Painting Tips Archives - The Paint Manager

What You Need to Know About Lead Paint

Many house hunters seek an older home for its architectural details and character – qualities they believe are lacking in new construction. For homes built before 1978, however, there may be danger lurking beneath their charming features – lead-based paint.

Once widely used for exterior and interior applications, lead was added to paint to accelerate drying, increase durability, maintain a fresh appearance and resist moisture. Lead also made paint colors bright and rich, thereby boosting lead paint’s popularity among homeowners. Although its health hazards were reported long before the mid-20th century, the substance wasn’t banned for use in paint on the national level until 1978 – although some states banned it even earlier.

Why Lead Paint is a Hazard – Both Interior and Exterior

As you probably already know, lead is a toxic substance, exposure to which can cause the following symptoms:

Headaches
Irritability
Loss of appetite
Memory loss
Weakness
Diminished motor skills
Abdominal pain
High blood pressure
Constipation
Nausea
Depression
Feeling distracted

Long-term chronic health conditions involve every major organ – such as heart and kidney disease, as well as encephalopathy, which is a term for any disease of the brain that alters brain function or structure.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead … A pregnant woman’s exposure to lead … is of particular concern because it can result in exposure to her developing baby.”

Lead-based paint is a silent hazard. It poses no immediate risk as long as it’s undisturbed. However, once it begins to peel and flake, people and pets can become exposed. Young children, especially, tend to chew on railings or other paint-covered surfaces, or touch walls and then put their hands in their mouth. On home exteriors, lead paint that chips off and falls on the ground also contaminates the soil.

As home expert Lauren Phillips writes in her article for Real Simple, “Lead-based paint is most dangerous when it is deteriorating – peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, etc. Take extreme caution if you plan to disturb the paint for a big renovation, a repair, or simply a new coat. These activities can create toxic lead dust.”

If you own an older home and notice interior or exterior paint cracking and/or peeling, don’t just hope for the best. Testing the existing paint is the only way to know for certain. Although there are home testing kits for lead that are inexpensive and widely available, according to the EPA, they are not particularly accurate. Our blog post – “How to Stay Safe When Painting Homes With Lead-Based Paint” – covers this topic in greater detail.

Per EPA recommendations, look for a lead abatement company to perform the test. The Paint Manager is a Lead-Safe EPA Certified Firm that has received certification to conduct lead-based paint renovation, repair and painting activities. Please visit the Certifications and Credentials page of our website to view The Paint Manager’s certification.

Should you be in the market for an older home, be aware that although the seller is required to disclose if lead-based paint is present, the seller may not know about it. The federal lead disclosure requirements can be found at 42 U.S.C.A. §§ 4851-56. Those selling their home “as-is” must also disclose the existence of lead paint.

Can You Paint Over Lead Paint?

While this would seem to be an easy solution, there are several factors to consider. According to John McCarter of McCarter Construction, if the existing lead-based paint and surface are in good condition, painting over it can form a protective barrier against the lead paint’s toxins. This process is known as encapsulation.

However, McCarter cautions that not just any kind of paint will safely cover the older, lead-based paint. “There are specific paints qualified as encapsulants that must be used to ensure that dust and fumes are minimized. This special paint is applied carefully and precisely over the lead-based paint to seal it, preventing toxic elements from being inhaled.

“Although homeowners can apply an encapsulant on their own, hiring a professional who is certified to do lead-based paint treatment is the safest way to properly encapsulate a painted space.”

McCarter emphasizes that encapsulation isn’t the solution for every situation.

“If your home exterior [or interior] paint is peeling or flaking, deteriorating, chipped or bubbling, then encapsulation is not a good idea. This is because any paint used to do the encapsulation is very likely to peel and flake as well. Eventually, the toxins underneath the top layer of certified encapsulant paint will still be exposed, creating dangerous conditions for anyone who comes in contact with it.”

Why Removing Lead Paint Isn’t a DIY Job

Should your lead-based paint not be a candidate for encapsulation, removal and repainting by an EPA-certified lead-based paint mitigation professional is the only option that can guarantee the job is performed to standards that will ensure a safe, non-toxic environment. Homeowners lack the equipment, personal protective clothing, training and experience to safely remove lead-based paint.

