How to Paint Like a Pro

Painting is a tedious and delicate project that requires a certain degree of organization, commitment, and technique. Professional painting crews make all of these qualities look as if they come easy, but we novice painters know this to be untrue. There are many techniques and methods that professional painters use to achieve those flawless and rich results we are so fondly jealous of. Fortunately, you too can learn some of these professional painting tips that would never otherwise be revealed!

Continue reading to learn the secrets to achieving a professional-grade paint job, and make your next interior project your best yet!

Professional Drywall and Painting 317-454-3612
Professional Drywall and Painting 317-454-3612

Painter’s Tape

When you tape up baseboards before painting, it can seem like a pretty straightforward task. Apply the tape so that the woodwork is covered and move on; right? Well, many times, after the painting is finished and the tape is removed, you can find streaks or drops that managed to seep their way through. To avoid this, do what the pro’s do and use a putty knife to apply the painting tape on baseboards and molding. Press the knife against the tape to ensure a thorough seal. This prevents any paint from getting through.

Hole-Patching and Sanding

One of the most important steps to painting is preparation. Preparation of course includes choosing the proper paint, deciding on a color, purchasing needed supplies, and laying out protective drop canvas for flooring and furniture. But when we mentioned preparation in terms of what the professionals suggest, we mean hole-patching and sanding.  All holes and deficits should be filled in with a joint-compound patching product, smoothed down evenly, and allowed to dry completely. Once these areas of dry, you can sand away all the uneven surfaces.

It is vital to sand away any surface flaws, like spackle, joint-compound patches, nicks, nail holes, scores, scratches, chips, and more the best you can. Do this using a fine grit sandpaper and sanding pole. The fine grit will protect your walls from over-sanding, while the pole will allow you to reach all the way to the high walls and ceiling. Sand baseboards, molding, walls, and more to get an even smooth surface. Once you have an even and smooth surface, you can move forward with your painting project.

Paint and Primer

When joint compound is painted over, it can sometimes absorb all the moisture from the paint and leave a duller, discolored look. This makes all the patched areas on a wall noticeable. To avoid this problem, which professionals refer to as “flashing”, be sure to apply a primer to your walls before painting. But to paint like a professional, don’t just use any primer, use a tinted primer. Although white primer is acceptable and frequently used, professionals typically use a gray-colored primer, or a primer that is close to the color of the finishing paint. This covers patched areas and existing paint better than plain white or ivory primers. This results in a more vibrant finish and less applications.

Paint Boxing

Although you can purchase the same color in five cans, it is not guaranteed that all five cans will look exactly the same. This can be evident in a paint job when a new container is opened halfway through painting. It can result in a different color tones on a wall. To avoid this, professionals “box” their paint by pouring all cans into one large bucket to achieve one consistent color.

Paint Application

Ever wonder why a self-paint job looks streaky and a professional’s is always smooth and even? Well the secret is adding a paint extender or paint conditioner into your paint. Popular products, like Floetrol, are designed to slow down the drying process of the paint, allowing a more even application and finish. Not only do paint extenders hide brush strokes, they also eliminate dark lap marks from painting over semi-dried paint.   

Ceilings

When ceilings are textured or bumpy, it can be virtually impossible to paint a clean line between the wall and the ceiling. For this reason, professionals will use a screwdriver to scrape a ridge along the edge of the walls and ceiling. This creates a platform for painting a smooth straight line between ceiling and wall and prevents paint from sticking to ceiling bumps. The resulting ridge should be fine enough so that the lost texture is never noticed, but wide enough for brush bristles to fit.

Professional Interior Painters in Indianapolis

Residential and Commercial Remodeling 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional interior painting services in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. We offer full-service painting solutions for both residential and commercial properties. On top of already competitive prices, we guarantee to beat any competitor’s price! Request an estimate, today.

3 Eco-Friendly Interior Paint Options

Common interior paint products contain VOC’s, or volatile organic compounds, which become airborne as the paint dries. Not only can this greatly reduce your home’s indoor air quality, it can have negative health effects on both people and pets; especially those with existing respiratory conditions or suppressed immune systems. To maintain a quality indoor air environment and avoid such negative health risks, choose an Eco-friendly, Low-VOC product for an effective and safe alternative.

Continue reading to learn some top-recommended non-toxic and Low-VOC interior paints available right around the corner at your local home improvement store.

Indianapolis Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

Indianapolis Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

Benjamin Moore® Natura and Aura

Benjamin Moore® has two different paint lines that claim to be 100% free of volatile organic compound emissions: Natura and Aura. Both Natura and Aura are specially-formulated for interior painting applications, and come in a vast array of colors. Since they are low-odor paints, they are safer options for pregnant women, children, and elderly. They are also mildew-resistant, making them a great option for wet environments or climates.

