Safety Precautions for cleaning and brush maintenance are listed at the bottom of this article.
Over the years you may find yourself using a Paint Brush to paint something in the house or something around it. Areas of interior painting or exterior painting concern could include where the weekly vacuum cleaner leaving black skid marks on the baseboards, or those typical 4′ high hand prints on walls are all too well known from young parents, to chipping paint around exterior window frames. Other examples seen Painting in Denver Colorado is using a Paint Brush painting a closet door on a Saturday afternoon, but getting called away from duty by some more important family event or need, not really wanting to paint the item in the first place. What ever reason, the Paint Brush deserves it’s attention keeping pristine, just as a favored antique tool from Grandpa’s Shop, deserves it’s cleaning and care.
What ever quality of Paint Brush one chooses to buy for interior painting or exterior painting, (Best is recommended by number of bristles per square inch) techniques listed here coincide with all paint brushes. These techniques will help the lesser quality Paint Brush, as well as the best, making your experience with the tool that’s been around for centuries, a pleasant one.
Before you open a gallon of paint, the Paint Brush should be at your side, next to the can. Taking the Paint Brush by the handle, thoroughly soaking it in clean tap water before you dip it in the latex paint (soaking in mineral spirits if using Alkyd or Oil paint) will enhance your brush cleaning later on. Getting the excess water or mineral spirits out of the brush is going to be the next question, as it would be mine, if I did not know it. When using Latex paints, hold the Paint Brush firmly by the end of the handle, tapping the head of the Paint Brush on the end of your shoe or boot, giving a few good forceful whacks. Paint Brush is dry enough to dip in paint, but wet enough for an even flow of paint, and easier cleanup later on. This can be repeated if Paint Brush shows signs of drying out before the painting job is completed. If using Alkyd paints, try just blot drying with clean rag, as whacking on the end of your boot will cause a bit of splatter.
Lets say you were using a 4″ Fine China Bristle Paint Brush in some Alkyd Enamel Paint. And lets say the paint did not cover in 1-2 coats being such a dark tint that many do not cover in one coat. What do you do? A good disposable container may be close by in the newly formed 2lb-7oz. Maxwell House Coffee Blue Plastic Container with snap on lid. Cut a small X in the center of lid, filling container up 2-3″ of Painters Mineral Spirits or Lacquer Thinner. Placing Paint Brush in container, running handle through lid’s X, snapping it shut when not in use, and after each paint application. This will keep it moist and ready for next use, with no cleanup in between, only having to blot it dry on a clean rag next time. Maxwell House Container also makes a perfect cut-in bucket having an easy built-in handle right onto container, for ease of handling painting interior projects or painting exterior projects on a smaller scale. Including caveat “Smaller scale”, as normally one would not see a house painting crew show up painting out of blue Maxwell House Coffee cans, although I’ve heard much stranger things happening with various companies.
Well OK, you don’t drink coffee, and the Maxwell House Coffee container was not available, having to resort to next step. This is where some of that extra plastic film and masking tape comes in handy. Taking a loaded Paint Brush, filled with paint, and wrapping it up like a burrito. Using some masking tape, folding all open ends, taping around Brush head for no leakage, ready to unwrap on the next paint application. If storing brush for a longer term, once cleaned, do not shake out excess solvents, wrapping it up, which will enhance original shape and form of Paint Brush.
Plastic sheathing and masking tape was not available at the end of the painting project for whatever reason, I have no idea, but you have a Paint Brush that if not cared for will eventually dry up. Last solution that works well, is to take a sopping wet rag, wrapping the Paint Brush up like that burrito you missed wrapping up earlier. This will buy you some time until either you use the paint brush again, or you can properly clean it.
Another idea keeping Paint Brush moist until the next paint coat is applied (but not leaving for extended periods) is leaving Brush in container, wrapping top with plastic, sticking handle out the top, and taping around the can. This resembles the Maxwell House Coffee Container mentioned earlier. If plastic and masking tape is still not available, and time between coats is not very long, take that sopping wet rag, draping over the top of paint bucket with Paint Brush still in it. This technique works best when using Latex waterborne paints.
Steps to Take if Paint Brush has Hardened Up
Don’t try using wire brush on dried caked on Paint Brush without softening the paint first, as this will harm bristles while not adequately removing the paint anyway. Soak in that Maxwell House container using Lacquer Thinner, even if dried paint was a Latex. Taking a long handled BBQ like steel wire brush, brushing out the paint after paint as it starts to loosen up in the bristles. Lacquer Thinners act as a paint remover to Latex as well as Alkyds. This may take several applications and time soaking, depending on how much paint was dried into painting tool. Once cleaned, properly store it wrapping in plastic mentioned above. This cleaning should be done outside over a heavy canvas drop cloth that can be left to dry out also. Once cleaned, keeping the paint brush clean will add many more paint applications for years to come. If bristles have become “Bent” drying that way say in the bottom of a bucket of paint, once cleaned, storing it wrapping in plastic described above will straighten bristles back out to original shape and form.
