Decoration Tips

隨著DIY文化興起，越來越多人選擇親自動手為家居髹油。自己動手不單止節省裝修成本，仲可以依據個人喜好和需要，選擇適合自己的油漆產品，還可以自由挑選色調，展現個人風格。透過親自參與，一邊體驗髹油的樂趣，一邊掌握相關技能，動手讓家居煥然一新。今次就一次過分享DIY髹油全攻略。

髹油施工步驟：

1. 事前準備
   ‧ 清理施工環境，移除可能妨礙施工的傢俱
   ‧ 用和紙膠帶保護不需髹漆的區域，例如牆腳線；用和紙保護膜覆蓋傢俱及地板
2. 基本工具準備
   ‧ 大面積施工：油轆、油盤、加長桿
   ‧ 細節處理：油掃、小油桶
   ‧ 輔助工具：攪油棒、量杯、砂紙、漆鏟、灰板
   ‧ 安全裝備：口罩、手套、護目鏡
3. 塗料準備
   ‧ 起漆/鏟牆水
   ‧ 光油或司拿(Sealer)
   ‧ 防水底材 (如需)
   ‧ 批牆灰
   ‧ 底漆
   ‧ 面漆 (乳膠漆/藝術漆)
4. 施工步驟
   ‧ 牆面清理：使用起漆水，鏟走舊油漆。如牆身老化，剷去底灰及鬆脫的牆面 (剷底)
   ‧ 防潮封底：塗上光油或司拿，待乾透
   ‧ 批灰修補：用批牆灰填補裂縫和凹陷處，並用砂紙磨滑
   ‧ 底漆施工：均勻塗抹一層，靜待完全乾透
   ‧ 面漆施工：建議一般至少塗刷兩層，層間需充分乾透

底漆與面漆的重要性
油漆塗層系統中，底漆和面漆扮演著不同但同樣重要的角色。底漆作為第一道防線，不僅能提升面漆的附著力，亦防止牆身受潮，為後續面漆創造完美的施工基礎。面漆則是直接對外的一層，可以實現預期的裝飾效果，例如不同的色調或質感，能為家居帶來截然不同的感覺。此外，面漆還需要具備抵抗環境因素的能力，例如內牆油漆添加防潮、抗菌和抗污等特殊功能，確保漆面持久耐用之餘，又能令居住環境更健康、更美觀。

油漆功能多元化
油漆科技不斷進步，市面上的油漆產品已不僅限於基本的裝飾用途，更加入了多種實用功能，滿足不同的居住需求。現代人越來越注重健康環保，因此市面上的零VOC油漆不含揮發性有機物，淨味環保，更添加分解甲醛功能，持續改善室內空氣。而防潮、防霉、抗菌和抗病毒的特性，則特別適合關注清潔衛生的用戶。總括而言，不同空間可因應需要選擇正確的對應功能，就可以充分發揮油漆的保護及實用功能。例如潮濕空間應選擇有防潮防霉的油漆，客廳或幼童房間則可選擇有抗污功能的油漆方便清潔，至於主人房想提高格調可選用有獨特紋理的藝術漆。

使用色卡小貼士
很多人以為色卡上的油漆顏色和塗上牆的顏色完全一致，這是一個誤區。由於光線反射等原因，房間四面牆塗上漆後，牆面顏色通常會比色卡上顯示的視覺效果上較深色少許。

選擇顏色：在色卡中選色時，最好選擇比自己喜歡的顏色稍微淺一號的色號。

顏色差異：建議先取得色卡實地比對，因為燈光會影響顏色呈現。另外，為避免螢幕色差，不建議單靠電子色卡，應先看過實體色卡再選購。

工具選購指南
到訪配色中心時，除了使用色卡選擇心儀顏色外，記得同時配備合適的施工工具：

一般乳膠漆：建議購買油轆、油掃及油盤
藝術漆：需選購專用工具，以達至理想的紋理效果

貼心提示：若不確定需要哪些工具，可向配色中心職員詢問，他們會根據您選購的漆種及施工面積，建議合適的工具組合。

安心家居的一站式解決方案
我們深知現代家庭對家居環境的高要求，推出了全方位的「立邦抗甲醛淨味兒童漆系列」提供三款高品質的兒童漆產品，不僅讓戶主DIY創造專屬理想家的美感，更實現零污染家居空間，滿足不同家庭需求。

立邦淨味兒童漆 – 基礎守護型
兒童漆系列主打環保安全，能有效分解甲醛，配以淨味零VOC配方，讓室內空氣更清新。同時具備I級抗菌 (可對抗20種常見細菌霉菌)、I級抗污等特性，配合超強防霉及防潮透氣功能，是家居翻新的理想之選。

家居DIY新趨勢 精明自主油漆入門

近年，DIY裝修熱潮愈受歡迎，不少朋友都享受親自參與家居設計和翻新的過程。這股潮流不僅反映了現代人對品味生活的追求，更展現大眾對打造個性化空間的喜愛。牆面作為居家環境中最大的視覺元素，其裝修效果往往決定了整個空間的格調與氛圍。自行選擇合適的牆面油漆並DIY裝修，不但能讓你盡情發揮創意，親手將理想中的設計實現，更能自主把關物料品質，從源頭確保家人的健康安全。想掌握DIY油漆的致勝心法，打造完美牆面？立即為大家詳細分享箇中竅門。

牆面處理方案全攻略
現今常見的牆面處理方案包括油漆、牆紙、牆布及特色牆。各種處理方式在美觀性、耐用度、DIY彈性，以至成本上各有高低。以油漆為例，其優勢在於色彩選擇豐富，從傳統乳膠漆到藝術漆，種類包羅萬有，亦有不同針對性功能，加上價格相宜，深受大眾歡迎。不過，要掌握均勻塗漆的技巧並非易事，加上每層油漆需要充分乾透才能進行下一層，整體施工時間會相對較長。
雖然油漆擁有豐富的色彩，而藝術漆也可創造一定的紋理，但與之相比，牆紙和牆布所呈現的花紋圖案會更細緻精美，安裝過程也相對直接。但值得留意的是，在香港潮濕炎熱的氣候下，這兩種材料較容易受潮變形，出現起泡、剝落等問題，使用年限往往不及預期。
至於特色牆，無論是時尚的岩板，還是溫暖的格柵板，都能為空間注入獨特個性。這類設計雖然耐用美觀，但施工要求較高，需要專業技術支援。而成本方面則因應選用的材質有較大差異，需要仔細考慮預算。

▲ 特色牆設計耐用美觀，但施工要求較高，需要專業技術支援。

油漆種類解密 總有一款適合你
因此，綜合各項條件，若以靈活和彈性而言，油漆無疑是DIY的首選。不過坊間的油漆種類繁多，例如有分底漆和面漆，而面漆又有乳膠漆、藝術漆，甚至油性及水性之分，到底它們有何分別呢？
其實，油漆不只是裝飾牆面的材料，更是一種能形成保護膜的塗層，所以它的功能可分為3大類，包括裝飾性（色彩、質感及光澤度）、保護性（防潮、抗污／菌及磨損）及特殊功用（分解甲醛、抗菌抗病毒）。
一個完整的油漆工序通常包含底漆和面漆兩大部分。底漆作為第一層，主要發揮增強附著力和保護基材的作用；面漆則是最外層，最主要用作裝飾功能。選擇合適的油漆時，底材類型是關鍵考慮因素。不同底材需要不同類型的油漆，以混凝土和水泥為例，表面適合使用乳膠漆，但需注意環境濕度不應超過85%；至於木材則因易受環境影響而膨脹收縮，因此較適合使用附着力和滲透力強的木器漆。
至於上文提及的藝術漆，也是油漆的一種，在歐美已流行一段時間，它與大部分油漆一樣，普遍具有良好的透氣性、耐水性等功能，而且效果自然及多變化，可以製造出不同紋理如仿水泥、絲絨及金屬等效果。雖然價格較一般油漆稍高 ，但都可以做到特別紋理效果，而且比起牆紙及牆布更不怕受潮變形，亦無須留意接駁位 ，可是施工時需要一定技巧，才能做出理想的紋理效果。

▲ 藝術漆效果自然及多變化，可以製造出不同紋理如仿水泥、絲絨及金屬等效果，部分更可模仿清水混凝土。

簡而言之，現代油漆技術不斷創新，市面上的面漆產品的功能亦變得多樣化，就像防潮、抗病毒、防霉、抗甲醛等。大家選購時可根據使用環境和需求，在裝飾性和功能性之間取得平衡，以確保最佳使用效果。

顏色影響生活品質？打造獨一無二的空間
色彩分析師 教你搵出個人家居色彩

都市人日常壓力大，回家只想好好放鬆，想踏進家門就感到輕鬆自在。原來家居風格的顏色協調可以影響到人的情緒健康，而且牆身顏色的配搭更會影響空間的視覺效果。要打造一個舒適自在的個人空間，裝修色彩上的配搭可說是無比重要，以下就探討一下如何打造出屬於自己的個人家居色彩。

