House Paint – The Finishing Touches
House paint is a building block of modern architecture, protecting structures from the relentless effects of Father Time. NWA Painter also beautifies and personalizes a home.
If you want your interior house painting to last:
- Choose cleanable and 0% VOC products.
- Test your color scheme with swatches before you invest in gallons.
- Consider natural lighting and the usage conditions of each room, as well.
Before you apply any house paint, you need to prime the surface. Priming is a necessary step when the existing paint is very dark, porous (like new drywall) or if you’re changing the color drastically. It acts as a sealant and blocks any stains that might be in the wall. It also helps the paint to adhere, making the job much easier and reducing the amount of coats you will need to get the desired color.
Typically, if you are painting over a well-maintained painted wall, it’s not necessary to prime. However, you will still want to prep the surface by sanding it lightly and washing it with a mild detergent. Be sure to remove any loose or flaking paint and wash the surface down again, sanding lightly if needed, to remove any grit. It’s a good idea to put down dust sheets and canvas sheeting for protection during the project, and cover any flooring you don’t want to get covered in paint as well.
There are several different types of primer, and the one you choose depends on your surface and the type of paint you’re using. For example, oil-based primers work well with a variety of paints and provide thicker coverage, but they take longer to dry and release VOCs. If you have an old, dark and heavily stained house or you’re changing the color of your walls to a light shade, you may need to use a shellac primer ($35, The Home Depot) to help block out odors and stains.
For an easy-to-clean and low-odor option, you can also choose a water-based stain-blocking primer ($22, The Home Depot). They’re usually tinted gray or close to the final color, and they help reduce the number of topcoats needed for the desired results. However, it’s always a good idea to test for lead paint before you do any sanding or other prep work on an older home, and follow proper protocol and enlist a professional if necessary.
House paint is the color-coated substance used to cover walls, doors, windows and other surfaces. It comes in a variety of finishes and can be used to create a unique look.
There are three main types of ingredients that go into house paint: pigments, extenders and binding agents. Pigments are finely-ground solids that add opacity and texture to the paint. They can be either natural or synthetic. Natural pigments include talcs, micas and clays. Synthetic pigments are usually manufactured by grinding engineered molecules or natural sources like calcined clays, blanc fixe, precipitated calcium carbonate and synthetic silicas.
A binder is an organic or inorganic compound that binds the other ingredients of the paint mixture together. Binders provide adhesion to the surface painted and integrity/toughness to the dry paint film. Finally, an extender is added to the paint mixture to aid in the dispersing of the pigments and to provide gloss, sheen and texture.
Depending on the type of paint being used, additional ingredients may be added for specific purposes. For example, a stain blocking agent is added to oil-based paints to help block and repel moisture and stains. In addition, a plasticizer is sometimes added to water-based paints to prevent cracking and peeling.
Before starting a house painting project, it is important to properly prepare the surface. It is recommended that you use a hose or power washer to remove any loose dirt and grime, making sure that the surface is clean and free of debris. It is also a good idea to make sure that the surface is dry before beginning a new coat of paint. Failure to do so can result in the new coat of paint not adhering properly and can lead to a long-term paint job.
Once the surface has been thoroughly cleaned, a primer can be applied if necessary. Then, the final coat of paint can be applied using a brush, roller or sprayer. Choosing the right tool for the job will help ensure that a consistent coat is applied, with minimal visible “stretching” or “fisheyeing.” It is also a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying each coat and leaving sufficient time between each application.
Choosing the right brushes and rollers can make all the difference between a paint project living up to your expectations, and one that requires a do-over. In general, brushes are used to apply paint in more precise areas, such as trim and corners. Rollers are ideal for large surfaces like walls and ceilings.
When choosing a house paint roller, look for one that has a medium nap. This will give you good coverage and be gentle on your surface, so it will not leave unsightly stippling or orange peeling in the finished product. Choose a roller cover that is made of synthetic material, rather than natural fibers, to avoid the shedding of unwanted fibers in your paint job.
While you may be tempted to buy a complete roller kit with frame and cover, this is not always necessary. You can find frames and covers individually, which will allow you to customize your paint tools to fit your needs. For example, a shaped handle will reduce wrist strain, and a ball bearing will help ensure smooth movement for uninterrupted rolling.
You can also purchase foam or polyblend roller covers to use with oil-based paints. These are not designed for long-term use, but they will be fine for quick touch-ups on trim and baseboards. For the best quality, opt for a polyester or wool-polyester blend roller cover, which will hold up to regular use and provide excellent coverage.
Before using your roller, run it under water in a washtub to remove any dust or debris that has collected on it. When you’re done, squeeze out the excess water and hang your roller cover for later use. It’s a good idea to keep extra roller covers in your garage or shed, so you can quickly switch them out for the next wall you’re painting.
Once you’re ready to start applying your paint, place your roller in the corner of your room – to the left if you’re right-handed. Roll across the wall in a “W” pattern, and move up or down about half a roller width each time you pass over it to ensure you’re covering every square inch.
If you want your house paint job to shine, the finishing touches are what make it happen. This doesn’t have to do with applying extra coats, but rather using techniques such as ragging (creating texture with cloth), sponging, colorwashing, and stippling (using dots and dabs). These are the styles that can give your space that “wow” factor and complete your vision for the room’s design.
A high-quality brush or roller is also essential. If you invest in one that’s not only easy to use but looks good as well, it will last a long time and help you achieve the bright, shiny finish you are looking for. In addition, choose brushes or rollers with thicker naps for winter exterior painting, as this will keep them from becoming full of bobbles that will spoil the appearance of your finished work.
Another important finishing touch is a thorough cleanup. Sweeping, dusting and a general clean up can make your new paint look brand-new and can add a nice, polished look to the space as a whole. This is especially true for exterior finishes, which can be particularly dull during the winter.
When you have the right tools, a great primer and paint, and the proper technique, achieving a shiny, fresh house paint is easy and can be done in almost any season. It’s just a matter of making sure that you have the best quality equipment available and paying attention to the details to ensure that your final product is nothing short of perfect. So, if you’re in the process of building a new home or you’re ready to give your current residence that fresh and vibrant look, don’t hesitate to contact us for your next exterior or interior house paint project. We can’t wait to show you how the final touches can make all the difference in your completed home!