When considering premium paints that offer both unparalleled beauty and robust protection, HOLLANDLAC Brilliant 98 Gloss Enamel emerges as a top contender. Originating from a region synonymous with quality and meticulous craftsmanship in Europe, this marine-grade enamel delivers a mirror-like gloss and exceptional durability. Many often ask, Where Is Holland Europe? Holland, also known as the Netherlands, is nestled in Western Europe, a country celebrated for its rich artistic heritage and innovative industries. It’s this legacy of excellence that Fine Paints of Europe embodies in their HOLLANDLAC Brilliant 98.
This enamel paint is meticulously formulated to provide not just aesthetic appeal but also superior performance. Its densely pigmented composition ensures outstanding coverage, minimizing the need for multiple coats. This concentration of high-quality, color-fast pigments means your chosen hue will remain vibrant and resist fading over time. Notably, HOLLANDLAC Brilliant 98 White is designed to be virtually non-yellowing, a testament to its quality, although it’s worth remembering that even the finest white oil finishes can exhibit slight yellowing in perpetually dark environments.
What sets HOLLANDLAC Brilliant 98 apart is its unique self-leveling property. This feature allows the paint to settle smoothly, effectively filling minor imperfections and resulting in a flawless, porcelain-like surface. Whether you prefer brush application or spraying, the finish is consistently beautiful and durable. While Fine Paints of Europe recommends using their FPE Oil Primer/Undercoat for optimal results, HOLLANDLAC Brilliant 98 can be applied directly over clean, well-maintained oil-based painted surfaces, simplifying the process. However, for surfaces previously coated with waterborne paints, a light sanding followed by FPE Oil Primer/Undercoat is advised to ensure proper adhesion.
It’s crucial to understand that Fine Paints of Europe provides integrated paint systems. Their products are designed to work harmoniously, and they emphasize using the correct FPE primer specified for each coating. This system approach ensures compatibility and maximizes the performance and longevity of the finish. Avoid using sealers like Shellac, Bin™, or Kilz™ under Fine Paints of Europe coatings, as these can compromise adhesion.
Surface Preparation: The Foundation for a Flawless Finish
Proper surface preparation is paramount to achieving the best results with HOLLANDLAC Brilliant 98. Begin by ensuring surfaces are completely dry and free from any contaminants that could hinder adhesion, such as dust, chalk, grease, or rust.
For dust and chalk removal, scrub the surface with a mild powdered detergent in warm water, followed by a thorough rinse with fresh water. It’s important to avoid petroleum-based liquid soaps, as these can negatively impact paint adhesion.
Grease and wax residues should be eliminated using lacquer thinner. For surfaces like kitchen cabinets or furniture that may have been treated with silicon-based waxes, varnishes, or oils, using a deglossing agent like Wil-Bond before priming with FPE Oil Primer/Undercoat is recommended.
If mildew is present, it must be completely removed with a mild bleach and TSP solution. Crucially, ensure all bleach residue is rinsed away with water. For metal surfaces, remove any corrosion or rust and prime with the appropriate FPE metal primer. When painting wood, seal knots with shellac to prevent bleed-through before priming.
Glossy surfaces need to be dulled to ensure proper paint adhesion. This can be achieved through light hand sanding or the application of a liquid sandpaper or dulling agent.
Tips for a Dust-Free Application Environment
Working with high-gloss enamels like HOLLANDLAC and ECO requires attention to detail, especially concerning airborne dust. The finely ground pigments in these paints, similar to those in automotive paints, can highlight even minute dust particles.
For painting furniture or cabinet components, working in a garage or basement with a “wet floor” is highly beneficial. Wetting the floor with a mop and bucket at least 24 hours before painting and maintaining dampness throughout the process helps trap airborne dust. If a wet floor isn’t feasible, using inexpensive “kiddie pools” filled with a half inch of water a day or two prior to painting can create a similar dust-reducing environment.
