Waterborne resins dry faster than oils, so you can get out on your deck sooner. Enter your City & State or zip code to see stores near you. The beauty of stain is that its easy to apply, resistant to peeling, and brings out woods texture or grain. Some manufacturers combine the primer and sealer to save time during application. Use wood stains to stylize new wood to match your home, or enhance the appearance of old wood, making it look new again. I mostly use water-based paint nowadays. Many oil-based primers are good "stain killers" and prevent stains from showing through your new coats of paint. Ive been decorating for over 15 years and my dad is an old school bee. These stains are best for aging wood that is 5 to 10 years old. Problem is, the solvents in most oil-based stains contain VOCs, which pollute the air and are unhealthy to breathe. For big projects that need lots of prep, consider hiring it out. Offering excellent coverage and absorption, oil based shed paints and treatments nourish and waterproof shed Shown: Messmers low-VOC penetrating oil works on dense exotic hardwoods; messmers.com. Primers are formulated for interior surfaces, exterior surfaces, metals and in particular tints. buying I only use water-based paint as I cant stand the yellowing which comes from using oil. 
Please note that there is no additional cost to you if you purchase from Amazon via one of our affiliate links. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our, Choose the Right Primer: Oil, Latex or Shellac. If its bare, chose whichever stain you want. They are good for blocking stains on your walls from ink, nicotine and water. Reapply as needed, preferably in the spring. To prevent lap marks, work on only two or three boards or courses at a time and go from one end to the other. WebThe types of exterior paint you choose will depend on which areas and surfaces of your home you will be painting. Olympic Maximum Waterproofing Sealant in Cedar Naturaltone on shingles, and Maximum Solid Color acrylic stain in Wedgwood on the vertical boards; olympic.com. I dont see the point in applying a product which is going to discolour and look naff a couple of years after youve applied it. Use a premium quality, 100% acrylic latex paint such as Sherwin Williams imageA- 100 exterior paint. These primers work with both oil paints and latex paints, making them very versatile and applicable to a wide variety of surfaces. Your outdoor storage shedi s brimming with design potentialyou just need the right paint color to really make it pop. 
2022 True Value Company, L.L.C. Flood TWF-Semi in Dusty Trail; flood.com, Most any stain made for decking can also be used on siding. Being as there is some oil in hybrid paint, it will yellow over time. Its a cheaper product to produce. Looks like a flat paint; hides the woods grain but not its texture. We translate the confusing labels, show you some of the many places stains are used, and offer tips on how to apply and maintain a finish for maximum durability. Always prime if you're painting a lighter color over a darker one. New, hybrid blends do both and are low in VOCs. Water-based never looks finished. A drawback of oil-based primers (as with oil-based paints), they are often slow-drying and release high amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be harmful to people in high concentrations and with prolonged exposure. But greater care is required during application to prevent lap marks; brush the finish on no more than two boards at a time, and be sure to cover their lengths in one pass. To avoid spontaneous combustion, put stain-soaked rags in a sealed can filled with water. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If you're not sure whether existing paint is oil-based or latex, saturate a rag with alcohol or fingernail polish remover and wipe a small section of the area. Basically its a lightly pigmented, semitransparent oil-based stain that contains a special bleaching agent. Gutter paint. Available by clicking here. Solid stains create a long-lasting, uniform appearance that can disguise discoloration and repairs. Copyright 2023 This Old House Ventures, LLC. Water dries faster on sheeters and doesnt leave behind spots like a beader does, but theres no tell-tale sign that its time for a new coat. All rights reserved. Some form a film on top of the wood; others leave behind nothing but a hint of surface color. So, oil based paint will yellow a lot quicker in say a hallway than a conservatory. Water-based paints are starting to come into their own, I find they can be a bit translucent and the brush marks dont flow out as nicely as oil, but its definitely getting there. Sealing the wood will extend the life of your deck, fencing and outdoor furniture, so you dont have to replace or repair them after a humid summer. SafeCoat offers