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Painting Tips And Information

How Often Should The Exterior Of Your House Be Painted?

Painting a house exterior is part of its maintenance and should not be neglected. Exterior paint goes far beyond colour trends and aesthetics, it helps to protect your house from the elements. Our homes here on the west coast are put through a beating as they experience anything from harsh sunlight to salty air, driving rain and winter storms.

There’s no definitive answer that can be given to the question of when to paint. What is clear is that putting it off for even a year or two can lead to damage. Extra preparation in the form of scraping and sanding will drastically increase the cost hiring a painter. Having to replace cracking or rotting wood can have it skyrocketing.

A general consensus in the paint industry is that a house will need repainting every 7 to 10 years. However, there are many variables that can affect the longevity of a paint job that could lead to an increase or decrease of that time frame.

The Quality Of The Previous Paint Job Will Can Influence How Soon Your House Will Need To Painted

A high quality paint is a must when it comes to exterior painting. Cheap paint simply won’t last. Inferior products will start to quickly break down and the product will not provide good protection for your home. However, even the highest quality paint will not make up for improper preparation or incorrectly applied paint. An inadequately prepared surface can fail within a year or sooner. All kinds of issues are possible if paint has been applied on a surface that had too high of a moisture content or if paint was applied in hot direct sunlight.

Over Time Paint Fades And Chalks And Colours Can Morph

Beyond fading your exterior paint may not show any signs of physical damage, but it can be quite unsightly. There are higher quality paints with improved UV resistance that can help your colour look its best over time, but certain colours are more susceptible to fading. Most notable are darker and vibrant colours.

Chalking is a light coloured, powdery residue that starts to appear on the paint surface. The paint will start to become duller and lose its luster. Some chalking is expected over time, it’s a normal process of paint wear. The main cause is exposure to sunlight and moisture. If you’re not sure if your paint surface has chalking you can wipe it with a dark rag and if a lighter version of the paint colour shows up, that’s chalking. Don’t mistake chalking for what might be dust, dirt or build up from air pollution. Chalking is not covered by paint manufacturer’s warranties as the causes of it are outside of their control.

The Degrading Effects Of Weather

Exposure to weather and UV rays start to break down paint. There may be areas or sides of your house that need painting sooner than others. Highly protected areas may be fine for a decade, while areas exposed to harsh sunlight and rain will need to be painted more frequently. South or southwest facing sides of a house and sides that face into prevailing winds are usually the first to show signs of degradation. Houses that sit near the ocean edge tend to deteriorate faster due to the higher humidity and salt in the air. The worst thing you can do is continuing to let one side of a house badly degrade because you’re waiting until the whole house needs addressing.

The caulking on the exterior of a house is another important part of its protection. Caulking has a shorter life span than most paint. The caulking starts to harden and lose its elasticity over time, it becomes brittle and can start to crack, crumble and separate.

Keep Up With House Maintenance

You should inspect your house exterior at least once a year and keep on top of the maintenance. If you see signs of chipping, cracking, flaking or bubbling paint this can start to allow moisture to penetrate to the surface underneath and cause further problems. Address issues as they arise and it will extend the life of your paint job and keep your house well protected.

Look for gaps, twisting, cupping or warping or If you start to see trim work or siding that is beginning to pull away from window or door frames, it’s time to paint before it worsens. Caulking may have deteriorated and surfaces may no longer have adequate protection from the paint.

Hopefully your house has not been left to the point of experiencing wood rot, but it can happen if neglected for too long. Are there areas of soft spots? Typical places are at the end fascia boards in the gables. The bottom section of corner trim boards, window sills and other horizontal surfaces. Areas in wood siding where there are knots, cracks or joints or any area that can wick up water on a regular basis.

Are You Ready For A Colour Change Or Want To Transform The Exterior Of Your House?

Perhaps it’s not quite time to paint yet, but you’re tired of the current colour or want better curb appeal. Did you see a colour an appealing colour combination on another house that you think might look good on yours? In comparison to doing an expensive remodelling, a new colour scheme can be a cheaper alternative to completely change the look your house exterior. You would be surprised at how different a house can look by highlighting different architectural details or making less attractive ones recede.  

Painting Can Improve Your Resale Value

A fresh, quality paint job can go a long way towards improving the resale value of your home. Before selling your house consider if it would benefit from re-painting. A potential buyer may be turned off if the exterior of the house looks like it has not been well maintained. We’re often contacted by realtors for a cost to paint a house exterior. You can bet that they are using the amount as a tool to negotiate the price for their client.

Skimpy Paint Jobs Done On New Construction Don’t Last

Don’t assume just because you bought a newer house that the paint is good to go for the foreseeable future. Quite often there is only one quick coat of paint applied to a newly constructed house. We see new houses all the time that are clearly in need of a further coat of paint, especially on the trim work, particularly the fascia boards. You can see that the paint is barely providing coverage and it may show premature fade and wear. Even if it two coats of paint were applied it’s often a low quality builders grade paint that may not be providing proper protection to the wood. Caulking is another area that is often skimped on during new construction painting. It was either inadequately applied or missed in areas altogether.

Certain Exterior Substrates Require More Maintenance Than Others

Wood substrates will require more frequent maintenance and repainting in comparison to a substrates like stucco, brick or James Hardie siding and other cement fiber board products. That being said, the materials used are often only as good as the quality of their installation. Cement fiber products such as James Hardie have a manufacturer warranty. However, it is void if it the product was not installed correctly or maintained properly.

The Length Of Time May Be Your Indicator To Paint

There may not be obvious signs that you need to paint, but paint has a limited lifespan. The components of the paint film are continuously breaking down. Over time they will no longer have the same protective qualities they once had. One example is eventual break down of the additives that helps resist mold and mildew.

If you can’t recall the last time your house was painted, but your guess is it has been at least ten years, it’s probably time to paint even if there are not immediate signs. Stay ahead of the game and keep your house well protected.

The Most Common Mistake Is Waiting Too Long To Paint

Too often homeowners make the mistake of delaying the painting of their house exterior, somehow thinking it’s saving them money. You’re not going to come out ahead by doing this. Once the exterior siding and trim start to deteriorate it will continue to do so at an accelerated rate. Having to do excessive scraping or sanding or having to pay someone to do it will have you wishing you acted sooner.

If it it gets to the point where the paint, stain and/or caulking is no longer providing adequate protection it can lead to wood softening and decaying, water penetration, mildew, mold, rot and insect or critter infiltration in unattended gaps.

If you think it’s expensive to have your house painted, wait until you have to pay someone to replace just one of the wood fascia board in a second or third storey peak because it wasn’t protected and is beyond repair. Heaven forbid you put off maintenance long enough that you have structural damage.

