Painter

DRYWALL REPAIR & PRIMING

Homes are meant to be lived in – that’s why it’s not uncommon to see drywall with holes or some type of damage that needs repair. The good news is, it’s actually pretty easy to fix. Before we pick up a paintbrush, we’ll repair any drywall damage first. We’ll patch, sand, and prime your drywall to create a perfect surface. It’ll be like you’re living in a brand new home!

DRYWALL REPAIR SERVICES

Drywall damage can happen pretty easily. If you’ve used a nail to hang up a picture, or had a doorknob put a dent into a wall, you know just how delicate this surface can be. While it might not seem like a big deal, even the smallest hole can be noticeable. If these holes and damaged parts aren’t properly covered up before a paint job, they’ll be even more noticeable. We’ll be happy to help you fix these problems. It’s one of the many ways we’ll WOW you!

Drywall damage doesn’t just come from overly rambunctious kids or clumsy adults. Damage often occurs naturally, and in much more subtle ways than you might think

Here are some of the most common causes of drywall damage:

Small punch-through holes from nails,

Popping nails,

Furniture scuffs,

Loosened up joint tape,

Damage from tile removal,

Cracks from settling,

Damage from moisture or mold,

Everyday wear and tear,

Damage from kids,

Damage from rodents, and

Holes from drywall anchors.

PRIMING DRYWALL FOR PAINT

Before we paint, we’ll do a walkthrough of the space and inspect for any existing damage. We’ll take note of all the spots that need repair, and then we’ll get to work! Very small holes (like those from nails) can be fixed by simply filling them with mud/spackle, and sanded down once dried. This is usually a pretty quick process.

For bigger holes (like those from door handles, etc) will need to be patched, which is a bit of a more complex process. First we’ll carefully measure the hole, and cut a patch of drywall to fit it. We’ll then apply mud/spackle around the edges of the hole on the wall. Next, the patch is carefully applied, with more mud being applied over top of the patch. Once it has dried, we’ll sand it down to create a smooth surface that’s ready to be painted.

 

THE ONE-HOUR DRYWALL MUD PATCH

Not every drywall surface repair will require new sheetrock installation. In a lot of cases, a simple coat of drywall mud is enough to hide gouges, blemishes and unfinished areas. This short article will show you how to make simple mud patch repairs to your walls—and carry out the whole process in one hour or less!

When most homeowners set out tackle drywall repairs, they usually purchase large, pre-mixed batches of joint compound. While these bucket-sized portions can be helpful for mudding an entire room, they tend to be overkill for patching small areas

A far more effective solution is using 20-minute joint compound. This fast-setting powder is perfect for carrying out numerous small projects over time. (It can also be found for less than $10 a bag at Lowes or Home Depot.)

Typically just a few cups are required for a small repair. The rest of the compound can be stored in a heavy garbage bag, tied off at the top to prevent the powder from taking on moisture.

You’ll want to begin the repair by lightly sanding the area where you’re going to apply your mud patch. (In this case, a wall-mount sink was removed to make room for a new pedestal unit that wouldn’t hide the old scarring.)

 

Most Common Causes of Damage to Drywall

Have you been noticing scuffs and holes on the drywall in your house? Wondering how they got there? There are a number of ways drywall can get damaged, some of which you should know about before moving that extra large couch upstairs

Popping Nails

Occasionally, if nails are not securely set in the centre of the joist or stud, over time a nail may pop through the drywall. Don’t reach for the hammer and try to nail it back, as you can do further damage and the nail could eventually come out again. Simply remove the nail and find where the stud is, then nail it through in a slightly different point so you know it’s properly and securely fastened.

Furniture Scuffs

Scuff marks from furniture are another form of damage you may find, even before you move into your home. They’re typically more minor, and have the appearance of a pencil or marker stain. Avoid scuffs by carefully moving items around in your house and not placing bigger furniture too close to the wall. If the damage hasn’t actually ripped off pieces of drywall, the problem can be solved with an easy-to-find cleaning sponge.