wood-tone colors with low odor; afmsafecoat.com. Crayons, water, smoke and grease can bleed through the topcoat. synthetic brushes, such as polyester or nylon, EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Primer/Sealer, Synthetic-bristle brush (for latex primers), Natural-bristle brush (for oil-based primers), Color Psychology: Choosing Home Color Schemes, DIY Plumbing Equipment Tool Kit: Find Out Everything You Need, DIY Toilet Repair: How to Fix Any Toilet Issue, Tankless vs. Not only will water-based stay looking new for longer, but it is just as durable and the finish is just as good as the oil-based alternative. For the best site experience, we suggest turning off compatibility mode or using an updated browser. WebLatex paint is designed for a variety of home exteriors, including aluminum, wood, composite, stucco, brick and more. Available online by clicking here. Do not apply sealer to new concrete. Now my new tin of Dulux trade oil based gloss hasnt been opened since I bought it 4 months ago! We researched and tested the best paint sprayers on the market, evaluating ease of use, durability, and overall value. Oil-based is by far the more traditional choice and still the more widely used, however the paint itself is changing. The paint isnt as durable as oil-based either. The Decorators Forum UK is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Use a paint gun. These days, however, the best solid-color stains are made with water-based, 100 percent acrylic resins, which dont turn chalky and harden with age as oils will. Shown: A knock-out deck starts with great woodin this case, clear redwood protected with a burgundy-tinted penetrating stain. Colour your border or shed in green, black, grey, blue, or brown for a beautiful touch that lasts. They also are excellent at preventing normal water, rust and smoke stains, as well as wood tannins from bleeding through new paint. If you're hoping to preserve the wooden grains of your shed's exterior, this wood stain from Ronseal can provide colour and protection without hiding the natural effect. I think the best range of hybrid products are the Teknos Aqua range, but there are other products available. Once you make your choice and lay it on, you can rest easy, knowing that your wood is taken care of. Determine if your deck is sealed by conducting a water drop test. Updated Feb 11, 2023 | Posted Feb 1, 2020 | 3 comments. There are some advantages of water-based though. Water-based is no good for high traffic areas as the grease off your hands wears it off in my experience. It applies easily with a brush, roller or sprayer. It can be difficult to use as it seems to have no body. Recoat every 2 to 4 years. Oil-based is way better to use, more play time for any problems with it, cuts better, less coats, better opacity. Care is minimal; just wash and a recoat every few years. The skirting board I think I will use either Johnstons quick drying gloss (water based and to use a tin up) and the doors and sills White gloss (oil) for a better finish. An unmatched water-repelling formula will have even the heaviest of downpours beading off the surface, inherent frost protection and with 5 years of life guaranteed, its undoubtedly the best choice. It depends on the type. The oil used in oil based gloss, satin and eggshell is an alkyd, and one of the properties of alkyd oils is it turns yellow over time. Our Professional Shed & Fence paint works to protect most types of wood from the effects of the weather and sunlight. To assist you in choosing your Best exterior paint for wood shed process, our experts tested over 71,029 reviews in April, 2022 to create the TOP products below. ONeil favors a thick, 4- to 6-inch block stain brush, like the one here, which gives him better control than a sprayer. Knowing a few tricks and tips though will have you laying the perfect foundation for your paint projects. You can apply it faster and it never yellows. Then water gets in, rotting boards and shingles and, worse, potentially compromising the structures that lie beneath them. Brushing on a refresher coat is easier, too. Ultimately leave the decision to them, but I always use Johnstones products. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback Waterproof for Sheds and Fences, 5L. }); Recently redecorated my living room using Dulux Professional White Undercoat (oil) as the previous woodwork was discoloured (wonder now if should used a primer) now deciding what gloss to use especially on the doors and sills. The Best Shed PaintBy Johnstones 2. Brush onto the deck surface, and rinse before the solution has a chance to dry. for (var i = 1; i < count; i++) { WebWood (painted or unpainted), steel and other metals, and surfaces with existing paint, such as interior and exterior walls are ideal surfaces for oil-based primers. They work well on wood, metal, plaster, and even plastic, and are fast drying and highly adhesive. Oil-based stain killers work the best on water stains and for spot-priming. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. This can increase productivity by up 50% & 75% with drying times being so quick. Latex primers are water-based and ideal for prepping unfinished drywall for painting. I do like some of the hybrid paints like Johnstones Aqua or Crown Fastflow. Creosote Creocote Substitute, 20L Drum Postsaver Dark Brown Oil Based Timber Wood Treatment for Fence & Sheds & Decking 4.7 (70) 4990 (2.50/l) It applies easily with a brush, roller or sprayer. If you plan to paint over the sealer, look for a variety that says it can be painted, otherwise the paint may not adhere correctly. The Ice Fusion brushes are lovely, will not break the bank and hold loads of paint. Contains enough pigment to change the woods color but not enough to obscure its grain. In other words, the paint will create an extra layer that turns the shed floors durable and shiny. One more thing to think about, if you are painting over an existing oil-based coating you may need to apply an adhesion primer prior applying your finish coats. 4219 (16.88/l) Get it Thursday, 23 Mar - Friday, 24 Mar. They stop tannins, released from woods, such as cedar or redwood, from bleeding through the surface of the paint. Concrete sealers can be topical, penetrating or integral. WebOil based shed treatments are perfect for the protection and decoration of garden sheds, log cabins, summerhouses, and garden offices. Apply either type with a pump sprayer, the ideal tool for coating the long runs and numerous nooks and crannies of a fence. Where to Use. When learning how to seal wood and other materials, youll have to choose between stains, colored sealants, waterproofers and other types of exterior sealers. Versace Wallpaper Review Avoid if Possible! I explain to the customer the benefits of water-based and the fact its a 3 coat system rather than a 2, then I price accordingly. WRX Satinwood is one of my favourite products in white. Websun path over my house google maps; craigslist jobs in albany, oregon. Metal primers provide a tight bond between the surface and topcoat and inhibit corrosion. Now that you know a little bit about primers, it's time to start painting! Hybrid paints such as Crown Fastflow, Dulux QD and Johnstones Aqua are a sort of compromise I suppose. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Use a concrete primer before painting or use a self-priming concrete paint. Oil based for me. These finishes are friendly to the environmentand your lungs. The best paint to use on a wood shed is 100% acrylic latex paint. Oil-based is better flowing, but yellows! Privacy Policy Accessibility Statement Terms of Use, Our True Value stores are independently owned and operated. Pull out any gunk between boards with a 5-in-1 tool. Applying primer is done pretty much the same way as paint. (Used full strength, bleach can chemically burn the wood.) These hold loads of paint, keep their shape well, and will cut a straight line with ease. "Along with adding interest to Water-based is much harder to apply and to get a consistent finish, nevertheless the finish can be awesome after 2 or 3 costs depending on product. No matter how many coats of paint you apply, finished walls rarely look perfect if the surface hasn't been prepared with primer first. You can also use a standard solid-color acrylic deck finish and get 3 to 5 years of service. Tank Water Heater: The Ultimate Showdown, How to Protect Your Landscape from Road Salt, Tips & Hacks For Holiday Decoration Storage, 6 Storage Ideas When You Have No Closet Space, 5 Ways to Recycle or Reuse Your Christmas Tree. Plus, sealing your concrete or masonry will enhance its color and luster. Crown Paints Teams up with Material Source, Colour Matched Mocktails Set Tone for Masterclass, Dulux Academy extends reach to Scunthorpe, Rawlins Take Delivery of 2K Tinting Machine, Crown Brightens Return to School in Hampshire, Family provides inspiration for Somerset mum, Rolling with the Punches Podcast for Decorators, Startups Receive the Paint the Future Award, Worst Things About Being a Self-Employed Decorator, Best Paint for a Hallway (emulsion and Woodwork), Is satinwood better than gloss? If you wait too long, youll have to sand out the gray discoloration before you start. Penetrating sealers are absorbed into the concreteto protect against water damage. Dilute a quart of laundry bleach in a gallon of water mixed with a cup of TSP substitute. Cedar stains are a light brown color with yellow tones that resemble the natural color of cedar wood. And it goes on like this. "If there are any raw wood areas, these should Something else it lacks is opacity, meaning you may have to apply additional coats of paint. If the paint is oil-based, it won't be affected. T&Cs | Privacy policy | Cookies | Disclaimer | Decorators Forum UK 2023 . When choosing a stain or stain and sealer combo, youll have many colors and transparency levels to choose from. Topical sealers create a protective barrier on the surface of the concrete. At $71 per gallon, Woodscapes is the cheapest out of my three picks, but I can attest to the long-term durability after using it on siding successfully for several years. I thought Id include a little section on the best brushes to use for each product, as this can be the difference between a glorious, or substandard finish.
