Any individual seems to have his or her own idea involving paint contractor.
Updated Feb 28, 2020 2:45 PM
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If you’re used to taking on your own renovations, painting your home’s exterior might be a natural money-saving project. But before you start positioning that ladder, here are the equipment, safety, and stress factors you should review.
Types of Houses and Features
Some houses are easier to paint, others more difficult. Which is yours?
How tall is your home?
Mike Lyster of Mike Lyster Painting and Wallcovering in Oshkosh, WI started out providing exterior painting services more than 28 years ago. He suggests that older, taller homes would be best left to a pro. Dick Seitz, Director of Communication and Training for Valspar, one of the largest global coatings manufacturers in the world, agrees. “A one-story rambler is relatively easy. A three-story Victorian with multiple dormers is a big challenge.”
Try this as a guideline: Straight exteriors on a simple, box-shaped house make for easier work. Irregularly shaped homes of two stories or more with dormers, gingerbread, or turrets, for example, tend to make for a more time-consuming and complicated project that may suggest a professional is needed.
Any intricate designs?
On the more ornate homes, such as those of Queen Anne style, accessibility is an issue. Ladders won’t get you into their many high nooks and crannies. Homeowners need experience and the correct equipment to be able to inspect, remedy, and paint in what can be awkward positions. If your home has delicate detailing on the first floor, decide if you are the type of person who enjoys doing detail work. If you do have the patience, a first-floor project should be right for you. Those who prefer the broad strokes might be better off leaving the detail work to a pro.
Flat or sloping ground?
Seitz also suggests looking at the grade (the finished surface slant of ground ) around the house for ladder positioning. It’s a plus if all sides have flat ground up to the house. Walkouts with slopes make it difficult to safely position ladders. Also check to see if obstacles like trees, shrubs, decks, fences, vines, or electric wires will be in the way.
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How much prep-work?
Examine your house for potential problems that may require extensive prep work. “Wood rot, mildew, severe peeling, or alligatoring are typical siding problems,” says Seitz. “Cracked window panes, crumbling glaze, and loose caulking around trim are other issues.” If you’re familiar with solving these problems, just be prepared that you might need a few extra days to remedy the situations. Talk with an experienced paint retailer about the problem for some potential solutions. Another option might be to consider hiring a pro to fix any extensive issues before you get started.
Do you have lead paint?
Homes built before 1978 have a good chance of having paint containing lead. If you decide to paint your home yourself, you will have to learn about how to handle and/or remove it safely.
Tools, Materials, Costs
Each home project will vary. If you have determined your needs and already own the equipment, your decision may be easier. But be sure to price out the rental or purchase of tools and equipment. Then compare the price of everything you need to rent and buy to estimates from at least three local professional companies who will bring all of it with them.
Lifts and ladders
Do you need ladders, scaffolding, planks, or lifts? While a one-story home may only require a ladder, a multi-story house may need not only larger ladders but perhaps scaffolding and planks or a lift. While you may be able to rent needed equipment, consider if you will be comfortable working at heights, says Lyster.
Prep materials
Preparing the house is the first step, and cleaning it is the number one job, says Seitz. Basic cleaning supplies include scrub brushes, pails, bleach for mildew, a cleaning agent such as TSP (trisodium phosphate), and a hose with spray nozzle.
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Tip: Consider power washers to clean exterior surfaces. “They do a good job of removing loose paint and surface dirt, but they don’t usually remove heavy chalk, which is created by oxidation of the previous coatings,” says Seitz. Check into hand and eye protection for this equipment and follow the guidelines.
Have drop cloths, rags, and masking tape for around critical areas such as windows. Lyster suggests canvas drop cloths instead of plastic so the grass or flowers underneath are not cooked in the sun.
Paint removers
If you have many areas of blistering or peeling paint, a good amount of scraping may be ahead. Carbide blade scrapers will be needed if a fair amount of scraping is involved. Also try using an old, dry paint brush to sweep dust away. Just be sure to use dust masks to protect your lungs. “Pressure washing should never be used to take off paint because it can ruin wood siding,” says Lyster. Chemical removers may be necessary if the paint has to be softened to be removed, as is the case with many older homes with coats of paint. Power sanding? That can be dangerous because it can release many toxic ingredients into the environment. After getting rid of the loose paint, sandpaper will feather the edges smooth.
