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Painting |
What your painter knows is really going to show...
A great paint job starts with hiring a skilled, experienced painter; one who knows not only how to properly apply the products, but also has extensive knowledge about the products being used. What is the right paint to use? What is the correct sheen? What are the manufacturer's guidelines for using the products? Are weather conditions appropriate for doing the work? An educated, skilled and conscientious painter will know the answers to these questions immediately.
It's just paint. What could go wrong?
Be aware that a high percentage of painters do not read the manufacturer's instructions for the products they are using. In the Chicago area, many painters do not use English as their primary language. In many cases they have difficulty -- or are unable -- to read the specifications and application instructions for the products they are using. In other cases, literacy in English is not the problem: they have painted for so long they "know everything" about paint, so why bother reading anything? 
These painters do not flow with the current of changing technologies. Paint manufactured ten years ago is not paint today. As a result, very often these painters have no idea how to get long lasting, quality results. Green products, new formulations, changing EPA requirements; all of these have a major bearing on paint formulations and proper application. Uneducated painters may paint your walls hours before drywall repairs and primers have dried properly. They may apply the paint when the temperature is either too high or too low. They may use the wrong tools, the wrong spay equipment, or the wrong applicators to apply the paint. They may not even be aware -- or care -- that a second coat is recommended by nearly all manufacturers. As a result, you may be paying the "going rate" and getting half as much paint on your walls as needed for a proper job.
And remember, quality painting isn't just painting: it's also being aware of the valuable property in your home and protecting it from damage during the painting process.
There are no shortcuts to getting the best results...
A high quality paint job includes extensive preparation and cleanup as well as thorough and accurate painting.
Here is a brief list of mandatory requirements for any painting completed by Ravenswood Restoration:
- Safely remove wall hangings, wall plates and fixtures as needed
- Carefully move and protect furniture
- Protect floors and carpets
- Protect adjacent rooms and areas from dust infiltration
- Repair wall imperfections
- Prime repaired areas with high quality primer
- Block stains on walls
- Caulk gaps in baseboards and trim
- Read, understand and follow all of the manufacturers recommendations for all products used
- Apply only the highest quality paint
- Always apply two topcoats on walls and trim
- Thoroughly clean the work area
- Return furniture to it's original location
Time spent now investing in quality pays off in the long run...
When a paint job that should last several years fails after one or two, the reasons are usually clear. Some painters skimp on prep work, cut corners with low grade, bargain priced brushes and rollers, or old, worn out tools, and use inexpensive, poor quality paint. Painters employing these practices do not save their customers money. The job will need to be extensively repaired or redone before any savings are realized.
The three most common problems with painting...
- Insufficient preparation of surfaces. If prep work is not done thoroughly, the surfaces to be painted will not guarantee proper adhesion.
- Low quality products. Even when a low grade paint is applied properly, it will fail years before a high quality paint. Lower grade latex paint contains a higher ratio of water to solids, and solids are what stay on a surface. As less expensive paint dries, a greater proportion of it's weight simply evaporates. What is left is thinner, and as a result wears away much faster under normal, everyday conditions.
- Applying one coat where two coats are necessary.
Simple solutions...
Ravenswood Restoration will always perform extensive preparation of all surfaces, and use the highest quality paint to fit your budget. You will always be encouraged to select the highest grade products available, and you will always be informed of the brand, grade, and price of the paint before the job begins. Two coats is always the norm. One coat will be applied only in special circumstances, and only when quality standards can be maintained.
Speed vs. quality...
Just as it never pays to cut corners on tools and materials, it never pays to rush a job. Working too quickly increases mistakes. The characteristics of a quality, handcrafted paint job are clean lines, and smooth, even coverage. Paint should only be where it belongs. Drips, drabs, roller marks, excessive brush marks, splatter, uneven lines where colors change, paint marks on finished window and door frames, paint on carpets, floors, and personal belongings; these are the marks of an amateur, or perhaps a pro who is racing the clock. Ravenswood Restoration does not rush through jobs. Time and care are always taken to ensure that your living space is left feeling clean, sharp and complete.