Behr’s® Premium Plus Interior

Behr’s® Premium Plus Interior is a great option for interior Eco-friendly paint because it is low-odor, mildew-resistant, and contains zero volatile organic compounds. It is also affordable and requires minimal maintenance. You can clean it up with a little soap and warm water! However, this product cannot be found at any home improvement store; it is only sold by Home Depot®.

Sherman Williams® Enhanced Harmony

Sherman Williams® Enhanced Harmony is an excellent line of non-toxic interior paint. Not only is this paint resistant to mold and microbes, it is also free of volatile organic compounds. Best of all, this paint is enriched with odor eliminating technology, which can help reduce ambient or lingering odors, such as wet dogs, grilled fish, sautéed garlic, and more. In addition to reducing odors, it can also reduce airborne VOC’s from other materials, such as carpeting and cabinetry.

If you enjoyed this blog about Eco-friendly interior paint options, you might also like to read our article, “Types of Eco-Friendly Home Siding” for additional environmentally-conscious home remodeling tips.

Professional Interior Painting in Indianapolis

Home Repair Service 317-454-3612

Residential and Commercial Remodeling
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional interior painting services in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. We offer full-service painting solutions for both residential and commercial properties. On top of already competitive prices, we guarantee to beat any competitor’s price! Request an estimate, today.

Fundamental Tips for Cleaning Painted and Papered Walls

Whether painted or papered, walls can need a good wipe down every so often. This is especially true for properties with children and pets, or both! As property owners, we have mastered the art of carpet cleaning, window cleaning, and even oven cleaning; but what about walls? The right technique and proper solutions can clean walls with ease, but it is important to know these tips before getting your hands wet. This is because some wallpapers and paints react adversely to certain solutions and cleaning agents. Learning the proper methods and products for wall cleaning is the first step to getting the job done!

Drywall and Painting 317-454-3612

Drywall and Painting 317-454-3612

How to Clean Painted Walls

Cleaning painted walls is a large job, so preparation is key to making it as easy as possible. This means moving furniture away from walls and laying down cloth sheets, not tarp, to avoid slippery walking surfaces. It also means covering wall nails with a bit of dry sponge or rubber to protect your hands while cleaning, as well as, to remember where hanging frames belong. Once prep is complete, here’s what you need to get started:

Lamb’s Wool Duster
White Rags or Cloths
Natural Sponge (No colors)
Two Buckets (One for water, one for solution)
Rubber Gloves (Turn up sleeves to stop drips)
Step Ladder
Water
Liquid Dish Detergent

In the first bucket, combine 1 gallon of clean water with ¼ cup mild dish detergent liquid.

Fill the second bucket with clean clear water. This is for rinsing only. Change as needed throughout cleaning.

Using a duster, wipe down the entire surface area of each wall to remove loose dust, cobwebs, and other debris. Do not forget the baseboards and moldings.

Before applying moisture to the walls, keep in mind that dirty dripping water can dry and leave behind muddy stains. For this reason, always wash walls from BOTTOM to TOP, and then from SIDE to SIDE. Use your sponge to swipe up additional drips as you clean. Never take breaks in the middle of one wall, this can leave behind uneven cleaning marks. Finish an entire wall, then take a breather before beginning the next one.

Dip the sponge in the cleaning solution and gently apply it in a small area, then rinse the sponge in clean water and rinse the wall clean. Continue using this technique as you work your way through the entire wall.

Use the clean white cloths to pat the walls dry, removing any excess moisture left behind.

Wallpapered Walls

You can purchase store-bought wallpaper cleaners that are safe and effective for washable wallpaper. You can also just use some warm water and a little dishwashing liquid. If you have non-coated wallpaper, you do not want to apply moisture to it for cleaning. Instead, use a dry sponge, found at any local hardware store, to lift dirt and grime safely. And to remove fingerprints, use an art eraser to gently rub away the marks. The most important tip for cleaning wallpapered walls is to check the manufacturer guidelines first before you start.

Drywall Repair and Interior Painting Services Near You

Home Repair Service 317-454-3612

Residential and Commercial Remodeling
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional drywall repair and interior painting services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer full-service interior and exterior painting solutions and drywall services for both residential and commercial properties. On top of already competitive prices, we guarantee to beat any competitor’s price! Call 317-454-3612 to learn how to get your estimate started, today.

