Monday, March 8, 2010
10:49 AM
Tackling an exterior paint job needs a great deal of planning and close study of weather conditions for an end result that will be both attractive and long lasting. The worst conditions are extreme heat and cold. The weather could be the deciding factor that can make or break the outcome of your exterior paint job. It goes without saying that it is vital to check the local weather forecast as part of your pre-painting preparation for an exterior paint session. The ideal conditions for such a venture are a day with mild temperatures, low humidity and little or no wind.
Elements such as the sun, rain, snow and wind all take a toll on the exterior facade of a house leading to considerable wear and tear. Exposure to UV rays cause exterior paint to fade, chalk and lose its original glow. Also, temperature variation results in expansion and contraction of the surface resulting in cracking of paint.
Surface preparation
For professional results, it is essential to prepare the exterior surface beforehand by thoroughly cleaning the surfaces preferably with a bleach solution or a pressure washer to remove dirt, mold and mildew. Proper preparation also includes scraping as much old paint as possible and repairing chips, cracks, splinters, etc. Let the surface dry out completely. Using an appropriate primer is equally important.
After painting, the surface should have enough time to dry out before the evening dew sets in. If the surface paint has not thoroughly dried out, the paint tends to fade fast, resulting in loss of gloss and appearance. Hence painting should ideally begin early in the day to be concluded early enough. The general practice is to paint the exteriors in the shade since exposure to the sun and wind can cause paint to dry rapidly leading to an uneven texture with marks and blisters.
Talk to a color professional at Custom Painting today at 416-618-0400 for all your exterior home painting needs.
Elements such as the sun, rain, snow and wind all take a toll on the exterior facade of a house leading to considerable wear and tear. Exposure to UV rays cause exterior paint to fade, chalk and lose its original glow. Also, temperature variation results in expansion and contraction of the surface resulting in cracking of paint.
Surface preparation
For professional results, it is essential to prepare the exterior surface beforehand by thoroughly cleaning the surfaces preferably with a bleach solution or a pressure washer to remove dirt, mold and mildew. Proper preparation also includes scraping as much old paint as possible and repairing chips, cracks, splinters, etc. Let the surface dry out completely. Using an appropriate primer is equally important.
After painting, the surface should have enough time to dry out before the evening dew sets in. If the surface paint has not thoroughly dried out, the paint tends to fade fast, resulting in loss of gloss and appearance. Hence painting should ideally begin early in the day to be concluded early enough. The general practice is to paint the exteriors in the shade since exposure to the sun and wind can cause paint to dry rapidly leading to an uneven texture with marks and blisters.
Talk to a color professional at Custom Painting today at 416-618-0400 for all your exterior home painting needs.
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Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sometimes when your home starts to look a little bit out of date, a simple coat of paint is all that you need to bring it up to date. Not only does paint offer a huge impact in your room, but it is also a really affordable way to update any room in your house. While color is certainly an important component of your paint choice, there are several other factors that you should consider as well before you make your paint selection.
Before you even think of picking up a paintbrush, make sure that your surfaces are properly prepared. This means that all wood surfaces should be sanded and wiped clean with a tack cloth. If you have any virgin surfaces that you will be painting, make sure to give them a thin coat of primer before painting. Walls that already have paint on them should be thoroughly washed. If you have any water damage on walls or ceilings, make sure to seal those areas with a special primer that will keep the water stain from bleeding through the paint. When you are updating from a dark color to a lighter one, make sure to add a primer to your wall so that the dark color will not show through your new color.
After you prepare your walls, you need to think about what kind of paint finish is best for your situation. There are many choices ranging from high gloss enamel all the way to flat. Different finishes work for different applications, so how you use your rooms will determine the most appropriate finish to use for your paint.
Enamel
The highest gloss in paint is found in enamel, and enamel paint is also the most durable. It works well for wood trim, doors and garages. The primary advantage that it offers is that it is easy to clean, and it is extremely durable. High traffic areas or areas that need frequent clean up are the perfect application for high gloss enamel. The reason you would not want to use enamel everywhere throughout your home is that the high gloss finish is harsh, and it accentuates any imperfection in the surface.
Choosing from Gloss Varieties
It is important to know that not all varieties of gloss are the same. Some are shinier than others, and therefore, more durable. The trick is to find the paint with the least amount of shine that is durable enough for your room.