Important Note-Safety Precautions
Remembering Job Safety #1
Adequate Ventilation must be available, never use solvents in a confined area
Eye Protection & Respirator with charcoal filters are a necessity
Rubber latex gloves keep contaminants and chemicals from skin absorption
All rags used should be laid out flat, wadded up is a fire hazard and could easily ignite
All open flames such as pilot lights for water heaters, stoves, and furnaces should be turned off, even on different levels of work space
Welcome to Eco Paint Specialist’s, Denver’s Leading House Painting Contractor for Denver Colorado and Front Range
Painting Denver for all areas of Interior Painting or Exterior Painting has been a hobby and business for Cal Phillips. Starting back in 1977, putting himself through college was the perfect part-time job, enjoying all areas of home improvement. By 1982 and graduating with 2 degrees, Cal decided to specialize in one facet, being the best the industry had to offer, continuing today. Changing company name in 1993 from Cal’s Home Improvements to Eco Paint Specialist’s, first coining the phraseEco Paint, long before Green Eco Friendly Paints became available to the retail market. The term or acronym Eco meant back then as it does today, Ecological as well as Economical. After 10’s of 1000’s of satisfied customers, Cal’s love and inspiration comes from providing superior results and accomplishments bringing new up to date interior painting and decorating ideas to the home, while protecting his local community from harsh climate conditions. Giving more than expected is Cal’s primary objective, providing superior quality and craftsmanship Painting Interiors and Painting Exteriors, the Painting Contractor leader, who all else follows.
Many often ask when is the best time to paint. 1st. It must be determined whether interior or exterior. We’ll speak of interior for now.
Here is a list best times painting interiors, not listed in importance, as each person’s home may have different priorities.
1. Paint before adding an addition to the family, either a new born or relative. Important using new Green Eco Friendly paint, which has low to no V.O.C’s (volatile odor content) which typically is the ammonia even in water borne latex paints, which can linger for up to 3 years. However, as weeks go by, we get accustomed to the smell.
2. Paint before replacing flooring. It’s cheaper hiring a paint contractor if they paint without having to mask carpet, so if replacing, paint just before new carpet delivery. Easier to paint yourself, without having to mask it as well. Can paint all the way down past carpet, as this can be pulled up away from baseboards, making much concise and thorough job.
3. Paint after purchasing or before selling home When purchasing, home is ordinarily empty, making painting interior less expensive when hiring a painting contractor. Hiring a painting contractor allows time to take care of other things associated with the move, and normally does not include painting the interior, especially being from out-of-town. Even being local, moving has many tasks involved from notifying Post Office and Schools, to Packing and scheduling the actual move. Most wish having a clean up-to-date decor to move into, and with a week or two’s notice this can be accomplished given ample time frame. Painting Interior or Painting Exterior before/after moving, will add value, giving that curb appeal even inside, while also giving a valued edge over the other home. If questioning the roi on home painting before listing, ask your Real Estate Agent, as they are trained as well as Eco Paint Specialist’s figuring out which way would be the best from a cost/roi standpoint.
4. Paint before entertaining family and friends, especially before Thanksgiving or Christmas. Many times during the rush of the year, holidays sneak upon us, not realizing how in need a fresh coat of paint is needed. Family from out of town is coming in, and a freshening up of walls, trim, and or ceiling is in the plan.
5. Interior Painting given as a gift. During these economic times, making use of what is needed in the first place makes sense, being practical. Both husband and wife get enjoyment of new updated color scheme, which is one of the most inexpensive means of interior decorating.
6. Paint before adding new furniture Paint a room before adding new furniture, and after moving out the old. This is also a good time to vacuum in places you may only get to every 6 months. Painting an empty room makes the ease work flow so much easier. Not having to cover anything, having to walk around.
Painting Exteriors a few above overlap, but will mention others to complete this area of thought.
1. Order of business painting exteriors is Pressure Cleaning. Pressure Cleaning or sometimes referred to as Power Washing with high pressure washer using outside facet, cleans dirt and debris that is normally not seen by the naked eye. Exterior surfaces act as a magnet to dust and airborne material in the air just as a air filter is to a car. Not trying to peel the paint off with washer, it is used to clean dirt and debris. Further paint removal is accomplished by hand scraping a day or two after cleaning has taken place.
2. Best time to paint exteriors is temperature related. After preparation is accomplished, start painting in the morning time, as it generally warms up throughout the day, allowing to dry properly. Best temps. are any thing above 40 degrees.
3. Best time painting exteriors is just after purchasing home adding your own personal touch & footprint to property. Have helped countless new homeowners, and is exciting seeing the transition for both us and them.
4. Best time painting exteriors is before you list your home to sell. Several theories or angles to this, will mention two important ones. First, if the home is in dire need of an exterior painting job, the cost involved for painting will easily offset what would probably be discounted, having an exterior in poor shape. Second, if the home is in reasonably good shape, but having a fresh coat of paint makes everything as crisp as possible, giving that curb appeal that all homes for sale desperately need for a quick sale. We painted a home last year in South East Aurora CO. Going back on Saturday to make final touch-ups and paint the front door, this home was having it’s first showing. All taking place around 10 am. finding out later that family purchased the home on the spot, and our customer retired and relocated to San Antonio TX. This was exciting for both of us!