色彩可以透露出個人性格？

顏色除了可以影響個人情緒健康之外，透過日常個人所喜愛的顏色原來亦可以分析出隱藏的人格特質，個人色彩分析師黃靖程（小龍）提到：

其實每個人對於顏色的感覺都非常主觀，所代表的性格也不能完全作準，只要該顏色能令你感覺舒服自在就儘管試試吧！

顏色如何令空間感增加或縮小？

普遍人都認為，一般的家庭只要牆身乾淨企理就可以，所以不太注重室內的顏色風格，但其實家居設計上只要好好選對顏色，可以令視覺上大大提升空間感的效果。個人色彩分析師黃靖程（小龍）就指出，顏色特性分為有彩色和無彩色，無彩色的定義就是黑白灰，其餘的全部都是有彩色。而兩種特性都會有明度上的分別，簡單來說就是顏色深與淺的程度。就如同服飾穿搭一樣，
淺色有光亮整潔，放大空間的感覺；而深色則有沉穩侷促，空間感收縮的感覺。所以一般想家居整體感覺更大同明亮，牆壁和天花板可以選擇用上明亮的無彩色。若果略嫌淨色單調，亦可於無彩色中增添一些有彩色元素為生活加添色彩，更有空間感擴大的感覺，但切記不宜過多。

如何找出適合的家居風格？

黃靖程（小龍）又指出，家居配色跟個人色彩有所不同，家居配色著重於個人性格及其觀感，例如年輕人會喜愛使用低彩度至中彩度的粉色系列表現年青感，以增添優雅浪漫印象；喜歡休閒風跟崇尚自然的人會偏好利用木紋棕色，並以米色和米白色作為基礎，從中再增添一點綠色作為點綴；有小朋友或性格較為活潑的家庭則多以明亮而輕鬆的形象，大多採用高彩度的純色拼合一起，打造色彩繽紛的家居環境。

哪種家居風格最值得推薦？

每個人心中總會有理想的裝修風格，編輯就整合了4款近年流行的熱門家居設計，方便大家找到靈感。

1）簡約奶油風

隨著奶油風的興起，這種風格在簡約風的基礎上，融入了更柔和的色彩和溫暖的質感。奶油色調帶來的柔和光澤，讓空間更加溫馨舒適，增添了一份優雅的氛圍。這種風格強調輕鬆與自在，搭配自然材料的家具，讓整個家居環境更具親和力，讓人感受到家的溫暖與舒適。

2）摩登現代風

摩登現代風多以中性色調白、灰、黑為主，通常強調簡約而清晰的設計，比較注意室內光線的折射，所以大多數會有大型窗戶或落地玻璃，亦愛選用開放式的設計，傢具方面多選擇玻璃及金屬元素，帶給人乾淨時尚的氛圍，若果再加上強烈對比色，例如藍拼橙更顯獨特時尚品味。

3）自然北歐風

自然北歐風核心色調以米白及奶茶為主，適合跟淡綠色配襯，以低飽和度加上明度較高的配搭，傢具多選用天然材質，如木材等元素，整體帶出一種祼色的質感，給人感覺細膩溫柔。

4）優雅浪漫風

喜歡優雅脫俗氣質的人一定會喜歡這種優雅浪漫風，色調上以白色、紫色和粉色為主，搭配一些百搭的米色或灰色的傢具可以中和粉色的甜美感，整體不會過份少女，帶給人一種柔和清新感。

如何解決家居牆身問題

打造個人家居時，最令人頭痛的絕對是香港的潮濕問題，大面積的發霉情況更會導致牆漆掉落，所以選擇油漆產品時更要懂得精挑細選，市面上很多油漆牌子都擁有多款功能，而「立邦抗病毒淨味兒童漆」淨味環保，擁有銀離子抗病毒及Ｉ級抗菌，更能分解甲醛，其Ｉ級抗污功能更耐污漬性及耐擦洗，加上超強防霉及防潮透氣，不但可以令家人身體健康，更使牆身色彩耐看持久，無懼天氣潮濕。另外「立邦淨味兒童漆」亦同樣可以分解甲醛及擁有Ｉ級抗菌成分，有效防霉及防潮透氣。

若果想家居更有藝術風格，可以試試「立邦兒童漆小羊皮效果漆」，其獨有的蛋殼光澤，配合油漆工具使用可調製出4種不同風格的小羊皮紋理質感，同時亦具抗病毒、抗菌、分解甲醛及防霉，適合全屋大面積使用，令牆身與眾不同，帶來美感和豐富的視覺效果。

Choosing the right tiles can often be confusing during renovations. With a wide variety of tile types and prices, many homeowners wonder, “Why is there such a big difference in price when they’re all just tiles?” This article reveals the factors influencing tile prices, helping you find the ideal balance between budget and quality.

Key Factors Affecting Tile Price

• Origin and Brand
  The origin and brand significantly impact tile prices. According to the Hong Kong market, common tile sources include:
  – Mainland China (mainly Foshan): Approximately $20–$40 per square foot
  – Europe (e.g., Italy, Spain): Approximately $60–$80 per square foot
  – Malaysia: Price falls between that of China and Europe
  European tiles are generally more expensive due to high quality, better quality control, and superior flatness. These tiles also include transportation costs and brand value. However, high-end tiles from China have recently improved in quality, becoming more competitive and affordable.
• Material and Manufacturing Process
  The material and manufacturing process of tiles directly impact their price. Common tile materials include:
  – Ceramic Tiles: Higher water absorption, suitable for indoor use, relatively affordable
  – Stone Tiles: Low water absorption, good slip resistance, ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, moderate price
  – Polished Quartz Tiles: Wear-resistant and acid-alkali resistant, suitable for high-traffic areas, higher price
  Different surface treatments, such as polishing, matte finishing, or inkjet printing, can also affect costs.
• Size and Design
  Tile size and design can influence the price:
  – Large Tiles (e.g., 60×60 cm or larger) are generally more expensive.
  – Special Shapes or Patterned Designs are pricier than standard square tiles.
  – Wood-Look or Marble-Look Tiles with unique textures are often more expensive.

How to Choose the Right Tiles

• Choosing Based on the Space
  Different spaces require different tile specifications:
  – Living Room: Large polished tiles enhance the sense of space and add texture.
  – Kitchen: Use non-slip, easy-to-clean tiles like stone tiles.
  – Bathroom: Opt for slip-resistant, waterproof tiles, such as mosaics or smaller-sized tiles.
• Considering Practicality and Aesthetics
  Both practicality and aesthetics are essential when selecting tiles:
  – Slip Resistance: For bathrooms and kitchens, choose tiles with a slip resistance rating of R9 or R10 and above.
  – Wear Resistance: High-traffic areas require tiles with a higher PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating.
  – Ease of Cleaning: Tiles with a nano-treated surface are easier to clean.
  – Color and Texture: Coordinate with the overall design style for the best decorative effect.
• Balancing Price and Quality
  To balance budget and quality, consider these strategies:
  – Use high-quality tiles in key areas, like the living room and master bedroom.
  – Opt for cost-effective tiles in secondary areas, such as locally made or Mainland tiles.
  – Combine tiles of different price ranges to create a layered design and unique visual appeal.
• Importance of Tile Adhesive
  After choosing the right tiles, using the correct tile adhesive is equally essential. For large or low-absorption tiles, high-quality adhesive ensures stability and durability.
• C1TE and C2TE Tile Adhesives
  – C1TE: Suitable for standard-sized tiles with regular absorption; has anti-slip properties and extended open time, ideal for general indoor applications.
  – C2TE: Suitable for large or low-absorption tiles; offers stronger adhesion and flexibility, suitable for situations needing extra support.

*For tiles larger than 90×60 cm or with an absorption rate below 3%, it is recommended to use C2TE-grade adhesive to ensure stable, long-lasting adhesion and prevent hollowing.

Summary
Selecting tiles involves not only aesthetics but also practicality and durability. Understanding the features of tiles at various price points, combined with practical needs, will help you make the best choice. Remember, high-quality tiles paired with the right adhesive create a perfect blend of beauty and functionality, adding long-lasting appeal and value to your home.

In the renovation process, selecting the right materials is crucial, especially for tile installation. With so many types of tile adhesives and cement mortar products on the market, many people often feel uncertain about which to choose. This guide provides an in-depth overview of tile adhesive characteristics, types, and selection methods to help you make the best decision.

