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APPLICATION GUIDELINES FOR MULTISPEC WATER BASED MULTICOLOR (MS99 TYPE).
MULTISPEC SPECKLE EFFECTS WALLTONES, WATERCOLORS and STONE ACCENTS

I. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
WHERE TO USE:
Interior - Multispec water-based multicolors are recommended for walls, ceilings, trim, fixtures, and decorative accessories.
Exterior - Recommended for protected vertical surfaces which are not subjected to water immersion.
Block - Ideal for enhancing cinder block, concrete, and other masonry. Great for vertical surfaces in base-ments, patio and pool enclosures.
Concrete Floors - For new and uncoated floors: Apply a concrete bonding primer first; following bonding primer prep and application instructions. Bonding primer should be tinted to approximate color of predominant fleck color in multicolor paint. After bonding primer dries thoroughly, spray apply multicolor paint
directly over surface coated with bonding primer. NOTE: Spray application is preferred over the roller application for countertops, shower enclosures, and floors because it dries faster and can be topcoated sooner; does not require the use of Multispec Basecoat; and the final finish will be smoother. When roller applying multicolor paint to floors, first apply Multispec Basecoat (SE1 or SE2) over bonding primer and let dry thoroughly prior to applying multicolor. Multispec SE1 Basecoat should first be tinted to match predominant multicolor fleck color. Once multicolor has been applied and has dried thoroughly; topcoat with a premium quality, two component clear topcoat (either an aliphatic polyurethane or epoxy). Because the proper application of high performance clear topcoat is complex; it is recom-mended that a professional painting contractor (experienced in applying two component finishes) be employed for such applications. NOTE: For garage floors, use high performance clearcoats designed to minimize hot tire pickup. In all flooring applications, it may take 1-2 weeks of drying before the coating system is fully cured and offers maximum durability.

Prior to proceding with an entire flooring application, first do a test patch and check intercoat adhesion and other properties of the coating system

STORAGE AND USE:
Multicolor is relatively fast drying (1-3 hours to touch). If skinning occurs during storage, carefully remove skins and, if necessary, filter the paint by pouring through a metal mesh filter which eliminates the skins. Multicolor is freezable and heat sensitive and must be protected. Do not freeze or store at over
100° F. Close container tightly after each use.

SURFACE PREPARATION AND PRIMING:
Surface must be clean, dry, flat and without defects. Prime wi th appropriate primer/sealer/stain killer required for surface to be painted. Follow primer manufacturer’s instructions for use. Use premium quality primer having good holdout and tooth. Warning! If you scrape, sand, or remove old paint, you may release lead dust. LEAD IS TOXIC. EXPOSURE TO LEAD DUST CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS SUCH AS BRAIN DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD ALSO AVOID EXPOSURE. Wear a NIOSHapproved respirator to control lead exposure. Clean up carefully with a HEPA vacuum and wet mop. Before you start, find out how to protect yourself and your family by contacting the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD, or logon to www.epa.gov/lead. Drywall/wallboard is often made from recycled paper containing inks and other substances which can cause bleedthough and stain primers and topcoats. Waterbase latex primers/ sealers/stain killers are not effective in blocking stains when used with multicolor paint. For best results when painting with multicolor paint: First apply an appropriate solvent-based primer/ sealer/stain killer (such as Zinsser Bulls Eye H2Oil-Base, Kilz Original Oil-Base, Sherwin-Williams Preprite Problock Alkyd or similar products) and let dry thoroughly; preferably overnight, prior to applying multicolor paint. Contact primer manufacturer for recommenda-tions. Prior to proceeding with the multicolor project, always do a mock-up at the job site using the intended
primer/ sealer/stain killer and multicolor topcoat while using the same equipment and application technique intended for the job. After mock-up has dried thoroughly, inspect for bleeding-through and staining prior to proceeding. If bleed-through and staining occurs, utilize a different primer/sealer/stain killer which is effective in blocking the stains. For hard, smooth surfaces, specific high performance primers are recommended. Undercoats that contain shellac, wax, silicones or stearates may not be suitable. When in doubt, check intercoat adhesion between primer and multicolor topcoat prior to proceeding with application. Do not prime with flat wall paint. Textured surfaces must be filled and primed. Pattern size will appear smaller and square footage per gallon will be less over textured surfaces.
NOTE: Priming may not be necessary when applying multicolor over a previously painted surface that is in good condition..

