What Are Specialty Coatings?

Specialty coatings are paints explicitly designed for use on certain types of materials. These include metals, plastics, glass, wood, concrete, stone, brick, tile, masonry, and many others. They’re often used to protect against corrosion, staining, fading, cracking, chipping, peeling, mold growth, and other issues.

Brush Strokes Painting specializes in specialty coatings for residential and commercial homes and offices in Denver, Arvada, and Centennial, Colorado. We have extensive experience painting various substrates and surfaces.

Understanding Specialty Coatings

Specialty coatings refer to adhesives used to protect and enhance the appearance of materials. These products are often called paints, although they are a type of coating. They differ from standard paints because they are specifically formulated to meet the unique needs of a particular surface. A specialty coating could be anything from a clear sealant to a high gloss finish.

A typical application involves mixing the product with water and applying it directly to the desired substrate. This way, the coating doesn’t dry out and crack over time. Once applied, the coating hardens and becomes part of the material itself. Depending on the type of coating, it may require some form of the curing process to be set up fully.

What Are Some Applications For Specialty Coatings?

Specialty coatings come in many different forms. They can be applied to any surface, including wood, metal, plastic, glass, stone, brick, and even concrete. Most commonly, they protect surfaces against weathering, corrosion, and wear. This includes everything from floor coverings to roofing systems.

Epoxies and urethanes are among the most popular specialty coatings because they provide reasonable protection against moisture, temperature extremes, and UV rays. These two products are similar to each other, but they differ in how they’re applied. Epoxy coatings are typically sprayed onto a surface, while urethane coatings are usually brushed or rolled.

Coatings that contain asphalt or coal tar pitch are great for protecting concrete surfaces. These coatings are often called “concrete sealers,” applied directly to the concrete slab. Concrete sealers help prevent cracking and peeling caused by water seepage.

There are a variety of coatings explicitly designed to protect roofs. One example is a silicone-based product called RoofShield®. Silicone coatings are ideal for areas where rainwater collects, such as gutters and downspouts. RoofShield® is applied directly to the roof deck and acts as a barrier to water penetration. Other roof coatings include asphalt and coal tar pitch, mixed to form a single material.

Other specialty coatings are designed to meet specific needs. For instance, some coatings are formulated to reflect solar radiation, while others are meant to withstand extreme temperatures.

Some coatings are designed to improve safety around construction sites, while others are designed to make it easier to clean up spills. Whatever the application, specialty coatings offer a wide range of benefits.

Utility of Specialty Coatings

Specialty coatings are used in many ways, including protecting people, places, and things. They help manufacturers keep their products safe and secure while they’re being shipped worldwide; protect buildings and landscaping from damage caused by weather conditions, and even provide a convenient marking system for businesses and homeowners. Whether you use specialty coatings to build a better home, protect your car, or make life easier, there are many reasons why it makes sense to invest in specialty coatings.

We Specialize In Specialty Coatings

Specialty coatings can range from clear finishes to protective paints and sealers. They’re used to enhance the appearance of a surface, such as wood, concrete, metal, glass, stone, brick, tile, etc., and improve durability.

Many specialty coatings require specific preparation methods, such as sanding, priming, sealing, and staining. Some coatings are applied directly to the substrate, while others are sprayed onto the surface.

The application method depends on the type of coating being used. For example, you might use a sprayer to apply polyurethane paint, while a roller is needed to apply latex paint.

While not all exterior or interior painters offer this service, many are equipped to apply all types of specialty coatings. This includes high-end materials like epoxy, acrylic, lacquer, urethanes, silicone, and waterborne coatings.

Look for reputable local painters whose work speaks for itself, including testimonials from satisfied customers. At Brush Strokes Painting, we specialize in these specialty coatings.

No matter your needs, we’ll find the right solution to keep your surfaces protected. Contact us today to learn more about our specialty coatings.

Faux Finishing Decorative Painting

Faux Finish Painting, a term coined to describe the art of applying paints and finishes over existing materials, is a trend that is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners looking to add a unique touch to their home without spending thousands of dollars. With faux finishing, you can change the look of your walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, furniture, countertops, cabinets, mirrors, tiles, etc., while adding value and style to your home.

With faux finishes, there are no limits to what you can do. You can choose from hundreds of colors, patterns, textures, shapes, sizes, designs, and styles to customize your space into something truly unique.

Easy Faux Painting Techniques

Sponge painting is one of those techniques that seems like it should be easy. After all, you just dip a sponge into some paint, squeeze out excess water, and start applying it to the wall. But you should know a few things about sponging before diving in. Here are four tips to keep in mind:

1. Apply Primer First

This helps prevent the wall from absorbing too much paint and makes the final finish look better. You can use a spray or brush-on product depending on how smooth you want the finished surface to be.

2. Choose A Sponge Size

A larger sponge allows you to cover more extensive areas without working hard. However, smaller ones are easier to control.

3. Use A Light Hand

Please don’t overdo it; otherwise, your walls won’t look uniform. Instead, let the sponge do most of the work while you gently guide it along the wall. Step back and wipe the excess paint with a rag if necessary.

4. Patience Is Essential

Sponge painting requires patience because it’s difficult to see where the paint ends. As such, you’ll probably end up doing several coats. Once satisfied with the coverage, allow the paint to dry before moving onto another area entirely.

