FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

When paint starts to dry, E-B separates from the fillers and saturates porous or powdery surfaces. It acts as a bonding primer and basecoat in a single application.

Yes. This will make the paint easier to apply.  However, you may need to add a bit of water if the mixture is too thick.

E-B can only be used with water-based paints (acrylic, vinyl).

It's possible to use E-B on porous or powdery indoor surfaces that allow E-B to penetrate. However, please ensure the place is well ventilated.

The E-B will help the paint to adhere. However, if the surface isn't sufficiently porous, the E-B may migrate on the surface of the film and thus create shiny patches.

For extremely powdery surfaces, use E-B as a binding primer. Apply a mixture of 75 % E-B / 25 % paint. Allow to dry for 48 hours. Carry out a test with a piece of adhesive. If only a few micro-dots of paint appear, apply the finish.

E-B is a high penetrating, modified oil, specially designed to mix with any water-based paint and negate the need for the application of a separate stabilising solution.

As the paint begins to dry, the E-B separates from the paint and soaks or "bonds" into the porous, chalky surface. This provides an oil primer/stabiliser and first coat of paint in one application.

Yes, it will help the paint flow better.  However, you may have to add a bit of water (1-2 tablespoons/Ltr) if mixture is too thick.

It is formulated for use with water-based paints so we do not recommend it. However, if it is accidentally mixed in and stays in the paint, it is not likely to have an adverse affect.

E-B can be mixed with any water-based paint, such as masonry, vinyl emulsions, acrylics and contract emulsions.

E-B can be used on any surface that is porous or chalky/powdery i.e. chalky paintwork (oil or emulsion); distemper; masonry, dry lining; old render, bricks; new plaster.

E-B is virtually odourless and when added to any water-based paint is undetectable. This makes it ideal for interior use and confined areas such as cellars.

E-B needs chalky, dusty or porous surfaces that are not usually found on interior walls.
However, some older homes do have walls/ceilings that are coated with distemper or whitewash in these cases E-B is ideal. It negates the need for laborious washing down and cleaning, saving time and labour. 
Simply scraping over the surface to remove any loose or friable material prior to apply the first coat of E-B+Paint is all that is required.

E-B will help the paint adhere, but without a porous surface, the E-B can migrate to the surface and cause glossy areas or shiners.

For excessive chalkiness, make a surface conditioner with E-B as follows: 3Ltrs E-B to 1Ltr of paint. Add ½ to 1Ltr of water if required to restore the paints consistency.
To test: apply small amount to substrate, dry for 48 hours, press on piece of masking tape. If no more than pinhead spots of paint pull off, proceed with coating.

The amount of E-B added is very much dependant on the condition of the surface to be coated. For the majority of chalky surfaces 1ltr of E-B to 4Ltrs of paint will be sufficient, you can however mix it as strong as 1Ltr E-B to 2Ltrs of paint and for very porous surfaces you can mix 1Ltr E-B to 1Ltr paint

E-B has a high solids content so when added to the paint, it fortifies it, maintaining its quality and inherent characteristics and actually makes more paint. E-B will flatten the first coat of paint, this flattening is beneficial as it maximises adhesion between the first coat of paint+E-B and the finish coat. E-B does not affect the colour or drying times of the paint it is added to.

Curdling indicates that the E-B was added to the paint to quickly and thus 'shocked' it. The paint is easily restored to its original consistency by continuing to stir in the E-B, if this proves difficult adding a little water and stirring at the same time will make it easier

As with painting any surface it is important to ensure that it is clean, therefore any organic growth such as algae and mildew should be treated with a 50/50 bleach/water solution or the appropriate fungicide

No. The paint dries and is recoatable within the times specified by the paint manufacturer.

No. The paint dries and is recoatable within the times specified by the paint manufacturer.

There is nothing to stop you doing this, but it must be remembered that it will give a flat finish. In order to prevent/reduce this, we recommend adding more paint to the mix so that the effect of the E-B on the finish coat is diluted.