Categories Painting

Can You Paint over Lead Paint?

Can You Paint Over Lead Paint?

Can you paint over lead paint? The answer is yes. Whether you’re flipping an older home for a profit or planning to live there, finding the presence of lead in your paint might feel like a major setback. 

Luckily, as long as you use the correct type of paint, you can paint over lead paint. This is known as encapsulation. Using a type of paint called an encapsulant, the lead paint is sealed off so that it cannot contaminate your home.

How to Paint over Lead Paint

Can you paint over lead paint? Yes. But how? The answer is that it takes a little more work than a traditional paint job. Make sure you follow these steps when painting over lead-based paint. 

  1. Test the paint. If your home was built before 1978, you’ll want to test the paint to determine whether or not lead is present. You can opt for a DIY testing kit, but an analysis from a professional lead testing lab will be more accurate. 
  2. If you have lead paint in your home, you’ll want to look at the condition of the paint. As long as the finish of the lead paint is intact, you can use encapsulation to paint over lead-based paint. However, if the lead-based paint is cracked or otherwise in poor condition, you cannot safely encapsulate it. If this is the case, you’ll need to hire a professional to remove the lead-based paint from your home. 
  3. Remove all household items and furniture from the room you’re working on. 
  4. Seal off the area you’re working on with plastic sheeting to prevent lead-contaminated dust from traveling to other areas of the home. 
  5. Wipe down the surface with a wet cloth. Never chip, scrape, or sand lead-based paint.
  6. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on your encapsulant to apply the paint. Most of the time, this will mean using a brush, roller, or airless paint sprayer to apply the encapsulant.  

Why Lead Paint is Dangerous

Lead is poisonous for humans, particularly children who are still developing. When lead paint is disturbed, it becomes airborne. You might breathe in the lead-laced particles, or it might settle on your furniture. When inhaled or consumed, lead-based paint causes lead poisoning. 

Mild symptoms of lead poisoning include nausea, headaches, trouble sleeping, and loss of appetite. Longer-term exposure to lead can lead to severe lead poisoning, which causes memory loss, vomiting, weakness, aggressive behavior, seizures, comas, and confusion. 

Precautions to Take

Because of the dangers of lead poisoning, lead-based paint needs to be handled properly. Even if the lead paint is still in good condition, you need to take precautions to stay safe. 

  • Wear protective gear, including a respirator, goggles, gloves, shoe covers, and coveralls. 
  • Never scrape or sand lead paint. This will release lead particles into the air. 
  • Keep children and adults with at-risk health conditions away from the home until the project is complete. 
  • Use a HEPA filter while you work, as well as for a little bit after, to filter out the lead dust that might have been kicked into the air. 
  • Make sure you wash all of your protective gear at the end of each day. Throw away disposable protective gear. Wash your clothing thoroughly. You don’t want to contaminate other parts of the house with lead dust!
  • Wash your painting tools thoroughly after the project is done. Dispose of all drop cloths and plastic sheets used during the project

Types of Paint to Use

When painting over lead paint, you can’t use typical oil or water-based paint. The toxins from the lead will still seep through typical paints. Instead, you’ll need to purchase a special kind of paint called an encapsulant. Encapsulants are thicker than typical paint and keep the lead protected behind a membrane. Encapsulants are available at just about any paint or hardware store. 

There are three types of encapsulants: 

  • Traditional polymers
  • Epoxy or polyurethane polymers
  • Cement-like products that contain polymers

If you’re taking on the project yourself, you’ll probably want to stick with a polymer and epoxy-based encapsulant. Cement-like products require mixing that can be tricky for DIYers. 

Benefits of Hiring a Painting Company vs DIY

After asking “Can you paint over lead paint?” and finding out that you can, you might be tempted to DIY the project. If you only have one room to worry about or a piece of furniture, painting over the lead-based paint on your own might be just fine. However, hiring a professional painting company to paint over your lead paint comes with many benefits: 

  • Painting companies, like the pros at Boise Home Painting, are trained specifically on how to handle painting over lead-based paint. 
  • A professional painting company can evaluate the condition of your paint to see if it’s eligible for encapsulation. 
  • Professionals have to follow the EPA regulations in the Renovation, Repair, and Painting rule, which means you can be sure the job is done correctly. 
  • Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of hiring a painting company overdoing it yourself is peace of mind. Lead paint poses a serious safety risk for all occupants of the home. You want to know that you’re safe in your home. 

