Properly preparing the surfaces to be painted is the first
step in a quality paint job. All hardware, such as switch and outlet
covers, door knobs, strike plates, etc. should be removed and
carefully stored, or properly masked. Curtains, blinds, and other
objects should also be removed or protected.
All sheetrock damage should then be repaired. This includes
patching all nail holes and applying a sealer/ primer to all stains.
Larger repairs to the sheetrock may require a multi-step process
which includes installing new drywall, taping and floating, and
texturing.
All glossy surfaces
should be lightly sanded to dull the surface. Most paints do not
adhere well to hard glossy surfaces, and the light sanding gives the
paint something to "bite" into. After removing the sanding dust, any
separations between wood should be caulked with a siliconized
acrylic latex caulk.
The final step in the preparation process involves masking
and covering any remaining objects which will not be painted. The
method and extent of the masking is largely determined by how the
paint will be applied.
When the preparation is complete, a thorough inspection
should be conducted. Now is the time to discover any additional
sheetrock repairs, to find that door jamb that wasn't sanded, etc.
All masking should also be inspected carefully, particularly if
paint will be sprayed.
Until very recently, latex paints were used almost
exclusively for walls and ceilings, and oil paints were used for
doors, trims, and woodwork. Latex paints-- which are water based--
have been less durable. Oil paints, while more durable, emit
unpleasant odors and require the use of mineral spirits for clean
up.
However, because of government regulations and consumer
concerns, paint manufacturers have begun developing more durable
latex paints. A new generation of latex paints are now being
produced, and these paints are nearly are durable as oil
paints.
The result is a quick drying paint which levels well, cleans
up with water, and can stand up to severe wear and tear. Perhaps
more importantly, these new products do not emit harmful and
irritating fumes.
In
addition, latex paints do not yellow. Because of the nature of their
composition, oil base paints (particularly whites and off-whites)
begin yellowing almost the moment they are applied. Not only does
this result in a gradual discoloration of the paint film, it makes
touch-up increasingly difficult as time passes.
One benefit of these new latex paints is that the painter
can work in an area until the end of the working day, and that area
will still be accessible and usable to the homeowner within a few
hours of cleanup. For homeowners with young children (who may be
tempted to see if the paint really is wet) this eliminates one
potential problem. The greatly reduced odors means that painters
need not totally disrupt a family's lifestyle while a project is
being completed.
