint.

It is essential to ensure the paint is well cured before subjecting the new paint to steam or condensation; at least two days drying with good ventilation is required.

Q. I have a bath with metal rust along the rim where the enamel has come away. I understand the best way to fix it is to sand away the rust then spot paint with enamel paint. Which type of paint do you recommend for this?

A. I suggest that you look to use a 3M Rust and Paint removal disc to prepare the rusted sections then prime with Resene Rust-Arrest then topcoat with two coats of enamel. This recommendation does not apply to inner surfaces of the bath where there is immersion.

Q. I want to paint ceramic tiles around the basin. I have Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss. Can I paint this directly or do I need special preparation?

A. Are the tiles glazed in? If so you will need to apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and leave to cure without wetting for 24-48 hours then apply the two coats of Resene Lustacryl. The system will take 5-7 days to develop a good adhesion so care is needed until this time has passed.

Q. We have a shower room... Inherited... It's painted - from ceiling, walls down to and including the floor. It's in a fairly good state; however, I'd like it repainted. Do you have a range of paint suitable for a wet room? We think it has been finished in car paint that's been spray applied (previous owner worked in a paint and panel shop).

A. Then it's more than likely a two pack automotive paint. To repaint sand thoroughly then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry Primer Undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom. The system will take at least 48 hours to cure so should be protected from water or condensation for at least this time. This system can be used in any wet area with the exception of a shower lining.

Q. I'm painting a bathroom. What primer, paint etc do I need to use? It is new Aqualine GIB®.

A. Apply a seal coat of Resene Sureseal, a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat then finish with two coats of a Resene Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne topcoat. If you go the waterborne enamel way make sure you leave the new paint system to cure for at least 48 hours after applying the last coat and preferably with heating and a dehumidifier before using the bathroom. The drying time will reduce the possibility of moisture affecting the new paint film.

Q. Can I paint over my Melamine kitchen benches and what should I use? This is simply to change the colour, not to make them harder or more durable.

A. Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Q. We are renovating a bathroom/toilet area and it will be lined with GIB® Aqualine. Can you recommend an appropriate undercoat/sealer and topcoat?

A. Apply a seal coat of Resene Sureseal, an undercoat of Resene Quick Dry Primer Undercoat and then two coats of a Resene waterborne enamel.

Q. I have to paint a bathroom with some oil based Resene Polythane. It says on the tin not to paint when wet. I haven't got much choice of time. If I keep the window ajar and have a panel heater on low would that work ok?

A. If you use a solventborne polyurethane clear such as Resene Qristal and apply each coat at times when the bathroom is not used and then heat the room you may well get away with it.

Q. I painted the ceiling of my bathroom (water based mould resistant paint), and the next morning my partner had a 10 min shower (exhaust fan on and window open). The next day I did a second coat and he had another 10 min shower with fan on and window open. I see on some parts of the ceiling near the shower and exhaust fan vent that there are 'damp' patches that are dry to touch. How does having a shower within 24 hours ruin paint like that? Does the moisture soak into the paint? On the tin it advises to wait 48 hours.

A. Waterborne paints do require time to achieve full film properties. Waterborne paints based on conventional waterborne resins are usually recommended for painting areas where there is steam or humidity such as bathrooms. There are a series of drying stages with a waterborne paint, touch dry occurs early in the curing cycle but final film properties can take a minimum of 7 days or longer to develop. The appearance of damp patches on the ceiling is probably an indication that the fan did not remove steam and there has been condensation occurring. You have not said what paint was used but the time between painting and use of the room is well short of what we would recommend for a waterborne paint for these areas.

Q. We are putting a new bathroom into an existing room. The floor is matai and I would like to paint the floor black. What is the best product to use? And will we need to seal it after the paint?

A. Apply a primer coat of Resene Quick Dry primer undercoat then two coats of any Resene Uracryl 400 Series paint.

Q. I have purchased my first home and it has a 60s patterned tile shower and brown tile counter top in the bathroom. I don't have enough money to re-tile at this point so am wondering if it is possible to paint over ceramic tiles (both vertical and horizontal). Some of these tiles are in the shower area so will get wet frequently. The countertop won't be subject to as much water. What products would I use and how would I go about it (DIY)? How can I make the paint last as long as possible without being damaged by either water or scratches?

A. The following can be used for all areas with the exception of tiles areas within a shower box.

Using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, paying particular attention to hand contact areas. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve. The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing. Note that painting will not reproduce the original features of the tiles.

Q. I have to paint a ceiling in a bathroom where the previous paint seems to have been some sort of gloss. The issue is that previously there were smokers in the house and there are nicotine stains. I have washed it several times which took off a lot, and sanded it (lightly) but you can still see the paint has that nicotine colour tinge to it. What would be the best sealant before I repaint it, presuming you would need one to stop it leaching through?

A. Yes it definitely needs to be sealed and we recommend a coat of Resene Sureseal.

Q. A splashback was painted but there was a small mark on the glass. So the paint was removed and the painting redone. The colour was lighter than the first time. Why is this?

A. The only reason is there must have been residual paint or contamination from the stripping step.

Q. What kind of paint should I use to paint the outside of a cast iron claw foot bath? There is currently no paint on it.

