Atlanta's Paint Doctor

Best Paint to Use in the Bathroom

Archie Deese — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:25:48 +0000

We’ve discussed in previous posts specific bathroom painting challenges and some of the biggest pitfalls homeowners face when they go the DIY route. While painting a bathroom requires a bit more planning and preparation, it can be done. However, expect to meet with disappointment if you fail to choose the right type of paint for your bathroom.

Account for Moisture

Moisture is the biggest factor you must take into consideration when selecting paint, as well as primer, for a bathroom. Using an oil-based primer that is moisture resistant is a good place to start.

If possible, it’s also helpful to know if the walls in your bathroom were treated for moisture. In many cases, “greenboard” is used to protect against moisture buildup, and it gives you more flexibility with your paint and primer choices.

What Type of Paint Should I Use?

Flat or matte paints are not recommended for bathrooms. They have a rigid, almost porous surface that can cling to moisture and lead to rapid mold, mildew and bacteria buildup. Regarding bathroom paint finishes, you want to select from satin, semi – or high-gloss options, something with a noticeable sheen to it.

Avoid Mildew

Many paints contain mildewcides. Mildewcides work to retard the buildup of mold and mildew, but they don’t kill the bacteria causing them. If you have an incredibly high moisture level in the room, these may be some of the best paints for your bathroom. However, many homeowners steer away from high chemical paints, and these would fall into that category.

What About Color?

You should also consider colors when selecting bathroom paint. While many people lean toward light, even stark white, paint colors for their clean, crisp appearance, these paints can stain more easily than others. Depending on the size and layout of your bathroom, as well as your aesthetic preferences, a colored paint can be better at disguising moisture issues that may occur over time.

As with any home improvement or interior painting job, if you’re uncomfortable with any aspect of it, seeking professional advice is recommended. While some people shy from the upfront costs, having the job assessed by an expert and done properly the first time will save you time and money down the road.

How to Choose a Color Scheme

Archie Deese — Tue, 07 May 2013 15:42:23 +0000

Most people find the task of choosing colors for the home a daunting one … and rightfully so. There are innumerable paint stores, color options and ways to go wrong with interior painting. Fortunately, there are several tips and tricks on how to choose a color scheme that can help.

Look through your closet.

When we buy clothes, we select items in colors that complement us – the interior of our homes should do the same. Walls, floors and ceilings should be comforting and attractive colors that you feel relaxed and happy living in, not unlike your favorite article of clothing.
Establish a focal point.

If you have a large rug, patterned sofa or attention-grabbing piece of art in the room, allow it to guide your color scheme.

Pull colors from accessories and accents that are not dominant within their color palettes, and repeat that color on the walls to truly accents your furnishings, allowing them to draw the most attention in the room.
Think about the size of your space.

One common error people make when interior painting is shrinking the size of the room. Keeping darker colors toward the lower portions of a room and brighter colors toward the top, the ceiling, will give your area an open feel.

Conversely, smaller spaces can be painted in rich, warm color schemes to give them a cozy, intimate sense.

The feel you’re trying to achieve within a room, as well as its size and layout, can be great indicators for choosing a color scheme.
Think consistency.

Many people, especially those drawn to bright colors, go too bold or too diverse with their color schemes, giving the home a disjointed, often jarring feel as you pass from room to room.

While shying away from color isn’t recommended either, it is important to keep consistency in mind. While each room can have its own personality, you want to ensure that you keep the entire home connected and comfortable.
Utilize the color wheel to help.

Pick colors in similar shades, hues and values. Select complementary colors, and when combining multiple colors within one space, think of it in three parts: 60 percent should be a dominant color, 30 percent a color that complements that and the last 10 percent an accent color to add pop and interest.

Lastly, never be afraid to ask for help and advice. From in-store assistance at the paint counter to consulting a professional designer for recommendations on color schemes that will work particularly well in your home, there are resources and outlets available to ensure you select the right shades for your space.

Should I Paint Over Wallpaper?

Archie Deese — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:14:37 +0000

Wallpaper’s popularity is cyclical, and over the decades, certain patterns and textures have gained and waned in favor. Today, however, wallpaper – or wall coverings – has returned as a viable option for adding style, color and character to our homes.

As with any wall treatment, wallpaper has a shelf life, and eventually you’ll notice its original quality fading. Having heard the horror stories that accompany steaming, stripping and removing wallpaper, many homeowners entertain the idea of simply painting over it. Is this wise? Is it even an option? If so, what are the pros and cons?

Most professional painters recommend against it because the negatives definitely outweigh the positives, especially if you take a DIY approach and don’t have a clear understanding of the proper process painting over wallpaper entails. However, if done correctly, it can be an option – as long as certain criteria are in place.

If you’re considering painting over wallpaper, explore these disadvantages and advantages first. If you’re still wary, don’t hesitate to contact a professional painter for further recommendations and advice.

ADVANTAGES OF PAINTING OVER WALLPAPER

Surely the biggest advantage of painting over wallpaper is the fact that it can save you a lot of time. If the wall covering has been in place for many years, removing it can be tedious and damage the wall beneath, ultimately leading to additional plaster and priming work.

If the wallpaper is in good condition, however, painting over it can be a viable option. Of course, there will still be preparation, priming and minor repair work to be done first, such as cleaning the walls, removing fixtures and sealing loose seams.

DISADVANTAGES OF PAINTING OVER WALLPAPER

The disadvantages of painting over wallpaper far outnumber the advantages. First, wallpaper tends to collect grease, dust and grime buildup. It also pulls away from the wall over time, especially at the corners and seams. This requires substantial repair and preparation before you can ready the wall for a fresh coat of paint. If you don’t complete these repairs diligently, your new coat of paint will be less than desirable.

