Timing Is Everything
“Timing is everything,” is a great saying that can apply to so many things in anyone’s life. In painting, this is as true as ever. While many people plan on painting in the upcoming summer, few tend to get estimates and line up a contractor ahead of time. As in many industries, the best companies in the industry tends to book up early, this is no exception in painting. We spend our fall and early spring filling our summer schedules with projects, which reduces our flexibility during the peak seasons. If you are someone who has a busy summer schedule as well, there are many advantages to lining up a contractor ahead of time. Not only can you save money (we offer various pre-season discounts), but the peace of mind of knowing that you have the best contractor scheduled to do work on your home during a time that fits your schedule makes the project much more enjoyable and less stressful. If you are thinking about painting this summer, why procrastinate and jeopardize your chances of getting the best company to do your work during the best time for you?? Call Signature Painting to schedule your free estimate today, save yourself some money as well as the stress of scrambling to find a good contractor during the busiest season of the year. We look forward to hearing from you and helping with your spring and summer projects!!
Article written by William McKenzie, General Partner, Signature Painting
Signature Painting is a Painting Contractor servicing, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, San Ramon, Danville, Blackhawk, Pleasanton, Pleasant Hill, Orinda, Moraga
Which Color Should I Paint My House?
Painting contactors can be quite helpful in helping you choose the right color for your house. Most folks aren’t sure which color they should choose. After all, this is a big decision that you will have to live with for a long time. So how do you go about choosing that perfect color?
If you’re thinking about having the exterior of your house painted begin with a quick walk outside. Take notice to your surroundings such as the color of your roof, your shrubbery, and the color of your neighbor’s house. You don’t need to make your decision based primarily on these things, but it does help. Choosing a color that is in harmony is very important. You wouldn’t want the color of your house to clash with your neighbors. Your goal is to harmonize when choosing a paint color.
Now let’s talk about interior painting. Interior painting is a little different. Take a look at the main color of your wall. Choosing a paint color is very personal and you will want to be pleased with the color you choose. Visit a friend’s home and look at the colors of their walls. Do you like the colors they chose? Take a look at the clothes in your closet. Perhaps the color of your favorite outfit will help you determine what color you want your bedroom to be.
Another helpful tool in deciding which color to paint your house is the color wheel. You can observe a spectrum of colors that are divided into primary and secondary colors. You can visit your local art supply store for a complimentary color wheel. Don’t be afraid to be creative and mix colors. Just keep focused on keeping your colors harmonized.
How to Prepare Your House Before Painting
Before you call your local contractor, there are necessary steps you must take in preparing for the big job. Proper surface preparation is important if you want your new paint job to last. Here are the steps you should follow in preparing for both interior and exterior paint jobs.
Interior Paint Preparation
- Wash down walls if dirt has accumulated. You can use any detergent for this. For grease or cigarette stains use Tri Sodium Phosphate. Dawn dish washing detergent may even work for those stubborn stains.
- You’ll want to remove loose paint with a scraper or a spackle blade. Then you’ll want to sand the edges.
- Next you’ll want to apply spackle to any cracks or holes. Don’t forget the heavy paint ridges. Fix-all is a great product to use. Remember to try and keep your layers thin. Spackle that’s too thick can shrink and crack as it dries.
- Your patch should match your wall texture as closely as possible. By dabbing the surface with sponge you can instantly create a stipple effect.
- It is very important to caulk any seal joints around door jams, window casings, and baseboards.
- Lastly; sand all glossy surfaces for good adhesion.
Primer Application
It’s important to remember that whatever you’re painting-needs to be clean! This means that the surface needs to be free of any loose paint, rust, oil, dirt, mildew, and chemical residue before primer can be applied. Applying a primer is important because it helps to bind the finish coat to the surface that is being painted.
Exterior Paint Preparation
- All exterior surfaces should be washed. A power washer works great for this job.
- Stucco needs to have any loose paint scraped. You’ll want to repair any cracks or holes as well.
- Scrape off any loose dirt or paint on wood surfaces. You’ll want to sand the remaining loose paint to create a smoother surface.
- You’ll want to use a good rust inhibitive primer when preparing any iron or steel surfaces.
- Loose rust scale must be removed from any rusting metal.
- Allow galvanized metal to weather for at least 6 months before painting. If you have to paint galvanized metal before weathering, then etch the surface with vinegar and rinse thoroughly before applying a coat of galvanized metal primer.
If you want a long lasting paint job, the good surface preparation is essential. If you don’t take these necessary steps, you could cut years off the life of your paint job!
