Precision Painting Plus

COLD WEATHER DOES NOT HAVE TO PUT ALL HOME PROJECTS ON HOLD. Brighten Your Space with a Winter Paint Job.

Interior Paint

If it is too cold to paint the exterior of your home, but this cold weather can not put your interior painting job on hold. You can do interior painting in winter also.

Some effective tips:

1. Latex paints (Water-based) can be applied this time of year without cracking a window for ventilation.
2. Always choose low-odor version of latex paint when painting in winter.
3. Low VOC paint that does not give off toxic fumes.
4. You need moderately-heated rooms that are not too warm.
5. The paint might take a little longer to dry if there is cold air.
6. If there is high humidity in the home, but air in homes tends to be drier in winter.
7. Always try to keep low humidity in the room. Because this plays an important role in paint drying process.
8. Ventilation is important to maintaining air quality.

Image Credit:

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Fabric Wallpaper

Many houseowners love the look of wallpaper. It covers wall imperfections & adds unique patterns and textures. It creates a finished wall surface that is difficult to replicate with paint. Quality vinyl wallpaper that’s professionally installed can last up to 15 years with little maintenance [source: NGPP].

Wallpaper’s durability can be a problem for some people. Patterns & designs chosen decades ago simply do not work with modern decor. Houseowners who like to change the look of their house from time to time. Most of them prefer painting, which is easier & cheaper to apply.

If you had have of your outdated wallpaper, it can be tempting just to paint over it. According to professionals wallpaper should be removed before painting.

Sometimes people are looking to replace their existing wallpaper with paint. You may find your walls are not in good enough and removing the wallpaper causes more problems. If you think this is the case in your home, you may be right. In this situation, painting over wallpaper may be the best choice.

There are so many factors to consider. Look & condition of the wallpaper to your future plans, it will help you to decide whether to strip the walls or paint over your wallpaper.

Image Credit:

http://www.wallpaperhomedecorating.com/wp-admin/images/fabricwallpaper.jpg

Painting over wallpaper

It is recommended that you should remove your wallpaper before starting the painting job. But there are some cases where painting over wallpaper may be beneficial for you.

The plaster or drywall walls under the paper will remain intact. Sometimes walls may be damaged while removing old wallpaper or many layers of paper. Leaving the wallpaper in place help you to paint walls quickly and easily.

By leaving the paper in place, your walls will stay in their current condition. Second, leaving the paper in place will allow you to paint your walls much more easily and quickly. Sometime people skip this task as it’s time-consuming.

Proper preparation is important before you paint over your wallpaper to ensure the best results.

Some Effective Tips:

1.  First secure the wallpaper.
2.  Replace & remove damaged sections.
3.  Add adhesive to loose pieces to minimize the chance the paper will fall.
4.  Add a thin line of clear caulk around the perimeter of the walls. At the joint seam where the paper meets the floor and ceiling.
5.  Prepare your walls carefully.
6.  Now with a thin coat of joint compound, cover heavily textured paper.
7.  It will help smooth out the surface so that the texture won’t show through the paint.
8.  Gently sand down the seams of the wallpaper so they are not as noticeable.
9.  Before painting apply a coat of oil-based primer to the entire surface of the walls.
10. This helps seal the adhesive in the paper away from the moisture in the paint.
11. Moisture from paint can often loosen wallpaper glue, causing bubbles or peeling.

Now you are ready to make a decision about your walls. Follow these informations for better result.

Enjoy Painting!!!

Image Credit:

http://www.charlesandhudson.com/archives/wallpaper-scrape.jpg

Removing Wallpaper

If you want to remove wallpaper yourself then you need to know kinds of wallpaper and kinds of backing. Also the costs involved. There are two kinds of backing. Peel away and non peel away. It helps you to find out which one you have.

First find a discreet area on the wall and test a small section by gently tearing the wallpaper. If it comes off easily, the paper can be dry-stripped. You can go ahead and rip away.

If not then you need to dissolve the adhesive that’s gluing the wallpaper to the wall. You can also use wallpaper remover, which may take several hours to several days. It’s depending on the backing, room size and any complications that arise. It costs less than hiring a professional. You only have to pay for materials & tools.

