4 Types of Cabinet Surfaces You Should Not Paint Over

Painting your own cabinets is not always a recommended approach to updating your home. Although walls, baseboards, and molding are not so tough to conquer, cabinetry requires a more professional touch; that is, if you want the job done right the first time around. A common error that homeowners make when painting their existing cabinets is painting over a material that is not very compatible with said paint. Although metal, wood, and laminate cabinets are all great choices, not all of them do so well with being painted.

Continue reading to learn the top 4 types of cabinets you should hold off on painting until you talk to a painting professional.

Indianapolis Painting  and Drywall 317-454-3612
Indianapolis Painting and Drywall 317-454-3612

Damaged or Old Laminate Cabinets

If your cabinets are made of laminate, and they are very old and damaged, you might not want to paint over them. Cracked, warped, or defected laminate cabinet surfaces are not going to render a smooth paint job. In this case, laminate cabinets will need to be refinished or resurfaced before they can be painted.

Open Grained Wood Cabinets

Do you have open-grained wood cabinetry? If so, take a moment to consider what might happen if you paint over them. Open-grain means that the surface is porous, which is not going to finish smoothly after the paint dries. Not only will the texture be inconsistent, the color depth will be too. In this case, all pores and grooves would need to be filled with a wood caulking agent, then sanded and painted. Mahogany and ash cabinets are commonly open-grained. However, maple and poplar are typically closed.

Cabinets Painted with Lead-Based Paint

If your cabinets are painted with a lead-based paint, you want to stop right there. Stripping the existing paint off of the cabinets poses a high risk of toxic dust inhalation. And you can’t paint over painted cabinets without first stripping the old paint. Lead-based painted cabinets should be demoed professionally, and replaced with a modern material and paint.

Painted Cabinets That are Peeling

If your painted cabinets are peeling, it is either an indication that they were painted a really long time ago, or, you have a developing moisture issue in your home. If the latter, you will need to have your home inspected, and have any issues resolved, before you can paint again. If your painted cabinets are just really old, you will run into the same problems as painting over damaged laminate. In this case, strip the old paint, sand, fill cracks, and then re-paint.

Or…..

Hire a Professional Indianapolis Painting Contractor for Superior Results

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable residential and commercial interior painting in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. Our highly trained, qualified and insured general contractors provide services for complete project management and development, planning, design and build coordination, preconstruction services, and more.  And as a trusted source for paint and drywall work, we guarantee to beat any competitor’s price! Request an estimate, today.

How to Safely Dispose Your Leftover Paint

As many of us agree, it’s better to have too much than not enough. When it comes to a painting project, this principle couldn’t be more apposite. However, this usually means that people end up with more paint than they need, leaving them in an inconvenient position. After all, you can’t just toss out fresh, liquid paint. Furthermore, oil-based paints are considered hazardous household waste, and require specialized steps for lawful and safe disposal.

If you have some semi-full or full cans of leftover paint that you have no room and no use for, continue reading to learn your options for safely disposing them in your town.

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

Throwing Away Fresh Pain

As mentioned, oil-based paints are deemed hazardous, so they cannot be thrown away in the regular garbage. If you have leftover cans full of liquid, oil-based paint, contact your local government’s office for instructions on proper and acceptable procedures for your county. For all other types of paint, you can either let the paint harden, make the paint harden, or donate a fuller can to a resale store near you.

Let the Paint Harden

If you only have a tiny bit of paint left in the can, simply let the remainder dry by leaving it uncovered for 24 to 36 hours. Check that it is entirely dry by inserting a tooth pick or paint stirrer into the paint. If it comes out clean, the paint is dry enough. If it won’t puncture the surface, the paint is fully dry. Once the paint is entirely dry, you are safe to toss it in your own garage, but place them in a plastic bag first just to be safe from residual splatter.

Harden the Paint Yourself

If you have a little to moderate amount of liquid paint left in the can, you can implement a few strategies to expedite the hardening process. The most effective method is to use a waste paint hardener, which can be purchase online or at any local home improvement store. You just mix it in and wait for the paint to cure. You other option is to find your own solid debris and use it to thicken up the leftover paint, such as saw dust, newspaper, and similar absorbent materials.