Increase Your Home’s Sale Price With Professional Painting Services

Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

Indianapolis Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

Painting is a fantastic method for improving your home’s sale price when it’s listed on the market. Not only is painting inexpensive and quick, it delivers an instant upgrade, which gives potential buyers a feeling of instant gratification. Accordingly, it creates an environment that makes prospective buyers want to move in right away! If your home hasn’t been freshly painted in several years, a simple interior or exterior painting job may just do the trick to get your home sold at the price point you expect.

Continue reading to learn which areas to have painted, and who to call for trusted painting services in your neighborhood.

Wallpaper

Painting over wallpaper is a great way to skip out on a tedious wall paper removal job without jeopardizing the quality or value of the home. So long as your professional painters use quality products and materials, and implement the proper painting techniques, painted-over wallpaper will look fresh and new.

Ceilings

Many people tend to overlook the ceilings when having their house painted. If your home is on the market and you plan to have it painted, don’t forget to have the ceilings freshened up too. If you have already had your home painted, but didn’t get the ceilings done, do them now to improve your home’s sale potential.

Accent Walls

If you really want to modernize or add some unique flare, paint an accent wall. A little pop of color truly goes a long way, and can instantly transform a dull, spacey room, into a dynamic and decorative room. It can also give potential home buyers an idea of how they would want to decorate, further temping them to make an offer!

Crown Molding and Trim

You mustn’t forget about your home’s trim and crown molding, including the wainscoting and wall paneling. Freshen these up with a fresh coat of paint, and you will see how your home’s interior ambience instantly feels lighter and newer.

Indianapolis Painting Services

Home Repair Service 317-454-3612

Home Repair Service
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional Indianapolis painting service you can afford. Owner, Lee Elliot, guarantees to beat any competitor’s price! We offer full-service interior and exterior painting solutions for both residential and commercial properties. Our experienced painting contractors are happy to provide an estimate, anytime. Call 317-454-3612 to learn how to get your estimate started, today.

Can I Paint My Home’s Exterior in Winter?

Exterior Painting Services 317-454-3612

Exterior Painting Services 317-454-3612

Although winter exterior painting is not recommended, it is sometimes unavoidable. Cold weather can affect paint application and drying times, so it is important to use the correct strategies for the best outcome. When temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it is considered cold weather; but temperatures that drop below 35 degrees Fahrenheit are considered freezing weather, which is not conducive to outdoor painting.

If you have to paint your home’s exterior this winter, it is possible to do so as long as you paint within these cold weather surface temperatures (35° – 50°) and use the right paint products. Continue reading to learn more about cold weather outdoor painting, and some tips that will help you achieve professional-grade results for your home.

Cold Weather Exterior Painting Tips

There are many problems that can occur as a result of improper paint and too cold temperatures. These include poor color uniformity, slow drying times, improper film formation, film cracking, poor stain resistance, and more. The most reliable way to ensure your cold weather exterior painting project turns out right is to hire a professional painting contractor. They have the training, experience, equipment, and resources to deliver outstanding results in a convenient time frame. But if you are set on doing it yourself, be sure to follow these important tips:

Use an oil-based or acrylic exterior paint that is designed for cold weather temperatures as low as 27 degrees Fahrenheit.

*Recommended: Sherwin-Williams Resilience Exterior Acrylic

Use a quality bonding primer prior to applying the first coat of paint.

Choose a clear, sunny day to paint. Light and sun help drying time.

Always paint during the warmest part of the day (usually between 10am and 2pm). Follow the sun as you work your way around the house. Then stop working when temperatures start to drop.

Keep in mind that caulkers, fillers, and primers require warmer outdoor temperatures.

Cooler weather reduces drying time, so be sure to wait long enough between coats.

Be sure to also consider the surface temperature of your home’s siding. It may be colder than the outside temperatures, which can affect paint application and drying time. You can use a non-contact infrared thermometer to test surface temperatures.

Use the proper paint rollers and brushes for outdoor and cold weather painting.

Indianapolis Painting Contractors

Home Repair Service 317-454-3612

Home Repair Service
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for superior home painting services you can trust. Owner, Lee Elliot, and his team of licensed Indianapolis painting contractors, provide a wide range of residential and commercial painting services, and we guarantee to BEAT any competitor’s price! Call us today at 317-454-3612 to request an appointment for an in-person written estimate at your earliest convenience.

