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.