Donate Full Paint Cans

There are several places that will accept your full cans of leftover paint. Check with local resale stores, or place a listing online for free paint. Ask your neighbors, friends, family, and coworkers to spread the word that you have free paint. Churches are another great consideration for donating leftover paint.

Indianapolis Painters You Can trust

If you are you looking for professional interior painting contractors in Indianapolis, look no further! Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable drywall and painting service in Central Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our Indianapolis general contractors provide a wide range of drywall and painting services for both commercial and residential properties, from inspections and diagnostics, to full-on home renovations, additions, conversions, and more. Request an estimate, today!

Residential and Commercial Remodeling

Helpful Tips for DIY Cabinet Painting

If you want to add an instant upgrade to a tired outdated kitchen, consider repainting the cabinets! A simple paint job can make a huge difference for any kitchen space, large or small. And a DIY paint project saves property owners’ time and money!

Indianapolis Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

Indianapolis Painting Contractors 317-454-3612


Before committing to undertake a cabinet repainting project, is important to first take full consideration of all the necessary tools, supplies, time, and money the job requires. Knowledge is power, even when it comes to DIY home renovations! By preparing yourself for what to expect, you can be ready to take on any obstacles or challenges that might ensue during the process. For this reason and more, it will help to review a few tips for DIY cabinet painting, and who to have on deck in case things get too complicated. Continue reading for tips on painting cabinets for an instantaneous and affordable kitchen renovation.

🖌 Do Your Research and Plan Ahead

Once you have decided on a color, researched and purchased quality paint, primer, and sealcoat, and studied how to properly apply coats of paint to the material of cabinet in your kitchen, you are ready to begin! But the first tip for a DIY painting project is to be sure you have ample time. Not only do you need time to complete the painting process, you need additional time to allow the coats to dry. Paint needs to thoroughly dry before placing any furniture or décor back in its place. This could jeopardize the finish, potentially adding nicks, marks, scratches, smears, splotches, and more. It is recommended to set aside at least four to five days for a small to medium-sized kitchen, and at least one week for larger-sized kitchens or kitchens with many cabinets.

🖌 Stay Organized

One of the most helpful tips anyone could give in regards to repainting kitchen cabinets is to label and grid each and every one for accurate reassembly. So often, people forget which door goes where, and which handles go to what. It is very confusing to try and figure it out without labels or grids. By recording the placement and fixture for every piece, you can ensure your cabinets are put back exactly the way they were before your project began. You can use masking tape and label each part, and a piece of paper to record the placement of hardware and other fixtures.

🖌 Mind the Hardware

Also, avoid painting over hardware, screws, or nails. Paint affects the way your cabinets will open and close. Use a cordless drill to remove all of these components, grid where they belong, and replace once the paint is completely dry. And don’t forget to use putty knives and a spackling compound to fill in nicks, dents, and holes. Always paint over a smooth surface for the best possible outcome.

🖌 Perhaps Hire a Pro

Call a licensed Indianapolis painting contractor for fast, professional, and affordable kitchen cabinet renovations and upgrades. They retain the proper tools, training, and resources to provide professional finishes at a price anyone can afford, and in a time-frame that’s convenient for you.

Indianapolis Painting Contractors

Home Repair Service 317-454-3612

Building Repairs and Remodeling
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable interior and exterior painting services in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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, today.

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.

Tips for Choosing an Interior Paint Color

If you’ve been there before, you know that choosing an interior paint color can take an obscene amount of time. But it really doesn’t have to anymore! By learning a few short-cut strategies for choosing the perfect paint color, you can cut your selection process time in half. And with these helpful tips, you can also say good-bye to paint color “trial and error” from now on!

Indianapolis Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

Indianapolis Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

Short-Cuts to Picking a Paint Color

Whether for your home, office, bedroom, foyer, or kitchen, you want to come back from your local home improvement store with the perfect paint color; a color that will deliver the look and feel you’ve envisioned for your space. But in order to do this efficiently, you will need to learn some useful shortcuts for selecting a paint color. Below are some tips for achieving this.