A. A 3M Rust and Paint and Rust Removal Disc (fits on a drill) is a quick and very good method to prep rusted steel for painting. Try to remove as much rust as possible. Following preparation apply a coat Resene Rust-Arrest primer, then a coat of Resene Enamel Undercoat and finish with two coats of any Resene waterborne enamel.

Q. We are building a new house. I have been looking at using one of your metallics (Resene Scotty Silver) for one wall in the guest bathroom. The brochure suggests using Resene Shinto as the basecoat. If I wanted a slightly lighter shade of Resene Scotty Silver what basecoat would I use?

A. The basecoat is for colour consistency rather than a colour determinant. Each metallic colour has its own basecoat colour, we have not researched the impact of changing the basecoat colour on the final metallic effect colour. My gut feeling is subtle but not significant. Note in a bathroom you will need to clear coat the metallic paint.

Q. I've just bought a standard 1980 x 710 x 35mm flush pre-primed door for my bathroom. I am looking for a light grey colour paint. What type of paint will be suitable?

A. Sand and dust off then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel. For best results apply all products by rolling.

Q. Just doing up our bathroom. I know that plastic can be painted, but how do you prepare the article for painting? What primer or base coat is needed? What type of paint and is there a finish to harden it - like the final coat that is put on car bumpers? The unit I would like to paint is made of Perspex.

A. Resene waterborne paints can be applied to Perspex and will achieve very good adhesion after a 7 day cure time. For bathrooms we would say no to any Perspex that is enclosed within the shower as a lining or shower fitting. The Perspex needs to be clean and free of all residues of soap and similar products, apply an adhesion coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of any Resene Kitchen & Bathroom paint. Maintain good ventilation for the first 48 hours after application of the last coat of paint and avoid contact with steam or water for the first 48 hours.

Q. I'm thinking about giving our bathroom a budget makeover. We have peach coloured Seratone® on the walls. Can I paint them and if yes what's my best paint to use?

A. Use Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner to ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve.

The new paint system will take five days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional three weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

Q. Our bathroom cabinet has a natural wooden top of a light yellow/brown colour. It has been previously varnished but the finish has deteriorated badly. I want to strip back to the wooden surface and apply a hardwearing water resistant finish. What do you recommend?

A. You will need to sand back to bare timber then apply four coats of Resene Polythane for the best water resistant system.

Q. Can you please advise me if there is a tile paint that can successfully be used on bathroom floor tiles? We're a kid free couple so not hard on the floors. Tiles are in good condition but a very dated colour.

A. The following can be used for areas other than tiling in the shower enclosure. Clean down to remove all contaminants then apply a coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure for 48 hours ensuring good ventilation, then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel. For the first 24 hours after application of sealer and topcoat try to avoid water or condensation on the painted surface and maintain good ventilation. Adhesion of the system will take up to a month to develop; the system is most sensitive to damage 7-14 days post application.

Q. I have a painted wooden windowsill beside my shower that regularly gets wet. What is the best solution for prepping and painting said sill in order to prevent the wood rotting? The current paint is starting to crack and seemingly break down. The timber is solid not MDF.

A. Sand back to bare timber and prime with Resene Wood Primer, then a coat of Resene Enamel Undercoat and two coats of Resene Lusta-Glo. If there are exposed ends ensure these are also painted with the complete system.

Q. We had a professional painter paint the ceiling of our new bathroom three years ago. Now the paint is cracking and peeling away. He insisted on using a non Resene undercoat directly onto the new paperfaced plasterboard and painted over this with the Resene acrylic paint for wet areas that I provided. Can you please advise what I need to do to prepare the surface and what products I'll need to repaint the ceiling?

A. Scrape or sand back areas of failed paint back to bare substrate, taking care not to unduly damage the substrate. Prime bare areas with Resene Sureseal. Apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat then finish with two coats of a Resene Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamel. Allow the new paint to cure with good ventilation for at least 48 hours before espousing the new paint to steam or condensation.

Q. Can I put a waterbased paint over an oil based sealer? The sealer will be on new paperfaced plasterboard in the bathroom.

A. Resene waterborne topcoat paints can be applied over Resene Sureseal (oil based sealer). For bathroom we recommend Resene Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamel as the topcoat paint.

Q. I am looking for an odour free water soluble varnish for a bathroom surface please.

A. We have low VOC waterborne clear varnishes - Resene Aquaclear - but they are not completely odour free.

Q. I have a Lockwood house and would like to paint the bathroom. Can you please tell me which undercoat to use?

A. Assuming we are dealing with varnished walls - the Resene system would be as follows - using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner ensure the surfaces to be painted are clean and free from grease, pay particular attention to hand contact areas. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure without water contact for at least 48 hours before overcoating. Then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom or Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom . Roll all coats using the recommended roller sleeve. The new paint system will take 5 days to develop good initial adhesion and continue to cure for an additional 3 weeks until full cure occurs. In the early stages the paint surface will not have good resistance to cleaners or abrasion or moisture as these features develop as the film undergoes curing.

If there is movement of the boards for any reason this may result in the appearance of uncoated original varnish. This is not a paint issue.