A Summary Guide Of When To Paint Your House Exterior

    Paint Sheens Explained

    Sheen is the measurement of the amount of light reflected from a painted surface. It’s the gloss or shine of the paint finish or lack of it. The higher the sheen the more reflective reflective the surface will be. It may seem like picking a sheen is a minor consideration, but from a design perspective it can be as important as the colour. Sheens influence how a space looks and feels. Paint sheens also play a role in the functionality of paint in terms of how it resists to wear and tear and how easy it is to clean.

    Are All Paint Manufacturer Paint Sheens The Same?

    No, so choosing a sheen can be confusing because you can’t assume that an eggshell paint will be the same across the board through all manufacturers. What one company chooses to call eggshell, another company may deem as satin. To make matters more confusing, some manufacturers use names for their paints that are different than the common industry standards. Instead of semi-gloss they may use low gloss.

    Talk to the salesperson at a paint store about the characteristics of their particular paint sheens or ask your painter who will be familiar with the sheen level of the products they use.

    If you’re more confused than ever about paint sheens, don’t worry we’ll dive into deeper detail.

    Types Of Paint Sheens

    Most paint sheens are available for interior or exterior use. Here are some of the options in order of the paint starting with no sheen and ending with the highest sheen paint called gloss.

    • flat, may be called ultra flat
    • matte, may be called velvet or ulti-matte
    • eggshell, may be called low sheen
    • satin, may be called pearl, silk or low luster
    • semi gloss, may be called soft gloss
    • Gloss, may be called high gloss

    Flat And Matte Paint Sheens

    A true flat paint has no visible sheen and therefore no reflection. It can help conceal minor surface imperfections. This is why flat is commonly used for ceilings. The drywall on ceilings tends to be less than perfect and you don’t want lights reflecting off of every flaw. Some companies have a paint they call flat, but it’s has some sheen so it’s not a true flat. Painters will often seek out what’s deemed as a “dead flat” paint for ceiling application.

    Matte paints have a bit of sheen, but less than eggshell. The lower reflection is helpful in concealing minor imperfections so it can be a good choice for older walls that are not in good shape or walls with drywall issues.

    Matte walls are a popular choice of interior decorators. The sheen doesn’t absorb or reflect too much light so what you see is a truer representation of the colour. It has a velvety looking finish which is especially noticeable in deeper colours.

    Improved technology has created more durable flat and matte paints, with some of them being deemed as washable. However, you may still notice burnish marks after washing, especially when viewing from an angle. These sheens are not the best choice for areas with high traffic or abuse. Their more porous nature (more so in flat paints) can make it difficult to remove stains and they don’t hold up as well to abrasion as a quality eggshell paint. A benefit to flat and matte sheen paints is that they are more forgiving when trying to do touch ups.

    Eggshell Or Low Luster Paint Sheens

    Eggshell or low lustre is a step up in sheen compared to matte, but lower than satin or pearl. It may not look that different from a matte sheen when viewed straight on, but even from a slight angle you can see that it has more sheen.

    An eggshell sheen is the most commonly used and versatile paint for interior walls because it offers a balance between aesthetics and practicality. Technology advancements have created high-quality eggshell paints that can be very durable.

    Satin Or Pearl Paint Sheens

    As satin and pearl sheens have been introduced to the market with increased durability they become the norm of the home decorating trend for doors and trim work. It’s a softer sheen than the typical semi-gloss that used to be used. It still has enough sheen to highlight architectural details and give them some sheen contrast between eggshell or matte finish walls. Satin and pearl can be used on walls, but it will enhance any drywall issues, irregularities or flaws.

    Low gloss is a sheen some paint manufacturers offer. It has a sheen slightly higher than pearl or satin and slightly lower than semi-gloss paint. It’s another option that is suitable for trim work and doors.

    Semi-gloss Paint Sheen

    Semi-gloss paint has a lot more sheen than eggshell and is a step up in sheen from pearl or satin. It has a fair bit of reflection, but has good resistant to dirt and scuff marks and is easy to clean. It used to be the popular choice for trim work and doors but has dwindled in popularity in favour of satin and pearl finishes.

    Kitchens and bathrooms were commonly painted with semi-gloss because it was the best finish for washing off food stains and could withstand the humidity in bathrooms. There are now plenty of high-quality lower sheens paints that can be used in these spaces. Semi-gloss is still be the best solution in high-grease areas like commercial kitchens or where trim work receives a lot of abuse.

    High-gloss Paint Sheen

    High gloss is the highest sheen of all the paints. It’s extremely shiny and highly reflective. It can be a bold and glamourous look, think of a shiny black piano as an example of a high gloss finish. Any flaw will be enhanced so proper surface preparation is a must, it needs to be near perfect. When dry a gloss finish would show every brush and roller mark. The best finish will be achieved by a person experienced in spraying paint. Surfaces that you may see a gloss finish on in a home are cabinets and front entry doors.

    Paint Sheen Properties

    Lower Sheen Paints

    • can help hid surface imperfections
    • can be more user friendly to apply
    • easier to touch up
    • less washable
    • can hold onto stains
    • not as durable
    • lower reflection, shine and glossiness
    • gives a truer appearance of a colour

    Higher Sheen Paints

    • can enhance surface imperfections
    • can show brush and roller marks
    • can be difficult to touch up
    • stands up better to washing
    • more stain resistance
    • increased durability
    • higher reflection, shine and glossiness
    • can be harder to see true colour when there’s a lot of reflection or when viewed at angles

    Everything above is not a hard and fast rule when it comes to paint sheens. The quality of the paint can greatly affect its durability regardless of the sheen level. A high-quality matte paint will hold up to wear and tear better and be easier to clean than a low quality eggshell paint.

    The characteristic properties of a particular paint may allow it to level out better and therefore not show brush or roller marks as much. It may touch up better or have some additive that makes it more scuff-resistant or mildew resistant regardless of the sheen.

    What Are The Most Common Choices For Interior Paint Sheens?

    An eggshell sheen remains the most common choice for the interior walls of a house and a satin or pearl sheen for trim work and doors. Matte has become more popular. It can even be used in a bathroom thanks to innovative paints like Benjamin Aura Bath And Spa matte finish.

    Sheen choice can be a matter of personal preference, some people find shiner surfaces attractive and others prefer a matte look. The intended use of the space should be taken into consideration as well as aesthetics when it comes to choosing a paint sheen. 

    Examples Of Sheens Used In Home Interiors

    The photo below shows walls with an eggshell sheen paint and a semi-gloss on the trim work. The increased reflection can be seen on the trim work.

    a room painted eggshell sheen paint on the walls and satin sheen on the trim work

    Completely white interiors have been a trend for the last few years. In this home the walls have been painted with durable matte paint and a satin sheen paint has been applied to the baseboards.

    interior walls and trim work painted with Benjamin Moore Aura tinted to Chantilly Lace

    The interior of this modern home has a matte sheen on the walls and pearl sheen on the trim work, baseboards and doors. It depicts the subtle and soft look the owner wanted to achieve. These lower sheen finishes don’t draw attention so they allow the other décor to equally be a part of the overall design.

