October 01, 2013

Is Your Home Due For a Repaint?

When your house starts to look a bit tatty and tired, it might be high time for a repaint. The exterior of your home is a defining feature that always needs careful maintenance, and a neglected house can be spotted a mile away. But what are the tell-tale signs that it’s time for a repaint?

Paint and Surface

When you first inspect your property, keep an eye out for any paint deterioration and weathered exterior walls. It is necessary to take into account the surface and the materials used in construction. Whether it is wood, stone, brick or modern cladding, paints effect different types of surfaces in different ways.

Softer materials such as wood or soft stone cladding can age the painted surface significantly. Weathering significantly deteriorates these surfaces, so if your property is constructed using any type of wood, it would be best to inspect these areas first, before continuing your inspection on all other surfaces.

                                                                                      Water Damage

When it comes to paint deterioration, there are several types to look out for. Water damage is a common sight, especially on soft surfaces and around drainage outlets and pipes. This kind of damage on its own is somewhat to be expected, especially in areas of high rainfall. These areas can be spruced up in no time at all, and only require a specialist primer paint to protect the surface underneath before repainting over the surface.


 Other Damage

Other types of damaged paint to be found is from mould, fungus and other external effects that have seeped into the structure, and may require a specialist contractor to seek out the initial problem, apply the right types of sealant paint, as well as protective covering paint, such as a latex-based paint before reapplying the top coat and bringing the damaged places back to its former glory.

Sunlight can also cause severe blistering and chipping of paint, which can be annoying as many houses have shaded areas by trees or other shrubbery, meaning the chipping and blistering effects sometimes only occur on the sun-facing walls. In these instances, you can apply thicker layers of undercoats, and protective latex-based paints to make sure that the chipping are reduced in the future and that the underlying materials are protected from sun, as well as the paint.

So when it comes to house painting, the signs are there to be found, and if you take the time to carry out a lengthy inspection to find out the problematic areas around your property, you can be ready to call in the paint professionals who have honed their expertise in house painting to protect your home from the elements, come rain or shine, your property will be brought back to its former glory, and ready to stand the test of time for the years to come.

August 30, 2013

Painting a Room in 4 Simple Steps


Specialising in interior and exterior house painting, our team knows all the tricks of the trade to ensure a perfect finish that lasts. You’re obviously going to get the best work if you hire the services of a Sydney painter. But if you have the time and you’re opting to complete the work yourself, there are a few steps you should keep in mind to make sure you get the job done as best you can.

1. Preparation

The importance of cleaning the ceiling and the walls of the room is something that cannot be understated. We recommend a thorough clean as this can actually be the difference between a satisfactory paint job and a great one. Sponge down the walls and ceiling with water and detergent to remove dust and dirt that has built up. Clean up the residue, put down the sheets and your ready to begin!

 2. Painting the Trim

In most cases, we suggest painting the trim before you get onto the ceiling and walls, simply because it’s much easier to tape off the trim than the walls. You want to use a two-inch brush to get a smooth finish on the molding, door and window frames, but don’t worry too much if you get paint on the walls for now. Afterwards, you’ll need to wait until the next day before the paint is dry, at which point you can tape it off and move onto the ceiling.

3. Rolling the Ceiling

As long as you painting the ceiling before you get to the walls, you’ll need to cut-in the perimeter of the ceiling with a paintbrush. A 3.5 inch cut-in is ideal. With the roller, paint in ‘W’ shapes applying the paint evenly and use roller strokes if excess paint is applied. Start in the corner and paint across the width of the ceiling.

4. Painting the Walls

Once the ceiling has dried, it’s time to get busy on the walls. If it’s a bedroom or living room, its best to go with low-sheen or flat acrylic paints for the best finish. Start at the edges with a brush, then grab a roller and paint in ‘M’ shapes about a metre below the ceiling applying even strokes. Then move down a metre below that for the next area and so in that fashion.

June 03, 2013

Beware Danger Lurking!

Does your property have lead based paint?


Homes built pre 1970 are said to have used lead-based paints. These paints were used both inside and outside buildings.


Lead is extremely hazardous. It is a cumulative poison and even small levels in the body can have severe effects on you, and those around you.

If your home is built pre-1970 and the paint is damaged or disturbed - or likely to go that way - then your best course of action is to have it professionally removed. 

Lead particles are released when old lead paint flakes & peels, and collects as dust in ceiling, wall and floor voids. Should this paint be removed from the surface it can create lead dust making it airborne and enabling inhalation and absorbed into the blood stream. If dust is generated it MUST be contained and the disposal of contaminated waste must be carried out with all care.