1. Semi-Gloss
When you have walls that you know you are going to be scrubbing frequently like the bathroom, kitchen or laundry room, then you will want to use a semi-gloss paint. It is a little less shiny than high gloss paint and almost as durable. So when you have to wash fingerprints, grime or grease from the surface of your walls, this paint will stand up to the challenge.
2. Satin
Satin is a nice middle of the road choice, for areas that might be a little more formal but may still need some clean up. It works well on doors, trim, walls and woodwork, and it has barely a gloss finish making it durable and washable. It works well anywhere a semi gloss paint works, so bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms can frequently do fine with a satin finish.
3. Eggshell
Closer to flat but still with a hint of shine is an eggshell finish. It is still reasonably durable, and it can still be easily washed. Since the shine is minimal, it does not highlight imperfections on a surface the way that high gloss paint does. Eggshell paint is particularly appropriate for older homes where you may have more than your fair share of dings in the woodwork.
4. Flat
The flat finish, while it has no sheen, provides one of the more formal finished available, but it is not particularly durable. If you have high traffic areas or areas that are going to get dirty, flat finishes will quickly begin to look grimy. One of the best applications for flat paint is the ceiling. The flat, matte finish is the best at hiding imperfections so it also gives your ceiling a flawless look.
Before you even think of picking up a paintbrush, make sure that your surfaces are properly prepared. This means that all wood surfaces should be sanded and wiped clean with a tack cloth. If you have any virgin surfaces that you will be painting, make sure to give them a thin coat of primer before painting. Walls that already have paint on them should be thoroughly washed. If you have any water damage on walls or ceilings, make sure to seal those areas with a special primer that will keep the water stain from bleeding through the paint. When you are updating from a dark color to a lighter one, make sure to add a primer to your wall so that the dark color will not show through your new color.
After you prepare your walls, you need to think about what kind of paint finish is best for your situation. There are many choices ranging from high gloss enamel all the way to flat. Different finishes work for different applications, so how you use your rooms will determine the most appropriate finish to use for your paint.
Enamel
The highest gloss in paint is found in enamel, and enamel paint is also the most durable. It works well for wood trim, doors and garages. The primary advantage that it offers is that it is easy to clean, and it is extremely durable. High traffic areas or areas that need frequent clean up are the perfect application for high gloss enamel. The reason you would not want to use enamel everywhere throughout your home is that the high gloss finish is harsh, and it accentuates any imperfection in the surface.
Choosing from Gloss Varieties
It is important to know that not all varieties of gloss are the same. Some are shinier than others, and therefore, more durable. The trick is to find the paint with the least amount of shine that is durable enough for your room.
1. Semi-Gloss
When you have walls that you know you are going to be scrubbing frequently like the bathroom, kitchen or laundry room, then you will want to use a semi-gloss paint. It is a little less shiny than high gloss paint and almost as durable. So when you have to wash fingerprints, grime or grease from the surface of your walls, this paint will stand up to the challenge.
2. Satin
Satin is a nice middle of the road choice, for areas that might be a little more formal but may still need some clean up. It works well on doors, trim, walls and woodwork, and it has barely a gloss finish making it durable and washable. It works well anywhere a semi gloss paint works, so bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms can frequently do fine with a satin finish.
3. Eggshell
Closer to flat but still with a hint of shine is an eggshell finish. It is still reasonably durable, and it can still be easily washed. Since the shine is minimal, it does not highlight imperfections on a surface the way that high gloss paint does. Eggshell paint is particularly appropriate for older homes where you may have more than your fair share of dings in the woodwork.
4. Flat
The flat finish, while it has no sheen, provides one of the more formal finished available, but it is not particularly durable. If you have high traffic areas or areas that are going to get dirty, flat finishes will quickly begin to look grimy. One of the best applications for flat paint is the ceiling. The flat, matte finish is the best at hiding imperfections so it also gives your ceiling a flawless look.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Are you new to DIY projects? Do you think it is the time to master a new skill? Do you feel that your house needs a new facelift? Then it may be the time for you to paint your house. But if you go to your local hardware store to pick up paint, you may get overwhelmed by the choices available. So how do you pick the right paint for your project?
