Tis the Year to Volunteer

As a painting company, we work in different cities and neighborhoods throughout the state.  We see families and individuals in need of assistance. Whether you belong to a volunteer organization like the LIONS CLUB, KIWANIS CLUB, and ROTARY CLUB or volunteer through a local church, school, or community group---just do it. 


Your contribution might be donating to a local food bank, serving at a soup kitchen, helping at a local library, an after school reading program, delivering food, shoveling walks, painting or fixing up residential areas.  


Your heart will be lighter and you will see the world in a new light.  Giving of yourself to lift another lifts you and makes your community a better place.

Seely Painting, Inc. 

Painting Basements

 Winter is a perfect time to complete interior projects because you are not distracted by exterior improvement projects. This week we will be working on an 1800 square foot basement project.  It includes a family room,  bathroom and bedrooms.


Here is a summary of the steps to paint and complete this project.

• Prime all bare wood trim surfaces.  Use a white lacquer sanding sealer.  Sealing the wood before painting is important.   If you don't the grain of the wood will raise when you paint it.
• Make sure you have proper ventilation and wear a respirator mask.  Open windows,  doors, and use fans to keep air from outside circulating.   
• Allow the primer to dry then lightly sand the surface.
• Caulk and putty the nail holes.
• Prime the sheet rock wall and ceiling surfaces with a flat sheet rock sealer, PVA, or a flat wall paint.  
• Allow the primer to dry then lightly pole sand the walls and ceiling surfaces. Use 150 grit sandpaper. 
• Prime the interior wood surfaces with a flat wall paint.   
• Lightly sand the doors with sanding sponges.  Use a fine or medium grit sand sponges.
• Dust and vacuum all areas and surfaces.   This is to prevent the sanding dust from getting in the final coat.
• Apply the final coat of paint.
• Choose colors that will complement you decor.  Give special consideration to the colors you choose for your basement because you will be in a darker enclosed area.  There are many color options that will help your basement be bright and cheerful.   Check with a quality paint store or interior decorator to help you make these choices.   Some paint stores have  decorators on site to help you with these choice.   And the best part there is no cost to you for their services.

Seely Painting, Inc. 

 

How to Finish Stairs

Stairs can be the center focal point of your home-- Whether it is the banister and railing, the spindles, or the stairs, their beauty can increased with just a few careful steps.  

• Sand all wood surfaces to remove black marks and imperfections.
• Clean surface with a tac rag or vacuum to remove sanding dust.
• Apply a pre stain conditioner over all surfaces to be finished. 
• Apply  stain  color to all wood surfaces.
•  Apply one coat of varnish or lacquer over stained area
• Lightly sand all surfaces and clean up sawdust with a tac rag
• Apply a finish coat of lacquer or varnish  which can be brushed or sprayed.

Stay off the stairs until they are totally dry.

Staining a Fence

Staining  fences will increase the value of your property whether commercial or residential.   Fences can be stained in the winter months as long as the temperature is 40 degrees and the weather clear for the day.  Make sure you paint when there is no wind.  Here are some basic steps for staining a fence.

• Repair any damaged areas: i.e., replace boards and tighten loose panels.
• Protect any surrounding areas and mow strips with plastic or boards so the stain won't damage them.
• Mix the stain thoroughly so that the colorant is in the stain and not at the bottom.
• Make sure the pump is primed and the end is completely submerged in the paint. Don't let the pump run out of material.
  
• Wear protective a mask when spraying.
• Know how to use the pump safely. Keep the wand and spray gun from pointing at anything  but the fence to be painted.
• Make sure other people are not behind you  or where the over spray can get them.
• Spray  upper part of the back side  of the fence in a horizontal motion first
• Spray the lower part of the back side second.  Make sure that the mow strip, grass, or other ground surface is covered.
• Use a roller on an extension pole to roll the stain into the wood.  This helps the wood absorb the stain.
• Spray the right side of the fence a vertical sweeping motion.  Spray back over it horizontally.
  

•  Back roll the fence while the stain is still wet.

Clean up any over spray immediately with water or thinner. 


If you have questions, contact a quality paint store, or give us a call. 

Seely Painting, Inc. 

