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How to Pick an Exterior Paint Color

It’s time to paint the exterior of your home. When it comes time to pick the color it can be quite intimidating. It is a color/s that will represent your personality as well as your homes architecture. Let’s be honest painting the exterior of your home is a lot of work, so you want it done right the first time! Here are a few tips and elements to consider when picking a color for the exterior of your home.

History of the Home

Check out the history of your home. Do you live in a historic neighborhood? What era was your home built? There are specific colors used for certain time eras. For example, exteriors in the early 1900’s were not afraid to use color. There are earthy red homes with yellow trim and blue homes accented with magenta. By choosing complementing colors and using the color to highlight the architecture you can create a beautiful historic palette. Sherwin Williams Paint Company and Hallman Lindsay Quality Paints both have a historic color palettes and brochures approved by the Historical Society to help choose the right colors from the time period your home was built.

Check out the Neighborhood

When driving through your neighborhood pay close attention to the houses. More than likely there will be homes that look similar and have been built in the time period similar to yours. You can see what you do, and do not like about their colors. You certainly don’t want to copy your neighbors’ colors, but you can get some inspiration and know what you like as you have seen it firsthand. Choose a color that complements what’s surrounded by you.

Roof Color

Look at the color of your roof. There are different types like cedar shake or traditional shingles. If you have multi colored shingles, see what colors tones they contain and choose a corresponding color or a color with the same undertones. Your color does not have to match the roof by any means but should certainly complement it.

What’s Not Being Painted

What’s not being painted on your home can help with your color choice. If you have stone or brick, try picking up a color tone from these elements. Other things to look at are vinyl windows, a new front door or other natural construction materials. You want to make sure that all the colors on your home go together in harmony.

Go Light to Add Size or Go Dark for Drama

Choosing a lighter color for the outside of your home will make it appear clean cut and large. If size is not an issue, try using a darker color on the main area and highlight small detail with a lighter color. This combination will highlight small details that can easily be missed with lighter colors.

The post How to Pick an Exterior Paint Color appeared first on Two Day Painting.

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What us the best coating to protect a deck?

Having a wood or synthetic deck in Wisconsin can be a lot of maintenance! Our climate causes unique problems and an exterior wood/synthetic surface that is walked on, shoveled, power washed, and even air blown will cause coatings to wear and fail quickly if the proper product and preparation are neglected. Let’s dig a little deeper into what’s available, what kind of life expectancy you can expect, and what to look for when buying a deck coating.

The expectations of the life of the coating, as well as the look of the product, will need to be determined before purchasing a deck paint or stain. You also need to determine what your deck is made of. Here are the different types of wood and synthetic options you have in today’s marketplace.

Pressure treated pine – the most common material used for constructing wood decks. Not as costly as cedar or synthetic, shortest life span.

Cedar – has a higher price tag than pressure treated and generally looks more natural. Also, the most maintenance.

Synthetic – composite decks are made of plastics and recycled materials. Highest in cost, longest lasting.

Redwood – rarely used or seen anymore. Extremely weather resistant and costly.

Ironwood/IPE wood – very dense and hard to stain. Cost is similar to synthetic.

There are many choices in deck coatings and which product is best for you will depend on the material of the deck, the overall appearance, and the expectations of how long the coating will last. I’ll break down how often these products are recommended to apply and how they look once finished. I’ll also give you an idea of how long the finish will last.

Pressure treated pine

Type of coating recommended – clear sealer, translucent stain, semi-transparent stain, solid stain, deck “fix” product.

Clear sealer – clear in appearance, one coat application. Apply every year to prevent water from soaking into the boards. Will not prevent wood from turning gray. This coating will not hide anything although it may deepen the natural color of the wood.

Translucent stain – clear coating with a UV stabilizer added to prevent graying of wood. Has a color although it will show all wood grain and texture. Apply once per year. One coat. This coating will hide minor imperfections, but the overall color of the finish will depend on how the wood looks. Always do a test patch so you’re sure you love the color.

Semi-transparent stain – has a color, will hide some of the wood grain although it will look natural and show knots and imperfections. Apply once every other year, one coat. This coating will hide minor imperfections but will still take on some of the color of the existing deck color. Make sure to do a test patch.

Solid stain – your deck boards will look painted. Solid in color. Apply two coats to bare wood, one coat to previously solid stained wood. Apply once every 3-4 years. This coating will hide all imperfections. Pick a color and it will be accurate.

Deck “fix” products. These coatings are thick, and they fill imperfections well. They’re designed to be used over badly worn decks that are full of splits and cracks. Solid, painted look. 1-2 coats every 3-4 years. This coating hides all imperfections. Pick a color and it will be accurate.

Cedar, redwood

See above. These materials will generally look better with a clear or translucent coating due to the quality of the wood, one coat application. Once per year.

Synthetic decks

Must be coated with a solid deck product and that product must be specific and recommended for synthetic or composite decks. Generally, the solid coating used on these decks will give you 3-4 years of decent wear, one coat. Solid finish pick a color and it will be accurate.

