Unintended Consequences from Using Deep Base Colors Here’s a scenario from which we can all learn: an architect designed a school; the color consultant released the color schedules; the paint store tinted the paint to the selected colors; and the specified paint was applied by a reputable contractor. Then the students came to school, and much to everyone's surprise, the surface marked excessively within just a few days -- and the school board demanded answers. What was especially perplexing: the semi-gloss paint specified had been previously used on school after school with no problems. The paint contractor followed the spec, and the paint manufacturer verified that the proper material was supplied and tinted with universal tinters to the color chip selected by the color consultant. The paint batch was found to meet spec and the tint color was within accepted tolerance. So what happened? Turns out that semi-gloss paint required approximately 15 ounces of universal tinter to achieve the color selected. This amount effectively changed its properties, including reduced abrasion and mar resistance; a drop in sheen from semi-gloss to low gloss; a delayed drying time (this can be double normal); and lower hiding, which can require extra coats -- all of which likely contributed to the premature failure and hasty repaint that was required. The Impact of Color Choice We recognize that deep and accent colors are 'in vogue' -- but many will require 4 or 5 or even 6 coats to achieve hiding, and this is a problem if the spec calls for only 2 or 3 coats! The impact of deep color can vary depending on color choice: some color systems use up to six tint bases, some use as few as two. Some darker browns that use yellows in the tint process can fade excessively in high UV southern exposures, while similar browns from other color mixing/pigments may be quite colorfast. And some paints need a lot of tinting in order to match another paint company's color chip -- and as we saw in the example above, a lot of tint can affect the performance of the matching paint. And finally: unless you're using the new low/zero VOC colorant systems, tints can add up to 180 g/l of VOC, dramatically increasing the VOC of the applied paint — never a good thing if you're aiming for environmentally-friendly design. So know the impact of your color choice before challenges develop. The result is a better project, a better bottom line, and fewer ulcers!

This Just In: New MPI Listing Manufacturers Convenience Products Convenience Products now has products approved under MPI #4 Block Filler, Latex; #34 Water Repellent, Clear (Paintable); #58 Stain for Concrete Floors; #99 WB Sealer for Concrete Floors; and #104 Solvent-Based Sealer for Concrete Floors; click here to see their complete list of Approved products. Convenience Products manufactures Seal-Krete products that provide weatherproofing protection for concrete and masonry surfaces. Sun Paints & Coatings Sun Paints & Coatings now has products approved under MPI #50 Primer Sealer Latex, Interior and #54 Latex, Interior, Semi-Gloss; click here to see both products. Founded in 1971, Sun Paints & Coatings manufactures architectural, specialty and light industrial paint products. Distribution is through dealers, company stores, private label and big box stores. TriCom Coatings TriCom Coatings, Inc. now has products approved under MPI #1 Aluminum Paint; #2 Aluminum Paint Heat Resistant; #19 Primer, Zinc Rich, Inorganic; #22 Aluminum Paint Heat Resistant to 1100° F; #31 Varnish, MCU Gloss Level 6; #32 Traffic Marking Paint, Alkyd; #47 Interior Alkyd Semi-Gloss; #56 Varnish, Interior PU Gloss; #57 Varnish, Interior PU, Satin; #71 Varnish, MCU, Flat; #74 Varnish, Interior, Semi-Gloss; #75 Varnish, Interior, Gloss; #84 Lacquer, Sanding Sealer, Clear; and #90 Interior Wood Stain, Semi-Transparent ; click here to see their complete list of approved products. TriCom acquired the Griggs Paint brand name in 2008 and continues the Griggs tradition of supplying industrial, specialty, and mil-spec coatings. Their coatings are sold through the manufacturer and independent paint dealers, with global distribution. Vermont Natural Coatings Vermont Natural Coatings now has an approved product with MPI. Their PolyWhey Exterior Clear meets the requirements for MPI #197 Exterior Water Based Varnish, High Gloss. Vermont Natural Coatings specializes in professional wood finishes that capture the power of recycled whey protein to create a durable, safe coating. Come 'n Get Your July 2010 Approved Products List Books For all of us who still like to feel paper in our hands: click here to order your July 2010 printed booklet edition of the Approved Products List for just $20. Those who prefer the internet can visit our on-line Approved Products List for the most current data, or for $10 download a pdf of all current approved products: August 2010 edition now available.

MPI Listing Manufacturers, Take Note: As of August 19, our lab is moving! From now on, all paint samples should be sent to this address: MPI Laboratory #130 – 2250 Boundary Road Burnaby, BC V5M 3Z3 CANADA

MPI#	Label	Product Name	Product Code	GPS-1	GPS-2
Benjamin Moore
147 X-Green	Natura	Waterborne Interior Semi Gloss Finish	514/K514
Cloverdale Paint
61	Vapor Block	Perm Rated Latex Primer Sealer	507901
Convenience Products
34	Seal-Krete	Waterproofing Sealer	100001
Life Paint Corp.
147	Enviro Life	Acrylic Semi-Gloss Hi Hide White	EL-42-00
Masterchem Industries
44	Kilz Cover Pro	Eggshell	L513101
53	Kilz Cover Pro	Flat	L512101
Peinture Récupérés du Quebec
53 RC	Boomerang	Latex Ocean	5181-37
Rust-Oleum
137	Bulls Eye Zero	Bulls Eye Zero	249019
153	Sierra Performance Metalmax	Acrylic Urethane Semi-Gloss	243756
Sherwin-Williams
154	Pro Industrial	Zero VOC Acrylic Gloss	B66W00611
164	Pro Industrial	Zero VOC Acrylic Gloss	B66W611
Sun Paints & Coatings
54	Sun Pro	Sun Pro 380	0380
TriCom Coatings, Inc.
47	TriCom Coatings	Semi-Gloss White Alkyd	700W257
Valspar
128	Waterborne	Polyurethane Water-Borne Satin	OV37XXX
Vermont Natural Coatings
197	PolyWhey	Exterior Clear	900125
Vista Paint
10	Vista Acrylicoat	Acrylic Exterior Flat	2200

   Product meets MPI Green Performance Standard 1
   Product meets MPI Green Performance Standard 2 (GPS2) limit of maximum 50 g/l VOC

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