If you need to encapsulate lead-based paint in your home, you can count on the professionals at Boise Home Painting. We’ll protect your family from the dangers of lead paint and give you peace of mind that’s worth its weight in gold. We serve the entire Boise area with commercial and residential painting including Merdian, Caldwell, and Eagle. Click here to get your free estimate!

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Categories Painting

How Often Should You Paint Your House?

How Often Should You Paint Your House?

Painting your home can take lots of time and can also prove to be quite expensive. So, how often should you paint your house? Waiting too long can do costly damage to the integrity of your home. On the other hand, you don’t want to spend money to upgrade your paint if your paint has plenty of life left. Because your home is likely your biggest asset, it’s important to recognize the signs when it’s ready for a fresh coat of paint. 

How Often You Should Paint Your House Exterior 

Most painting professionals agree that you should paint the exterior of your home every 5-10 years. That number certainly isn’t set in stone and may vary depending on the surface of your home and the quality of paint previously applied. Here are some guidelines to follow for painting different surfaces: 

  • Aluminum siding needs to be repainted every 5 years 
  • Wood surfaces require painting every 5-7 years 
  • Stucco should be repainted roughly every 5-6 years 

How Long Does Exterior Paint Last? 

There are some things to consider when it comes to prolonging your home’s exterior paint. If you want your paint job to last for 5-10 years, a lot is riding on the quality and kind of paint you choose. Just like everything, a higher quality paint will likely cost you more but is well worth it in the long run. Do some research before buying to ensure you are purchasing the best paint for your specific surface. You’ll need different paint for stucco, wood, aluminum, or brick. Keep in mind that a high-quality gallon of paint runs around $30. 

How Often You Should Paint your House Interior 

It’s difficult to give a specific time frame when it comes to painting the interior of your home. The level of use in each room is different which means that higher traffic areas will need to be repainted more often than a room that is rarely used. 

On average, most interior rooms may need to be repainted every 5-7 years. Children’s rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms may require painting closer to every 3-4 years. Even if you use the most durable paint finishes, kitchen walls are prone to grease and food splatters and will always require maintenance sooner. Bathroom and kitchen walls require wiping down on a more regular basis, naturally causing the paint to wear down more quickly. Adult bedrooms, as well as formal dining rooms, don’t actually get used very often.

These rooms tend to have more furniture which naturally keeps any traffic away from the walls, prolonging the life of the paint. Children’s bedrooms often function as a playroom as well as a bedroom. This usually means there’s an abundance of activity taking place every day which can lead to not only dirty walls but dented and damaged walls. When painting these rooms, always opt for the more durable paint finishes such as eggshell or satin. Taking advantage of these more protective sheens will prevent dirt from showing and keep your walls looking nicer longer. 

Signs you Should Repaint Your House 

There are various conditions that indicate it’s time to paint your house. Odds are, you may not even remember how long it’s been since your exterior was updated. If it’s been a while, it’s important to self-evaluate the condition of your exterior. You don’t want to be negligent when it comes to such an important matter. Here are a few signs to look for:

  1. Fading Paint 

One of the most obvious ways to detect that it’s time to paint the exterior of your home is fading. Over time, the Boise sun will cause your paint to fade, especially in areas where the sun directly hits your paint the longest. If your home is painted a dark color, you’ll likely notice any fading much sooner 

than with a lighter shade. If you see fading on the shaded parts of your home, you could have a problem with water intrusion. Look for stains dripping downward that may indicate a water leak. Call in a professional if you can’t determine the source of the problem. 

  1. Hardened Caulk 

Caulk used on the exterior of your home is generally designed to expand and contract along with your house. It’s used to seal cracks between doors and windows. After years of exposure to the sun, caulk loses its elasticity and can become hard or start to crack. If you see areas where caulk is missing, hardened, or cracked, it’s time to repaint. 

  1. Patching Stucco

Re-stuccoing your entire home is very expensive. To cut down on costs, patch cracked areas and repaint the entire house. Otherwise, you’ll be left with obvious patchwork areas and unsightly streaks. 

  1. Bubbling, or Flaking Paint 

There are several factors that contribute to bubbling, flaking, or cracking paint. But all are signs that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. Generally, all of these concerns are an indicator that the paint is no longer adhering to the house. Somehow, moisture is getting beneath the paint. Extreme humidity, storms, and harsh climates can cause these symptoms in your paint. 

