H.I.S. Painting Services, Inc.
C A L L    F O R    A    F R E E    E S T I M A T E
(941) 921-4283
e-mail hispainting@aol.com
5306 Ashton Court
Sarasota, FL 34233
LICENSED & INSURED
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I'm going to repaint (or hire a professional to paint) the interior walls of my fairly new home. What do I need to know? The surfaces of the walls, doors and trim need to be clean, and any cracks or holes should to be filled. Then decide between latex acrylic and oil-based paints. The latter is fast becoming a dinosaur because of fumes, long drying time and the environmental concerns of disposing of the paint thinner necessary for clean-up. But oil-based paints have density and adhesion properties that still make them what I recommend for baseboards, crown molding and doors. I prefer oil-based, semi-gloss paint for those surfaces. Some latex paints are almost as good; and all of them are getting better because states such as California are phasing out oil-based paints completely.
 
For the walls, latex acrylic (water-based) is fine. Choose a flat paint if you are neat and live alone. Rooms that see a lot of activity with kids and pets should have two coats of an eggshell or satin finish. This finish is not shiny, but you can still wipe it down when dirty. Semi-gloss is fine for kitchens and baths and for all trim. High gloss is rarely used except in specialty treatments.
 
Always buy top-of-the-line paint products, because you do get what you pay for. I tend to buy the best lines of Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams and Porter paints. If you hire an experienced painter (do get references and check them) expect to pay between $28-$40 an hour, not including paint. And here's a tip for the do-it-yourself painter. If you are making a drastic color change you'll need one coat of primer and two coats of paint. Have the primer tinted the same color as the paint and you'll get better coverage.
 
How should I choose a paint contractor? Because your home is valuable, you need to make sure your painting is done right. That’s why you should talk to your friends and family and see if they recommend anyone. Only speak with painters who are licensed and insured to protect both you and your home.
 
How long does it take for the paint to dry? Depending on the kind of paint we use, and the place we use it, it should take about 6 hours. Latex paint generally takes less time to dry, while oil-based paints take longer. Gloss paints take a little longer than flat colors.
 
How do I wash my newly painted walls? Cleaning your newly painted walls is a good way to keep them in good health. It’s important to remember to stay away from any harsh chemical or abrasive cleansers. Generally, soapy water and a sponge is the best way to keep your walls looking good. Remember to read all labels on any cleansers. It’s also important to wait at least 2 weeks before you wash the new paint, so it can cure.
 
I can’t decide on what color to choose for the living room. Can you help? Of course we can help! Painting is what we do best, so let us sit down with you and talk about the kind of look you’d like to get from your room. We have tons of color cards, books, and advice.
 
I think we have a mildew problem. Can you paint over it? Mildew is easily taken care of, but should not be painted over without cleaning and removing it. We use a mixture of bleach and water to remove the mildew, and may scrub the walls if necessary. We allow that to dry at least 24 hours before we begin the painting process with a coat of primer. It may even be necessary to protect your home from future mildew attacks with a mildewcide additive to the paint.