Monday, January 28, 2013

Creative House Painting Ideas For You


There are many things that make it really difficult for people to paint their own houses; one of those is that a lot of them just can’t decide what color would be right for the house. Some of you might ask if you should stick to one color in all walls of the house or if you should mix and match whatever you could in your house. With this, this is a venue for you of for who you are hiring to be creative, this is when you can make use of some house painting ideas.

Since there is so much to choose from, it would be quite difficult for you to end up with ideas on how you could creatively paint your house. Considering that, here are some tips and details you might consider taking a look at when painting your house.

Think Of A Theme

One approach that you could take when painting your house is to think of a theme, which is if you like it, you can have all walls and colors in your house jive together. With this, it does not necessarily mean that your house should just have one color in all angles, you can have different colors but have them share a certain shade such as earth colors, neon colors or plain colors. Whatever it is that you choose, make sure you are comfortable with it.

Some people actually take this too extreme. There was once a person who was a Star Trek addict that decked his whole house of Star Trek stuff. The inside of his house would look like a Star Trek museum or one of those spaceships you see on the show. It is not necessary that you go to that standard; having a simple hint of a theme is good enough if you prefer it.

Mix And Match

When it comes to painting your house, there are actually no rules involved. So if you are that type of person who would like to see different things all in one angle, you can mix and match different colors in your house. Not only do these look good, it actually adds more excitement to your house. Having a healthy mix of colors around you can make you feel better while you are in it.

However, you have to be careful when doing this. Having too many colors that are either too bright or too dark could be stressful, and could look ugly too. When doing this, it is advised that you seek the help of an expert. If you insist doing this yourself, be careful in choosing the colors.

Artwork On The Walls

If you really want it, you can actually have creative designs on your wall. If you are the artsy type, you can do this yourself but if you are not, you can still have this. Some professional painters and interior designers would actually offer this service. Just be careful not to overdo this.

It is recommended that you have the patterns or whatever it is that you choose only to be at some parts of the house and not everywhere. This house painting idea is best suited with the mix and match idea. Also be careful not to have too much of this, try to pick patterns that are simple. 

Whichever approach you would take, just make sure that you are comfortable with it.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Dealing With Paint Issues In House Painting


House painting would require a lot of your time, effort and a few bucks but most of all, what it really requires is already in the name itself, that of which is paint. When it comes to house painting, paint is really a big issue, this is because you have so much options that makes it already quite difficult for your to know what you really need.

With how business is, we can’t really blame them. Everyone who sells a product would always look for that competitive edge even when it comes to paint. So when you are painting your house, you should know what different types of paints to choose from and how they would really work for each area of your house.

Dealing With Other Things First

While you would of course have to paint your house first, a very important thing you should do, so important that you should never skip this is to look for holes or cracks on your wall. You should first fix this by adding putty which would come in fiberglass or plaster to the area and only adding the paint once it is dry. This is because when having a new layer of paint, you want your house to look as new as possible. Having unfixed holes and cracks does not meet this purpose.

If the area of which you are about to repaint is made of wood and it needs some repairing, it is best that you replace the whole area. Get a contractor to repair that area for you. Wood is very sensitive compared to other materials, if one would get termites the other parts of your house which are made of wood could also be affected later, thus you should fix this immediately.

Choosing The Type Of Paint – Durable Paints

You should choose the type of paint according to what would suit best to the area of which you would apply it to and where the paint would look good on that area.

For a natural grained look or for woodwork, varnish is best used. The glossy and hard appearance of varnish would not only make parts that are made up of wood look better but it can actually protect those parts from moisture.

For areas that people use the most in the house such as the kitchen and the bathroom, you would be needing a tough type, that is alkyd. This is recommended for such areas because of its durability and because it is easy to wash.

One of the most commonly used types of paint is acrylic. Because of its toughness and the variety of glosses available, this would be used for some as an all around paint.

Other Types Of Paint

While the paints mentioned above would be ideal to those areas, the ones that will be used on most parts of the house would not be any of those above.

Latex is a water based paint of which you can use straight out of the can. The only thing here is it is not as durable as the other option, although it is generally cheaper.

The more recommended type of paint you can use are the oil-based ones. Although they are generally more expensive, you could end up actually saving more since they last longer. There is also a whole lot of glosses to choose from when it comes to this type.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Handy House Painting Tips You Can Use


House painting is not a very difficult task however, if it is your first time or if you still find it difficult, you can use some of these tips. The reason why a lot of people would find house painting hard is because it is a skill and thus, it would require experience. With that, the things that you will learn from experience are provided for you in this article.

When painting your house, you have to take note that different approaches and materials would be needed for different parts of the house. Different types of paint are to be used on cement, wooden walls and those parts that are most commonly exposed to moisture such as the kitchen or the bathroom. To let you know what those are, here are some of them.

