Month: November 2020

Weather Wise

We’re all aware that the layer of marine air that comes off the coast is the thing that keeps the Emerald Valley, you know, emerald. But the fog, mist and rain we experience creates some challenges as well. We construct our roads with crowns and proper ditches for run off. We avoid building houses in the flood zones. We all own some decent rain gear for our outdoor activities.

Our famous rain presents some distinct challenges for painting contractors as well. First of all is the selection of the best products for our particular climate. Paint adhesion for primers and finish coats in a damp environment are important considerations. Mold and mildew resistance and drying dynamics are also factors. Be sure to ask the Paint Doctor about using paints with anti-microbial properties, such as Sherwin-Williams Harmony and Duration Home.

Paint surface preparation is also very climate driven. It doesn’t take long in our valley for microscopic mold and mildew spores to gain a foothold and our world famous agriculture and natural pollens create dust that also settles onto our buildings. Surfaces must be properly cleaned for improved paint adhesion and to kill mold and mildew. Cleaning is a very important step in the painting process. The Paint Doctor knows how to get the job done right for the best protection for your building.

Paint application is also very weather dependent.  Paint must be applied within an optimal range of temperature and humidity. The Paint Doctor knows the best time to apply your paint and the best tools to do the job right the first time.

Our weather makes our state green but it presents some challenges for our painted surfaces that are best left to the pros at Paint Doctor’s Painting who know what products work best and what preparations need to be made. They also know when and how to best apply the product. Call Mike at 541-497-3804

Touch-up Paint

Feathering is the final key to a good touch up job.

I doesn’t take long before feet, furniture, fur babies and family members get some scuffs going on your painted walls. Not everything washes off which is why touch-up is an important way to keep your walls in the best possible condition.

The Right Paint

The most important aspect of touchup is to use the same type, color and sheen of paint. Paint Doctor’s Painting leaves building owners with extra of each paint color. Be sure to thoroughly stir the paint before using.

Tools and Techniques

Whenever possible, “use the same tool to apply the touch-up paint as was used to apply the original coat,” according to Sherwin-Williams. With practice, you can use a good quality paint brush to do most touch-ups by loading the brush and making as few passes over the target area as possible – just enough to smooth it reasonably well. Quality paint will self-level if you don’t overwork it.

Feathering

Feathering is the final key to a good touch up job. As the brush gets dryer, lightly move it away from the repair area out over the larger surrounding area. The further away you get from the center, less paint is being applied. This eliminates a hard edge where the new paint stops abruptly. The area surrounding the repair will have a mix of the existing paint and the touch-up paint which creates a blend.

Cleanup

Remember to carefully reseal your touch-up paint container and thoroughly clean your paint brush. Try to keep kids and pets away from the touch-up area until the paint is dry to touch.

Contact Paint Doctors Painting for you next painting project at 541-497-3804.

Protect Your Investment

When you consider the amount of money you have invested in your siding, professional paint application makes a lot of sense to protect your investment. Call Mike at 541-497-3804.

Many exterior building products are engineered to have a protective layer of paint. Paint provides protection against water intrusion and against ultraviolet light deterioration. Many siding types are not particularly strong or resilient unless they are properly sealed and painted.

According to the Engineered Wood Association, “Proper finishing protects siding from the weather, reduces maintenance and promotes long-lasting performance. Weather can cause surface damage to unprotected wood within 4 weeks of exposure and adversely affect the performance of subsequently applied finishes. Preprimed products should be top-coated within 60 to 90 days of installation.”

The Paint Doctor takes into account the specific recommendations provided by the siding manufacturers. These recommendations are not just for the chemical characteristics of the primers and paints, but timing and how to apply the product. For example, “The first coat should either be brush-applied or sprayed and back-brushed while the finish is still wet. This is essential for textured surfaces, such as rough-sawn. Brushing helps work the finish into the siding, therefore providing better protection to the siding surface and optimum finish adhesion,” according to the Engineered Wood Association.

Additionally the edges and transitions must be sealed with proper caulking products professionally applied.

When you consider the amount of money you have invested in your siding, professional paint application makes a lot of sense to protect your investment. Call Mike at 541-497-3804.