How to Paint a Garage

This week an acquaintance talked with me about building shelves in his garage to take care of the clutter.  He said the sheet rock in his garage had never been painted. 

Leaving your garage sheet rock unsealed and  unpainted leads to deterioration of the paper and plaster in the wall board.    Over time the sheet rock paper will turn yellow and the plaster will crumble.    Here are the steps to stop that deterioration.

• Prime the yellowed sheet rock with oil based  Kiltz.   This is a stain killer that will stop the yellowing paper from bleeding through the paint. 
• Apply any  exterior latex or oil finish paint over the Kiltz. 

• If the sheet rock has not turned yellow, you can seal the wallboard with a latex based exterior primer.  

• The finished coat can be an exterior latex or oil based paint. 

Seely Painting, Inc.

Sanding is the Secret!

Most people don't realize that sanding 

is important when doing a painting, 
refinishing, or restaining project.

Sanding is the little secret that  adds 

the finishing touch. 

Choosing the right sandpaper for 
your project is important. 

   

Here are a few pointers to help you 
choose the right sandpaper

• Choosing a coarse sandpaper that is too coarse will damage and scratch the wood. 
• Choosing a paper that is to fine will be a  futile exercise in elbow grease.

• The higher the number, the finer the grit.   
• The lower the number, the coarser the grit. 

 For interior projects such as doors, walls,  
banisters, and cabinets, the most commonly 
used sandpapers are 150 and 120 grit.

 They  produce the best finish. 

When doing exterior products fences, decks, 
wood trim on your house, doors and casing,  
 50 grit is a good choice.
 Any coarser grit would damage your wood.  

If you have any questions, gives us a call or ask at your quality paint store. 

Seely Painting, Inc. 

How to Paint an Exterior Wood Door

When painting a new or existing wood door, 

the preparation is as follows.

• Sand the enter door with 150 grit sandpaper. 
• Dust off with a duster or tack rag.
• Prime all the bare wood spots with an oil base primer.  If the door is new, then you prime the whole door.
• Let the primer dry.
• Apply a spot putty to any imperfections.
• Sand a second time with 120 grit sandpaper.
• Dust off the sanding dust.
• Apply a first coat of quality exterior latex paint.
• Allow the paint to dry.
• Sand a third time with 120 grit sandpaper.
• Dust off the sanding dust.

• Apply the second and final finish coat of latex paint .

When choosing a solid color for your wood door, 

consider color matching the door to 

exterior brick,  facia, or stucco. You will be amazed how color matching to dresses up and adds to the beauty of your home.

Wood Cabinet Preparation

This week we are refinishing kitchen cabinets.   A family member decided to help by filling in the nail holes and other imperfections with a so called stainable wood putty.

Unfortunately, the  wood putty is not stainable.  We spent extra preparation time digging out the putty and sanding instead of preparing the cabinet surfaces.    What the home owner should have used was a product that is called color putty.  There is a difference between 
spot putty, wood putty, and color putty.

• Spot putty is an automotive dent filler that can be used on wood We use this product where caulking or spackle will not fill small imperfections.

• Wood putty is made made of wood filler.  It simulates the look of wood and is not stainable.  A  stain cannot be used on it  because it will  not match your project.
• Color putty can be purchased in stores but only a few standard colors are available.

Before you start a project, ask a 
professional painter 

or a quality paint store. 

Seely Painting, Inc. 

Painting A Water Damaged Ceiling

This week we repainted a stained ceiling in a main floor bathroom. The stain was caused by water damage.  The stain was about 12 inches in diameter.   The damage was caused by frozen pipes in an second story bedroom.   This is the procedure we did to repair the stain.

• A stain killer was sprayed over the stain.  It was a quick-dry oil primer. The stain killer was sprayed  from a can.    The ceiling was a smooth wall texture,  so an existing texture did not have to be matched.
• Two finished coats of latex flat paint were applied.   The paint had been color matched to the original ceiling paint.  The finished coats were applied to the stained area and feathered into the existing paint.

A 2 1/2 inch latex brush was used to  apply the two finish coats of paint.  Be sure to allow about three to four hours of drying time between the coats.

By color matching the ceiling paint, repainting the whole ceiling was unnecessary. Time and money were saved. 

Seely Painting, Inc. 

How to Finish Metal or Fiberglass Doors

Sometimes we are asked the question 
"How should I  finish my metal or fiberglass door?  
Should I paint it or  woodgrain it?"  
It's really a matter of personal preference.   
If you are satisfied with a single color door, 
then try a custom matched color.  

You will be amazed at what color can do to 
improve you surroundings and bring 
warmth, harmony and continuity 

to your living space.  A good painter should be able to reproduce what every  look you can want; 
whether the door is 
metal, wood, or fiberglass.

Why woodgrain a metal door?

• A depth and richness will be added to your door at a minimal cost.
• The door can be matched and coordinated with colors to match your exterior.
• Each side of the door (interior and exterior) can be a different color.
• Do something fun for yourself and your home.

Seely Painting, Inc.

Bathroom, Hall, Kitchen Repaint

This week we are painting a bathroom, hallway, and kitchen.  In doing this remodel, we are making a custom color to match the  bathroom tile, vanity and fixtures.  This custom color will be used in the hallway and kitchen to give  the home a feeling of continuity.  A continuous wall color throughout the living area will create an warm and spacious feeling. 

This is the procedure we will use to create an inviting atmosphere.

• A custom color will be made for the bathroom and hall using one gallon of an earth tone color and two gallons of white eggshell.  The main color is being lightened  because it was too dark. 
• The ceiling color will be 25 percent of the wall formula color.

• The same formula with be used for the kitchen, except it will be lightened.  This particular kitchen needs more light.
• The casings and doors will be stained to match the existing kitchen cabinets.  
• The existing metal doors (a bathroom and the outside kitchen door) will be wood grained to match the kitchen cabinets. 
• The new wood doors that will be stained and finished to match the kitchen cabinets.   

Seely Painting, Inc.

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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