Categories Paint Supplies

Best Home Paint Supply Stores in Boise for DIY Projects

Best Home Paint Supply Stores in Boise for DIY Projects

Knowing where to purchase the best quality paint and supplies in the Boise area can be a game-changer when starting a painting project. A quality paint store can offer so much more than just color and finish options. Knowledgeable employees can be extremely valuable in offering advice and expertise for your unique project. With the best selection of reputable paints and top-quality products, superior paint stores have a lot to offer. We’ve compiled a list of the best paint supply stores in Boise that have consistently demonstrated excellence when it comes to product, customer service, and overall customer satisfaction: 

1. Sherwin-Williams Paint Store Boise 

8515 Westpark St. 

Boise, ID 83704 

Phone: 208-375-1412 

Sherwin-Williams has an excellent reputation for exceptional quality paint, paint supplies, and stains to bring your ideas to life. Have paint questions? Ask any member of your local Sherwin-Williams team. 

2. Boise Paint & Supply 

410 Orchard St. 

Boise, ID 83706 

Phone: 208-343-4811 

Boise Paint and Supply offers quality paint such as Benjamin Moore along with excellent support and quality products. 

3. Paint Life Supply Co. 

4618 W. State St. 

Boise, ID 83703 

The paint Life Supply Co. offers expert advice along with videos and useful tips to ensure all your painting projects are a success. 

4. Sherwin-Williams Paint Store Meridian 

2680 E. Fairview Ave. 

Meridian, ID 83642 

Phone: 208-888-3551 

There are several locations of Sherwin-Williams paint stores throughout the Treasure Valley. This Meridian location is easy to access and offers the same great paint supplies and customer service we keep coming back to.

5. Miller Paint 

7440 Lemhi St. 

Boise, ID 83709 

Phone: 208-287-3650 

Miller Paint has an excellent reputation across the valley for carrying products that aren’t available through the big box stores as well as having a knowledgeable and friendly staff. 

6. Rodda Paint Co.- Boise 

3816 W. State St. 

Boise, ID 83703 

Phone: 208-336-7210 

At Rodda’s Paint, you’ll find the people and resources to help you choose the right products, the right sheen, and the right colors for any project.

7. Nampa True Value 

421 12th Ave. Rd. 

Nampa, ID 83686 

Phone: 208-461-6077 

True Value offers convenient locations in Nampa as well as Caldwell. When DIY projects get messy, the employees at True Value are there to help you every step of the way. 

8. B’s Ace Hardware 

931 E. State St. 

Eagle, ID 83616 

Phone: 208-939-6435

When shopping at B’s Ace Hardware, you’ll receive the personal attention you need accompanied by the right products and prices that rival the big box stores. 

9. Sherwin-Williams Paint Store Nampa 

1526 Caldwell Blvd. 

Nampa, ID 83651 

Phone: 208-467-7439 

This Nampa location of Sherwin-Williams is easily accessed off of Caldwell Blvd making it convenient for customers living in the west side of the valley.

10. Sherwin-Williams Paint Store Orchard 

2550 S. Orchard 

Boise, ID 83705 

Phone: 208-389-9700 

One of the advantages of Sherwin-Williams is its multiple locations across the valley. No matter which location you visit, you’ll receive the same excellent customer service and same quality product selection.

Best Home Paint Supply Stores in Boise Conclusion 

If you’ve ever attempted a painting project of any kind, you know how important it is to use quality products and supplies. Not only will you be more satisfied with the end result, but you’ll enjoy a much smoother process. 

If you live in the Boise area and have painting questions of any kind, feel free to contact Boise Home Painting. We are a family-owned business with years of professional painting experience in the Treasure Valley. Whether you’re looking to repaint your home’s interior, update your exterior paint, or need a refresh for your kitchen cabinets, we can help. Click here to get your free quote!

Categories Exterior Painting

What is the Best Temperature to Paint Outside in Idaho?