Ironwood/IPE wood

The most difficult wood to stain. Very dense. A clear sealer or a translucent stain only. Apply a light coat once per year to prevent graying of wood. This coating will not hide any imperfections. Do a color test patch.

Asking a paint professional to recommend a product is also a great choice. This will give you an idea of what’s out there brand wise and what to expect. It all depends on your expectations and how prefect/imperfect the deck will look. Decks will get dirty. Decks will show some wear in a years’ time depending on how often you use the deck and for what purposes. It may take a beating from the sun, the kids, or the dog, or your guests. Remember, It’s the same as having a wood floor on the outside of your house! We also live in a climate with major temperature swings and snow. There are no “miracle” coatings out there for decks. Temper your expectations. Good luck!

The post What us the best coating to protect a deck? appeared first on Two Day Painting.

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Can I Paint My Brick?

Brick is a beautiful natural element that adds character to any interior or exterior space. It comes in a variety of colors. The most common brick colors are red brick, cream city brick and dark brown brick. A common complaint with brick is not being able to change the color and making sure your color scheme fits with the color and style of brick. Fortunately there are steps you can take to change the color of your brick to update your style or fit your color scheme! Here are a few popular techniques used;

Red Brick

Cream City Brick

Brown Brick

Painted Brick– Painting brick is the easiest option and completely covers the original brick color. First, you must wash the brick thoroughly. If your brick is older and starting to crumble you must get this patched prior to painting. The paint is only as good as the surface you are putting it on. Second, apply a concrete, brick and masonry primer to the surface. Brick is an extremely porous substrate and primer will help fill and seal. Lastly, apply the paint! You can use any color and sheen that fits your style.

White Washed Brick with Paint– White washing brick take a little more finesse than painting. White washing brick is transparent, so you will still be able to see some of the natural color coming though. This is a way to slightly change the color or look and tame down the intensity of the current color. First, wash the brick thoroughly and make any necessary repairs. Second, mix your white wash solution which is usually 50% water with 50% water based paint. You can play with the ratio to suite the look your going for. The more water the more transparent the result will be. Lastly, apply the white wash. You can use a brush and rag to apply. Go light with the wash at first. You can always come back and do a second coat if you are looking for more coverage.

Natural Lime Washed Brick– Lime washing brick is a natural option for giving you the white washed look without using paint. This mixture is durable unlike the paint mixed with water. First, clean and repair any areas of the brick. Second, mix your lime wash solution. 5-parts hydrated lime, 1-part table salt and water. The mixture should be the consistency of thin pancake batter. Lime is non-toxic and natural but is super alkaline so use a mask and gloves. Lastly, spritz brick with water. It needs to be slightly damp. Then use a paintbrush and apply wash to brick. Let dry. It takes much longer to dry than paint. You can do multiple applications <waiting 24 hours between> to achieve the opacity that you like. Lime wash will have a gritty natural finish that looks great on brick!

Painted Brick

White Washed Brick

Lime Washed Brick

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Should I paint my house before I sell?

The U.S. real estate market has been on a steady uptick since its devastating crash in 2008. Some segments of the market have even made a full recovery. Even though the Real estate market is good, many people still ask themselves the question, “Do I want to spend additional money on my home prior to listing it for sale?” Most Realtors will suggest painting your home, or at least partially painting, prior to listing. Of all the possible home improvements, painting generally will provide the best value for your dollar.

A paint brush isn’t a magic wand, however in a competitive market, making your house as appealing as possible to the widest range of potential buyers is the best way to sell fastest and get the highest sale price.  As we mentioned, the value of a good paint job can typically be recouped with a higher sale price. There are two types of painting to consider, interior and exterior.

Interior painting is all about aesthetics. Homes are lived in. Which means walls get scuffed, dinged, and smudged. Your burgundy dining room may now be several decades out of fashion. The most important thing a seller can do is create a clean, neutral, and presentable space for a new owner to feel comfortable in.  By choosing a neutral color most prospective buyers will find it agreeable. Even if your choice is not their favorite, they should feel comfortable with the clean palette until they decide to paint at some point in the future. Buyers need to envision themselves in the house as its owner before they will buy. A professionally applied fresh coat is the best way to make this happen.

Exterior paint provides two critical elements to your home’s marketability, maintenance and curb appeal. Exterior paint is designed to protect your home against the elements. Most buyers are unwilling to have to tackle major maintenance projects and pay full list price. Making sure your paint is in good condition will lead to a higher sale price. If your paint is failing a smart seller will use it as leverage to negotiate a lower price.  Perhaps most important is curb appeal. How does your home look compared to other homes in the area?  As a prospective buyer approaches your home what first impression do you want to give them?  A professionally, freshly painted house can make your house stand out as the best among the competition. Again, use caution with color selection. Find a color that fits the neighborhood and can be enjoyed by the largest number of buyers as possible. Spend the money. Paint the house. Making the investment to maximize your houses value is always a good choice and it will greatly increase your odds of a fast, successful sale.

The post Should I paint my house before I sell? appeared first on Two Day Painting.

