Painter's Edge

Meredith Crescent (Toronto)

2011-10-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

Here are the before and after pics for the Meredith Cr project. See the difference?....

BEFORE AFTER

Oil Paint vs Latex Paint

2011-10-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

How to Identify Oil Vs latex

Is It Latex Or Oil On The Walls?
When there is an existing painted surface that you want to paint over, how do you determine whether the previous paint is oil or latex? We've had some problems in our house with earlier work painting latex over oil with no primer. We'd like to use latex but we don't want to prime unnecessarily (don't want TOO many coats of paint on a surface). Is there a quick and easy technique to identify oil vs. latex?

Water-based (also called "latex") paints These offer the easiest application and soap-and-water cleanup, are the fastest drying and have less odor than solvent paints. Latex performs well on interior walls and ceilings; its quick drying time prevents the kinds of ripples and sags that can occur with slower-drying alkyd finishes. For brick, concrete and cinder block, only latex should be used.
Alkyd (commonly called "oil-based") paints This type generally cost more than latex. (Though interchangeably referred to as "oil-based", they're not the same thing as the traditional oil-based paints that they have largely come to replace.) Application requires patience--thin coats are generally necessary to avoid problems like sagging and streaking, and the drying time is usually longer than latex.
The up side is a paint job that stands up beautifully to long-term wear and tear. Scrubbing off dirt and scuff marks won't harm the paint. Alkyd paints are the superior choice for painting floors and metal surfaces.
Tip: Remember, oil and water don't mix. For best results, you should consider applying the same type of paint that's already there. (Not sure what's there? See below) Consider the following rules when choosing the type of paint you'll use.

For interiors: You can safely apply latex over oil, or oil over latex, but only if the previous finish is flat or if it has been sanded. If in doubt about what's there, you may want to cover first with a primer of the same composition (alkyd or latex) as the paint you choose to use.
For exteriors: Oil should not be applied over latex. The best exterior combination is latex paint over alkyd primer.
Is It Latex or Oil-Based Paint If you're ready to do some painting over old paint and wondering whether you need a latex or oil-based paint to cover it here's how you can easily find out.
* First scrub a small area with a solution of houshold detergent and warm water. * Rinse well and towel-dry it, then soak a cotton ball, Q-Tip or soft rag in alcohol and rub it back and forth over the cleaned area. * If paint comes off, it's latex paint and another coat of the same is in order. * If the paint doesn't come off, it's oil-based, and a pre-coat of oil-based primer is a must. * Then you have the option for the finish coat since different types of latex or oil-based paint can be used.

Lets Get Painting!

2011-10-04T14:13:00.000-07:00

Painting: Walls, Ceilings and Floors

Painting is not the chore it used to be. A professional look is now easier to achieve. Whatever your project, talk to the paint experts where you purchase your paint. They are a valuable resource.
If you are having a hard time visualizing the colour, inexpensive computer software programs can allow you to try out different colours. Or, there may be a decorating service where you buy your paint.

Selecting paints

There are two main types of paint depending on the thinners and binders used; water-based (or latex) and oil-based (or alkyd).
Water-based paints use water as a thinner. They are often called latex paints even though they don’t use real latex, since rubber is not used as a binder any more. Today synthetic latexes are used, most commonly acrylic or polyvinyl acetate. Paints with a high acrylic content tend to have a tougher skin and can perform almost as well as oil-based paints. Latex paints can be easily cleaned up with soap and water.
Oil-based paints use a solvent thinner. Despite the name, oil-based paints are usually not made with oil. Instead, most use polyester resins, called alkyds. Although alkyds may be more durable and achieve a higher gloss finish, they are usually a less healthy choice than latex. Alkyd paints require mineral spirits for cleaning up.
Because paints are applied wet, and because they cover such a large area, paints can create a significant health problem during a renovation project. The problem is mainly caused by alkyd or solvent-based paints. They give off a number of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as the solvent evaporates after painting.
These VOCs can be a strong irritant and can add to air pollution. Once the paint has completely dried and formed a tough skin, the emission levels drop. However, some paints can emit odours at low levels for a long time.
Exposure to VOCs varies from person to person. Effects include coughing, headaches, dizziness, or more serious conditions. It is especially important for respiratory sufferers, those with allergies, asthma, and households with young children or pregnant women to avoid paints with VOCs.
Comparing the VOCs of one paint to another is not an easy task. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are helpful, but manufacturers don’t have to list components which make up one per cent or less of their product’s weight. This means that some toxic components may not show up on the MSDS. The only sure way to know what the paint contains is by asking the manufacturer to list trace compounds.
There are some paints on the market that are solvent and VOC free. Look for the key words: Low VOC, or better yet. No VOC.