  1. If You Want to Improve Curb Appeal 

Maybe you just purchased your home but don’t love the color. Or you might feel that times have changed and you want a more up-to-date style. If you’re looking to sell, an updated exterior is proven to make your home sell faster and for a better price. Whatever the reason, a fresh coat of exterior paint will most certainly improve the curb appeal of your home.

How Often Should You Paint Your House Conclusion 

Painting the exterior of your home can be a very daunting task. However, letting your exterior paint job go for even a few extra years can result in costly damage to your home. If you live in the Boise area and you’re unsure if your exterior is in need of repainting or you in fact know that it does, contact Boise Home Painting today. Our friendly team of experts can assess the situation and answer all your questions. We serve the entire area including Meridian, Caldwell, and Eagle. Click here to get your free consultation. 

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Categories Painting

What Is The Best Deck Paint?

Best Deck Paint

A fresh coat of paint is always the most cost-effective way of making something look new again. But when it comes to updating your deck, how do you know what’s the best deck paint to use? In this article, we’ll walk you through the best way to repaint your deck while also sharing with you what we have discovered to be the best paint and stain for your deck. We’ve evaluated several deck paints on the market and ranked them according to ease of application, cleanup, sheen, and durability. So, whether you want to go with a traditional deck color or want your deck to be a little more bold and unique, we’re here to ensure you choose the best deck paint for your project. 

List of Best Deck Paint and Stain 

If you’re lucky enough to have a deck, you’ll want to take proper care of it to keep it looking beautiful for seasonal gatherings or family time. For something this important, you don’t just want to pick up the first paint or stain you spot at the store. We’ve done our homework and have compiled a list of the very best deck paint and stains out there: 

  • Best Color Selection Deck Paint

Behr Premium Low-Lustre Porch & Patio Floor Paint

This deck paint is ideal for exterior applications such as patios, porches, basements, and decks. It’s resistant to fading, scuffing, peeling, cracking, and mildew. The best part is, it’s available in custom color matching! 

  • Best Paint for Wood Deck Railing

Montage Signature Eco-Friendly Paint

Offering superior coverage and protection, this paint is perfect for your specialty finishes. Extremely versatile, Montage Signature is the #1 paint choice for all your needs. 

  • Best Deck Stain

Sikkens Transparent Matte Natural OIl-Based Stain

You’ll get amazing and long-lasting results with this one-coat application stain. It penetrates deep into the wood to protect against the Boise summer heat and frigid winter temperatures. You’ll love how it allows the natural grain of your deck or furniture to shine through. It’s a bit pricey but makes up for it in longevity.

  • Best Durable Deck Paint

Behr Premium Advanced Deckover

If you’re looking for durability, this paint is an excellent choice. It comes in a variety of color options, is applied easily, and holds up extremely well against the elements. It’s a thicker consistency of paint which means it will take longer to dry. You can use this paint on composite wood, wood, and concrete. 

  • Best Paint For Old Wood

Kilz Latex Floor Paint L573611

Appropriate for all previously primed or painted surfaces including wood and masonry, this paint has a low-luster finish that applies smoothly and evenly. It also can be used on trim, siding, and trellises. You’ll appreciate that it’s resistant to fading, scuffing, cracking, and peeling. 

Modern Deck Paint Colors 

Updating the color of your deck won’t only give it new style but can also give it extended life. Stain and paint protect your wood from rotting while helping it stay clean and smooth. We’ve compiled a list of the perfect colors to enhance your outdoor space and give your deck a makeover: 

  • Black 

When your goal is to add a stark contrast between your patio furniture or your home’s exterior paint color, black is the perfect choice. A solid acrylic black deck stain will completely cover any previous deck stain that remains. This will also add an extra layer of protection from scuffing, water damage, and the sun. 

  • Grey 

Tones of gray seem to be all the rage when it comes to exterior paint color. This holds true for decks and patios as well. A muted gray deck paint will refresh your outdoor space to a stylish look your friends and family will enjoy for years to come on those beautiful Boise evenings. 

  • Whitewash 

If you want to showcase the texture and grain of your deck, whitewashing is an option you should consider. Unlike solid stains or paints, whitewashing leaves portions of wood exposed, showing the imperfections and personality of your deck. 

  • Slate Grey 

Slate is a dark enough tone to show a nice contrast between your deck furniture and landscaping while not being as stark as black. It lends to a trendy, modern vibe, especially when paired with a light oak railing.

  • Red 

Shades of dark, brick red are perfect for a colonial feel and always add personality to your backyard. Red especially pops when paired with a bright white deck paint. 

