If you are thinking about painting your interior walls, get ready for a big project! It’s not as easy as one might think and it always takes longer than planned! Here are a few tips to save you a headache and some of your valuable time.

1.) Set Aside a Separate Time for Preparation.
When you are planning your interior painting project, make sure to set aside a separate time for preparation. By doing this, it will help you stay focused on your project. The last thing you want to do is rush a painting project. Another reason you want to prepare for your painting project at an earlier time is it will allow your patchwork time to dry. You cannot paint a wall that has recently applied putty. I like to go with a 24 hour rule of thumb on this one. At the bare minimum, make sure you let it dry 8-12 hours.

2.) Remove as Much Furniture as Possible.
If you are going to be painting a room, you do not want to worry about dripping or spraying paint on your furniture. It is much easier to lay your equipment where you want and have a free reign of the room. If it’s possible, remove all of the furniture and lay down drop clothes on the floor. Removing furniture might take a little of your time but will be sure to speed up the process of interior painting. PLUS it will ensure you will not ruin it as well! (If you cannot remove your furniture from the room you are painting, push it all together in the middle.

3.) Removal All Fixtures/Hardware.
I know, it may seem easier to just paint around your light fixtures, door knobs and other w but in the end you are bound to drip or smudge some paint at sometime. Also, it is much quicker to paint a complete wall that you do not have to paint around objects. Even if you think you are an excellent painter, removing wall fixtures and hangers will save you time in the long run.

4.) Don’t Paint over a Problem
Please do not be the home owner that puts a fresh coat of paint over a crack or holes in the wall. It’s not worth all of the time, energy and money to paint a wall without at first fixing the blemishes. If you are tackling your own paint job chances are you have the ability and skills needed to spackle small holes and cracks. The important thing when spackling, be heavy with putty and sand everything very well.

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Spring is just around the corner! After that harsh winter, what better way to start the season than with a clean exterior. With everything from snow, to -7 degrees to 86 mph wind, your home has more than likely gotten very dirty over the course of the winter.

You have decided to hire a cleaning contractor in your area, here is what to look for when looking for qualified professionals and selecting the right one.

* Insured- This mainly protects you as the homeowner. If something were to happen on the job site, with a UN-insured contractor the homeowner would be held responsible in court of law. Often times, contractors will carry a copy of this with them.

* Licensed- Make sure that your cleaning contractor carries the proper licensees for your town or city. Some cities, do not require any special licensing for pressure washing services.

* Use of low pressure- This new use of chemicals to clean the exteriors of homes has become very popular among contractors. The use of low pressure allows all types of exteriors to be cleaned with 60-100 psi. This prevents any damage that high-pressure cleaning can cause.

* Background Check- Many companies now run full background checks on all of their employes. Often times, employees will show up with a name tag and proof of clean background.

* Specify- Don’t forget to specify what you are looking for in a contractor. Whether it be, roof cleaning, exterior cleaning, deck restoration or concrete cleaning. Some contractors may specialize in one service, but not the other.

* Ask what is involved in standard house wash. Some companies may charge for a premium but only provide the basic wash job. Some of the areas covered may include siding, foundation,soffets and gutters.

*Discounts- %75 of jobs come from referrals, ask if there are group rates for neighbors and you may receive a substantial discount. Also, asking for a discount on multiple services is a common offer in the pressure washing service.

*Warranty- Does the company offer any type of warranty for the work provided? On average, a roof cleaning comes with a 2 year warranty. Exterior Cleaning comes with no warranty, and a deck cleaning and staining comes with a 1-2 year warranty depending upon the type of stain being used.

* Referrals- Most companies will have a list of clients who don’t mind speaking to you, to promote job well done, don’t be afraid to ask!

– After the work has been completed-

Once your contractor has completed the job, take a walk around the home to inspect for a thorough job and that no damage was done. Once the property is inspected, and payment received, attain a receipt.

When it comes to hiring a professional pressure washing company don’t forget these key points. Your home is your most valuable possession, get 2-3 quotes before deciding on a cleaning professional. Remember, your home is your largest, and most valuable asset!

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Before you paint your walls, it is strongly encouraged by all veteran drywall painters to prime first. Wall priming may seem like a tedious and unnecessary step, but you will find that it is very worthwhile in the end. Even if you have a non-significant area to paint, like a closet or pantry, priming first will make a huge difference, and you will be happy that you did. Continue reading to learn some helpful tips that will make priming an easier job than you’d expect.

Why Prime?

There is a good reason to prime your walls before painting them. Primer is a sealant, which provides a preparatory coating for your paint. Primer promotes better adhesion of paint, increases paint durability and longevity, and protects the drywall. Although you can purchase self-priming wall paint, it is recommended to use two separate products for the best results.

What You Will Need

To prepare your walls for painting, you need the right supplies. Never try to take short cuts when priming and painting. It is important to not skimp out on quality as well. Although you do not need the finest products to achieve a professional-looking result, you do need to use good brands and durable tools.

To get started, visit your local home improvement store and add these items to your shopping cart:

• Paint Brush
• Paint Pail
• Paint Pail Liner
• Roller Tray
• Roller Tray Liner
• Paint Roller
• Roller Cover
• Drop Cloth
• Primer
• Sanding Sponge
• Extension Pole

*Don’t forget the actual paint for when you’re done prepping!Application Tips

Always be sure to prepare the surrounding area for a painting project by covering up carpet, floors, furniture, and appliances with tarps. This step also includes taping up baseboards, crown molding, wainscoting, and more. Once your surroundings are protected, you can get to work without concern for your personal possessions.

When dipping your paint brush into the primer, try to wipe the excess product off on the sides of the pail. You do not want to apply primer when your brush is dripping. When it is time to apply the product to the wall, start with edges first. Create a border around the edges and corners of the walls where the roller will not be able to reach.

For reliable results, always apply at least 2 coats of primer. For new construction drywall, one coat is acceptable, but two coats is the standard. For darker colored walls, you may need one or two extra coats if you are painting with a lighter color paint afterwards.

Be sure to lightly sand your walls after the primer has finished drying completely. Then use a tack cloth to wipe off all the excess dust. Do this step before painting, and you will have a smooth, even finish when you are done.

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