FULL-COAT APPLICATION REQUIREMENT:
Multicolor sprayout samples are produced at full-coat coverage. Color standards and film properties can only be attained when application is at full-coat coverage. If less than full-coat coverage is achieved, subsequent touch-ups will be very noticeable. Within multicolor, individual color flecks are suspended in a clear water phase. During spraying, the painter sees the flecks being deposited on the surface and changing the surfaces’s appearance during each spray stroke. Once full-coat coverage is achieved, additional spray strokes will stop changing the appearance of the finish.

MOCK UP PROCEDURE:
Finish may vary from standard due to variations in batch, tinting, equipment, pressure settings, substrate and application technique. Always evaluate color, pattern and paint delivery rate on mock-up test area while using specific batch of paint with equipment selected for job and be certain that mock-up meets with the approval of specifier prior to beginning job. Make certain to purchase enough material from a given batch to complete the job. NOTE: Printed multicolor examples will vary in color and pattern from actual multicolor sprayout samples.
TROUBLESHOOTING:
If multicolor is not properly applied, the following will occur:
• color and pattern will not match standard
• application will look uneven
• lap marks will be visible
• picture framing may be visible
• finish will not touch up satisfactorily
• film properties will not be attained.

BLENDING MULTICOLORS:
When intermixing two or more different multicolors, mix gently and thoroughly with a clean paint paddle in a clean container. Record blend ratio and retain sample sprayout for future reference.

TOP COATING:
In high traffic areas, harsh environments, or areas subjected to repeated cleaning, a suitable clear topcoat is recommended. Such settings might include hospitality, healthcare, educational, office, and manufacturing facilities. Use Multispec MCT Clear Waterborne Acrylic Polyurethane, or for higher performance applications, utilize a compatible, clear, “water white” plural component epoxy or polyurethane. Top coating will improve durability and stain resistance and facilitate surface cleaning. MCT is available in low sheen or gloss. Low sheen is normally recommended for most interior applications. Use a pad applicator, a fine pore foam roller, or H.V.L.P. spray equipment.

COATING MAINTENANCE:
• In order of preference, wash with a solution of mild detergent, clean with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, or use a mild abrasive (i.e., Soft Scrub without bleach) and rinse with water. Should unusual soil or stain problems occur, contact the manufacturer for instructions. Overly aggressive cleaning and/or use of cleaning compounds containing coarse abrasives or harsh chemicals may lighten the color or alter the sheen of multicolor. Always try specific cleaner and cleaning technique in an inconspicuous area prior to use. Do not use abrasives on gloss finishes.
 

Manufactured by:
MULTICOLOR SPECIALTIES, INC.
708/656-5586
800/536-5456
 
www.multicolorpaint.com
BLACK BAR
APPLICATION GUIDELINES FOR MULTISPEC WATER BASED MULTICOLOR (MS99 TYPE).
MULTISPEC SPECKLE EFFECTS WALLTONES, WATERCOLORS and STONE ACCENTS

II. ROLLER APPLICATION
MATERIALS REQUIRED:
• Multicolor paint
• Multispec Basecoat (SE1-White for light colors or Multispec SE2 Gray Basecoat for Stone Accents colors)
• 9" Speckle Effects Foam Roller Cover (for multicolor)
• 9" standard roller cover (for Basecoat)
• Speckle Effects Foam Corner Roller
• 3" Speckle Effects Trim Roller (optional)
• Paint tray
• MCT Clear Topcoat (optional)