  • Redwood 

We often think of redwood deck stains when picturing a traditional outdoor deck. This color goes well with the surrounding greenery of your landscaping as well as nearly any exterior home paint color. 

  • Two-Tone 

A deck with a two-tone pattern is visually appealing and unique. Try using one color as a border or customize a design that works for your space. 

  • Clear 

If you’re hoping to preserve the natural look of your wood deck, a clear deck stain is for you. However, clear stain isn’t a good idea if your deck was previously painted and your old stain is lingering. 

Picking a Deck Paint 

It’s quite possible that the easiest part of painting a deck is the application process. Choosing the right paint or stain can prove to be a very difficult part of the project. With so many different deck paints on the market, it can be overwhelming for anyone. 

Keep in mind how important it is to purchase an exterior paint that’s specifically created for decks and horizontal surfaces. Regular house paints are made to cover vertical surfaces where water and rain won’t sit. Decking is different and will accommodate puddles of water. Be certain the label on the paint you choose specifies that it can be used on horizontal surfaces.

Best Deck Paint Brands 

When you’re in the market for deck paint for an upcoming home improvement project, it’s always smart to select a brand you can trust. The best deck paints can stand up to harsh and extreme weather conditions. Wind, rain, and extreme fluctuation in heat can really do a number on your deck. Below is a list of the top brands we recommend because of their reputation for consistent high-quality results: 

1. Sherwin Williams

If you’ve ever used Sherwin Williams paint after using a different paint brand, you know why it’s rated number one in customer satisfaction for interior and exterior paints. They offer a large variety of affordable outdoor paints in different colors and sheens. 

2. Kilz 

Kilz has been providing Americans with quality primer and painting products for over four decades. They offer a product that combines both primer and paint in one to give you beautiful and effective results while cutting your application time in half. 

3. Benjamin Moore

The name Benjamin Moore has always been associated with quality paints and stains, providing both durability and style when spending time with loved ones outdoors. 

4. Behr 

Behr makes highly rated, award-winning paints, stains, and more that deliver superior value at every price point. With Behr, everyone can transform their space with the colors they love. 

5. Rust-Oleum 

Rust-Oleum is a reputable company that specializes in outdoor protective paints. Their products create long-lasting results for both residential and commercial customers alike. 

Best Places to Buy Deck Paint in Boise 

There are several paint supply stores in the Treasure Valley that offer all the tools you would need for painting a deck. However, we’re giving you a list of our top three paint store choices: 

–Sherwin Williams 

–Home Depot 

–Rodda Paint Store 

Most of these paint stores offer several locations for your convenience.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need to Paint Your Deck 

Before you start painting your deck, you’ll need to measure it by multiplying the length by the width. This will help you determine how much paint you’ll need to buy. If you already have paint on hand, check that it hasn’t dried out and is still usable. Here are the materials we recommend you have on hand: 

  1. Exterior paint formulated for decks, patios, and porches 2. Multi-surface primer and sealer 
  2. Paintbrush 
  3. Roller 
  4. Pressure washer 
  5. Deck cleaner 
  6. Extension pole 
  7. Sponge 
  8. 5-gallon bucket 

Deck Paint Drying Time 

As a general rule of thumb, your paint or stain should be dry within a 1-2 hour timeframe. We don’t recommend walking on it though for at least 5-6 hours. But remember that weather conditions can greatly affect drying time.

If you’re painting on a day with high humidity and cooler temperatures, you will need to wait longer for proper curing. 

How Does Weather Affect Paint? 

Humidity and temperature can actually have quite an effect on exterior paint. Boise is an area where you can experience some pretty intense temperature fluctuations. When the temp outside goes from around 100 degrees in the summer to 10 degrees in the winter, your paint can expand in the heat and contract in the cold. As the surface underneath expands and contracts, your paint will crack and peel. 

Ultraviolet light from the hot Boise sun can also do a number on your exterior paint. When it comes to siding, your patio, or patio furniture, areas with warmer climates deal with paint prematurely fading. Making sure you protect your deck and exterior siding with paint specifically formulated for the outdoors will prolong the life of your paint job. 

Should You Use Paint vs. Stain? 

The number one determining factor when it comes to going with paint or stain will generally be preference. Which look do you prefer more? However, paint is thicker and tends to be more durable. It helps to note that stains are designed for use on wood surfaces that are bare or haven’t been treated. While stain does have color, it’s designed to allow the natural wood grain to show through. Most deck stains also include a sealer product that protects the wood from exposure to the elements. 