Painting Wood

Wood is one of the parts of the house of which you would have to maintain often, since it is the one that is the least strong and the one that wears out easily. With this, you would have to paint it with something that would preserve its durability. When doing this, some people would start of by applying a protective layer of protective material such as primer before applying another layer of paint.

What is important here is that the wood that you will paint must be in good condition, double check for termite holes and cracks. If the wood is quite old, then you would need to have that part of the house replaced. Having wood of poor quality defeats the purpose of repainting it, which is to restore that part of the house to it’s former glory.

Painting Cement

Most of the parts of your house, especially the walls are most likely made of cement. With that, you will have to take a few steps in repainting your wall. First of all, you must clean it. That is, clean the whole and make sure that the area that you will paint will be free of dust or any visible amounts of dirt. After that, check for cracks and holes that are in the wall. If you spot any, fill them with your preferred filler. Fillers usually come in fiberglass or plaster.

Wait for the filler to dry then after that, smooth the edges with sandpaper. Take note of other irregularities on the wall and make sure to also smooth them out. After this is done, you are now ready to apply the paint. Some people would still apply a layer of protective material and you can also do so if you prefer it.

Other Details

After you have painted the ceilings and the walls, you are now ready to paint the door and window frames, cabinets and doors. The first approach is quite similar to how you would paint other parts of the house. You must first check for any irregularities such as holes and cracks. For doors and cabinets, check the hinges and make sure that these objects are fully functional before you apply paint. You would not want to have something that you cannot use later painted.

If the small cabinets would later start cracking or having holes in it, you can cover that area with your preferred filler, smooth it and use spray paint of the same color of the whole cabinet to repaint the damaged area. There is no need to have the whole area painted.

With these house painting tips, painting your house should be much easier.

Monday, January 7, 2013

A Quick House Painting Guide You Can Use

Everyone who lives in a house would be concerned about house painting at a certain point of time. This is because the paint is one of the most noticeable features of a house and with that; responsible owners have to take care of it. The thing is that, a lot of owners don’t actually know how to deal with issues regarding house paint.

If you fall in that category, you don’t really have to worry much. But since it is so, here is a quick house painting guide that will give you some important details that you have to learn about house painting.

Two Approaches

When you want your house painted, you can either hire someone to do it for you or you can do it yourself. Both approaches will ultimately get your house painted but if you want the best quality of work as much as possible, it is advised that you hire someone to do it for you. Be aware that if you hire someone to do the job for you, this can cost you up to four times as much as if you do it yourself.

If you have the luxury of time and are willing to give the effort, you can do it yourself. This job however is quite hard; this would take a lot of your time and would leave you always tired at the end of the day. The good thing about this is you can save a lot of money, since you won’t have to pay for expensive labor charges of which house painters would charge you for.

Choosing Colors

Yes it is your house and with that, some people would think that they could put whatever color they could in whatever part of the house they want it to be. However, if you do this you might even get disappointed. Choosing colors is one of the toughest parts of house painting, since you have a whole lot to choose from. 

In choosing colors, you can either mix and match colors or go with colors that follow a certain scheme. If you are doubtful about this, better yet hire the help of an expert. Only start painting if and only if you are already sure of the colors that you choose. You don’t want to paint now and start all over again later if you get disappointed with the results.

Small Details

Yes we know that we have to paint the walls, closets and ceilings but what we don’t pay much attention to is the small details, which are also supposed to have the right colors. These small details include the door frames, moldings and window frames and if they have the right color, they can boost the overall beauty of your house.

In choosing colors for small details, they would have to compliment whatever other colors there are in the room of which they will be placed. It would look odd if the colors do not go together.

Small details may really look small but in reality, they are really important. The impact they have on the house is way more that how people think about it so it is very important that you make it look good just as much as the larger details.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Flood CWF-UV Clear Wood Finish


CWF-UV is a clear wood finish that’s designed to restore the rich, warm appearance of natural wood. CWF-UV protects against damage caused by moisture and ultraviolet rays, and provides a mildew-resistant finish that won’t crack, peel or flake.

BASIC USES
• For exterior use only
• Weathered exterior woods including Cedar, Redwood and Pressure-Treated Wood
• Horizontal and vertical surfaces such as decks, siding, fences and furniture

SURFACE PREPARATION
GENERAL DIRECTIONS:
1. Surfaces must be thoroughly clean, dry and free of dirt, grease, grime, mildew and previous coatings.
2. Remove mildew with a solution of 4 ounces of non-ammoniated detergent (TSP), 1 quart of outdoor bleach and 3 quarts of fresh water. Allow this solution to remain on the surface for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
3. Clean weathered wood with Flood Wood or Cleaner Flood Dekswood®.
4. Remove old finishes with Flood Wood Stripper or FloodPro® Stripper/Cleaner.
5. After cleaning, allow wood to dry 48 hours or until it has reached a moisture content of 15% or less before finishing.

