Steel & Metal Door Preparation

This week we received a request to woodgrain a steel door.   Much like the commercial doors we did  for the Presbyterian Church in Logan,Utah, this door will be color matched to the interior cherry wood finish.  This door will be much easier because the interior crash bar will be removed for the woodgraining process.  This steel door is solid--no custom windows

 

Custom Steel Doors of the 

Presbyterian Church,

Logan, UT

Single Steel Door to be Woodgrained.

The woodgraining process is basically the same for interior or exterior doors. However, there are always unexpected challenges in painting or woodgraining a door.   It takes two or three days to finish the doors, depending on  the weather or application process.

Door Preparation

•  Door hinges  and other parts that cannot be removed will be masked with masking tape and paper.

• Any dents or imperfections will be covered by a thin coat of Bondo.
• The bondo will be allowed to dry then lightly sanded.
• Several thin coats will be applied until the imperfections are smooth.
• The sanding dust will be brushed off and cleaned off with a dust tac cloth.

Undercoating

• Several coats of undercoats will be applied to match the light and dark colors of the cherry wood.

Final Coat

• A final color coat will be made and the grain will be hand drawn. 
• A clear coat sealant will be added to add durability to the door. 

Seely Painting, Inc.

Redecorate Your Home

Every day we review blog statistics to see how many people are viewing our blog.   This weekend we noticed a definite drop. Considering the weather, the economy, and  world events, it was easy to find the reason.   Who wants to read a computer blog about how to paint when you can watch a prince and princess get married. There are many things that can make you feel good about life; i.e., a warm shower, a paycheck, a new paint job, or a royal wedding.  The statics are proof that there are times when the world prefers a princess rather than a painter.

Eventually even a princess will 
need a painter  to 
redecorate her home on a budget.  
Whether  a commoner or member of
 a prestigious family, your dwelling 
should reflect your personal tastes.
There are several ways a home can be redecorated.

•  Repaint the ceilings
• Woodgrain or marbleize the doors
• Color match the paint to the  furnishings
• Refinish the kitchen cabinets
• Refinish the handrails and stairs
• Fix and repaint the exterior
• Staining the deck

Choosing a painter

Sometimes we are asked the question, "How do  I choose a good painter?  Why should I choose a licensed painting contractor?"   Here are some insights.

House painters are a dime- a- dozen.   When the economy is struggling, people try their hand at anything to  survive and make money.  The great thing about painting is that you can learn on the job.   Home owners can find a great deal of satisfaction in doing their own painting projects.   Doing painting projects yourself can save money if you are willing to put in the time.   Not every project needs a painting contractor.  There are some projects, however, when a licensed painting contractor is worth the money. If the it is big project or is a project 
 you don't know how to do, get a professional. 

Check out his references and qualifications before you invest financially.

Why Choose a Licensed Painting Contractor?

• Licensed painting contractors are regulated by the state. Passing a state test is required before a license is issued.  Every state has its own requirements.
• License renewal is required every two or three years, along with proof of courses on techniques and business law.

Most state tests require knowledge in the following areas.

•  Reading and interpreting construction codes and regulations
•  Health department regulations
•  Appropriate building codes
•  Trade materials, tools, equipment and methods 
•  Surface preparation 
•  Problems  and prevention
•  Color
•  Business management principles
•  International Building Code and current state amendments
•  Code of Federal Regulations or  OSHA

Choosing a licensed painting contractor is for your own protection.  With a licensed painting contractor, your projects are most likely to turn out right.   If there is a problem, the contractor will know to find resolutions. If there is a problem with the contractor's work, the state can investigate and take appropriate action.  How do you know if your painter is licensed?

• Ask for license information
• Check your State Department of Commerce and Licensing Division.
• Ask if the license is issued under the contractor's name or the company's name.
• Check your local Better Business Bureau.

This is only a summary of qualifications that licensed painting contractors have to know.   Always investigate about your painter before you make a financial commitment.   Get two or three bids to make sure you know the price is in the ball park; not too low or too high.

Seely Painting, Inc.

Every Project Is A Work of Art

Our company's favorite saying is "Every project is a work art."   Our original company logo  a shows a painter holding an artist's palette with colors and a paint brush.  Our new logo  still shows the painter with an artist's pallet.  Every project we do is a work of art because we love to create beauty.  

One dictionary defines art as "The conscious production
or arrangement of. . . colors . . .  or other elements

 in a manner that affects the sense of beauty."

For us painting is not just putting a medium on  four walls, a cabinet or a door.  We look at the whole project with an artistic eye for colors to match, compliment, or enhance the surroundings.   If the color you need does not exist, we create it on the job site.

When choosing colors for your own projects, remember to choose colors that will contrast, compliment, and create the look you want.  Use the free decorating service of  quality paint stores, on-line articles, and libraries to help you create the look that expresses your personality.   

Consider your needs when you look for a qualified painter. 
Hiring a painter to paint rental unit  a standard color is different than hiring a painter who has experience with custom colors in a home.

Here are some pointers to consider.  

• Personal Qualifications
• Experience
• Reputation
• References

If you are  repainting a rental unit or a home
that is being sold, you won't have the same decorating needs. You still will want warm neutral colors appeal to a prospective home buyer or renter.

If you are painting your personal home or business,  choose colors that will enhance the area, a place where you will want to spend time.

Seely Painting, Inc. 

