Listed below of some of the more common questions we encounter throughout our travels. If you have any other questions regarding our services, please contact us.

Q: What can be used to clean a surface that has already been painted?
A:Maintenance cleaning is vital to the overall service life of a painted surface. However, when selecting a cleaner, be sure to use a non-abrasive cleaner. If cleaning a waterborne paint, avoid products that are ammoniated. Mild, soapy water will generally suffice. However, always test the cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area to ensure that it does not damage the paint film.

Q: What can you use to clean an exterior surface prior to painting?
A:In general, a detergent cleaner such as a TSP Substitute or a PrePaint Cleaner can be used. Be sure to wear all recommended safety equipment when working with these cleaners. Do not mix any other chemicals with these cleaners. Please note that some of these products could affect the overall finish on the existing surface and should only be used if you are planning to repaint the surface.

Q: How do you wash a freshly painted wall?
A:To assure maximum washability and durability, wait at least two weeks before washing the dry paint film. Avoid any abrasive or harsh chemical cleaners as these could damage the paint film.

Concentrated Cleaners (Liquid or Dry):

• Read all package directions before using. It is always recommended to test any cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area prior to use.
• Mix or dilute the cleaner per package instructions. Solution strength may be adjusted depending on amount and type of contaminant.
• Remove any heavy debris and contaminants.
• Using a sponge or cloth, wash surface dirt and marks.
• Do not allow the cleaner to dry on the surface.
• Always clean from the bottom of a wall to the top.
• Rinse the surface thoroughly.
• Repeat if necessary.

Premixed Spray Cleaners:

• Read all the package directions before using. It is always recommended to test any cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area prior to use.
• Turn spray nozzle to desired spray pattern (open with nozzle facing away from you).
• Remove any heavy debris and contaminants.
• Apply the cleaner to the dirt and marks (apply just enough to wet the area).
• Using a damp sponge or cloth, wipe to remove the surface dirt and marks and any excess cleaner.
• For difficult stains, some scrubbing may be necessary.
• Do not allow the cleaner to dry on the surface.
• If recommended on the label of the cleaner, rinse the surface.

Q: When painting a room, in which order do you paint the walls, ceilings, and trim?
A: As you can imagine, this can be open to debate. For the most part, however, the ceiling and walls are primed prior to installing the trim. Naturally, the ceilings are done first, and then the wall. Once the trim is installed and the edges caulked, the trim is primed and finish coated. The trim is therefore coated last. Even when repainting a similar order is followed. Ceiling first, walls second, trim last. If the trim were painted first, splatter from the roller could end up on the freshly painted trim. Since time is of the essence in repaint work, there is not usually enough time between painting the trim and painting the wall to use masking tape on the freshly applied paint.

Q: Can weather conditions affect the application characteristics of an exterior paint?
A:Yes. While products are optimized for application in a wide range of environmental conditions, at extremes the application may need to be adjusted. If surface, air and material temperatures are too high or too low (ranges are indicated on the data page or product label), then these conditions could impact products, drying, leveling and the overall condition of the finish coat.

In higher temperatures, a product may even begin to set up on the brush, causing dragging and preventing proper leveling. Such conditions will result in a finish that is not as smooth as it could be and brush stokes will be visible. In these conditions, you might need to add solvent to slow drying.

In cooler temperatures, slow drying may make a product more susceptible to sagging. In these conditions, apply thinner coats or use a product that can handle the temperature.