Q. I'd appreciate some advice. We have through our own error used Resene Zylone Sheen on a new bathroom, over new walls with a coat of waterproofing paint - the finish was so lovely - and then three days after the last coat we used the shower before the extractor fan was in place and the walls became coated in what you call surfactant leaching, which I wiped down with a dampish cloth. I rang a Resene outlet and was told that we should never have used that paint on a bathroom but the person I spoke to recommended we get some Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom paint and do two coats of that over the other. We have been careful to not use the bathroom again; however, the new paint seemed to be going on nicely but instead of drying it seemed to be curdling on the wall, so we stopped the painting.

A. Resene Zylone Sheen is formulated on a conventional waterborne resin system and when exposed to steam or condensation the dry film is subject to an increased level of surfactant leaching. This results in partitioning of surfactants to the surface of the paint film. Recoating of a surfactant rich paint surface with another waterborne paint (such as a waterborne enamel) results in the surfactants on the surface re dissolving in the wet paint and causing the curdling effect. The following is required to recoat the Resene Zylone Sheen with a waterborne enamel. Wipe down the painted surfaces with a sponge and warm water, replace the water until the rinse water remains clear and there is no milkiness to the water. Then apply two coats of a waterborne enamel and leave the paint to cure for at least 48 hours while maintaining good ventilation and warm temperatures

Q. Can I use Resene Quick Dry as an undercoat on a bathroom door?

A. Yes, Resene Quick Dry can then be overcoated with waterborne or solventborne enamels.

Q. I want to paint my bathroom. The doors and frames are coated in multiple layers of paint, the latest of which is acrylic (over enamel), which is old, sticky (binds sandpaper), resistant to scraping, and only comes off in spots with a heat gun (leaving the remaining paint harder than before). I'd rather not use a chemical stripper, as there are three doors, all with the same paint history.

A. The sandability of waterborne paints varies with the paint formulation but waterborne paints soften due to heat generated with sanding and this is what is clogging your sandpaper. A heat gun should be successful in removing the paint in combination with a tungsten carbide blade paint scraper.

Q. We require product specifications for our building consent application. What paint finish would you suggest for our bathroom? We are lining it with plywood and want to have a whitewash effect.

A. Apply Resene Colorwood Rock Salt and allow to cure for at least 48 hours then apply 4 coats of Resene Polythane. This will produce a light blonded effect but the whiteness is determined by the ply colour. We advise that a test area is done on the ply first to confirm the appearance.

Q. What paint should I use on new Aqualine GIB®, and can the same paint be used on the new wood skirtings and window frames?

A. New Aqualine needs to be primed with Resene Sureseal then you can overcoat with solventborne or waterborne enamel topcoats (Resene Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamels).

Q. I have just had a brand new house built. However, within a couple of month of living in the house we noticed the bathroom ceiling start to bubble and crack (I would like to point out we have a safety latch on the bathroom window so it stayed open for 90% of the day and even most nights as it was summer). So I rang the building company to advise and they promptly came round and repainted the ceiling, it lasted about 6 months and then started to bubble and crack again. And then the same thing happened 6 months later.

The painter that came to view house blamed it on the paint and poor ventilation with the new 3 in 1 ceiling fans not being strong enough to remove the damp and advised he has a lot of jobs for repainting ceilings due to this. They advised we would need to paint regularly.

A. This is more than likely as a result of not using the correct sealer and possibly topcoat. Our paint systems for wet areas are robust. When there is a flaking issue we always check what is underneath where the paint flakes and what is on the back of the flakes. This allows us to understand why the failure has occurred.

Q. We've only just had subcontractors paint this bathroom and the client is concerned about streaking marks. Is this due to poor paint prep or application or are the streaks simply condensation, considering it's in the bathroom?

A. I suspect that the issue is surfactant leaching, please refer to our information about this. This is not a paint fault but due to application and drying conditions before the new paint is subjected to condensation.

Q. Was wondering how long after painting a bathroom (walls and ceiling) is it ok to use the shower?

A. The time is temperature and ventilation dependent. Usually a minimum of 3 days with warm conditions and ventilation is the standard recommendation.

Q. I have lead based paint on the walls and ceiling of my bathroom and was told to just paint over it with an oil based sealer. Is there anything in your product base that you could recommend?

A. Providing the walls and ceilings are in good condition the use of Resene Sureseal should suit your purposes. While the words 'lead based' can be scary you shouldn't have any issues providing you don't sand the walls and ceiling and get airborne particles. You can overcoat Resene Sureseal with Resene Room Velvet on both walls and ceiling. Try to get some airflow through your bathroom when painting, this will help the curing process.

Pop into your local Resene ColorShop and they will be able to help you with any further advice or product info.

Q. We have inherited a bathroom that has Hardiglaze™ tile panelling on the bottom half and hardboard on the top. I am going to paint it all one colour. Please advise what prep I need to do on the Hardiglaze™. And what type of Resene paint will I need for it all? The bathroom is well ventilated even in winter.

A. The following only applies to Hardiglaze™ paneling that is outside of a shower enclosure. Clean down with Sugar Soap and a cleaner to remove any grease and soap scum then wipe clean with water and a cloth. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and leave to cure for at least 48 hours with good ventilation. Then apply two coats of any Resene Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamel. The system must be protected from steam for 36 hours. It's best to heat the area after painting and again maintain good ventilation.