Painting Interior Trim

Interior trim and baseboards can touched up for the holidays by a light sanding on the entire surface.  This will remove any grease or dirt.  Sanding will also rough up the surface (after dusting the surface) a finished coat can be applied.  Dents in the wood   can be filled with spot filler.  It is sold by Kwal Paint Stores. Ask for it by that name.  Imperfections repaired with spot filler will need to be filled sealed  and primed before painting the final coat.   

Here is the procedure to follow:

• Mask the baseboards off with 1 1/2 inch masking tape.  Put the  tape on the floor or carpet.
• Tuck it close to the base board so that no paint will get on the carpet or floor surface.  Use a 3" putty knife to tuck the tape in tightly.
• Lightly sand the baseboard with a medium sanding sponge or 150 grit sandpaper.  
• Dust the surfaces to remove the wood shavings.
• Dents  in the wood can be repaired with spot filler.
• Let the spot filler dry and lightly sand the surface.
• Dust any residue off the surface.
• Seal the spot filler with a spray can of lacquer sanding sealer or brush with an oil base Kiltz primer.
• Apply the final coat of paint.
• Let the paint dry before removing the tape. 
• Score the tape with a knife next to the baseboard before pulling the tape.  This will leave a clean  finished line so that any excess paint that has dripped on to the take will rip paint off the painted surface.
• If you get paint on the floor or carpet whether wet or dry, take rubbing alcohol and a rag and gently wipe the paint off.

If you have any questions, give us a call. 

Seely Painting, Inc. 

Sandblasting Metal Railings

How do you sandblast metal railings?

If you are sandblasting a large area and several railings, it  is worth the time and money to hire a professional.  Hiring someone who knows the safety procedures and well as how to the operate the machine is worth the price.  Usually, they will cost about $100 per day. 

Here are some tips to consider when doing your own sandblasting.

• Rent the sandblaster from a reputable rental company who can explain operational and safety procedures. Sometimes the company will deliver it  to the job site and get the machine set up.
• Rent a machine that is at least 4000 p.s.i.  Anything less would not have enough pressure to do the job.
• Wear safety goggles and gloves.
• Don't point the wand at anyone or anything.   It is not a fun toy.  It can cause serious injury   or death.
• Use silica sand that is 5.0 or  a lower grit.
• Clean up the area and allow the railings to dry completely.
• Prime and  paint with a finish coat. 

There are some paints that have the primer and paint together.  Only one application is needed to finish the project if you use an all in one paint.  Be sure to check at a quality paint store to get the best brand.   There are imitation at some stores that don't do what do what they promise .   

Seely Painting, Inc. 

  

Latext Paint Not Sticking to a Wood Handrail.

Questions about handrails and banisters have been frequent this week.   Here are a few of the questions and the answers.


Why isn't the latex paint sticking to my wood handrail?


The handrail could be painted with an oil base paint, or a clear coat sealant such as lacquer or varnish.   Here's what we suggest to correct the problem.

• Brush or spray on a stain killer called "Kiltz."
• Allow the Kiltz to dry.
• Lightly sand and the surface
• Apply the finish coat of paint.
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Preparing the Paint

Preparing paint for use will guarantee a finish coat with a smooth  texture, free of lumps and contaminants.  This is particularly useful if the paint has been sitting for a while or is old paint.
Even new paint from a store should be strained.

Here is a summary of the steps for 
preparing your paint. 

• Stir the paint thoroughly.
  

• Box the paint.

• Strain the paint.

For a more detailed description of the steps check out our "Preparing Paint for Use" on our website.

Seely Painting, Inc.

Painting Exteriors in the Winter

It is possible to paint exterior surfaces in the winter.   

• Paint between 10 a.m and 3 p.m.

• The temperature should about 40 degrees F.
• If pressure washing a wood or metal surface, make sure it is totally dry.  It should dry  at least overnight or longer.
• If you are using an oil base paint, there shouldn't be a problem with the temperature.  If you are using a latex paint, make sure it is formulated for use in low temperature.   Read the label.   A quality paint store  carries  latex or acrylic paints that can used in low temperatures.

• Allow enough time (days) to complete your projects before inclement weather.  You can paint when the sky is overcast and cloudy.   