As Phillips points out, to avoid contact with toxic lead dust, painters must wear filtered masks, specialized suits and gloves. They also must seal the area (if it is not a whole-house renovation), so the dust doesn’t spread to other rooms, and properly dispose of any materials – especially if demolition is involved. Your health and that of your family are not worth risking in an attempt to save money.

“If lead paint is present, contractors are legally obligated to follow these steps and other lead-safe work practices (governed by the Renovation, Repair, and Painting, or RPR, Rule) to reduce risk to employees, residents of the home, and the surrounding environment. Failure to follow these rules can lead to a hefty fine.”

Assuming you’ve already done some online research on removing lead-based paint yourself, pay attention to the red flags that come up. Some websites mention using a wet/dry shop vacuum with a HEPA air filter to clean up lead-based paint chips and dust from the work area. However, they fail to mention how to dispose of contaminated items – including clothing. An EPA-certified abatement company will provide environmentally safe disposal methods that keep lead out of the landfill – and out of your life once and for all.

Don’t Take Chances With Lead-Based Paint Removal – Leave It To Our Professionals!

As mentioned earlier, The Paint Manager is a Lead-Safe EPA Certified Firm that has received certification to conduct lead-based paint renovation, repair and painting activities. We can test for the presence of lead-based paint, as well as remove it or properly encapsulate it, according to the situation. We also provide this service to owners of commercial and industrial properties. Don’t take chances by doing this hazardous job yourself!

The Paint Manager has been proudly serving Central Florida homeowners for over 20 years with experienced, dedicated and professional services that include full-service exterior and interior house painting, roof repair and cleaning, drywall repair, popcorn ceiling texture removal, cabinet refinishing and so much more!

Plus, become a member of The Paint Manager to receive a 15% year-‘round member’s discount. Contact us to learn more about our services and membership discount offer. We look forward to meeting you!

How to Paint Paneling

Owners of homes built from the mid-1950s through the early 1970s often have to deal with wood-paneled walls – either in the entire room, or as an accent wall. Along with popcorn-textured ceilings, wood (or faux wood, which was more commonly used) paneling is among the features that many homebuyers now consider a deal breaker.

Fortunately, you need not despair if your current home has a paneled wall or two. And if you’re house hunting, don’t be so quick to cross that otherwise perfect home off your list should it sport this unsightly interior touch of yesteryear. Rather than incurring the expense of removing the offending paneling and repairing or replacing the drywall under it, you can minimize its visual impact and create a pleasing, updated look with a little paint and a little time!

Wood Paneling – A Brief History

Long popular in American homes, real wood paneling can impart warmth and texture. However, plywood was more typically used in post-World War II suburban houses. During the ‘50s and ‘60s, the look was considered sophisticated and space-age. Upscale homes featured paneling of solid wood or high-end furniture-grade wood veneer. As such materials were expensive, most homeowners opted for the budget-friendly wood composite panels manufactured with a faux wood grain pattern. Those favoring a contemporary look installed paneling in medium to dark brown shades, while those preferring a rustic-inspired style installed faux knotty pine paneling.

In addition, installing wood paneling was a relatively easy DIY project that – depending upon the number of walls involved – could be done in a single weekend.

Beginning in the ‘80s, homeowners considered plywood paneling to be cheap-looking and tacky. Even walls paneled in real wood appeared tired to contemporary eyes, and seemed to restrict decorating choices. Unfortunately, people learned that getting rid of paneling isn’t an easy task. Trying to remove plywood paneling can damage drywall, as glue was often used to attach it, while removing solid wood paneling involves prying panels from the wall with a pry bar, then pulling out nails. Needless to say, this also damages drywall, necessitating a great amount of patching.

Now that you know, painting over paneling is the less labor-intensive, less expensive option. But don’t feel that you’re compromising because you aren’t starting with a clean drywall slate, so to speak. You can paint the paneled wall the same color as the rest of the room to make it blend in while lending an extra layer of texture, or – if only one wall is paneled – keep it as an accent wall, but one that provides a stylish pop of color that complements your interior décor scheme.