Smaller Holes

Small holes can be caused by a number of things, like a door that swings open too hard. You can avoid this from happening again by buying an adhesive backing plate for the wall. Just line it up with the door knob or corner of the door and you’ll protect the drywall from future damage

Bigger Holes

Did a wrecking ball crash through your wall while filming a music video or did you accidentally trip, resulting in a large hole in your drywall? However that hole got there, you can avoid it happening again by just being more careful.

 

How to Repair Drywall the Right Way

Whether you’re renting or owning, we’ve all had a gallery wall or a shelf installation go wrong. One mis-measured anchor and now there’s a golf-ball sized hole in the drywall. A stud-finder could have saved the day, but we’re here now. Good thing it only take three steps to repair your drywall. It’s so easy you can make a drywall day out of it!

Step 1:

Cut your mesh to fit. Layer the mesh on top of the hole to see how much extra to remove. There should be about an inch around the hole. Apply a bit of spackle to the back of the mesh patch and adhere to the wall, pressing it on. Let dry.

Step 2:

Generously apply spackle to the patch and about a three inch circumference around it. Let dry.

Step 3:

Sand the spackle lightly until smooth. Blend the edges into the wall, careful not to sand down to the patch. Repeat step 2, as needed. Paint over the area with matching paint.

Repeat as many times as you need to refresh your space and get back that security deposit. Next time, a stud-finder can help you anchor your heaviest pieces without sacrificing precious drywall.

 

Experts in Drywall Repair, Preparation and Painting

Does this sound like you? You’ve been itching to paint a room in your house. You glance with longing at the paint swatches in your local hardware store. You even visualize new wall hangings and furniture organization…but you still haven’t booked your local painters. Something is standing in the way.

Always Repair Your Drywall Before Painting

Painting over damaged drywall is like putting a Band-aid on an open wound. It doesn’t fix the problem. In fact, it doesn’t even hide it well. With drywall damage, you need to start at the source. You’ll be glad you did!

When your drywall is repaired properly, you can rest assured knowing that there are no underlying issues with your walls or ceiling. Plus, your paint will adhere like it’s supposed to. Take a look at the leading causes of damage, and see which one applies to you

The Top 3 Causes Drywall Damage

Water damage. We’ve all seen the ugly brown stains that come from water damage. If you’re not sure where the leak is coming from, that’s a good place to start. Once the repairs have been made, the drywall needs to be removed, replaced, and painted.

Loose drywall tape. When the tape between drywall sections comes loose, it tends to crack and peel in long strips. This can happen from an excess of humidity or from improper installation. Either way, it damages the paint, and the area needs to be replaced, patched, and painted.

Wear and tear. Whether it’s from furniture scuffs, swinging doors or an unfortunately placed elbow, drywall takes its share of dents and bruises. When the surface of the drywall is cracked or broken through entirely, some real repairs are in order.

The Essentials of Repairing Drywall

Unless you’re a bona-fide handyman, drywall repair is no easy DIY task. We recommend seeking out your local professionals. You’ll want a team that will

Tips for Working with Drywall

We’ve hung and patched and primed and finished our fair share of drywall. Check out this compilation of tips for working with drywall to make your next build or repair easier

Use Setting Compound for Big Holes

It’s fine to fill screw holes and other small wall dings with patching compound, but for dime-size and larger drywall repairs, and for holes that are deep, it’s best to use a joint compound that sets up by a chemical reaction. These are available in powder form with setting times ranging from five to 90 minutes. The reaction starts when you mix in the water, and the compound hardens in the specified time. The five-minute version is nice because you can buy the powder in a convenient 5-lb. box, and the compound hardens quickly, so you can apply another coat right away. Remember, setting-type compounds are harder to sand than regular patching materials, so make sure to strike them off flush to the surface when you fill the hole. You’ll find setting-type compounds wherever drywall taping supplies are sold.