NEW WOOD SURFACES:
New wood surfaces have a hard shiny surface called mill glaze that prevents maximum penetration and bonding of a finish. To properly prepare the surface for application, treat with a solution of Flood Wood Stripper, diluted one quart per gallon of water. Test wood for absorbency by sprinkling water on the surface. If water is absorbed rapidly, the surface is ready for finishing.

WEATHERED WOOD SURFACES:
Uncoated wood surfaces that have weathered longer than six months require thorough cleaning before applying a finish. Use Flood Wood Cleaner® or Flood Dekswood® (according to label instructions), along with a pressure washer or stiff bristle brush to remove the loose fiber, dirt and other surface contaminants.

PREVIOUSLY COATED SURFACES:
Apply to bare wood surface or a weathered wood surface that was previously finished with CWF-UV. Other previous stain, varnish or sealers must be completely and thoroughly removed with Flood Wood Stripper or FloodPro® Stripper/Cleaner per label directions, before proceeding.
NOTE: Cedar and Redwood may darken with Flood Wood Stripper or FloodPro Stripper/Cleaner. If this occurs brighten with Flood Wood Cleaner or Flood Dekswood before proceeding.

APPLICATION TOOLS
• Brush: High quality, synthetic stain brush
• Roller: Synthetic, woven cover 3/8”-3/4 “ inch
• Spray: Air-Less sprayer .017 - .021 fluid tip/ 1800-2100 psi or less

APPLICATION
CAUTION: Surfaces are slippery when wet. Use caution when walking on wet surfaces during application.
1. Stir. Use as is, do not thin.
2. Mix thoroughly before and periodically during application.
3. For color uniformity, intermix in one container, all finish to be used on
an entire section.
4. Cover everything you do not wish to coat, including plants and shrubs.
5. Apply between 50°F and 80°F.
6. Do not apply if cold and/or wet weather is expected within 48 hours.
7. Always work the entire length of a deck board or horizontal siding to
a logical break, such as a window or door frame.
8. Vertical siding should be coated from top to bottom.
9. Never stop application in the middle of the board or wall.
10.Never apply in direct sunlight or to hot surfaces.
11.For external use only, do not use indoors.
12.In most cases a single coat of CWF-UV is sufficient.
13.For porous or older wood, apply a second coat before the first coat
dries (usually within 20 minutes). Do not apply a second coat if the
first coat has dried.
14.After spray application, back brush or backroll to improve penetration
and uniformity of coverage.
15. Wipe up any puddles to avoid shiny areas, (within 20 minutes).
NOTE: CWF-UV is not a surface coating. It protects by penetrating the wood.

COVERAGE
• 150-250 sq. ft/gal (13.9-23.3 sq. m/gal)
• Coverage varies based on age and density of wood

DECK MAINTENANCE
• Most decks do not have to be coated every year
• A single coat of CWF-UV® every second year will be sufficient to refresh the natural beauty of your deck and to maintain protection
• Between recoats, a periodic cleaning with Flood Wood Cleaner or Flood Dekswood Cleaner to remove dirt and contamination will renew the appearance of the wood
• On siding and other vertical wood including fences, exterior furniture, use as directed in steps 1 through 3 under “Application”
• Surfaces with harsh exposures to the sun, weather or foot traffic will show wear more quickly than other areas – If this happens, clean effected areas with Flood Wood Cleaner and recoat as necessary, blending into areas which still have good color
• For general recoating follow directions in “General Surface Preparation” and “Application”

SIDING MAINTENANCE
• Vertical surfaces do not require annual maintenance
• Surfaces with harsh exposures to the sun and weather will show wear more quickly than other areas – If this happens, clean effected areas with Flood Wood Cleaner and recoat as necessary, blending into areas which still have good color
• Areas retaining good color do not need recoating
• Badly weathered areas may require 2 coats (apply the second coat before the first coat dries). Do not apply a second coat if the first coat has dried.
• Backbrush or backroll to improve penetration and uniformity of coverage

CLEANUP & STORAGE
• Cleanup with soap and water
• Store unused portion in tightly closed container
• KEEP FROM FREEZING

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Flood-Floetrol


Floetrol is a latex paint additive that makes interior and exterior latex / acrylic paint flow and level like oil-based paints while compensating for the adverse effects that weather and surface conditions have on paints
and primers.

