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.