Q. My bath is white inside and is steel. I want to change this white colour. Which paint must I get?

A. Sorry recolouring of bath interiors is a specialist undertaking and we have no paint for this application. You would be best to try a resurfacing business in your area.

Q. We have some timber veneer wall niches to make which extend into a walk in shower. The niches would not be in constant contact from the shower head but likely it will get wet from water splashing. Veneer wasn't our recommendation but the client insists that is what they want so I am after a really good waterproofing clear coat with a mould resistant property and one that will keep a more natural timber look in a satin finish.

A. The short answer is we don't have a clear coating that guarantees waterproofing in the location you have. In this situation I would recommend an oil based polyurethane such as Resene Qristal Clear ensuring that you seal all edges and the reverse of the panel if possible also.

Q. We are painting a bathroom but with a light sand the old paint is flaking off in places. It appears that it hasn't adhered to the Aqualine at all. Do I need to completely strip these walls or is there a better way?

A. Sounds as if the Aqualine was not sealed with a solvent based pigmented sealer like Resene Sureseal. Yes you will have to remove the existing paint if this is the case.

Q. We have a light stained bathroom vanity. It needs restaining as its now badly marked. What do I need to use so that its completely waterproof as, with kids, it gets quite wet? We are going to a darker shade as the pale pine just doesn't look right anymore.

A. Sand back to bare timber and restain using Resene Colorwood stain. Allow the stain to cure for 48 hours then apply four coats of Resene Polythane (try to seal off all exposed timber).

Q. Do we need a special paint for our bathroom ceiling or is the standard Resene interior ceiling paint ok?

A. We don't recommend a standard acrylic ceiling paint in wet areas. Use Resene SpaceCote Flat (waterborne enamel) if you want a flat finish.

Q. I have a shower/wet room that has porous tiles which is conducive to mould growth. Is there a product on the market which is a clear anti-mould lacquer which I can spray or paint to the surface of the tiles which won't change the aesthetics but will reduce mould build up?

A. Treat tiles with Resene Moss & Mould Killer following label directions. Allow the tiled surface to dry out then apply a saturation coat of Resene Solventborne Aquapel and leave to cure with good ventilation for 48 hours before using.

Q. What paint do you recommend for painting new GIB® Aqualine which has not been previously painted?

A. Apply a coat of Resene Sureseal (for the ceiling apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat over the Resene Sureseal) then two coats of any Resene Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamel paint.

Q. I want to paint an old Seratone® paneled bathroom and would like to know whether to apply the etch undercoat and topcoats with a roller or brush or any other solution.

A. You can use the following system for changing the colour of the Seratone® with the exception of a shower lining. Ensure all surfaces are clean and free from oils/grease and soap residues. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow to cure for 48 hours ensuring good ventilation and warmth. Do not allow the sealer to become wet. Then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom. Again avoid water or steam contact with the newly painted surfaces for at least 48 hours and maintain good ventilation and warm temperatures over this time. Paint adhesion will take at least five days to develop and this is again temperature dependent.

Q. Is it possible to paint over a Formica surface (in a bathroom)? It's not in the shower/water contact area.

A. Yes. Ensure the area to be painted is free of all contaminants including soap residues. Apply a thin coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and allow the paint to dry for 48 hours without steam/water contact. Then apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl (semi-gloss) or Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen waterborne enamel. Leave the paint system to cure for at least 48 hours with good ventilation and warmth before exposure to steam/moisture.

Q. My ensuite bathroom was painted 20 years ago with Resene Lumbersider. I now want to repaint it with Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. Can I paint directly or is a primer necessary? The main bathroom is enamel so I will also be repainting that.

A. For best results apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat to the existing Resene Lumbersider and after sanding the old enamel paint.

Q. I need to repaint a bathroom ceiling previously finished in an acrylic paint. I bought paint some time ago and now I'm not sure which one it is. Help would be appreciated.

A. Assuming the existing paint work is sound apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and 2 coats of Resene Room Velvet (solventborne) or you can use two topcoats of Resene SpaceCote Flat Kitchen & Bathroom (waterborne).

Q. Yesterday I painted some trim around the bath with Resene Lustacryl. The first coat went on well, but the second coat started to set too fast and has caused some dull (less gloss) patches with slightly raised brush strokes in those patches.

Should I lightly sand those areas and perhaps add some Resene Hot Weather Additive to the paint and give it another coat? The temperature is about 26°C. If you recommend sanding how much curing time do I have to allow before sanding?

A. All waterborne enamels set up and dry quickly, much quicker than standard conventional acrylic paints. Addition of Resene Hot Weather Additive is the recommended way to increase open time. Also apply a liberal amount of paint as the increased wet film thickness will also assist with increasing open time. You will need to sand defects from existing applications.

Q. We've moved into a house with a very ugly stained particle board floor in the bathroom. Please advise re painting over it.

A. Clean down using Resene Paint Prep and Housewash following label instructions and thoroughly sand to provide a mechanical key for the new paint system. Apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl. Allow the new paint to cure for 48 hours with good ventilation before exposure to water/steam.

Q. I just sealed plasterboard walls and ceiling in a bathroom with Resene Broadwall Waterborne Wallboard Sealer. Do I need an undercoat before painting two topcoats?