Definition and Characteristics of Tile Adhesive
Tile adhesive, also known as tile bonding agent, is a polymer-modified cement-based product used to attach various types of tiles. Compared to traditional cement mortar, tile adhesive offers the following advantages:
– Strong Adhesion: Tile adhesive has much stronger bonding strength than cement mortar, significantly reducing issues like detachment and hollowness.
– Easy Application: It only requires water to mix, making it simple to use.
– Thin-Layer Application: Tile adhesive can be applied in a thin layer, effectively saving space.
– Excellent Crack Resistance and Water Resistance: Tile adhesive has superior crack and water resistance, making it suitable for various environments, including damp areas.

Introduction to EN12004 European Standard
EN12004 is the primary European standard for tile adhesives, categorizing products based on strength, slip resistance, and performance, guiding consumers in selecting the right product for their specific needs. Common classifications and their meanings include:
1. Non-standard: These do not meet EN12004 standards and generally have lower strength and durability, suitable for low-demand indoor environments or simple applications for small tiles.
2. C1TE: Basic cement-based tile adhesive meeting EN12004 standards, with good slip resistance (T) and extended open time (E). This level is suitable for general indoor or low-absorption substrates.
3. C2TE: An enhanced cement-based adhesive with stronger bonding strength (C2), slip resistance (T), and extended open time (E). This grade is ideal for outdoor use, large tiles, or heavy tiles, meeting higher demands, including resistance to significant temperature changes and outdoor moisture.

Selecting a tile adhesive that meets EN12004 standards ensures better installation results, reducing the need for maintenance and repair.

Comparison of Tile Adhesive and Other Materials
Understanding the differences between tile adhesive and other materials is important. Below is a comparison between tile adhesive and cement mortar:

How to Choose the Right Tile Adhesive
Choosing the right tile adhesive depends on substrate type, environmental conditions, and tile characteristics. Key factors to consider include:
– Substrate Type: For smooth or low-absorption substrates (e.g., glazed tiles), it’s recommended to use C2TE-grade enhanced tile adhesive to ensure a secure bond.
– Environmental Conditions: For damp environments (e.g., bathrooms), choose C2TE products with high water resistance. For outdoor or high-traffic areas, select C2TE adhesive with crack and weather resistance.
– Tile Size and Weight: Large or heavy tiles require C2TE-grade adhesive to prevent detachment due to temperature fluctuations.
– Installation Requirements: For projects requiring high thickness precision, use thin-layer tile adhesive to achieve a finer finish.

Types of C1TE and C2TE Tile Adhesive
According to the EN12004 standard, tile adhesives on the market are classified as follows:
1. Non-standard: Products that do not meet EN12004 standards and are suitable for low-demand environments.
2. C1TE: Basic type, suitable for small tiles on low-absorption substrates.
3. C2TE: Enhanced type, suitable for tiles of all sizes, heavy stone, and outdoor or high-moisture environments.

Choosing tile adhesive according to the EN12004 standard helps consumers make informed choices based on actual needs, ensuring effective installation.

Installation Tips
When using tile adhesive, consider the following tips to achieve the best results:
– Surface Preparation: The substrate should be dry, flat, and free of grease to enhance bonding strength.
– Mixing Ratio: Follow the product manual for the correct mixing ratio; do not add extra materials.
– Setting Time: Wait 24 hours after tiling before grouting to allow the adhesive to cure fully.
– Temperature Control: Maintain a working environment between 5°C to 40°C for optimal results.

Conclusion
Choosing the right tile adhesive is essential for achieving desired renovation results. By understanding the different product characteristics, applicable environments, and installation requirements according to the EN12004 standard, consumers can make the best choice for their needs. Correctly using EN12004-compliant tile adhesive not only improves installation results but also extends the lifespan of the renovation. We hope these tips will help you easily select the most suitable product for your next renovation and create your ideal home space.

Many notice hollow tiles on their walls or floors shortly after renovation, affecting aesthetics and raising safety concerns. We will dive into the five primary causes of hollow tiles and offer practical preventive measures to help you create a beautiful and durable home.

What is Tile Hollowness?
Before exploring the causes, it’s essential to understand tile hollowness. Hollow tiles occur when there is a gap between the tile and the substrate, preventing the tile from adhering tightly. If you hear a hollow “thud” sound when tapping a tile with a small hammer, it likely has hollowness.

Hollow tiles can lead to several issues, causing inconvenience and risks:
1. Safety Hazards: Hollow tiles can easily crack or fall, especially on walls, where an impact can cause tiles to detach, leading to potential injury.
2. Water Seepage Risks: In damp spaces like bathrooms or kitchens, hollowness increases the chance of water seepage, which may cause mold and substrate corrosion over time.
3. Daily Use Impact: Unstable tiles may hinder furniture placement and make cleaning and maintenance difficult.

Five Main Causes of Tile Hollowness

1. Improper Substrate Preparation
– Uneven Surface: An uneven substrate affects adhesive distribution, preventing the tile from fully adhering.
– Insufficient Cleaning: Dust, grease, or residues can obstruct adhesive bonding.
– Poor Moisture Control: Overly dry or damp substrates impede adhesive curing.

2. Tile Quality Issues
– High or Low Water Absorption Rate: This affects the adhesive’s efficacy, impacting tile adherence.
– Irregular Sizing: Uneven tile sizes can cause gaps during installation, increasing the risk of hollowness.
– Shallow or Smooth Tile Backing: Tiles with shallow or too-smooth backings don’t bond well with adhesives.

3. Improper Installation Techniques
– Insufficient Adhesive Application: Inadequate adhesive can lead to weak spots.
– Lack of Compaction: Failing to press tiles firmly with tools like rubber hammers creates air gaps.
– No Expansion Joints: Omitting expansion joints can cause tiles to loosen or detach during thermal expansion.

4. Environmental Factors
– Extreme Temperature Fluctuations: Significant temperature changes can cause inconsistent expansion and contraction between tiles and adhesive.
– Unstable Humidity: Very high or low humidity affects adhesive performance.
– Foundation Settling: New or unstable foundations can cause tile detachment due to settling.

5. Low-Quality Tile Adhesive
– Choosing low-cost, low-quality adhesive increases the risk of hollowness. C1TE standard (based on European standard EN 12004) ensures quality adhesive with strong bonding strength, anti-slip properties, and extended open time. Studies show that using C1TE-grade adhesives can reduce hollowness by 75%, highlighting the importance of high-quality adhesive.

Prevention Methods
With these causes in mind, we can take effective preventive measures based on different situations:

1. Substrate Preparation
– Ensure the substrate is level, using leveling materials if necessary.
– Clear dust and grease for a clean surface.
– Moisturize the substrate appropriately based on its water absorption.

2. Choose Quality Tiles
– Opt for tiles with stable water absorption and consistent sizing.
– Check the tile’s backing pattern for sufficient depth to ensure good adhesion.

3. Standard Installation
– Use a rubber hammer to compact tiles and prevent air gaps.
– Leave expansion joints as required to accommodate changes in temperature and humidity.

4. Environmental Control
– Install in stable temperature and humidity conditions.
– Avoid tile installation on unstable foundations.

5. Use High-Quality Tile Adhesive
– Select C1TE or higher-grade tile adhesive to ensure anti-slip and extended open time for better bonding and reduced hollowness risks.

Conclusion
Tile hollowness is a complex issue involving materials, techniques, and environmental factors. To effectively prevent hollowness, homeowners should:
1. Choose high-quality tiles and adhesives without compromising quality.
2. Hire a professional installation team for proper techniques.
3. Select suitable environmental conditions for installation to avoid high temperatures and humidity.

The spring season usually begins in February or March in Hong Kong but the weather may keep extremely cold and hot at the same week. With the characteristic of high density region, it may cause a serious humidity problem like forming water droplets in the celling and wall then the mold start to appear. If the mold problem is not properly handled, the situation will become more serious and dangerous, it is not only for the aesthetics problem, it may also spread to the other walls that are not affected. In addition, the long-term inhalation of the mold will have the opportunity to trigger a varying degree of sensitivity and respiratory problems, also lead to visceral and neurological damage.

Some people say it can use bleach to get rid of mold, but the use of improper and inhaling too much irritating gas may affect respiratory health, and also damage the paint or cause the wall damage such as peeling or color loss. If you want to be simple and convenient to cure for the root of the mold you can choose Nippon Paint Anti-Fungus Solution, designed for paint and also applies to indoor and outdoor walls and wood surfaces, spray on the root of the mold, can be a fast and thorough sterilization of mold. If you wipe it again, the wall will return to its original color and it can restraint the growth of mold effectively without damaging the wall.

To prevent mold and mildew stains on walls, it is important to prevent moisture and mildew beforehand. Before deciding the paint for home you should consider to choose a primer and topcoat with anti-mold and moisture-proof function, our product can release the moisture inside the wall effectively, with Nippon Paint Odour-less Wall Putty as a good base, using a brand-new clean technology, water-based environmental protection formulas, compared to the traditional mixed raw materials like vegetable glue and some powder would be more stable, high anti-algae and anti-fungus. In the above methods can eliminated the mold from the root but also reducing the growth of mold.