Image Credit:

http://elitepaintingcolorado.com/Elite/Artwork/art020.jpg

Various Caulks

Caulk is a waterproof filler and sealant that is used in building and repair to make watertight. It is a flexible sealing compounds to close up gaps in buildings and other structures against water, air, dust and insects. Caulk can be used to repair or decorate. It seals and protects. It is a good preventative and can be replaced when its better days are gone. It is not expensive and easy to apply.

Caulk is relatively inexpensive and easy to apply. Caulk serves several purposes:

* It seals cracks which rob your home of conditioned air, making it more energy efficient.
* Different materials expand and at different temperatures. Flexible caulk can seal the cracks.
* It provides a moisture barrier and seals water away from areas which could be damaged by the expansion of water as it freezes.
* It prevents insects from crawling through cracks into your home.
* It provides an attractive finish in corners and at the joints of unlike materials.

There are many types of caulks available, each type is formulated for a particular purpose.

1.  Painter’s caulk.
2.  Acrylic latex.
3.  Siliconized latex.
4.  100% Silicon.
5.  Tub & tile.
6.  100% Silicon kitchen and bath sealant.
7.  Gutter & foundation sealant.
8.  Adhesive caulk.
9.  Roof repair caulk.
10. Mortar & Concrete repair.

Image Credit:

http://www.dannylipford.com/images/article/caulk-guide-various.jpg

Paint Pan Colors

We see paint on everything and everywhere. Painting is one of the most popular home repairs made by home owners and renters. But what is this stuff? How many types of paint are available in the market? Which one is the best for home painting? It all can be a confusing factor that’s why many people take the decision on price.

Here I am going to explain some of the basics about paint.

Types of Paint:

1. Water Based and Mineral Spirit Based

Basically all paints fall under two solvent categories which define their type; mineral spirit based (known as paint thinner) or water based. These paints are referred to as oil based paint (alkyd) or latex based paint (water thinned).

Latex paint is the most common and environmentally responsible providing for soap and water clean up. These paints dry faster and have less odor from VOC’s (volatile organic compounds).

2. Latex Paint (Water Based Paint)

It is the most common type of paint for home use. Reasons are:

* It has soap and water clean up
* Environment friendly
* Excellent performance
* Flexible so it withstands movement
* Can prevent mildew and moisture
* Fast drying
* Extensive color selections and paint sheens

You can use water based latex paint in almost any application in the home, from exterior paint and trim, to interior walls and woodwork.

3. Alkyd Based Paint (Oil Based Paint)

It is not commonly used in home painting applications. It used to be that these paints were the standard for bathrooms and other high traffic or wet areas since they were easy to scrub, had a higher sheen and were more durable. Now that is no longer true and many latex paints equal or even outperform alkyd based paints because of the other benefits of latex paint.

Alkyd paints, when used in the home, are most commonly used for areas having high wear or prone to impact. These include trim, floors and sometimes cabinets.

Some disadvantages of alkyd paint include:

* It is more expensive than latex paint
* Odor intensive when drying and gives off VOC’s (volatile organic compounds).
* To clean it requires chemical solvent using mineral spirits (paint thinner)

Image Credit:

http://greenbydesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/paint_can_colors.jpg

Room interior paint finishes

If you are planning to paint a room, it’s important to choose the right paint, so that you get the best possible results.

There are many different types of paint available in the market. So you might need some few points that will help you make the best selection.

Interior Paints

First of all, you need to choose the appropriate paint finish for your desired look. Interior wall paint comes in a flat finish, eggshell, satin, gloss and semi-gloss.

Flat Paints

This type of paint finish is often the preferred choice for the most professional appearance. This paint finish is usually used on interior walls. It’s good if you have to camouflage small wall bumps, cracks, or other imperfections, as this finish does not reflect light. Your walls will look more perfect, and small imperfections will not be as visible. Ceiling paints are usually a flat finish, which helps to hide ceiling imperfections.

Eggshell Finish

An eggshell finish has just a hint of sheen, and is just slightly more glossy than flat. Not easy to clean, it holds up better than flat does.

Satin

Satin is a very popular choice. It is often considered to be the perfect balance of attractiveness and ease of cleaning. Especially when it is used for trim & high traffic areas. It works well in the kitchen or bathroom. It is much easier to clean.

Semi-Gloss

Semi-gloss finish paint is usually considered too glossy for use on walls, but it can be a great choice for doors and cabinets, and for trim in very high traffic areas or places that you will be cleaning frequently.