Be sure to say thank you to all the veterans you know.   We are grateful for their selfless service.

Seely Painting, Inc. 

Decorating On A Budget

Decorate on a budget by using  color.  Here are a few ideas for interior painting color schemes.

• Touching up with on-site color matching.  Freshen a room by painting and touching up  the damaged area. It can be repaired and repainted by matching the original color. 

• On-site color matching allows the room to be fixed without repainting the whole room.  This will save on painting costs, but still revitalize the room.   

•   Accent a wall.  Paint one wall a contrasting color and leave the remaining walls the same. One-site color matching will help create that custom color that will harmonize with the other walls.     

• Two-tone color scheme.  Repaint a room using one color and painting the casings a lighter color. This will give your room a decorator look without the decorator cost.

Use the decorator services of your local reputable quality paint store.  Some stores even have decorating services online for you to experiment with. Sometimes they have an in store decorator who can help ideas.  This way your get the services you need without the cost.  

Seely Painting, Inc. 

Painting Handrails

Here is a basic procedure when painting wood handrails:

• Lightly sand the hand rail surface to smooth out any wood imperfections and to prepare the surface for primer.
•  Dust or wipe the wood shavings off the railing and away from the are to prevent the savings from getting in your  primer coat.
• Prime the hand rail with an oil base primer .  Using a latex primer will raise the wood grain.  Allow the primer to dry.
• Lightly sand between coats.
• Dust and clean wood shavings and saw dust to prevent them from getting in the paint on your final coat.

• Apply an oil base finish coat and allow it to dry.   Using a latex paint will not hold up to the wear on a hand rail.

If you have any questions be sure to call us or a quality paint store.

Seely Painting, Inc. 

Refinishing & Woodgraining Ideas

Last week a question was asked "Do you refinish doors?   All I see on your website are pictures of wood grained doors." 
   
Yes, we  refinish doors.   There is a sample of a refinished door under the "Portfolio" tab on our website.  An exciting idea is that any wood, metal, or fiberglass door or cabinet or  exterior shutters  can be refinished to look like the wood grained doors you see in our portfolio.   

One of the elements used in refinishing and wood graining is  custom on-site  color matching.  Standard colors and stains can be used but the advantage of a on site color match is that it will bring out the distinct colors in your interior or exterior decor. 

You may be hesitant about custom color matching because if you need to  match or redo a wall,  an exact match is not possible.

Thanks to modern technology, you can take a sample of your touch up paint to a quality paint store.  They have a computer that can match the colors used in the paint sample and print out the formula used by the painter.

The advantage of having an artistic custom painter is if you can imagine it,  it can be created.  

Seely Painting, Inc. 

How to Paint Metal Railings and Bannisters

Wrought iron railings add beauty to any setting.  Metal railings last longer than wood because they do  not  deteriorate as quickly.  Maintaining the metal requires  a little more if they are white or another color.  If the color is black, rust is not the problem as it is on other colors.  Here are the basic steps for painting metal railings.

• Sandblast or sand all of the railings and rungs.    Sandblasting areas that are large; for example, large apartment complexes or commercial buildings.    Hand sand  small areas such as private residences.  Sanding sponges can be used.  The sanding will get rid of the rust.
• Put on a primer that is a rust inhibitor. 
• Paint with a final coat of paint made for metal 

Seely Painting, Inc.

 

Where to Buy Painting Supplies

We are often asked the question, "What do you mean by a quality paint store?"  

A quality paint store is one that specializes in painting products.  Because it is a paint store,  it will have resources and a knowledgeable staff to answer your questions.   They can recommend the best product for you project.  As a quality store, they are up-to-date on the latest products.  They can recommend painters who will do the work for you, or other knowledgeable individuals who can answer your questions.  If there is a problem with a product failing, they can contact their paint representative to research the problem.  

Discount, large chain stores, and hometown hardware stores certainly have their place.  Everyone is looking for the best price and a bargain.  There are knowledgeable people in these stores.

Depending on the supplies you are buying, you often get better prices on some things.  But for special projects, a paint store can be the best place for information.

 Paying a little higher price for quality product and knowledgeable staff to answer questions will make a "do-it-yourself" project a rewarding project.

Seely Painting, Inc. 

