What Types of Siding are Paintable?

As a professional painting company, it is important to approach all jobs with a consistent and replicable approach. While consistency is incredibly important it is also very import to recognize that each job will be unique and require the expertise to get the job done correctly. A significant element of expertise involves using the correct product and application for the type of material being painted.  For most houses the siding will be the largest surface area of the home but what type of siding can be painted?

What type of siding does my home have? Houses are sided in a wide range of products, wood, metal, vinyl, composites, brick, stone, and even asphalt or old-style asbestos.  Once the type of material is identified selecting the correct product and application becomes critical. The good news, all siding types are paintable.

As professional painters we most often encounter wood sided homes. The reason wood is most common is because not only does wood siding require the most maintenance it is also the least likely to be painted prior to installation.  We paint wood siding for two reasons aesthetics and to protect the wood from the elements. The average life span of paint on a wood exterior is 6-8 years.

Porous woods like cedar or redwoods require the added protection of a semi or solid color stain for maximum protection. Because the surface is not smooth a penetrating product is required to properly bond and protect the wood. For woods that have a smooth, hard surface, selecting a product that will bond to that surface is critical. Paint experts can help you determine an appropriate product that will not peel and protect the wood from the elements.

Metal or fiber cement siding are also very common siding types. Often these types of siding come prepainted from the factory prior to installation.  However, over time, these finishes will fade or peel. It is also possible that the siding was only factory primed and requires a top coat of paint. It is recommended that high quality acrylic paints are used when painting of repainting these types of siding. The most important first step is to make sure the surface is clean and free from dirt or chaulking prior to application of the paint. It should also be noted that a spray application of paint can yield the most attractive, stiple free and brush stroke free appearance for these types of siding.

Vinyl siding is also very commonly used as siding on many homes. While it is true vinyl will last decades before it discolors, it too can be painted. So, whether it is looking shabby or its just time to change the color choosing a vinyl safe color is key.  Vinyl is paintable when the paint chosen doesn’t have black as a colorant.  When a color is not vinyl safe the vinyl may warp from the heat of the sun. It is best to consult with the paint manufacturer to determine if a color is truly vinyl safe.

Siding types are nearly as diverse as the architectural styles of the house they cover.  While we discussed only a few of the type of products and application methods, it is important to use the right product and apply it in the proper way to create beautiful, long lasting results for your homes siding. Professional advice, guidance, and workmanship is key to your home looking it’s best, regardless of siding type, and the most effective way to invest your money on your number one investment.

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Eight Important Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Painting Company

The decision to hire a painting company is a very important one and taking a few moments to read the following information could save you both money and frustration by avoiding a bad experience.  The fact is, painters range in the quality of services they provide, and there are many inexperienced, unlicensed and unqualified people and companies that masquerade as professional painters. Many homeowners are so focused on “how much” that they never even consider anything else. This can lead them to hire the wrong company, leading to a costly and frustrating experience.

The following questions to ask will assist you in making the smart choice and will go a long way in providing you with the ammunition to separate the professional contractors from the ones you want to stay away from.