Make a Dent for the Patching Compound

When you remove a nail, drywall anchor or picture hanger, there is usually a little ridge of old paint or drywall sticking out that’s hard to cover with patching material. The solution is to make a dent over the hole, and then fill the dent. Most good-quality putty knives have a rounded hard plastic or brass end on the handle that works perfectly for making the dent. The rounded end of a screwdriver handle or the handle of a utility knife will also work. Press the handle against the hole and twist it slightly while applying pressure to dent the surface, or if you have good aim, use your denting tool like a hammer

Cover Cracks with Repair Spray

Stress cracks usually show up around window and door openings. The cracks are the result of framing movement and are hard to fix permanently. But using spray-on crack repair is a good way to at least extend the life of your repair. The spray forms a flexible membrane over the crack that can stretch and relax as the building moves.

Rent a Drywall Lift for Ceiling Work

If you have to drywall a ceiling, don’t hesitate to rent a lift. It’s well worth the daily rental fee and is by far the best way to get a ceiling up without back strain. Drywall lifts break down into three parts and fit easily into a midsize car. After you reassemble it, release the catch on the wheel and crank it up and down a few times to make sure it’s working smoothly. Then lock the lift and hoist one end of the drywall sheet up to the support hook—finish side down. Now lift the other end of the sheet up and slide it onto the second hook as shown. Lift slowly and smoothly—abrupt or jerky handling can pop the front edge of the drywall off the hook.

 

Tips for Patching Drywall

Before you paint a wall you have to prepare the surface, which inevitably involves patching. It’s one of the most important steps. But sometimes it takes more than just a can of spackling and a small putty knife to get good results. Here are some wall patching tips and products that will help you speed up the job, avoid problems and end up with a flawless wall.

Use Self-Priming Filler

Patches made with traditional patching materials need to be primed with a sealing-type primer before painting. Otherwise the patched areas could show through the finished paint job as foggy spots. But if you patch with a self-priming patching material, you can avoid this extra step. There are several brands; just look for the words ‘self-priming’ or ‘with primer’ on the container.

Use Setting Compound for Big Holes

It’s fine to fill screw holes and other small wall dings with patching compound, but for dime-size and larger drywall repairs, and for holes that are deep, it’s best to use a joint compound that sets up by a chemical reaction. These are available in powder form with setting times ranging from five to 90 minutes. The reaction starts when you mix in the water, and the compound hardens in the specified time. The five-minute version is nice because you can buy the powder in a convenient 5-lb. box, and the compound hardens quickly, so you can apply another coat right away. Remember, setting-type compounds are harder to sand than regular patching materials, so make sure to strike them off flush to the surface when you fill the hole. You’ll find setting-type compounds wherever drywall taping supplies are sold

Make a Dent for the Patching Compound

When you remove a nail, drywall anchor or picture hanger, there is usually a little ridge of old paint or drywall sticking out that’s hard to cover with patching material. The solution is to make a dent over the hole, and then fill the dent. Most good-quality putty knives have a rounded hard plastic or brass end on the handle that works perfectly for making the dent. The rounded end of a screwdriver handle or the handle of a utility knife will also work. Press the handle against the hole and twist it slightly while applying pressure to dent the surface, or if you have good aim, use your denting tool like a hammer

Cover Cracks with Repair Spray

Stress cracks usually show up around window and door openings. The cracks are the result of framing movement and are hard to fix permanently. But using spray-on crack repair is a good way to at least extend the life of your repair. The spray forms a flexible membrane over the crack that can stretch and relax as the building moves.

 

Tips for Hiring a Drywall Contractor

Drywall is paneling used to make interior walls and ceilings. When done right it looks smooth, like one surface, rather than all the individual panels. That’s why it’s important to hire the best drywall contractor for the job, which sometimes isn’t the cheapest. However, if the wall is warped or it’s easy to see the panels, then you won’t be as happy with the result. Here’s a list of tips to help you hire the right drywall contractor for the job

Looking for a Drywall Contractor

You know you need a good drywall contractor, but starting the search can be difficult. A good way to start is through referrals. Asking friends, partners, or contacting the AWCI (Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry) can give you a good place to start. Another way to search for businesses is on the internet. There you can request quotes and look at reviews and photos and ask for referrals. Once you’ve narrowed down who you’re interested in, you can start interviewing potential drywall contractors.