Paint will conceal the wood grain which means it will also hide any blemishes or damage points in your deck. If you’ve had to replace boards in your deck that don’t match the others, the paint will restore a more uniform look.

If however, your deck is prone to humidity you will have to think about preventing mold and mildew. If this is the case, stain will be your best option. The stain will penetrate your deck wood to form a solid coating on top, unlike paint. While Boise doesn’t receive nearly the amounts of rain as other regions of the US, it can still rain a fair amount in the spring and fall. Consider what look you’re going for, your climate, as well as the current state of your deck to determine if paint or stain is right for you.

How to Paint a Deck 

Once you’ve picked your deck paint or stain, here are the steps to successfully painting a deck along with some helpful tips:

  1. Wash Down the Deck 

Your deck must be completely clean before applying paint or stain. Even if your deck is new, it still needs to be thoroughly scrubbed and rinsed down as your first step. You can find several options for deck cleaning products at your local hardware store. Choose an all-purpose cleaner that will remove dirt, grime, and debris. If mold or mildew is a problem on your existing deck, purchase a cleaner containing mildewcide before painting or staining. You may be tempted to use a power washer to aid in the cleaning process, However, the high pressure may actually damage the wood by digging chunks out of it. A garden hose with a jet nozzle works well to get the job done without being so abrasive. 

  1. Sand and Scrape the Deck 

Any deck paint that is peeling or bubbling will need to be removed before you can start repainting. Any rough or jagged areas need to be sanded until smooth. Using a wire brush, use large strokes to loosen any dislodged paint. The wire brush should make quick work of most loose paint but you’ll need to follow up with a paint scraper. A flat scraper that resembles a putty knife will be the best tool to remove any remaining loose paint. Be careful not to push the scraper too hard and gauge the surface. A pulling motion will be more effective and less destructive. 

You may be tempted at this point to skip the important step of sanding. But scraping rarely gets rid of all existing deck paint. In order to have a cohesive look and feel, sanding is necessary to smooth out the edges between the bare wood and any remaining paint. 

  1. Apply Paint or Stain to the Deck

Before popping open your chosen paint or stain, tape off any areas of your home or garage you don’t want painted. We recommend using a roller with an extension pole for convenient painting while standing up. It’s also handy to have some various sizes of paintbrushes around for those spots a roller can’t get too. 

Do your best to paint every angle of your decking. The more surface you can cover, the more it’s protected. Pay special attention to paint the underside of your decking along with all reachable sides. Sealing your deck will prevent mold and mildew from growing and add to its longevity.

Can you Paint Composite Decking? 

Composite decking, which is the same as Trex decking, doesn’t accept paint naturally like a real wood deck. It’s made of plastic film that when mixed with wood fibers, creates a resilient material more durable than decking that is 100% plastic. 

If you’re going to paint or stain composite decking, stain will work better than paint but might not last as long. Since paint and stain won’t adhere as easily to composite decking, you’ll need to scuff up its surface before application. Once the composite has been roughed up by sandpaper, paint or stain will adhere much better with a gritty surface to grip onto.

How to Remove Decking Paint? 

Stripping your deck of paint can be a messy job. There are several different stripping products on the market you can use. These gel-like substances when applied to your decking, will soften the existing stain or paint. Ideally, the stripping product will be rinsed away and take the original coating with it. The problem is that the stripping agent will likely need to be reapplied over stubborn areas and there will be scraping and scrubbing involved. Some strippers are meant to work on stain while others will work for paint or stain. If you’re going to take on this project, choose the stripper that best fits your needs. 

Can You Stain Over Paint? 

Yes, you can stain over paint but we don’t recommend it for a project as large as a deck. Stain over paint is more suitable for smaller projects like refinishing furniture or woodworking. Depending on the color of the paint and the stain you’re working with, the result will be a lacquered look. In most instances, if your deck was originally coated with paint, we recommend repainting instead of applying stain. 

The Best Deck Paint in 2022 Conclusion 

A fresh coat of paint is a great way to update your deck while giving it added protection at the same time. But before you jump in, be certain you’re choosing the best paint or stain to ensure long-term results. If you live in the Treasure Valley and have further questions about deck painting, interior, or exterior painting, contact Boise Home Painting. Our team of professionals will be happy to answer any questions or give you a free estimate for your current project. Click here to get your free estimate!

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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!

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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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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. 

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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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