A. For wet areas such as bathrooms our recommended sealer is Resene Sureseal not Broadwall Waterborne Wallboard Sealer. If you have already applied the Resene Broadwall sealer, for wet areas you will need to apply the Resene Sureseal over the wallboard sealer before topcoating.

Q. I have an 80s bathroom that desperately needs refreshing. I know I can paint the wall tiles - but what about the floor? Do you have a product suitable for ceramic floor tiles?

A. We would use Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer as the adhesion primer, leave to cure for 48 hours then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl. The system will require good ventilation and will take 5-7 days to achieve sufficient hardness for foot traffic. This system is not suitable for tiled shower linings or shower floors.

Q. I have a second bathroom that has blue tiles on the walls. I would like to know what to use to paint over these to make them white?

A. Clean down with Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner and apply a coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and leave to cure for at least 48 hours with good ventilation (note this is a thin film adhesion primer and not designed to give opacity).

Then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat followed by two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom. At least 48 hours cure is required again with good ventilation before reusing the bathroom. Note that the painting system will not have the original properties of the tiles.

Q. I'm painting my bathroom. Do I need to put a sealer over the old paint after a sand before applying the semi-gloss?

A. If the existing paint is sanded there is no need to apply a sealer to sound existing paint but depending upon the existing paint and what will be used as the new paint we may recommend application of an undercoat.

Q. Why does enamel paint in bathroom and shower have a strong odour after several weeks ventilation?

A. With good ventilation any odour due to solvents should be gone after a week. If the odour lingers open the windows if possible and use a fan or similar to start moving the air around.

Q. Just wondering if the metallic glitter effect in Resene Spark can be used in wet areas (above a shower)?

A. There will always be an element of risk when using a metallic finish above a shower. If this is a repaint then sand down the existing coating and apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat prior to applying the two coats of metallic. The metallic paint will have to be overcoated with two coats of Resene Uracryl GraffitiShield. The metallic needs to be left for at least 48 hours to cure before applying the clear coats, and then after clear coating a further 48 hours. Steam contact cannot occur until the clear coats have cured for the two days and good ventilation and warmth must be maintained at all painting stages.

Q. I have an existing Rimu floor in the bathroom. What polyurethane would you recommend? I want a satin/matt finish.

A. We recommend four coats of Resene Qristal Clear HD Poly-Satin.

Q. Do you have anti-mould paint for use in bathrooms that have lots of steam from a shower?

A. We do have Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen and Bathroom but you will need to ensure the mould spores are killed first using Resene Moss & Mould Kilter and even then there is always a limit as to how much mould paint can stop. After treating the mould apply two coats of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and follow with two coats of the Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen and Bathroom. Removal of steam using extraction systems is the best way to control mould growth long term.

Q. I am using Resene Lusta-Glo enamel paint in my bathroom. How many days should I leave before using the shower/bathroom?

A. Solventborne enamels are not subject to the same issues are waterborne enamels when used for wet areas. With good ventilation and warm curing temperatures the enamel should achieve the required water and steam resistance after 24 hours. However during winter you may be best advised to leave the paint to cure for 48 hours to ensure good cure. Ventilation is the key to the cure of solventborne enamels.

Q. I have a query regarding Resene Sureseal. I've just covered a bathroom interior (plasterboard and plaster stopping) with some of this and I was wondering if it can be exposed to a few days' worth of condensation before being painted over? Same question also for Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal.

A. Resene Sureseal has excellent moisture resistance so in theory could be left for a few days prior to overcoating, however I would not recommend the same for Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal.

Q. I am repainting the bathroom ceiling. Currently there is oil based paint on the ceiling. I want to repaint with Resene SpaceCote. What can I apply to ensure the new paint adheres?

A. Assuming the existing paint system is sound, thoroughly sand and remove all sanding dust then apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat followed by two coats of any Resene Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamel finish. Allow the new paint to cure for at least 48 hours ensuring good ventilation and heating to keep the room temperate elevated before exposing the new paint to condensation.

Q. I have new Hardigroove® wall linings. Do I need to prime these?

A. Yes if the board is not factory primed. For wet areas (e.g. bathrooms, kitchens, laundries), prime with Resene Sureseal, for all other areas use Resene Concrete Primer.

Q. We have mould in our bathroom and will need to repaint the walls and ceiling. What sort of paint should we use?

A. Treat mould areas with Resene Moss & Mould Killer according to directions. Sand the existing paint to provide a key for the new paint system and dust off. Then apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of any Resene Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamel. Allow the new paint system to cure for at least two days with good ventilation and heating before re-using the bathroom.

Q. I'm in the middle of renovating a bathroom and looking at paint products to use. We are building a shower into a space with gabled ceilings; the vertical part of the shower will be tiled but the 45 degree gable and ceiling will be painted. The gabled roof forms part of the shower and will get wet. Which type of undercoat/prep paint, and which topcoat would be best?

A. In this situation I would stay with a solventborne enamel paint system. Seal the new Aqualine with Resene Sureseal, apply a coat of Resene Enamel Undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Room Velvet.

Q. I want to paint my bathroom and it is partly lined with old Seratone. While replacing the seratone would be the best option I don't have the budget available for that. Can I paint over the Seratone? It is around the bath area that doesn't get much water on it at all.