5. Best time to paint exteriors is when it actually needs it! Peeling paint is the first clue, but showing blotches or oil spots on siding is another, as paint has dried out enough not protecting any longer. Paint is like a vinyl coating, longer warranties have longer duration of elasticity which gives the paint ability to stretch as the home moves the slightest. Yes, you can wait an additional year, but not recommended as wood can deteriorate unprotected in a years time. Different extreme weather elements can cause boards to curl, rot, and split if not protected with a elastic paint coating. Done right, an exterior painting job should last 15-25 years, as we provide, painting Denver Homes up and down Colorado’s Front Range.
Owning a home for several years should require at some point painting the exterior, normally now most reputable exterior paints hold up even through extreme conditions for more than 15 years, if preparations are done correctly no matter what time of the year exterior painting is accomplished.
Here in Denver Colorado is no different than most other parts of the country, in that exterior painted surfaces collect dust, debris, not usually seen with the naked eye. This is why it is imperative to power wash, cleaning substrate, giving fresh new paint a clean surface to bond. If pressure washing is not done, fresh new paint will trap dirt and grime underneath, impairing the paint\’s life and duration. In the painting industry, pressure cleaning is referred to as giving the painter a clean canvas to work with; comparing to Van Go.
Pressure cleaning is important as described, but just as important, it is just as important to leave exterior siding 24-48 hours before any scraping, caulking, priming is done. Even though it is 85 degrees with low humidity you ask? Well, pressure washing normally uses 2500-3000 psi at the tip, not at surface, but forcing water to clean cracks, cervices where the debris typically lies. If caulking, priming takes place the same day, moisture will be trapped underneath, again harming the life of the products used.
After exterior siding and trim have completely dried out, a scraping of any loose paint must be removed. One misnomer is using power washers to take off peeling paint. Yes, high pressure will remove paint that is currently flaking, but will not get the majority. After surfaces have dried out, a hand scraper must be used checking problem areas of exterior siding and trim. Most of the time a hollow sound can be heard if tapped on it. This paint must be scraped off, or new paint is surely to fail in record time, no matter what quality you have purchased, having exterior painting done recently.
Now areas are scrapped, it is time to spot prime bare wood. Rarely do we see complete exteriors needing priming, as siding rarely cracks, peels, and flakes off. However, if siding paint has worn down completely, complete priming is the best defense. Trim paint is the first areas to fail on exteriors, as most of the time primers were never used originally. Bare wood where old paint has been removed, is where primers are important to spot prime, usually brushed on by hand.
After priming has been accomplished, removing old caulking in necessary that is showing separation on one edge if not both. If new caulk is covered up over old which is showing separation, new long term caulk will not last near the warranty either. Using a wet or damp cloth wiping caulk bead, smooths edge, giving a nice transition at 90 degree angles from wood trim to siding.
Now the cleaning, scraping, caulking, priming, is completed, it is time to mask all areas not to receive paint, especially with a spraying method is used for the body of exterior home. Using a 3-M Drop Film normally in a 48″ width covers windows completely. Once areas are covered, it\’s time for the quickest part of the exterior painting job, actually applying the paint. Normally the preparations are 75% of the exterior painting job, with 25% is actually painting of exterior itself.
Some say brush is better than spray, and others say spraying is better than brushing. Either one is just as good as the other if applied properly. Spraying is a more frugal way of painting, not spending near as much time painting exterior, where time is money, and money is time, but still applying same amount of paint either way.
Generally most major paint suppliers including Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Kwal-Howell, Valspar, Glidden, and Behr all instruct the applicator to apply two coats wet on dry method. If brushing and rolling is used, applying two coats can be a very big job, and many shortcuts has been seen, not really applying both complete coats. A fresh new exterior painting job should have at least 10-13 mills thick of dried paint. Painting two coats wet on dry does not mean one coat one day, and the other coat the next. Once paint has dried to touch a second coat can be applied. The warmer the day, the faster the paint will dry to the touch, which can be top-coated building that 10-13 mills. Also noting that hanging 6-7 mills wet is not a problem with premium exterior paint, premium paints having heavier viscosity. Other less quality paints can sag, run, or drip with far less PVC’s in material.
Winter months are much slower for exterior painting in the Denver Colorado area, as it is generally not on the forefront of most minds as in Spring times. However having warm dry days with temperatures reaching in the high 50\’s low 60\’s, exterior painting can be accomplished with the qualities still present. Days are shorter, so several steps are taken to ensure there is no paint failure during these cooler months. First, we use low temp. exterior paints that dry at lower temperatures, down to 35 degrees. Also in the winter months we start painting on the East side, following the sun, making sure exterior paint dries properly before the sun goes down. On the same note, we stop painting around 2:30 pm each day, so that the paint can cure before temps. start dropping in the later evening. Working with shorter days and cooler temperatures means for taking a bit longer for exterior painting, but we still warranty our work just the same, taking additional steps.