Interviewing Drywall Contractors

It’s important to ask the right questions of anyone who might do work for you. Questions shouldn’t just be how much they think the job will cost, ask questions about the company. Questions about the age of the company and the company history are relevant to any work you will have done. If the company has a recent bankruptcy, then you need assurances that the job can be completed. You should know what licensing they have if they have insurance, who pulls permits, and how they resolve disputes. These questions give you a view of the legitimacy of the drywall contractor. These questions let you know about the business, but you also need to know about the job and how they operate

Contract Negotiation

Once you’ve decided which drywall contractor to hire it’s time to negotiate a contract. It’s important to have a couple of things in the contract. The first is to have the estimate or actual price in the contract with clear language as to which it is. If possible get an itemized estimate or actual price at the time of signing. This lets you know exactly why you’re being charged and what you’re being charged. And if the price changes over time, you can see where it changed and why

These tips and questions will prepare you for hiring a drywall contractor, that way you hire the best company for the job. It’s important to remember that the cheapest bidder might not be the best company for the job. Because drywall is one of those elements that everyone notices if it’s not done well. And it’s worth having the job done right the first time.

 

Tips For Hiring a Drywall Contractor

Like painting, drywalling is a very labor-intensive technique. In addition the drywall installer and taper has to be skilled because any imperfections will be picked up long after the painters have left. This is why a great emphasis should be placed on hiring the right drywall contractor for the job.

Drywalling is actually two separate jobs. The first part is the sheetrock installation which entails cutting, shaping, putting the panels into place and then fastening them. The second part includes taping the seams and then sealing both these and the screw heads with drywall compound. This latter process revolves around coating and sanding these surfaces until the walls and corners are smooth and you can’t tell where one sheet begins and the other ends

Preparation

If you take a look at a finished wall in any home it looks like a seamless flow of color which is only interrupted by the corners. And these looked like they have been hewed from a single block with a precision saw blade. Only your previous knowledge of building will tell you differently. However, the drywall job is only as good as the framework to which it is fastened

Hiring the Drywall Contractor

As nothing is more infuriating to a homeowner than to see bulges and rifts on a finished wall you can’t hire just anyone to drywall your home. There are ways to find out the ones who will do the best job. A drywalling company can cost in the realm of $25 to $45 per hour per person for sheetrock installation and drywall taping so they are not cheap. This is why you have to follow a few guidelines

Finding a Contractor

This can be accomplished through a variety of places like the internet, home building stores and word-of-mouth. Usually home building places are good because they know the credit history of all the contractors and can give you an idea of who is trustworthy. Web sites like HandyAmerican.com can provide you with detailed information about contractors rated and reviewed by your neighbors

 

How to Repair Drywall

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.

It’s best to do a repair with three or four thin coats of compound–if possible leaving sanding for just the last coat. Also, “the most important thing with a repair is to build the joint out wider than you would normally,” says drywall contractor Rick Schwartz, who serves as secretary treasurer of Marietta Drywall in Marietta, Ga. The key is to leave a wide and very shallow slope on all sides, he says.

A drywall repair toolkit is simple. It consists of flexible knives in 3-, 6- and 8-in. 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 these. As for materials, drywall compound, mesh tape, paper tape, drywall nails and screws take care of most repairs

Watch The Weight

If you have several large repairs to do and you’ll be buying a sheet or two of drywall, be advised that a sheet of regular 1/2-in. drywall weighs about 1.7 pounds per square foot. That means a 1/2-in. 4 x 8-ft. sheet weighs a bit more than 54 pounds (a 3/8-in. sheet weighs almost 45 pounds). If you stand it on edge and it falls over, someone–especially a child–could get hurt.