Do’s and Don’ts

     -  DO use a professional to test for lead-based paint

     -  DO cover the paint, or remove by wet scraping, wet sanding, chemical stripping, or heat processes

     -  DO use protective clothing (coveralls, booties, hat, gloves) and a respirator (meeting the requirements of Australian Standard 1716)

     -  DO clean up thoroughly

     -  DO Properly contain and dispose of waste

     -  DON’T dry sand or dry scrape or use an ordinary power sander

     -  DON’T sandblast

     -  DON’T work outside on a wet or windy day

     -  DON’T use an open flame torch or high temperature heat gun

     -  DON’T eat, smoke or drink in the work area or with contaminated hands

     -  DON’T allow children, pregnant or nursing women in a house or area where lead-based paint is being disturbed.

Unsure if you are working with lead? Contact Premier Painting Company to perform a certified Lead Paint Test on your property to ensure that you are not dealing with this dangerous substance. 

Premier Painting Company offer specialist-painting services to the Historic Houses Trust. These buildings require a unique understanding of lead management and Premier Painting Company are accredited to manage the removal asbestos which is critical in provide an end to end painting solution to these clients. For more information about our lead removal and painting services, visit our website today.

March 25, 2013

Useful Painting and Decorating Tips for Homeowners


When it comes to home improvements, doing it yourself can save you thousands of dollars. That is why many homeowners attempt painting and decorating themselves rather than using professionals. However, painting and decorating your room or the whole house is never an easy task. It can take a lot of time and patience, not to mention the skill and creativity required. This is why most house owners opt to have their painting and decorating assignments completed by trade professionals.

Here are 5 helpful tips to get you started on your DIY painting and decorating project.



Step 1 – Decide on a vision

For the perfect finish, you should first take the time to select the appropriate colour and theme that compliments the room. There are literally thousands of colour varieties available and some companies can even help you choose and put together your own colour from scratch.

Cheap isn’t always better. It’s not necessarily a good idea to opt for cheap solutions over more expensive ones, as you may find yourself having to redo the job in a year or two’s time. Look for quality and value in a product.



Step 2 - Primer

Before you begin painting, you should add a coat of primer on the surface. Primer blocks stains and resinous knots from bleeding through and improves adhesion of paint leading to fewer blisters, effectively extending the life of the paint. It also provides one-coat coverage for the paint topcoat. When using the primer you should tint it to the finished colour by mixing a small amount of topcoat paint in it. This will ensure that the finish looks professional.

To save money choose the one colour top coat paint for all your internal doors and skirting. This way you only need to buy one tin rather than dozens. Don’t forget to use dustsheets, move furniture and make sure that you carefully tape newspaper or sheets over carpets to avoid paint spills.



Step 3 - Equipment

Painting your house can be tiresome work. Research what materials you’re working with and buy the correct hardware, otherwise you’re going to end up with a botched job that could be very expensive to fix.

Using a telescoping extension pole for your paint roller can not only save you time, but it will also lessen your chances of getting back pain. Extension poles that extend from about 18 inches to 10 feet are most suitable, and make sure they’re durable and are made to last. You should also use a paint grid, which is a rectangular, rigid metal screen that hooks onto the rim of the bucket to reduce excess paint and get ensure consistency.

Save money and wait for the sales. Hardware stores hold regular sales, so if you can hold off until discount day then you’ll be able to save even more money on the cost of materials


Step 4 - Decoration

Once the painting is complete, decorating is the next logical step. Selecting a decorating theme,which complements the room’s existing items can make or break a room. Purchasing new furniture can be expensive. Rather try changing your accessories such as cushions, lamps, light fixtures, vases or a new piece of artwork or large-scale photograph to add texture, pattern and colour to complete the space.Always check the placement of wiring and pipes behind walls before you start drilling holes!



Step 5 – If in doubt…Call in the professionals

To produce a quality-painting job, many skills and lots of care are needed. If you are confused about the painting and decorating work or you feel as if you simply don’t have the time, play it safe and hire an experienced professional to complete the work. 




 

February 07, 2013

Check Before You Renovate Buildings Constructed Pre 1970 Could Have Lead Based Paint

A guide for health professionals titled “Lead Alert” states“nearly all cases of acute lead poisoning in children admitted to children's hospitals in recent years have been attributed to home renovation activities”.

The guide outlines even low levels of lead in blood can have developmental effects on young children, recommending pregnant women and children under 5 years not be present in a home built pre 1970 undergoing renovations.

Homes built pre 1970 are said to have used lead-based paints, and should this paint be flaking and removed from the surface can create lead dust making it airborne and enabling inhalation and absorbed into the blood stream.

If your home is built pre- 1970 and the paint is damaged or disturbed - or likely to go that way - then your best course of action is to have it professionally removed.


Premier Painting Company offer specialist painting solutions to the Historic Houses Trust. These buildings require a unique understanding of lead management and Premier Painting Company are accredited to manage the removal asbestos which is critical in provide an end to end painting solution to these clients.

For more information about lead paint or how to test the paint in your house, office or commercial premises contact Premier Painting on 1300 916 291