A. Ensure there are no soap resides on the Seratone. If possible wet sand with 400 wet and dry sandpaper apply then apply Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer and leave to cure for at least 48 hours then apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat followed by two coats of Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom. Allow the painted finish to cure for 48 hours with heat and ventilation before exposing the newly painted areas to water and steam.

Q. I have just removed an unsound layer of wallpaper from a toilet and have found another painted over layer of wallpaper. I do not want to remove this, I just want to paint over it. I have some Resene Broadwall waterborne plasterboard sealer, could I use this as my basecoat on the painted wallpaper to provide a smoother base for my topcoat?

A. The sealer you have is recommended for sealing bare plasterboard/stopping. Assuming that you now have a sound paint finish, wash down with warm water and if the paint revealed after removal of the outer most layer of wallpaper is sound, sand with 220 grit sandpaper, dust off and apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat followed by two coats of Resene Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamel topcoat tinted to your required colour. Ensure that the newly painted area is maintained in a well-ventilated and warm state for at least 48 hours after the last coat of paint is applied.

Q. We have a bathroom with Seratone walls and wooden sills and surrounds around the bottom. They badly need repainting. Is there special paint or undercoat I should buy for a wet area?

A. We do have a paint system for painting laminates but we do not recommend the system for internal shower walls as we cannot guarantee adhesion.

Q. Do you have a paint in your range that is suitable to paint over ceramic floor tiles in a shower?

A. We do have a paint system for glazed tile; the degree and type of foot traffic will determine how the system performs.

The system is as follows: Ensure the tiles are free from oil/grease/dirt etc and then prime with Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer (this product is water thinned and should be applied as a thin coat as a high film thickness is not required). Allow to cure for 48 hours with good ventilation then undercoat with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with 2 coats for Resene Lustacryl waterborne enamel. The system will take up to 5 days to develop adhesion and will continue to harden over 30 days, but should be able to cope with foot traffic (socks, no shoes or boots) after 48 hours.

I would not use the system for a shower floor, the bathroom floor is less of an issue. However it’s ideal for dry areas.

Q. I am presently renovating my house. Our downstairs bathroom has terracotta floor tiles and white wall tiles. The top wall tile has a ‘dated’ pattern incorporated on it which I would like to change. For a tiler to remove the top tile right around the bathroom is costly And could damage the plasterboard. Could you recommend a suitable paint that we could use over the listello glazed tile which is only about 45mm in height and something that would give a nice modern effect?

A. The only system we would suggest is that you apply Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer to the degreased tiles and leave to cure for 48 hours, then undercoat with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of a Resene waterborne enamel such as Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom. Ensure that the new paint is not subject to steam or water contact for at least 48 hours after completion of painting.

Q. Can you please confirm which clear coating (polyurethane) product I can use in a wet area that will comply with AS/NZS 4858 or has an equivalent BRANZ appraisal? I am using a timber flooring product in wet area zones and the timber product requires that this condition is met. I have read through some of your data sheets but have not found this information.

A. We have no test data for a Resene clear for this application but we have for many years specified four coats of Resene Polythane for application to timber in wet areas.

Q. When painting our bathroom I was advised to use an oil based enamel paint to protect against moisture. There seems to be very little oil based products available. What are the advantages in using an oil based enamel paint to using a waterborne enamel paint please?

A. Traditional solventborne enamels do have a lower moisture vapour transmission value than waterborne enamels and this is possibly why the recommendation to use these was given to you. However waterborne enamels (not conventional waterborne paints) are routinely used for painting bathrooms and kitchens as long as they are applied over a suitably prepared and primed substrate. Waterborne enamels if not fully cured before exposure to steam can have surfactant leaching (this can be overcome by leaving the new waterborne enamel to cure with good ventilation and heat) and this may also be a reason why you were advised to use a solventborne enamel. Resene has a full range of solventborne enamels: Resene Super Gloss (full gloss), Resene Lusta-Glo (semi-gloss), Resene Room Velvet (low sheen) and Resene Celling Velvet (flat). There are colour limitations for the last two products. Resene also has a full range of waterborne enamels.

Q. I have varnished resin bathroom vanity unit. I've been told to that you have a sealant/undercoat product that is perfect for going over these, allowing me to just give them a light sand without having to remove all trace of the varnish. Can you tell me which product I should use?

A. The product is Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer.

Q. I have a bathroom area with a large glass skylight allowing a lot of U.V. light and summer heat to contact the painted Villa board. What paint will not ‘yellow and peel’ for this area? I am planning to use Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream.

A. The best system would be to prime the substrate with Resene Sureseal, lightly sand to de nib then applyResene Quick Dry Waterborne Primer Undercoat followed by two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom. Allow the paint system to dry with good ventilation for at least 48 hours before subjecting the painted areas to steam or condensation.

Q. I had a mouldy bathroom ceiling that I just scrubbed clean on the weekend - I thought I had heard about a paint product for wet areas that has properties in it to stop mould. Could you please advise?

A. You will need to treat the bathroom walls and ceiling with Resene Moss & Mould Killer to kill mould and mould spores. If this is not done the mould will re grow as the active material in anti-mould paints function to inhibit mould growth rather than kill. If the existing paint is an old alkyd you will need to sand to provide a mechanical key for the new paint system. Prime with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and then apply two coats of Resene SpaceCote Kitchen & Bathroom paint, which has both mould and anti-bacterial additives.