Following are instructions for painting laminate wood paneling and solid wood paneling. Before starting, make sure you have the proper equipment that will allow you to do the job safely – such as an appropriate ladder – and cover flooring beneath with a drop cloth. Wear full-sleeve clothing (no T-shirts or shorts) in addition to gloves, glasses and a respiratory mask, as the cleaners used in the first step are toxic. Also be sure the room is well-ventilated. Keep pets and children out of the room.

Painting Laminate Wood

Home improvement and decorating website Hunker provides the following step-by-step instructions:

Clean the panels thoroughly with soap and water. A dish detergent works fine in most cases, although you may need to use a stronger solvent for heavily soiled panels. Use a sponge to clean the panels, and then dry them with a towel.
Prepare the panels for painting. Most panels have glossy finishes, so you will need to use sandpaper to lightly sand them down. Liquid Sandpaper is available in most hardware stores, requires no scrubbing or sanding and works wonders on fake wood panels.
Wipe any shavings or residue left on the wood panels after you have sanded them or used the Liquid Sandpaper. Wipe them thoroughly to avoid imperfections from coming through your paint.
Apply a normal coating of primer. Latex primer will work best for painting over fake wood panels. If you can still see through the primer, apply a second coat after the first one dries.
Paint the panels with your choice of paint, as you would any other wall. Once you have the primer on, the rest is easy.

Painting Real Wood

Painting over solid wood paneling is a more involved process if you want to achieve the best possible effect. Writing for The Spruce, interior design expert Lauren Flanagan provides context for the project.

“For one thing, there’s no going back, as it’s pretty much impossible to completely sand paint from paneling if you ever change your mind. Also, solid-wood planks have numerous joints that can open up and show hairline cracks if the planks contract during periods of low humidity.

“If you do decide to paint over the wood paneling in your home, follow the proper steps to ensure it’s done right. It may seem like cleaning, sanding, and priming are unnecessary, but paneling requires extra attention if you want the wall to look its best.”

Flanagan’s instructions are as follow:

Clean the molding and paneling – Before attempting to do anything with your wood paneling, be sure to clean it. A damp rag will get rid of most of the dust, dirt, and cobwebs. If there are layers of grime, use a solution of TSP (trisodium phosphate, a heavy-duty cleaner) or a TSP substitute (which can be less toxic) and water to get it all off.

Never paint over a dirty surface because the paint won’t adhere properly. It will also look quite sloppy because the paint will pick up clumps of dirt, making it impossible to get a flat, clean look.

2. Fill and sand the wood – Fill any holes or cracks with wood putty, using a putty knife, and allow it to dry. If desired, lightly sand all of the paneling (don’t forget the trim and moldings) with 150-grit sandpaper. The idea is to take off the sheen and create a lightly gritty surface so the paint will adhere. Try not to get carried away and sand too hard, either. When you’re finished, wipe it down with a slightly damp cloth to remove all the dust.

Note: Sanding is optional and often is not necessary. Using a good primer that will stick to the old finish usually means you don’t have to sand the wood. Just keep in mind that if the primer doesn’t stick well, neither will the paint. Sanding always improves adhesion.

3. Caulk around the trim – Apply caulk to any gaps between paneling planks, between the panels and trim, and around the windows and doors. Make sure to use “paintable” caulk. Allow the caulk to dry as directed by the manufacturer.

4. Prime the wood – Apply a thin coat of primer to all of the paneling, using a foam sponge roller and a brush or just a brush alone. When rolling, keep a brush on hand to get into any cracks, seams, or corners where the roller can’t go and to remove drips. Make sure to cover the entire surface, including any trim. It’s best to use an oil-based primer or a water-based stain-blocking primer. These will prevent any grease or wood stains from coming through and ruining your paint job.

Note: When painting knotty pine, use a primer formulated to cover knots, which can bleed through several coats of paint if not properly primed.

5. Paint the paneling – Apply a thin coat of your paint to all paneling surfaces. Begin at the top and work your way down, making sure to cover all the gaps between the panels. Remove any excess paint that collects in the panel grooves, using your brush. Take care of any drips right away, too. Let the first coat dry, as directed, then apply a second coat.

After the primer and first coat, your wall may look finished, but a second coat will ensure the best coverage and improve its durability. It’s definitely worth the extra time and materials.

