Why top quality paints are an investment worth making!

Mention the name ‘Plascon’ to do-it-yourself enthusiasts and paint contractors and the association is invariably one of uncompromised quality and performance, reflected in superior application intrinsics and exceptional durability.

It’s a perception that is based strongly on reality, as evidenced by the superior spreading and obliteration capabilities exhibited by Plascon’s paint products, not to mention the longer anticipated lifecycle of the finished coating. And industry-leading guarantees!

In fact, Plascon more than lives up to the expectations of discerning customers, who demand that quality coatings:

• Be available in virtually any colour and in different sheen finishes;
• Be applicable easily by brush, roller or spray gun;
• Don’t splatter during application;
• Resist cracking, flaking and peeling;
• Go onto virtually any surface, whether wood, masonry, vinyl, aluminium or old paint;
• Dry to the touch in a short time to allow quick re-coating;
• Dry to a smooth, uniform finish without sags, drips and craters;
• Clean up quickly and easily, whether with water or solvents;
• Adhere tightly, retain their colours and remain intact for years;
• Provide consistency in formulation and colour from batch to batch; and
• Be useable by do-it-yourself enthusiasts as well as professional painters.

What is it that equips Plascon paints to deliver on these demands? According to Plascon Head of Technology, Noel Mashayamombe, it’s the advanced formulations used to manufacture Plascon’s products, devised through extensive and ongoing research and development activities. “Essentially, all paints contain the same four raw materials, namely solvents, binders, inorganic components and additives. The differentiating factor between superior and ordinary paints is the quality and measure of these raw materials, as well as the specific capabilities of any additives,” he explains.

Mashayamombe expands on the role played by each of the ingredients, as follows:

• Solvents are the liquid vehicles which make it possible to apply paint onto a surface. The two most common solvents are paint thinner (for oil-based paints) and water (for water-based paints). The solvent makes the paint go on smoothly, soak the surface and get a good grip. As the solvent evaporates, so the binders and pigments are cured into a single, durable film. Plascon has invested heavily in water-based enamels that are kinder to the planet as they reduce the need for paint thinners.
• Binders (such as acrylic, polyurethane, vinyl, epoxy and oils) are the ‘glue’ that forms the durable film, trapping the pigment and adhering to the surface. Clearly, the higher the quality of the binder the better the adhesion, film-build (finished paint film up to 50% thicker than otherwise), applicability, retention of colour and gloss, and overall durability of the paint.
• Inorganic components, which comprise finely ground pigments and fillers, particles that colour the paint, influence the obliteration capabilities of the paint as well as the degree of whiteness, clarity and retention of colour, tint strength, durability, and level of sheen. The more expensive pigments such as titanium dioxide ensure strong colour and extend the life of the film, while the less expensive fillers such as clay and silica contribute to the fill and spread-area of the paint. In other words, where higher volumes of quality pigments are used, the anticipated lifespan of the paint film is greater. Conversely, the higher the volume of ‘cheap’ pigments the lower the quality of the scrub, stain and chalk resistance of the paint film and the greater likelihood of colour fading.
• Additives add specific properties such as resistance to mildew, rust or stains.

“At Plascon we are committed to producing the best quality coatings for every application. We therefore use only the best raw materials in carefully calculated proportions,” continues Mashayamombe. “Given that binders and pigments are the most costly ingredients used, it stands to reason that the higher quality formulations used for Plascon’s premium brands – namely Double Velvet, Cashmere, Kitchens & Bathrooms, Velvaglo, Micatex, Wall & All and Nuroof Cool – cost more to produce. However, the resulting price premium is more than justified by the enhanced performance of the paint film, including a lifespan of up to twice as long as ordinary paints.”

Reinforcing Mashayamombe’s comments, Plascon Market Manager: Professional, Carol Ras says, “Plascon’s premium brands carry the Plascon Quality Guarantee which formalises the quality pledge that has underpinned the company ethos since its inception more than 130 years ago.”

Full instructions for using Plascon’s products are printed on all packaging – including guidelines for thorough surface preparation, correct application and the recommended Plascon paint system of primer, undercoat and topcoat. This, together with the Plascon Advisory Service, gives customers everything they need to know in order to apply the product appropriately.

Ras concludes by reiterating: “Statistics show that an investment in premium paints is far more cost-effective in the long run. While the initial outlay is higher in terms of materials, top quality paints are more durable. By contrast, surfaces coated with ordinary paints require re-painting far sooner. Not only does this mean a double outlay on materials, which in itself is likely to exceed the cost of the premium paint, but it also means double the labour cost, which often amounts to 85% of the painting costs.”

In other words, the cost of the coating over time is far better when top quality paint is used. Which means that paints by Plascon are an investment worth making!

For more information, visit plascon.com.