Beware Of BucketsFive-gal. compound buckets pose a drowning or suffocation hazard to small children–when they are new and filled with compound, or later after they are cleaned and used for car washing and other jobs

Commercial Painting – 3 Tips for transforming a Dull Commercial Property into a Dazzling Masterpiece

A good commercial property attracts customers. So, it is important to maintain and paint it beautifully. For painting your office, retail store or restaurant, choose an experienced commercial painting company that guarantees minimal disruption of work and provides you with high-quality results.

Be it a retail office, an industrial factory, a condominium, or any other type of real-estate property, a clean and well-maintained commercial property is essential for business. If you are a businessman looking to update the look of your property, you can hire a commercial painting company and transform a dull commercial property into a dazzling masterpiece.

Why is it Essential to opt for Commercial Painting?

1. First Impression is the Last Impression

No one likes a dingy hotel, a shabby store or a dilapidated office. When a prospective customer or a potential employee comes to your office, he judges your economic condition on the basis of your commercial property. If it is dull, you will not be able to impress the customers and you will lose business. So, it is important to take good care of your property.

2. Customers expect Clean Environment

Cleanliness is a virtue that is expected from a product-based business as well as a service-based business. Clean environment assures the customers of your adherence to hygiene standards. It also ensures the employees of safety and security.

Customers believe that if a businessman cannot take care of his office, he cannot take care of his customers. So, it is important that you paint your commercial property and keep it clean.

3. A Stitch in Time Saves Nine

If you avoid the small cost of repairing damaged walls, rotten wood and peeling paint today, you will have to spend a large amount of money on repairs in the future. It will create a significant problem for the financial health of your business. So, repair the damages at the earliest and ensure the protection of your investment.

Today’s commercial painting companies can help you in keeping your commercial property up-to-date. They not only paint your property but also take care of minor repair and renovation work. They will take care of damaged doors, windows, ceiling, stucco etc. and paint them beautifully.

 

3 Vital Things to Keep in Mind Before Hiring Exterior Paint Service

Read the below-mentioned points to know some important issues you should keep in mind prior to hiring an exterior painting service.

• Exterior painting is not only concerned about painting the outer walls of the house. Doors, windows are equally important as walls in exterior painting service in Coquitlam.  Therefore, while you are opting for this kind of painting take care of every minute detail. Remember, things such as windows or doors will make a great impact on the final look of the house.

• Choosing the right color is one of the most important factors of exterior painting. Color patterns should be in accordance with the architectural structure of the house. But, many times choosing a suitable color becomes truly problematic. Only an experienced painter can help you to solve this confusion. Therefore, make it sure that your hired exterior paint provider is efficient enough to select the most suitable color for your home.

• In order to get the most perfect color, testing it in natural lighting, is highly advisable. Instead of this, if you make a decision by testing the color at artificial light, there would be a great mistake. This is because the appearance of the same color at different lights may look totally different and you can become confused.

 

3 REASONS TO HAVE YOUR HOME EXTERIOR PRESSURE WASHED THIS SUMMER

The Weather Is Perfect

When it comes to any kind of outdoor work, weather is always one of the most limiting factors, and as it turns out, the weather during the summer months is suited particularly well to pressure washing. With the longer daylight hours, we are able to tackle and finish bigger jobs, and accomplish more of them in the course of a single day where it might not be possible at other times of year. In addition, the warmer temperatures ensure that any lingering water left behind is able to quickly dry up, helping to prevent the formation and growth of mold, mildew, and algae on your home’s exterior surfaces.

Longer Lasting Results

With the frequent rains and humidity of spring behind us, the summer months are an excellent time for pressure washing as you can usually count on the results of your washing to last you a bit longer than they might at other times of the year. With rains generally coming less frequently during the summer months, your home tends to stay cleaner for longer, meaning that you can likely expect your home to continue looking great while you prepare to list it for sale this summer, or while you are planning your next social gathering.

Eliminate Mold & Mildew

With all of the moisture your home tends to collect over the spring, it isn’t uncommon for most homes to develop a bit of mold or mildew growth on their exterior surfaces, and if it is left to grow unchecked, they can quickly start to make the exterior of your home look dirty and dingy, and can even wind up doing damage to your exterior materials over time. By having your home pressure washed this summer, you can eliminate these harmful growths at their source, and with the warmer temperatures and lower humidity, it will take them much longer to come back than it would at other points in the year.