How to Get Paint Off Clothes

Indianapolis Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

Indianapolis Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

Whether a night out cocktailing and canvasing with the girls, or changing the color of your bedroom walls, paint seems to always get on clothing no matter how hard you try to prevent it from happening. Fortunately, there are some handy tricks to removing paint from clothes; and the best part is, they won’t jeopardize the integrity of your fabrics. So before tossing that favorite blouse of yours in the trash because you accidentally brushed up against a freshly-painted wall, continue reading and learn how to get paint off clothes instead!

Paint Removal Supplies

🎨 Paint Thinner (or turpentine)
🎨 Nail Polish Remover
🎨 Rubbing Alcohol
🎨 Liquid Detergent
🎨 Liquid Dish Soap
🎨 Disposable Plastic Container
🎨 Toothbrush
🎨 Clean Sponge
🎨 Clean Rags
🎨 Spoon
🎨 Butter Knife
🎨 Cotton Balls
🎨 Paper Towels
🎨 Duct Tape

After reading the tools and supplies list, you might be wondering how these materials relate to one another and how they remove paint from clothes. But the supplies you use will depend on the type of paint you have on your article of clothing. You’ll require different materials for latex, oil, and acrylic paints. So that means that the first step to removing paint from your clothes is to find out which type of paint it is. Once you know that, you can move onto the next steps.

Latex Paint Removal:

Step ➀ Place paper towels and clean rags down to use as a foundation for your article of clothing, even if it’s completely dry. This prevents paint from transferring through the fibers and onto whatever is beneath it.

Step ➁ If there is still wet paint on your clothing, use your butter knife and spoon to scrap it off.

Step ➂ Run your article of clothing under warm water and then blot it dry using a paper towel or dry rag. If you are wearing your article of clothing and it is too saturated with paint, continue rinsing the best you can until you can take it off.

Step ➃ Turn the article of clothing inside out and rinse it thoroughly under warm water.

Step ➄ If your garment is color-safe, use liquid dish soap for this step. If it is not, use liquid laundry detergent instead. Apply the soap directly to the affected area, and use a clean sponge or white cloth to work up a generous lather. Be sure to continue rotating rag or sponge to avoid cleaning with a soiled section.

Step ➅ Repeat step 6 as often as you need until you feel like you’ve cleansed away most of the paint. Then launder as usual and allow to air dry.

Step ➆ Once the garment is entirely dry, check the level of paint residue. If there is still paint evident, use your butter knife to scrape off the remaining paint, or apply duct tape firmly over it and peel away. Repeat this a few times, and then repeat all steps all over again.

Note: At this point, you can also use an old toothbrush and a small amount of nail polish remover to get paint off your clothing, but be careful as it might discolor non-color safe fabrics.

Oil and Acrylic Paint Removal:

Step ➀ Place paper towel down to use as a foundation for your garment.

Step ➁ Whether the paint is wet or dry, scoop the excess off with a butter knife. Then turn your garment inside out and repeat.

Step ➂ Pour a cup or two of paint thinner into a disposable plastic container, like an empty ice cream tub. Then soak some cotton balls in it.

Step ➃ With the garment inside out, use the soaked cotton balls to gently dab the soiled area. As you pick up paint, continue to switch cotton balls. If the stain is proving to be difficult to remove, try pouring paint thinner directly over it and use a toothbrush to scrub. Just be sure you have a clean, dry foundation underneath.

Step ➄ Blot the freshly treated area dry with clean paper towels to remove excess paint thinner. Then blot the area with some liquid laundry detergent.

Step ➅ Wash the garment in the laundry as usual.

Indianapolis Painting Contractors

Indianapolis Remodeling and Painting

Indianapolis Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for experienced interior and exterior painting services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lee Elliot, and his team of professional painters, use a concentrated, organized approach to residential and commercial painting projects to ensure paint only goes where it’s supposed to! You won’t have to worry about drips and brush-ups with them around! Call 317-454-3612 to request an estimate from our Indianapolis painting contractors, today.

Tips for Using a Paint Sprayer

Indianapolis Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

Indianapolis Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

While many painting projects are achievable with a simple brush or roller, on a larger scale, paint sprayers are usually a better tool option. They are highly-effective tools that can cut your painting time in half, making them perfect for painting large rooms, large walls, ceilings, fences, and siding. They are also great for painting patio furniture and ornamental décor. Paint sprayers, however, are not ideal for small painting projects, such as trim, single walls, and rooms with poor ventilation. If you are preparing for a painting job that would be best accomplished with a quality paint sprayer, then be sure to brush up on some tips before getting started. Continue reading to learn some healthy pointers for using a paint sprayer.

Spray Painter Preparation

Before you pick up your sprayer and paint can, it is important to complete all the necessary prep work. First, check the temperature of the paint. Generally, the ideal temperature for spray painting is between 45 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If the paint is too cold, the device will clog. If it’s too hot, it will prevent the paint from bonding properly because it will dry too fast.

