Author: Tony Evans

Copyright (c) 2008 Smoky Mountain Painting

As a professional painting contractor for more than thirty years I have heard literally hundreds of horror stories from customers about their past experience with hiring painting contractors. Some of the most common stories that I have heard include painting contractors who have obtained a down payment from the customer and never returned who were not actually painting contractors but just plain crooks, painting contractors who started the job and their work was so bad that the customer was forced to ask the contractor to leave. These are just a couple of the typical stories that I have heard and continue to hear from customers. In this article, we will look at what you can do to protect yourself when you decide to hire a painting contractor.

Although there are many places to find a quality painting contractor such as the internet, yellow pages or even the local newspaper, the best place to start is by asking friends, relatives and coworkers what painting contractors they have used in the past and ask what kind of experience they have had with a particular painting contractor. Make sure to ask if they were satisfied with their work, the price and how long it took the painting contractor to complete the job. You can also check with your local paint store and ask them for a recommendation. If you can not locate a painting contractor from any of these sources, then you can turn to your local Better Business Bureau and ask if they can provide recommendations.

To begin with ask the contractor for a certificate of insurance. Quality contracting firms will be only too happy to provide you with copies of their certificates of insurance. Not all states and municipalities require licensing however business registration with your state and municipality is generally a minimum requirement.

Get references from the contractors you’re looking at most seriously. Talk with those people honestly and openly about the services they received. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about money and service. You want to know that you are hiring a professional painting contractor who will give you a quality job at a fair price.

It is very important to get a written contract. Reputable contractors will encourage the use of a written contract. This contract should clearly explain the scope of the work to be performed. It should also cover such items as surfaces to be painted, methods and extent of surface preparation, time schedules for the project, and payment procedures. If you know the total scope of the work in writing you will be better able to determine the cost difference between different contractors. The contract protects both you and the contractor.

Other questions to ask include, how long has the contractor been in business? There is a high turnover rate in the painting industry. Be sure to hire someone who has been in business for at least five years. Ask about the experience levels of the companies workers, because there are some companies who will hire workers with little or no experience in order to save money. Also ask what preparation the painting contractor will do on your job, preparation is one of the most important steps in painting any surface. Ask the painting contractor to make recommendations on materials for the job. A professional painting contractor will be able to suggest particular paints, colors and finishes.

Next you will need to find out if a paint warranty is included? If a paint warranty was included find out the length of time that the contractor will guarantee his work. Simply stating a warranty is not enough, you must get the warranty in writing including any limitations.

Many contractors will ask for a down payment upon signing the contract. This is normally customary, however before giving a down payment make sure that you have completed checking all of your references and are that you feel completely comfortable with the contractor. Be wary of anyone who asks for a substantial down payment and never give anyone more than 20% of the price up front.

Next, take time to compare the estimates carefully. The lowest price may not be your best choice. If you find there is a wide range between the bids, ask the contractors for an explanation. Are all the contractors using the same paint and materials? The low bidder may be taking shortcuts on quality. Keep in mind, getting the lowest price should not be your first consideration. You want to get someone who is skilled, experienced, fully insured, and has an experienced crew. In the painting industry as with most other industries you will usually get what you pay for. Good professional painting contractors want your business and will provide you with insurance certificates, references, advice on colors and finishes and are polite and professional to deal with. Once you have made your selection, step back and allow the professional painting contractor to complete the project that you have hired him to do. If you want high quality and professional service, you must be willing to pay the price that comes with it.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/advice-for-hiring-a-professional-painting-contractor-552722.html

About the Author:

The author has over thirty years experience in the home improvement industry and is the owner of Smoky Mountain Painting in Pigeon Forge Tennessee.

Green painting is using environmentally friendly paints and applying environmentally friendly painting and cleanup techniques. Green painting is not only good for the environment but it is also good for you in that paints can cause harm to you through the inhalation of dangerous fumes and from potential paint entering into our groundwater. While paint getting into our water system or groundwater is rare, it can occur as a result of improper painting cleanup techniques. An added benefit to green painting is that it won’t cost you any more than conventional painting. It’s just a matter of changing habits and taking a few extra steps to ensure a healthier painting experience for you and the environment around you. Many aspects of green painting surround painting cleanup and disposal of unwanted or unused paint. Below you will read practical tips for green painting cleanup.

Green painting Cleanup Tips:

When finished painting, make sure to scrape any excess paint from the can, latex rollers and brushes. Using a stir stick or wall scraper works really well. Scrapping excess paint before washing your painting tools will make them easier to clean. And the main idea behind scrapping excess paint is that it is better for the environment in that you will be decreasing the amount of paint going down the drain when you later wash the brushes and tools.

For extended paint projects, consider holding back from washing your brushes and tools each day. Instead wrap the brushes and tools in plastic wrap or plastic bags and you will be able to reuse them with no problem the next day. Make sure you keep the brushes out of the sun so that hey don’t dry up.

When it comes time to washing your equipment, the safest way is to wash in a sink or similar drain and not in a drain on the street or outside in your yard with a hose.

Consider washing your brushes and tools in a large container and then taking the dirty water to your local waste depot. They will be able to dispose of the contaminated water in the safest way.