Caulking
This is a must to seal up cracks around windows and doors and to maintain flexibility and adhesion over many years, says Seitz. There are many types of caulks available. Discuss your project with your paint retailer. Before purchasing any caulk, check the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended surfaces. Make sure the caulk you have selected is paintable and remains flexible to expand and contract with your home. Caulks that are 100% silicone, for example, are not paintable.
Paint applicators
Different sizes of quality brushes are basic, and if you are a typical DIYer, you probably already have several in your workshop. Quality brushes are made for the latex, oil, or varnish paints you will apply. The brush hairs are typically of varying lengths and taper neatly. They have a ferrule, or band, that holds the bristles tightly to the handle. Quality brushes hold more paint, don’t lose bristles, paint more smoothly, and are easier to use than cheaper alternatives. Spray equipment is a possibility if the house has a lot of flat surfaces with few doors or windows. Remember that sprayers require extensive cleaning. Overspray can be a problem, so everything needs to be covered well and you will need to get familiar with the use of a sprayer. Rollers also can be a time saver and are familiar to most DIYers if they have tackled interior paint jobs.
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Primer
You will need to prime any new, severely weathered, or problem areas to make sure there will be a proper seal of the surface and a smooth surface for the paint. A primer does not need to be used on a clean, dull, coated surface that is in good condition, according to Seitz. Typically you will want to choose a primer geared specifically for your job. If your paint will be 100% acrylic latex, you will want to use a 100% acrylic resins primer. If there are problem areas, however, consult with your local paint retailer for the best choice.
Paint
For most jobs, you will want 100% acrylic latex paint. “On the inside, you can get by with lesser quality, but you’ll want top-of-the-line for holding up to outside conditions. One hundred percent acrylic latex is everybody’s standard nowadays,” says Lyster. Valspar’s Seitz notes that a quality acrylic paint adheres best and holds its color much better than less expensive paints. If doing it yourself, consult a knowledgeable retailer to get the right products for the project.
Assess Experience and Skills
“If you have never painted before, even an interior surface, an exterior is probably not a good place to start. If you have painted an interior and had many problems or hated doing it, this is probably a good sign to call a pro,” says Carl Minchew, Director of Product Development for Benjamin Moore, a nationally known leader in the paint and coatings industry.
Just like any job, there are techniques and tricks to learn along the way. Lyster compares prep work to being a dental hygienist, carefully cleaning and probing for problems. Once problems are discovered, it’s vital to know or be able to find out how to remedy them. One example would be choosing a caulk and knowing how to apply it. “Put it on too thin and it expands and tears, leaving an opening for water,” says Lyster.
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If painting is more your speed than prepping, consider hiring someone for just the prep work. Check for handyman services in your area for someone experienced in such work, or ask local painting contractors if they ever handle just prep work and can provide an estimate.
Have you painted before?
Knowledge of painting techniques is important. “People tend to overbrush, extending paint too far and not putting on a thick enough coat,” says Lyster. Sprayers can put on a lot of paint in a hurry but require skill to use. If a house incorporates several colors, that design feature requires more skill in “cutting in,” where the colors butt up against each other, says Seitz.
Do you know your paint needs?
Estimating paint needs will be more difficult for a DIYer. Homeowners can use Valspar’s online paint calculator. Experts also suggest talking with knowledgeable paint retailers. They can provide advice for many painting problems or direct you to experienced pros.
Can you physically handle the job?
Being able to physically handle the job is a consideration. The mind may be willing, but painting an entire house requires a certain amount of fitness. “It’s physical work and takes arm and upper body strength,” says Lyster. Climbing up and down ladders for prep and painting also figures in.
Time and Labor
Your DIY estimate depends on your skills and experience in assessing the project. For a large project, it also depends on how much reliable, qualified help you have. If enlisting family or friends, learn if they have had previous experience and whether their time restraints could leave you with a project half-finished.
Will you have time for needed prep work?