Faux Color Washing Technique

The color washing technique is one of those tricks that make a room seem like it’s been around forever. But it’s pretty easy to pull off. All you need are some inexpensive supplies. And while you’re at it, why not give your walls a deep clean too? This technique works best on wood surfaces but will work fine on plaster, drywall, tile, and even concrete.

First, prime the wall with high-quality interior primer. Then roll out a coat of paint in a few colors. Next, mix up a batch of acrylic latex enamel tinting medium. Apply the tinting medium to a foam brush and lightly brush across the entire area covered by the paint. Let the mixture sit for about five minutes, then wipe away the excess with a rag. Finally, let the room air dry overnight.

Faux Rag Rolling Technique

The technique used to achieve the rich look of old, worn leather or weathered wood is called rag rolling. This process involves rubbing a wet rag against an uneven surface to transfer color. While this looks great on furniture, walls are another story. You can achieve a similar look by applying a base coat of paint, letting it dry, and then rolling a wet rag over the wall.

To start, choose a base coat of paint that complements the room’s color scheme. For example, if you live in a bright space, go for a light blue, pink, or green. Try black, brown, or gray if you prefer a darker tone. Apply a single layer of the base coat with a roller. Allow it to dry completely.

Next, wet a rag or cloth and squeeze out excess water. Use the rag to rub across the wall in small circles. As you do so, press down firmly and move quickly. Continue doing this until the entire area is covered. Once finished, let the wall dry overnight.

Experienced Faux Painting Techniques

Marbleizing is the process of laying multiple layers of colored glaze onto a basecoat to create the appearance of natural marble or stone. This method can enhance fireplace surrounds, tabletops, picture frames, and even walls.

First, prime the surface with an interior primer & sealer using a small roller brush. Next, apply two coats of a clear multi-surface stain & finish utilizing a foam roller. Let dry overnight. Then apply one to three coats of a glaze using a foam roller. For best results, let each layer dry completely before applying the next. Allow up to 24 hours between applications.

Faux Granite Technique

Granite is one of the most versatile stones used in home decorating. Its natural beauty makes it a perfect backdrop for many different styles of décor. From contemporary to traditional, there are endless ways to use granite in your home.

But what about faux granite? This faux finish technique will add a unique flair to your home without breaking the bank. You don’t have to go out and buy expensive granite slabs to achieve the look. Using a few simple techniques, you can quickly transform almost any surface into a stunning piece of granite.

The faux granite technique uses spray paints, acrylic paint, and watercolors to give your surfaces a realistic appearance. The process starts with priming the surface with a special primer that bonds with the existing finish and seals the pores in the wood. Then apply several coats of a thinned-down version of your chosen color.

Next, let dry completely. Use a small brush or sponge to apply a light layer of clear sealant over the entire surface. Let dry overnight. Apply a second coat of sealant the next day. If you’re working on a large area, do this step twice. Finally, allow the final coat to dry completely. Once dry, buff off the excess sealant with a soft cloth.

Faux Crackling Technique

Want an aged, weathered appearance on a surface such as wood furniture or a wall? Try faux painting with crackles. This technique creates a focal point in space while adding a unique look. You can achieve an authentic, old-world feel using two paint colors, a crackle medium, and a clear sealant.

Apply a base coat of TrueValueEasy Care Ultra Premium Interior Paint using an inexpensive roller. Let it dry completely. Add another coat of crackle medium over the entire area. Then apply one final coat of clear sealer to ensure no moisture penetrates the finish.

Faux Strié Technique

The strié technique is a popular way to add texture and dimension to walls without spending much money. It involves applying a thick layer of paint to a primed surface, such as wood paneling and then brushing or rolling it into place to reveal a patterned design. Some people call it “dragging,” although that term tends to refer to the process of creating a fine line drawing. Strié is often done with oil-based paint, but acrylics are another option.

Faux Glazing Technique

Glazing is another method of applying texture to your painted surface, although it does not imitate the look of natural materials. Instead, it mimics the appearance of various other materials, including glazed tiles, ceramics, marble, wood, and stone. This technique is most commonly applied to walls, ceilings, and floors but can also enhance furniture, cabinets, and architectural features.

The process begins by preparing the area where you want to apply the glaze. You must use a primer to ensure proper adhesion and prevent later peeling, cracking, or chipping. Then, the surface is prepared by sanding down rough edges, filling holes, and smoothing over cracks. Next, the wall or floor is primed with a base coat of paint. After the base coat dries completely, the next step is to apply the glaze material. There are several types of glazes, each designed to simulate specific materials. For instance, some are formulated to replicate ceramic tile; others are designed to emulate wood grain. Once the glaze is dry, you can add additional coats of paint to accentuate the effects further.

Faux Striping Technique

Stripping or stripe painting is a popular way to decorate homes, offices, restaurants, and other buildings. “Striping” refers to applying decorative paint patterns onto surfaces such as walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture. The technique is often referred to as “painting stripes,” although some people prefer to call it “stripe painting.”

In the past, most people painted stripes with a brush or roller. Today, however, there are several ways to apply stripes without using brushes, rollers, or spray cans and using stencils, tape, masking, decals, wallpaper paste, foam adhesive, and taping off surface sections.

Need Residential or Commerical Painting Services?

Brush Strokes Painting provides top-quality residential and commercial painting services for your Denver, Colorado home or office. We cover everything from exterior paint jobs to interior wall repairs. Our team of painting experts is ready to help you every step of the way. Whether you want to learn about our services or ask questions, call us at 720-398-9689.