Month: April 2022

Even the most prolific DIY-er can’t hold a candle to professional residential painters when it comes to the sheer number of homes in Fort Collins, CO, they’ve painted over the years. This extensive experience has not only enabled them to perfect their approach, but also to practice highly advanced techniques that not many people know about.

In this article, we’ll take a look at 5 handy techniques expert painting contractors use on a regular basis to simplify the painting process and achieve excellent results every time. Read on to learn more.

How do professionals paint walls?

Failing to take the necessary safety precautions is one of the biggest mistakes you can make while painting. That’s why the first and most important thing the professionals do is keep themselves safe while painting. This includes making sure the space is properly ventilated at all times and taking frequent breaks to reduce exposure to dust and hazardous fumes.

Here are 5 times-tested painting techniques many pros use:

1. Extensively prep the space beforehand

The experts know that, in order to achieve a perfect finish, they have to begin with a perfectly smooth surface. The best way to do this is by sanding the surface before applying the paint. This process flattens crevices around nail holes, removes rough spots and burrs, and grinds up gloss and varnish to make it easier for paint to stick.

2. Holding the brush correctly

The correct way to hold a paint brush is to lay the handle flat over the back of your thumb and keep the metal component that holds the bristles together between middle and index fingers. The point should be on the finger side rather than on the thumb side.

3. Bring furniture coverings

It’s best to completely empty out a room of all furniture before you paint it. However, if this isn’t an option, the pros recommend moving all furniture pieces to the middle of the room and covering them with special plastic sheets that are tapped to the floor. This protects the items from paint splatters and sanding dust.

4. Tinting the primer

Rather than use the primer as it is, the experts tint it with a little gray paint or a color that’s the same as the finish paint. This tinted primer not only conceals old paint and patched areas, but also makes the finish paint look significantly better and more lively.

5. High-quality supplies

There’s a reason why hobbyist brushes and paints are noticeably less expensive than the professional-grade stuff. In addition to yielding better results, these expert-level tools and supplies also make the painting process take less time and effort. Reputable contractors understand this very well, which is why they use state-of-the-art products.

Where can I hire reliable residential painters in Fort Collins, CO & the vicinity?

Are you looking for a team of experienced painting contractors who can revitalize the interior and exterior of your home? Or maybe you’re in need of dependable carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and other home improvement and maintenance experts?Here at Handyman Connection of Fort Collins, we can provide you with all those services and more. Our seasoned and versatile team will happily attend to your needs while you relax or enjoy a family outing to the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. Give us a call today.

Painting is one of those seemingly straightforward home improvement projects that anyone can do. All you need are a few cans of paint, a paint roller or two, and some old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, and you’re all set, right?

If only it was that simple! The reality is that many amateur painters in Fort Collins, CO, unknowingly make all sorts of painting mistakes that inevitably yield unsatisfactory results that then have to be fixed by professional residential painters.

In the following article, we’ll help you avoid this problem by discussing 7 of the most common mistakes homeowners make when they attempt to paint walls and other surfaces on their own. Keep reading to learn more.

What should you not do while painting?

The single biggest error you can make is use lead-based paints, as these can be extremely hazardous to your and your family’s health. Although these paints have been banned decades ago and are unlikely to be available to regular consumers, it’s still better to take a moment to ensure your paints of choice are lead-free than to risk contaminating your home.

Here are 7 mistakes novice painters commonly make:

1. Improper temperatures

Paint doesn’t go hand in hand with very high or low temperatures. If it’s cold enough, your paint may actually freeze, while painting in hot weather runs the risk of the paint bubbling or sloughing off.

2. Painting over varnished or glossy surfaces

This is a major no-no, as the paint won’t be able to stick properly and the end result won’t look good, to say the least. These surfaces need to be roughed up first by wiping them down with a deglosser or sanding them. Getting this done properly is one of the major reasons why people hire painting contractors.

3. Forgetting paint conditioner

If you’re painting doors, cabinets, or other wood surfaces, be sure to thin the paint beforehand with a quality conditioner. Failing to do so will result in a layer of paint that’s way too thick and doesn’t look smooth.

4. Not locking out pets

Dogs and cats can brush against wet walls, knock over paint cans, and otherwise create a mess. That’s why it’s recommended to either confine your furry friends to a separate area of your home or temporarily relocate them elsewhere.

5. Misplacing the paint can lid

Not only does this run the risk of someone accidentally stepping on the lid or kicking the open can and spilling paint everywhere, it can also cause your paint to dry out prematurely or become dirty.

6. Letting the roller touch the floor or ceiling

The paint roller may seem simple enough to use, but it does require finesse. Refrain from quick movements, as these can easily end up leaving unsightly marks on ceilings or floors.

7. Painting without proper lighting

Never paint in low light circumstances. You’ll miss all sorts of little patches and create imperfections that won’t be obvious until it’s too late. It’ll also make the process of painting your home take much longer.

Where in Fort Collins, CO & the area can I hire expert residential painters?

Are you looking for a dependable painting contractor? Or perhaps you’re in need of trained plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and other trade professionals? If so, you’ve come to the right place.Our team at Handyman Connection of Fort Collins has the experience, expertise, and equipment necessary to assist you with your every home improvement project. Contact us today and enjoy a leisurely afternoon at The Shops at Foothills with your family while our professionals do what they do best.