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.