1. Do they have insurance? Contractors should have the following types of insurance – comprehensive business liability and workmen’s compensation. The liability insurance protects your property from damage by the contractor and the workmen’s compensation protects the workers (and you from liability) while they are working on your home. Workmen’s compensation insurance is very costly, so many painting contractors will try to work without it. Don’t take that risk!
2. Do they have employees or just subcontractors? Most small companies (2 to 6 members) only have employees, many times they are relatives or just somebody they may know. Most larger franchise type companies have only subcontractors. A good painting company will have a blend of highly trained and skilled painters so they can offer their customers the option and flexibility to choose whichever they are most comfortable with.
3. Is it safe for the crew to be in my home? Safety and security is always an important element to consider when hiring a contractor. Reputable companies perform the proper checks and balances to ensure that their customers feel safe while painters are working on their property.
4. What kind of materials are being used? A good painting contractor will use quality products that are designed to last and give a professional appearance for years to come. Many times, a subpar contractor will use inferior products to save money and the homeowner ends up dealing with re-work or a poor appearance not long after the job is completed.
5. Will there be a written proposal? A detailed and comprehensive proposal should be written so that your needs and requirements are met by the contractor. It also helps eliminate potential misunderstandings on the scope of the work and what is or is not included. Sloppy, little detail, and missing items on a proposal can be an indication of future trouble with your project.
6. Who will manage my project? Many painting contractors have little or no skilled management capabilities within their organization. Customers can quickly become frustrated with the lack of communication and lack of progress on their project. A quality painting company has the business systems in place to provide their customers with a very positive painting experience from beginning to end.
7. Is the company a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or any trade associations? Memberships to organizations like the BBB, the local chamber of commerce, and trade associations demonstrate that the company is stable and the contractor is dedicated to his or her trade. BBB membership requires a small yearly fee, and it reflects the contractors willingness to let potential customers review their service record. Memberships in trade organizations shows the contractor is dedicated to delivering the highest quality in painting services. Such associations often provide training, education, technical consulting, and a code of ethics.
8. Does the contractor provide a warranty? When hiring a contractor, you will want some assurances in the form of warranties. Some companies give unrealistically long warranties such as 10 or 20 years, but it is very possible that they will be out of business long before that. A more realistic warranty is one to three years. Most paint failures will show in the first year so be sure that it covered at a minimum. A decent warranty will cover both labor and materials, clearly defines what and what is not included, and should always be in writing and available for your review.

Can Your Painting Contractor Answer These Questions?

These days, it seems like anyone with a paintbrush and a business card can call themselves a painting contractor. Homeowners who are most likely to be taken in by these unscrupulous “painters” are those who are focused on cost and cost alone. With painting, like anything else in life, you typically get what you pay for. If the painting contractor you are considering cannot answer these questions to your satisfaction, find one who can. After all, it’s your home!

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Can You Use Interior Paint, Outside?

People often wonder if they can use exterior paint, inside and interior paint, outside. The answer can be a little complex. These are the guidelines for where to use interior and exterior paint products.

 Interior paints – The products that are classified as “interior” have certain characteristics that work well in an interior environment. Some are low odor, some are more spatter resistant. Some cover better and some have additives to make them flow and level. The interior classified products are strictly for interior use only. They lack the heavy duty mildewcide and chemicals that exterior paints contain to withstand rain, snow and heat/cold. They would break down quickly in an exterior environment and would fade and chalk quickly. They also lack the adhesion properties of most exterior paints and exterior usage would void any warranty. Stick with the interior for these products and you will achieve the best results.

Exterior paints – In theory, “exterior” classified paints would work fantastic in both the interior and exterior environment. They cover better, are more durable, and stick like glue to most surfaces. But, there is a problem. Exterior paints have chemicals present that are unsafe to use in an interior environment. The mildewcide, resin, and chemical makeup release unsafe gasses into an interior area. They are safe to use outside and pose no threat. An attached garage would be the only interior area that would be acceptable for application.

Hybrid interior/exterior paints – These products are fine to use in both areas although they lack the heavy-duty mildew resistance and toughness that a true exterior paint provides. Use these coatings for small jobs like doors and/or door frames in a pinch. These coatings work well in garage areas as well. Products like this exist for convenience only and perform well on interior work. Exterior, not as well.

Using the right classified product has its perks! You will know that your home is properly protected and will last on the outside as well as being safe from chemicals on the inside.

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VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in Paint

What are VOCs?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands (EPA, Environmental Protection Agency “Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality” 2017).

Sources of VOCs

There are many sources of VOCs besides paint. Also found in cleaning supplies, building materials, aerosol sprays, pesticides, permanent markers and so much more. The Environmental Protection Agency has a full list of products containing VOCs on their website. The biggest contributor of VOCs in paint is in the solvents, the additive that helps all components blend together. It is also found in the drier additive that helps the paint dry once applied.

