Essential Painting Questions Every Homeowner Asks
Embarking on a home painting project can be exciting and daunting at the same time. Whether you're planning to do it yourself or hire professionals, having the right information is key. This guide explores the important questions homeowners often have about house painting. By understanding these answers to painting questions, you'll feel more confident in achieving a beautiful and durable paint job that enhances your home's appearance.
Painting Questions 1:
Why Is the Paint Bubbling in My House Even Though It Was Recently Painted?
If the paint on your house is bubbling, it is usually due to one of the following reasons:
- Surface Not Cleaned Properly: Dirt or grime may be blocking the new paint layer from adhering to the old paint beneath it.
- Wet Surface: If the surface was damp when painted, the new paint could not bond properly. You can test this by opening a bubble; if you see the most recent paint layer, the issue is with the latest coat.
- Old Paint Layers: In older homes, the new paint may pull on aged paint or primer layers that are no longer firmly attached. Opening a bubble might reveal the original paint or primer, or even bare wood siding.
At Color Pro, we ensure your house is washed and prepped correctly so the new paint layers adhere firmly. Our estimators will help determine the best approach for older homes, which might need some or all of the paint removed for optimal results.
Painting Questions 2:
How Many Coats of Paint Does My House Need?
Paint manufacturers generally recommend two coats for proper coverage. At Color Pro, we apply two full coats for exterior projects and spot-prime as needed. Occasionally, more coats are required for very deep pigments. If this is the case, we inform you beforehand to avoid surprises. Whether you're searching for "house painters near me" or "home painters near me," understanding the necessary paint coverage ensures a durable and beautiful finish.
Painting Questions 3:
How Do You Protect My Property and Personal Belongings During Painting?
Color Pro is an EPA Lead Certified Contractor, meaning our crews are trained to safely remove and dispose of lead-based paint debris. We take the necessary precautions to protect the health of our clients, their property, neighbors, and our employees. When searching for "building painters near me," it's crucial to choose a company that prioritizes safety and property protection.
Painting Questions 4:
What Are VOCs and Why Should I Be Concerned About Paints That Contain Them?
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are unstable, carbon-containing compounds that easily vaporize into the air. They react with other elements to produce ozone, leading to air pollution and health issues like breathing problems, headaches, burning eyes, and nausea. Some VOCs are linked to cancer, kidney, and liver damage.
As paint dries, VOCs are released at high levels. Indoor VOC levels can be 10 times higher than outdoor levels, prompting demand for healthier options. Latex paint, which has lower VOC levels and is more environmentally friendly than oil-based paints, uses water-based solvents. No- and low-VOC paints are the healthiest options for indoor painting.
At Color Pro, we offer no- or low-VOC paints for interior projects and discuss ways to protect your health and your family's during any painting job.
Painting Questions 5:
How Long Does It Take for Paint to Dry?
Most latex paints are dry to the touch within an hour but take longer to fully cure. Specialty products like porch and deck paints, or oil-based paints, may take even longer. While you might walk on a porch a day or two after painting, full curing can take a month. We recommend waiting at least 3-4 weeks before placing heavy or movable furniture on freshly painted surfaces. Additionally, open and close doors and windows for a few weeks after painting to prevent sticking.