How Do You Woodgrain?

Wood graining is a faux finish.   People watch in amazement as a dented door that looks like it has been through a war is turned into a beautiful masterpiece. The question most often asked is "How do you do that?"   There is no grand secret.   Mostly  time, patience, and imagination will get the process started.

If you are interested in trying your hand at the process or just curious about how it is done, here is a summary.

Graining a wood, metal or fiberglass door  requires six to eight different steps of shading and color.

• Repairing the damaged areas that are dented or  blistered.
• Caulking and bondo are used to fill dents and imperfections.
• Undercoatings of different colors are brushed on.
• Graining is then hand drawn.
• Sealant is then applied.

It is best to start with small projects so you 're not overwhelmed with the process.

There are many books and websites that can help you along in the process.  If nothing else, a greater appreciation for this art  will be gained by trying your hand at this process.

If you need help or are interested in a larger project, give us a call.   Take a look at our website  to look at the possibilities.

Preparing & Staining Wood Banisters & Railings

Wood banisters and handrails can be the interior show piece of your home.   Preparation is the key to a beautiful look. 

• Lightly sand the railings and posts to remove rough surfaces.
• Dust and clear away saw dust using a duster or tac cloth.
• Apply an oil base coat of wood sealer and let dry thoroughly.
• Apply an oil base stain and allow to dry 24 hours.
• Apply a coat of lacquer or varnish and allow it to dry thoroughly.
• Fill nail holes with matched color putty.   Make sure the putty is matched to the stain.  A beautiful stain job can be ruined by little spots of mismatched putty sticking out all over your banister and railing. Apply thin coats and allow to dry.  
• Sand lightly and apply second coat of putty on any nail holes that have shrunk as they were drying.

• Sand lightly posts, railings and rough putty holes. Clear away the dust so wood particles won't get in the final clear coat.

• Apply final coat of lacquer or varnish 

If you have questions call us or a quality paint store.   It is better to ask questions before than ruin a beautiful wood banister.  

Garage Door Preparation

As a follow up to the post of September 17, 2010, "Painting a Garage Door Like a Professional" be sure to clean the door surface (wood, fiberglass, metal, or steel) before painting.   If the door was painted before, find out the type of paint or primer that was used.

• If the door is wood,  lightly sand the surface.   An oil base paint can be put on top of a  of an oil primer or latex primer.  Latex paint cannot be put on top of an oil based primer. Acrylic paint can be put on top of  an oil base primer.

• If the door is fiberglass, metal, or steel, make sure the surface is clean.  Oily residue will cause the  the undercoat to fail and blister.   Wash the door and allow it to dry completely.    If necessary, use a stripper on the door to remove old paint.   Check with your quality paint store or qualified painter to ask the type of stripper to us.    Even experienced painters ask the paint stores and paint representatives for the best products to use.   If using a stripper,  power wash the surface after  to remove  residue.
• Allow the door to dry completely before priming or painting.

The preparation seems like a lot of work, but it pays off because you have a surface ready for paint.  Nothing is more
discouraging than painting a door and having it fail.

Seely Painting, Inc. 

Preparing Cabinets For Paint

A picture is worth a thousand words.    In the last post  we outlined a procedure to get your cabinets ready to paint.   Here are a few pictures showing how spot putty is used to correct the damaged area of the cabinets.   Remember:

• Mask and over the counter top and areas that need to be protected. Typically, this is a brown masking paper or clear plastic sheeting.  These supplies can be purchased at a quality paint store.
• Sand the cabinets lightly to remove the dirt and grim that has collected.  Or the cabinets surface  can be washed to remove the dirt.  If you sand, be sure to use a tack cloth to wipe up the dust.  A tack cloth is a cheese cloth with a tacky surface that dust will stick to leaving the surface clean. The putty and primer will adhere better  to the surface that is clean.
• Spot putty the damaged areas and allow to dry.   Apply thin skim coats each time.  And all them to dry thoroughly.  Drying only takes about 15 to 20 minutes.  Then lightly sand it is  until smooth.   Apply another skim coat, allow to dry, then sand.   Follow the same procedure until the damaged area is smooth.    This is usually three coats, but may be more depending on the damaged areas you need to fill. 
• If you apply a heavy coat of spot putty, it will crack as it dries.   You will end up sanding off the cracked portion.  
• Apply the primer and allow it to dry thoroughly.  
• Sand it lightly and remove the sanding dust with a tack rag or brush it away with a duster brush.  If the sanding dust is not removed, the final paint coat will be gritty and it will be necessary to sand it and apply another final coat  over a smooth surface.