Regulations and how to find VOC Information

Every state has different regulations in how much Volatile Organic Compounds are allowed in products. California has the strictest regulations regarding this matter. You can usually find your states rules on your local DNR website or office. If you are curious on how much VOCs are in your paint product, take a look at the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) or TDS (Technical Data Sheet). The number generally accepted for a low–VOC paint is less than 50 grams per liter and for zero-VOC paint is less than 5 grams per liter.

Using the right products

For easy checking, most paint can have this information on the side or back of the label. It looks something like this (VOC/COV < 50g/L – 0.42lb/gal). Most water based interior products used today are low voc. These do not pose any serious risks to your health. For people that have allergies, asthma or are sensitive to certain materials, they may have some irritation and would benefit from using a zero-VOC product. Zero-VOC products are becoming more popular due the popular demand, technology to make these products equally as durable as the usual products and environmental laws and regulations becoming stricter. Sherwin Williams and Hallman Lindsay both have great low-VOC and zero-VOC products. A few examples of the zero-VOC products are SW Harmony and SW Emerald or HL Earthscapes and HL Prokote.

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Tips For Hiring A Painting Company

Hiring a contractor can be a big investment of time, money, and emotion. We have all heard stories of contractors who have turned into total nightmares. Projects can go way over budget, take far longer than expected, or just don’t meet the quality standards you expected to pay for. Not all contractors are created equal and yes, price does often reflect quality. With these two facts in mind, the following tips can help ensure a contractor that is a good fit for your project and your personality.

Get referrals

There is often no better recommendation than that of a past customer. Talk to friends, neighbors, or even internet testimonials. Please keep in mind internet testimonials are often cherry picked or all together fictitious. With contracting consistency is key. If a contractor did an amazing job for a person you trust, odds are they can give you the same experience.

Call several quality professionals

Did they answer the phone? Some contractors are notoriously hard to reach. You want to work with someone who is easy to communicate with. If a job has issues or an expectation isn’t met, communication is usually where things can go wrong.

Meet with the contractor. Are they on time for their scheduled appointment? Do they look the part, professional, organized?

The way in which a painting company approaches your initial meeting will often be a good reflection of how they approach your job once hired. Each and every step of the process should be approached with care and professionalism. First impressions go a long way. When you meet someone, trust your gut. Do you like them? Do you trust them to do a quality job?

Investigate them and their company

Assuming you like them, trust them, and like the way they communicate with you regarding your expectations for the project, look into their track record of performance. It’s impossible to please everyone and often the most negative customers make the most effort to smear your reputation. With a little due diligence it’s pretty clear what past customers generally think about the quality of the contractor, their workmanship, and professionalism.

Get bids

Price isn’t everything and price does reflect quality, nonetheless, you want to keep your contractor honest by getting three bids from similar companies.  Most bids from a qualified contractor or estimator should be relatively similar. Make sure the proposal they present is clear and all work to be performed is clearly defined in writing. There will be price variance, but it shouldn’t be so extreme as to make you feel uncomfortable.

In addition to price, what terms does the painting contractor offer?  Is financing available? Is the down payment reasonable?

Often times, too large of a down payment can be a red flag. Fly-by-night contractors often demand huge down payments and then are never seen or heard from again. Expect an initial deposit of 10%-25% on average.

Once you feel ready to make a decision, consider the following; who do you like, who has the most consistent track record, and who has a reasonable price with terms that fit your needs.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to trust the qualifications of the contractor and if you enjoy their personality before you hire them. Work with a contractor who knows their business, is professional, ethical, and most importantly is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure YOU will be happy with your choice to trust them as your painting company. Customer service, qualification, and confidence in your choice are key. Happy hunting.

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How to Repair Drywall Damage

Drywall is relatively simple to install and easy to repair. It’s also easy to repair badly, which can leave a lumpy mess that declares “shoddy” to anyone who enters the room. Depending on your level of aptitude, this may be something to leave to the pros. Performing quality drywall repairs takes a specific level of skill that is only obtained through years of practical experience. With that said, here are few points to consider when faced with drywall damage.

Thin is Better

It’s best to do a repair with three or four thin coats of compound–if possible leaving sanding for just the last coat. Let each coat dry adequately before applying the next one. Also, the most important thing with a repair is to build the joint out wider than just the hole or crack being repaired. This will leave a wider and very shallow slope on all sides, which will eliminate a bump or “mounded” look on the wall.