6. Paint the trim – Paint the trim your desired color. It’s usually best to use a glossier finish than you chose for the walls, but it really comes down to personal preference. Glossier paint helps the trim stand out and creates a smoother surface that is easier to clean.

Everything Old is New Again – Including Paneling

Although certain types of wall paneling are outdated, other types are enjoying popularity. For example, shiplap, which has become in demand through its exposure on television home remodeling shows. This raises the question whether real wood paneling should be painted over, which Flanagan admits is controversial. If the wood isn’t stained or damaged, refurbishing the paneling to restore its warm glow and luster could be the better option.

In most cases, the poor-quality veneer paneling still prevalent in many homes is always worth painting over as an economical-yet-attractive alternative to removal. Whichever choice you make, we at The Paint Manager hope we’ve given you the information you need to enjoy your home to the fullest.

At the present time, our professional contractors are only available for exterior jobs. Of course, we will let our valued members know when we are again able to provide our full range of services. As always, we appreciate your support! Feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment or ask questions, and stay safe!

Advantages of Epoxy Floor Finishes

Tough and versatile, epoxy floor finishes are an increasingly popular choice for a wide range of applications – from industrial facilities to home garages. Typically applied over concrete, an epoxy floor coating provides a high-performance, smooth, durable surface that can last for many years. Whether you own a sprawling warehouse or a cozy single-family house, an epoxy finish may be the right choice for your Central Florida property’s flooring. We at The Paint Manager offer this guide to help you decide. Should you decide in the affirmative, we can also provide advice for the second question: professional installation, or DIY?

What is epoxy, exactly?

Most people are familiar with epoxy glue, known for the solid bond it forms. According to Your Dictionary, the definition of epoxy is “Any of various usually thermosetting resins capable of forming tight cross-linked polymer structures characterized by toughness, strong adhesion, and low shrinkage, used especially in surface coatings and adhesives.” Even if you never took a chemistry course, the gist of it is clear.

In a commercial application, epoxy flooring is used for its resistance to heavy traffic, sanitary qualities and ease of cleanup, and where slip resistance is required. In a residential setting, epoxy is used to beautify and protect a garage floor, patio, utility room or carport.

Advantages of an epoxy floor coating

Applied over concrete flooring, an epoxy product provides a non-porous surface impervious to stains – such as oil – and more resistant to damage and pitting than exposed concrete. Other advantages include the following.

Low maintenance; easy to clean. Unlike bare concrete floors – which can require a pressure washer to clean – a good-quality mop and simple cleaning solution does the job.
Withstands heavy, continuous traffic from forklifts and other types of industrial vehicles/equipment.
Protects concrete from the gradual corrosive, destructive effects of oil and liquid chemical products.
Temperature resistant. Just as epoxy is tough enough to resist damage from corrosive chemicals, it can also stand up to more heat and cold than most paints.
Environmentally friendly. Epoxy will not erode or dissolve into its environment, such as by fumes in the air or trace amounts in water. It also needs recoating less often, and requires less cleaning agent, thereby reducing the amount of chemicals used overall.

Creates a shiny surface that increases the brightness of interior areas.
Can be made slip-resistant for optimum safety.
Can be customized with colors and patterns to mark walkways.
Can be customized with specialty colors or decorative chip blends to mask concrete flooring cracks or just for aesthetic effect.
Extends the life of your concrete floor. Applying an epoxy coating protects concrete from damage, delaying the expense of repair or replacement.
Can increase the resale value of your home. Used in a residential garage, an epoxy floor finish provides a high-end look – especially with the addition of stylish decorative elements. You can select from a variety of understated solid colors and hues, custom colors and blends of color flakes that match your style – or even your favorite sports team.

Do you need a professional to install an epoxy floor coating?

There are two ways of getting the job done – one is to hire a commercial services company, and the other is to do it yourself. We offer the caveat oft-repeated in our humble blog. This is a project for those with experience in similar home improvement efforts, not absolute beginners. As the Family Handyman points out, not all concrete floors will hold epoxy floor coatings, and preparing concrete for epoxy floor coatings can be labor intensive and tedious. For those who feel confident in their abilities, both Family Handyman and DIY Network offer helpful step-by-step instructions.