 

Commercial Painting – Tips for Transforming

Why is it Essential to option for Commercial Painting?

First Impression is the Last Impression

Nobody enjoys some office, a store or a lodge. Every time an expected employee or a consumer arrives into an own office, your status is judged by him about the grounds of one’s premises. You aren’t going to have the ability to impress the consumers when it’s dull, and you’ll shed organization. It is very crucial to have the decent care of one’s premises.

Customers expect Clean Environment

Cleanliness is a merit that’s predicted from the small enterprise together with being an organization that is service-based. Environment guarantees that the clients of one’s adherence. Additionally, it ensures that the staff members of security and safety. Clients think that in case your person can’t manage their office, then they can’t deal with their consumers. It is imperative which you make sure it remains clear and paint your residence.

A Stitch in Time Saves Nine

The industrial renovated apartments for rent of today will be able to assist you to keep your land up. Your home is don’t just painted by them but take good care of renovation job and repair out. They’ll take good care of ruined doorways, ceiling, windows, stucco, etc., and paint them attractively. You may have to devote a whole lot of dollars In the event you stay away from the price of mending sterile timber, partitions, and stained paint now. This will make an issue that is considered for one’s business’ well being. Fix the damages in the earliest and confirm the security of one’s financial commitment.

Reliable Professionals

Spending some amount of sometime in locating the most suitable painting business for the premises. Deciding upon the most suitable company, a business property will be transformed. Your workplace defines your organization. It is necessary that would be trustworthy. Select a painting business that conducts a history of its painters to be sure the staff, clients, and customers are not secure.

 

How to Dispose of Paint

Seal it Up

Seal the paint can properly before you put it away to keep the paint from drying up. If any paint has gotten in the grooves of the paint can wipe it with a clean rag. Use a rubber mallet to tap the lid down securely. Don’t use a hammer – it can distort the lid, making it more difficult to securely seal the can. If you don’t have a mallet, you can cover the can with a piece of wood and then hammer the lid closed.

Location

Store paint in a cool, dark location like a basement. If you do store it in the basement, make sure that it’s on a shelf. Moisture from basement floors can rust your paint cans. If you don’t have a basement, place them in a cabinet or closet in your house. Extreme hot or cold temperatures can ruin the paint. Cold weather can cause latex paint to separate, making it unusable. Heat can dry it out. Very hot temperatures can even trigger a fire with oil-based paints.

Space Savers

If you have cans that are halfway or almost empty, transfer the remaining paint into quart cans or large jars. Then use some labels and a marker to list the brand, paint name, date of purchase, mixture number and the room that you painted. Place a small dollop of paint on the top or side of the can too easily identify the color. If you have more than one color for a room (such as wall color and trim), keep them together. If you’re feeling especially organized, you can use a label maker and mark each room on the shelf front.

Reopening a Can

Opening a paint can after it’s been sealed for a long time can be difficult. But avoid using a screwdriver to open it. The lid can become warped and it will be difficult to seal it in the future. Use a key that’s specially designed for opening paint cans. Lowe’s will give you one for your paint purchase.

Shelf Life

Latex or water-based paint typically has a shelf life of ten years. The solvent or oil-based paint can last up to fifteen years. You can test to see if your paint is still good by doing the following:

• Latex – First, smell it. Does it smell rancid? If it does, it’s gone bad. Secondly, check to see if the paint is separated. There will usually be a thin skin on top with a layer of liquid underneath. Remove the skin and using a paint stick, stir the paint. Check to make sure that the paint isn’t hard on the bottom or the sides. If the paint blends together smoothly and appears to be the original color, then it’s OK to use. If you’re still unsure, brush some of the paint onto a piece of newspaper. If the paint comes out rough and lumpy, you need to dispose of it.
• Oil-Based – If it hasn’t been exposed to extreme temperatures and was sealed properly, then oil-based paint typically isn’t as susceptible to going bad as latex. Just remove the layer of film across the top and stir it well before painting.