Expect to spend 30–50% of the time on proper prepping. You won’t want to skimp on surface preparation. “Most failures of exterior paint are due to poor surface preparation or structural defects that lead to water damage. Extra time spent on stripping the exterior surface is almost always worth it,” says Minchew. If the house has signs of water damage, the damage must be repaired and the source of the water corrected before painting. Check caulking around windows; replace it if necessary. Check the gutters and roof. Roof leaks, ice dams, and plugged or leaking gutters can lead to moisture problems in the exterior walls that can affect paint.
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Tips For A Smooth Home Improvement Project
Anyone can carry out home improvement projects. If you have some good information and the proper tools, you might surprise yourself with your abilities. Look at these awesome home improvement tips.
Before beginning home improvements apply for the appropriate building permits. Any home improvement that involves plumbing, electricity, or structural changes can require a permit. Check your local laws. If you proceed without a permit then you can be fined or it could make the house harder to sell in the future.
In order to get the most out of your air conditioning and heating system, clean or replace your air filters. Dirty air filters can reduce air flow in your vents, causing your system to work harder to cool or heat your home, therefore using more energy and costing you more money. You can find replacement filters at your local hardware store or even sometimes at your local supermarket.
When doing home improvement projects around kitchens with gas stoves, gas fire places, or gas water heaters, it is very important to turn off the gas supply line. This will prevent any chances of injury or death caused by gas leaks, which can lead to suffocation or creating deadly gas explosions.
When it comes to home improvement, be aware that you should never pay more than 35% of the project cost up front as a down payment. This is to ensure that you do not lose your money if the contractor backs out. Always pay by some method of payment that can be tracked such as check, instead of cash. Finally, only pay for the complete job when the job is actually completed.
Store your glue bottles upside down! Ever get annoyed when the tips of your glue bottled inevitably dry up between uses? Removing those plugs of glue is no fun. To prevent this just turn your tightly capped glue bottle upside down and sit it down inside another container to keep it propped up.
It is important to work from the bottom up in a home improvement project. This is the exact opposite approach than you would take for many other projects, but there is a lot more mess involved in home improvement. Make sure to consider the order that you want your projects completed in.
A house doesn't have to be huge and expensive to have a chandelier. With a minimal investment, you can acquire a stunning focal point for any room in your home. For more brightness, get a lighting fixture with wattage between 200-400.
The idea of home improvement is to accomplish a job without a lot of trouble. All homes need to be repaired at sometime or another. The homeowner that takes care of the maintenance and makes additional improvements ends up with a much more valuable asset. If you keep learning these tricks, you can secure rewards like this for yourself.
What Do Interior Painters Do?
Why Should I Hire an Interior Painter?
You know you should hire an interior painter for your project, but what are you really paying for? Is an interior painter someone who can paint slightly better than you, or a highly skilled professional who knows all the tricks of the trade? You’ll soon learn it’s the latter. Find out what tasks a painter can help you with, why you should hire them, and how you can save money hiring a pro for this project.
What Is an Interior Painter?
An interior painter, also sometimes called a house painter or just a painter, is a skilled professional in the painting trade. Interior painters prepare, protect and transform your interior surfaces, applying materials like paint and wallpaper.
What Do Interior Painters Do?
female interior painter taping the ceiling
More than just putting paint on a wall, the project tasks of an interior painter are quite extensive. A painter will examine the condition of the surface being painted to figure out what procedures and techniques should be used. They will make any repairs to the surface necessary and will prep the wall prior to painting or wallpapering.
The amount of prep work that goes into painting is huge and you want to ensure it is done right. It’s easy to cut corners when working on your own project, like ignoring drop cloths or taping the ceiling. A professional painter will take the time to properly prepare the space. They will also make necessary repairs to your walls before painting, a crucial step many DIY-ers overlook.
Painters can also help you pick the perfect colour for your room and will know the best kind of paint to use. They are very knowledgeable when it comes to how different kinds of paint will react to surfaces. For example, the paint used in your bathroom should differ from the paint used in your hallway as there’s much more moisture in your bathroom. Without consulting a painter, you could end up using the wrong paint for your room, resulting in having to repaint.
Do Painters Require a Licence?