What Is The Best Temperature To Paint Outside?

It’s important to consider the outside temperature and humidity before starting any exterior painting project. So what is the best temperature to paint outside in Idaho? Applying paint or stain to a project when it’s too cold may end up ruining your project entirely. Extreme heat can also be a detriment to drying paint. Because different temperature guidelines apply to different types of paint, it’s best to paint or stain when the temperature is between 60-85 degrees. In Idaho, this would mean that late Spring and early Fall are the best times to paint the outside of your home, deck, or patio furniture. 

What temperature can you paint outside? 

The last thing you want is to have to repaint your home because the outside conditions worked against you. For exterior projects, you never want to paint if the temperature is below 50 degrees or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that when using latex paint, it’s best if the temperature is between 50-70 degrees F. If you’re working with oil-based paint, between 45-90 degrees F. is your safe zone. However, you can purchase specially formulated latex paint made to perform in temperatures as low as 36 degrees if the job can’t wait for warmer days.

Painting in Extreme Heat 

The outside temperature is a huge factor when it comes to exterior painting. If it’s too hot or too cold, your paint might not bind together properly. This can also lead to other issues such as cracking and peeling of your paint once it fully dries. Painting when it’s too hot can also cause blisters and bubbles to form in the paint. With that said, we recommend not painting in temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Painting in the Cold 

While no one would choose to paint outside in the cold, sometimes you just can’t avoid it. So, if you do attempt an outside painting project during the colder months in Idaho, be sure not to let the surface of the air temperature drop below 35 degrees for at least 36 hours after you’ve applied the paint. For best results, we recommend painting outside only if the temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The cold air won’t allow your paint to cure properly. You may even end up with unsightly bumps or bubbles in your paint once the weather turns warm again.

Paint dries much slower in the cold. Be sure to allow ample time in between coats for your paint to completely dry. A good rule of thumb would be to wait a full 24 hours after each coat. 

The cold weather can even affect the quality of the application and the life expectancy of your paint. Cooler temperatures may cause the bristles on your paintbrush to stiffen, compromising the coverage and using more paint than is necessary. And because of the longer drying time, dirt, debris, leaves, and insects have more time to be attracted to and stick to your paint. 

Considering the amount of precious time and money you put into a painting project, it’s best to avoid working in cooler temperatures. The possible negative effects far outweigh the benefits. It certainly isn’t worth the risk.

How Humidity Affects Paint 

When it comes to exterior painting, warm, dry weather is ideal. Moisture can wreak havoc for painters. Too much humidity in the air can lead to water vapor forming on your newly painted surface. The best time to paint is when the humidity levels are between 40-and 70%. Fortunately, Boise has a high desert climate with an average humidity of 52.2%, making humidity less of a concern. Eastern Idaho and the northern part of the Gem state receive more precipitation than the Boise area by far. 

In the summer months that are hot and humid, it’s suggested that you start painting your home on the shady side and working your way around. This will help you as the painter avoid the heat of the sun as well as its constant glare. 

Below is a list of possible consequences for painting when the humidity levels are too high or too low. 

  1. Leaching- when high humidity causes brown or white discoloration on the surface of oil-based or latex paints. 
  2. Impedes adhesion- especially when working with wood surfaces, you must consider the humidity which is absorbed from the surrounding air. This causes the paint to bubble, peel, and keeps the paint from adhering properly to the surface. 
  3. Cracking– when the air doesn’t have enough humidity in it and is too dry, wood shrinks, leading to eventual splitting or cracking.

Painting in the Rain?

Obviously, it’s never a smart idea to paint when it’s raining outside. But one thing to be aware of is the need to allow plenty of time for the surface you will be painting to dry before applying any paint. We recommend giving the area you’ll be painting 4-8 hours of dry time before putting a brush to it. Once you’re finished painting, the area needs to remain dry for several hours. This will ensure a better bond and avoid problems down the road.

