This couple in San Antonio, off Redland Road and 1604, wanted to update their home and make it look nicer. We installed crown molding, removed old paper borders and repaired the holes left by a surround-sound stereo installation. We patched a number of holes in the sheetrock and helped hide the speaker wiring behind the new crown molding. Then we caulked and painted the molding.
We started with the downstairs living room, dining room and kitchen. Soon after, we installed crown molding and painted the upstairs game room, master bedroom, hallways and doors.
Planning to run new wires? Call us first and we’ll guide you along the way.
Choosing the right primer
- New wood. If it isn’t badly stained, use a high-quality latex or oil-based primer. For stained wood, or redwood and cedar, use a stain-blocking primer.
- Painted wood. If the paint is in very good condition you may not need primer. For exposed wood, chalking or chipped paint, use an oil-based primer. Scrape off chipped paint and wash off chalk first. Primer doesn’t replace surface prep.
- Weathered wood. Use a high-quality latex or oil-based primer. Sand and scrape away as much old paint as possible, and start priming when you see new wood fibers.
- Masonry block. Fill a fresh surface with block filler before painting. If repainting, scrape off loose or peeling paint and cover with latex paint. Use block filler only if the paint has been completely scraped off.
- Aluminum and galvanized steel. If rusty, remove the rust and apply a corrosion-resistant latex or oil-based primer. If new and rust-free, a high-quality latex paint needs no primer.
- Drywall. Use a latex primer. Skip oil-based primer unless you’re hanging wallpaper or covering a stain, since it raises the grain of the drywall and leaves an uneven finish.
- Stains. Crayon, water, smoke and grease can bleed through the topcoat. Use a stain-blocking primer. Oil-based stain killers work best on water stains and spot priming, while latex stain blockers work better on large areas and hold up outdoors. Pigmented shellac blocks smoke, soot and animal urine odors.
- Shiny surfaces. Bonding primers stick to glass, tile, Formica and previously painted surfaces. Use them indoors only, since they tend to crack outside.
In general, primer helps paint adhere and gives a more uniform appearance. Use it over new or bare wood, or when repainting over bright or dark colors.
Getting started
- Finish any exterior repairs and prep first.
- Check the forecast. Rain or high wind can ruin fresh paint. Exterior latex dries fast but still needs time before rain, and oil-based paint needs curing time (follow the manufacturer’s recommendations).
- Paint when temperatures are above 50° and below 85°. Heavy rain or humidity on uncured paint can cause blistering.
- Set the ladder on flat ground, cover bushes, flowerbeds, decks and sidewalks with dropcloths, and tie back shrubs.
- Avoid direct sun. Paint the west side in the morning and the east side in the afternoon.
Paint application
- Paint the siding first, starting at the top and working down horizontally. Use scaffolding if possible, or move the ladder often.
- Paint windows and trim next. Don’t close windows completely right after painting, and leave a thin strip of paint around the glass edges to seal out weather.
- Paint the foundation last.
Potential issues
- Sun and UV. Sunlight and moisture cause chalking and tint loss. Latex resists direct sun better than oil-based or alkyd paint.
- Moisture. Wood expands and contracts with moisture, which can crack and flake paint. Breathable latex lets water vapor escape. Moisture can cause blistering and mildew, and paint additives prevent mildew but won’t kill existing mildew.
- Temperature swings. Flexible, well-adhering paint resists cracking. Top-quality acrylic latex is an excellent choice.
- Aluminum and vinyl siding. Aluminum often chalks and can have dents, so pressure wash or hand-scrub, rinse, and use satin or low-luster paint, ideally sprayed. Vinyl can warp in hot, direct sun, so choose a color no darker than the original.
Paint storage and disposal
- Wipe the rim clean and tap lids tight with a hammer and a block of wood.
- Store solvent-based paint upside down to prevent a skin from forming.
- Avoid extreme heat or cold, and follow the label’s storage instructions.
- Disposal rules vary by community, so check your local regulations.
Ready for fresh paint or crown molding? Call (210) 264-4784 or request a free quote.