Painting myth

Contrary to popular belief, you can paint over oil or alkyd paint with latex paint.
To do so the walls should be cleaned, painted with a super adherent acrylic primer, then latex paint can be applied.To test if the paint on the walls is oil or alkyd some stores carry inexpensive test kits, or you can use methyl hydrate (gas line anti-freeze) or non acetone based nail polish remover.
Apply a small quantity of one of these products to a pad and rub vigorously on the painted surface. If the surface remains shiny it is oil/alkyd; if the paint is stripped it is latex.

Types of paint

It can be confusing when selecting the sheen of paint you want since the term used for the sheen varies by manufacturer.
Low-sheen (low-gloss) paints have none to little observable sheen. The amount varies slightly by manufacturer. Low-sheen paints can be called: flat, matt, eggshell, satin and velvet.
Higher sheen paints are semi-gloss, gloss and enamel. They have the most visible shine to them.
Low-sheen paints can be washed, but with care, higher sheen paints are the most washable and have the most durable finishes.
Most people select semi-gloss or high-gloss paints for rooms with high moisture levels such as kitchens and bathrooms, and high traffic areas such as main stairways and halls. Most people prefer to use semi-gloss or high-gloss paint on windows, trim and doors.
Bedrooms, dining and living rooms are more commonly painted with lower sheen paints.
Years ago, enamel meant oil-based paints.Today the term enamel can also mean durable latex paint.
Sealers are primarily used on new wood or masonry surfaces. They seal the surface of the material, forming a base coat which keeps the topcoat from being absorbed unevenly. They can be used to encapsulate materials to seal in gases thus preventing them from offgassing.
Primers are used to make the substrate more uniform, and to create a tight bond between the topcoat and the surface to be painted.
Cementious or masonry paints are used on concrete walls and floors.
Ceiling paints are designed not to drip.
Melamine paints are used for cabinets and shelves, and are very durable and washable.
Choosing paint by the brand is not enough. Many brand manufacturers make higher and lower quality lines of paint. As you move up in quality so does the price. Each grade is usually a few dollars more expensive than the previous grade. Avoid mixing the brands by using the primer of one brand with the finish paint of another. Paint will adhere better if you use the same brand for both applications.
If you buy all the paint you need at one time you have a better chance of getting a uniform colour.
Brushes and other tools
Ensure the rollers and paint brushes you buy are rated for the type of paint you are using. Better quality brushes help ensure that the paint strokes are less visible.

Estimating how much paint you will need

Measure the height and width of each wall to be painted then multiply to obtain the square footage.
For rooms with lots of windows and doors deduct the square footage of the windows and doors.
A 4-litre (1 gallon) pail of paint will usually cover 37 square metres (400 square feet).
When calculating how much paint to buy, check how well it is expected to cover the surface to be painted. This is called hiding quality. Painting over very dark colours may require using primer as the first coat or more coats of paint.
Having the primer tinted the same colour as the finish coat can provide better hiding qualities.
Latex based paints should not be stored for extended periods of time as they can go bad. When buying paint look for the most current date of manufacture on the container.

Getting ready

Preparation is the most important and most time consuming part of painting. Usually at least 80 per cent of the time spent on a painting project is spent getting ready and cleaning up.

Assess the surface that requires painting for needed repairs. Popped nails in the drywall or wallboard can be corrected by screwing a new screw into the stud either two inches above or below the popped nail. The popped nail can then be nailed in and the holes filled with wallboard or spackling compound. Make the patch on the hole as smooth as possible to minimize sanding.

Wear a mask while sanding using no. 100 or no. 120 grit sandpaper if using wall repair compound and no. 220 grit for spackling compound.
For larger holes the compound may need to be applied in layers. Each layer should dry before the next one is applied. To help the compound bond to the drywall, apply a layer of glass fibre (mesh) tape. It comes in a roll similar to cellophane tape.
Vacuum the whole room and damp mop the floor if possible. Wash the surface to be painted with mild detergent and water. If there are grease marks on the walls, or if someone in the household smokes, you may first need to clean with TSP (tri-sodium phosphate). If using TSP, be aware that it is not a benign product, and should only be used while wearing rubber gloves and eye protection. Rinse well with clean water.
For very textured walls or ceilings, vacuuming may be the only pre-cleaning option.

Painting new drywall or wood
Previously unpainted drywall, or plaster must be primed. Previously unpainted wood can be stained, painted or urethaned.