    This rancher has detailed interior trim work and crown mouldings. The homeowner didn’t want a lot of reflection that occurs with semi-gloss paint. A pearl sheen paint was used on the trim work and doors. It offers durability and a bit of distinction from the eggshell sheen on the walls.

    an entry and hallway with eggshell sheen paint on the walls and pearl sheen paint on the trim work

    Choosing Paint Sheens For Exterior Surfaces

    When choosing the sheen for exterior painting it is important to think about the practical considerations of the paint and not just the aesthetics. A flatter paint will hide imperfections better but it can hang onto more dirt and won’t hold up as well to abrasions and scuffs. A higher sheen paint will be easier to wash and you’ll find that dirt won’t adhere or stain the surface as easily.

    A higher sheen may not be as appealing on surfaces with patterns or texture. This is why wood siding and stucco are usually painted in a flat sheen. A lot of James Hardie Board siding or cement fiber board has a wood texture pattern which will be highlighted if it’s painted in a satin sheen. Some people do not like the way it looks and opt to use a flat sheen. A quality flat paint will offer better durability than cheap one, but overall it won’t hold us as well as a quality satin finish. To repel water and dirt, especially on horizontal surfaces like window sills, the trim on house exteriors is most commonly painted with a satin or semi-gloss paint. In the next section below are examples of a Hardie Board house painted in flat and satin sheens.

    Examples Of Sheens Used On Exterior Surfaces

    A decorator specified the sheen choices for this house exterior. They wanted a flat sheen paint used for the siding which gives an overall softer look to the house due to the lack of reflection. A high-quality flat paint was used, but it will be more prone to scuffs and dirt retention in comparison to a higher sheen paint of the same quality.

    When looking down the siding at an angle you can see there is no visible reflection in the flat paint finish.

    midnight blue Hardie board siding with Navajo white trim work

    This next house is also painted in a dark blue colour, but in a satin sheen. Notice the reflection on the Hardie board siding and how it highlights the texture of the siding. The benefit of the high-quality satin sheen paint on this house is the increased resistance to dirt and stains.

    Hardie board siding with reflective satin paint in iron gray colour
    A house with Hardie board siding painted iron gray with white trim work

    The reflection on the brown siding of this house is very noticeable even when viewed from straight on. This is an example of how sheen levels can vary between paint manufacturers. Notice how this higher sheen paint takes on a “plastic” look. It is a satin paint, but would be considered a very high level of sheen for a typical satin paint. It’s leaning closer towards being a semi-gloss.

    The front porch of a house painted brown with cream trim work and stair railings

    The modular home below has Hardie board siding and wood shingles painted with a satin sheen paint and the trim has a stain applied which has a flatter sheen. In the photos it’s hard to see, but the siding has a bit of a sheen to it. However, this particular paint manufacturer’s version of a satin has a lower sheen than what is typical of many other satin sheens.

    A Hardie board siding house painted with satin sheen taupe paint and brown stain on the trim work

    Exterior doors are commonly painted with satin sheen paint. It adds a pop of contrast and boldness in comparison to the siding surfaces of the house which tend to be painted in a lower sheens.

    The satin sheen of high-quality paint will offer a more durable, scuff-resistant surface that frequently used doors will benefit from. It also holds up well to being washed or wiped down.

    The Hardie board siding and trim work of this home was painted with flat paint. The builder did not want any sheen in the products being used.

    A modern house with Hardie board siding painted with flat sheen brown paint

    These cedar shingles are stained, generally stains have little to no sheen to them. It’s a subjective opinion, but a paint product with a higher sheen would not be an aesthetically pleasing look. The extra reflection and shine would highlight all the texture in the wood.

    gray stained cedar shingles on a house exterior

    This modern style farmhouse exterior is painted entirely in a light off-white colour. It’s not easily seen in the photo, but it’s a satin paint that has been used. It’s probably not as noticeable because the siding is vertical versus long stretches of horizontal Hardie board where a higher sheen would be more detectable when viewed from an angle.

    Hardie board and batten siding painted oxford white in a satin sheen

    Sheen Affects How Paint Colours Are Perceived

    Using different sheens can create shifts in depth and colour perception. Sheen can be used to highlight architectural features, for example contrasting higher sheen paint on trim work with flatter or lower sheen paint on the walls. This contrast will be noticed between the two surfaces due to the difference in reflection, even if the same colour is used on the walls and the trim work.

    In the room below the decorator chose a monochromatic colour scheme. To give contrast between the surfaces the walls are painted in a matte sheen and the baseboards and trim work are painted in a satin sheen.

    In higher sheens there is more light reflection so the colour looks brighter. It reflects available light whether its natural or artificial. The light bounces off of the finish and skews how you see the colour. Lower sheen paints absorb the light. If you pick a colour and have a sample of it painted in three different sheens, for example flat, eggshell and satin you may not see as much difference looking at the samples straight on, but the difference at any other angle can be quite dramatic.

    Why You May Want To Consider Using Lower Sheen Paints For Darker Or Vivid Colours

    In dark or intense, vivid colours the sheen of a paint will become more noticeable. These types of colours require a large volume of tint which increases the sheen of the paint. It’s something to keep note of. If you don’t want a lot of extra shine go down in the level of your paint sheen. This is why more often than not a dark feature wall will be painted in flat or matte paint, even if the rest of the room has been painted in eggshell.

    The dark chocolate wall below may have looked too shiny in a higher sheen paint. To keep the soft look of the room a matte paint was used.

    This vibrant purple bedroom below was painted with a matte sheen paint. In a higher sheen paint may have looked garish and have too much reflection.

    Below is a summary guide describing the properties of paint sheens and their most common use for interior and exterior applications.

    Why You Shouldn’t Pressure Wash Your House

    Pressure washing house exteriors conjures up varying opinions. It can be an excellent tool for certain surfaces but can do more harm than good to a home’s exterior. Houses can withstand a variety of weather conditions, but they were not designed to have high-pressurized water shot at them.

    It takes little water pressure to inflict aesthetic damage to wood, such as lines and gouges, and furring of the grain as well as cracking, chipping, and splintering. It’s not only wood surfaces that are vulnerable, high-pressure water can cause window seals to break and brick mortar to loosen.

    If you’re pressure washing your house solely for cleaning and not to prepare for painting, extreme care must be taken to avoid removing any paint. Beyond that, the finish may develop marring and areas of variable sheen. This will be an unsightly appearance that will remain until the house is repainted.

    Even more concerning is the damage that may not be immediately apparent. Water can get up into your soffits or seep behind your siding. Anywhere a house has gaps is a potential entry point for high-pressure water to work its way in, Once it’s in the wall cavity it can be difficult for it to evaporate.

    The siding below is made up of stained cedar shingles. This example of very soft wood can easily be damaged with a pressure washer set too high or brought too close.

    How To Clean James Hardie Siding And Related Products?