Residential Painting – Tips and Techniques to Resolve Painting Troubles

Residential painting is another term for home painting. Professional house painters like us are experts to painting the exterior and interior of single family homes. Whenever you hire a us, you can rest easy knowing that a group of painters will work hard to improve your home with aesthetic and structure. Not only are we capable to change the look and texture of your house, but we can cater services to you or your family’s needs as you stay in your home.

 

Techniques That Makes a Professional Residential Painter

Along with an eye for details, professional painters have special techniques they use to ensure the best possible paint job occurs when painting your home. People may believe that these techniques are secret that professionals learn in training, but they are everyday techniques that non-professionals can do too. Some techniques include:

• Sanding away imperfections before painting. Starting with a perfectly smooth wall will help to have a perfectly painted wall with no lumps and bumps.
• Using tape to cover areas you don’t want to get paint on. This is a standard practice to use on baseboards, but it can also be used to create painting patterns on walls.
• Pressing the tape down with a putty knife to reduce air bubbles. Nothing is worse than finishing a paint job, thinking it all went well, then when you go to peel the paint off the baseboards you find that some paint bled through. Pushing it down with a putty knife ensures that nothing bleeds through.
• Using paint extender to eliminate brush strokes. Paint extender, also known as paint conditioner, slows down the drying time for paint which allows you to put more than one coat on and not get a slew of different brush strokes.

 

Common Paint Problems & How to Fix Them

Learn what causes the peskiest paint problems—and how to fix and avoid them in the future.

Cracking, Flaking, and Clumping

Repair and Prevention: If damage is extensive, you may need to repaint the entire surface. If not, with the right technique, you can repair a poorly painted spot without a lot of headache. Follow the tips detailed below for solutions.

• Remove all cracked and flaking paint with a scraper, wire brush, heat gun, or chemical application (depending on the extent and severity of the problem).
• Sand, feathering the edges to blend, then clean and prime the surface.
• Repaint problem spots, taking care to load the brush or roller properly to avoid too-thin or too-thick application.
• For brush application, dip the brush in, allowing paint to cover up to one-third of the bristle length; tap the brush lightly on both sides and avoid dragging the brush against the edge of the container.
• If using a roller, fill the roller tray halfway. Remove lint from a new roller cover, dip the roller into the well of the tray, then over the ribbed portion of the tray, repeating several times to evenly distribute the right amount of paint.

 

Alligatoring and Checking

Repair and Prevention

• Remove the old paint, then sand, prime and repaint with a flexible latex-based paint.
• Use high-quality latex paint.

Efflorescence

Repair and Prevention

• If moisture is getting into the masonry wall, eliminate the source of moisture by properly tuckpointing any cracks or missing mortar in the wall or patching concrete with a latex concrete patch; clean out gutters and downspouts, and caulk joints around windows and doors with a butyl rubber caulk.
• If moisture is migrating through the wall from the outside (e.g., basement wall), apply waterproofing to the outside of the wall.
• Remove all efflorescence and any loose flaking, chalking paint with a wire brush, scraping, or power washing. Then clean the area with a trisodium phosphate cleaning solution and rinse with clean water. Let completely dry, then paint with a high-quality latex house paint.

 

FROSTING- How to Fix It

Once property owners take preventative steps, they can progress to repairs. As distressing as the appearance of these marks may be, frosting damage can be surprisingly simple to remedy with the right tools.

• For mild frosting issues, gently wash the affected surfaces with warm water to test the deposited crystals for water solubility. If the marks dissolve after applying water, repeat this process until any flaws disappear.
• Stubborn cases may require the use of soft brushes for gentle clearing of heavy deposits. Once excess material is cleared, clean the affected areas.
• Apply quality alkyd primers to the exposed surfaces. These primers adhere well to a wide variety of surfaces, including wood.
• Once the primer cures, retouch the damaged areas with a matching paint.