Please note that there is no additional cost to you if you purchase from Amazon via one of our affiliate links. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our, Choose the Right Primer: Oil, Latex or Shellac. If its bare, chose whichever stain you want. They are good for blocking stains on your walls from ink, nicotine and water. Reapply as needed, preferably in the spring. To prevent lap marks, work on only two or three boards or courses at a time and go from one end to the other. WebThe types of exterior paint you choose will depend on which areas and surfaces of your home you will be painting. Olympic Maximum Waterproofing Sealant in Cedar Naturaltone on shingles, and Maximum Solid Color acrylic stain in Wedgwood on the vertical boards; olympic.com. I dont see the point in applying a product which is going to discolour and look naff a couple of years after youve applied it. Use a premium quality, 100% acrylic latex paint such as Sherwin Williams imageA- 100 exterior paint. These primers work with both oil paints and latex paints, making them very versatile and applicable to a wide variety of surfaces. Your outdoor storage shedi s brimming with design potentialyou just need the right paint color to really make it pop. 2022 True Value Company, L.L.C. Flood TWF-Semi in Dusty Trail; flood.com, Most any stain made for decking can also be used on siding. Being as there is some oil in hybrid paint, it will yellow over time. Its a cheaper product to produce. Looks like a flat paint; hides the woods grain but not its texture. We translate the confusing labels, show you some of the many places stains are used, and offer tips on how to apply and maintain a finish for maximum durability. Always prime if you're painting a lighter color over a darker one. New, hybrid blends do both and are low in VOCs. Water-based never looks finished. A drawback of oil-based primers (as with oil-based paints), they are often slow-drying and release high amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be harmful to people in high concentrations and with prolonged exposure. But greater care is required during application to prevent lap marks; brush the finish on no more than two boards at a time, and be sure to cover their lengths in one pass. To avoid spontaneous combustion, put stain-soaked rags in a sealed can filled with water. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If you're not sure whether existing paint is oil-based or latex, saturate a rag with alcohol or fingernail polish remover and wipe a small section of the area. Basically its a lightly pigmented, semitransparent oil-based stain that contains a special bleaching agent. Gutter paint. Available by clicking here. Solid stains create a long-lasting, uniform appearance that can disguise discoloration and repairs. Copyright 2023 This Old House Ventures, LLC. Water dries faster on sheeters and doesnt leave behind spots like a beader does, but theres no tell-tale sign that its time for a new coat. All rights reserved. Some form a film on top of the wood; others leave behind nothing but a hint of surface color. So, oil based paint will yellow a lot quicker in say a hallway than a conservatory. Water-based paints are starting to come into their own, I find they can be a bit translucent and the brush marks dont flow out as nicely as oil, but its definitely getting there. Sealing the wood will extend the life of your deck, fencing and outdoor furniture, so you dont have to replace or repair them after a humid summer. SafeCoat offers wood-tone colors with low odor; afmsafecoat.com. Crayons, water, smoke and grease can bleed through the topcoat. synthetic brushes, such as polyester or nylon, EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Primer/Sealer, Synthetic-bristle brush (for latex primers), Natural-bristle brush (for oil-based primers), Color Psychology: Choosing Home Color Schemes, DIY Plumbing Equipment Tool Kit: Find Out Everything You Need, DIY Toilet Repair: How to Fix Any Toilet Issue, Tankless vs. Not only will water-based stay looking new for longer, but it is just as durable and the finish is just as good as the oil-based alternative. For the best site