Store paint cans upside side to prevent any leftover paint from drying out and also keep the paint cans sealed tightly.

Additional helpful tip: To prevent overbuying of paint, try to make as best of calculation as possible for the amount of paint that you need. A typical gallon of paint covers about 400 square feet so keep that in mind when planning your paint purchase.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/green-painting-cleanup-tips-752865.html

About the Author:

Marcy Tate is a content writer for Networx.com and has been working in the home improvement industry for over 10 years.

Are you looking for a reliable, professional painter to help with your painting project? Contact a local, licensed painter here to receive free quotes.

Before picking up a brush, Learn what lean to fat, value, and more mean and many important terms that you need to learn. Here are terms and tips and every word you need to know about oil painting and it’s necessary termps for producing better paintings.

Long and Short Oil Paint

Oil painting mediums can be used to control the thickness, or consistency, of your oil paint.

Long oil paint means that enough medium has been added that it has very little “peak” (the ability to make small peaks or hills out of the paint) to it. It is smooth and oily. Long paint is used when you want very little brush strokes. Short oil paint is paint straight out of the tube. It is thick and has a lot of “peak” to it, stiff and buttery in consistency.

Some classic mediums are:Linseed Oil, Stand Oil, Safflower Oil, Alkyd Painting Medium etc.

Color Temperature

Color temperature refers to the color’s place on the color wheel. If you divide the color wheel at neutral purple (purple that is neither warm nor cool) and at neutral yellow the wheel will be divided into a “cool” side and “warm” side. Warm colors are colors that have a red tint to them. Cool colors have a blue tint.

Value

Value is the graduation of a color from light to dark. By varying the values in a painting you can achieve what is called contrast, or the sharp difference between light and dark. Adding contrast to a painting adds depth and interest. To see the difference in value in your subject simply put on sunglasses. Your sunglasses will keep you from seeing the actual color, and leave you with just lights and darks.

Layering

There are certain rules that should be followed when painting in oils. These rules keep you from ending up with a muddy mess of a painting.

First, you should always paint from warm to cool, meaning, lay down warm colors first, then cool. This also goes for value, always go from dark to light.

Similarly, you should always lay down your thin paint first (or long paint), getting thicker (short paint) as you go along, using your biggest brush first. Start with big, blocked in objects first, slowly working into more detail toward the end.

* Two typical layering methods for an oil painting as following:

Gesso: Gesso is used to prime a surface or canvass before painting. Basically, it makes paint stick better to the surface. It also keeps it from sinking into the surface. You don’t have to use gesso when painting, but it is worth giving a try.

Varnish: Varnish protects your painting from damage. It is only applied when the painting has thoroughly dried, around six months. Retouch varnish is temporary and can be used as soon as the picture is dry to the touch and can be removed with gum turpentine.

Other familiar ways of layering for oil painting:
1. Canvas
2. Underpainting
3. Thin, long, dark, warm paint
4. Thicker, short, light, cool paint

Now, did you have got an idea about oil painting? try it now!

About the Author:

I’d like to introduce and display an excellent selection of China fine art products and gifts - www.123giftfactory.com to you, also give you great suggestions about gift ideas and the latest fashion art trends in China.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - What is You Need to Know About Oil Painting?

So you want to have your home painted right? But you’re not sure who to contact and how much you should pay, as well as what services to expect from the painting contractor you hired? In that case, you should do your homework first about what to expect when you undertake painting your home as a home makeover project.

First of all, you have to understand that painting your home is not one all-in-one job done by a one-size-fits-all contractor. Painting your home can be subdivided into the areas of interior and exterior painting, which are two very different fields altogether. As their names suggest, an interior painting job will involve painting the internal parts of your house while an exterior painting project encompasses all the external parts of your home.

For this article, we will focus on interior painting, which is more complicated than exterior painting.

First, in interior painting, your contractor and his team will remove all the furniture from the room they will be working on so that no paint splatters on them. Then, your contractor will tell you what paint brands he plans to use for your room, and present certain color schemes that he hopes you will like as the color schemes for your room. Some clients like to use different color schemes for every room, while others like to have a common theme throughout the interiors and exterior part of the house.

It would be great if the painting contractor is skilled in using paint software to visualize the house before choosing paint color, under your watchful eye of course. This then leads you to the problem of what kind of finish to choose for your interiors – you can choose between the gloss, semi gloss, eggshell, flat paint types, among others. The rule of thumb to follow is that the better the sheen of the finished product, the more durable it actually is under regular wear and tear.

A gloss paint finish may also refer to the satin paint finish, which is a good type of paint to use if your contractor is not that experienced, or if you are painting children’s rooms or trim which may require a degree of washing to clean them from crayon or pencil scribbles. Gloss paint is also used for furniture painting as well, due to the durability and modern appearance it gives to chairs and tables. Semi gloss and high gloss paint finish reflect more light than a gloss paint finish. Semi gloss alone is advisable for use on kitchen and bathroom walls which require a lot of exposure to water during periodic house cleaning blitzes.