BASIC USES
• Help paint flow better, eliminating brush and roller marks
• Allow paint to adjust to difficult weather conditions, such as extreme hot and cold temperatures or high humidity
• Extend paint's drying time to create faux finishing effects
• Provide a spray-like finish
• Reduce tip clogging; avoid piston freeze-up when spraying
with a cup gun
• Extend life of the spray gun and spray equipment parts
• Improve spray pattern and assure better coverage
• Minimize “holidays” when rolling or brushing interior wall
• Reduce roller pressure on surface and avoid build-up of paint
on edges of the roller pattern

BRUSHING OR ROLLING
DIRECTIONS:
1. Shake container well.
2. When paint pulls, sets too fast or does not level properly, add Floetrol
until the paint spreads smoothly, easily and provides sufficient
wet-edge time.
3. Always mix a small amount of Floetrol with paint to test compatibility.
4. If compatible, add Floetrol to the latex paint following these guidelines:


WHEN PAINTING WITH A BRUSH OR ROLLER
DIRECTIONS:
1. Add approximately 8 oz. (1/2 pint) per gallon of paint.
2. If pint is thick, or in extreme temperatures, more Floetrol may be gradually added, up to 16 oz. (1 pint) per gallon.
3. Stir Floetrol / paint mixture thoroughly.
4. Paint as usual.

WHEN PAINTING WITH AN AIRLESS SPRAYER
DIRECTIONS:
1. Add up to 32 oz. (1 quart) per gallon of paint.
2. Stir Floetrol / paint mixture thoroughly.
3. Paint as usual.

WHEN PAINTING WITH A CUP GUN SPRAYER
DIRECTIONS:
1. Floetrol acts as a stir-in lubricant.
2. Helps cup guns work with acrylic/latex paints.
3. Mix at least 4, but not more than 8, ounces of Floetrol into each
quart of paint.
4. The amount depends on the consistency and flow properties of the paint.
NOTE: The amount of Floetrol added will not change the color or sheen of flat or semi-gloss latex or acrylic paint. Floetrol may reduce the sheen in gloss paints.

FAUX FINISHING
DIRECTIONS:
1. Using an empty container or dispensable cup as a measuring device, mix 3 volumes of latex (acrylic) paint to 1 volume of Floetrol.
2. The more Floetrol you add to the mixture (glaze) the more open time you will have and the more translucent the finish will be.
3. Do not add too much conditioner for vertical surfaces as technique may sag or vanish.

COVERAGE
• Coverage of Floetrol will vary depending on use

CLEANUP & STORAGE
• Clean tools and equipment with soap and water
• KEEP FROM FREEZING

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Flood-Penetrol

Penetrol® is a free-flowing, low-odor, high quality penetrating paint additive which compensates for the adverse effects that weather and surface conditions have on paints and primers.

BASIC USES:
• Increases adhesion, penetration and flow of oil-based or alkyd paints, varnishes, and primers
• Restores luster to faded, weathered fiberglass
• Acts as a rust inhibitor on metal surfaces
• Diminishes lap & brush marks

GENERAL PAINTING FOR INTERIOR & EXTERIOR WORK
ADD TO OIL-BASED PAINT OR PRIMERS
DIRECTIONS:
1. Stir and mix oil-based paint thoroughly.
2. Always mix a small amount of Penetrol with the paint you are using to determine compatibility.
3. As paint begins to set up too fast or “drag”, stir in Penetrol. Begin with approximately one pint (16 oz.) Penetrol per gallon of paint.
4. If paint is thick, or in extreme hot or cold temperatures, more Penetrol may be added (up to 2.5 pints per gallon of paint).
Note: For brass, copper, aluminum and chrome, scrub surface with fine steel wool soaked in Penetrol and polish with a clean rag.

CONDITIONING BARE OR RUSTED METAL
DIRECTIONS:
1. Remove loose rust, excess dirt, oil and grease.
2. Be sure surface is dry.
3. Saturate the metal with Penetrol.
4. Allow 12-24 hours for drying.
Note: For brass, copper, aluminum and chrome, scrub surface with fine steel wool soaked in Penetrol and polish with a clean rag.

CONDITIONING FIBERGLASS
DIRECTIONS:
1. Clean surface to be conditioned.
2. Saturate a rag with Penetrol, wipe it on fiberglass surface.
3. Buff surface with a clean, soft cloth within 3-5 minutes.

FAUX FINISHING
DIRECTIONS:
1. Penetrol, mixed directly into oil or alkyd-based paint, will improve the brushability of your paint and level of the base coat
2. Penetrol keeps paint from drying too fast thus increasing the working time of your paint and glazes
3. The more Penetrol you add to the mixture (glaze) the more open time you will have and the more translucent the finish
4. Do not add too much conditioner for vertical surfaces as the technique may cause the paint to sag or vanish
5. Using an empty can or disposable cup as a measuring device, mix 3 volumes of alkyd (oil Paint) to 1 volume of Penetrol.

COVERAGE
• Coverage of Penetrol will vary depending on use

CLEANUP & STORAGE
• Store in a tightly closed container away from heat and flame.
• Cleanup with mineral spirits