    Just like wood, James Hardie Board siding can end up with marring and damage from pressure washing. The company itself cautions against using high pressure water to clean their products or any cement fiber board materials. Their website suggests the best method for cleaning Hardie Board siding is with a low pressure water spray and a soft medium (non-metal) bristle brush or rag. A mild detergent can be used for stubborn dirt or stains. Damage caused to your Hardie board products through improper cleaning may void your warranty.

    Never Pressure Wash A House That Has Lead Paint

    It’s never a good idea to pressure wash a house that has lead paint, even if it’s buried deep in past layers. You don’t want to run the risk of lead paint chips getting spread throughout your yard and contaminating the soil. It will continue to pose a threat to your family and any future owners.

    What Is The Best DIY Way To Clean A House Exterior?

    If you’re doing it yourself, the best approach to cleaning a house exterior is with the use of an extension pole fitted with a medium stiffness scrub brush and a garden hose with a spray nozzle. Don’t use any kind of course brushes or scouring sponges. While it will take more time than a pressure washer, it’s a more effective way of cleaning and is much safer.

    Water and the agitation of a scrub brush may be all you need for routine cleaning maintenance of dust and dirt. Extensive residue can be taken care of with a mild dishwashing soap or an all-purpose cleaner diluted in warm water. Avoid any abrasive cleaners.

    If mold or mildew are present there are mildew-specific cleaners available. Thoroughly read the instructions for use, some products can be harmful to your plants and grass. Wetting the landscape around your house may be required before use. If you have pets check that the product is safe to use.

    Hire A Professional House Cleaning Company To Get The Job Done Effectively And Efficiently

    If cleaning your own house seems like too daunting of a task you can hire a professional house cleaning company. The majority of these businesses have a low-pressure washing system, otherwise known as a “soft wash”. They use low-pressure extension wands to apply a cleaning solution from a truck-mounted tank. In some cases, they may employ the proper management of a low psi pressure washer. Reputable companies will ensure water does not get into your building envelope.

    Pressure Washing Does Not Kill Mold, Mildew And Algae

    Pressure washing alone does not kill mold, mildew, and algae. It just detaches it from the house and spreads it around the surface where it can regrow. Furthermore, with areas of accumulated mold or mildew, there is a tendency to increase the pressure or get closer to the surface. This increases the chance of inflicting damage to the house exterior. To kill spores the surface needs to have an appropriate cleaner applied and be agitated before rinsing.

    What Surfaces Are Appropriate For Pressure Washing?

    Pressure washing can be an effective cleaning tool when used at lower pressures to clean decking and at medium to high pressure for patios, pavers, sidewalks, and driveways. When cleaning these kinds of surfaces, caution must still be exercised. Decking can be harmed with too much pressure and concrete and asphalt can suffer from pitting and surface degradation, as well as having pieces blasted away, particularly at the edges and seams.

    Care needs to be taken when pressure washing driveways, patios, and sidewalks near the house. Bits of debris or rocks can get shot at it and cause paint chipping. How do we know this? We’ve been the paint company that’s been hired by the homeowners to fix the damage, usually an overhead garage door. The bill was picked up by the pressure washing company of course.

    Is It A Good Idea To Pressure Wash A House To Prepare It For Painting?

    Pressure washing is a common method of preparing a house for painting. The goal of trying to blast off loose paint is where a lot of damage can occur. It’s certainly an effective method of paint removal, but it’s a fine line between that and causing damage to the surface. If water gets in behind the siding and then the house is painted and caulked shortly thereafter, it could further seal in the moisture.

    In Summary

    If any type of surface on your property is being pressure washed make sure the individual doing it is experienced and knows how to handle the machine. The pressure washer is only as effective as the person using it. An unskilled person can easily cause a lot of damage.

    What Should A Professional Interior Paint Job Look Like?

    The reality is that many homeowners don’t know what to expect from a painting contractor in terms of service and quality. They may not be aware of the difference between a mediocre and an high quality paint job. Unfortunately, there have been some low standards set in the painting industry. This has led to the acceptance of subpar work. Once you’ve seen what an excellent painting looks like, any inferior work will become glaringly obvious.

    The aesthetics of a paint job are so much more than the colour. The foundation of a good paint job is only as good as the preparation work. If the surfaces were poorly prepared or not at all it won’t matter how beautiful the paint colour is.

    One of the telltale signs of a bad paint job is the lack of precision in the cut-in areas. Cut-in lines should be sharp and straight where the walls meet the ceiling and where the walls meet up with the baseboards, door, and window trims. This takes time to master. It’s a skill that can be improved upon with practice, but not everyone has the dexterity or the patience to do it well.

    The application of paint onto the surfaces should have a consistent, smooth, and uniform finish. There shouldn’t be streaky brush marks, lap marks, ridges, runs, drips, or sagging in the paint. The paint finish should not be full of chunks and bits.

    The photo on the lower left is an example of a poorly done cut-in against the window casings. There are spots of wall paint on the trim and the line defining the trim and wall is not straight. On the right is a precise cut-in of the wall paint against the trim work.

    a interior wall and trim work around the window with wall paint poorly cut in around the window trim
    an interior wall and trim work in a house that has been professionally and precisely painted

    Below on the left is a poorly done cut with wiggly lines above the baseboard and on the right how it should look, straight and precise.

    In the photo on the lower left the cut-in is wavering along the meet-up of the wall and the crown molding. In the photo on the right it is precise and straight.

    a dark brown wall with white crown molding that has some wiggly paint lines on the bottom of the crown molding
    an interior house wall and crown molding that has been painted with precision

    Paint Shouldn’t Be Where It Doesn’t Belong!

    Wall paint shouldn’t be haphazardly spilling over into the sides of the window or door frames. Most importantly wall paint should not be extending up into the ceiling, this has to be the worst of the poor painting techniques. Cabinets, floors, light switches, outlets, electrical fixtures, door hardware, and hinges should be free of paint.

    Below in the photo on the left, you can see the wiggly line at the top of the wall and where the wall paint incorrectly extends into the perimeter of the ceiling. On the right is a proper cut in line creating a straight and precise line where the wall and ceiling meet up.

    a poorly painted wall with wiggly lines and paint going up into the ceiling
    a house wall painted with a straight crisp line where it meets up with the ceiling

    It goes without saying that paint should not be on flooring, furniture, or personal belongings. This is beyond unskilled painting, it’s just plain carelessness. The surfaces and items in the painting space should be protected with drop sheets and plastic. There may be items on the surfaces being painted that need to be masked and taped.

    Full Paint Coverage And Number Of Coats Of Paint

    Proper paint coverage means there shouldn’t be any areas of thin coverage or shadowing of the previous paint colour coming through. This is an area we find the homeowner doesn’t know what they don’t know. After years in the industry, it’s easy for us to look at a surface and instantly see that it doesn’t have the full coverage that it should. Quite often we can see the cut-in areas have paint sparsely applied and there are misses within the rolled areas of the walls and/or shadowing of the previous colour coming through.