Next, you need to check your gear. Wearing the proper safety gear is vital to your skin, hair, nails, eyes, and respiratory system. Proper gear includes a face mask, safety goggles, heavy-duty gloves, and a painter’s suit. Be sure you are spray painting in a ventilated area as well.

Not only should you protect yourself, you must protect your surroundings. Be sure to cover everything, including furnishings, with drop cloths and plastic tarps. You can even use bed sheets, cardboard, and trash bags for covers. It is best to remove all furniture and commodities from a space before painting, but for items you cannot move,
be sure they are properly covered.

Safety and Operation

Aside from safety gear, there are some additional safety considerations when it comes to using a paint sprayer. For instance, airless sprayers work under high pressure. So if the tip comes into contact with skin, its high power can cause paint to get underneath the skin, in which case, you would need to seek immediate medical attention. Always refer to the owners’ manual for safety and operation instructions and disclaimers.

Professional Painting

If using a paint sprayer seems like to big-a-job for you to handle, just know that you are not alone! Most homeowners choose to outsource professional painting services for large-scale painting needs, such as exterior siding, new construction, remodels, and renovations. A professional team of painters have the skills, training, and resources to provide insured painting services in a convenient time-frame.

Indianapolis Painting Contractors

Indianapolis Remodeling and Painting

Indianapolis Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable interior and exterior painting services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, guarantees to beat any competitor’s price. Our experienced painting contractors are happy to answer your questions about painting and drywall work, anytime. We offer a wide range of remodeling and renovation services for all commercial and residential properties. Call 317-454-3612 to request a written estimate for Indianapolis painting services, today.

A Simple Guide to Repairing Chipped Paint

Indianapolis Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

Indianapolis Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

When trim, walls, and woodwork have several layers of old paint on them, they are more prone to chipping and peeling. And with so many layers, old paint doesn’t just chip, it leaves behind craters and pock marks. To repair such blemishes, you need more than just a paint brush and a few minutes of time for touch ups. But that doesn’t mean that you need to strip down walls, sand them smooth, and start over entirely with fresh paint.

By using the right process, you will save time and ensure that your results are even, unblemished, and long-lasting. Continue reading for a simple guide to fixing chipped paint.

Preparation and Products

When shopping for supplies, be sure to buy the proper spackling compound. You can get spackle for drywall or for wood. Ask a store attendant to point you in the right direction. Also purchase the right grip sandpaper. Too fine won’t be effective or efficient, while too course can be damaging. Stick between 120 and 150 grit sandpaper. One or two patches is all you need unless you have a large-scale project. As for the rest of your supplies, you will need them to first level out the surface surrounding the chip, and fill it back in without any visible seams. Let’s get started!

What You Need:

• Putty Knife
• Spackling Compound
• 120 – 150 Grit Sandpaper
• Latex Primer
• Paint Color
• Paint Brush
• Drop Cloth

Step 1

Lay down your drop cloths to protect surrounding floors and furnishings from paint splatter. Then clean the chipped area and the areas surrounding it with clean warm water and a little dish soap. Allow it to dry completely before moving forward with the next step.

Step 2
Using your putty knife, scoop out a moderate amount of spackling compound and smooth it over the chipped area and its outer perimeters. Be sure to slightly overfill the area (you’ll be sanding it down later) and use multiple stroke directions to fill in all the nooks and crevices.

Step 3
Once the spackle is smoothed down adequately, allow it to dry completely. Depending on the size of the area and the amount of spackle used, drying times can range anywhere between a few minutes and a few hours. Generally, smaller projects will dry within 15 to 20 minutes, while larger patches will take at least an hour.

Step 4
Check to see if the spackle has dried completely. When wet, spackle resembles a gray-like color, but when dry it is bright white. If it is dry, you can begin the sanding process. Lightly sand down the spackled area until the surface is entirely level and smooth.

Step 5
Using a small or medium-sized paint brush, apply a coat of latex primer on the patch. This will help the paint color blend perfectly into the surface.

Step 6
Apply just one coat of paint color onto the patch, smoothing it out until well-blended and even with the rest of the surrounding surface color.

Indianapolis Painting Contractors

Home Remodeling and Painting

Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional painting services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner Lee Elliot, and his team of drywall and painting contractors, have decades of experience in the home remodeling and restoration industry. They offer a wide range of interior and exterior painting and drywall services for commercial and residential properties. Call 317-454-3612 to schedule an estimate for Indianapolis painting service, today.