People nowadays care more about their quality of life, unlike 10-20 years ago, the way people decorate and renovate their home is no longer just to be convenient, personal style and the interior design plays a big part too. Furniture not only have to be functional and convenient, it also has to fit the interior design by colour, shape, material used, style, etc. If furniture has to be the one in a million perfect match to your interior design, how could your wall be plain and boring? Nippon Paint understands your need and therefore introduces couple different creative coatings to suit any type of interior designs! Here are some of the creative coating from Nippon Paint:

1. Milano
A low-key luxurious interior design fits the taste of an elegant person like you. The special velvety texture comes with a total of 30 colours through three series, one of them can surely fit you. Milano velvet gold has a total of 8 colours, perfectly matches gold with warm colours, combining them with unique light and shadow effects adds a touch of delicacy to your home; Velvet gold white has 11 colours, turn your home into a contemporary and modern style home by presenting with the luster of pearl; Velvet silver mixes cold colours with silver’s luster, the paint’s smoothness getting matched by the metallic feel, makes your home elegant but not pompous. No matter how you want your home to be and which route of interior design you are going for, Milano can take your design to another level.

2. Nippe Indy Art Cera
Is there a time when you want to get some different textures and patterns onto your wall but normal paints just cannot get the job done? Nippe Indy Art Cera is the paint you’re looking for! Pairing Nippe Indy Art Cera with its tools, you can create numerous of different patterns such as rough, line, flat, clod while blending multiple colours to create even more incredible changes. If you think out of the box, you might also create a pattern that no one else has ever done before. No matter which style of interior design you are trying to match, Nippe Indy Art Cera can provide you a pattern that best fits it, makes your home truly unique.

3. Fair-Faced Concrete Coating System
If you like your home being simple and natural, you might want to try out having a fair-faced concrete wall at your home. Fair-faced concrete has natural patterns and does not require any additional decoration, provides a fresh and neat feeling. However, a fair-faced concrete wall’s price is pretty high while also requires high skilled decorator to make it work. If any mistakes happen or the fair-faced concrete got damaged, rebuilding one or replacing one would be another time consuming project that could take weeks. That’s why Nippon Paint introduces a fair-faced concrete coating system where you can paint on basically any wall textures and get the appearance of an actual fair-faced concrete wall! Nippon Paint fair-faced concrete coating system requires much less time and money investment to create the same pattern of a fair-faced concrete wall, it is also much easier to repair and refresh the wall if needed. If you want to try a minimalistic design style that features a fair-faced concrete wall while budget being a problem, maybe give Nippon Paint fair-faced concrete coating system a shot, it might just exceed your expectations.

Learn more about the creative paints here:

Whenever we talk about interior decorations or moving to a new place, people would suddenly recall things about formaldehyde. With all the new furniture, paint, polystyrene floods into our new home, we stand up against all the formaldehyde trying to get every single bit of them out of our home as if we are a formaldehyde exterminator. It is a fact that formaldehyde is harmful to our health, it irritates our eyes, nose and throat, affects pulmonary function and causes various respiratory disease, and could cause fetal malformation and miscarriage. It is also labelled as a Group 1 carcinogen by the WHO. We have more than enough reasons to get rid of every single bit of formaldehyde, and people do everything trying to get them out of their home. Some chooses “E0” graded materials for their furniture, some tries to eliminate formaldehyde by using formaldehyde remove sprays, air purifier and activated charcoal. Some even uses folk remedy like placing pineapple or onion skins to “lower the concentration of formaldehyde”. However, are these what you really need for a “formaldehyde-free” home?

In fact, construction materials and furniture from renovation are not the only source of formaldehyde, some of our daily tools and products also contain and emit formaldehyde such as detergents, cosmetics, insecticides, dishwashing liquids, clothes and bed linens. At the meantime, construction materials will keep on emitting formaldehyde for 3-15 years. Therefore, we should not be short-sighted and only aim for low formaldehyde level or low odour after a couple months of moving in or decorating.

The “E0” material doesn’t mean they are completely formaldehyde-free. Instead, they emit very low level of formaldehyde, being 0.5mg/L. Although the number is very small, overusing them could still lead to exceeding formaldehyde limit. Moreover, as formaldehyde has adhering, moisture-proof, insect-proof and other functions, using nearly 0 formaldehyde materials might require additional adhesives and insect-resist agents, ended up re-introducing the missing formaldehyde from the “E0” materials back to your home.

Now let’s talk about methods to remove formaldehyde. Simply using formaldehyde remove sprays to clean you home after decorating for a month or two cannot protect your health in the long run. Again, building materials emits formaldehyde for 3-15 years. However, it is also unrealistic to keep spraying formaldehyde remove sprays for the whole period of 3 years. Even if the cost is not your concern, all the effort to spray it constantly is already troublesome enough to make it not worth doing. Although activated charcoal can actually absorb formaldehyde and keep them stick to the charcoal instead of floating in the air and let you breathe them in, they can only absorb but not actually remove formaldehyde while also have a max absorbing capacity. Once the activated charcoal is full for a while and were not disposed and replaced in time, they will release the formaldehyde back to the area, losing its functionality and also worsen the situation. Despite air purifier can effectively purify formaldehyde, the price of a high Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) and Cumulate Clean Mass (CCM) is nothing to joke at already. Factoring in the electricity cost, the cost of installing a decent air purifier could be significant in the long run. However, if you want to cut some initial cost by choosing a slightly lower tier air purifier, there might come with a long term cost of having to change the air filter element more frequently due to lower CCM, costing the same if not more than a high tier air purifier in the long run. When all of these effective ways also brings us some sort of trouble and extra costs, there is actually a formaldehyde eliminating method that doesn’t require any additional installation or costs after renovating.

Nippon Paint have series of paints that can abate formaldehyde for you 24/7, for example the Nippon Paint Gold Formaldehyde-Buster Odour-less All-in-1(Bamboo Charcoal technology). All you have to do is choose this as your paint for renovation, and our paint can decrease the level of formaldehyde for you once it is painted onto your wall with no additional care needed as long as the paint is not significantly damaged. Nippon Paint also take a step forward in keeping you healthy. Nippon Paint Gold Formaldehyde-Buster Odour-less All-in-1(Bamboo Charcoal technology) not only can lower the formaldehyde level but also have an anti-bacterium function. If you’re wondering would all the functionality restricts the colour choices for the paint, you don’t have to worry about that! Nippon Paint Gold Formaldehyde-Buster Odour-less All-in-1(Bamboo Charcoal technology) supports Computerized Colour Matching Service which provides 1988 colour choice, truly an aesthetic and functional paint of your choice.

Learn more about Nippon Paint Gold Formaldehyde-Buster Odour-less All-in-1(Bamboo Charcoal technology):

Many people think that renovating your walls means painting the wall. However, there’s actually many more construction details behind it. When we decorate the wall of the unit, we often find that the wall is uneven and blistered. At this time, we need to remove these loose parts, and then use the batch of wall ash to build a good wall base and strengthen the wall. Stability and fixity. So as to make the wall smooth and flawless, just like the reason why girls also apply primer before makeup. So choosing a high-quality batch of wall plaster is also a science.
1. What are the approved wall plasters on the market?
Painters traditionally mixes raw materials such as vegetable glue, whitening powder, gypsum powder, varnish and white glue to make batches of wall plaster by themselves. Although it is relatively cheaper, crafting your own plaster requires certain skills and technique, while having lower stability which could cause uneven end product. Moreover, the materials used also emit unpleasant smell. Therefore, Nippon Paint encourages you to use ready-made plasters. Nippon Paint Odour-less Wall Putty works as good as traditional plasters while being odour-less and eco-friendly. You also don’t have to spend time mixing materials and keep adjusting the plaster to get a perfect plaster, Nippon did all that for you.
2. What are the problems with vegetable gum powder in the market?
Vegetable glue powder not only requires a lot of effort to prepare, as it contains plant fiber extracted from seaweeds, it could also easily cause mold on the wall!
3. How to perfect Plastering?
Plastering can be divided into three steps:
1. Ashes
2. Applying Plaster
3. Polish
Putting ash is actually filling up some uneven walls with large gaps to make them smooth, and adding batches of wall ash to increase their stability. The next step is to apply the plaster to make the surface of the wall smoother and smoother. Through repeated plastering actions, the smooth effect can be achieved. However, the plastering should not be too hasty and can be applied all at once. It is necessary to wait for each layer of plastering to dry before applying plaster again. Otherwise, cracks will appear on the wall, and if you apply too much too quickly, the natural absorption will be uneven, so remember not to be too quick and too thick at once. The last step is polishing, mainly to sweep away the excess dust on the wall and make the overall wall smoother and smoother. Polishing also needs to be repeated many times to make the pine paint more full and smooth. As for the grinding tool, you can choose Nippon Sponge Sand Brick with high-density sponge, electrostatic sand planting process, parallelogram design, easy to grind at the corners, good elasticity, durability, not easy to remove sand, and can be reused after cleaning.
4. Things to note about special weather
The wall has been severely eroded by the accumulation of precipitation over time. In addition to the problem of time, there are also reasons for the climate. Because the climate in Hong Kong is often humid, and the housing environment and structural problems in Hong Kong are quite special, the sunlight cannot fully shine into the house, which makes the problem of humidity in the house gradually serious. In addition to re-cleaning the dust, the best way is to take good ventilation measures, for example: opening the windows to allow air convection, which can effectively eliminate the humid molecules mixed in the air. Or some special weather, such as the weather after rain or the rainy season that is prone to mold, you need to pay attention when these weathers occur. Residents with dehumidifiers can use dehumidifiers to strengthen the elimination of moisture in the house. Content, fully keep the room in a state of constant temperature, dryness and humidity.
5. Handling of special situations
Residents may encounter some serious wall problems. For example, the wall has been aged for more than 10 years, and a large area of the wall has been severely affected by moisture. Carry out a major renovation, and redo it together with the paint and dust on the wall. You don’t have to worry about this cumbersome project, because Nippon Paint has launched a refresh service for homeowners who need major renovations to help them solve the problem. All the problems encountered in the renovation do not need to be done by the customer at all. Nippon Paint provides one-stop service, and also provides a variety of renovation cases for customers to refer to, so that everyone can have a general understanding of the renovation, and then a series of renovations will be introduced Process, answer customers’ doubts, strive to achieve excellence, and provide residents with a perfect and comfortable living environment.