Latex and alkyd paints are the two most common interior paint types. Latex is also known as water based and it is primarily used for walls and rough surfaces. In contrast, alkyd paints are oil based and they are mainly used for materials such as wood, plastic and metal. Latex based paints are easier to clean with water and they get dried fast.
Latex based paints are the best choice for walls and ceilings. They come in a variety of finishes ranging from a matte finish to high-gloss. Flat finish paints can hide imperfections and therefore gives a good impression at the end.
Semi to high gloss finish paints often resist water and therefore ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. These paints are good for kid's rooms because of the ease of maintenance. They are also suited for some doors and windows.
When mixing paints it is a good idea to mix the paint to cover the whole surface area such as the wall or the ceiling. This way you will save time and most importantly, you will not end up with a wall with multiple shades of the same colour. Alternatively, you can keep a precise measuring cup and note down the quantities which were initially mixed.
Latex and alkyd paints are the two most common interior paint types. Latex is also known as water based and it is primarily used for walls and rough surfaces. In contrast, alkyd paints are oil based and they are mainly used for materials such as wood, plastic and metal. Latex based paints are easier to clean with water and they get dried fast.
Latex based paints are the best choice for walls and ceilings. They come in a variety of finishes ranging from a matte finish to high-gloss. Flat finish paints can hide imperfections and therefore gives a good impression at the end.
Semi to high gloss finish paints often resist water and therefore ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. These paints are good for kid's rooms because of the ease of maintenance. They are also suited for some doors and windows.
When mixing paints it is a good idea to mix the paint to cover the whole surface area such as the wall or the ceiling. This way you will save time and most importantly, you will not end up with a wall with multiple shades of the same colour. Alternatively, you can keep a precise measuring cup and note down the quantities which were initially mixed.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
There are several ways in which you can make your painting project into an eco-friendly painting project. From purchasing low VOC paint to careful cleanup, eco-friendly painting is a simple. Here are tips to help you get started:
Purchase Low or No VOC Paint
VOCs are chemical compounds that have high enough vapor pressures to significantly vaporize and enter the atmosphere. Essentially, VOCs are the fumes in paint. With excessive exposure, they are known to cause harm to humans. Almost every quality paint manufacturer produces low VOC paints. Low VOC paints may cost a few more dollars per gallon. Low VOC paints are as good quality as other paint.
Purchase Paint Applicators Made from Recycled and Renewable Materials
There are many green painting applicators on the market. One of the best is the Purdy EcoPro product line. Their line includes brushes with recycled nylon bristles, a biodegradable, disposable pulp tray and recycled roller covers.
Carefully Measure to Determine How Much Paint You Need
In general, 1 gallon of paint will cover about 350 square feet. Carefully measuring will prevent leftover paint and will help to prevent waste.
Choose Latex or Acrylic Paints
Latex and acrylic paints are the best for the environment. Oil paints contain the highest level of chemicals and fumes. Low VOC paints are available for acrylic and latex paint.
Use Cloth Tarps
Cloth tarps are stronger than plastic and can be used more than once. Using cloth tarps helps prevent waste.
Skip the Washing
Instead of washing your applicators, wrap them in a plastic bag. If kept out of the sun, the applicators will last overnight or even a few days.
Clean and Scrape the Paint Cans
Scrape excess paint from cans, rollers and brushes. A stir stick or wall scraper works well. Scraping before washing will make the applicators easier to clean. Wash your applicators indoors and not in a drain on the street or outside in your yard with a hose. The paint could harm your soil. Storm drains generally drain to natural water sources, which you should not pullet with paint.
Do Not Pour Paint Thinner Down the Drain
Paint thinner and oil based painted contain toxic chemicals. Add kitty litter or shredded newspapers right into the paint can. This will absorb the liquid. You can then discard the can in regular waste. If your city has a hazardous waste drop- off center, then take the paint or thinner to the center.
Dispose Paint Properly
Convert extra latex and acrylic paint to a solid by removing the lid. This will allow the water or solvents to evaporate. Then discard in regular trash. If a recycling program exists in your area, then recycle the empty paint can.
Tightly Seal Paint Cans
Tightly sealed paint cans should be stores upside down. This will help elongate the life of the extra paint.
Donate Unused Paint
Consider donating your extra paint to organizations like Habitat for Humanity or to a local shelter.