Eggshell does not have much of a sheen to it since it absorbs much light, kind of like a matte finish. You can use eggshell paint finish on interior walls that may need it rather than flat paint which does not allow surface dirt and substances to be washed off as well. Flat paint, on the other hand, is generally used to cover up surface defects or application imperfections (like when the painter uses the brush in the wrong direction from his previous applications.)

Remember that the function or purpose of the room you will be painting should dictate what finish you finally use it for. When the interiors are done, you can then move on to exterior painting of your home.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/the-art-and-science-of-painting-your-home-interiors-234647.html

About the Author:

Extreme Makeover Pros is your affordable contractor serving Orange County, Ca. for nearly 25 years. Specializing in Home Improvement. For more details visit http://www.extrememakeoverpros.com

Painting is the last great do-it-yourself project. Our cars may have gotten so advanced that it takes a computer hacker to fix them, our computers have simply revolted and will be taking over any day now, and various home repair jobs grow ever more complex. We finish a carpentry job only to discover that our shelves fall down, our decks tilt, and doors never hang quite the way we intended them to.

But anybody can slap paint on a wall, right? We still have a safe perimeter of pioneering frontier staked out in the realm of painting. The rest of civilization can go on being digital, but painting will always remain a satisfyingly, soothingly analog pursuit.

Things you’ll need:
Rollers, two sizes of brushes, a trim or cornering (sponge) brush. Paint pan. An unbelievable amount of rags for wiping up. Either or all of newspapers, drop clothes or plastic sheeting plus a few rolls of masking tape. Painter’s coveralls, shoe slip-ons, and hairnets, maybe a few spare sets in case it’s a mutli-day job. Perhaps a couple of screwdrivers for removing fixtures and such.

Not everybody, but some will also need: Wall scrapers, putty and putty knives, caulking and caulking guns, wire brushes, extra pail and roller grid, painter’s specialty paint pads, ladders, scaffolds, sandpaper, and spackling compound. Oh yeah, and paint!

Preparation:
This is where ninety percent of the difference between the amateurs and the pros comes out. Think of the key to good painting as spending two days prepping a room that will take half a day to paint. Never, ever say to yourself, “I don’t need to cover that. Paint would never get there!” Yes it will! Paint will go places you never thought possible, no matter how careful you are. At the very least, compare the two hours to cover something to not covering it and spending three days afterward with a razor scraper trying to get paint off of it. Cover it.

Everything that’s in the room and isn’t fastened to it must come out or at the very least be shoved together in the middle of the room and covered. Using either newspapers (less stable), dropcloths (more stable), or plastic sheeting (much stronger) and duct tape, cover every surface in the room which you don’t want paint on. The floor should probably take plastic sheeting, especially if it’s carpeted or you’re going to be dragging a ladder around on it. Windows can be covered with newspapers. Everything gets secured with masking tape. By the way, this is where “masking tape” gets it’s name: you’re using it to apply a mask to the room before you swab paint on it, then removing the mask.

Consider removing metal and plastic fixtures from the room. Hanger hooks, doors, mirrors, light switch and plug socket faces (cut the power to the room first, even though you’re just removing the plastic facing), shelf brackets, thermostat controls, and so on. It’s easier to simply remove them than it is to try to keep paint off of them. If you’re covering small items, you can get by with mummifying them in tape. Use the cloth, paper, or plastic for large area, and border it with the tape to stick it on. Never trust your covering to a single layer; overlap everything to make sure that if you rip a hole in something, that won’t be the one place where paint leaks through. By the way, instead of agonizing over getting the tape border exactly straight, just put it on naturally and then trim the overlap by cutting it back with a razor.

An exception is the hanging lamps or chandeliers in the room. Ceiling lighting fixtures are both too difficult to remove and too labor intensive to wrap. Why not just cover it with a heavy-duty trash bag and duct-tape the opening around the neck? I knew you’d like that idea!

Next, you’ll need to at least clean the surface you’re going to paint, and possibly patch and prime it as well. Washing is a simple matter of soapy water and a sponge. Depending on what kind of walls you have, there may be some scraping of old paint and filling in of nail holes and cracks. Make sure, after whatever improvements you have decided to make at this point, that the surface you want to paint is clean and dry.

By the way, nothing is more irritating than finishing a new paint job only to have to pick hairs and dirt out of it. So not only should your walls be clean, but should stay clean while the paint is wet. That means putting up some kind of barrier to dust from outside the room, keeping pets out, keeping windows screened so insects and outside litter stays out, and not smoking in the room. For instance, if you’re painting a bedroom while somebody else is drywalling the hallway (notice how home improvement projects tend to bunch up on you?) you can tape up a plastic sheet over the doorway to the bedroom to act as a dust curtain.

As for the kind of paint and quality of tools: A common maxim in the painting trade is that you can do it the cheap way and have it to do again next year, or you can do it the expensive way and not have to do it again for eight years. So, high quality paints and tools only cost a few dollars more than the bargain stuff, and will save you money and labor in the long run. Paint quality isn’t so much a matter of brand as the different kinds of paint each brand offers.

Painting itself is somewhat monotonous work. It helps to have two people or if you’re doing it solo, an iPod or radio going. Music tends to help keep you relaxed and focused. Get just enough paint on your roller or brush and apply evenly and generously. While today’s paints aren’t quite as stinky as those of ten years ago, they are still harmful if inhaled in concentrated quantities; always keep that window open or fan going and keep things ventilated, perhaps even ducking out of the painted area once an hour to get a clear breather.