Learn more about Nippon Paint Odour-less Wall Putty:

Formaldehyde is the most resistant to many people who have just moved into a new home. Everyone does not want formaldehyde to enter their house, and even starts to worry about it, but is it really the case? Is formaldehyde really so frightening? Let’s follow Nippon Paint to learn about formaldehyde in decoration!
What points should be paid attention to in formaldehyde in decoration?
1. Short-term exposure to low-level formaldehyde will not cause too much harm to humans. Of course, it will also pose a certain threat to some people who are allergic to formaldehyde. For example, it will cause discomfort symptoms on the eyes and throat. Including respiratory patients, pregnant women or children, etc. need special attention. Because formaldehyde is an irritating gas, the antibodies to patients, pregnant women or children are lower than ordinary people, so they are prone to discomfort symptoms.
2. In fact, formaldehyde also has its measurement standards. The World Health Organization has pointed out that formaldehyde concentrations below 0.08ppm (0.1 mg/m³) are relatively safe for humans. Therefore, the higher the concentration of formaldehyde, the greater the harm. 0.08 ppm (0.1 mg/m³) is an acceptable upper limit for indoor formaldehyde concentrations in most countries. The country also has stated “Indoor Air Quality Standards”, in the indoor air environment, the maximum allowable concentration of formaldehyde per 1 hour is 0.1 mg per cubic meter.
3. In fact, formaldehyde is not only released from fresh paint, but also part of the formaldehyde is released from the furniture in the house. It is basically impossible to use zero-formaldehyde furniture. Because almost all furniture is composed of sheets, some adhesives and other tools. While these materials release formaldehyde, so does the wood used for wood products.
4. Many people read on the Internet that using grapefruit peels can absorb formaldehyde. They will place grapefruit peels in various places in the house. But in fact, grapefruit peel is only because of its own aroma, which covers the odor of formaldehyde, rather than decomposing and absorbing formaldehyde itself. Therefore, removing formaldehyde from grapefruit peels is completely unscientific.
5. The most effective way to reduce formaldehyde is actually not to buy any equipment. This process can completely eliminate formaldehyde in your home for free, that is, ventilation. The volume between air and formaldehyde is the same, and formaldehyde is easily mixed in the air, so we use this to take formaldehyde away through air circulation and discharge it into the house. Not only that, in addition to emitting formaldehyde, ventilation can also reduce other volatile indoor pollutants such as benzene and xylene. Ventilation can be regarded as one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly ways to eliminate formaldehyde.
6. In fact, Nippon Paint has also launched some formaldehyde-resistant indoor latex paints for you to choose from. Because we know that many residents will value the elimination of formaldehyde, so in order to ensure the safety of everyone’s living and living environment, both adults and children have their own exclusive anti-formaldehyde latex paint. If you are planning to decorate a new house, you can consider using Nippon Paint’s formaldehyde-resistant indoor latex paint, so that Nippon Paint can create a comfortable and secure living environment for you and your family.
Click to check out some of the products that can abate formaldehyde:

I believe that everyone has a certain understanding of formaldehyde, but you should not know what other toxic gases are other than formaldehyde. Today we will point out 5 chemical pollutants lurking around our lives, and they are derived from our An invisible virus released from the living environment.
5 invisible chemical pollutants
1. Formaldehyde: There are five main sources, the first is from some decorative panel materials indoors; the second is water-based adhesives with formaldehyde as the main component; the third is waterproofing agents and flame retardants used in building materials , preservatives, insect repellants and other water-based treatment agents; the fourth is derived from various decorative materials, such as wallpapers, carpets, foam plastics and paints; the fifth is derived from the necessities used in daily life at home , such as cosmetics, detergents, insecticides, etc. Formaldehyde appears quietly in our daily life. According to scientific research, the release period of formaldehyde is as long as 3 to 15 years. For the formaldehyde in newly renovated units, it cannot be completely eliminated in one or two years. evaporate.
2. Nitrogen oxides: Nitrogen oxides are easily produced from human daily life. For example, gas stoves used for cooking usually produce nitrogen oxides from combustion. In addition, if the resident has the habit of smoking, nitrogen oxides will also be produced during the smoking process. If you inhale too much, symptoms such as throat discomfort will appear, not only that, but it can even pose a threat to the central nervous system and cardiovascular system of the human body.
3. Ammonia: Additives and brighteners are used in many home finishes, and ammonia is added to these chemicals. When these products are used on the wall, as the temperature or environmental factors change, they will be converted into ammonia gas and released from the wall. Ammonia gas is also an irritating and harmful gas, which is irritating to the mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, and throat of the human body, and this irritating gas will lead to a decrease in the body’s resistance to other diseases.
4. Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides are the same type of poisonous gas. Its source is also the same as nitrogen oxides, both from daily gas use. Combustion of gas or oil produces large amounts of carbon monoxide. When the human body inhales a light amount of carbon monoxide, symptoms such as dizziness and weakness of limbs may occur. Inhalation of large amounts of carbon monoxide can directly lead to a severe coma state.
5. Radon: Radon mainly comes from carcinogenic and toxic gases released from flooring, tiles and other ground materials. According to scientific research, the radiation damage of radon to the human body accounts for more than 55% of all radiation damage received by the human body in a lifetime. It is a “latent killer” of lung cancer and the second most carcinogenic substance besides smoking. The gas radon is also colorless and odorless. Even if the concentration of radon in the environment is high, people cannot find it. The damage caused by radon to the human body is permanent, so choose carefully when choosing home decoration.
Nippon Paint’s Kids Paint series contain nearly 0 VOC, it can also abate and break down formaldehyde into water molecules. Not only it won’t pollute your home but it can also protect you from the harm of formaldehyde. Click the links below to see more about the Kids Paint series:

“Village house”, as the name suggests, is “a house in a rural area”, with a beautiful environment, surrounded by mountains, and the fragrance of birds and flowers. It really makes people want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and come here to enjoy the healing brought by nature. But residents living in “village houses” are all worried about the same problem, which is the problem of indoor “water seepage”.
How did the “water seepage” problem arise?
Everyone may have doubts about the issue of “water seepage”. Where does “water” come from? In fact, not only the appearance of people needs to be maintained, but the appearance of houses also needs to be adequately maintained, especially for independent houses like village houses. The outer wall of a village house protects the “inner organs” of the village house like armor. If there is a crack in the armor, the “inner organs” will naturally be damaged. Exposure to the sun and rain, cooling and heat shrinkage will lead to conspicuous cracks on the wall, and these cracks are behind the scenes that cause the problem of “water seepage” in the room. If not dealt with in time, rainwater will accelerate the corrosion of the health of the wall.
How to solve the “water seepage” problem?
If you are facing the “water seepage” problem, or worried that the “water seepage” problem will come to your door, Nippon Paint can help you! Nippon Paint puts itself in the shoes of every citizen and conducts research on housing issues.
For customers who already have the problem of “water seepage”, we recommend Nippon Paint’s water-cut leak-proof combination on the roof. Nippon Paint Water-based Soft Fiber Waterproof Roof can fill the cracks in the ground and walls, and can effectively block water. Partial penetration, to achieve a comprehensive waterproof effect. And it has good hiding power, and can easily finish a beautiful waterproof coating surface. With Nippon Paint Water-based Waterproof Primer，it is very suitable for professional construction or DIY!
For customers who want to renovate the exterior wall or paint the exterior wall for the first time, Nippon Paint recommends Nippon Paint Weatherbond, which has strong outdoor durability and is specially designed for indoor and outdoor masonry The surface of the building is formulated to withstand the sun and rain, ensuring a long-term beautiful appearance. In terms of function, it also has anti-algae, waterproof, anti-fouling, anti-alkali and anti-mildew, which can solve the problems that customers worry about.