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How to Paint Over Painted or Stained Woodwork

Painting over previously painted or stained woodwork can be quite the project. There are several steps that need to be taken to ensure a quality finished product. The first decision to be made is whether to do it yourself or hire a professional contractor. A great deal of money can be saved by doing it yourself, but it can also turn into a nightmare with less than satisfactory results. Here are some general guidelines to consider when undertaking this project.

Scraping

Older woodwork may have layers of paint or varnish that you may need to remove before you can paint. If you leave these layers alone and just paint over them, you can end up with uneven surfaces. Proper preparation before painting old wood helps you achieve professional looking results. Old wood may also have areas where the paint has peeled off the surface. To prevent the loose paint from causing new paint to flake, you should use a hook scraper, putty knife or sanding tool to remove the loose paint. If the old wood surface is covered with many layers of paint and varnish and you would rather remove all of them, you can scrape the layers down to bare wood.

Patching

The old wood may have holes, gaps or deep scratches from its many years of use. You can hide these imperfections so that they don’t show once you finish painting. Wood epoxy fills any depressions in exterior and interior wood to raise them to the level of the rest of the surface. Apply as much wood epoxy as necessary to raise the depressions slightly higher than the rest of the surface to allow for sanding.

Sanding and Cleaning

Sanding provides a surface that is even enough to look good after painting and coarse enough for new paint to adhere to it. Sand the old wood until the finish seems dull. Sanding produces dust, which may make it difficult for new paint to stick. As such, you should wipe the old wood surface with a mixture of 1 cup bleach, 1 cup trisodium phosphate (TSP) and 2 gallons water. Let the wood air-dry before you apply primer. Cleaning kills any mold and mildew in the old wood. Avoid using a power washer to minimize damage to the wood.

Primer

Before painting, apply primer to the old wood surface, whether it is indoors or out. Primer helps paint stick and improves the coverage, so you can dramatically change the color of the old wood if you want to. Using alkyd primer also helps the wood last longer because it contains preservative resins. You should allow the primer to dry completely before applying paint to the old wood surface for proper coverage and adhesion.

 A fresh coat of paint can bring any woodwork back to life. However, it takes more than just slopping on a coat. Proper preparation is very important and finish coating takes a certain level of skill. In many cases, the logical choice is to hire a professional painting company that has the knowledge and experience to give your project a beautiful look.

The post How to Paint Over Painted or Stained Woodwork appeared first on Two Day Painting.

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Best Way to Protect a Deck

Having a wood or synthetic deck in Wisconsin can be a lot of maintenance! Our climate causes unique problems and an exterior wood/synthetic surface that is walked on, shoveled, power washed, and even air blown will cause coatings to wear and fail quickly if the proper product and preparation are neglected. Let’s dig a little deeper into what’s available, what kind of life expectancy you can expect, and what to look for when buying a deck coating.

The expectations of the life of the coating, as well as the look of the product, will need to be determined before purchasing a deck paint or stain. You also need to determine what your deck is made of. Here are the different types of wood and synthetic options you have in today’s marketplace.

Pressure treated pine – the most common material used for constructing wood decks. Not as costly as cedar or synthetic, shortest life span.

Cedar – has a higher price tag than pressure treated and generally looks more natural. Also, the most maintenance.

Synthetic – composite decks are made of plastics and recycled materials. Highest in cost, longest lasting.

Redwood – rarely used or seen anymore. Extremely weather resistant and costly.

Ironwood/IPE wood – very dense and hard to stain. Cost is similar to synthetic.

There are many choices in deck coatings and which product is best for you will depend on the material of the deck, the overall appearance, and the expectations of how long the coating will last. I’ll break down how often these products are recommended to apply and how they look once finished. I’ll also give you an idea of how long the finish will last.

Pressure treated pine

Type of coating recommended – clear sealer, translucent stain, semi-transparent stain, solid stain, deck “fix” product.

Clear sealer – clear in appearance, one coat application. Apply every year to prevent water from soaking into the boards. Will not prevent wood from turning gray. This coating will not hide anything although it may deepen the natural color of the wood.

Translucent stain – clear coating with a UV stabilizer added to prevent graying of wood. Has a color although it will show all wood grain and texture. Apply once per year. One coat. This coating will hide minor imperfections, but the overall color of the finish will depend on how the wood looks. Always do a test patch so you’re sure you love the color.

Semi-transparent stain – has a color, will hide some of the wood grain although it will look natural and show knots and imperfections. Apply once every other year, one coat. This coating will hide minor imperfections but will still take on some of the color of the existing deck color. Make sure to do a test patch.

Solid stain – your deck boards will look painted. Solid in color. Apply two coats to bare wood, one coat to previously solid stained wood. Apply once every 3-4 years. This coating will hide all imperfections. Pick a color and it will be accurate.

Deck “fix” products. These coatings are thick, and they fill imperfections well. They’re designed to be used over badly worn decks that are full of splits and cracks. Solid, painted look. 1-2 coats every 3-4 years. This coating hides all imperfections. Pick a color and it will be accurate.

Cedar, redwood

see above. These materials will generally look better with a clear or translucent coating due to the quality of the wood, one coat application. Once per year.