Good luck and have fun!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/interior-house-painting-tips-72638.html

About the Author:
Freelance writer for over eleven years.

Dickies Painter Uniforms Aprons Pittsburgh Interior House Painting

Author: Ted Gaurnero

When it comes to the easiest and cheapest ways to transform your home, paint is often described as the most powerful tool. And it truly is. But, what many overlook is just how far paint can go. Beyond walls and the front door, there are many other elements in your home, that with the right kind of paint, proper application and good color can be transformed into things of beauty!

Let’s walk through the home and see just how far your paint can go:

Bathroom:

Does your ceramic tile look old and tired, outdated and sad? Before opting to replace the tile, there’s a much less expensive and time consuming project: paint! There are special paints available on the market that are specifically made for ceramic tile. These paints are waterproof and come in myriad designer color options.

Ever hankered to get rid of your outdated lavender colored bath-tub? Replacing a bathtub can be very costly and messy as well. If the tub is attached to tile, than the tile can end up breaking. You can have your bathtub professionally painted- which is often the best option in this case as it’s a tricky job and requires specialized paint products. A typical job will cost you about $300. But it may well be worth it, if you compare to the cost and hassle of replacing the tub.

Likewise, if your bathroom cabinets are dragging your design overhaul down- have no fear, paint is here! Depending on what your cabinets are made of, and painted with, the job may involve some sanding and a particular kind of paint and possibly primer. Consult with your local paint store as to how to approach this. Paint your cabinets a nice, bright and light color that ties in with the entire bathroom. Replace your old bathroom hardware and SHAZAM- a whole new bathroom!

Kitchen:

Beyond the walls of your kitchen, paint can be used to brighten up down-trodden cabinets. As cabinets are such a dominate feature in a kitchen, this will do a lot to enliven the entire room. Again, consult with your local paint company with regards to the type of paint and process that will best serve your particular cabinets. When replacing the cabinet hardware in the kitchen, think of finding something that ties in with all the appliances.

Another element you can spruce up with paint is your countertop. Yes, it is possible to paint countertop. But you’ll want to do it right. It’ll involve using a special primer, numerous coats of paint and then a seal- generally satin or high-gloss non-yellowing polyurethane. When approaching the color of your countertop, make sure it ties in with all the colors you’ve chosen for the other elements: cabinets, walls etc.

Living Areas:

You’ll be surprised what you can transform with paint in your main living areas. Maybe you have an outdated tile on your fireplace hearth. Again, with the proper primer, the right kind of paint and a color that ties everything together, you can wave your painting wand and cure almost any outdated monstrosity!

Furniture is another beast that paint can tackle successfully. You can sand down wood furniture and then re-stain it, or go for painting it a completely different color- something bold to serve as an accent in your living room. This again may involve a coat of primer and a particular paint. Think of it as another opportunity to consult and get chatty with you local paint store.

You can even get down to the nifty gritty details and start to create some art projects. Re-paint some old art frames, to make them punch out in your home design. Try painting a vase, or a decorative platter.

So, as you can see the power of paint goes far beyond walls. Whether you’re in need of some affordable and relatively quick home staging tricks before a resale, or if you just want to do some improvements that won’t break the bank and consume all of your time, get to know paint and its true potential.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/color-power-unlocking-the-true-potential-of-paint-471618.html

About the Author:

Illustrated Properties is a Jupiter FL real estate company with professional, effective services to help you succeed in the local market. Visit TedSoldIt.com for information on neighborhoods and home listings, and to get in touch with an expert Jupiter real estate agent.

House painting with life time warranted paint certainly offers some benefits that go beyond the capabilities of a 25 year paint. However, are you really getting the endurance you believe you are getting. I am frequently asked by my customers if I believe they should use a life time paint, and I usually respond by telling them that it depends on what their expectations are.

The first thing you need to consider is: what are your expectations from life time paint? Are your expectations realistic?

Paint manufacturers love to sell you on the idea of life time paint. It’s good business for them. It’s certainly easy for you to fall for this seemingly incredible warranty, considering the cost of having your house painted these days, but are you getting what you believe you’re getting.

There are 4 basic reasons you will need to repaint your home.

1. The paint you have now is faded and looks tired and dingy. 2. The caulked joints of your home have separated allowing water enter.

3. There are places where the paint is peeling.

4. You decide you are tired of the old color and want to change it.

Let’s take a closer look at these four reasons in relation to life time paint.

The truth is, life time warranted paints fade with exposure to sun light and weather, so if you are expecting it to look fresh 25 years from now, then you have been misled. First, you need to read the warranty of the life time paint. Most warrantees state that they cover excessive fading. Notice this does not mean “no fading”. It reads the same as a lesser grade paint. Life time warranted paints lose their clarity in color over time. Now your back to the 1st reason you needed to paint to begin with. Yes, it will maintain its fresh look longer than a lesser grade paint, but not a lot longer.