Consider the “Mood” of the Room

Start by considering the type of mood you envision for your room. If you are looking for a restful, serene ambience for your living room, consider choosing softer tones like blues, grays, and taupes. But if you want a more vibrant feel for your kitchen or playroom, you might do well to consider bright tones like yellows and reds. By defining the mood first, you instantly narrow down the selection of paint colors for your room. But be sure to also consider lighting when making your selection.

Find Details in Décor

Use the details you find in the surrounding décor to help you match a proper paint color. Perhaps you have a favorite painting or eye-catching bookcase, or maybe an area rug or vase collection? Use these favored items or focal points to help you decide on a palette for the room.

Match Your Furniture

If your interior space is already furnished, use the color schemes and textures of your furniture to help you find the right paint color for the walls and trim. However, if your space is not yet furnished, the best tips for choosing a paint color is to hold off! Wait until you have chosen your furnishing so that you can use them to narrow down your pain selections.

Test Your Color

Always test your paint color once you have chosen it. Take a small test sample home first, and then test it on a small corner or area of your space. Allow it to dry completely to achieve its true color, and then see how it looks with the surroundings. Generally, home improvement stores sell samples for a few dollars, while others might offer it for free.

Trust a Pro

For professional results, choose a licensed painting contractor to paint your home or office. They retain the proper tools, training, and resources to provide professional-level results in a convenient time-frame. This is the best route for busy homeowners who want reliable results!

Restoration By L & B, LLC

Home Remodeling and Painting

Home Remodeling and Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional interior painting service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lee Elliot, and his team of painting contractors, offer a wide range of professional-grade painting services for both residential and commercial properties. Whether interior or exterior, we will get the job done right the first time, every time. Call 317-454-3612 for more information, or to schedule an estimate, today.

Recommended Paint Sprayers on the Market

Indianapolis Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

Indianapolis Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

For those who have an upcoming, large scale paint project, a paint sprayer is the perfect tool to consider for the job. A professional-grade paint sprayer can eliminate neck and back strain, increase work efficiency, and render flawless finishes for siding, furniture, cars, and more. No matter the size of your budget, you can surely find a good-quality paint sprayer for a reasonable price. Use the quality to price ratio when choosing a paint sprayer within a strict budget.

Keep in mind that you are sacrificing quality when you go lower in price. This means less technology, lower quality design and materials, and poor warranties. So if your budget is under $100, really try to stretch it enough to buy a better quality paint sprayer. They are worth the investment and pay for themselves overtime. Continue reading to check out the top-rated professional paint sprayers on the market and details about their features and price points.

Graco 261815 Airless Paint Sprayer

This professional paint sprayer is perfect for those who regularly undertake serious painting projects; such as home remodelers, maintenance personnel, professional painters, or DIY property owner enthusiasts. It is a medium to heavy-duty sprayer capable of delivering a flow rate up to .34 gallons per minute (gpm) and 150 feet of hose. It is useful for interior painting projects, but even better for exterior painting needs; like patios, decks, porches, barns, sheds, garage doors, fences, siding, and more. Likable features include fold-n-store cart design for easy transportation, paint bucket hook, illuminated power plug cord, a Power-Piston Pump with lifetime lubrication, and the InstaClean pump filter.

Star Rating: 4 ½

Cost: $450 – $600

Comes With: 50 Ft. of Airless Paint Hose, SG20 Spray Gun, and 515 RAC IV Spray Tip

Graco 262800 Airless Paint Sprayer

Another Graco product, you can trust its quality and effectiveness. This model paint sprayer is perfect for light-duty painting projects and jobs around the house. Delivering a flow rate of 0.27 gallons per minute (gpm), it is useful for painting walls, ceilings, doors, railings, and banisters. It can also be used for larger applications like decks, patios, and fences. Likable features include a one-hand carrying handle for easy maneuverability, faster priming with AutoPrime, and easy cleaning with the Power Flush cleaning adapter.