Circulating air over the water using a fan during this period enhances air cleansing. However, the fan and any heat or air conditioning systems should be turned off immediately before starting paint application and remain off for two hours afterward to prevent air movement while the paint sets. (Note: Exhaust fans should remain on when working with solvent-borne coatings.)
Application Techniques for HOLLANDLAC Brilliant 98
Tools: Employ a high-quality, clean, natural bristle brush. Omega Small Flats (S57’s) or Omega Round Sash (S203’s) are recommended brushes for this finish. Avoid using rollers on high-profile areas, as they may leave a slight stipple.
Spray Application: Fine Paints of Europe acknowledges spray application as a viable method but does not provide consultation on specifications or equipment.
Application Process:
- Unpainted and Waterborne-Painted Surfaces: After surface preparation, apply one coat of appropriate FPE Primer/Undercoat (FPE or ECO Primer for wood, Primer AC for ferrous metal, Key Primer for non-ferrous metals and plastics). Sand the primer coat with 220 grit paper, clean, and then apply two thin, even coats of HOLLANDLAC Brilliant 98, allowing each coat to dry overnight. For increased durability, consider two primer coats or a third finish coat.
- Oil-Based Painted Surfaces: For sound oil-finished surfaces requiring minimal preparation, priming may not be necessary. After light sanding and thorough cleaning, apply HOLLANDLAC Brilliant 98. Heavily sanded or scraped surfaces should be cleaned, treated with FPE Oil Primer/Undercoat, and then receive two thin coats of HOLLANDLAC Brilliant 98.
Stir HOLLANDLAC Brilliant 98 well before use and apply in thin, even coats. Thinning is generally not required under normal conditions. Clean brushes and equipment with FPE Mineral Spirits.
Avoid application outdoors when temperatures are below 40˚F or above 90˚F, or if rain is expected. Ensure the work area is well-ventilated.
Achieving an Optimal Finish
While sanding between coats is not mandatory for adhesion, for a truly exceptional, mirror-like finish on prominent areas, light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper (220 or higher) between coats is recommended. Follow sanding with thorough vacuuming or wiping with a tack cloth. Ensure adequate drying time between coats and before sanding. For floors, allowing the finish to cure for at least a week before heavy traffic significantly enhances durability. Sanding is purely for aesthetic refinement, not adhesion.
For an unparalleled, glass-like finish on walls and woodwork, consider using FPE Brushing Putty or Swedish Putty before applying HOLLANDLAC. These preparation products create a luxurious base for HOLLANDLAC Brilliant 98.
Maintenance and Longevity
HOLLANDLAC Brilliant 98 is designed for easy maintenance. Clean surfaces by washing with a mild, powdered detergent and warm water. For tougher cleaning, scrubbing is acceptable. Rinse and dry thoroughly, buffing to prevent water spots and maintain the lustrous finish.
Coverage and Storage
HOLLANDLAC Brilliant 98 offers excellent coverage rates.
- 0.50L container: 84 sq ft
- 0.75L container: 126 sq ft
- 1L container: 168 sq ft
- 2.5L container: 420 sq ft
Store in a cool, dry area. Unopened cans maintain product integrity for a minimum of 10 years.
Technical Specifications
- Binder: Alkyd resins
- Pigments: Titanium Dioxide, mineral and organic color pigments
- Solvent: Mineral Spirits
- Clean up: FPE Mineral Spirits
- Specific gravity: 1.15 white (varies by color)
- Solids content (white): 70% by weight, 55% by volume
- Viscosity: 90 – 95 KU
- Specular gloss (85˚): appr. 98 GU
- Recommended film thickness: 60 microns wet, 30 microns dry per coat
- Drying time: 4-6 hours dust-free, 16 hours recoatable
- Curing Period: 21 days to maximum hardness
- VOC: 340 g/l
In conclusion, HOLLANDLAC Brilliant 98 Gloss Enamel represents a pinnacle of paint technology, blending European quality with practical application and enduring beauty. Its rich formulation and user-friendly properties make it an excellent choice for those who demand the very best in paint finishes, bringing a touch of European elegance to any project, no matter where in Europe, or the world, you may be.