    Rarely is there a situation where one coat of paint is acceptable no matter how expensive or high quality the paint is. A minimum of two coats of paint is what is required in almost all situations to give adequate and full paint coverage. There are times when more than two coats are required. This is most common when there is a drastic colour change, usually applying a light colour over a dark colour or when choosing a vibrant colour.

    Sanding, Sanding And More Sanding

    It’s been said that it would be more accurate to call a painter a professional sander, at least a good painter. Sanding is one of the most overlooked aspects of painting preparation. It’s a large part of what makes up a quality paint job. Each time a surface is painted without being sanded or sanded properly it adds to the demise of the surface aesthetics. Depending on the circumstances it can also lead to paint failure. By the time a house is ten or twenty years old, it can look dreadful if it’s had one bad paint job after another. Sanding the walls, trim work, and doors before painting ensures a smooth and uniform finish. Any past drips, runs or sags if there are any present in the painting should be sanding out of the walls, trim work, and doors. An overall sanding removes any anomalies and excess texture that may be present in previously applied coatings.

    Patching and Caulking

    The preparation for painting can take a significant amount of time if the surfaces being painted are in poor condition. The walls should be inspected for nicks, scratches, and dings. They should be filled and sanded along with any unwanted nail and screw holes from pictures or artwork that was previously hung.

    poorly patched interior house wall with irregularly sanded patches

    Poorly done patching can cause more issues than not patching at all. An unskilled person tends to over-apply the patching compound. If these areas are not sanded out properly it leaves behind raised and uneven areas on the wall. It’s not uncommon to come across walls that have unsightly patches like this that keep getting repainted over and over without anyone addressing them. When someone finally decides to fix the walls it can take a lot work to get them looking smooth again.

    There can be situations where walls are in very bad condition and require an extensive amount of patching. It takes time and patience to fill and sand all the imperfections in rooms like the one shown in the photo below. The extra effort is well worth it when you see how much better the walls look after they have been repaired and re-painted.

    a yellow bedroom with an extensive amount of wall patching and repair
    a bedroom in a house that has been freshly professionally painted in a light cream colour

    Caulking is an important part of the painting process and there’s a skill to applying it. It’s used to conceal gaps and cracks and add to the overall quality of the paint job by giving it a seamless finish. There’s no such thing as a good-looking paint job that’s applied over a back caulking application. Caulking is applied within trim work joints and the joints where the walls meet up with the baseboards, the door and window casings, and crown moldings. Caulking should be done before the painting. If it’s not painted over it can discolour and become a magnet for dirt and dust collection.

    Removing Hardware Prior To Painting

    Anything that can easily be removed should be such as switch plate, outlet covers, door knobs, towel bars, etc. Anything that has to be left in place is protected from paint and a good painter knows how to paint around these items without leaving highly visible brush marks.

    High Quality Painting Products

    A professional painter will not only use high-quality paint and materials, they will ensure that the correct product is being used for each particular situation. The painter will know when to use a paint with mildew-inhibiting properties or when a special primer or sealer is required. The materials used to apply the paint materials all play a part in the outcome, this includes the brushes, paint rollers, caulking, and patching compound.

    It’s important to note that not all paint is created equal. The painter has a myriad of choices and price levels to choose from. There are different levels of paint quality in all company’s product lines that range from mediocre to excellent. Even the top well-known paint companies have lower-end products that are not as superior in durability and adhesion. Every company has at least one cheaper paint known as a “builder’s grade”.

    View our exterior painting work and interior painting work to see more examples of what professional quality workmanship looks like.

    Our small professional painting company takes the time to do the correct preparation work and leaves behind work that we can be proud of every time. Contact us at Parnell Painting by email or telephone for a free, no obligation quote.

    Hire A Professional Painter Or Do It Yourself?

    There’s several questions to ask yourself before making the decision whether to hire a painter or do it yourself. What quality of work are you capable of? How much time is it going to take you? Do you have any painting equipment? If not, how much is it going to cost to purchase all the materials to complete the work? To get an idea of what’s involved in quality done job take a look at our Interior Painting Services and Exterior Painting Services.

    The Equipment And Materials Needed For A Basic Paint Job

    • drop sheets and plastic
    • roller cages and sleeves, trays and tray liners
    • roller poles
    • brushes, brush buckets and liners
    • tape
    • dust mask or respirator
    • sandpaper and sanding poles
    • caulking and filler, as well as the tools to apply it with
    • possibly a primer, or a special sealant
    • paint and the time to do the research for the correct product
    • ladders, including specialty ladders for stairwells or other access areas

    A professional painter will be well equipped with everything they need. They get paint and other materials for the job at a painting contractor rate which is substantially cheaper than what a home owner would pay. Taking all of this into consideration you have to decide if in the end it’s worth your time, effort and expense to do it yourself. 

    Painting Knowledge And Experience

    You can have confidence that a professional painting contractor knows how to do the proper preparation to the surfaces to ensure a long-lasting finish. Painting is a lot of work and there are many details to consider from choice of roller sleeves and brushes to what type of paint and finish is best for your particular project. You can get this information from the staff at a paint store, but they won’t be visually inspecting your property. A painter will see issues you may have overlooked and be able to assess if there is any special preparation required. 

    Quality Of The Work

    Can you achieve the high quality workmanship of a professional painter? The importance of experience can’t be overstated. We have often been witness to the mishaps of poor quality work. A poor quality outcome in the finished look or a product failure can occur because the correct preparation work was not done. Common aspects of inexperience include uneven surface finishes caused by improper rolling techniques, wiggly cut in lines, paint overlapping into the trim work or into the ceiling perimeter.

    A professional painter leaves clean lines and cut ins, and surfaces that are visually attractive.

    They have gained valuable knowledge through practice and have many tricks of the trade to get the best looking finish. They have ways to get into tight and hard to reach spots. 

    Clean up

    This is one area you don’t have to worry about when you hire a professional. You don’t have to deal with cleaning up the mess. Garbage and empty paint cans will be taken away and recycled and disposed of. The work will be done with as little disruption as possible to your household. 

    Time And Efficiency

    Homeowners are often astonished at how a professional painter can make such quick work out of what may seem like an insurmountable task to them. They do this everyday so naturally they are efficient at their job. We have met many people throughout the years who are capable of doing descent job of painting their own homes, others….not so much. Even if you can do a half descent job do you really want to spend your precious weekends or holidays painting your house? Or do you want to pick away at it in your spare time and have a project that should take a few days turn into weeks?
    It may be best to hire a professional to let them do what they do best and you can concentrate on what you do best or do something that you actually enjoy. 

    Safety

    There may be tall ladders required for interior work or tricky painting situations in stairwells. Exteriors may require heavy extension ladders or other special equipment. It’s not worth risking your safety if you’re not a person who is used to dealing with ladders. Leave this work to an experienced painting contractor. 