 Here are a few pictures showing what the process looks like.   This owner wanted dark cabinets painted.   A similar preparation process  would be used  for woodgraining.

Spot putty has been applied in to damaged areas of cabinet in preparation

of priming and applying a   final coat of paint.

 A paint sprayer was used to apply  the primer to these cabinets

because of the extensiveness of the project.-----And a professional
painter was  doing the work.

We suggest you brush the primer and final coat by hand.  Unless you are familiar with using a  paint sprayer your project can be frustrating learning to use and control the sprayer.

A paint sprayer --painting gun--is not a toy.  Always point the gun towards the ground away from any individual or body part.  If paint is injected into the body serious physical harm
and possible death can occur. 
 

These  primed cabinet are ready for the final coat.

Painting Cabinets Creates a New Look

Fixing cabinet surfaces can be less expensive than buying and installing new ones.   Whether deciding to paint the cabinet surfaces a solid color or wood graining them to create a new look, the work and effort is worth the time invested.  


Any cabinet surface can be wood grained  to bring out the original look of the cabinet.  The cabinet color can be changed to match  new or existing decor.

• The surfaces  should be lightly sanded. 
• Then spot putty should be used to cover the imperfections. 
•  After the spot putty dries, it should be sanded until smooth.   
• Two or three spot putty applications may be required to cover the spot completely

•  The spots should be sanded after each fill.  
• A special primer is then put on the surface and allowed to dry. 

• The primer is lightly sanded before the final coat is applied.  One or two final coats may be needed, depending the color and type of paint used.   

This is  a basic outline procedure of how to fix, change, or repair cabinet surfaces.   Be sure to check with a quality paint store or call a qualified painter if you have questions. 

Seely Painting, Inc. 

Painting A Garage Door Like A Professional

 Painting or woodgraining  a garage door yourself is huge commitment. The beauty and value it adds to your home is worth the effort.  Matching the front door, shutters, trim, or exterior will make your home a show place. On site color matching might be the answer to match the  existing color of your exterior surface, roof, or shutters.  


Do your homework and have the color ready.   Test it  in an inconspicuous place.  A quality paint store can recommend  the right kind of exterior paint, tools, masking supplies, and clear sealant.  For a quality job, plan your work in steps.  Planning ahead will reduce frustration and disappointment.  Realize that a quality paint job requires three or four working days.

• Make sure you know what material the door is made of--fiberglass, metal, or wood.  Different surfaces require different paint and preparation.
• Clean the surfaces before you start and allow them to dry thoroughly. 
• Mask and drop off the area below the door to protect the cement.  
• Repair any damaged surfaces on the wood trim or the door surface with a spot putty.
• Allow the repaired surface to dry then lightly sand.  It may take two to three spot applications before the dents or damaged areas are smooth enough. 
• Prime the damaged areas.
• Apply a primer or undercoat on the door, working in sections.
• Allow it to dry thoroughly.
• Apply the final coat and allow it to dry.
• Apply a clear sealant to add durability to your paint job.

This is only a summary of the steps necessary to paint a garage door.  Be sure to check with a quality paint store or call a painter for more information. 


Some "how to paint a garage door" articles indicate you can do a door in a short amount of time.  The objective and reason for painting the door determines the amount of time put into the project.  Repainting for a quick cover up maintenance will require less time.  Painting the door to make your home like a show  piece will require a more time.   The best part is you get to determine the objective and the end result.    And if painting a garage door seems like too much effort,  give us a call!

Seely Painting, Inc. 

Increase Your Door's Beauty

Metal frames around doors add durability to the framing structure.   When you have an expensive wood door,  painting the metal frame a solid color distracts from its beauty.   To showcase the door,  we suggest wood graining the  door frame to match.   The frame can be grained with the colors of your door and/or exterior.   The frame also can be wood grained to match the exact grain of the wood. 