Purchase Low or No VOC Paint
VOCs are chemical compounds that have high enough vapor pressures to significantly vaporize and enter the atmosphere. Essentially, VOCs are the fumes in paint. With excessive exposure, they are known to cause harm to humans. Almost every quality paint manufacturer produces low VOC paints. Low VOC paints may cost a few more dollars per gallon. Low VOC paints are as good quality as other paint.
Purchase Paint Applicators Made from Recycled and Renewable Materials
There are many green painting applicators on the market. One of the best is the Purdy EcoPro product line. Their line includes brushes with recycled nylon bristles, a biodegradable, disposable pulp tray and recycled roller covers.
Carefully Measure to Determine How Much Paint You Need
In general, 1 gallon of paint will cover about 350 square feet. Carefully measuring will prevent leftover paint and will help to prevent waste.
Choose Latex or Acrylic Paints
Latex and acrylic paints are the best for the environment. Oil paints contain the highest level of chemicals and fumes. Low VOC paints are available for acrylic and latex paint.
Use Cloth Tarps
Cloth tarps are stronger than plastic and can be used more than once. Using cloth tarps helps prevent waste.
Skip the Washing
Instead of washing your applicators, wrap them in a plastic bag. If kept out of the sun, the applicators will last overnight or even a few days.
Clean and Scrape the Paint Cans
Scrape excess paint from cans, rollers and brushes. A stir stick or wall scraper works well. Scraping before washing will make the applicators easier to clean. Wash your applicators indoors and not in a drain on the street or outside in your yard with a hose. The paint could harm your soil. Storm drains generally drain to natural water sources, which you should not pullet with paint.
Do Not Pour Paint Thinner Down the Drain
Paint thinner and oil based painted contain toxic chemicals. Add kitty litter or shredded newspapers right into the paint can. This will absorb the liquid. You can then discard the can in regular waste. If your city has a hazardous waste drop- off center, then take the paint or thinner to the center.
Dispose Paint Properly
Convert extra latex and acrylic paint to a solid by removing the lid. This will allow the water or solvents to evaporate. Then discard in regular trash. If a recycling program exists in your area, then recycle the empty paint can.
Tightly Seal Paint Cans
Tightly sealed paint cans should be stores upside down. This will help elongate the life of the extra paint.
Donate Unused Paint
Consider donating your extra paint to organizations like Habitat for Humanity or to a local shelter.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
From the times of the ancient Greeks, artisans sought out warm, elegant rich cherry wood for crafting hand made furniture. Known for its straight grain and ripening color, staining kitchen cabinets cherry adds a lot of character. Cherry cabinets have moderate durability, and hold a finish to a tee. If you like them upon delivery, you'll certainly come to appreciate cherry cabinets after a year of aging in your kitchen.
Softer than maple, cherry still has a strong resistance to warping under routine care, and it deepens in shade over time. It's a sound choice in wood for both traditional as well as contemporary kitchen cabinets. Mineral streaks, small knots, and gum pockets add to its character. You'll probably benefit by having a professional staining your kitchen cabinets.
Cherry Cabinets and Staining Options
A range of finishes can either hide or accentuate the grain pattern. Glazing stains will bring out the details. Shellac is a common finish for a wash coat, completed with a very light sanding before applying a stain. Popular stain colors are natural, cherry, red oak, or red mahogany.
Most cherrywood is grown today in the Eastern United States, often in the same Allegheny Forest orchards that produced colonial furniture stock in its heyday. If your kitchen remodeling project
Softer than maple, cherry still has a strong resistance to warping under routine care, and it deepens in shade over time. It's a sound choice in wood for both traditional as well as contemporary kitchen cabinets. Mineral streaks, small knots, and gum pockets add to its character. You'll probably benefit by having a professional staining your kitchen cabinets.
Cherry Cabinets and Staining Options
A range of finishes can either hide or accentuate the grain pattern. Glazing stains will bring out the details. Shellac is a common finish for a wash coat, completed with a very light sanding before applying a stain. Popular stain colors are natural, cherry, red oak, or red mahogany.
Most cherrywood is grown today in the Eastern United States, often in the same Allegheny Forest orchards that produced colonial furniture stock in its heyday. If your kitchen remodeling project
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