Learn more about Nippon Paint Water-based Soft Fiber Waterproof Roof:

The Causes and Treatment of Chalking in Village Houses
The “village house” is in the midst of nature, away from the noisy city, and integrated with nature. Some people think that living in such a beautiful place must be very pleasant. However, with the passage of time, the exterior walls of the house will inevitably suffer from years of damage, such as excessive exposure to sunlight for a long time, or damage to the walls caused by improper paint selection, and so on. Damaged walls will greatly reduce the overall aesthetics of the house, which will greatly reduce the mood of the homeowner when he sees it. What Is Chalking?
Chalking refers to the fact that the latex paint film attached to the wall loses its original gloss, resulting in a layer of powder on the surface of the wall. Over time, these powders will gradually fall off the wall. Not only will it affect the aesthetics of the wall, but the falling dust will also cause a great potential crisis to the air quality in the house.
What is the cause?
All dark exterior wall paints will directly affect the durability of the wall, because dark colors will absorb more heat and ultraviolet rays than light colors. After a long period of wind and sun, dark exterior walls will absorb excessive heat and Ultraviolet rays, resulting in chalking, which is the object produced by the degradation of the binder in the paint. Or when the paint was painted, the recommended thickness of the oil was not paid attention to. If it is deeper or thinner than the recommended thickness, it will also lead to insufficient protection, which will cause various problems on the wall.
How to avoid and solve it?
Nippon Paint suggests that if the exterior wall paint has chalked up, it is best to renovate it. Choosing a primer is the most critical step. Nippon Paint recommends that you use the Nippon Paint Multi-Function Water-Based Waterproof Kit: Nippon Paint Ultra Sealer III (Exterior) and Nippon Paint Tsuya Ichiban Water Based Gloss Top Coat. Both are waterproof and have good weather resistance. No matter it is any long-term wind and rain, they can be as stable as Mount Tai and stand upright. Nippon Paint Ultra Sealer III (Exterior) Also has excellent efflorescence resistance that can also prevent discolouration. Choosing high quality paints is the best way to protect the health of your walls most effectively, learn more about the paint here:

Wall Problem Tips – Wall Blisters

When painting a wall, there are many factors that affect the final result, leading to all kinds of problems. One of the most common problems is blistering.

The phenomenon of wall blistering: bubbles are generated in the paint film, resulting in a decrease in local adhesion. There are many possible reasons for this to happen, here are the most relevant and common:
– Substrate humidity is too high
– Paint on soiled or decayed substrates
– Paint on overheated substrates or expose to direct sunlight
– poor working or drying conditions (e.g. high humidity, condensation, rain)
*TIP: Break the blisters and check the underside of the flakes. If wood is present, the problem is most likely moisture related.

It is not difficult to solve the blistering on the wall. First, confirm the cause of the problem and evaluate the degree of the problem. Then address the cause, strip off the old paint, make sure the substrate is in place and repaint. Be aware that some substrates are too damaged to be repaired and will need to be replaced.
 
Tips for Wall Problems – Oil Sweep / Oil Roller Marks

After the paint has been applied, there are streaks left on the wall after drying, which is an unintentional texture left in the paint by the oil brush or reel. The main cause of oil swept/reel marks is due to the use of low quality/incorrect tools to paint, or due to poor workmanship (e.g. too fast or too much painting). The second is partially dried paint due to heavy brushing or rerolling, as well as objective factors of poor workmanship or the environment at the time of drying, such as overheating of the substrate and high temperature.

Don’t worry if you find oil brushes/oil roll marks, lightly sand the affected area until smooth and repaint. To prevent the same problem from recurring, make sure to use high quality and recommended tooling equipment, use consistent painting techniques (such as applying oil reel pressure evenly from top to bottom) while keeping the edges wet. Make sure the workmanship and drying conditions are in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations so that there will be no oil swept/reel marks. Also, in hot or windy conditions, the recommended amount of thinner can be added to improve workmanship.
 
Wall Problem Tips – Wall Powder

Chalking is one of the common problems with walls. As the name implies, the powder on the surface of the paint film is produced by the degradation of the paint binder.

The main reasons for chalking come from excessive exposure to sunlight and improper use of paint. E.g:
– Use interior grade paint on surfaces exposed to UV radiation.
– Surfaces where the painted surface has been fully exposed to strong sunlight for a prolonged period of time, and/or has an elevated salt concentration (eg coastal areas).
– Use dark paint, which absorbs more heat and UV rays from sunlight than lighter colors.
– Paint lighter than recommended thickness.

If the walls have begun to chalk, your best bet is to renovate. Wash the affected area to remove all surface contamination and powder, and repaint with a UV-resistant paint system. Remember to use a primer, which can resist corrosion, increase the adhesion of the topcoat, and make the paint not easy to peel off. When painting, make sure to apply the paint to the recommended coverage and add the proper proportion of water as recommended by the manufacturer, never over-diluting.

To minimize chalking in areas with high sunlight, it is recommended to have a maintenance schedule in place from the outset to ensure that the painted surfaces are cleaned and repainted within a predetermined time.

Need a professional to fix your wall? Nippon Refresh Service is your best choice! Click the link below and make an appointment now:

According to Porter’s Paints: paint problem solver & advice

generate bubbles
Air bubbles are created in the paint film, resulting in a localized loss of adhesion.
possible reason
– Substrate humidity is too high
– Paint on soiled or decayed substrates
– Paint on overheated substrates or expose to direct sunlight
– poor working or drying conditions (e.g. high humidity, condensation, rain)
solution
– Identify the cause and extent of the problem. Resolve the cause, strip off the old paint, make sure the substrate is properly repainted. (Some substrates are too damaged to be repaired, such due to replacement)

block
The surfaces of two freshly painted objects are glued together (eg a window is glued to a frame).
possible reason
– Close doors and windows before paint dries.
– poor working or drying conditions (e.g. low temperature, high humidity, condensation, rain)
solution
– Sand to remove affected area, repaint after ensuring proper substrate.
– Provide correct drying time according to paint label recommendations.
– Make sure the workmanship and drying conditions are in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Oil sweep/oil reel marks
Unintentional texture left in paint by an oil sweep or reel.
possible reason
– Painted with low quality/incorrect tools.
– Poor workmanship (eg too fast or too much paint).
– Repaint or reroll partially dried paint.
– poor working or drying conditions (e.g. overheated substrate, high temperature)
solution
– Lightly sand affected area until smooth, repaint
– Use consistent painting techniques (such as applying oil reel pressure evenly from top to bottom) while keeping the edges wet.
– Make sure to use high quality and recommended tools and equipment.
– Make sure the workmanship and drying conditions are in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
– In hot or windy conditions, the recommended amount of thinner can be added to improve workmanship.

chalk
Powder on the surface of the paint film, produced by the degradation of the paint binder.
possible reason
– Use interior grade paint on surfaces exposed to UV radiation.
– Surfaces where the painted surface has been fully exposed to strong sunlight for a prolonged period of time, and/or has an elevated salt concentration (eg coastal areas).
– Use dark paint, which absorbs more heat and UV rays from sunlight than lighter colors.
– Paint lighter than recommended thickness.
solution
– Wash the affected area, remove all surface contamination and powder, and repaint with a UV-resistant paint system.
– Make sure to paint to the recommended coverage.
– To minimise chalking, have a maintenance schedule in place from the outset to ensure that painted surfaces are cleaned and repainted within scheduled times.

weathering
The salt migrates to the surface of the porous masonry substrate, forming a white scabbed deposit.
possible reason
– Excessive moisture in the substrate
– Paint on under-cured substrates.
solution
– Use a stiff brush to remove deposits, then clean the surface with a mild white vinegar solution (acetic acid). In severe cases, a stronger acid solution should be used by an experienced contractor to remove mineral salts and then allowed to dry.
– Identify and eliminate the source of moisture and repaint once the surface is intact, clean, dry and free of mold and algae. Alkali-resistant sealants and a suitable topcoat are recommended.