experience, we suggest turning off compatibility mode or using an updated browser. WebLatex paint is designed for a variety of home exteriors, including aluminum, wood, composite, stucco, brick and more. Available online by clicking here. Do not apply sealer to new concrete. Now my new tin of Dulux trade oil based gloss hasnt been opened since I bought it 4 months ago! We researched and tested the best paint sprayers on the market, evaluating ease of use, durability, and overall value. Oil-based is by far the more traditional choice and still the more widely used, however the paint itself is changing. The paint isnt as durable as oil-based either. The Decorators Forum UK is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Use a paint gun. These days, however, the best solid-color stains are made with water-based, 100 percent acrylic resins, which dont turn chalky and harden with age as oils will. Shown: A knock-out deck starts with great woodin this case, clear redwood protected with a burgundy-tinted penetrating stain. Colour your border or shed in green, black, grey, blue, or brown for a beautiful touch that lasts. They also are excellent at preventing normal water, rust and smoke stains, as well as wood tannins from bleeding through new paint. If you're hoping to preserve the wooden grains of your shed's exterior, this wood stain from Ronseal can provide colour and protection without hiding the natural effect. I think the best range of hybrid products are the Teknos Aqua range, but there are other products available. Once you make your choice and lay it on, you can rest easy, knowing that your wood is taken care of. Determine if your deck is sealed by conducting a water drop test. Updated Feb 11, 2023 | Posted Feb 1, 2020 | 3 comments. There are some advantages of water-based though. Water-based is no good for high traffic areas as the grease off your hands wears it off in my experience. It applies easily with a brush, roller or sprayer. It can be difficult to use as it seems to have no body. Recoat every 2 to 4 years. Oil-based is way better to use, more play time for any problems with it, cuts better, less coats, better opacity. Care is minimal; just wash and a recoat every few years. The skirting board I think I will use either Johnstons quick drying gloss (water based and to use a tin up) and the doors and sills White gloss (oil) for a better finish. An unmatched water-repelling formula will have even the heaviest of downpours beading off the surface, inherent frost protection and with 5 years of life guaranteed, its undoubtedly the best choice. It depends on the type. The oil used in oil based gloss, satin and eggshell is an alkyd, and one of the properties of alkyd oils is it turns yellow over time. Our Professional Shed & Fence paint works to protect most types of wood from the effects of the weather and sunlight. To assist you in choosing your Best exterior paint for wood shed process, our experts tested over 71,029 reviews in April, 2022 to create the TOP products below. ONeil favors a thick, 4- to 6-inch block stain brush, like the one here, which gives him better control than a sprayer. Knowing a few tricks and tips though will have you laying the perfect foundation for your paint projects. You can apply it faster and it never yellows. Then water gets in, rotting boards and shingles and, worse, potentially compromising the structures that lie beneath them. Brushing on a refresher coat is easier, too. Ultimately leave the decision to them, but I always use Johnstones products. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback Waterproof for Sheds and Fences, 5L. }); Recently redecorated my living room using Dulux Professional White Undercoat (oil) as the previous woodwork was discoloured (wonder now if should used a primer) now deciding what gloss to use especially on the doors and sills. The Best Shed PaintBy Johnstones 2. Brush onto the deck surface, and rinse before the solution has a chance to dry. for (var i = 1; i < count; i++) { WebWood (painted or unpainted), steel and other metals, and surfaces with existing paint, such as interior and exterior walls are ideal surfaces for oil-based primers. They work well on wood, metal, plaster, and even plastic, and are fast drying and highly adhesive. Oil-based stain killers work the best on water stains and for spot-priming. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. This can increase productivity by up 50% & 75% with drying times being so quick. Latex primers are water-based and ideal for prepping unfinished drywall for painting. I do like some of the hybrid paints like Johnstones Aqua or Crown Fastflow. Creosote Creocote Substitute, 20L Drum Postsaver Dark Brown Oil Based Timber Wood Treatment for Fence & Sheds & Decking 4.7 (70) 4990 (2.50/l) It applies easily with a brush, roller or sprayer. If you plan to paint over the sealer, look for a variety that says it can be painted, otherwise the paint may not adhere correctly. The Ice Fusion brushes are lovely, will not break the bank and hold loads of paint. Contains enough pigment to change the woods color but not enough to obscure its grain. In other words, the paint will create an extra layer that turns the shed floors durable and shiny. One more thing to think about, if you are painting over an existing oil-based coating you may need to apply an adhesion primer prior applying your finish coats. 4219 (16.88/l) Get it Thursday, 23 Mar - Friday, 24 Mar. They stop tannins, released from woods, such as cedar or redwood, from bleeding through the surface of the paint. Concrete sealers can be topical, penetrating or integral. WebOil based shed treatments are perfect for the protection and decoration of garden sheds, log cabins, summerhouses, and garden offices. Apply either type with a pump sprayer, the ideal tool for coating the long runs and numerous nooks and crannies of a fence. Where to Use. When learning how to seal wood and other materials, youll have to choose between stains, colored sealants, waterproofers and other types of exterior sealers. Versace Wallpaper Review Avoid if Possible! I explain to the customer the benefits of water-based and the fact its a 3 coat system rather than a 2, then I price accordingly. WRX Satinwood is one of my favourite products in white. Websun path over my house google maps; craigslist jobs in albany, oregon. Metal primers provide a tight bond between the surface and topcoat and inhibit corrosion. Now that you know a little bit about primers, it's time to start painting! Hybrid paints such as Crown Fastflow, Dulux QD and Johnstones Aqua are a sort of compromise I suppose. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Use a concrete primer before painting or use a self-priming concrete paint. Oil based for me. These finishes are friendly to the environmentand your lungs. The best paint to use on a wood shed is 100% acrylic latex paint. Oil-based is better flowing, but yellows! Privacy Policy Accessibility Statement Terms of Use, Our True Value stores are independently owned and operated. Pull out any gunk between boards with a 5-in-1 tool. Applying primer is done pretty much the same way as paint. (Used full strength, bleach can chemically burn the wood.) These hold loads of paint, keep their shape well, and will cut a straight line with ease. "Along with adding interest to Water-based is much harder to apply and to get a consistent finish, nevertheless the finish can be awesome after 2 or 3 costs depending on product. No matter how many coats of paint you apply, finished walls rarely look perfect if the surface hasn't been prepared with primer first. You can also use a standard solid-color acrylic deck finish and get 3 to 5 years of service. Tank Water Heater: The Ultimate Showdown, How to Protect Your Landscape from Road Salt, Tips & Hacks For Holiday Decoration Storage, 6 Storage Ideas When You Have No Closet Space, 5 Ways to Recycle or Reuse Your Christmas Tree. Plus, sealing your concrete or masonry will enhance its color and luster. Crown Paints Teams up with Material Source, Colour Matched Mocktails Set Tone for Masterclass, Dulux Academy extends reach to Scunthorpe, Rawlins Take Delivery of 2K Tinting Machine, Crown Brightens Return to School in Hampshire, Family provides inspiration for Somerset mum, Rolling with the Punches Podcast for Decorators, Startups Receive the Paint the Future Award, Worst Things About Being a Self-Employed Decorator, Best Paint for a Hallway (emulsion and Woodwork), Is satinwood better than gloss? If you wait too long, youll have to sand out the gray discoloration before you start. Penetrating sealers are absorbed into the concreteto protect against water damage. Dilute a quart of laundry bleach in a gallon of water mixed with a cup of TSP substitute. Cedar stains are a light brown color with yellow tones that resemble the natural color of cedar wood. And it goes on like this. "If there are any raw wood areas, these should Something else it lacks is opacity, meaning you may have to apply additional coats of paint. If the paint is oil-based, it won't be affected. T&Cs | Privacy policy | Cookies | Disclaimer | Decorators Forum UK 2023 . When choosing a stain or stain and sealer combo, youll have many colors and transparency levels to choose from. Topical sealers create a protective barrier on the surface of the concrete. At $71 per gallon, Woodscapes is the cheapest out of my three picks, but I can attest to the long-term durability after using it on siding successfully for several years. I thought Id include a little section on the best brushes to use for each product, as this can be the difference between a glorious, or substandard finish.