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Whether you're trying to define a particular décor style, upgrade the interior design of your home or make it more durable over the long haul - a fresh coat of paint can work wonders in enhancing the durability of your home's surface .
Across the Durham Region, from Ajax and Whitby to Oshawa, Uxbridge, Port Perry and the whole bunch of rural communities in between - painting projects come in all shapes and sizes, from giving a whole house a new splash of colour to creating an accent wall, textured finishes, trim updates and touch-ups on previously painted surfaces that've already been painted.
The key to a pro-looking finish doesn't start when the first brush stroke hits the wall - it's all about the groundwork first, and following some painting preparation advice can help . That means getting the painting prep right, taking a close look at the surface you're painting over, picking out the right materials and using the right methods to make sure your paint sticks, looks smooth and lasts.
In this guide, Port Perry Handyman wants to share their knowledge, expertise, some practical tips, creative ideas. and the whole process of getting that perfect finish that'll make your space look better, your materials last longer and add a whole lot of visual oomph and protection to your home.
Homes across the Durham Region get all sorts of weather - humidity, frost, high UV rays and changing seasons all take their toll on walls, trim, ceilings, siding and flooring - so it's not just about looks. Paint has got a real job to do, particularly in preventing corrosion .
Paint quality, primer, and how you go about painting all play a huge part in this important element of the painting process :
Protecting drywall, wood, steel and concrete
Reducing the need for maintenance down the line
Sealing porous surfaces
Creating a cohesive look
Keeping moisture out
Covering up stains and imperfections
Making the whole thing last longer
And let's be honest - a job well done will make your space feel different too, especially when considering exposure to elements. - more depth, warmth and harmony.
Before you even pick up a brush or roller, professional painters follow a tried and tested process that takes years of practice. to get that perfect finish. Preparation is where 70% of the work happens - this is where the quality of the job is made or broken.
Furniture gets moved out of the way, the flooring is covered and lighting fixtures get wrapped up - all to keep everything clean and dust-free.
Surfaces get washed to get rid of oils, dirt and grime. You'd be amazed how often you need a bit of magic to get paint to stick to things like kitchen walls.
Scraping, washing and wiping down any old paint - it all gets done here. You need a smooth surface for your new paint to stick to.
Professionals sand, sand and sand some more to get rid of imperfections, holes, cracks and other bits that need sorting.
Gaps get filled before we even think about applying a primer - that's just basic.
Using the right primer is key to getting a smooth finish that lasts.
A little wipe with a tack cloth gets rid of any last bits of dust. Then it's paint time.
The right paint colour does more than just decorate - it brings a space to life and harmonises with your style. Whether you're doing up a modern condo or farm-style home, we all need a bit of help sorting the perfect colour scheme that'll add real visual oomph & style to your home.
Colours that tie in with your furniture
Room size and how light bounces off the ceiling
What kind of colour will keep the place looking great in the long run
The emotional impact of the colours you choose
And getting the perfect smooth finish.
Professionals often have loads of ideas and inspiration to share to help you pick out a colour scheme that ties it all together.
Not everyone's got the fancy new paint-friendly surfaces - a lot of homes still have old wallpaper to get rid of first. That's a bit of a pain, but if done right, it's actually quite do-able.
Score the surface (pretty gently)
Get a warm water or solution on there
Remove in sections, nice and easy
Sand down the adhesive left behind
Wash it clean\
And slap on a primer to get it ready for the new coat.
Job done.
Professional painters use a whole bunch of different tools, materials and techniques to get the job done right on every project.
Water-based paints, oil-based paints, semi-gloss and high-gloss paints - and a whole load more - each one has specific performance needs and requirements.
A good primer really does make all the difference when it comes to getting a good first coat and ensuring proper adhesion. of paint to stick to a variety of surfaces.
Painters use all sorts of tools and equipment like rollers, brushes, sprayers, knives and - believe it or not - even markers to help them keep things aligned.
Sanding, sandpaper, fillers and those specialist smoothing tools. all get a workout when you're trying to achieve a super smooth finish.
Everyone knows that one gallon of paint is going to cover somewhere in the range of 350 to 400 square feet. - but that's only if the surface is relatively smooth and not too absorbent - and that can make a big difference.
Painting ceilings can be a real challenge - especially if you're used to painting walls. The main thing is to make sure you get a smooth, even finish. This means using the right sort of roller, and being careful not to get paint all over the lighting fixtures. The result is worth it though.
Some of the things that professionals do to get it right include:
Using long-reaching rollers to reach the far corners
Working at a 45 degree angle to the wall to get the best finish
Sanding down any patches to make sure they're smooth
Using a special primer to block out stains and imperfections
Paying attention to the texture of the ceiling to make sure it all looks even and consistent
Some surfaces can be a bit more tricky than others - which is why you need to know what you're doing when you're painting steel, or concrete, or anything else that's a bit more finicky.
This one needs a special primer to stop it rusting, and some serious sanding to get it smooth.
You need to give it a good clean, then apply a special primer that lets the paint breathe.
These need multiple coats of paint, a bit of sealing and some careful levelling to get the colour looking even.
Your painter needs to know how to handle all sorts of different surfaces and materials - otherwise they're not going to be much good.
Painting is a form of art, and more and more people are looking for new and exciting ways. to spice up their homes.
Some of the most popular ideas right now include:
Accent walls
Textured finishes
Patterns made with stencils
Painted canvas panels
Modern interior design styles
High contrast colours
Warm neutrals for a calm feel
Soft greys for a contemporary look
Earth tones that match the natural surroundings
Its a great way to express yourself and add some personality to your home.
Once you've got your walls painted, it's up to you to keep them looking their best, which is essential for maintaining your home . This means regular touch-ups, gentle cleaning and the occasional inspection to make sure everything is still in good nick.
As a general rule, this involves:
Calling in a painter every now and again to keep things looking fresh
Giving the walls a gentle scrub every now and then to get rid of any built up dust
Fixing up any scratches or dents
Applying a bit of primer to areas that are looking a bit worn\
Keeping the humidity levels under control
All this helps to keep the finish looking good for longer.
Homeowners across the region are looking for all sorts of different colours right now - from soft beiges and warm whites to earthy greens and deep charcoals.
Some of the most popular choices include:
Muted blues for waterfront homes
Bold navy accents to lead modern rooms
Soft sage for calming spaces
Deep charcoal for stylish walls
Soft greys for a contemporary look
Whether you're just updating a bit of trim, or giving your whole house a fresh new look, choosing a colour that's just right is all about personal taste.
First off, you need to clear everything out of the room, cover the floors, and remove any switch plates. Give the walls a good clean, fill in any holes or cracks, sand everything down and get rid of any dust with a tack cloth before applying a coat of primer and then your first coat of paint.
Most paints take at least a couple of hours to dry, but it's usually a good idea to wait a full 24 to 48 hours before you start using the room again, especially if you're using oil-based paint. Good ventilation is key to removing fumes and restoring air quality to normal.
For most walls, a mild degreaser or some warm water and dish soap is all you need. If you're dealing with tough stains in the kitchen or bathroom, a diluted TSP cleaner is usually the best way to go - it helps the paint stick and gives you a super smooth finish.
The key is to use good quality tape, to be steady as a rock with your brushwork and to use angled brushes to get the job done. Lightly sand the edge, apply some primer, seal the tape edges with a bit of paint, and remove the tape before the final coat is fully dry. It's all about technique.
This rule of thumb says that you should use the dominant colour for 70% of the walls, 20% for secondary colours and 10% for accent colours. It's a tried and tested way to get a balanced and harmonious look in any space.
