How to Choose a White Wall Paint Brand: What to Check on the Data Sheet, Using Coral Decora Matte Extra Fosco Branco
Finish, yield, coats, drying, odor, wall preparation and standards: what to check on a white wall paint data sheet, with Coral Decora Matte as the example.
A white wall paint can be compared on the criteria its technical data sheet states in figures. The data sheet of Coral Decora Matte Extra Fosco Branco states most of them, which makes it a useful example of what to look for and where.
Criteria and what the Decora Matte sheet states
| Criterion | What to look for | Decora Matte Extra Fosco Branco |
|---|---|---|
| Type and finish | Resin type and finish | Premium acrylic, extra flat |
| Standards | Classification under Brazilian standards | ABNT NBR 11702, type 4.5.3, in conformity with NBR 15079-1 |
| Yield | Square meters per pack, stated as a limit or an average | Up to 150 m² per 18 L pack, up to 30 m² per 3.6 L pack |
| Coats and dilution | Number of coats and water addition | 2 to 3 coats, dilution up to 20% (5 parts paint to 1 part water) |
| Drying | Touch, between coats and final | 30 minutes, 4 hours and 4 hours |
| Odor | Time to no smell and the conditions | No smell within 3 hours, following the instructions and keeping the room ventilated |
| VOC | Volatile organic compounds, in g/L | 12.6 to 17.5 g/L |
| Wall preparation | Steps by wall condition | Listed for sound walls, plaster, concrete, new render, loose render, small flaws, mold, moisture, gloss and grease |
| Use | Interior, exterior or both | Developed for interior decoration, can also be used outdoors |
How to read each criterion
Yield. Check whether the sheet writes the figure as “up to”. The Decora Matte sheet does, and adds that yield varies with the type and condition of the surface and with the color. The yield of the packs is close to 8.3 m² per liter in every size.
Drying and odor. These set how long a room stays out of use. The Decora Matte sheet adds that drying can change with the weather, the season and the region, and advises against applying in rain, below 10 °C, above 40 °C or with relative humidity above 85%.
Wall preparation. A paint is applied on a prepared wall, so the preparation steps are part of the choice. For new render, the Decora Matte sheet indicates waiting at least 30 days before sanding and sealing.
Standards and quality program. The sheet states that Coral takes part in the PSQ, the quality program run by ABRAFATI, the Brazilian association of paint manufacturers, which checks architectural paints against ABNT standards. According to the sheet, 35 manufacturers take part and account for 85% of paint production in Brazil.
When a figure is missing
If a criterion has no figure on the sheet, ask the manufacturer. The Decora Matte sheet points to Coral’s customer service line, 08000 11 77 11, for any information it does not carry.
Where to find the product and the sheet
Coral Decora Matte Extra Fosco Branco is listed in the official Coral store. The technical data sheet and the safety data sheet are available at coral.com.br.
Frequently asked questions
Which criteria can be compared in figures?
Yield, number of coats, dilution, drying times, odor time, VOC and the standards classification, when the sheet states them.
Does a yield of up to 150 m² apply to every wall?
No. The sheet writes it as an upper limit and says it varies with the surface and the color.