Best Exterior Paint 

Whatever paint you choose for the exterior of your home or shop is going to take a beating. Idaho summers can be sizzling hot in stark contrast to our wet and cold winters. That being said, it’s important you choose the best exterior paint that will protect your home and have excellent longevity. There are some real benefits to using water-based paints. These include being mold and mildew resistant, low VOC emissions, and superior adhesion. The fact that they can be used successfully even when the temperature falls below 50 degrees F. is also a win. With a short dry time, excellent coverage, and easy cleanup, water-based paints definitely have their advantages. 

However, latex paint has more flexibility, won’t yellow in the sun, and is more eco-friendly. Most painting professionals agree that latex paints are the superior choice for exterior jobs. Latex paint dries quickly, cleans up easily with just soap and water, and has less odor than oil-based paints.

Best Time to Paint Outside in Idaho Conclusion 

If you still have questions regarding exterior painting or need assistance with a painting project in the Boise area, don’t hesitate to contact Boise Home Painting. We offer a full range of painting services throughout the entire Treasure Valley. From Eagle and Nampa to Marsing, you won’t find a painting team more dedicated to doing the job right. Our professionals have years of experience and it shows. Click here to get your free estimate. We can help you with all of your commercial and residential painting needs!

Categories Painting

Do I Need to Prime Before Painting? 

Do I Need to Prime Before Painting?

When it comes to painting your walls, homeowners often wonder, “do I need to prime before painting?” Back in the day, the answer was almost always, “yes.” But, a lot has changed over the years and using a primer isn’t always as necessary as it once was. The painting products available on the market today are much more durable and effective than the paints available just a few decades ago. So, it’s a good idea to decide on a case-by-case basis whether or not primer will be useful. Certain projects dealing with certain materials will benefit from primer while in other situations, priming may be a waste of your time and money. 

How to prime a wall? 

Priming a wall is really not much different than painting it. The difference is that you’re using primer as your base layer. Here are some simple step, showing how to prime a wall: 

  1. Prepare the space

As with any painting project, preparation is key to protecting the surrounding area. Move furniture out of the room and away from walls. Cover it with cloth or plastic to ensure no unwanted paint stains. You can use drop cloths to cover all flooring as well. 

Before any primer or paint is applied, your walls need to be wiped down and cleared of any residue or dirt. This is also the best time to putty any small holes or dents you would like to cover up. Allow ample time for the putty to dry, then lightly sand down those target areas. Place quality painter’s tape around areas you don’t want to be primed. Taping ensures a clean edge around your walls and baseboards 

  1. Choose the paint primer

It’s extremely important that you pick the right primer for your specific job because it determines how your finished paint job will look. You will need to decide if you’re going to use oi or latex primers. A latex-based primer is more flexible, easier to apply, and resists cracking and peeling. It’s also very easy to clean. Oil-based primer penetrates the wood deeply and can prevent tannin in the wood from coming to the surface. If you’re unsure which is best, ask the home improvement store staff for guidance when purchasing your primer. 

  1. Apply the primer 

Before you bust open your new can of primer, shake it up thoroughly so the chemicals are mixed properly. Pour primer into a tray. Use a paintbrush to cut in all the edges in your room first. Next, use a roller to fill in the open spaces. Make sure to overlap your roller strokes with your brush stroke edging for the most consistent results. Keep in mind that this coat of primer will need time to properly dry before applying paint.

Can you paint over drywall? 

You cannot paint directly over drywall. You will need to mud and primer it before applying any paint. The primer ensures that the paint stays on and isn’t affected by temperature changes in the surrounding environment.

How to paint drywall 

Step 1. Inspect your drywall for any dents or gauges. If you find any, fill them in with drywall or your preferred paste product. 

Step 2. Sand your drywall 

Step 3. Remove any and all dust left behind from the sanding step. Run a black towel over the wall as an indicator if there is still dest that needs to be wiped away. 

