Why Prep Makes A Difference

Monday, March 1st, 2010

By far the most important aspect of any paint job is the surface preparation that must be performed. Preparation is often the step were homeowners and contracts tend to cut corners but this will only shorten the life of your paint job.

The level of preparation needed will vary depending on the condition and type of a surface, but you should always make sure the following steps are followed at a minimum

Surface Washing – Prior to painting the exterior of any structure, it should be thoroughly washed. This should be done by a professional as too vigorous washing can damage the surface of siding and cause water to penetrate into wood surfaces. I always recommend that a surface be treated with a chemical solution such as TSP (trisodium phosphate) prior to washing. This will kill any built up mold or mildew that is growing around a structure. The TSP will also de-gloss the old paint and make new paint adhere better

Scraping – All loose paint should be fully scraped and sanded prior to new primer / paint being applied. All transitions from bare wood to paint should be sanded thoroughly for a smooth finished look. You should always take the time to re-nail any loose siding or wood work while you are scraping.

Remove Old Caulk – Any old or loose caulking should always be removed and replaced prior to new paint being applied

Prime Bare Surfaces - Any bare surface should be primed prior to new paint. There are many kinds of primer that should be used for specific surfaces. It is always best to consult a professional prior to selecting a primer.

Now you are ready to paint!

If you ever have any questions or would like a free estimate to paint your home, feel free to contact me.

Josh Stolpe Owner –
Distinctive Painting

Tips for Selecting A Paint Contractor

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Selecting a paint contractor can be a daunting task. Painting seems fairly straight forward but there are many details to a paint job that are overlooked by homeowners and even some contractors! With so many paint contractors around its tough to know who will do a quality job and who will cut corners to get the job done quick. Here are a few simple tips to make sure you find a quality contractor.

References – Any quality contractor should be able to provide a list of satisfied customers on short notice.

Insurance - You should always ask your contractor to provide their insurance and bond information. This will protect you should an injury occur on the job.

License – Ask your contractor to provide a copy of their contractors license. You can go to the Oregon CCB website to check that your contractors license is current and that no customers have filed complaints against them.

Written Contract & Warranty – Make sure your contractor is willing to provide a written contract and warranty prior to the start of work. This will protect you and make sure the job is done right.

If you ever have any questions or would like a free estimate to paint your home or business, feel free to contact me.

Josh Stolpe
Owner – Distinctive Painting