    Save yourself from the stress and leave the painting for the professionals that do this day in and day out. Our small company would be happy to give you a free, no obligation quote. Contact us by email or telephone.

    What To Consider When Hiring A Painting Contractor

    Get multiple painting quotes as you should for any work being done to your home and learn why there can be a wide price variance in painting estimates. Don’t focus solely on the price, read the quotes carefully to see what you are getting. Ask follow up questions if you need to.

    Take the time to find out who you are letting into your home and around your family, pets and belongings. The company should be able to provide several references along with their contact information. Past clients should be able to vouch for the quality of the work and the professionalism of the company from the start of the job to the finish.

    Why Hiring A Painting Contractor Can Be More Difficult Than Other Trades

    Finding a reputable painting contractor can be a bit more challenging compared to other trades. There can be good and bad people in any profession, but painters seem to have a vast spectrum of work quality and ethics. Their professionalism can range from excellent to dreadful and unfortunately downright scandalous. The work can range from near perfection to careless. Another reason for the variance in quality and experience is because painting frequently turns into a temporary fall back job when someone finds themselves out of work.

    It may not be the best idea to hire this painting crew!

    Where To Start When Looking For A Painting Contractor?

    Get a referral from someone you trust and more importantly who has the same quality expectations that you do. If your family or friends don’t know of anyone ask another trades person, building contractors, interior designers or a realtor. Paint stores are another good source for referrals.

    Once you have a few contacts make arrangements for the painter to meet with you at your home or job site. They should take the time to look at the work space, listen to your concerns and questions and go over the details of the project.

    Important Considerations To Make When Choosing A Painting Company

    Who will be doing the painting and what experience do they have? You might like the person who comes out to do your estimate and feel confident in them, but will they be doing the actual work? Do they have their own long term employees and how much experience do they have? Do they use temporary, seasonal or subcontracted workers? Will there be a supervisor or owner of the company present at the job site? While there are companies who have skilled and trustworthy employees, there are many that have a constant rotation of staff. The exterior painting season is when companies tend to have the highest use of temporary workers. Some companies goal is to book large volumes of work starting in the winter or early spring or even the year prior. They hire labour for the exterior season based on the volume of their bookings. They may overbook and then not be able to find enough labour to fulfill their quotes, leaving clients abandoned or telling them they will have to get to them in the following year.

    Scheduling For The Job

    What is the schedule for the job, will it be started and finished on time? Will it be continuously worked on until it is done or intermittently worked on in between other jobs? The last thing you want is a company that overbooks work, doesn’t stick to schedules or show up when they say they will. These things drag the job on for much longer than it should be.

    A Checklist Of Questions For The Painter

    • Is the company licensed and do they have WCB coverage and adequate liability insurance?
    • Are safe work practices being followed?
    • Are references with contact information available and are there examples of their work?
    • What is done to protect your home and belongings during the work?
    • Is any money to be paid up front or in installments during the work? What form of payment is accepted and when is the final amount due?
    • Is the quote price a fixed amount or is it subject to change or have add-ons?
    • What type of preparation work does the company do?
    • What type of paint will be used and how many coats will be applied?
    • What is the time schedule for starting and finishing?
    • Who will be doing the painting and how much experience do they have?
    • Is there anything that I need to do or prepare before the painting starts?

    What Traits To Expect From A Professional Painter

    A professional painter is committed to providing consistent, high quality work. They have a passion for what they are doing and take pride in all the details of their craft. Other traits of a professional painter include:

    • Punctual
    • Courteous
    • Good communicator and willing to answer questions
    • Manages customer expectations, let’s them know what can and can’t be done
    • Strives for consistent excellence in their work
    • Cares about the customer being satisfied with the work and overall experience
    • Honesty, lets the customer know if a particular job is not for them
    • Up to date with changing technology and products and current trends
    • Organized and efficient

    Things To Watch Out For When Hiring A Painting Contractor

    • Does the person seem professional and are they courteous and easy to talk to? Did they arrive on time for the estimate or at least call you if they were running late? Did they provide the estimate or return your phone calls in a timely manner?
    • Don’t accept a verbal quote or a quote with very little detail about the work to be done.
    • Be wary of a painter that is asking for a large sum of money up front or has to get you to purchase the paint.
    • Be cautious about an estimate that appears much too low or too high.
    • Don’t be afraid to ask specific questions. If the painter gets defensive or won’t answer the questions don’t hire them.
    • Watch for fly by night companies that won’t care about the end results or be around to deal with any issues that may arise after the job is completed.

    Contact Parnell Painting by email or call us to set up a free, no obligation quote. You’ll get to meet us and see why many clients have used us over and over for their painting needs. They know they can relax because they have hired someone they can trust and who will take the time to do the job right.

    Why Do Painting Quotes Vary So Much?

    Painting quotes can be all over the map and this can make it difficult for a homeowner to make a decision. A higher price doesn’t necessarily mean a better job, but with a low price it’s usually safe to say you get what you pay for. Make sure you know what to look for when choosing a painting contractor, price alone should not be the determining factor.

    Something is being compromised if a painting quote is being offered far below the average cost. The steps to do quality work takes time. The varying levels of preparation work or lack thereof is one of the main reasons for price discrepancies. Prep work can make or break the look of the finish and have an impact on the longevity of the paint. On some projects, the preparation can take longer than the painting itself. The goal of a painter offering a cheap quote is to get colour on and move to the next job, surface preparation will not be a priority.

    Other variables that can influence the cost of a painting quote are the quality of the paint and materials, the number of coats of paint that are being applied and the experience of labourers being used. A low priced job is likely to be rushed because the company or painter is trying to make maximum profit by doing high volumes of work.

    A Closer Look Into The Variances In The Cost Of Painting Quotes

    You can’t expect a professional painter to match the price of someone that has no credentials or insurances.

    Is the company licensed? Do they have WorkSafeBC and liability insurance?

    Who is doing the actual painting? Did the owner of the company show up to do the quote and impress you with their experience and skills but is going to send a much less skilled and experienced person to do the work?

    Are you getting a knowledgeable and experienced employee or the student that was temporarily hired for the summer? Is the worker an actual employee of the company or is the work being subcontracted to a painter? You may not even know this is occurring.

    Is the quote a fixed price? Are you getting offered a low ball quote only to find out that extra costs will be added along the way?

    Make Sure The Quotes Allow You To Compare Apples To Apples

    The homeowner has to take some responsibility to ensure the quotes are covering the same scope of work. The painting contractor can only go by what you show and tell them.

    When a homeowner has several painters come out to their property the owner may start to discuss different ideas during those visits. The work continues to transform and change with each subsequent contractor. Each painting contractor may end up quoting for something slightly different than the last. This makes it difficult to accurately compare the quotes.

    The price you receive doesn’t have much merit if the quote is lacking detail. A painting quote should outline the preparation work, the specific type of paint and the number of coats that will be applied. If you don’t have this information on all quotes then how can you compare them?

