Watch professional painters at work and you can’t help but be impressed. Because they have spent years perfecting the techniques and mastering the tools of the trade, they can complete the job quickly, cleanly and correctly. The results are a beautiful room with walls that look as smooth as glass. While many people believe painting to be a do-it-yourself job, in many cases, it’s worth it to hire a professional not only because of the savings in time and aggravation, but also in money Router Bit B0CKYF61FL.
First, consider that the bulk of the job comes in the preparation. While some people enjoy painting because they see results so quickly, very few people enjoy preparing the space for the paint.
Most houses and businesses have had some damage if only from normal wear and tear. Before painting can start, the surfaces must be inspected and usually patched. A professional painter can fix most routine damage; however, a carpenter may need to be called in for extensive repairs.
For the do-it-yourselfer, this means buying prepping materials such as caulking, sealants, spackle, wood filler, putty knives and other supplies. Of course, safety equipment is essential. Think dust masks, eye protection, possibly a lead testing kit. (All homes built before 1978 could contain lead paint that, once disturbed, could create major health risks.)
For those planning to refinish a deck, fence or other wooden surface, expect to spend a lot of time removing the old finish to ensure the new finish adheres correctly. A pro knows how to most effectively use the strippers without damage to people, pets or plants. Do-it-yourselfers can buy all the strippers, brighteners, sprayers, scrubbers and safety supplies needed for the job. However, once again, the pro’s expertise comes into play with regard to how best to use those often expensive materials.
Another part of the preparation involves making sure the surfaces are extremely clean, again to ensure the new paint or stain adheres properly and looks as expected. This means removing all dirt, grease, bird droppings, spider webs and other substances that may be sticking to it. If you’re removing old wallpaper, you’ll need to ensure all adhesive is gone. Be advised, too, that if you use the wrong cleaner, you could end up with a soap film that will interfere with the new coating.
A full range of cleaners is available. One of the most commonly recommended is TSP, trisodium phosphate, which requires precautions when used involving protection of skin and eyes. It works as a cleaner for most surfaces as well as a deglosser for previously painted surfaces that must be roughened before they can accept new paint. Let a professional who has the right equipment handle this powerful chemical.
Do-it-yourselfers will find other chemical cleaners as well for special needs such as graffiti removal, rust prevention, metal stripping, mold/mildew clearing, and more. Using any of these products will require attention to all the safety precautions and the purchase of more supplies such as scrubbers, scrapers, lint-free cleaning rags, and tack clothes.
After all the time and money spent on the repairing and cleaning the surfaces, you can finally begin the painting. Not really. If you haven’t already, you’ll need to place drop clothes or other protective materials in places where you don’t want paint to be. Outdoors, you may need special supplies to protect plants. And, you’ll need rolls of special tape to mask off woodwork or other areas that will not be painted.
Interestingly many professional painters do not need to use tape because they have so perfected their techniques that they can cut around trims and frames without worrying about getting paint on them.
Supplies for painting itself can become expensive considering that a gallon of quality paint or stain can cost up to $50 or more. One good quality 3-inch universal brush can run $20 to $25, and you’ll need different brushes, both angled and flat, in multiple sizes for various aspects of the project. Of course, you’ll also need paint rollers and their appropriate covers in wool, polyester or blends for your specific projects.
Professionals have all the tools needed for the job, but more importantly, they know which ones to use in which circumstance and how best to use them to get the best finish for any given project.
Do-it-yourselfers can paint, but considering the time and expense of the preparation and the painting, it likely pays to hire a pro. Oh, and don’t forget there’s also the clean-up after the painting is done – just one more drain on your time and bank account.
