Monday, November 29, 2010

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. 

    Monday, November 22, 2010

    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


    Monday, November 15, 2010

    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 .   

      


    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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    Thursday, November 11, 2010

    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.


    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.

    Thursday, November 4, 2010

    Decorating On A Budget

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

    • 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. 

    Monday, November 1, 2010

    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.