Sherwin Williams is one of the most trusted and popular brands in painting and coating, and they offer a wide variety of choices. So, you might be wondering about how to paint with the brand’s ProClassic product. It’s known for having a higher degree of durability and adhesion and can be purchased in exterior- or interior-friendly versions. We have carefully researched how to properly paint with the ProClassic favorite.
Applying Sherwin Williams ProClassic paint is the same as basic paint. You will need to clean, prime, and then paint the substrate. Use traditional paintbrushes for smaller areas and rollers for larger surfaces.
You may require multiple layers of primer and paint. Sherwin Williams states that ProClassic can be used successfully on multiple substrates, but they each require their own surface preparation to have the best results; we'll discuss how to paint with ProClassic on:
- Masonry and blocks
- Drywall
- Plaster
- Wood
Sherwin Williams ProClassic is more expensive than most paints, but its famous quality is generally considered a worthwhile investment. Keep reading to learn how to prepare multiple substrates, how to paint with different forms of the ProClassic product or thin it out, and how long it might take to dry or cure.
How to Paint with ProClassic on Masonry and Blocks
Masonry refers to either individual building blocks or the construction using these materials. It may include familiar surfaces such as bricks or stone. Unfortunately, these types of materials are known to have a very high pH level, which is the potential for hydrogen.
This determines if something is acidic or alkaline, and since masonry like concrete is alkaline, it will have negative effects on paint. The pH is also especially high when masonry is fresh, which is when it is likely to be painted.
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This can result in blotchy alkali burn and white stains of salt on the surface of the paint. As such, you will need to use a primer that is specifically designed to tolerate a high pH level. Sherwin Williams offers primer that can be used for general masonry, or specifically on concrete surfaces.
However, before you prime the masonry, you will need to clean the surface like anything else. Again, you will need to use a specialized stone cleaner with a neutral pH level, so that it doesn’t damage your masonry. Clean and prime the masonry, and then apply the corresponding ProClassic paint.
Does Sherwin Williams ProClassic have primer in it?
Primer is a multi-purpose coating that can be used on many different kinds of materials, from wood to metal. Primer can help protect the surface or even improve the strength of any paint that is applied on top.
However, some form of primer is absolutely essential because it helps increase the adhesion between the surface and the paint. And although Sherwin Williams ProClassic is known to have a higher level of adhesion than most paints, it does not include a built-in primer.
So even if the ProClassic could stick to the desired surface enough, it still wouldn’t provide the same benefits as a coating of primer underneath. You should apply multiple coats of primer with time to dry in between each layer.
How to Paint with ProClassic on Drywall
The key to preparing drywall for ProClassic is to successfully remove all of the dust. This is especially true if you choose to sand down the drywall first.
Using a sand sponge can help level down imperfections that would keep the paint from bonding well. To solve this common problem, you can read the post "Nail Pops In Drywall Ceiling Or Walls - What To Do?"
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You may want to remove dust with a more powerful tool such as a shop vac for the best results. This is a specialized vacuum that is often used for woodworking shops and construction. It has a larger tank and more suction, which is ideal to remove the clingy dust on drywall.
Use the shop vac from the top of the drywall to the base, and move on until your columns have covered the entire surface. Next, you only need to wipe down the area with a microfiber cloth. This type of cloth has fibers that are unusually fine, and able to dig into smaller crevices.
It is sometimes suggested to wash the drywall with soap and water as well, but this isn’t always necessary. You can check to see if any dust is still on the drywall by running a black cloth against the surface, and checking for blotches on the cloth. Once clean, you can prime and paint the drywall.
How to Paint with ProClassic on Plaster
Plaster is very similar to drywall, but it is denser and blocks sound more efficiently. Before priming and painting, this material also needs to be completely dry, cured, hard, and level. You will have to use a sandpaper sponge on imperfections to create an even surface.
You may need to patch any holes or cracks as well, which is a unique process depending on the kind of damage. This might be as easy as applying some spackling compound to fill small holes, but larger issues are a complicated process of their own.
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Next, it is best to prepare a special mist coat for plaster. This is a thin, watered-down layer of paint referred to as emulsion. It acts as the primer for plaster walls, instead of traditional primer. The mist coat will soak into the plaster, allowing the paint to adhere.
As such, you should not use vinyl for the mist coat, because it will prevent bonding with the paint. Make sure that the emulsion you purchase can be thinned down by water. After applying the mist coat, you can freely add layers of ProClassic.
How to Paint with ProClassic on Wood
Wood is a delicate material, but it still needs to be cleaned, sanded, and primed before you paint it. Usually, it is ideal to use a commercially sold wood cleaner. In order to apply a new coat of paint, you will have to remove any existing wood finish and wood stain. You can read the post "How To Remove Paint And Stain From Wood" for in-depth details.
Use sandpaper to work your way down to a level wood surface. Also, any splintered wood or damage will have to be repaired. You can use wood filler to fill in unwanted gaps and small cracks. Larger damage may require wood putty.
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Next, clean up any residual dust using a shop vac and brush. Wood is very porous because of the natural grain, so you will need to apply an appropriate primer to help the surface bond with ProClassic paint.
Can you spray Sherwin Williams ProClassic?
It is possible to use an airless spray painter with ProClassic paint. This tool uses high pressure to pump out the paint, but different kinds of ProClassic may have certain restrictions.
For example, the Interior Water-based Acrylic-Alkyd Satin product should be used with two thousand psi, and the recommended tip should have a fine finish.
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How to thin Sherwin Williams ProClassic
Spray painters require thinner paint in order for it to properly flow through the tool. This may even be necessary with water-based paints, especially if you use a high-volume, low-pressure spray painter. As a general rule, you can mix half a cup of room temperature water with each gallon of paint to thin it out.
Is Sherwin Williams ProClassic oil-based?
The official Sherwin Williams online store offers both water and oil-based ProClassic paints. Although the oil-based option can be used inside, you would have to ventilate the area well to avoid lingering odors.
Oil-based paint usually takes longer to dry, but it is also thicker, which means it will require fewer coats. However, this would also be problematic for spray painters.
How long does it take for ProClassic to Cure?
The paint thickness, temperature, and humidity can greatly change the length of time it takes for ProClassic to cure. A paint has only cured when it has become completely dry and hard.
This is when you can treat your surface normally again, with everyday use. A full, genuine cure can take around 30 days under ideal temperatures.
How long does it take for Sherwin Williams ProClassic to dry?
ProClassic will be vulnerable to wiping and washing until it cures enough. Drying time is often considered before applying another coat of paint. It will take around three to four hours before the surface is dry to the touch, and you can add another layer of ProClassic.
Summary
Sherwin William’s ProClassic paint is highly regarded for its strength and adhesion, which tends to make up for its high price tag. It can also be used on a variety of surfaces and does not require any special tools or surface preparation that would not be needed for traditional paints.
Now it is clear how to apply paint to various kinds of substrates so that the ProClassic is effectively applied for lasting results.