In Canada, all painters must complete certain courses to obtain a certificate from an accredited trade school. Above this, a Journeyman certificate and/or a Red Seal Certification as a Painter is ideal. Depending on the company, some painters are required to have a minimum of 3-5 years of work experience. When interviewing your pro, you can ask them about their schooling and professional background.
Why Should I Hire an Interior Painter?
room ready and prepped to be painted
The biggest reason to invest in a painter is that they are trained professionals. They will put in the extra work required because it is their job to do so. The average person can do an okay job painting a simple room, but it’s likely they’ll cut corners to save time. This can result in an uneven or messy paint job that looks like you did it yourself. You might end up having to start the process all over again or hiring a pro. Trust us when we say you will save time, money and your sanity by hiring a pro to do it right the first time.
Now that you know why you should hire a painter, you need to know how to do it right. Check out this article with tips on how to hire the best painter for your project. To find out more about how pricing works and what you can expect to pay, read this article. Looking for inspiration? Look no further than our guide to 2020 interior paint trends.
When you’re ready to move ahead with your painting project, start by getting quotes on HomeStars. Simply click on the banner below to enter your project details. We’ll send them out to available pros near you so you can get your project started. Enjoy a beautifully painted home with the help of a professional.
You know you should hire an interior painter for your project, but what are you really paying for? Is an interior painter someone who can paint slightly better than you, or a highly skilled professional who knows all the tricks of the trade? You’ll soon learn it’s the latter. Find out what tasks a painter can help you with, why you should hire them, and how you can save money hiring a pro for this project.
What Is an Interior Painter?
An interior painter, also sometimes called a house painter or just a painter, is a skilled professional in the painting trade. Interior painters prepare, protect and transform your interior surfaces, applying materials like paint and wallpaper.
What Do Interior Painters Do?
female interior painter taping the ceiling
More than just putting paint on a wall, the project tasks of an interior painter are quite extensive. A painter will examine the condition of the surface being painted to figure out what procedures and techniques should be used. They will make any repairs to the surface necessary and will prep the wall prior to painting or wallpapering.
The amount of prep work that goes into painting is huge and you want to ensure it is done right. It’s easy to cut corners when working on your own project, like ignoring drop cloths or taping the ceiling. A professional painter will take the time to properly prepare the space. They will also make necessary repairs to your walls before painting, a crucial step many DIY-ers overlook.
Painters can also help you pick the perfect colour for your room and will know the best kind of paint to use. They are very knowledgeable when it comes to how different kinds of paint will react to surfaces. For example, the paint used in your bathroom should differ from the paint used in your hallway as there’s much more moisture in your bathroom. Without consulting a painter, you could end up using the wrong paint for your room, resulting in having to repaint.
Do Painters Require a Licence?
In Canada, all painters must complete certain courses to obtain a certificate from an accredited trade school. Above this, a Journeyman certificate and/or a Red Seal Certification as a Painter is ideal. Depending on the company, some painters are required to have a minimum of 3-5 years of work experience. When interviewing your pro, you can ask them about their schooling and professional background.
Why Should I Hire an Interior Painter?
room ready and prepped to be painted
The biggest reason to invest in a painter is that they are trained professionals. They will put in the extra work required because it is their job to do so. The average person can do an okay job painting a simple room, but it’s likely they’ll cut corners to save time. This can result in an uneven or messy paint job that looks like you did it yourself. You might end up having to start the process all over again or hiring a pro. Trust us when we say you will save time, money and your sanity by hiring a pro to do it right the first time.
Now that you know why you should hire a painter, you need to know how to do it right. Check out this article with tips on how to hire the best painter for your project. To find out more about how pricing works and what you can expect to pay, read this article. Looking for inspiration? Look no further than our guide to 2020 interior paint trends.
When you’re ready to move ahead with your painting project, start by getting quotes on HomeStars. Simply click on the banner below to enter your project details. We’ll send them out to available pros near you so you can get your project started. Enjoy a beautifully painted home with the help of a professional.
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Painted Surfaces-Wooden: For your painted floor in sound situation, use a product to clean and put together the surface area. When the coating is failing or peeling, utilize a paint stripper to remove aged coating.
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