fade
Excessive tarnishing of the paint coat.
possible reason
– Use interior grade paint on surfaces exposed to UV radiation.
– The painted surface is exposed to high salinity (e.g. coastal areas).
– Colors such as bright blue, yellow, red are particularly susceptible to UV radiation.
– Add a colorant higher than the recommended coloring level.
– The paint film used is lower than the recommended thickness.
solution
– Thoroughly clean the affected area, remove all surface contamination and repaint.
– Use manufacturer-approved UV-resistant paint products and coating systems.
– Make sure to paint to the recommended coverage.
– To minimise fading, have a maintenance schedule in place from the outset to ensure that the painted surfaces are cleaned and repainted within the scheduled time.

foaming/foaming
Air bubbles formed during application and pits created when air bubbles burst in the paint film.
possible reason
– Painting with improper tools (eg oil reel fuzz length, material type).
– Poor workmanship (eg too fast or too much paint).
– Over-mix the product before use.
– Paint with old and/or improperly stored paint.
solution
– Make sure to use the correct application equipment and technology. If you notice excessive foaming in the can, allow the paint to settle before using.
– Correct foam in dry paint film, lightly sand affected area to a smooth surface and repaint. In some instances, lather in the wet film can be corrected by light application with a brush.

wear and tear
When the painted surface is worn or impacted, visible shiny spots or areas of polishing can appear.
possible reason
– Use low-gloss, matte and flat paint in heavy tones (dark or vivid), especially in high-traffic areas
– Fang.
– Frequent cleaning and/or spot cleaning, especially with abrasive cleaners or tools (wire balls).
– Unintentional bumps on painted surfaces (eg furniture rubbing coatings).
– Critical or low angle lighting may accentuate any worn look that has a chance.
solution
– Repaint with higher gloss or lighter color paint.
– In some instances, a durable clear coat may be recommended.

mold
Black, grey, brown spots on the painted surface.
possible reason
– Presence of moisture (condensation in the substrate, surface or high humidity).
– Paint on moldy substrates.
*TIP: Test for mold by putting a few drops of household bleach on the discolored area; if it disappears, it’s likely mold.
solution
– To get rid of mold, scrub the surface with a diluted household bleach solution (one part bleach, three parts water) while wearing rubber gloves and goggles. Rinse thoroughly.
– To prevent mold, use paint with anti-mold properties.

crack
Deep, irregular cracks in the dry paint film.
possible reason
– Applying too much paint causes the surface of the paint film to dry faster than the rest (most commonly where paint can overlap, such as corners).
– Poor working or drying conditions (e.g. too cold substrate, too low temperature).
solution
– Sand the surface flat and repaint at the recommended coverage.
– In some instances, oil-based primers or high-concentration products may be required.
– Ensure application and drying conditions comply with manufacturer’s recommendations

Rusty nail head
Red/brown rust on painted surfaces.
possible reason
– Paint on ungalvanized iron nails, which tend to rust in wet environments.
– Paint on galvanized nail heads that have started to rust from sanding or excessive weathering.
solution
– Wash off rust, sand nail heads, and follow new construction finishing procedures.
– When painting new exterior construction, if non-galvanized nails are used, it is advisable to countersink the nail head first and then caulk with a good quality exterior acrylic caulk.
– Each nail head area should be topically primed (preferably with an antifouling primer) followed by a good quality topcoat.

patch
Poor gloss or color uniformity, especially when looking flat from an angle.
possible reason
– Paint on surfaces with different textures and uneven porosity (joints between plasterboards).
– Failure to properly prime the substrate.
– Inconsistent workmanship
– Bad working or drying conditions (eg high temperature, high temperature).
solution
– Before applying the topcoat, the new substrate should be treated to ensure uniform porosity of the substrate.
– Use consistent painting techniques (such as applying oil reel pressure evenly from top to bottom) while keeping the edges wet.
– Make sure the workmanship and drying conditions are in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Cracking and peeling
The paint film forms a definite fracture, the local adhesion between the paint film and the substrate is lost, or the paint film is completely separated from the surface substrate.
possible reason
– Paint on unsound substrates (e.g. weathered wood, weak concrete or plaster)
– Paint on soiled or loose materials.
– Paint on overly smooth surfaces that are difficult to bond.
– No precoat (primer) used, poor quality or the wrong type for the substrate.
– Lack of maintenance of existing paint
solution
– Before starting any new paint, the extent and cause of the problem needs to be clearly identified, the cause removed, and the old paint stripped until the substrate is sound.

framing
A matter of appearance, areas where you paint with an oil brush look brighter or darker than areas where you use an oil reel.
possible reason
– Apply wet paint on dry or semi-dry areas
– Differences in gloss and/or surface texture due to different workmanship between oil brushes and oil reels.
– Inadequate mixing of paint prior to application, resulting in poor toner incorporation.
-Brushing may result in lower coverage than rolling, creating a thicker film, which can lead to differences in color/opacity.
solution
– Stir paint thoroughly before use.
– Work on a smaller area of ​​the room to keep the edges wet, and use the oil reel to overlap as much as possible over where the oil sweep is used.

poor opacity
Dry paint fails to mask or coat the underlying surface.
possible reason
– Paint at higher than recommended coverage.
– Painting with low quality/incorrect construction tools.
– Use of inappropriate tinting bases and tinting color combinations.
– Adding a small amount of yellow, ochre or bright red to a white substrate will lower the refractive index and thus adversely affect opacity.
solution
– Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for coverage.
– Use premium paint for better coverage and flow.
– Use quality tools and recommended oil reels.
– Use the correct base for the specified color.
– Choosing a color that contains black and/or blue tones will provide excellent opacity, even with some yellow or red colorants present.
Certain colors may require more than two coats of topcoat or the use of a tinted primer, especially when painting over dark colors.

Poor washability
Dry paint does not resist dirt and stains
possible reason
– Use paint with poor stain resistance.
– Paint at higher than recommended coverage.
– Paint over unprimed substrate.
solution
– Use manufacturer-approved antifouling paint products.
– Make sure the paint is applied to the appropriate primed substrate at the recommended coverage.
Tip: The most common stains can be removed from the antifouling paint with a soft damp cloth. For stubborn stains, a damp cloth and household cleaner are recommended. Some stubborn stains that can penetrate paint coats will require repainting with a suitable antifouling primer and antifouling topcoat.

sagging
The phenomenon that the paint film sags immediately after painting.
possible reason
– Too much paint on the surface.
– The viscosity of the paint applied is too low.
– poor working or drying conditions (e.g. cold substrate, too low temperature, too high humidity)
solution
– If paint is still damp, brush off immediately or reroll to redistribute excess paint evenly.
– If the paint is dry, sand and reapply a fresh coat of paint at the recommended coverage.
– Do not over thin the paint.
– Ensure that the conditions of work and drying are in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Surfactant leaching
Soapy, sticky, shiny spots or streaks on newly painted surfaces, usually within the first few weeks after painting.
possible reason
– Poor working or drying conditions (eg low temperature, high humidity, condensation, rain).
– Add a colorant higher than the recommended coloring level.
solution
– On façades, the leaching of surfactants usually disappears within a short period of time without intervention. Rinsing with fresh water will help wash it off.
– On interior walls, leaching of surfactants can be easily cleaned with a mild soap solution, soft cloth or sponge, then rinsed thoroughly with clean water.
– Ensure that the conditions of work and drying are in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Tannin spots
Brown or tan discoloration on painted surfaces, most commonly found in knots in some types of wood.
possible reason
– Use paints with poor antifouling properties.
– Excessive moisture in the substrate.
– Poor working or drying conditions (eg low temperature, high humidity, condensation, rain).
solution
– Identify and eliminate sources of moisture and reapply an antifouling primer or topcoat when the surface is well clean.
– Ensure that the conditions of work and drying are in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Enamel turns yellow
Evolution of yellow discoloration in alkyd enamels.
possible reason
– Lack of natural light (eg behind picture frames, inside closets and sliding cavity doors).
– Presence of ammonia (commonly found in household paints and cleaners) during workmanship and maintenance.
solution
– Ensure good ventilation during work and maintenance.
– Allow as much natural light as possible into the painted areas during and after work.
– To minimize the “yellowing” effect during drying, all traditional water-based primers and topcoats should be applied first and allowed to cure for up to two weeks (longer if cold) before starting the enamel job, vice versa.
– Use high-quality water-based paints instead of solvent-based paints.

Nippon Refresh Service provides you a comprehensive one-stop shop service, solving all of your painting problems.
Make a Refresh Service booking now:

Many people do not understand what is the use of paint? When do you need paint? Are primers and topcoats necessary?

Paint is a fluid that, after coating the surface of a substrate, dries into a continuous solid film. This is the most concise definition of paint, and depending on the type of paint, can provide one or more functions, such as decorative, protective, special functions.
– Decorative: The colour, relief texture, finish and gloss level of the lacquer provide a decorative effect.
– Protective: Different lacquers provide protection for different types of substrates. Including resistance to high humidity, chemicals, oils, corrosion, algae growth and abrasion.
– Special uses: Paints can also be formulated for special uses. For example, fluorescent paint for signs, anti-condensation paint, flame retardant paint, cathodic electrophoretic paint, etc.