Paint really doesn’t play a role in caulk separation. Caulked joints separate due to expansion and contraction of the materials that constitute your home. Life time warranted paints can’t stop this movement; therefore, reason number 2 will still be in play if you paint with life time warranted paint.

For reason number 3 you have a clear advantage with some life time paints. Some life time paints are up to 70 percent ticker and have a greater ability to stretch. When it comes to peeling substrate, this is important, because a paint that is 70 percent thicker and more flexible will make it much harder for the underlying paint to peel and release. Most warranties do not cover inner layer peeling, however, most life time paints do give a limited warranty against peeling. It is possible that the inner layers of paint are so compromised that the problem extends beyond the capabilities of life time paint. This is especially true if the wood on the house wasn’t primed before the top coat was applied when the house was built.

Check the specification of the paint carefully. Some life time paints are not thicker than 25 year paints, therefore can’t offer the same protection as the thicker life time brands when it comes to peeling.

How many people want to live with the same color on their house for the rest of their life? I haven’t met anyone yet that could say they did, and I have been in this business for over 25 years. The truth is most people like change. The fresh new look of color change is important to most folks.

The strongest reason for using life time paints really may have nothing to do with the points listed above. It may have to do more with the fact you are planning to change the color.

Life time paints can save you money.

If you are planning on changing the colors of your home you may want to consider using the life time warranted paints. They can actually save you money, even though they cost nearly double the price of 25 year paint.

Consider this: If your planning to change colors, you probably will need two coats of paint, which will cost you an extra 60 to 70 percent on average. Often you will be able to cover with one coat using a life time paint because it is a thicker paint. The difference between the cost of using one coat of life time paints and two coats of 25 year paint is going to be between 1,200 and 1,400 dollars. That’s considerable savings.

Most manufacturers of life time warranted paints are counting on the average person moving every 6 to 8 years. The warranty is non transferable. If you do stay in the home long enough and make a claim on the paint, they will prorate any refund on the paint only, but not the labor.

About the Author:

“>http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd”> Nicky Taylor CEO of http://www.home-painting-services.com Visit our web site where we provide more information on home improvement and house painting topics..

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - House Painting Tips - Do Life Time Paints Really Last?

Home Improvement 101 - Painting Tips

How To Paint Home Painting Tips

Color is used to influence how the size of the room feels

The desired Effect

Your Color Choice

Expand space? Use cool, light, or dull colors; minimal contrasts

Shrink space? Include warm, dark, or bright colors; maximum contrasts

Lower ceiling? Try warm colors and dark tones

Raise ceiling? Use cool colors and light tints

Shorten room? Best to use warm or dark colors

Lengthen room? Cool, light, or dull colors; limited contrasts

Hide an undesirable feature? Surrounding color

Tip: Prime Mistake With 5 coats of paint on the wall a person asked his paint supply store why he couldn’t cover the stains on the wall. ” Did you prime” he was asked? “Yes - I used some leftover latex from the garage”. It was explained that latex paint isn’t primer. Primer provides bonding and stain blocking. Paint provides durability and color. Both are needed for a good job. Original “Kiltz” primer dries quickly and has been found to be one of the most stain blockers. Stain Blockers absorb instead of covering up the stain - so be sure the primer is completely dry to prevent bleed through.

Tip: Don’t like the Dust from sanding drywall Mud? Use a drywall wet-sander (Sponge with abrasive on one side) . With a damp sponge - use the coarse side for sanding and the fine side for smoothing. Wood Window painted shut? Try applying the paint to the window and the sash in separate processes. It is recommended to remove the sash when possible. Use a utility knife or sash knife to cut the paint before opening the window.

Tip: Break Time? Place Brush or roller in a plastic bag.

Break Time overnight? Double Bag and place in your refrigerator.

Tip: Painting a large area like a entire home? Sprayer Rentals are available for minimal $.

Tip: Paint Roller extension handle. It extends and is adjustable.

Brushes and Rollers

Selecting the right brushes and rollers is a crucial step in making your paint jobs look better while helping you to do your work more easily and efficiently.

Brushes : So many sizes and styles - How Do I Choose?

Like anything in life knowledge is they key. If you are like myself this might seem like too much information. However - It is the little things that make the work go smoothly. Much of what has been learned here has been learned the hard way. I will try to share with you what has been learned from my mistakes along with tips from painters and the help of Sherwin-williams.

A paint brush is an ideal choice when painting trim, corners and small areas. Also, a specialty paint brush should be used for projects like painting furniture, decks and railings.

When selecting a brush, you will want to consider the following :

Bristle Type -

Nylon and polyester bristle: These synthetic materials are designed to hold their shape with todays popular latex paints. A good quality nylon and polyester blended brush is the best choice for all latex paints and coatings. Many painters prefer a synthetic brush for oil coatings as well.

Natural China bristle:High-quality natural China bristle brushes have qualities that control oil-based coatings for better flow and leveling for the smoothest finish. A natural China bristle brush is the best choice for oil-based paints, stains and varnishes

Brush Styles:

Angle sash: Bristles are precisely trimmed at an angle that allows painters to hold the brush more comfortably while painting trim and corners. Brush ends are rounded for a smooth , gradual paint stroke.

