FAQ
Exterior:
What about odor, smell and drying time?
Most of today’s latex paint products are very low odor, produce no fumes and dry quickly. With reasonable air temperature and mild air circulation many surfaces can be second coated the same day. Most doors can be closed at the end of day.
What about painting in cold or rainy weather?
Most of today’s latex paint products dry quickly. After many years of experience we know what we can or can’t do. Bad weather is not as much of a problem that it used to be. Most surfaces don’t need to be extremely dry. Moisture under old layers of paint isn’t trapped by application of new latex paints. It only takes a few minutes for the paint to set before rain can disturb it. The life of the job is not affected by application in cool weather.
Of course we can’t actually apply paint on exposed surfaces while it is raining. We can do all pressure washing on rainy days. Most finish coats are water thinned, so waiting until weather is perfect is not necessary in most cases. If rain washes off wet paint on a job, it is our responsibility to fix it.
What kind of materials do you use?
Only the best and most durable paints are used. Oil based primer is a top choice for most exterior wood for a first coat or a spot primer. Exterior acrylic latex house paint as a top coat will withstand weather elements, sun fading or heat changes. Two coats are desirable on weathered surfaces. All materials used are of the BEST QUALITY!
Will deep colors last as long as light colors?
NO! There are fewer pigments and they hold more heat in summer, instead of deflecting it. Black may last half as long as white. Other deep colors may last 75% as long as light colors. Because deep colors hold the heat more, the old layers underneath usually deteriorate faster.
What is the best paint job?
It is only as good as the surface. If wood is badly cracked or dry rotted, even the best paint job probably won’t help. It must include preparation, materials and application.
Why does exterior paint usually fail?
Most paint fails because the old or original layers underneath the top layers lose its bond. Most paint eventually fails this way and it is not the fault of the paint, painter or anyone – it just happens.
What is inter-coat peeling?
If paint fails between the several layers and not at the bare wood or original surface, it is called inter-coat peeling. It is usually due to improper penetration of the last applied coat of paint, improper preparation, too thin
paint or poor quality paint.
What do I have to do to prepare the exterior house to paint?
Most of our customers prefer to remove their personal belongings themselves, such as BBQs, lawn furniture, attached decor and house numbers. We will move large items.
Do you leave touch-up paint?
We leave a small can of each color and type of paint used. If you nick the surface in coming months, you can touch it up yourself easily. If it is small, use the tip of your finger to apply – don’t dirty a brush for that small
nick.
How do I keep mildew from forming on exterior surfaces?
A mildewcide can be added to the paint before it is applied. Clean off any existing mildew before applying the new paint. Cleaning off mildew off existing surfaces in between paint jobs can be done by using a detergent and mild bleach or commercial mildew solution. Test a surface before doing a large wall. Rinse thoroughly with clear water.
Why use oil based primer on bare or weathered wood?
Oil primer is good for proper penetration. It will also seal in tannic acid and other wood stains to keep them from bleeding through the finish coat acrylic latex.
What is the difference between acrylic and vinyl latex paint?
Acrylic latex is always the best quality (which is what we use). Vinyl latex is lesser quality. The combination of acrylic vinyl is the second best quality, vinyl being the lowest quality.
What is the difference between acrylic latex and oil based paint?
Acrylic latex holds color better and is generally better for most exterior work. Oil based paint takes longer to dry, but flows better for interior trim work and is a harder finish for cabinets. It is preferred by many
contractors for interior trim. That is where most oil paint is used, except for exterior/interior stains, which can be wiping, semi or solid coat stains or a specialty product such as Wolman F&P.
What about painting concrete surfaces resting on the ground?
We don’t recommend painting this type surface. No paint will ever last a long time, but we recommend you use an acrylic latex porch and deck paint. One or two coats on a clean somewhat dry surface is recommended. You should avoid walking on these surfaces for several days if the weather is cool or a couple in warm weather. Don’t drag objects across new paint for a minimum of 30 days. Most paints require about 30 days to properly & totally cure.
Interior:
What about odor, smell and drying time?
Most of today’s latex paint products are very low odor, produce no fumes and dry quickly. With proper temperature, air circulation many rooms can be second coated the same day. They can be used the day after painting in most cases.
What about painting in cold or rainy weather?
Most of today’s latex paint products dry quickly. Keeping the heat on at average temperature and using a fan for air circulation causes the paint to dry quickly. The room can be used the day after painting in most cases. Bad weather is not a big deal for interior painting.
Do I have to stay in a motel when you are painting?
Only if you are allergic to paint. We will work with you to schedule the rooms in a logical order, so in most cases you can still function in the house while we are working there. Latex paint has no fumes, only a slight
odor.
What do I have to do to prepare the room to paint?
Most of our customers prefer to remove their personal belongings themselves, such as pictures, knick-knacks, draperies and small furniture. We will move large items, such as beds, dressers and chests. To save money most of our customers remove all the electrical switch cover plates prior to our work.
Do you leave touch-up paint?
We leave a small can of each color and type of paint used. If you nick the surface in coming months, you can touch it up yourself easily. If it is small, use the tip of your finger to apply – don’t dirty a brush for that small nick.