An example of this is shown in the frames that match expensive knotty  alderwood doors in an exclusive Park City condominium.   The contractor wanted the doors to be the main focus without the distraction of the metal.    By woodgraining the frames, the focus remained on the doors.  The grained frames added the to beauty of the doors.  


Woodgraining the metal frame to match a building's exterior and the door's colors adds  visual beauty.   The door  seems larger because the matching metal frames don't define the door size.   The same principle applies when woodgraining a metal door.   The  door frame can be grained to match the grain of the metal doors.    


Wood casings can be woodgrained to match a door.  Sometimes the wood casing is a different wood than the door.   The casing takes the stain differently.   By woodgraining and color matching the stain used on the frame, the casing will not be a distraction.


Not every  painter or painting contractor  can wood grain a door to look authentic.   It takes someone who can match colors on site.   By mixing colors on site, the match will be more exact. 
Make sure your painter  is a knowledgeable artist with experience.  

Seely Painting, Inc. 

When to Use Laquer or Varnish

Lacquer is used for interior cabinets, handrails, entertainment centers, tables, chairs,  and ceilings that have wood surfaces.   Lacquer is a quick drying finish.  Manufacturers use it as a finish because it is quick drying.   If water puddles on a lacquered surface, it will eat right through the finish.   Avoid skin contact and flush immediately with water.    Use in a well ventilated area.  Follow the directions and precautions on the container.


Varnish such as spar varnish is a slow drying finish.   It requires 24 hours to dry.  That is why it is an excellent sealant for exterior doors and surfaces exposed to the elements.  Doors should have two, and preferably three coats as a finish.   Be sure to allow a full 24 hours  drying time between coats.   Varnish can be used for interior surfaces such as cabinets, chairs, entertainment centers, chair rails, hand rails and wood banisters.  It is resistant to water.  Avoid skin contact.  If it gets on the skin,  flush immediately with water.  Use only in a well ventilated area.   Follow the directions and precautions listed on the  container.

Seely Painting, Inc. 

Renewing and Finishing Decks

Refinishing your deck with bring new life to the wood.  A new stain and sealant will revitalize the deck and preserve the wood.

• Be sure to power wash the  off to loosen any dirt and immediately apply a brightner while the deck is still wet.   This will bring the wood back to a new wood look.  Be sure to follow the instructions on the can. Let the wood dry over night. 
•  After the wood is dry apply a light sanding to remove any any rough edges.   

• Then apply two coats of stain. Allow time for the stain to dry between coats.   The wood often absorbs the first coat because it is so dry.   
• Then apply a clear sealant.    

Be sure to use quality products and not those from a discount store.   Discount products may save money at first , but you end up paying more  because you'll have to do the deck more often. 


 Check out the products we like to use on our website.  

Seely Painting, Inc.        

    

Increase Your Homes Value With Exterior Color Matching

The color of  a building's exterior makes viewing it a pleasant experience.   Exteriors that are not color coordinated create irritating feelings. 

First think of a building where the colors are not pleasing and your resistant feeling to enter the building.    Then think of a building where the colors matched or coordinated.  Entering this building was a pleasant experience. 

Regardless of the building materials, on-site color matching can create  colors that will enhance your home or building's beauty. 

 For example, wood additions,  trim, or decks can be coordinated with brick, stucco, or vinyl siding. A contrasting color can be created for doors and trim painted a solid color  that will harmonize with the roof  or exterior building color.   

If the exterior brick has multiple colors in it,  a color can be matched to one of the specks. 

On-site color matching is advantageous because the colors will be custom and create the exact look you want.    

Seely Painting, Inc. 

Increase Your Homes Value With A Wood Grained Door

Nothing is more beautiful than a wooden door to enhance your home and increase its value.   The only draw back is the price of a wooden door.   Doors start at a minimum price of $400. 


An alternative to this is to use a faux wood grained door. Whether it is a metal or fiberglass door your home can be changed from an ordinary painted entrance door to an extraordinary door. 


With on-site color matching , the door can be made to match your home's exterior.  A wood grained entrance door.  will show piece your home.   Just as no two real wood doors are alike, every wood grained door is different because every door is a work of art.

Seely Painting, Inc.