Step 4. Wash your drywall with a solution of 1 cup white vinegar with 1 gallon of water. Soak a sponge in the solution and wipe down your drywall. If the vinegar/water solution turns dark before you’re finished, repeat the process to guarantee it’s spotless. 

Step 5. Take a high-powered fan and turn it directly onto the washed drywall. Be certain it’s completely dry before painting. Once you’ve completed all 5 steps, you may begin painting your drywall. 

Do you have to prime a wall before painting? 

Since not all jobs require primer, it’s important to know what factors contribute to deciding to use it or not. 

  • When painting over a glossy surface

Paint has a really difficult time adhering to glossy surfaces. If your wall has a coating of high gloss or enamel paint or has been shellacked, you’re going to need a primer. 

Along with primer, a quick scuffing or sanding of your surface will be very beneficial. Doing this will ensure your walls have enough texture, giving both paint and primer the best chance of sticking properly. 

  • When your walls have stains or odor 

If you have noticeable stains on your walls, they can’t always be concealed with just a coat of paint. Grease spots or crayon scribbles will likely show through new paint, especially if it’s a lighter shade. This also goes for any surface blemishes. 

It’s worth mentioning that it’s never a good idea to use primer to cover up mold or mildew stains on your walls. The mold will only grow and will resurface in the future. In this case, be certain to identify the source of the mildew and remove it, before applying any primer or paint. 

Pet odor or cigarette smoke smells have a tendency to settle in and linger on your walls. While paint alone won’t mask the smell for long, certain primers are available that can permanently block the unwanted smells for good. 

  • Color contrast from dark to light 

When you really want to transform a room from dark to light, taking the time to apply a primer will make all the difference. Picture yourself trying to apply light blue paint on top of a dark green coat. Primer is definitely necessary when making a dark to light transition. In some instances, when going from a dark to light paint, you may need a tinted primer to enhance the true color of the lighter tone. 

  • When the surface is porous 

If you’re working with a porous surface such as untreated or unstained wood, as well as drywall, it’s always smart to start with a primer. A porous surface will easily absorb moisture, stains, odors, or oil. Freshly installed drywall is highly porous in two ways: the dried joint compound covering the seams and its bare facing paper. If you don’t apply a coat of primer first, these porous materials will literally soak up and absorb your paint right into them.

  • When painting over plastic or metal 

There are primers on the market today that are made specifically for metal. They are designed to protect against rust and will also give a firm base foundation for any future coats of paint. You’ll definitely want a primer designed for plastic coverage as well. For best results, apply the primer in even amounts to a thoroughly sanded, clean and dry plastic surface. 

  • If you have wallpaper 

Wallpaper can leave some pretty severe war wounds from its removal process. So, whether you’re attempting to cover up removal blemishes or simply want to cover up your existing wallpaper, a primer will be necessary. 

Should you prime drywall patches before painting? 

If you’ve patched holes and done repairs on your drywall, no doubt there will be various patches of joint compound or paste on the surface. For very small holes or minor repairs, a separate primer isn’t necessary. You can simply use regular paint to paint over the patches. For large areas, it may be beneficial to apply a primer before the paint. 

Do I Need To Prime Before Painting Conclusion 

If you’re working on a painting project and have questions of any kind, give Boise Home Painting a call. We understand the value of what it means every time someone chooses us to be their painting contractor. That’s why we use only the highest quality materials and work hard to ensure you’re happy once our project is complete. At Boise Home Painting, we understand professional quality and attention to detail. That makes us some of the best professional house painters in the Treasure Valley including Nampa, Boise, Meridian, and Caldwell!

Categories Painting

Should you Paint or Install Floors First? 

Should you paint or install floors first?

When getting ready to renovate any room in your home, homeowners often wonder, “should you paint or install floors first?” It’s common for people to assume they should paint before installing floors to prevent paint spills or stains on your new floor covering. It’s one of the most common mistakes made when updating your home. However, the professionals agree that flooring should always be installed before you start painting.

