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House Painters, Exterior - Interior Painting
Written by Colleen Kalil

Common Paint Problems

House Painters, Exterior - Interior PaintingWho doesn’t like a freshly painted interior or exterior in your home or place of business? Fresh paint gives off a bright, clean feeling. It’s uplifting and makes most people feel pride in their surroundings. But, in the process of painting – and prior to the completed project – there are a number of common paint problems that may cause you to become frustrated and sidetrack you from completing the work. Let’s consider some of these in this blog.

  • First, when applying a fresh coat of paint, you may find that a stain is apparent underneath. Often those who take on a painting project are unaware that the extra time taken to prep the surface prior to painting will save time and money in the end. If there are stains on the interior or exterior of your home or business, you should take care to remove them before starting to paint. All surfaces should be cleaned and primed before you dip that paint brush into the can.
  • Second, once you have cleaned the surfaces, be sure to allow enough time for it to dry thoroughly. If you fail to do so you may find that your freshly painted surface will begin to flake, bubble up, or otherwise be unsightly. If you have flaking paint, remove it thoroughly with an abrasive brush, then sand it smoothly so that when you repaint these areas you won’t be able to tell the difference between the old and new paint.
  • Third, avoid brush marks and paint drips. So, you’ve chosen your color, primed your surfaces, allowed adequate time for it to dry and now comes the moment of truth. You have opened your paint can, stirred it thoroughly and you are on the precipice of updating your home or business’s interior or exterior. In all of your excitement, you dip the brush into the can and put it out completely overloaded and dripping. Then, to make matters worse, the brush is so paint-laden that it causes brush marks as you paint. How to avoid this? It’s simple – don’t overload your brush with paint – or otherwise engage in poor painting techniques.

Need more tips on avoiding common mistakes in painting? Contact the expert painting company of University Painters, Inc. We are here to serve you!

house painter, Interior Painters ,Exterior Painters
Written by Colleen Kalil

Painting Concrete or Brick Surfaces

house painter, Interior Painters ,Exterior PaintersPainting is a great way to change the look of any surface, whether it’s inside or outside. Almost anything can be painted, including concrete and brick. With the proper equipment and knowledge, you can add to your home’s value and curb appeal.

Concrete Slabs (such as garage floors)

Before you paint a concrete floor, make sure no moisture comes through the slab. Tape around the floor where it meets the wall and wait for a few days. If there’s moisture on the tape, it’s best not to paint it.

If moisture isn’t a problem, sweep out any dirt and debris and wash the floor with a non-residue cleaner. Remove any old, flaking paint and grease spots. Next, etch the floor’s surface with a muriatic acid solution. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure you have good ventilation. Do not use it in a closed-in space.

Use a latex primer and paint specially made for concrete. Let the primer dry before applying the paint. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for both.

Brick

Before you paint brick, remember it’s a one-time decision. It is nearly impossible to remove paint from brick. Make sure it’s a step you want to take.

The best way to begin any painting project is with a clean surface. Use a wire brush to remove heavy dirt or debris and then wash with a solution of warm, soapy water. If you’re painting an entire house, you might be tempted to get out the power washer. That’s not a good idea; you’re likely to end up with gouges in the brick and you’ll damage the grout. Use a wire brush to spot clean and then use a regular hose to clean the area. You can get a foaming sprayer and then go over the surface again with plain water. Let the brick dry completely.

Use a quality latex primer as a first coat and let it dry completely. Next, apply latex paint for masonry using a long nap roller; use a brush to cover the grout. Don’t be in a hurry. Watch for dripping paint. Two coats are recommended for the best results.

University Painters can help you achieve the look you want for your home’s interior or exterior. Contact us today online at University Painters or call 800-390-4848.

exterior painting, home painters
Written by Colleen Kalil

Preparing Your Home For An Exterior Paint Job

Nearly half of the painting process for painting the exterior of your home is preparation, so make sure to follow these steps to guarantee that the exterior paint will look great and last.

Wash Your Home’s Exterior

Wash your house’s exterior from top to bottom prior to having it painted. A thoroughly washed surface can maximize the adhesion of the new paint to the exterior surfaces. Consider renting a power pressure washer, which can save you hours of time and effort you would otherwise spend with hand washing. You can wash your exterior with regular tap water; use clean additives only when there is mold and heavy stains. Allow your home to dry for at least one day prior to having it painted.

Make Repairs

Paint isn’t the solution to damaged or rotten surfaces of your home. It will only cover the unsightly marks. Repair any damaged areas of your home first prior to painting it. You may do this on your own but there are instances when you have to seek help from a carpenter or a handyman. Get professional help when the job calls for replacement or repairs of crucial parts of your house, such as stairs or overhangs.

Trim Nearby Plants And Trees

Be sure to trim the trees, plants and bushes close to your home before getting your exterior painted. This will provide enough space to work outside around the house without the painters having to brush off branches and thorns that can potentially injure them. Trimming plants that are in close contact to your home can also prevent foliage from hitting the wet paint once applied.

Scrape Away Flaking Paint

After washing your home’s exterior, you need to scrap and sand away any loose paint. Taking off this old flaking paint may involve a lot of work but this is a crucial step. The condition of the surface that needs to be painted will determine the success of the project.

Houses built before 1978 may also have lead paint, so scraping and sanding the exteriors of these homes need to be done with care.

Prepping your home prior to a painting job will require a lot of work. Fortunately, these tasks can be included in your painting project when you hire a professional. This can help you save a great deal of time, effort and money. Contact us here at University Painters for professional painting services.