Synthetic decks

must be coated with a solid deck product and that product must be specific and recommended for synthetic or composite decks. Generally, the solid coating used on these decks will give you 3-4 years of decent wear, one coat. Solid finish pick a color and it will be accurate.

Ironwood/IPE wood

The most difficult wood to stain. Very dense. A clear sealer or a translucent stain only. Apply a light coat once per year to prevent graying of wood. This coating will not hide any imperfections. Do a color test patch.

Asking a paint professional to recommend a product is also a great choice. This will give you an idea of what’s out there brand wise and what to expect. It all depends on your expectations and how prefect/imperfect the deck will look. Decks will get dirty. Decks will show some wear in a years’ time depending on how often you use the deck and for what purposes. It may take a beating from the sun, the kids, or the dog, or your guests. Remember, It’s the same as having a wood floor on the outside of your house! We also live in a climate with major temperature swings and snow. There are no “miracle” coatings out there for decks. Temper your expectations. Good luck!

The post Best Way to Protect a Deck appeared first on Two Day Painting.

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What is the Best Color for a Ceiling?

When picking a color for your ceiling, first look at the shape of the room. Is it an open concept with a ceiling that spans more than one room or an individual room with its own ceiling? Is there height variation or is it flat? The shape of the room will determine the best options for you.

Many people are under the assumption that ceilings must be white and this isn’t always the case. White is a simple and safe way to go.

If you enjoy changing your wall colors often or have a difficult ceiling to paint than white or a shade of white is usually best. Otherwise, you’ll want to paint your ceiling with each color change.

The ceiling is the fifth wall in a room and should be treated as such. If you have white or light color on the walls, adding a color on the ceiling can make the space feel finished and add character.

Try a soft blue for a wispy, airy feel or a navy for an elegant, dramatic feel. Vaulted ceilings and large connected ceilings are great because it lifts and expands and makes the room appear larger.

Choosing a lighter tone of your wall color for a large ceiling will minimize the stark contrast and make the space feel cohesive and simple. If using a bright ceiling white with a darker wall, it can cause harsh lines and actually make the room appear smaller. And if using a lighter wall color don’t rule out using that same color for a large or vaulted ceiling. And if you have a large flat ceiling without a crown or break, using a lighter shade would be best. The lighting and shadowing may make the same wall color appear a bit darker.

If the area is a main living area, stick to neutrals. It is easier for decorating and will cater to everyone. For an individual space like an office, bedroom or rec room, don’t be afraid of bold colors. If you’re not one for a colorful ceiling and are looking for a white don’t fret. Even though there are many whites, there is an easy solution. Look for the undertones. Some whites are stark, cool or warm. If you have a taupe, beige or warm gray choose a white with a warm undertone. A couple favorites are SW 7004 Alabaster and HL 0011 Sugar Dust. If you have a blue, green or cool gray choose a white with a cool undertone. A couple favorites are SW 7005 Pure White or HL 0600 Melting Glacier. If you have white trim use the same color on the ceiling! It incorporates the color and ties the room together. Finally, have fun with your color!

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What Types of Siding are Paintable?

As a professional painting company, it is important to approach all jobs with a consistent and replicable approach. While consistency is incredibly important it is also very import to recognize that each job will be unique and require the expertise to get the job done correctly. A significant element of expertise involves using the correct product and application for the type of material being painted.  For most houses the siding will be the largest surface area of the home but what type of siding can be painted?

What type of siding does my home have? Houses are sided in a wide range of products, wood, metal, vinyl, composites, brick, stone, and even asphalt or old-style asbestos.  Once the type of material is identified selecting the correct product and application becomes critical. The good news, all siding types are paintable.

As professional painters we most often encounter wood sided homes. The reason wood is most common is because not only does wood siding require the most maintenance it is also the least likely to be painted prior to installation.  We paint wood siding for two reasons aesthetics and to protect the wood from the elements. The average life span of paint on a wood exterior is 6-8 years.

Porous woods like cedar or redwoods require the added protection of a semi or solid color stain for maximum protection. Because the surface is not smooth a penetrating product is required to properly bond and protect the wood. For woods that have a smooth, hard surface, selecting a product that will bond to that surface is critical. Paint experts can help you determine an appropriate product that will not peel and protect the wood from the elements.

Metal or fiber cement siding are also very common siding types. Often these types of siding come prepainted from the factory prior to installation.  However, over time, these finishes will fade or peel. It is also possible that the siding was only factory primed and requires a top coat of paint. It is recommended that high quality acrylic paints are used when painting of repainting these types of siding. The most important first step is to make sure the surface is clean and free from dirt or chaulking prior to application of the paint. It should also be noted that a spray application of paint can yield the most attractive, stiple free and brush stroke free appearance for these types of siding.

Vinyl siding is also very commonly used as siding on many homes. While it is true vinyl will last decades before it discolors, it too can be painted. So, whether it is looking shabby or its just time to change the color choosing a vinyl safe color is key.  Vinyl is paintable when the paint chosen doesn’t have black as a colorant.  When a color is not vinyl safe the vinyl may warp from the heat of the sun. It is best to consult with the paint manufacturer to determine if a color is truly vinyl safe.

