Painting Tips from our Professionals
DIY PAINTING TIPS from Belisaire Painting professionals in the Lehigh Valley
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FINDING YOUR TRUE COLORS
Once applied, the paint color may look a little different than it appeared on the small sample paper in the store. To avoid disappointment and extra work, buy only a quart of the color you want to use and paint it on a foam board. Place the painted board in different spots in a room to see how natural and artificial lighting affects the color.
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HOW MUCH PAINT TO BUY
We recommend one gallon for every 400 square feet. Textured, rough, or unprimed surfaces may require more.
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OIL AND WATER DON’T MIX
Never apply latex, or water-based paint on an oil finish and vice versa. If you’re not sure which type of paint is already on a surface, apply some rubbing alcohol to a dry white cloth and rub it on the surface or wall. If the paint softens and transfers to the cloth, it is water-based latex.
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ECO-FRIENDLY PAINT
Some types of paint can release small amounts of toxic gas into the air for years after it has been applied. Choose paint with low VOCs - these are often identified with a green seal. Ask Belisaire Painting about “green painting” products for your home or business.
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GENERAL WALL PREP
Probably one of the most important parts of the painting process is prepping the surfaces.
You should prepare the walls before painting. Preparing walls is as important as applying paint.
If you don't prepare your walls properly, you may end up with holes and rough spots.
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Here are some things you can do to prepare your walls:
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Clean: Use a mixture of lukewarm water and mild soap to remove dust, cobwebs, grime, and stains. You can also use a diluted solution of baking soda and vinegar or watered-down dishwashing liquid.
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Sand: Use sandpaper and a block to gently sand down any places you've filled and any woodwork you'll be painting.
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Repair: Use putty to repair any holes.
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Prime: Apply primer and allow it to dry. Primer helps treat the surface before applying a topcoat. It also acts as a sealer for porous surfaces.
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Paint: Apply two coats of paint.
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Here are some other things you can do before painting:
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Dust first with a towel or vacuum with a brush attachment
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Remove any paint chips or old paint that's bubbled using a scraper and sandpaper
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Gently sand over any surfaces you've repaired
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What to Expect from our
Belisaire Painting professionals:
Estimates:
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ASK FOR AN ESTIMATE FOR PAINTING SERVICES?
Following our on-site consultation and discussion of your painting project, Belisaire Painting Inc. provides a printed estimate that includes all materials and labor, pricing
and work specifications.
Timeline:
HOW LONG AFTER THE ESTIMATE DOES PAINTING BEGIN?
Work begins anywhere from 1- 3 weeks following the estimate, once color selections and work specifications have been confirmed and the work contract has been signed.
The Paint:
WHAT TYPE OF PAINT DO YOU USE?
Our experienced painters work with recognized suppliers including Sherwin-Williams, Behr, Benjamin Moore, and other reputable companies. Belisaire Painting can also recommend a variety of low-fume, eco-friendly products.
Repairs:
CAN BELISAIRE PAINTING INC. ALSO REPAIR MY DRYWALL OR ROTTEN WOOD?
Our prep work before painting includes repairs for holes and cracks. Belisaire Painting Inc. offers a variety of additional maintenance services for commercial or residential properties in the Lehigh Valley region.
Application:
DOES BELISAIRE PAINTING INC. APPLY PAINT WITH A BRUSH, ROLLER OR SPRAY?
Each painting project is different, and we use whichever tools are best for each job. Typically, we use brushes and rollers. Some specialty jobs may require a spray for a high-quality finish.
Estimates:
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR PAINTING ONCE I HAVE SIGNED A CONTRACT?
Belisaire Painting prep service includes the protection and removal of furniture. We ask that you remove fragile items such as pictures, glass items, and electronic devices.
Our licensed and insured team works closely with clients to keep your family and property safe.