    We often get thanked for the detailed quotes that we provide. Our clients are never left wondering what they are getting. They clearly define the prep work, the products being used, the number of coats and what is and is not being painted.

    Contact us by email or call us for a free, no obligation quote.

    How To Make A Small Space Feel Larger

    There are a lot of ways to make a space appear larger than it actually is by utilizing just a few of the techniques below.

    Using Monochromatic Colours To Create A Feeling Of Space

    • Palettes of lighter softer colours, neutral colours or colours of the same shade will keep a room looking open and airy. 
    • Keep the colour contrast to a minimum between the walls and the ceiling. A shade of white is the most common colour to paint ceilings, but if the wall colour is light enough you can consider using the same colour on the ceiling. 
    • Carry the same colour family throughout an entire home to create harmony and flow. Different colours in every room can make a house feel cut up.
    • Repeat a pattern in one room to the next adjoining room. Or echo the colour of one room into another with accents such as throw pillows or lampshades. This pulls your eye through to the other room. 
    • Choosing a colour that mimics what is outside your windows to give the room a sense of expanding to the outside.

    The lighter colouring of the walls and the monochromatic colour scheme of the decor makes this room feel light, airy and spacious.

    By painting the walls, baseboards and trim work in the same colour it tricks your eye. If the baseboards were done in a contrasting colour such as white it would create a perimeter around the room and emphasize the small floor space. By having a consistent colour on the wall and baseboard it doesn’t break up the wall and helps to minimize the fact that the ceilings are only eight feet in height.

     

    Scale, Placement And Colour Of Furniture

    • It’s better to use fewer larger well-appointed pieces of furniture. Having a large number of smaller pieces can make a room look cluttered. 
    • If possible allow for space between your furniture pieces and the walls to create a sense of openness. 
    • Furniture in colours close to the wall colour gives the illusion of a bigger room, furniture colours that contrast with the walls breaks up the space making it feel smaller. 
    • Choose sofas and other furniture on legs. This creates more of an open feeling than furniture that sits directly on the floor. Other good options are open armed seating, slatted backed dining chairs and glass tables to keep a room feeling airy.
    • Choose furnishings in shades and patterns that compliment each other instead of ones that compete in colour. Furniture in solid colours is better in a smaller space. Create interest using textures instead of patterns. If you do use patterns in fabrics keep them subdued and on a smaller scale. 
    • Try to place furniture so that there is a spot for your eye to move along the longest distance of the room. 
    • If you’re designing a new kitchen or renovating take the upper kitchen cabinets right up to the ceiling to give the illusion of more height. 
    • Use multi function pieces to help minimize the number of items such as beds with drawers, sofa beds, expandable dining tables, nested tables and storage chests as coffee tables.
    • Use an appropriate size area rug. Too small of a rug will make a small space feel even smaller. A rug in a light colour will reflect and bounce around more light. In some cases it might be best to skip the rug altogether so that the eye sees continuity throughout the flooring. 

    This bedroom is a descent size, but because it’s got minimal furnishings and kept uncluttered it makes it feel even more spacious.

     

    Well Placed Mirrors Reflect Light And Depth

    • Hang a large framed mirror to create the illusion of depth in a small room.
    • Prop an oversize mirror against the wall for a dramatic effect, especially if it’s a floor to ceiling height. It will reflect a large portion of the room making it feel more spacious.
    • Angle mirrors toward a focal point to give a sense of depth or place it near a window to reflect a view of outside.
    • Placing mirrors on walls across from each other creates a look of space going beyond the walls.
    • Group a bunch of mirrors together with the same colour frames to keep it looking uncluttered. Or layer smaller mirrors on top of larger ones to reflect light and create a sense of depth.
    • Mirrored cabinet fronts help to reflect light around small spaces.
    • Place a mirror along the counter top in a small kitchen.

    Using Light To Create A Sense Of Space

    • Natural light is one of the best ways to open up a space, when it’s not possible to compensate with artificial light.
    • Let your eye extend beyond the room and outside a window. Leave them bare if privacy is not a concern or use simple shades or blinds that can be pulled out of the way during the day.
    • Curtains stop the eye for looking through the window and can add yet another element to a small room that makes it feel cluttered. If you do hang curtains place the rod higher than the window and up close to the ceiling. To make the window feel taller. Extend the width of the curtains past a small window to make it feel wider. Keep the curtain colour the same as the walls to keep the eye moving along the wall. 
    • If the view out of your window is not appealing bring attention to something else by placing a beautiful plant or decorative display piece in the window. 

    Clearing Clutter And Allowing A Room To Breathe

    • Nothing will make a space feel smaller than a bunch of items that are fighting for attention all over the room.
    • Create a focal point or feature area that the eye will be drawn to and arrange the furniture to help draw the focus to that area. Keep the rest of the room décor to a minimum.
    • A large piece of artwork or photo works well in a small space to create a sense of grandness. 
    • In rooms with low ceilings draw the eye up with vertical lines or a set of artwork or photos arranged towards the ceiling.
    • Let the room breathe by placing well chosen accessories. Take advantage of key display areas such as the coffee table, end tables and fireplace instead of areas all over the room.
    • Allow small entry ways, foyers or hallways to feel welcoming by using narrow console tables and keeping it light weight visually. 
    • Don’t block pathways or have areas where people have to squeeze through. Allow the eye to flow freely through the room. The further you can look into a room the bigger it will feel.

    Tips For After The Painter Has Finished

    Drying Time Versus Curing Time

    Latex paint dries very fast, but drying and curing are two different things. At normal room temperature and humidity latex paint can be dry to the touch in an hour or less. It’s only dry on the surface and until it cures the finish is still soft. Damage can occur from wiping the walls, having people or pets brush against it or from being hit with objects. It’s not going to stand up to water or other liquids beings spilled on it or to high humidity.

    In ideal conditions it can take up to 2 weeks for paint to cure enough so that it can stand up to being wiped or washed. Most paints take 28 days to fully cure. This is when the paint reaches its full hardness. Until the paint has had time to cure you can run the risk of creating a burnish mark if you wipe the walls.

    Conditions that can affect the curing time are temperature, ventilation and humidity. If something happens to mark the wall during the curing time it is best to leave it until the paint has cured, then you can wash it off.  Of course there are times when this just is not going to be possible, such as a splatter of tomato sauce above your kitchen counter. In this case take a slightly damp cloth or sponge and wipe it off as gently as possible.

    When having the exterior of your home painted make sure your sprinkler system is adjusted. It shouldn’t be getting any water onto the surfaces being painted during the days that the painting is taking place. It’s best to wait at least a few days after the painting is finished to reset your sprinklers. You still shouldn’t have water directly spraying onto your house.

    After My Bathroom Has Been Painted When Can I Shower Or Bathe?