Siding types are nearly as diverse as the architectural styles of the house they cover.  While we discussed only a few of the type of products and application methods, it is important to use the right product and apply it in the proper way to create beautiful, long lasting results for your homes siding. Professional advice, guidance, and workmanship is key to your home looking it’s best, regardless of siding type, and the most effective way to invest your money on your number one investment.

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Eight Important Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Painting Company

The decision to hire a painting company is a very important one and taking a few moments to read the following information could save you both money and frustration by avoiding a bad experience.  The fact is, painters range in the quality of services they provide, and there are many inexperienced, unlicensed and unqualified people and companies that masquerade as professional painters. Many homeowners are so focused on “how much” that they never even consider anything else. This can lead them to hire the wrong company, leading to a costly and frustrating experience.

The following questions to ask will assist you in making the smart choice and will go a long way in providing you with the ammunition to separate the professional contractors from the ones you want to stay away from.

Do they have insurance? Contractors should have the following types of insurance – comprehensive business liability and workmen’s compensation. The liability insurance protects your property from damage by the contractor and the workmen’s compensation protects the workers (and you from liability) while they are working on your home. Workmen’s compensation insurance is very costly, so many painting contractors will try to work without it. Don’t take that risk!

Do they have employees or just subcontractors? Most small companies (2 to 6 members) only have employees, many times they are relatives or just somebody they may know. Most larger franchise type companies have only subcontractors. A good painting company will have a blend of highly trained and skilled painters so they can offer their customers the option and flexibility to choose whichever they are most comfortable with.

Is it safe for the crew to be in my home? Safety and security is always an important element to consider when hiring a contractor. Reputable companies perform the proper checks and balances to ensure that their customers feel safe while painters are working on their property.

What kind of materials are being used? A good painting contractor will use quality products that are designed to last and give a professional appearance for years to come. Many times, a subpar contractor will use inferior products to save money and the homeowner ends up dealing with re-work or a poor appearance not long after the job is completed.

Will there be a written proposal? A detailed and comprehensive proposal should be written so that your needs and requirements are met by the contractor. It also helps eliminate potential misunderstandings on the scope of the work and what is or is not included. Sloppy, little detail, and missing items on a proposal can be an indication of future trouble with your project.

Who will manage my project? Many painting contractors have little or no skilled management capabilities within their organization. Customers can quickly become frustrated with the lack of communication and lack of progress on their project. A quality painting company has the business systems in place to provide their customers with a very positive painting experience from beginning to end.

Is the company a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or any trade associations? Memberships to organizations like the BBB, the local chamber of commerce, and trade associations demonstrate that the company is stable and the contractor is dedicated to his or her trade. BBB membership requires a small yearly fee, and it reflects the contractors willingness to let potential customers review their service record. Memberships in trade organizations shows the contractor is dedicated to delivering the highest quality in painting services. Such associations often provide training, education, technical consulting, and a code of ethics.

Does the contractor provide a warranty? When hiring a contractor, you will want some assurances in the form of warranties. Some companies give unrealistically long warranties such as 10 or 20 years, but it is very possible that they will be out of business long before that. A more realistic warranty is one to three years. Most paint failures will show in the first year so be sure that it covered at a minimum. A decent warranty will cover both labor and materials, clearly defines what and what is not included, and should always be in writing and available for your review.

Can Your Painting Contractor Answer These Questions?

These days, it seems like anyone with a paintbrush and a business card can call themselves a painting contractor. Homeowners who are most likely to be taken in by these unscrupulous “painters” are those who are focused on cost and cost alone. With painting, like anything else in life, you typically get what you pay for. If the painting contractor you are considering cannot answer these questions to your satisfaction, find one who can. After all, it’s your home!

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Can You Use Interior Paint, Outside?

People often wonder if they can use exterior paint, inside and interior paint, outside. The answer can be a little complex. These are the guidelines for where to use interior and exterior paint products.

 Interior paints – The products that are classified as “interior” have certain characteristics that work well in an interior environment. Some are low odor, some are more spatter resistant. Some cover better and some have additives to make them flow and level. The interior classified products are strictly for interior use only. They lack the heavy duty mildewcide and chemicals that exterior paints contain to withstand rain, snow and heat/cold. They would break down quickly in an exterior environment and would fade and chalk quickly. They also lack the adhesion properties of most exterior paints and exterior usage would void any warranty. Stick with the interior for these products and you will achieve the best results.

Exterior paints – In theory, “exterior” classified paints would work fantastic in both the interior and exterior environment. They cover better, are more durable, and stick like glue to most surfaces. But, there is a problem. Exterior paints have chemicals present that are unsafe to use in an interior environment. The mildewcide, resin, and chemical makeup release unsafe gasses into an interior area. They are safe to use outside and pose no threat. An attached garage would be the only interior area that would be acceptable for application.

Hybrid interior/exterior paints – These products are fine to use in both areas although they lack the heavy-duty mildew resistance and toughness that a true exterior paint provides. Use these coatings for small jobs like doors and/or door frames in a pinch. These coatings work well in garage areas as well. Products like this exist for convenience only and perform well on interior work. Exterior, not as well.