Trim:

Trim brushes have a straight cut-line and are also used for painting trim and corners. They can also be used for larger areas. Some painters prefer a straight edge versus an angled cut. Trim brushes also have rounded ends.

Wall: A wall brush is a larger brush with a straight cut-line. It is better used for larger areas like walls or side paneling. A wall brush has square ends.

Brush Size : Personal preference is always a factor in choosing a brush width, but a good rule of thumb is For small spaces, tight trim areas, touch-ups and detail work 2 1/2 to 3 inches: For any trim and corner work 4 to 5 inches: For larger areas like walls or side paneling a roller may come in handy or use a good Brush Quality.

You made it this far! You are incredible! Thanks for reading - really hope this helps.

Better brushes bring better results.

High Production Brushes: These brushes are recommended for painters looking for superior paint pick-up and release. High Production brushes deliver great results in less time. They pick-up and release more than 25 percent more paint than any other brush on the market. High Production brushes are available in a nylon/polyester blend for latex coatings and in a white China/polyester blend for oil-based coatings.

Nylon/Polyester and 100% Nylon Brushes:

A specific blend of nylon and polyester filaments make this brush a fine finishing tool that is very durable and easy to clean. The white nylon tips are precisely flagged and tapered for a sharp cut-line. These characteristics have made this line the most popular choice for latex paints for the past 15 years. Although nylon is a soft material, it is also the strongest and most expensive material in a paint brush. 100 percent nylon brushes offer extreme durability, even when used on rough or abrasive surfaces. 100 percent nylon brushes are finished using several hand-trimming steps to create a superior cut-in paint brush.

Black and White China Bristle Brushes:

By nature, Black China bristle is stronger and thicker coarse hair, which makes it the perfect bristle to use with oil-based paints and epoxies. The highest quality Black China bristles available are used in the Contractor Series line. White China bristle, by contrast, is soft and thin. A white China bristle brush is the perfect tool for stain, varnishes, polyurethanes and clear coatings. It lays these topcoats on with a glass-smooth finish. White China bristle brushes are suitable for oil-based paints if a softer flex tool is desired.

Black China / Ox Hair Blend Brushes: Ox hair is extremely fine and soft, creating an exceptional tool for fine finish work.

Roller Covers: Rollers help you paint large, flat surfaces in much less time than a brush. They are also excellent for use on all walls, stucco, concrete or any other flat surface.

Here are some options to consider when purchasing a roller cover:

Roller Cover Materials:

Nylon/polyester:

Synthetic roller covers are ideal for applying latex paints, They resist matting and hold their shape for a smooth finish.

Natural fiber covers: Roller covers that are made from natural fiber include mohair and lambs wool. They are ideal for oil-based coatings.

Blended covers: Roller covers made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibers are excellent multipurpose covers and can be used with all paints.

Roller Length: Standard roller length is nine inches.

For smaller areas, a four-inch or seven-inch roller cover. Larger area - walls & floors, 14-inch & 18-inch rollers may increase productivity.

Pile Depth : Roller covers vary in nap length.

The nap is determined by the SuRfaCe TeXtUrE to be painted.

1/4-inch, 3/16-inch: For very smooth surfaces like metal doors and plaster. 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch: For smooth and semi-smooth surfaces like drywall. 3/4-inch: For semi-rough surfaces like wood or a textured ceiling. 1-inch, 1 1/4-inch: For rough surfaces like stucco or a heavily textured ceiling. 1 1/2-inch: For extremely rough surfaces like concrete block.

Roller Quality As with brushes, the initial extra investment in higher quality rollers and covers will pay off in the final look and ease of application. Lesser quality roller covers may leave streaks or nap fibers on the painted surface.

Polyester Knit: Specially formulated for today is latex coatings. The highly crimped fibers offer the best protection against matting. Soft Woven: Rivals polyester knit in popularity. Recommended for both latex and oil coatings, they do a fine job with gloss and semi-glass coatings. Wool/Polyester Knit: Fifty percent of the roller cover fiber is natural wool, which allows for greater paint pick up and delivery. Fifty percent is polyester, which helps the roller keep its shape during prolonged use. The blend results in an excellent balance of productivity and low matting. Merino Sheepskin: Pick up and release more paint than any other roller cover. Many painters use Merino Sheepskin exclusively for any type of coating, claiming it lasts a long time with proper care. Mohair: Features a blend of soft natural angora mohair with synthetic fibers to produce the smoothest finish possible with a roller cover. Recommended for use with gloss and high gloss coatings. Brushes & Rollers Portions of above material was edited material from Paint Supplier http://www.sherwin-williams.com/

Tip: Painting Straight Lines is one of the hardest things to master. A Painting Edger may be used. When this edger is used two problems often occur. Bumps of Ceiling Texture are hit making a crooked line or paint gets on the edge of the roller. To prevent both of these problems place a painters metal shield or a straight trowel with tape over the edge against the ceiling. Your roller now rolls freely and if paint was on the roller it will go onto your trowel instead of the ceiling! (Stiff Paper or thin cardboard may substitute the trowel)

Tip 2: Using tape instead of the above method. Place the tape down the wall one eighth of an inch. When the tape is removed it will look like a caulk line and will not be noticed! If the paint is on the ceiling however It stands out! Remember to remove the tape immediately. Painter Friendly Tape is very deceitful. Seven Day tape should really stay on Seven minutes. One day is the max for any tape.