In most paint systems, two or more coatings with different functions are used. Among them, primer and topcoat are both necessary.
– Primer: The first coat in a paint system, applied on lacquer metal and wood. The role of the primer is to increase the adhesion of the topcoat, make the paint less prone to peeling, prevent the paint from being absorbed through the perforated surface, and also make the metal surface resistant to corrosion.
– Topcoat: The final coating in a paint system that has a decorative function such as color, gloss or embossed texture. The topcoat used outdoors needs some special ingredients to resist environmental damage due to the harsher environmental factors, such as UV exposure, chemical corrosion environment, seawater, algae and fungi.

One of the most important determining factors when choosing a paint is the type of substrate. Commonly painted substrates are wood, metal, non-ferrous metals, cement mortar and concrete surfaces, brick. Depending on the substrate, make appropriate paint choices. For example, cement mortar and concrete surfaces are suitable for acrylic latex paint due to the characteristics of heavy moisture, and the humidity of the substrate should not exceed 6% before painting; wood fiber density and volume will change due to climate reasons, making the surface adhesion The strength decreases with time, so it is suitable to use a solvent-based paint with good penetration to improve adhesion and durability.

With the advancement of technology, in addition to the basic decoration and the protection function of the substrate, the current topcoat has the protection function developed for different environments. Such as waterproof, anti-exposure, anti-alkali anti-mold, anti-carbonic acid, anti-formaldehyde, and even anti-virus. Choosing a high-quality finish, which is both decorative and functional, has become an indispensable part of improving the quality of life.

Here is a paint with special features recommended for you:

How to solve the pungent / choking smell of the new house

The pungent smell is one of the first problems residents encounter and most want to solve every time they move in/in a new house. Whether it is renovation or renovation, it will produce unpleasant smell. These pungent odors, ranging from unpleasant to disgusting, greatly diminish the joy and happiness of a new home.

The main source of odors in new homes is VOCs (volatile organic compounds). VOCs contain a variety of organic compounds that are volatile at room temperature and are often found in a wide variety of everyday products such as solvent-based coatings, adhesives, sealants, printing inks, organic solvents, and petroleum products. In interior decoration projects, VOCs mainly come from paints, coatings and adhesives, and the content of general paints is 30 to 70 grams per liter. However, volatile organic compounds are highly volatile, generally 90% volatilized within 10 hours after paint application.

Prolonged exposure to VOCs can cause acute or chronic health effects. Sufficient concentrations of VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat discomfort, and even headaches, dizziness, vision disturbances, and a variety of other injuries. Among them, the most important and most harmful is formaldehyde, which has been listed as a human carcinogen.

The cause of the problem may be from:
● Poor ventilation and insufficient fresh air.
● Recently renovated.
● Recently added new furniture.
● VOCs emitted from sources such as renovation works, chemical storage sites or printing factories nearby are dissipated through the ventilation system.
● Frequent use of products that emit high VOCs, such as cleaners, pressed wood furniture, pesticides, fragrance products, etc.
● Dry-cleaned clothes are not sufficiently breathable.

Ways to reduce and avoid exposure to VOCs:
● Maintain air circulation and confirm that there are ventilation facilities at the source of VOCs.
● Choose furniture that releases less formaldehyde and VOCs, and try to avoid using pressed wood furniture without covering.
● It is recommended to put new furniture outside for a few days before entering it indoors to allow it to breathe. Move in new furniture days before you move in.
● Hire professional formaldehyde removal service.
● Arrange for decoration work during the vacant time period.
● Dispose of paints, adhesives, cleaners and other products in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and avoid using products containing VOCs in sealed areas.
● For products with low VOCs, the manufacturer can be requested to provide relevant emission information. Such as Nippon Paint.

As the largest paint manufacturer in Asia, Nippon Paint attaches great importance to environmental protection and sustainable development. Its paint products not only have excellent deodorizing effect and achieve ultra-low VOC indicators, but also adopt the unique technology of “decomposing formaldehyde” developed for many years. For example, in Nippon Paint for Children, the content of VOCs is less than 10 grams per liter.

The use of the interior wall latex paint of the Nippon Pure Smell series as the wall coating of the new house can effectively improve the pungent feeling brought by the new house. The formaldehyde molecules floating in the air generated by decoration and furniture will be decomposed into non-toxic and harmless water molecules by Nippon Paint, thus effectively reducing the indoor formaldehyde content.

Click the links below to know more about odour-less paints:

Nippon Paint has thousands of colors to choose from. In addition to dozens of standard colors, there are 1988 fantasy colors. If you feel that there is no favorite object in the standard colors, and the 1988 fantasy thousands of colors are dizzying, then please let Xiaosheng help you choose and choose.

If you are a minimalist who likes white, in addition to the very popular “Ivory White” and “Pearl White”, you can try “Yuqing” which is relatively clear and cool. But if a slightly warmer color system can bring you more peace of mind, “Bing Qing Yu Tou” with a powder in the white, or “Silk White”, “Gardenia” and “Melting Snow” with a faint yellow hidden in the white, It can add a touch of warmth to the minimalist style.
– Ivory (OW038-4)
– Pearl White (OW033-4)
– Yuqing (OW044-4)
– Bing Qing Yu Tou (OW015-4)
– Silk White (YC0015-4)
– Gardenia (YV0030-4)
– Snow Melting (YC0015-4)
If you yearn for nature, why not bring a touch of green into your home. “Pure Green”, although it sounds mundane, has depth and is not too heavy. It makes people feel relaxed and happy after watching it for a long time. Isn’t it like nature? Beneath the bland exterior is a vibrant, powerful energy that nurtures all things. If you like lighter greens, “Fresh Breeze” and “Bi Luo Interdependence” are more suitable. If you prefer cyan, you can try the “spruce” which is like a blue sky.
– Pure Green (GC5510-4)
– Breeze on the Face (GC4651-4)
– Biluo (GC0024-4)
– Spruce (GC0042-4)
If the blue sky and sea are your favorite colors, why not let the blue sky spread to your home. As described in Wang Bo’s poems, “the water and the sky are the same color”, which makes people feel relaxed and enlightened; the “spring water” is as lingering as a waterscape in the south of the Yangtze River; Furthermore, the “celadon”, which is as gentle as a drizzle, is more inclined to light blue than light blue.
– Water and Sky Isise (BN0002-4)
– Spring Water (BC0022-4)
– Dewdrop (BC0021-4)
– Celadon (BC0058-4)
The above is the recommendation for the lighter colors in the three color systems of white, green, and blue, I hope it can be helpful.

If you’re interested in some of the bove colors, click the links below and learn more about NipponPaint’s colors!

I believe everyone will want to renovate the idea of ​​​​a small apartment.

The apartment itself is old, and over the years, the walls are full of stains. It’s time for a fresh coat of paint and a new look.

But I have no idea how to decorate and paint. So I first inquired about how to renovate the walls, and then I researched how to choose paint. After a week, I finally settled on the final plan. First of all, after repeatedly sifting through so many paint brands, after asking seniors with experience in decoration, I chose to use Nippon Paint from Japanese brands. But how to choose a specific latex paint? Since do-it-yourself added to the budget, plus for a more comfortable life, decided not to skimp on paint. However, although the design of Nippon Paint’s children’s paint “Little Prince” is very attractive, the “Golden Formaldehyde Anti-Formaldehyde Net Smell Full Effect” with bamboo charcoal formula was finally selected.

It seems that many choices have been made, but the most difficult choice has only begun, and that is the color. I have to say that there are too many choices of paint colors. There are so many colors on the Nippon Color Card, and there are countless shades of white alone. In the long exploration and selection, there is a color called “soft pearl color” that has been lingering in my heart for a long time. It was a pale, shell-like, soft white. I immediately settled on “Soft Pearl” as my paint color.

Everything is ready for construction. According to Nippon’s suggestion when buying materials, it is divided into five steps. First, use protective tools such as washi protective film to cover furniture, floors, and everything you don’t want to be splashed with paint. Second, use sponge sand bricks to polish the wall until it is smooth and clean. Third, if there is mold on the wall, use a mildew inhibitor to eradicate it and wait for the wall to dry. Fourth, apply the primer, I use the Nippon clean-flavor primer, just dilute it with water and apply a layer. Fifth, apply latex paint, but also to dilute with water, but in order to make the color better adhere to two layers, wait for two to three hours to dry. It should be noted that the primer and topcoat should not add too much water, just dilute it a little, otherwise the paint film will become too thin.

Although not every detail is perfect, but the final result is still very satisfactory. Brand new walls, comfortable tones. The following are the materials I used, hoping to provide some help for friends who are considering refurbishing paint.

Latex paint: Nippon Gold with full effect of anti-formaldehyde and net smell, color: OW078-4 Soft Pearl