The Favorite Blog of March

We asked blog readers to let us know which blog article was their favorite.   "Preparing & Staining Wood Banisters"
received the most reviews.   Thank you for letting us know that you enjoyed reading about staining your banister.  

Seely Painting, Inc. 

How to Finish and Stain New Bare Wood Banisters

Today I received a call from an individual wanting to know how to  prepare and stain a brand new bare wood banister   These are the steps.

• First lightly sand all surface areas with a medium coarse sponge sander.
• Dust the sanding dust off and use a tac rag to wipe off an remaining dust. 
• Apply a pre stain which can be purchased at Sherwin Williams, or Kwal Painting companies.  Each company is part of a national chain so they can be found in almost every state.
• Stain an inconspicuous area to make sure that is the color you want.  If you have extra pieces or sample pieces of  wood from the banister, use those first.
• Apply the oil stain color you want. With an oil base stain you have more to time to brush it  or rag it on evenly.   Brush it on and wipe of the excess.
• Do not use a water base stain because it will cause the wood grain to raise.
• Allow the oil base stain dry over night.  
• Don’t  sand the banister after stain coat dries because that will remove the stain.
• Apply a first finish coat of interior oil varnish-non-yellowing 
• Allow it to dry 24 hours between coat.  
• Lightly sand after the first coat of varnish with a fine sponge sander.  Use a tac rag to remove the sanding dust.  

• Apply the last finish coat and let it dry.  

If you have questions, give us a call  
Seely Painting, Inc. 801.636.1918 

or go to your quality paint store.

Wood Graining A Door

Wood graining your doors is a great way to 
add beauty to your home without having 
to purchase a new door.
These pictures will help explain 
how we wood grain doors.

This picture shows how to cover the dents and imperfections with Bondo.* Be sure to use light skim coats. Let the bond dry. Lightly sand it.  If needed, use several slight skim coats to build up the dent until it is smooth.   If you use heavy skim coats the coat will crack.  Be sure to lightly sand after every coat.

This picture shows applying a light undercoat to 
the door and casing. Several under coats of 
different colors are applied.

Each undercoat is allowed to dry before 

applying the next coat.  

This picture shows the dark 
over coating around the casing.

In this picture the final dark over coat is applied 
to the door.   The wood  graining is done by hand.
A final clear sealant coat 
was used to cover the wood graining
and protect the door.


You might enjoy reading our blog post "How to Woodgrain." 

*Bondo is an all purpose body putty by 3M Company.  Be sure to read and follow the directions on the can, or ask your quality paint store for instructions on its use.

This post is only a summary of how we woodgrain.  Be sure to consult your painting professional or quality paint store for directions,

Seely Painting, Inc. 

 

 

Adequate Ventilation When Painting

This is a followup on some cautions for painting a basement.   

• Make sure you have adequate ventilation when using a sealing varnish or lacquer for wood trim, handrails, etc.   Make sure you open doors and windows if possible,  use fans to keep the air circulating.   
• Wear a mask or respirator  
• If you feel woozy, light headed, or sick,   get outside where you can get fresh air. 

Breathing the fumes is very dangerous.   They can cause permanent health damages.   

• Adequate ventilation is necessary when using any type of painting material.

Latex and acrylic based paints have very little odor.   Make sure that you always have ventilation when you paint a basements or enclosed areas.

Seely Painting, Inc. 

Refinishing & Painting A Ceiling

This week we will refinish and paint a 20 foot ceiling that is approximately 120 square feet.  The owner is remodeling the whole house so we are starting on the ceiling first.    The ceiling is made of slats that have been  stained a walnut color with a lacquer finish.   He wants a high gloss white painted over the stained slats.

 Home Preparation

• Use a twelve- foot  scaffolding with two planks and wheels.
• Mask and cover the walls with plastic
• Cover the floor with plastic and drop cloths

Ceiling Preparation

• Spray  the  ceiling with  latex primer specifically made to go over lacquer.
• Allow the ceiling to dry for a day. 

Painting

• Spray the ceiling with a high gloss white latex finish.

 Safety

It is important to have the proper equipment and helpers when attempting a project such as this.

Safety should be your first priority.   Don't skip the safety precautions just to save a few extra hours. It is important to have the proper equipment and helpers when attempting a project such as this.

• Always use a spraying mask  and goggles to protect your mouth, nose, and eyes.    
• Helpers and extremely import to have to avoid life threatening accidents.  
• Make sure your spraying equipment is in good working order. 

 

• A paint sprayer --painting gun--is not a toy.  Always point the gun towards the ground away from any individual or body part.  If paint is injected into the body serious physical harm
  and possible death can occur. 
    
• Take your time with a project this size.  Rest when you are tired.   Accidents happen when you are exhausted.

Other Considerations

Be sure to compare the costs and risks of doing it yourself or hiring a professional to do a project this side.   Always ask a quality paint consultant for the best products to use when working with different materials.  

 

The Best Blog for March

We want to know which blog article you liked by participating in a short survey.   This will let us know how we're doing and if we're meeting your needs.   Below are the four posts you 
can vote on this month.

1. Preparing & Staining Wood Banisters
2. Latex Paint Not Sticking To a Wood Handrail
   
3. Painting Handrails
   
4. Preparing Cabinets for Paint

After looking at the blog articles, go to our website and vote.   

Thank you.  

If you have any comments, let us know by e-mail us at painterseely@yahoo.com

We love to paint and it shows.