Failing Paint---Check the Rain Gutters

When a specific spot on a fascia or sofit  fails and the rest of the fascia is good, look for external problems.   We had paint company representatives go to a job site to determine why the paint was failing in an area.  Upon further investigation by the representative, fall leaves and twigs  were found plugging the down spout. It is possible that the  water couldn't get down the drain spout. If  water had frozen in the top of  spout, it couldn't drain.  The only place the water could go was under the wood of the fascia or soffit.   There might be other reasons, but this is one possible explanation why the paint failed. 
  
Any problem of failing paint on one specific area could also apply to other areas of failing paint.  We have seen paint fail and blister on window seals.
Sometimes the problem is water seeping, or it might be the direction the home is facing in the summer.  

Seely Painting, Inc. 

Painting Guarantees

When a paint job is failing on an exterior, look for possible causes. An example of a problem might be  a portion of a fascia is blistering and nowhere else on the fascia paint is blistering.  Because no other areas on the fascia were failing, there is probably another external cause.   There might be  water seeping under the surface.  Until you know the real problem of the paint failure, painting again would result in failure.

If you have a good painter, the he should  guarantee the work for a year and be willing to take care of any problems.  If he doesn't know why the paint is failing, he will contract other experts who deal in siding, metal gutters, or paint composition.  If we don't know the answer, we ask a company representative to look at a problem and give an opinion. Often the paint problem cannot be properly assessed until the representative looks at the problem on site. The paint company should also guarantee the paint for a certain numbers of years.

When painting old siding, call a professional painter or your quality paint representative.  A qualified painter will contact a paint representative if he is working with unfamiliar surfaces. Special preparations might be  necessary to help your paint adhere better.   Sometimes no special preparation is necessary. 

Be sure to keep any touch up paint so that unforeseen paint problems can be remedied.

If you have a painting problem, don't be afraid that ask for help at your quality paint store.

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. 

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 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.