    It’s best if you can wait 48 to 72 hours before showering or taking a bath in a freshly painted bathroom. Keep damp laundry or towels off the painted surfaces during this time. Keep this in mind when scheduling your painting. Is it going to work for your family? Do you have an alternative bathroom you can use? Your bathroom should be equipped with a good ventilation fan. Many bathrooms are small spaces, to help the humidity escape it’s best to leave the fan on for several hours after the painter has finished. As we mentioned above it can take between 2 to 4 weeks for paint to cure. When showering or bathing for the next while keep the fan running afterwards for at least an hour. If the room is not well ventilated and too much moisture or humidity is allowed to gather on the walls or ceiling it can ruin the paint finish. You should always have your fan running during a shower and its good practice to leave it running for 15 to 20 minutes after a shower or bath. For houses with humidity issues you may need to run the fan even longer.

    When Can I Hang Pictures And Place Items On Painted Surfaces?

    It’s best to wait at least 48 hours before hanging photo frames and other items on the walls. Placing objects on freshly painted horizontal surfaces like fireplace mantels and window sills should be refrained from for about a week. The paint finish might be slightly soft during this time period. You run the risk of things sticking to the finish. Items such as towel bars, door knobs, light switch and electrical outlet covers can be usually be put back on by the end of the day or the following day. 

    How To Save Money On Painting Costs

    Keep Up With Exterior Maintenance And Painting 

    It may sound counter productive, but painting more often will save you money. How often your house exterior needs to be painted goes far beyond aesthetics. The paint is one of the layers of protection for your home. Many home owners wait far too long to re-paint until there is an extensive amount of scraping, sanding and re-caulking to be done. The extra labour to do this preparation will greatly add to your painting costs.

    Neglecting the exterior maintenance of a home’s exterior can result in wood rot, excessive mold or mildew build up or water ingress. Wood siding or trim work that is not kept well protected with a layer of paint or stain can become prone to warping, cupping or cracking. Having to hire someone to replace damaged wood can be costly, especially the it’s on the higher levels of the house.

    You should do a visual inspection of your house at least once a year and and keep on top of any issues you see arising. It’s not uncommon as painters to show up for an exterior quote and have to inform the customer that the have rotting siding or fascia boards, or that the majority of the caulking on their house has deteriorated.

    If wood has been left to deteriorate to the point that it’s severely cracking and peeling it leaves it exposed to the weather elements. Hours of preparation labour will be needed to prepare it for painting, if the wood is even worth saving.

    This bucket is full of peeling and flaking paint that was on the majority of the wood siding of the house below. Some of the boards were cracked and deteriorated beyond repair. They had to be replaced before the painting commenced. It took a great deal of time to scrap and wire brush off the loose paint which significantly adds to the labour costs of the job.

    Luckily this scenario was not as bad as it could have been. With the exception of about a dozen boards the siding on the house was still in relatively good shape. However, it did cost the homeowner a lot of extra expense for the painting preparation and to bring in someone to replace the decayed boards.

    Don’t Neglect Parts Of The House That Are In Need Of Painting Because You’re Waiting Until The Whole House Needs To Be Done

    A mistake that some homeowners make is allowing one portion of their house to suffer because the rest of it is not necessarily in need of painting. It can be make economical sense to paint a portion of your house when it needs it. You may have a particular side of your house that is exposed to intense sunlight or harsh weather it may require painting more frequently than other areas

    Trim work and in particular the fascia boards may become weathered, faded or discoloured, but the body of the house is still in good condition. By painting just the trim it can give a fresh new look to the entire house.

    Use Quality Paint And Do The Proper Preparation

    The importance of using a high quality paint on the exterior of your house can’t be overstated. Low quality paint will break down faster, may fade prematurely and could allow the house to accumulate mildew or mold at an accelerated rate. However, the highest quality paint is only as good as the surface preparation that was done prior to its application.

    The same goes for interior painting. A low quality paint is going to mark and scuff easily. It may not stand up well to humidity in areas of the home or could accumulate mildew. It may stain easily and if you try to wash or wipe a low quality paint it can leave noticeable steaking or burnish marks.

    Tips For Saving Money On Interior Painting

    Schedule Painting While The House Is Empty – If there is the opportunity to schedule painting before you move into a newly purchased home take advantage of it. Not only will it be reflected in a lower painting quote, it will be a lot less stressful for your family.

    Schedule Painting While The House Is Unoccupied – if you hire trustworthy painters there’s no reason you can’t allow them to paint while you are away. We quite often have clients who schedule us to paint while they are on vacation. This allows us to work earlier or later hours if we choose to. We don’t have to accommodate for the homeowner to use any of the spaces during the day or after we leave. We can work on all areas of the house at one time, leaving our drop sheets, work equipment and paint materials in place from the start to finish of the job.

    Paint In Winter – Consider booking your interior painting in the winter months. Often this season can be slower for the painting industry and contractors may offer discounts, particular in the months of November through February.

    Book Several Rooms Or The Whole House At Once – Having a contractor come in to paint several interior spaces at the same time is more cost effective. It’s less effort and more convenient for the contractor to do so, versus returning on multiple occasions and setting up equipment and supplies each time for one room.

    Save The Painting Contractor Time – Anything done on the home owners part to allow the contractor to focus on painting will help reduce the cost. This should of course be agreed upon beforehand and written into the painting quote. Having to work around difficult furniture, move furniture, blinds, or other window coverings all take up time. Contractors take many factors into consideration when doing an estimate.

    Multiple Interior Paint Colours Increase Painting Costs – Homeowners may not realize that it can cost more to paint a house interior in multiple paint colours, both in paint and labour costs. For example a typical bedroom might take a gallon and a half of paint. If that’s the only room being painted in that colour a half gallon of paint doesn’t get utilized elsewhere.

    It takes the painter more time, effort and expense to paint a number of colours.. Each one requires a different brush, roller, tray, brush bucket, liner, etc. When painting with one colour a painter can efficiently transition between rooms and go back and forth between spaces applying first and second coats as drying time allows.

    Accent Or Feature Walls Cost More – Things to take note of when having a feature wall painted. It often requires purchasing a full gallon of paint, even for a small feature wall. It takes more time and effort to precisely cut in the accent wall against the adjoining wall colours. If you’re painting an entire house it’s not going to significantly add to the cost if you have one feature wall. However, if you start adding in several of them it start adding up and it will slow the painting process down. If you’re having only a single room painted and adding in a feature wall you’ll likely to take more notice of the cost increase that it will incur.

    Omit Painting Closets If They Don’t Need Painting – Unless you’ve done it yourself most people don’t realize how time consuming it is to paint a closet or pantry that has a lot of shelving or an elaborate clothing hanging system. In the closet example below we would remove the metal shelving, leaving the mounting hardware in place. This makes it easier to paint, but we still have to cut in around dozens of mounting clips and it takes time to remove and re-install the shelving. If the closets need to be painted so be it, but if they are in relatively good condition and you’re fine with the colour leave them out to keep the painting costs down.

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