Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Got a question?
A: E-mail me @
Q: How do you dispose of chemicals and
old paints?
A: The government has forced a lot of society to go to latex
products, and while these products have their place, they are also inferior for some types of surfaces,
specifically natural wood trim and doors, deteriorated exterior wood, and metal items, but if you be responsible,
the alkyd products can be productively and safely used. I use little paint thinner, and
clean my tools with diesel fuel, which I strain, and burn in heaters
during the winter, so I generally have no disposal problems. Paint needs to be dried out in the can,
(just remove the lid, and let it sit) and then they can be sent to
any public landfill. When you do not have time for this,
driers are available at the paint stores.
Q: What defines good tradecraft in the
painting &
decorating industry?
A: Preparation work, and compatible products for the surfaces to be
worked on is my answer to that. Fully 70% of my time is spent
on prep work for my painting projects. It drives some people to
distraction, but they always appreciate it in the final analysis.
When re-painting it is critical to have the proper topcoat.
Deteriorated surfaces need to be cleaned and etched, and often
re-primed. Latex products are not suited as a topcoat over
alkyd products unless they are fresh surfaces (such as an alkyd
primer with a latex topcoat-which is, by the way, the longest
lasting exterior finish) and are often inferior as primers.
If you are unsure about what is on your building some alcohol, or
fingernail polish remover will quickly lift latex formulations while
not budging most other products. Be careful here that you do
not damage your furniture or floors with the alcohol, as alcohol
will also lift wax, shellac and some lacquers.
Q: What is wallpaper sizing?
A: Wallpaper sizing is anything that will help the wallpaper grip
the wall. Initially it was just glue with some sand or sawdust
in it. With the advent of sheetrock, the requirements
increased by virtue of the fact that drywall is porous. The
glue would soak in, reducing the effectiveness of the bond, or
conversely it would bond to the papers in the drywall making removal
difficult. Modern sizing reduces this vapor permeability while
also supplying 'tack' to the surface. After applying a good
wallpaper prep product, a moist hand will stick a bit to the
surface, even after years. There are exceptions for different
goods, but the general idea is to have the paper stick to the
sizing, while the sizing sticks to the wall. For a more
comprehensive explanation, please see one written
by a fellow guild member.
Q: For those selling a house, do you
have recommendations for so-called 'staging'?
A: I think it is silly to redecorate for someone else. It is
however, annoying to move into a new home that has certain deficits.
I itemize them here.
- Closets
- Baths
- Kitchen
- Laundry room
- clean and oil natural wood
- repair holes
- Exterior Doors
- Mailbox
- Landscape lighting
- Driveway sealer if applicable
- Garage cleanup and repainting
- Exterior washing & window washing
Q: [Insert question here]
A: [Insert answer here]