APPLICATION:
• Over smooth flat surfaces, using a conventional 9" roller cover, first apply Multispec SE1 Basecoat tinted to match the predominant fleck color of the multicolor selected or Multispec SE2 Gray Basecoat for Stone Accents. If multicolor is predominantly white, use untinted Multispec SE1 White Basecoat. Let basecoat dry, then apply multicolor. Multispec Basecoat is slightly textured to improve multicolor rolling characteristics.
• Over textured surfaces, multicolor may be rolled directly on properly prepared concrete block, stucco, knock down and other textured surfaces without using Multispec Basecoat.

ROLLING TECHNIQUE:
• Roll on untinted multicolor with parallel alternating vertical strokes (top to bottom with bottom to top) loading roller fully between strokes. Each stroke should deposit a liberal amount of multicolor. Stop stroke when paint runs out. Spread on area comfortable to reach (3' x 3').
• Then re-roll with parallel alternating horizontal strokes without loading roller.
• If necessary re-roll with alternating diagonal strokes, without loading roller, to help spread out the multi-color evenly and eliminate lap marks.
NOTE: Multicolor will be textured and have a bluish, milky cast while wet, and will be smooth and true to color after drying. If overall appearance is not uniform, recoat and/or touch up using same application technique and tools, after allowing multicolor to dry overnight.

ROLLER APPLICATION TIPS:
•Fully saturate foam roller with Multicolor paint.
• Protect areas not to be painted.
• Cut in first. Load Speckle Effects Foam Corner Roller fully with multicolor paint and apply into corners and difficult to roll areas. Then immediately roll over those areas with 9" Speckle Effects Foam Roller as close as possible to spread out evenly.
• Roll on multicolor with slow smooth gentle strokes (fast strokes will cause paint to spatter). • Too much pressure on roller or too much rolling may cause damage to color flecks or lift paint from surface and induce foam.
• Start rolling from painted to unpainted areas
• Avoid backrolling into partially dried areas, as roller may lift paint.
• Application strokes should be continuous in one direction and end by lifting roller while in motion.
• If finish is uneven, re-roll area the following
day.
• Avoid application during periods of high humidity or temperature extremes.

III. SPRAY APPLICATION
MATERIALS REQUIRED:
• Multicolor paint
• Masking tape
• Drop cloth
• H.V.L.P. or conventional air spray equipment
•MCT Clear Top Coat (optional)

EQUIPMENT:
Multicolor is designed to be applied with specific H.V.L.P. or conventional (external mix air nozzle assembly 68PB, 66SK, 66SD or 66SD-3 aircaps only) spray equipment with dual regulated pressure pot. In general conventional spray equipment may provide a slightly smaller pattern and muted appearance compared to HVLP spray application. Do not use #200 internal mix aircap for conventional ( Binks 2001) spray gun. Do not use airless spray equipment. Remove all filters and strainers from spray equipment prior to use.
See “Spray Equipment Guidelines”
Spray Technique:
Set material and air pressure to match approved sample sprayout. Air pressure and material pressure will vary depending on spray equipment and batch of paint used. First, apply a light coat to facilitate fullcoat application. Maintain uniform distance of 12"-18" between the gun and surface. Aim spray gun directly at surface (spraying at an angle will distort pattern). Spray area comfortable to reach by horizontal strokes, overlapping each previous stroke by 50%, then cross hatch the same area with vertical strokes to eliminate any lap marks and to achieve full-coat coverage.

SPRAY APPLICATION TIPS:
• Do not use siphon-type or gravity feed guns or airless spray equipment.
• Practice spraying multicolor before starting project.
• The pattern and appearance will change after each spray stroke as more flecks are applied to surface.
• At full - coat coverage, the pattern/appearance will stop changing
• Do not spray in high humidity and/or when temperature of paint, surface and air are below 60° F. or above 90° F.
• Material will have a bluish milky cast when first sprayed. Allow to dry thoroughly prior to approval of color standard.
• Use paint with same batch number for a specific job. There may be slight differences between batches.