Gloss

Gloss finishes are definitely not recommended as a wall finish, but can be a good choice for furniture, and possibly on some cabinets and trim. If you use gloss paint, be sure to prepare the surface very carefully.

Image Credit:

http://www.realestate.com.au/assets/renovate/articles/images/paint_finishes_guide_579.jpg

Cleaning Paint

One of the important aspects of a successful paint job is keeping things clean. After finishing the painting job it is important to clean all equipments.

Here are some specific tips on keeping things clean while painting.

1. Minimizing Spatters & Drips

If you are using roller then avoid bumping the roller into the walls as you paint the ceiling or into the ceiling as you paint the walls.

No matter how fast or slowly you move the roller across a surface, just wear a cap and make sure the furniture & floor are covered with drop cloths. You can use canvas drop cloths as they are durable, washable, and reusable. You can also use plastic drop cloths as they are less expensive.

To prevent windows, doors etc from paint drop you can use paint shield. Hold the shield in one hand and place it perpendicular to the surface being painted and with the other hand apply the paint. Paint shields are ideal for painting window frames because they can be used to keep paint off the glass. Some spatters and spills are inevitable. Keep a moist sponge and a pail of water handy when you are using latex paints. Use thinner if you are using a solvent-thinned paint and a supply of rags nearby to wipe up spatters and drips before they dry into bumps.

2. Cleaning Windowpanes, Spatters, and Drips

The best time to clean up paint drips and spatters is when they are still wet and will wipe away easily. If you used masking tape around windows, peel it off right after painting. If you don’t do that it may pull off some of the paint.

Cleaning up drips and spatters on most other surfaces is easier and less time consuming. For latex paint, a soft cloth combined with household detergent and warm water should do the trick.

To get paint drips off hardwood, ceramic tile, or resilient flooring, wrap a cloth around a putty knife and gently scrape them up. Then wash the areas with warm, soapy water.

3. Cleaning Painting Equipments

Now clean your paint equipments. It includes not only rollers and brushes but also reusable drop cloths, paint cans, containers and roller pans. Don’t delay cleaning your equipments. Fresh paint comes out of brushes, rollers, and pans easily.

To clean paint color from reusable drop cloths of heavy-duty plastic or canvas just use water, soap and paper towels. Remember do not use solvent on drop cloths.

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Exterior Paint Color

Choosing an exterior paint color is really a confusing factor. Many houseowners find it difficult to visualize what their house will look like when it is painted. In addition to that, choosing an exterior paint color for your home often involves choosing several co-ordinating paint colors such as those needed for the windows, doors, trim & shutters.

While choosing exterior paint color you need to consider the following factors mentioned below..

1. How Many Colors to You Plan to Use?

When you are looking for exterior paint colors, consider how many paint colors you will be choosing. Modern homes sometimes have metal framed windows that do not require painting. But they will have eaves that may be painted in a contrasting color to the siding. If you do have window trim and shutters to be painted, decide how many colors you want to work with.

2. What is the Style & Material of Your Home?

The style of your home and the existing materials, such as brick siding, stone and roof color will have an impact on the exterior paint color that will look best with your home.

When you are planning to go out for shopping paint colors, first go to your local paint store or home improvement center and pick up exterior paint color brochures. You will find lots of color combination that look well together. See the sample, you will get ideas.

Another way to choose exterior paint colors for your home is watch your neighborhood and look for a home that is a style similar to your own and painted with paint colors you like.

Image Credit:

http://www.paintingandmore.net/picts/new11.jpg

Painting Exterior

One of the main differences between interior and exterior painting is, with interior painting, there is a wider range of exterior surfaces to consider. These surfaces include wood shingles, clapboard and aluminum siding, cedar shakes, tar shingles, brick, concrete block, stucco and, of course old paint. But there is a paint for every type of surface. Some paints are suitable for more than one surface.

Like interior paints, exterior paints are available in either water-thinned or solvent-thinned formulas and in three lusters: flat, semigloss, and gloss. There are several characteristics that distinguish exterior coatings from those used inside the house. For one thing, exterior paints are more expensive. They also contain more resin and more pigment.

You may want to choose your paint based on what was used before. As with interior paints, latex works best over latex and alkyd works best over alkyd. If you can’t tell or are unsure about what type of paint is on the house, use an alkyd-base paint.

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