Substrates

Substrates are broken into five main categories

  1. Wood
  2. Metal
  3. Walls & Ceilings (plaster and masonry)
  4. Plastics
  5. Floors

These in turn are broken down into sub-categories.

A paint specification should identify the sub-categories of each building area.

Wood

There's much to consider when choosing timber. You'll find plenty of useful timber tips here, as well as information on staining and painting, plus the care and protection of wood guide.

Metals

Rust never naps, let alone sleeps. Here you'll find ideas on how best to prevent the effects of corrosion on most metals. We'll tell you which ICI paints and treatments to choose, and how to prepare surfaces.

Walls and ceilings

The very essence of painting and decorating. The most important aspects of walls and ceilings are covered in this section, plus the materials to use and how to use thems.

Floors

There are many different types of flooring - all needing individual consideration. Here you'll find ideas on maintenance, floor preparation, and preparation techniques.

Plastics

Durable, long-lasting and available in an enormous variety of types and grades. Look here to find what you require for your projects.