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Boise Epoxy Flooring

Why should flooring be installed before painting?

There are a lot of steps to installing flooring before the first drop of paint should ever be applied. To avoid more work for yourself or having to pay a professional painter extra, here are a few essential tips to remember: 

1. Removing Flooring is Messy 

Removing and replacing flooring or carpet is messy work. If you paint first, there is a good chance that dust and dirt will end up on your newly painted wall. 

There is also a possibility that your walls and trim may end up damaged during the installation process. Dents, dings, and scuffs will likely occur which means you may have to pay an additional fee for your painter to come back for touch-ups.

2. New Flooring May Be a Different Height 

Another reason to finish the flooring before you paint is that your new flooring may be a different height than the previous one. This could leave a stripe of unpainted baseboard that the old floor covered, but the new one doesn’t. You may have to adjust the height of your baseboards which could be quite a hassle. 

3. Removing and Repainting Trim 

Many times when putting in new hardwood, stone, or tile floors, the baseboards will need to be removed. Once removed, they’ll need some repairs and repainting. Likewise, once reinstalled, the nail holes will need to be filled, sanded, and repainted as well. If you paint the walls before the floors go in, then proceed to put the floor and baseboards in, you’ll need to have the painter return just for the baseboards. 

4. Drop Clothes and Masking 

With the use of painters tape and drop cloths, you’ll be able to completely protect your new flooring after installation. These inexpensive tools are great resources when it comes to keeping the mess to a minimum and avoiding damage. A good professional painting company knows how important this step is. With the proper precautions, you shouldn’t need to worry about spills or scratches.

5. Prepping the Walls 

It’s always a good idea to complete any prep work on your walls before installing the flooring. If you need to patch, sand, caulk or texture, get it done beforehand. If you plan on having epoxy flooring installed, this step will be especially important. 

How Much Does Epoxy Garage Flooring Cost?

Do I paint before or after installing epoxy flooring? 

Epoxy resin flooring is becoming very popular. It once was utilized mainly in shops and industrial buildings but has since expanded into residential living spaces, basements, and garages. Epoxy basement flooring still takes priority over painting. Installing this type of flooring is a multi-step project with specific curing times between coats. The finished floor can be easily covered and protected from paint drips or spills. 

Can the Type of Flooring Make a Difference? 

Regardless of what type of flooring you’re having installed, flooring first is still the best method. Types of finished hardwood flooring can simply be installed as is, but unfinished hardwood will need to be sanded and stained. Dust from these projects can settle on tacky paint and stain can easily splatter on a freshly painted wall. If your home improvement project includes renovating existing hardwood floors, it’ll become very apparent that your flooring should come first. 

Should You Paint or Install Floors First Conclusion

If you have an interior or exterior paint job in your future, give Boise Home Painting a call. We understand the value of choosing a painting contractor you can trust. You don’t become the best house painters in Boise by cutting corners. That’s why we use only the highest-quality materials and work hard to ensure you’re happy once the project is complete. We provide our epoxy and painting services to everyone in the Treasure Valley, including Meridian and Nampa. Contact us for a free estimate today!

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Acrylic vs Latex Paint

Categories interior painting

How Long Should You Wait Between Coats of Paint? 

Coats of Paint

When it comes time to tackle a painting project at your home, people often wonder how long you should wait between coats of paint? Not allowing enough drying time after your first application can likely leave you with disappointing results. If the first coat isn’t completely dry, the second coat has a good chance of flaking, peeling, bubbling, and clumping. In order to avoid these unpleasantries, we recommend allowing at least 2-4 hours between coats to ensure the first coat is cured. PaintRite Pros also recommends this. 

Why Do I Need Two Coats of Paint? 

