Tips From the Pro
VOCs and Environmentally Friendly Paint
My wife and I both suffer from occasional migraines, so when a recent client told me she was worried about the new paint triggering a headache, I could sympathize. Though latex paint today is relatively low odor in general, both Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore (and many other paint manufacturers)carry special products that are better for the environment, healthier, and still of very high quality. These paint products are called “Low VOC” or “Zero VOC” and have different properties so that the “volatile chemicals” found in paint and many other household and industrial products are less of an issue. These products, though more costly, are great for closed interior work when a customer is very sensitive to odors and pollutants. Or concerned about having a “greener home.” AC Vasquez Painting is proud to offer these product options to customers that request this.
Curb Appeal Ideas
Painting an entire home exterior is a big job that-- fortunately for home owners-- does not need to be done on a yearly basis. However, a home can get shabby looking after our long, cold winters and wet springs. There are a few things you can do to keep things looking fresh and appealing, even if you are not ready to tackle the entire exterior body of your home. * Decks and porches and exterior stairways, for example, can benefit from a fresh coat of paint or stain every year or two. Shovelling and sand/salt can be rough on such surfaces. * A freshly painted fence, foundation, or front door can brighten up an exterior and provide a welcoming feel to any home. You might even try a new color on your front door every year or two! * And let's not forget trim and shutters. Whether you brighten things up by applying a fresh coat of the same color paint OR decide to make a bigger change by going with a different tone or shade, newly painted trim can make the whole exterior feel shining and new.
Exterior Painting Tips
Painting a home or business exterior is a sizeable and labor intensive job, buit it is important not to cut corners. Whether you decide to hire a professional or are attemping to undertake it yourself, here are a few tips to keep things running smoothly:
1) Cover everything below with plastic when scraping an area. If your home was built pre-1978, this is expecially important because of lead paint poison concerns.
2) Scrape all of the loose paint- without shortcuts. This makes the paint-job last longer, as paint that is already loosened will be guaranteed to peel sooner rather than later (even if you throw new paint on top!)
3) Consider sanding clapboards after priming—as the wood fibers stand when you prime, creating a rough texture when you don’t sand.
4) Be sure to paint carefully and fill in gaps between clapboards.
5) Cut carefully to avoid drip marks and spots on trim and windows! This can make even the freshest paint job look messy.
1) Cover everything below with plastic when scraping an area. If your home was built pre-1978, this is expecially important because of lead paint poison concerns.
2) Scrape all of the loose paint- without shortcuts. This makes the paint-job last longer, as paint that is already loosened will be guaranteed to peel sooner rather than later (even if you throw new paint on top!)
3) Consider sanding clapboards after priming—as the wood fibers stand when you prime, creating a rough texture when you don’t sand.
4) Be sure to paint carefully and fill in gaps between clapboards.
5) Cut carefully to avoid drip marks and spots on trim and windows! This can make even the freshest paint job look messy.
Accent Walls
A decorating trend that has become very popular in recent years is the use of accent walls. An accent wall is typically one wall of color in an otherwise neutral room, such as red combined with with a light tan. Some, however, also choose to use accent combinations of color on color: some shade of yellow and a complimentary violet, for instance. Using these colorful walls is a good way to play with design or draw attention to certain parts or features of a room. An accent wall can also be used to provide some separation to a kitchen and dining area, or other such room with multiple uses or sections. An accent wall, overall, is a fairly easy way to change the mood or scheme or a space without painting the entire area. It is also a great way to add a splash of boldness to your home without overpowering with too much color. AC Vasquez Painting, and many other small painting companies, do small jobs-- like accent walls--as well as large. Don't be afraid to ask!
Wood Knots and Water Stains
Wood knots can be quite pesky, can't they? We prime and paint our trim...and those little oval stains inevitably bleed through. My favorite product for sealing knots once and for all is Zinsser B-I-N shellac base primer. I paint on two coats to any problem areas before applying finish paint coats. This product is great for water stains, as well.
Visit your local paint store, or check out the Rustoleum Website for more information on this product (not affiliated, just a fan!)
Visit your local paint store, or check out the Rustoleum Website for more information on this product (not affiliated, just a fan!)
Paint Finishes
Recently a client asked me why her kitchen looked so dingy so quickly after she had painted it. The answer was that she had chosen the improper paint finish—flat—when she had painted it the first time. Different paint finishes are recommended for different surfaces. Eggshell is usually the best choice for walls. It's not glossy, so it hides plaster imperfections and is easy to clean. For trim, cabinets, and other areas that get handled frequently, a semi-gloss finish is usually best. It has some shine and is easy to clean. Flat is great for ceilings because it's lack of luster better hides any imprefections in the plaster. It's not as washable, but we don’t need to scrub fingerprints off the ceiling very often!
Tape and Straight Edges
DIY television shows make painting look so easy: the careful taping of edges, the clean lines, the beautifully finished room. Why does the end result never quite look that way when you try it at home? The truth is, it's not that easy to get those straight, clean lines. Another truth is that (ready?) professional painters almost never use tape to help define borders. The reason is this: When the tape is removed from a painted surface, you can usually see where the paint has leaked over the edge and onto the wall or trim. Thus, taping can actually lead to a more jagged edge. Of course, in favor of a DIY-er's tape useage, a slightly "fuzzy" edge is probably preferable to a completely crooked line!
However, a professional can avoid these little mistakes that can make a space look sloppy. A pro uses a steady hand, the correct amount of paint, and cuts carefully along edges. a straight, clean edge is a good indicator of painting skill.
However, a professional can avoid these little mistakes that can make a space look sloppy. A pro uses a steady hand, the correct amount of paint, and cuts carefully along edges. a straight, clean edge is a good indicator of painting skill.
Were these tips helpful? Check back with us- more coming soon!