Using the right classified product has its perks! You will know that your home is properly protected and will last on the outside as well as being safe from chemicals on the inside.

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VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in Paint

What are VOCs?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands (EPA, Environmental Protection Agency “Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality” 2017).

Sources of VOCs

There are many sources of VOCs besides paint. Also found in cleaning supplies, building materials, aerosol sprays, pesticides, permanent markers and so much more. The Environmental Protection Agency has a full list of products containing VOCs on their website. The biggest contributor of VOCs in paint is in the solvents, the additive that helps all components blend together. It is also found in the drier additive that helps the paint dry once applied.

Regulations and how to find VOC Information

Every state has different regulations in how much Volatile Organic Compounds are allowed in products. California has the strictest regulations regarding this matter. You can usually find your states rules on your local DNR website or office. If you are curious on how much VOCs are in your paint product, take a look at the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) or TDS (Technical Data Sheet). The number generally accepted for a low–VOC paint is less than 50 grams per liter and for zero-VOC paint is less than 5 grams per liter.

Using the right products

For easy checking, most paint can have this information on the side or back of the label. It looks something like this (VOC/COV < 50g/L – 0.42lb/gal). Most water based interior products used today are low voc. These do not pose any serious risks to your health. For people that have allergies, asthma or are sensitive to certain materials, they may have some irritation and would benefit from using a zero-VOC product. Zero-VOC products are becoming more popular due the popular demand, technology to make these products equally as durable as the usual products and environmental laws and regulations becoming stricter. Sherwin Williams and Hallman Lindsay both have great low-VOC and zero-VOC products. A few examples of the zero-VOC products are SW Harmony and SW Emerald or HL Earthscapes and HL Prokote.

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Tips For Hiring A Painting Company

Hiring a contractor can be a big investment of time, money, and emotion. We have all heard stories of contractors who have turned into total nightmares. Projects can go way over budget, take far longer than expected, or just don’t meet the quality standards you expected to pay for. Not all contractors are created equal and yes, price does often reflect quality. With these two facts in mind, the following tips can help ensure a contractor that is a good fit for your project and your personality.

Get referrals

There is often no better recommendation than that of a past customer. Talk to friends, neighbors, or even internet testimonials. Please keep in mind internet testimonials are often cherry picked or all together fictitious. With contracting consistency is key. If a contractor did an amazing job for a person you trust, odds are they can give you the same experience.

Call several quality professionals

Did they answer the phone? Some contractors are notoriously hard to reach. You want to work with someone who is easy to communicate with. If a job has issues or an expectation isn’t met, communication is usually where things can go wrong.

Meet with the contractor. Are they on time for their scheduled appointment? Do they look the part, professional, organized?

The way in which a painting company approaches your initial meeting will often be a good reflection of how they approach your job once hired. Each and every step of the process should be approached with care and professionalism. First impressions go a long way. When you meet someone, trust your gut. Do you like them? Do you trust them to do a quality job?

Investigate them and their company

Assuming you like them, trust them, and like the way they communicate with you regarding your expectations for the project, look into their track record of performance. It’s impossible to please everyone and often the most negative customers make the most effort to smear your reputation. With a little due diligence it’s pretty clear what past customers generally think about the quality of the contractor, their workmanship, and professionalism.

Get bids

Price isn’t everything and price does reflect quality, nonetheless, you want to keep your contractor honest by getting three bids from similar companies.  Most bids from a qualified contractor or estimator should be relatively similar. Make sure the proposal they present is clear and all work to be performed is clearly defined in writing. There will be price variance, but it shouldn’t be so extreme as to make you feel uncomfortable.

In addition to price, what terms does the painting contractor offer?  Is financing available? Is the down payment reasonable?

Often times, too large of a down payment can be a red flag. Fly-by-night contractors often demand huge down payments and then are never seen or heard from again. Expect an initial deposit of 10%-25% on average.

Once you feel ready to make a decision, consider the following; who do you like, who has the most consistent track record, and who has a reasonable price with terms that fit your needs.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to trust the qualifications of the contractor and if you enjoy their personality before you hire them. Work with a contractor who knows their business, is professional, ethical, and most importantly is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure YOU will be happy with your choice to trust them as your painting company. Customer service, qualification, and confidence in your choice are key. Happy hunting.

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How to Repair Drywall Damage

Drywall is relatively simple to install and easy to repair. It’s also easy to repair badly, which can leave a lumpy mess that declares “shoddy” to anyone who enters the room. Depending on your level of aptitude, this may be something to leave to the pros. Performing quality drywall repairs takes a specific level of skill that is only obtained through years of practical experience. With that said, here are few points to consider when faced with drywall damage.

Thin is Better

It’s best to do a repair with three or four thin coats of compound–if possible leaving sanding for just the last coat. Let each coat dry adequately before applying the next one. Also, the most important thing with a repair is to build the joint out wider than just the hole or crack being repaired. This will leave a wider and very shallow slope on all sides, which will eliminate a bump or “mounded” look on the wall.

