It stands to reason that surface preparation is a critical first step to ensure the optimal performance of the coating system. To achieve a beautiful and durable finish, the surface must be clean, dry and sound and the correct coating system (primer, undercoat and topcoat) should be used according to the supplier’s specifications. 

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The quality of the plaster plays a major role and can be the source of numerous common paint problems if not mixed to the correct ratio and applied under the correct conditions. This has led to multiple types of primers being developed to address some of these scenarios, such as; Plascon Professional Alkali Resistant Plaster Primer which is used as a barrier coat on alkaline substrates such as cement plaster and concrete to protect subsequent coats against alkali burn, a condition that occurs when high alkalinity in masonry substrates break down the paint's binder which results in discolouration of the topcoat.

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The environment too, has a major impact on the integrity of the substrate and the performance of the coating system. Plascon specifies the most appropriate and durable coating system under various environmental conditions. This system may be costly and at times an alternative option may be proposed but resilience and durability would be sacrificed to some extent. The environment and the coating system would therefore greatly influence the performance of the coating and the performance trade guarantee period. Plascon conforms to the ISO Standards and regulatory processes in the Decorative and Industrial environments - a quality management standard used by organizations to prove that they provide services and/or products that meet certain requirements under conditions such as pollution, humidity, condensation, coastal salt spray, corrosion, etc. (View tables here)

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All life expectancies are calculated by testing the coating system under different conditions and on the assumption that the surface preparation has been correctly done, the substrate is in good condition in a mild environment. 

Plascon offers a number of guarantees best suited to our different customer bases.    

1. The Consumer/ Retail Guarantee 

This is indicated on the paint topcoat packaging. As Plascon has no control over the step-by-step surface preparation and application processes or skill level of the applicator and projects are generally small and of less risk to Plascon, the guarantee is offered on all household projects with paint value less than R150 000. The guarantee can be logged, together with proof of payment and product batch numbers, with Plascon on 0860 20 40 60. Terms and conditions of consumer guarantees is available on www.plascontrade.co.za. Should the performance fail due to a product fault, the claim will be calculated on a pro-rata deduction or sliding scale, for example:

• 5 Year Guarantee on significant substrates with a contract value of R150 000: - 

• The 1st year is guaranteed 100% of the original contract value.  The remaining 4 years will be pro-rata deducted by 25 % per annum on a reducing contract value to zero at the end of the 5th year period. 

• 12 Year Guarantee on significant substrates with a contract value of R300 000: - 

• The 1st year is guaranteed 100% of the original contract value.  The remaining 11 years will be pro-rata deducted by 9% per annum on a reducing contract value to zero at the end of the 12th year period.