Q. We are renewing a bathroom - with new linings on wall and ceilings, fully insulated. I want to paint in a deep red like Resene Pohutukawa but my husband is keen to use the best paint for the job i.e. in terms of mould resistance etc. We have been told that a deep colour probably can’t be mixed in a mould resistant paint - is this correct and what would be the best paint for the job?

A. We can add Resene Mould Defender to any of the interior wall paints to boost protection against mould. However mould really only appears in areas that are usually dark, have poor air movement and are damp which are often the standard conditions that exist in many bathrooms. Generally for a bathroom you would use Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom (walls), Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom (trim and joinery) and Resene SpaceCote Flat Kitchen & Bathroom (ceilings). If you want to use a dark colour just use the normal variant - Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen, Resene Lustacryl or Resene SpaceCote Flat and ask your Resene ColorShop staff to add in the extra Resene MoulDefender to your paint.

Q.I have a bathroom that has some varnished Rimu tongue and groove on lower walls and ceiling. What should I do to bring this back to a new look? It has a blackish residue on it, I guess it might be a mould.

A. The black material is definitely mould, treat all areas with Resene Moss & Mould Killer, leave for 24 hours and then wash down with fresh water. The difficult area to achieve kill will be the grooves of the tongue and groove. The following is given based on the assumption that you are happy with a pigmented paint finish. Thoroughly sand the surface to de-gloss and provide a mechanical key for subsequent paint coats and apply two coats of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Room Velvet. The presence of mould is indicative of poor ventilation and a cold damp environment. Ensure that during and post painting that the painted area is well ventilated for at least 48 hours after application of the last coat of paint.

Q. We have a bathroom that has been painted a while ago. Over the years we have developed a mould problem. What is the correct procedure and products for mould ridding and repainting and future mould prevention?

A. Mould growth tends to occur when the conditions are damp, cold and poor ventilation. The only real solution to mould is to change the conditions so that the conditions do not provide the ideal climate for mould to grow. With bathrooms this is usually ventilation and heating. With your current situation, treat the mould areas with Resene Moss & Mould Killer, wash down with fresh water and then sand. Apply Resene Waterborne Primer Undercoat followed by two coats of Resene SpaceCote Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamel.

Q. I am currently renovating an old villa to include a new bathroom. The existing floors are exposed Rimu. Although the shower will be a contained unit, the floors will still be subject to water splash. Could you please advise of an appropriate waterproof applied coating for the floors - looking to retain the exposed timber look?

A. The only product I would recommend you use for this application is Resene Polythane. I would not recommend oiling bathroom floors if you are trying to achieve a long-term solution to water splashing onto the timber flooring.

Q. I am not sure what type of paint - turps enamel or acrylic - was used on the walls in our toilet/bathroom. What would be the best sealer to use as I wish to repaint using a Resene low sheen acrylic?

A. Wet a rag with meths and then apply this to the painted surface and rub. You will have to be quick as meths rapidly evaporates. If the paint softens or dissolves (colour transfer to the rag) then the paint is a standard acrylic type.

If there is no reaction of the paint with meths then it is more than likely an alkyd type (turps thinned). If this is the outcome then wash down with Resene Paint Prep and Housewash to remove surface contaminants, sand with 220 grit sandpaper then apply Resene Quick Dry Waterborne Primer Undercoat. If the paint tests as an acrylic then wash down with Resene Paint Prep and Housewash as before and apply the Resene Quick Dry Waterborne Primer Undercoat.

Then apply two coats of any Resene waterborne enamel finish. For low sheen use Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen.

Q. I have painted the walls of the bathroom using Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. For the first time in painting I am not happy with the finish. The roller has left lagging marks which appear worse when you look down the wall. Looking front on it is okay.

A. Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen is a waterborne enamel paint and application can be different from conventional acrylic paints. Use of the correct roller sleeve is the first step to achieving an even finish - for Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen we only recommend a Resene No.1 sleeve. Roller technique also plays a part. Apply a good amount of paint to the wall, and do this for approx three roller widths then lay off from top to bottom with a 50% overlap. Avoid overworking the wet paint film as waterborne enamels dry much quicker than conventional acrylic paints. If rapid drying (lack of a wet edge is the technical term) then add Resene Hot Weather Additive to the paint as this will increase the open/working time of the wet paint.

You will need to sand the imperfections in the paint you already have applied before reapplying additional coats.

It may pay to visit your local Resene Colorshop and discuss application with a Resene staff member.

Q. I have a galvanised steel Supatub in my laundry which has its paint flaking off. Can you please advise what type of paint treatment is suitable for repainting this material?

A. Provided there is no rust present, we recommend the following: remove all flaking powder coated areas and feather the edges with sandpaper. Any sound/well adhered powder coating can then be wet sanded using 400 grit wet and dry sandpaper to profile for recoating (avoid undue scratching of the surface).

Apply one coat of Resene Galvo One, leave 48 hours and apply two topcoats of Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel in your desired colour.

August 2023

Q. What sealers/primers/undercoats (including number of coats) do you recommend in a laundry before applying the two topcoats?