Star Rating: 4

Cost: $250 – $400

Comes With: 25 Ft. of Airless Paint Hose, SG2 Metal Spray Gun, and 515 RAC IV Spray Tip, Cleaning Adapter, Storage Fluid, Instructional DVD, and Quick Start-Up Guide

Wagner 0529021 Flexio 890 Two-Nozzle Hand-Held Paint Sprayer

A more convenient choice for maneuverability and budget is the Wagner 0529021 Flexio 890 model paint sprayer. This portable paint sprayer can be used for indoor and outdoor painting applications. It allows for controlled coverage and reduces hand and shoulder fatigue. Likable features include an iSpray nozzle that provides broad surface coverage, and a Detailed Finish nozzle for finer finishing.

Star Rating: 4

Cost: $150 – $300

Comes With: 11.5 Ft. of Hose, X-Boost Power Box, Detailed Finish Nozzle, Instructional Guide

If you are not comfortable undertaking a large-scale painting project on your own, just call a local painting company for professional assistance. They retain all the proper tools, supplies, and equipment necessary for professional painting jobs.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

Home Repair Service 317-454-3612

Home Repair Service
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional painting services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to discuss your painting needs and budget, whether for residential or commercial purposes. We offer free estimates and consultations, as well as, the most competitive prices guaranteed. Call 317-454-3612 to speak with a licensed painting contractor in Indianapolis, IN.

Five Methods for Varnish and Paint Removal

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Whether you wish to repaint a piece of furniture, fence post, or any other object, you must first remove any existing coats of varnish or paint to achieve a spotless finish. This is the number one rule for repainting! If you are not using effective methods of paint removal, not only will your project take a considerable amount of time, it may not work at all. Learn about the five most effective methods for paint and varnish removal, and make the experience easier, faster, and flawless!

Chemical Paint Removers

One of the most common methods for removing old paint is chemical strippers and solvent removers. These come in several forms and should be selected according to personal preference. This means choosing whichever application process or product you are most comfortable with using. Aerosol sprays spray-on as a foam and are by-far the easiest and least expensive option. And regular paint remover sprays are similar, and best for smaller objects and projects.

If you are undertaking a larger project, you might be better off using a thicker chemical paint remover. For example, you can choose a gel or paste-like, brush-on chemical paint remover. This is also best for ceilings and walls to prevent dripping. For removing only a few layer of paint or when working around irregular areas, use a liquid remover because they dry quickly. Although a bit pricier, there are non-toxic, chemical-free solvents available on the market for those who prefer an eco-friendly approach.

Electric Paint Removers

Electric paint removers are sold on the market and come in a variety of styles and models. They contain a heating plate, or heating element, that heats paint until it bubbles and peels, allowing for easier removal. But don’t think this is the only step to using an electric paint removal tool! Manual scraping comes after! The heat tool simply breaks down the old paint so that it can be easily removed with a scraping tool. Electric paint remover tools can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 or more, depending on the retailer, brand, and its features.

Scraping

On the subject of using electric paint remover tools, scraping is just one other common method for such a job. Although it is manual labor, it is one of the most basic and oldest methods of removing paint and varnish. This is the recommended method for fragile pieces like antique furniture and other delicate objects. To scrape away old paint coats, use a paint scraper tool or a putty knife. If there is an abundance of chipped paint that needs scraped, it is suggested to use a high-pressure water hose to remove the majority of loose paint, and then proceed with manual scraping. To make scraping easier, incorporate a chemical solvent as well.

Sanding

Another manual approach to paint removal is sanding. Using abrasives to remove paint is effective because the grit material of the sandpaper slowly and evenly works away at the old coat. You can use sandpaper sheets or a sanding machine, depending on the object or surface area. If using a sanding machine, choose an electrical orbital disc sander.

Dipping

For smaller objects or individual pieces, dipping is an effective method for paint removal. Dipping is just that: submersing an object into a liquid caustic solution until the paint begins to slip off. This is generally a method used by professionals since they retain access to the proper tools, supplies, and products.

For the best paint removal outcomes, hire a professional painting service for all your repainting and paint removal needs.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

General Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-454-3612

General Contractors 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional painting services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and licensed general contractor, Lee Elliot, provides residential and commercial painting service at the most competitive prices in town. We will beat any competitor’s price, guaranteed! Call 317-454-3612 for free estimates and information about interior and exterior painting services in Indianapolis, and its surrounding neighborhoods.