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Like so many things in this vibrant country, the leaders of the Mexican paint companies are passionate about their product. Out of dozens of paint companies, three brands have dominated the country’s consumer market for the last twenty years. In the Jaltemba Bay area there is specialty store for each brand: Comex, Berel, and Prisa. (above photo)
In the mid1930s, a group of businessmen headed by Ing. Bernardo Elosua, recognized that there was a demand for reliable paint that suited the weather conditions of Mexico. Within five years of start-up, the company name was changed to Berel S.A., a word formed from the first few letters of the name of its founder. The growth of Berel Paints has been steady and significant; with a steadily increased production capacity to meet demand. The company goal “to provide the consumer with variety, service, high quality, and competitive prices” has established loyal customers who have confidence that they can rely on Berel performance. A Berel manager said, “Before Berel products are released to the market, each product is subjected to rigorous testing by trained, specialized teams. Until the paint is proven to exceed the climatic conditions to which the product will face, it is not available for sale.”
My favorite Berel product to use is their metal coating and metal primer. Although the can lists a dilution guide, to ensure the best coverage and rust prevention, use straight from the can. The dilution only applies if you are using a paint sprayer.
An operating strategy for Berel has been to provide services such as technical advice, training, and product support in the field and at the point of sale. What this means for us, the consumers, is that each Berel employee is knowledgeable about the various products and eager to answer your questions. When I was researching this article, the local owner/ distributor Esdras Ayon and his staff were so helpful. They answered all my questions, gave me product pamphlets and a great hardbound book that summarizes each Berel product. Sales lady Yessenia speaks fluent English. She said, “We want to make certain that the Canadians and Americans get the correct product for what they want to do. 
The weather is so strong here that the international customer needs to understand that the listed life span is only half due to conditions.” I know that when I first moved from a cooler, four season climate to the tropics it was very difficult for me to get used to a paint labelled seven year performance needing to be redone in three years. The salt, sun, temperature, and humidity are just brutal on protective coatings.
The weather is so strong here that the international customer needs to understand that the listed life span is only half due to conditions.” I know that when I first moved from a cooler, four season climate to the tropics it was very difficult for me to get used to a paint labelled seven year performance needing to be redone in three years. The salt, sun, temperature, and humidity are just brutal on protective coatings.
How to avoid paint failure: Nothing is more aggravating than to spend considerable time, effort, and money to paint only to notice a problem afterward. The following guide touches on the most frequent painting failures for our climate. While the tips are based on personal experience and research; you should always consult a professional painter for serious situations.
Fungus/black mold or mildew: This yuky black stuff appears when there are moisture issues, such as at the end of the rainy season. The photo illustrates the worst way to deal with fungus- simply paint over it. Recommended Solution: First apply a solution of three parts water to one part chlorine bleach. Keep it on for 20 minutes before rinsing. Let dry thoroughly before using an anti-mold primer then painting with a water base acrylic paint.
Method of application: Brush, roller, spray applicator.
Surface salts: For many people living in Mexico this is the first time that they have lived in a concrete wall house. Concrete by nature is dry yet porous, so it can wick moisture. Efflorescence is a deposit of mineral salts on the surface of concrete that can occur in ground level walls or floors.
Recommended Solution: It is best to allow 24 hours between each step: 1. dissolve the salts with a solution of diluted muriatic acid; 2 wash the surface very well to get off the acid; 3. let the cleaned dry; 4. apply sealer; 5.Last, apply the paint.
Blistered paint: The most common cause of this wrinkly paint occurs when the paint is applied on very hot or wet surface. I had one area on a west facing wall that was painted between the daily rains in late July in the direct sunlight. Recommended Solution: Use a wire brush or electric sander to remove the damaged paint. Apply a sealer to a cool, dry surface before repainting. Avoid painting surfaces when it is very humid.
Flaking paint: The unsightly look of peeling paint results from poor surface preparation, applying paint over previous paint in poor condition, using the wrong type of paint, or applying in excessive humidity. Recommended Solution: Sand the entire surface to remove the loose, flaking paint completely. Apply an acrylic sealant according to manufacturer’s direction to a clean, dry surface. Then apply the proper type of paint.
Runny texture: The most common cause of drippy paint is applying in excessive humidity, over-diluting, not letting paint dry between coats. Recommended Solution: Wait for the paint to dry thoroughly before applying the next coat. Follow the instructions properly especially regarding dilution and application of the paint. Apply thin coats. Do not apply at temperatures below 10 ºC or on rainy days.
Using Mexican paint products will have wonderful results if you consider the weather conditions, the type of surface, and follow the directions on the can. Don’t understand Spanish? Use a Spanish/English dictionary or take a bilingual friend to ensure that you purchase the correct type of product and prepare the surface properly.
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