A second coat of paint isn’t always necessary but highly recommended. This second application not only guarantees a more even distribution of your paint but also acts as a protective layer. Two coats make your paint job more resistant to fading, chipping and adds durability. It may be tempting to cut corners and skip that extra coat, but you will pay for it in the long run. If you’re going to spend the money for all the paint and supplies, do the job right so you have no regrets. Here are some things to consider when applying that second coat: 

  • Color Consistency 

The pigment in dark-colored paints has a tendency to settle at the bottom of the can when left sitting. In order for your second coat of paint to keep the same consistent color as the first, be sure to thoroughly mix your paint before starting the second application. 

  • Determining Curing Time 

Different types of paint need more time to cure than others. Latex paint only needs 2-4 hours to dry while oil-based paints require closer to 24 hours for complete curation. Don’t rely on just touch alone to give you the go-ahead. Be patient and wait for the appropriate amount of time for your paint type. 

  • Proper Treatment of Tools 

If paint rollers and brushes are left out while you’re waiting for your first coat of paint to dry, they will likely dry out. You will be forced to discard them before moving on. A simple solution is to place a ziplock bag over each brush and roller to ensure they are sealed off from the outside air. Once sealed up, placing them in the fridge will help ensure keeping them fresh. When you’re ready to start that second coat, pull them out and they are good to go. 

  • Painting Technique 

For best results, be certain to follow the same painting pattern on the second coat as the first. Professionals recommend cutting in the edges first then using a W motion to finish off the bulk of your wall using a roller. 

Factors That Affect Paint Drying Time 

There are some variables that can directly affect how long your paint will take to dry. What type of paint you are using, ventilation, humidity, and temperature all play a large role when it comes to drying time.

1. Temperature 

To put it simply, cold temperatures slow down drying time while heat speeds it up. Avoid either extreme for the best and most consistent results. If you’re painting with oil-based paint, the temperature should be above 45 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 48 hours. Latex and Acrylic paints require higher temperatures, typically above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Some paints are specially formulated to cure in cooler temperatures, even as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Humidity 

If your paint is exposed to excessive amounts of high humidity, the protective qualities of the paint can be compromised. You will often see leaching, white or brown discoloration, on the surface of your paint. Humidity can especially be a damaging factor when painting wood. Wood can absorb the moisture in the air which can stop the paint from properly adhering to the surface, causing bubbling and peeling. 

3. Ventilation 

Before painting indoors, always allow for as much ventilation as possible. Open any windows to ensure better air flow through the room. Running fans at the same time will facilitate pushing the fumes out, rather than circulating them back through the room. Air flow will speed up drying time and avoid you breathing in harmful chemicals.

How Many Coats of Paint Do I Need?

It’s a general rule that two coats of paint are best. However, this rule can change based on the color you’re painting over, the quality of your paint, whether or not you applied a primer, and even the surface you are painting. 

  • Painting with the same color 

If you’re repainting the same color your wall already is, one coat may be enough, especially when using quality paint. Consider adding a second coat if the original color has faded. On a new wall, apply two coats of paint after a primer coat. 

  • Painting your ceiling 

When painting your ceiling, use a primer and only one coat will be necessary. We recommend spending more to get high-quality paint to save you the headache of that extra coat. Ceilings can be exhausting! 

  • Painting light over dark 

When you’re covering light over dark or dark over light, plan on two coats of paint, possibly three. Assess the wall after the second coat to determine if it could benefit from a third. 

  • Exterior painting 

Obviously, at least two coats for your exterior paint are recommended. Not applying enough coats to the exterior of a home is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. The exterior of your home really takes a beating from the elements and heat from the sun. Protect your biggest investment and provide an exterior you can be proud of.

Conclusion on How Long Should You Wait Between Coats of Paint

If you decide that you would prefer the quality and experience of a professional painting company to handle your upcoming projects and you live in the Boise area, give us a call. We have years of experience painting in the Boise, Treasure Valley area. Whether you need interior or exterior painting services for your home or business, nobody will do a better job. Our other services include cabinet painting and fence painting. If you live in the Boise area, contact us today for a free quote.

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