Gear Up

A drywall repair toolkit is fairly simple. It consists of flexible knives of various widths, an inside-corner knife, a utility knife, a hammer, a screwdriver, a drywall saw and a drill. Some repairs also may require a hand sander, a hacksaw, a nail bar and a level. Chances are good that you already own some of these items. As for materials – drywall compound, mesh tape, paper tape, drywall nails and screws take care of most repairs.

The two most common drywall compounds are lightweight and all-purpose. They both are easy to work with and have a shelf life at room temperature of about nine months. The differences between the two are that the lightweight product weighs about a third less than all-purpose, it dries more quickly and takes less force to sand. All-purpose, on the other hand, bonds stronger for areas that are susceptible to heavy traffic.

Clean Up the Dust

It also bears mentioning that drywall sanding dust is a respiratory irritant. Wear a dust mask when sanding to block airborne gypsum and silica particles. Also, spread a plastic drop cloth nearby. Wipe dust off the drop cloth with a damp sponge, then clean the surrounding areas with a shop vacuum, let the air settle, and finish vacuuming with your household vac.

DYI or Pro?

Most people can handle minor drywall repairs with a little patience and some elbow grease. But larger repairs or flat out replacement can be overwhelming. The best course of action may be to hire a professional company, preferably one that also performs wall texturing and finish painting. That way, all services are under one contractor, making the project go much more efficiently and can save some money as well.

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Is Expensive Paint Worth the Cost?

In today’s world there are many choices when it comes to paint products and how they are advertised. Which ones are the best? What products will last the longest? These are a couple of questions that are brought up when making the decision. It can be confusing and frustrating if you don’t have the right guidance before making a purchase. I will go into detail in answering these questions and highlighting the information that is most important.

EXTERIOR PAINT. EXPENSIVE VS BUDGET?

In general, most major paint manufacturers have products that work and have stood the test of time. They wouldn’t be in business if the products often failed and had poor results. The products are made up of similar components with minor tweaks to improve level, flow, adhesion, application, odor, dry time and overall toughness. Just because the product is thick does not mean it will cover better or last longer, it’s the ingredients and the quality of these ingredients that makes the difference.

Choose a product that is well known and has proven, consistent results. There are three components in all paint products. Here is what they are and what they do.

1. Solvent – typically water or a hybrid of oil and water molecules that are combined. Oil is seldom used anymore due to odor and poor color retention. The solvent allows the product to be applied smooth and evenly in a liquid form. Water based is quick dry and low odor.
2. Resin – acrylic, latex, vinyl, and hybrid resins like urethane and epoxy are the most common. Most brands use an acrylic blend or 100% acrylic resin. This is your final film that is left on the surface after the solvent evaporates. This is what you paid for. Acrylic has great color retention and has a tough, durable, chalk resistant finish that will hold up for years under various weather conditions.
3. Pigment – titanium dioxide is the most common. Along with the colorant that is added to make your color, the titanium provides color coverage and hiding power.

So, which one should I buy?

All major paint companies will have a low, medium and high-end paint. Just because it’s a certain well-known brand, doesn’t mean that the can of paint is high quality. The main factor you want to look for in choosing your product is solid content. That along with a quality acrylic resin. These factors will give you more bang for the buck. The solid content is shown on every paint label in the ingredients section. It will show a percentage of solids, and the bigger the number the better. This is the surface film that you have ultimately paid for and the more there is, the longer it will take to break down. More surface film will take longer to fade, crack, chalk and erode. This gives you the life of the product and how long it will last.

Verdict

I can’t think of one good reason to buy a cheap exterior paint. It will be costlier in the long run as you will have to paint more frequently and your home will weather and fade more quickly. The cost of the paint is miniscule when it comes to your hard work or If you pay a contractor to paint your home. If a professional paints your home, typically 10%-15% of the total cost is paint. It’s simply not worth it! Buy a quality paint. It will pay for itself over time.

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