REDUCTION:
When necessary, add water gradually in small increments (3-4 liquid ounces per addition not to exceed 5% in total) until an acceptable spray pattern is achieved. Too much water will cause the paint to sag (Do not add thinners, reducers or solvents). 

VARIATIONS:
Final finish may vary from standard due to differences in paint, spray equipment, pressure settings, spray technique and surface properties.

TOUCH-UP OR REPAIR:
If possible, touch up should be done by using the same application equipment, settings and technique that were originally used to spray the job. Patch and/or prime as necessary. Select spray equipment and tip size and adjust pressure setting to be used. Do a mock-up to match original finish. • For small areas: Apply multicolor lightly as a spattercoat. Inspect and continue to spatter area until the appearance is the same as the adjacent painted area. Feather out as necessary to blend in.
• For large areas: Corner-to-corner touch up is recommended using the same application technique and equipment set up as used in original application. NOTE: In areas with clear topcoat, degloss and/or prime before repainting, using multicolor followed by clear topcoat.

CLEANUP:
Flush equipment thoroughly with water immediately after use.

V. TINTING:
Multicolor may be tinted with most universal colorants for latex paints. Always use latex color cards as your primary color reference when choosing a tint color formula.
NOTE: Due to the fast drying nature of multicolor, paint skins may form on the lid. Loose skins may dislodge from the lid during gyroscopic agitation and may cause plugging of spray equipment. Please inspect the lid and remove skins prior to tinting and agitation (See: “Storage and
Use” section under General Instructions). Do not utilize a tint dispenser with a line flush, as line flush will prevent tint colorants from dispensing properly. Multicolor is intended for tinting with light colors (dark colors will obscure flecks). Use quart tint formula (25% of gallon tint formula) per gallon of multicolor to create tinted multicolors that approximate latex paint colors. Do not exceed one ounce of colorant per gallon of multicolor. Always box or intermix multiple containers of a specific multicolor after tinting to assure color uniformity in all containers.When colorant is added to multicolor, agitate on a gyroscopic mixer for one minute...not to exceed three minutes. Vigorous agitation may break down color flecks and change appearance of multicolor. Tinted multicolor that has been stored should always be gently stirred with a paint paddle prior to use. Always get specifier approval of tinted multicolor sample prior to tinting entire order. Spray sample at full-coat coverage and let sample dry prior to seeking color approval. Tinted multicolor has a bluish milky cast when still wet. Always box or intermix multiple containers of a specific multicolor after tinting to assure color uniformity in all containers. The tint colorants do not tint the color flecks, but rather tint the clear water phase surrounding the color flecks. When spraying tinted multicolor, the entire surface sprayed is colored during each spray stroke, even though the multicolor flecks are not covering the entire surface. This makes it more difficult to determine when full coat coverage has been achieved. While a surface sprayed with less than full-coat coverage may look attractive, subsequent applications or touchups which put more flecks on the surface will be very noticeable and will not blend in well with the surrounding area. Make sure you apply tinted multicolor in a full-coat application as repairs may necessitate a full corner-to-corner repaint. Roller application of tinted multicolor is not recommended. Rolling tinted multicolor will lead to “tiger striping” in overlap areas that will likely lead to an unacceptable finish. An example would be cut-in areas such as corners, windows and door edges. After these areas are cut in and in a dried or semidried state, subsequent applications over these areas will be darker than the “justrolled” adjacent area. A good analogy is that of staining wood. Overlap areas are generally darker and the final finish may be uneven.

MULTICOLOR SPECIALTIES, INC.
708/656-5586 • 800/536-5456
FAX 708/656-5055
Order Department 800/362-6617 
www.multicolorpaint.com
BLACK BAR

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