Again, if you’re considering taking the DIY route, be sure to carefully follow the instructions provided by the sources listed above. Most of the success of installing an epoxy floor coating lies with proper cleaning and preparation of the concrete. Missing a step or trying to hurry through the process will achieve poor results. Also make certain to buy – and use – all protective clothing and equipment required.

The take-home message

For those lacking the time and expertise to do a residential-scale epoxy flooring project – or for those who own an industrial or commercial facility – The Paint Manager is ready to provide conscientious, experienced service. No job is too large or too small. You can also contact us for other commercial services, such as exterior painting, texturing and much more. We look forward to working with you.

How to Paint Your Baby’s Nursery

Nothing is more exciting than welcoming your baby into this world. All kinds of preparations are underway – from making a list of names to shopping and sprucing up your home’s exteriors and interiors – as parents leave no stone unturned to give the best to their new arrival. The major preparation is, of course, decorating the nursery – which starts with choosing the wall color. While choices have fortunately expanded beyond pink for girls and blue for boys, there’s much more to consider that can have a long-term effect on the health of your newborn.

Start with a healthy environment

To make your baby’s room healthier, Consumer Reports offers some tips that you need to keep in mind before undertaking the painting project:

Use paint that has low or zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – VOCs are solvents that are released into the air when paint containing these compounds dries. According to the American Lung Association, breathing VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose and throat; cause difficulty in breathing; nausea; and can damage the central nervous system as well as other organs. Some VOCs can cause cancer. Not all VOCs have all these health effects, though many have several. Details on specific health effects of each specific VOC can be found in the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Toxic Substances Portal.

Paint the nursery at least two months in advance – This is a good general rule, even when using paint containing low or zero VOCs – as all interior paints give off some fumes.

Check for the presence of lead-based paint – Homes built before 1978 often contain lead-based paint. If there is no chipping or peeling of the paint on the wall, windowsills or doors, it doesn’t mean the environment is safe. Intact paint can be dangerous – especially on windows and doors – because they generate lead-contaminated dust when they are opened or closed. If your home has lead-based paint, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Hire a licensed contractor for removal, and find other accommodations during the mitigation process until it is determined safe for you to return.

Getting down to work

If you’re considering taking the DIY approach to painting the nursery, the good people at Ecos Paints outline the process as follows.

Understand the effect of colors on space – Dark color schemes can make your room look more cramped, whereas light colors like white can make it appear more spacious. Different color schemes can also have a bearing on your baby’s mood. For instance, research claims that red color can increase the feeling of aggression, whereas yellow color can pep up the mood. Also, some soothing colors are known to help your baby sleep better. The best way to select a color for your baby’s room is to view how it would look on the wall. You can get sample colors, and then choose the best for your baby’s nursery.

Determine the amount of paint you need – The quality of paint and the area of the room you have to paint (square foot) are the two things that will determine the amount of paint you need to paint your baby’s room. For example, to paint an average sized room (two coats) you would need about five gallons of average quality paint, but the same can be painted in three gallons if the paint is of premier quality.

Take into account the durability of the paint – The paint finish you choose is what would affect the durability of the paint. For instance, if you want moisture resistant and washable paint, you can choose eggshell finish. For a high traffic area, you can either choose eggshell or some other pale to mid color because they are less prone to marks from rubbing. If you use matte paint, on the other hand, it can hide the imperfections in the wall.

Do the necessary prep work – Before you start the project, you should ensure that you have all the right supplies. You also need to prep up your tools. Also, clean the rollers and brushes so that it can paint properly. You also need to ensure that you remove all the furniture from the room and cover the floor with drop cloths. You also need to tape off the floorboards, corners, and other outlet covers and switches. Keep a rag handy in case of spills. You can first sand the walls and prime them before putting on the paint coats.

How color affects your baby

While a newborn may be unaware of the color of his or her nursery, this will most likely be your child’s room for the next several years, transitioning from infancy to childhood. Project Nursery has an informative guide on the emotional effect that colors evoke. Of course, it isn’t a good idea to use wall-to-wall red, but it can work as an accent color. The article provides a thoughtful analysis of the major colors and their suitability for a nursery.

With so much to prepare for in anticipation of your new arrival, you may not have the time (or inclination) to do the job yourself. The Paint Manager has an experienced team of painters ready to create the perfect nursery.