Some Great Painting Advice, in a Nutshell
If you're planning to get you house painted this Summer, paint expert, Bob Kieca has some expert general advice. As always, planning is the key word and Bob outlines the planning process.
BEFORE THE
PAINTING BEGINS
Before any surface preparation or painting begins on a new project, it would be
wise to take time to establish a goal and to spend some time and effort to
determine exactly what it is that you want to do and how it will be done. The
goal could consist of something like: Getting desired results and the best
possible job done for the best price, following established proven procedures,
with quality workmanship, using the proper tools and equipment with the best
quality products available
If you are fortunate to have a qualified painting contractor that you know and
trust that has a good reputation, a lot of this work will be taken care of by
the professional. If on the other hand, you plan to do it yourself, it would be
to your advantage to take steps to insure desired results. There are some key
words that can be used to get started. They are:
IDENTIFY --
RESEARCH --- IMPLEMENTATION.
IDENTIFY
For best results, it is necessary to clearly establish exactly what it is you
would like to do. It doesn't matter if it is the painting of one room or the
painting of the entire house. It is a simple matter to take a note book and make
a list of what is to be done. Notes should contain pertinent information such
as the existing condition of the surfaces, (may have a dry peeling condition,
may be in need of patching, caulking or may need to be puttied , etc.) Notes
should contain existing colors and choice of new colors to be used which will
help to determine the amount of coats of paint that will be needed. It would
also be helpful to list the sizes and amounts of areas to be done. For example:
The size of the rooms to be done or the length of the exterior, the amount of
linear feet of gutters and down spouts, the amount of window frames and doors to
be done. Etc.
Taking photos of areas to be painted could be very helpful. Taking pictures of
before and after will clearly document all work that has been agreed upon. It
also is a good way to keep records for future use. Can easily write down
information on the photos such as the code numbers and brands of primers and
paints, the colors used, the amounts used and the cost of labor and material.
If a digital camera is used and if you have a computer, a folder could be
established for all such photos and information.
The above information will enable you to communicate more clearly and
efficiently with your painting contractor or if you are doing the work yourself,
with your material suppliers.
RESEARCH
For best results, it is advantageous to do your homework and research. There is
a lot of information available and all you have to do is be inquisitive and ask
questions. You could get this information from your contractor or material
suppliers. You could also question others who have done similar projects.
Could also refer to the many books written about painting and decorating. The
web pages are also a good source of information.
Your research will result in not only knowing how to do the job yourself, it
will also provide awareness which will put you in a stronger position to
negotiate should you decide to hire a contractor.
The type of information you will be looking for is: following proper procedures
in preparation and painting. You will learn when and how to wash, scrape,
prime, caulk and putty and then finally when to paint. If doing exterior work,
you will learn the best times to paint regarding weather, humidity, moisture,
temperature that can be too low or too high. You will learn the best time of
the day to paint and how to plan your painting to cope with the sun. You will
also learn the importance of following proven established procedures. Another
benefit of research is that you will learn the characteristics of quality
materials and why it is to your advantage to use them. In the case of paints,
you will learn about colors, covering power with the expected amount of square
footage per gallon, about sheen, durability, permanency of colors etc.
IMPLEMENTATION
Your reward for properly completing your identification and research will be
that you are now in a better position to reach the goals that you set for
yourself. If you choose to do the work yourself, it is important to allocate
enough time to do it right the first time which will result in a long lasting
job that you will be proud of. If you choose to have someone else do the job,
you and your contractor will be able to communicate accurately avoiding
unnecessary surprises.
Copyright © 2003 Martin Hackl