Multiple Problems, Multiple Latex Agent Additives

All five Latex Agent paint additives target a specific problem. Sometimes the project demands more than one of these solutions. Can you use multiple additives for multiple problems? Let’s explore that question.

For example, when painting over oil-based kitchen cabinets, and the client has specifically asked for extra chip-resistance and protection, you’ll need multiple solutions. Or, to use another example, painting (bare) metal siding. This typically requires an additive for adhesion. And let's say your client has requested added dirt resistance, and an easier way to clean the surface. Again, you’ll need multiple solutions.

A question we often receive at Latex Agent is if our additives can be combined. The answer is no, and yes. Let us explain.

You cannot add two different Latex Agent paint additives in the same bucket of paint. Adding 2 additives in the paint will dilute the paint too much, causing lots of problems for your paint. Paint additives should never change the attributes of the paint. There’s also another problem. The ingredients of one additive might counteract the performance of another, and could even ruin the paint itself.

However, there is a way to get the benefit of multiple Latex Agent additives. Simply add the additives in different paint layers throughout your project.

Kitchen Cabinets with Multiple Additives

Let’s go back to our kitchen cabinet example. Both Oil Bond and Hard Coat are often used in repainting kitchen cabinets. Oil Bond gives the advantage of eliminating the steps of sanding and priming (click here for more details). Hard Coat makes the paint layer stronger, and more resistant to scratches and chips (click here for more details).

With a little bit of planning, you don’t have to choose between these great benefits.

1. Start by wiping down your surface with some Oil Bond. This cleans the surface, and prepares it to adhere to your paint. Let this dry for about an hour.
2. Add a dose of Oil Bond to your paint for the first coat (16oz. per gallon of paint). The paint/Oil Bond combination will stick to the surface that you pretreated with Oil Bond.
3. For your top coat, mix 16 oz. of Hard Coat per gallon to your paint. This makes the paint more durable, and gives you a scratch and chip resistant top coat of paint.

One important note: Make sure that the paint for your top coat is not left-over paint from the previous coat that already has Oil Bond in it.

Metal Siding with Multiple Additives

In the same way, you can combine Metal Bond and Dirt Repel when painting metal siding. Use Metal Bond in your preparation and the first paint application. Then, add Dirt Repel to the second coat. It’s that simple.

Conclusion

Check out our Solution page (click here) to find out which Latex Agent additive is the best fit for your project. And if you have any questions about combining two additives in one project, feel free to contact us directly. We’re always happy to answer your questions.

Our goal is to make your paint projects easier, and we are here to help.