Did you use an oil based primer on the wallpaper? Did you properly apply some type of wallboard material over the seams? If not, expect your latex paint to compromise and soften the wallpaper, leading to unsightly bubbling, and it won’t be long before you see the seams loosening and cracking through your fresh paint.

Also, even if you don’t realize it at first, most wallpaper has some sort of slight texture. It’s difficult to ensure this doesn’t show through – the same goes for patterns and dark colors.

Unless done knowledgeably and professionally, you may ultimately create more work for yourself than is necessary by painting over wallpaper. Having to go back to cover ripples, textures and patterns is time consuming and defeats the purpose of not removing the wallpaper in the first place.

If you no longer love the look of your wall covering or are considering refreshing your space with a new coat of paint, it’s recommended you seek professional advice in addition to doing your own research. After all, your home is not only an investment but a reflection of your style. Before painting over wallpaper, ensure the pros outweigh the cons and you’re fully educated on the proper process necessary for the desired end result.

Hiring a Painter: What to Avoid

Archie Deese — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:20:48 +0000

You recognize the importance of hiring a good painter, but finding the right painter can be a little tricky. It’s important to look for painters with experience and referrals, but sometimes that isn’t even enough. Here are a few things you should avoid when hiring a painter to do work around the home.

Watch the Deposit Size

It’s normal for a painter to ask for a deposit on the work. This allows the professional to purchase necessary supplies. However, the deposit should not total more than 25 percent of the quoted job cost. If the job is going to be less than a thousand dollars, then the contractor may not even ask for a deposit.

The Initial Meeting is with a Salesman

Larger companies have professionals who meet with potential clients to provide estimates. While it’s fine to meet initially with a salesperson, it’s also important to meet with the team leader who will actually work do the work on your home. Sales people sometimes promise things that are unrealistic, and meeting with the crew leader will help ensure that you are hiring the right company.

Hiring an Unlicensed, Uninsured Company

Companies that are licensed and insured proudly advertise that information for good cause. Licensed contractors are registered with local government agencies, and the insurance is to protect you and your home in the event of an accident. In addition to stating that they are licensed and insured, the company should also be willing to show you their license and proof of insurance.

Quotes are Flexible Instead of Fixed

You want to know exactly what you will be paying for the work. Some companies provide a rough estimate and leave it open to change the total later. They may increase the price if the job takes longer than they expect. While this may seem reasonable, it’s actually a way to charge more than you would have initially agreed to. Insist on a fixed estimate so you will know exactly how much the job will cost. Get the estimate in writing to protect yourself.

The Painter Insists on Cash Payment

Professional painters will happily accept cash or checks, and many businesses will also take credit cards. If they insist on cash payment, you have to wonder why. Whether you are planning on paying with cash or not, look for a painter that takes other payment methods.

Referrals Based on the Wrong Type of Work

There are countless types of painting to have done around the house. If you are interested in having your living room faux painted to look like suede, then positive referrals for an exterior house painter aren’t what you need. You will want to know how many times the painter has done faux suede painting and how the finished product looked. When asking for referrals, make sure the type of work matches the work you need to have done.

When hiring a painter, it’s important to do your homework. In addition to looking for an experienced painter with solid referrals, watch for these warning signs and avoid them. Deposits should not be for huge sums, and the company should not insist on cash payment. Make sure the referrals reflect the type of work you need, insist on a flat estimate and look for contractors who are licensed and insured. With these tips, finding a reputable contractor will be easier than you thought possible.

If you are looking for a quality painter in Atlanta, contact Atlanta’s Paint Doctor today for a FREE quote.

Prioritizing Painting Projects

Archie Deese — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:24:40 +0000

It’s a known fact that homeownership requires diligence, attention to detail and continuous focus on upkeep and maintenance. We want our houses to reflect our personalities, aesthetic preferences, as well as meet our functional needs. So, how do we prioritize home improvement projects?

If you have structural issues threatening the integrity of your home – like a leaking roof or shifty foundation – these should move to the top of the list. However, many of us overlook painting because it seems like a finishing touch, a home improvement project that can wait until more important tasks are completed.

In reality, your home’s exterior paint and interior paint play a huge role in maintaining both quality and appearance. Let us help you prioritize your home painting projects so you know where to invest yourself first.

Exterior Painting

Exterior painting is often overlooked and deemed purely aesthetic. In fact, a proper exterior painting system – including preparation, priming, caulking, painting and sealing – is one of your home’s best defenses against the elements.

Water Stains

Water stains can develop for a number of reasons, and correcting the source of the problem is the first priority. However, once resolved, you should take action to repair and refresh the damaged ceiling as soon as possible.

Cracking and Settling

As our homes age, they settle and shift. When this happens, it’s not uncommon to notice cracking in corners, around underlain tape or in rooms with a slight tilt. While these breaks are not likely causing structural damage, they can quickly worsen over time and should be addressed sooner rather than later.

Mold and Mildew

Living in a home with mold and mildew is unhealthy, and if left untreated, these fungi will spread. In bathrooms, basements, garages and mudrooms – anywhere moisture and humidity is prolific – take extra care to ensure paint is fresh and fungal-resistant.

Home painting projects can quickly pile up, so it’s important to keep a prioritized list in mind. At Atlanta’s Paint Doctor, we’re versed in maintenance and repair painting projects. If you’re in need of an assessment, we invite you to contact us at 404.524.8283.