A. The sealers depend on if the laundry has good ventilation or not, and if you are worried about excess moisture.

If ventilation is not an issue, we recommend one coat of Resene Broadwall Surface Prep and Seal followed by two topcoats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen and Bathroom, in your desired colour.

If you are concerned about ventilation, we recommend one coat of Resene Broadwall Surface Prep and Seal followed by one coat of Resene Waterborne Sureseal then two topcoats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen and Bathroom, in your desired colour.

May 2023

Q. We have a 106 year old house with external laundry. This has a concrete floor which was stained 7 years ago. This has not worn well and has bare patches etc. We would like to paint the floor and assume we need to sand back whatever colour is left. Please advise if this is correct and also what type of paint we should use. We don’t know what was used.

A. As we don’t know the exact product we plan to overcoat it, and this stain looks like it is surface forming (because of the bare patched), the best course of action would be to completely remove this coating and start from bare concrete.

Clean and remove any loose and flaking areas and sand the edges back (feather the edges). Prime with one coat of Resene Quick Dry followed by two coat of Resene Walk-on and one coat of Resene Concrete Wax.

Please note we cannot guarantee this paint system's longevity as it relies on the original coat and its adhesion to the concrete.

October 2022

Q. What undercoat and topcoat type would you use for HardiGroove internal wall lining in a laundry?

A. A prime coat of Resene Concrete Primer and finish with two coats of Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom or Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom.

June 2021

Q. I am painting over some tiles in the laundry and have applied the Resene sealer. Do I need to buy a specific tile paint for the topcoats?

A. You can overcoat using any Resene waterborne paint, there is no specific tile finish paint. We would generally recommend the Resene Kitchen & Bathroom range for walls and Resene Walk-on for floors.

May 2020

Q. We have put up HardieGroove wall lining in our laundry. We have purchased Resene SpaceCote Kitchen & Bathroom Paint. Do we need to do an undercoat or sealer first? Or can we put that paint straight on?

A. Yes, a sealer is required, best sealer for this area Resene Sureseal, followed by an undercoat of Resene Quick Dry before topcoating.

April 2020

Q. We are converting a single garage to a utility room/laundry and have new GIB® board and an existing block wall which has a single coat of some paint done many years ago. I have the wallboard sealer but wonder if I could use this as a primer coat on the block wall.

A. We recommend Resene Concrete Primer for priming new blockwork, Resene Sureseal for old. If the block wall has an exterior face you will need to ensure that the exterior face is made weathertight.

Q. I was told that Resene metallic and special effects are great for splashbacks. My question is do you paint on the wall or the glass? If it is the wall, how to you attach the glass? If it is the glass, do you paint the metallic coat, then the basecoat?

A. It is the back surface of the glass that is painted; the glass has to be low iron glass as standard glass will change the colour when looking at the opposite side of the painted glass. A backing coat of a solid colour (usually grey or black) of Resene Imperite is applied over the metallic basecoat.

Q. We're renovating our bathroom. We have just had new plasterboard put up. We need to prime it. Is it best to use oil based or water based primer? The builder suggested water based but someone else said oil based.

A. For a waterborne topcoat system, apply the sealer then a full coat of Resene Quick Dry and two coats of a Resene Kitchen & Bathroom waterborne enamel paint.

Q. What is best practice for painting a wet area? We have oil based pigment sealer so do we continue with oil based paint or can we switch to water based?

A. There is no definitive answer to your question. Resene Sureseal is always specified as the seal coat for GIB® Aqualine. You can then continue with a solventborne system, Resene Enamel Undercoat and two coats of Resene Lusta-Glo or a waterborne system of a coat of Resene Quick Dry and two coats of Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom.

Surfactant leaching can occur with the waterborne system if the room is not well ventilated, and/or the paint is not allowed curing for 3-4 days before steam/water contact. This risk must be balanced against the issues associated with using solventborne paints. Resene has moved to using lower odour solvents, with very low aromatic content which does reduce the potential harm associated with solventborne paint. We find most customers tend to use waterborne enamel topcoats now.

Q. Is it possible to paint over bathroom vanities that look like they have been lacquered? We don't like the colour but we like the shape.

A. Degrease and clean down using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner then thoroughly sand, dust off and apply a full coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finish with two coats of Resene Lustacryl Kitchen & Bathroom. Paint should be kept dry for at least 48 hours to allow cure and development of water resistance.

Q. I have painted a bathroom in quick drying waterborne enamel semi-gloss but have ended up with brush marks in patches that look shiny and the rest of the walls look flat. A painter told me that I would need to sand walls and put the next coat on with a roller. He said brush marks may not come out even with light sanding. He said not to use a sander but to do it by hand. Is there any way I can get brush marks out so they don't show through the paint?

A. Due to the rapid surface drying of waterborne enamels brush marking does occur with brush application. Addition of Resene Hot Weather Additive can reduce but not eliminate this; for broad wall areas rolling is our recommended application method. The degree of sanding required depends upon the brush marking texture. Ideally sanding to a smooth finish is the only way to be 100% sure that there will be no see through of the brush marking when additional paint is applied by roller. The painter's suggestion to hand sand does allow for selective sanding as power sanding may well remove more paint than is necessary.