Preparation
Preparation (we call it "Prep" or "Prepping") makes the difference between an "ordinary" paint job and a meticulous, discriminating job.
Prepping often takes several times longer than the actual painting itself.
The first step in preparation is to protect all items that will not be painted, such as furniture, sinks, taps, counters. plumbing fixtures, carpets, hardwood, chandeliers, ceiling fans, exotic moldings. We use appropriate drop cloths and plastic film, securely taped in place.
Prep then involves smoothing of the surfaces to be painted, removing old lumps and paint runs, repairing cracks, and removing picture hangers and various wallboard-plugs and then filling the holes.
Prepping also may include primer application; unpainted surfaces generally require a coat of primer to seal the pores and stop the wall materials from absorbing excessive paint and causing a blotchy finish. Similarly, if covering a previous dark wall with a new light colour, inexpensive primer is the choice to reduce the number of coats (and cost) required to cover the previous colour.
In some cases, we may even need to repair or replace damaged trim that would detract from the finished product.
Prepping also involves removing various pieces of hardware, such as door handles, electrical cover plates, light fixtures and mirrors so that paint over-spray does not detract from their appearance. Although a "quick job" is possible by not removing these items and simply brush-trimming or masking around them, this does not normally meet our quality of work standards since the brush marks will almost always be obvious to the keen eye.
 A beautiful home deserves a beautiful paint job! |
 Preparing the filler compound |
 Protecting everything |
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 Masking non-removable items |
 Patching cracks and holes |
 Patching can involve extensive work |
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 Removing plugs and repairing the damage |
 Removing electrical cover plates |
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