There are periods when to dare, is the highest wisdom. William Ellery Channing

By all means, do not say, If I can; Say, I will. Abraham Lincoln

You may wear out, but never give up.

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Home Improvement 101 - Painting Tips

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Home Improvement 101 - Painting Tips

Painting is one of the most commonly due to renovation or restore. It gives a new look at home without making any changes to its structure. Although many people like to makeup their house on their own, it is advisable to rent a Painting contractor for the task. A Painting is not just to create you the perfect completion, but also gives you the good professional services.

A team of expert painters would never compromise on product property and will ever be the good getable on the market. Manufacturing an skilled Painting is also a fact that you can not ignore any of it. They speculate it their responsibility to take care of insurance and liability cover for the work they tackle. And last but not least they quote competitive prices for the assign. Not too high for commerce and not lose too low, which reflects a compromise on the attribute of work.

When selecting your paint expert, there are whatever steps you should keep in mind. First and foremost you must be asking to your require for this painter of colour, square foot / meter area to coat, time within which you must accomplish the work and so on. It is also your responsibility to obtain an estimate for the plan, making sure it is fermentable that as actual in terms of quality of paint, he goes to use the amount of paint required and the expenditure work. The acknowledgment should ideally also the terms for payment. And the paint job that you should ideally include environmental protection and cleansing at full occupation.

A Painting contractor executing the program in a more expert way that gives better results than any do-it-yourself work. A Painting of what stuff would be foremost for the climate and weather in your area. In addition, the paint is well aware of market developments. In accession, a Painting work party to act the whole project within fraction of time period that you have quoted to Painting your home alone. Thus, the economy of time!

The brush you want

choose the paint well and release? How well it holds and releases paint will performdifference in the time it takes to complete your house-painting project. The end of hair varies from one producer to other. Some actually split the advice of silk with a method of sanding. It makes a difference in the way it holds the paintbrush and the way that the paint spreads.

If you push, pull or splashing and flinging paint, you lack capable controls. A good quality brush will be a long way in preventing these problems. Do you require to of course a fine or arrival? A soft end filament, which has a much finely finished edge, will produce a smoother finish. Other grant: it will decrease the amount of turns you have to soak the brush.

You must study this type of paint you may use the brush you in. In usual, you can use nylon latex paint and China Bristle for just the Painting . Even if it is nylon polyester mix brushes on the mart that can be utilised in both latex and oil, I believe you are better to use the China Bristle for oil Painting . Solvents to wash oil paint from your brush do not seem to affect China Bristle brushes. However, solvents will affect the quality of nylon bristles in time. Also I experience that oil paint brushes cleans silks from China in lower time than nylon.

One ending tip I would mention is this: a Painting of time and quality of finish is really significant. Numerous entrepreneurs have the paint industry presence on the Internet. Think free to seek through their sites to the read of their different services. Interact with their representatives and discuss the requirements clearly.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/important-factors-while-choosing-a-painting-service-799879.html

About the Author:

If you are looking for a painting contractor then visit progressive painting services website.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is perhaps one of the most debated things in the history of the world. It’s not because it’s particularly difficult, or even demanding, but because everyone has done this at least once. Everybody has their own opinion as to how things should be done, and Lately, I have had the privilege of painting several rooms, which has been a rewarding, if not occasionally frustrating endeavor. Since I have done this, and spent plenty of time in the paint shop talking with some pros, I feel at least moderately qualified to give you instruction. Oh, I also made a ton of mistakes, and picked up a few handy tricks along the way.

So, without further ado, let’s get to the instructions. The first thing you will need to do: Shop for supplies. There are a ton of things you will find over in the paint section of your home improvement store. Fancy gadgets abound there, and while it might be great to have a specialized tool for edging the inside corner of a wall, chances are, you will not need it. You will need a few basic supplies to get started:

1-2 drop cloths: The ones with paper on one side, and plastic on the other are very easy to manage

1 good roller with 2-3 good quality roller covers: Good rollers with smooth rolling action cost around 8 bucks. Don’t cheap out here.

1 paint tray with plastic inserts: Paint tray inserts cost around $0.70 each, and will save you quite a bit of scrubbing. Once you are done with them, they are easily disposed of. Trash ‘em, and put in a brand new insert.

2-3 quality brushes in widths from 1-3″: Good brushes are expensive, but you can get a package for around $18 that contains 3-4 brushes at a discount. Purdy and Wooster are two excellent brands. These will be used for trim and detail work.

1-2 rolls of painter’s tape: There is some surprisingly bad news on this front. The blue tape that you always see touted as painter’s tape is far too sticky, and can rip the paint off the wall. It also allows paint to bleed through, and mar an otherwise freshly painted wall. We learned this the hard way while painting the trim. There is a much better tape available, called “Green Frog”. This tape peels off without taking the paint with it, or allowing nearly as much bleed through. It’s about $10 for 300 feet. It will be worth the $3 premium you pay, and will keep you from a world of annoyance.

