 Tinting Bases
Considering the thousands of colors available, it would be hard
to believe that they all could be made by adding colorant to a
single universal base (white paint). To produce the many colors
available, paint manufacturers offer multiple bases to allow
light to very dark colors to be made in the store. There are many
systems used. Some companies have a series of five or more bases
that range from white to almost clear. Other companies have simplified
systems that may have only two or three bases. Here are some examples
of types of bases and some of their features.
- Can be used alone or be tinted to light pastels.
- Usually no more than four oz. of colorant can
be used.
- If more colorant is used, the drying, gloss,
and viscosity will be affected.
- This base has some white pigment but not enough
to be a finished paint.
- When colorants are added to this base, medium
to dark colors can be produced, without
- adding too much colorant
and ruining the paint.
- This base has many names but they all are essentially a clear product
with no white pigments.
- They appear light gray to a milky white in
the can when they are a flat or semi-gloss because the extender
pigments are all that is visible.
A high gloss may appear almost clear before
colorant is added.
- These bases will accept a large amount of colorant
and produce bold, dark colors.
- Because color pigments are used exclusively
for color and hiding power, there may be some transparency in
the paint. Applying multiple coats can sometimes cure the
problem, but this is not a good practice. It is better to use
a "special primer" or undercoat that is a color that
will allow the true finish coat color to hide in two or three
coats.
A few examples of how to produce better "hide" with
deep or accent base coatings:
- Use only a pure white first coat.
- Make sure there are no marks or blemishes on
the white.
- Apply two coats of yellow.
- Begin with a Burnt Sienna or Red Oxide mixed in a
neutral base. This will produce a reddish-brown 'fIrst coat'
color that will allow the orange to cover better.
- These colors normally cover quite well but
there still should be a first coat that is similar (but slightly
grayer) to provide better hide.
Most paint manufacturers will produce a compatible primer or
undercoat to go under these dark, bold colors. Always remember
that blemishes, roughness, scratches, and poor application techniques
will show up dramatically under these types of colors. Surface
preparation and proper sealing of the surface is imperative for
a successful job!
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