Gear Up

A drywall repair toolkit is fairly simple. It consists of flexible knives of various widths, an inside-corner knife, a utility knife, a hammer, a screwdriver, a drywall saw and a drill. Some repairs also may require a hand sander, a hacksaw, a nail bar and a level. Chances are good that you already own some of these items. As for materials – drywall compound, mesh tape, paper tape, drywall nails and screws take care of most repairs.

The two most common drywall compounds are lightweight and all-purpose. They both are easy to work with and have a shelf life at room temperature of about nine months. The differences between the two are that the lightweight product weighs about a third less than all-purpose, it dries more quickly and takes less force to sand. All-purpose, on the other hand, bonds stronger for areas that are susceptible to heavy traffic.

Clean Up the Dust

It also bears mentioning that drywall sanding dust is a respiratory irritant. Wear a dust mask when sanding to block airborne gypsum and silica particles. Also, spread a plastic drop cloth nearby. Wipe dust off the drop cloth with a damp sponge, then clean the surrounding areas with a shop vacuum, let the air settle, and finish vacuuming with your household vac.

DYI or Pro?

Most people can handle minor drywall repairs with a little patience and some elbow grease. But larger repairs or flat out replacement can be overwhelming. The best course of action may be to hire a professional company, preferably one that also performs wall texturing and finish painting. That way, all services are under one contractor, making the project go much more efficiently and can save some money as well.

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Is Expensive Paint Worth the Cost?

In today’s world there are many choices when it comes to paint products and how they are advertised. Which ones are the best? What products will last the longest? These are a couple of questions that are brought up when making the decision. It can be confusing and frustrating if you don’t have the right guidance before making a purchase. I will go into detail in answering these questions and highlighting the information that is most important.

EXTERIOR PAINT. EXPENSIVE VS BUDGET?

In general, most major paint manufacturers have products that work and have stood the test of time. They wouldn’t be in business if the products often failed and had poor results. The products are made up of similar components with minor tweaks to improve level, flow, adhesion, application, odor, dry time and overall toughness. Just because the product is thick does not mean it will cover better or last longer, it’s the ingredients and the quality of these ingredients that makes the difference.

Choose a product that is well known and has proven, consistent results. There are three components in all paint products. Here is what they are and what they do.

Solvent – typically water or a hybrid of oil and water molecules that are combined. Oil is seldom used anymore due to odor and poor color retention. The solvent allows the product to be applied smooth and evenly in a liquid form. Water based is quick dry and low odor.

Resin – acrylic, latex, vinyl, and hybrid resins like urethane and epoxy are the most common. Most brands use an acrylic blend or 100% acrylic resin. This is your final film that is left on the surface after the solvent evaporates. This is what you paid for. Acrylic has great color retention and has a tough, durable, chalk resistant finish that will hold up for years under various weather conditions.

Pigment – titanium dioxide is the most common. Along with the colorant that is added to make your color, the titanium provides color coverage and hiding power.

So, which one should I buy?

All major paint companies will have a low, medium and high-end paint. Just because it’s a certain well-known brand, doesn’t mean that the can of paint is high quality. The main factor you want to look for in choosing your product is solid content. That along with a quality acrylic resin. These factors will give you more bang for the buck. The solid content is shown on every paint label in the ingredients section. It will show a percentage of solids, and the bigger the number the better. This is the surface film that you have ultimately paid for and the more there is, the longer it will take to break down. More surface film will take longer to fade, crack, chalk and erode. This gives you the life of the product and how long it will last.

Verdict

I can’t think of one good reason to buy a cheap exterior paint. It will be costlier in the long run as you will have to paint more frequently and your home will weather and fade more quickly. The cost of the paint is miniscule when it comes to your hard work or If you pay a contractor to paint your home. If a professional paints your home, typically 10%-15% of the total cost is paint. It’s simply not worth it! Buy a quality paint. It will pay for itself over time.

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Picking a Color for your Home Office

A home office; a place where journeys are planned, numbers are analyzed and the place to get things done. The key to picking an office color is in the psychology of color.

Blue is classified as the most productive color. It is also calming in low saturation which is a great way to feel when doing your taxes! This color is best for accountants, paying bills, organizing finances, ect.

Bloggers, writers, and creative thinkers may not benefit as much with blue in their space. Yellow would be a better choice. Yellows stimulate emotion and is a cheerful and energetic color. This can certainly aid in your creativity.

The color intensity plays a big role in your final choice as a low saturation will have a calming effect regardless of the hue. A highly saturated color will have more of an impact.

If you choose blue for your office, you can decorate with a yellow accent chair to stimulate your creativity or another color to help balance the space and incorporate different emotions. You can essentially pick any color for an office but thinking of how you want to feel in the space and the style you like is how you find your tailored office color just for you. 

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Can I Paint My House Myself?

It not uncommon for home owners to want to put in some sweat equity. Painting your own house can provide such an opportunity. You might not be a master carpenter, an expert mason, or a qualified architect, but the thought of painting doesn’t feel too intimidating to many home owners. Sounds easy right? Purchase some paint and minimal equipment and your almost ready to go…right?  Well, just because you can doesn’t mean you should…but maybe.