1 small can of vinyl spackle, and a cheap, plastic spackling knife: You will need these to fill in various holes in your wall, along with minor dents. Anything more, and you may be looking at minor sheetrock repair.

1 pack of 120 grit sandpaper: You will be using this to rough up the surfaces, and sand down any mounds of material left over after spackling.

These are the supplies you need to apply the paint. In addition, we need to talk about the dirtiest part of painting: Getting rid of the previous color. This will be done through the application of a primer/sealant. If you skip this step, you are asking for trouble. The main problem lies in the fact that the old color will affect the tint of the new color. That’s all well and good, if you like a little “lime green” in your “linen white” wall. Otherwise, follow the next few steps I am giving you to the letter.

First, remove all your outlet and lightswitch covers. Then, go through, and fill any holes you find in your wall with spackle. Let that junk dry for an 2-3 hours. Come back and sand it down, along with any other rough or raised spots on your wall. Then, coat the wall with primer. While the most popular brand is Kilz, you will find that the best coverage comes from a brand call Bullzeye 1-2-3. If I am not mistaken, it is manufactured by a company named “Ziff”. You may need 1-2 coats of primer to fully neutralize the former color. If you are painting the trim a different color, go ahead and prime it at the same time you are doing the walls. You will need to wait a couple hours between each coat of primer.

Now, it is time to apply your paint. Chances are, you may already have your paint selected. If so, there is no advice I can give, because you are stuck with the stuff. If you have not yet selected it, I urge you to go down and buy paint from your local Benjamin Moore store. While Lowe’s and Home Depot’s paint regularly win Consumer Reports’ choice for best paint, these paints are not judged by what matters to a professional. If you read the forums as much as I did before making my purchase, you will find that Ben Moore will always come out on top. Its coverage is unsurpassed, as is its ability to self-level and give you an even coat. I used it for my entire house. You will pay twice what you pay for a gallon of Lowe’s paint, but you will get nearly double the coverage, and a much more colorfast paint once it cures. That’s my two cents.

Since I have now stepped down off my soapbox, I will now get back to the painting. Open your paint using a flathead screwdriver, and then mix it thoroughly until each stir produces a consistent color. Pour it into the tray containing the insert. Now, take a 1.5-2″ brush, and paint next to the molding, and along the baseboard, in the same color that you will be doing the wall in. This is called “cutting in”. Once you have done this, it’s time that you begin rolling the wall.

Put the roller cover on the roller, and move it back and forth in the paint, until the entire cover is saturated with paint. The tray will usually have bumps on the side nearest you. Roll it over these to make sure the roller is not oversaturated. Then, paint a giant “V” on the wall. Use consecutive strokes of the roller to fill in-between the V for coverage. Do this for the remainder of the room. Let it dry for 2-3 hours, until it is fully dry to the touch around the entire room. If you see any drips or runs that have dried, take this time to briskly and lightly sand them until flat. Examine the coat for any thin coverage or any inconsistencies in color. Recoat it as necessary. I like to do 2 coats of paint, just to make sure everything looks even. Wait at least 4-5 hours, and once again make sure it is dry to the touch everywhere in the room. The longer wait time is due to the fact that you will be applying tape to the surface next.

Now that your walls are fully dry, apply tape flush next to your molding and baseboards. Watch out for any miniscule gaps or wrinkles in the tape. For manageability, I suggest breaking the tape off every 4 feet or so. Any longer than this, and it becomes hard to keep the length of the tape flush against the moulding. Take some primer, and go over any spots that you may have accidentally painted with the wall color. Let it dry. Then, paint the trim. You should probably be using a semi-gloss for this. I would also recommend 2 coats for the molding as well. As soon as you finish painting the second coat, get your tape off the wall. If you don’t, you have a far greater chance of trim paint bleeding onto your wall.

Think you are finished? Wrong. When you pull the tape off, there will inevitably be small smears of the trim color that invade your primary wall cover. This is not a problem. Just take a small, cheap, 3/4″ inch artist’s brush from any Wal-Mart, and use it to paint over any minor mistakes. Force it lightly behind the the molding if you would like to sharpen the line between the wall and trim. This slightly tedious, but this method will give you the most professional results possible.

In addition to slight messes on the wall, you will inevitably get some paint on your carpet, hardwood floor, or linoleum. This can be fixed in a matter of minutes. Just get some nail polish remover with acetone, and apply a liberal amount to the spot(unless it is hardwood floor, then just put a little on a rag, and apply directly to the affected area). Scrub it vigorously, and the paint will come right up. It will not take the color out of your carpet. I know, because I had quite a bit of cleanup to do myself. Clean your brush out by soaking it in warm, soapy water for a bit, and then rinse it out underneath your faucet. If you take care of the brush properly, it will last you for many years to come.

Now that I have you started, I’ve got to go. There are a few more rooms that need my attention, and I don’t want to miss out on the fun. Good luck.

About the Author:
Kurt Hartman is Head of Employee Training at Mobile Fleet Service, Inc. They sell otr tires to the mining, construction, and heavy equipment communities. Head on over to http://www.buybigtires.com to hear more of what Kurt has to say.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How to Paint a Room