The first thing to determine is what type of painting is required, interior or exterior?  Most commonly, exterior painting will require more advanced knowledge of the painting process, different materials, specialized equipment, and perhaps heights or dangerous situations.  Few things can shake a “do it yourselfers” confidence like a 40-foot-tall ladder. Aside from the heights and hazards, issues like carpentry repairs can cause a homeowner to not tackle their exterior painting. Leave the exterior to the professionals. Professional painters can insure that the job is done correctly, safely, and the results will be long lasting.

Interior painting is something many home owners will find more approachable. In fact, many stores, like home depot, cater to these weekend warrior types with great proficiency.  Its best to start with a plan. First determine what is to be painted. Are you painting walls, ceiling, trim, doors, windows?  Next consider the type of material that is being painted. Is it wood, drywall, composite material?  These considerations will help you buy the appropriate paints for the appropriate surfaces. Materials are important but so is color. Take some time to determine that the colors you choose will go well together and with the existing colors of items not being painted like flooring and furniture. Next determine the equipment you will need. A brush, roller, roller carriage, extension pole, 5 in 1 tool, drop cloth, 6-foot step ladder, tape, and plastic will get most common interior jobs completed.

Now that you are properly prepared, its time to prep your rooms.  You will first want to move or appropriately cover all your furniture and flooring. You must then take the time to repair any nail holes in the walls or imperfections. Once you feel your surfaces are repaired, cleaned of dirt or grease, you are ready to start painting.

For our example, lets assume you are painting ceiling, walls, and trim in your living room. You will first cut in the edges of your ceiling with a brush. Don’t worry about getting paint on the walls because they haven’t been painted yet. Do make sure you are getting thorough and uniform coverage with your application.  Next step is to roll out the ceiling. Typically, a 9-inch roller will get the job done just fine. Also, be certain your floors are covered, because to the inexperienced painter, drips are likely when painting ceilings.

After your ceiling is painted it’s time for the walls. Begin by cutting in the edges. It is incredibly important to have straight crisp lines to maintain the best visual effect once the job is complete. You may find it helpful to mask off the base trim. This will speed the cut process and protect the trim against getting paint on it while you are rolling out the walls.

After your walls and ceiling are finished carefully remove the tape from the baseboards. Wash your brush or grab another brush. Open your trim paint and begin painting your trim. Again, paying careful attention to having clean, crisp lines and uniform coverage. Trim will typically take two coats of paint for best longest lasting results.

Once complete, wash all your brushes, rollers, and equipment very thoroughly. Pick up all your drop clothes and rearrange the furniture. Hopefully, all your work has paid off and you are now able to sit back and enjoy your newly painted room for years to come.

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How much does it cost to have your home’s interior painted?

Painting is one of the quickest and least intrusive ways to give your home’s interior a face lift and it’s one that can produce dramatic results as well. However, many homeowners feel overwhelmed when tasked with this project – From choosing the right contractor to choosing a lasting color scheme. To avoid getting stuck with a less-than-perfect experience, it is important to have proper price expectations and a clear understanding of what the contractor will be doing for you. Let’s take a closer look at the costs associated with interior painting.

Calculating Room Painting Costs

The cost to paint an average size room (12X15) ranges from $480-$790, not including ceilings, trim, frames, doors, and other woodwork. There are also several other painting factors that impact the cost. When estimating the cost, professional painters will start with determining the size of the area to be covered. The easiest way to calculate the size of the paintable area is to add together the length of the wall and multiply it by the width of the room from floor to ceiling. The resulting amount is the room’s square footage. This total is a starting point, as it is not all paintable surface. The painters won’t paint the windows and doors, for example, and they must account for ceiling trim and baseboards as well. This paintable area will also aid in determining how much paint is needed for the project.

Room Painting Cost Factors

Here are some other cost factors to consider when it comes to the cost of painting a room:

Size of the Room – the size of the room to be painted is the most important factor in determining the cost of professional painting. It will take a painter longer to cover a large room than a small room, or rooms that require a significant amount of “cutting” around cabinets, vanities, shower stalls, and other components. More time is also needed for rooms with high ceilings, which requires more time for ladder movements.

Textured Walls – a textured wall, such as knockdown or orange peel, will need more paint than a smooth wall. The texture adds more surface area, even though it doesn’t increase square footage. Determining the additional surface area depends on how much texture there is. Additional time is also needed for edging along ceilings and along wood trim.

Colors and sheen – multiple colors, such as accent walls, and different type of sheen (also referred to as gloss), can affect the cost of the work because it requires the painters to change out equipment, add more edging along color breaks, and the need for more paint.

Prep Time – moving furniture and appliances, masking off woodwork, covering counter tops and flooring, cleaning dirty areas, and spackling are a few other factors that come into play when determining the cost of a painting project. Some rooms, for example, may take several hours to prep due to large amounts of furniture that needs to be moved repeatedly during the project.

Painting the interior of your home can be fun and exciting. Having proper price expectations can help you budget for the project and remove any possible “sticker shock” issues. That way, you can focus on choosing the right contractor, not only based on price alone, but rather on reputation, quality of workmanship, and delivering on your specific needs.

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