Special considerations

Lead in paint
Lead in interior paint was taken off the market in 1979. Paint in houses or apartments built before that date almost certainly contain small amounts of lead paint.
Exposure to large amounts of lead can cause serious illness. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead. However, lead paint is not generally a problem if it is not flaking, peeling or blistering.To check if the walls contain lead, you can obtain a lead paint test kit at most major hardware and some health food stores.
Sanding or heat stripping lead paint requires safety precautions, including protective clothing, a mask, goggles and gloves. Lead paint in the form of sanded particles are a health hazard.
Pregnant women and children should never be exposed to dust or fumes caused during lead paint removal.
For further information on lead, order the free booklet Lead In Your Home from CMHC.
Covering water stains, marks and knot holes
Water stains on ceilings, wax crayon marks on walls and previously unpainted knot holes will bleed through most water based paints. A special stain blocking sealer should first be applied sparingly on the knots, stains or marks before applying the paint. For these special situations you may need to use shellac, alkyd or a polyvinyl acetate primer.
These products have an odour and therefore should be used only on the affected areas. When using these products ventilate well, preferably by running a fan. Place the fan in an open window and have the fan facing out.
Severely damaged walls
If walls are badly damaged, it may be quicker and cheaper to install an additional layer of new drywall.
Peeling paint
Peeling is usually a result of moisture under the paint, or of using the wrong type of paint. If moisture is the cause, it must first be corrected, then the surface can be scraped and sanded before painting.
Covering mold and water stains
Mold which appears as dark spots on the painted surface must be washed with soap and water, rinsed and dried before repainting. The cause of the moisture which resulted in mold, if not corrected, will allow the mold to come back.

Painting tips

Do not excessively thin paints as this decreases their wear resistance and washability.
If you use solvents of any kind, store the used solvents in an old paint container with a seal and take them to the toxic waste centre in your community. Do not pour solvents down the drain.
Always paint with a window open and when the temperature is above 10°C (50°F).
You can remove solvent based paint from your skin by using vegetable oil.
Smooth evenly painted walls are more readily achievable if you:
1. Sand really well after patching.
2. Use a roller which you have taken a lint brush to, before using.
3. Use a roller designated for the type of paint you are using.
4. Clean the surface to be painted thoroughly after sanding.

The Gladstone Hotel (Toronto)

2011-09-11T21:14:00.000-07:00

Well, this is by far our most prestigious project yet considering the history behind this city's landmark. The great people at The Gladstone Hotel hired us to restore the elegance and style of the Melody Bar. Once again Montes Painting was up to the task and the end result was a masterpiece worthy of Gladstone’s great history.

BEFORE AFTER

Glen Cedar Ave & Lauder Ave (Toronto)

2011-06-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

These are the two latest projects we've started. Both are exterior work and needed a bit of prep work before any paint can be applied. Than again that's something we specialize in and look forward to all the time.

Lauder Ave

Before

Work In Progress

After

Glen Cedar Ave

Before

Work In Progress

After

Glen Edyth Blvd (Toronto)

2011-06-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a long time coming but we're back with some new projects and some new sets of pics. This is the latest job and it's quite a sight. It's a three floor town house near Spadina and Davenport.

BEFORE AFTER

Frank Crescent (Toronto) Finishing Touches

2011-04-25T14:01:00.000-07:00

Well, here is the final set of pics on the Frank Crescent jobsite. All rooms in the main floor are completed and the final touchups of been completed on the other two floors.

1st Floor

Stair Case leading from 1st to 2nd Floor

Finished Dinning Room

2nd Floor

Reading Room 3rd Bedroom

Master Bedroom & En-suite Bathroom

3rd Floor

Guess Bedroom

Frank Crescent (Toronto)

2011-04-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

We finished painting the first coat on most of the house's main floor. The third floor bedroom was also completed and the hallways too. More pics to come soon...

Trim and Walls in the Painting Process

Family Room Main Entrance Hallway

2nd Floor Hallway

First Coat Applied

Family Room Living Room

Dinning Room

York Downs Dr (North York)

2011-04-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

This is the latest project on our agenda. It's a big house that's been completely renovated top to bottom. We'll be working on priming all the new drywall and trim for the next couple of days.

Before Priming

Priming In Progress

After Priming

It's Painting Time!

2011-04-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

Frank Crescent (Toronto) Prime Time for Trim work

2011-04-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

As you can see all the trim work at the Frank Cr jobsite has been installed in the whole house. Now it's time for us to get it ready to prime before we apply the final finish. Lots of holes from the nails need to be covered and we got to watch out for the new flooring too. Long days ahead of us.

New Trim

Time to Prime

Old Orchard Grove (Toronto) Colours & Style

2011-03-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

Things are now starting to shape up now that the finish coats have been applied. The hallways are all in the same light green shade with an eggshell finish (easy to clean). Actually all of the paint being used on the walls is in eggshell except for the ceilings (flat) and the trim (semi-glass). We'll be posting the pics of master bedroom and basement colours soon.

Painting In Progress

Fireplace Room Living Room

2nd Floor Hallway Dinning Room

Colour Has Been Set

Fireplace Room 2nd Floor Kids Bedroom

2nd Floor Guess Bedroom

2nd Floor Hallway

Office Room (2nd Floor)

Dixon Ave (Toronto)

2011-03-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

This is a project we recently completed over three days (March 16-19). The areas we repaired and work on are the kitchen, living room, dinning room and main floor hallway. We had to fix some holes on the walls that where done by the electricians who ran wires for the new light fixtures.

Living Room

Kitchen Dinning Room

Painting In Progress

The Final Product

The New Estimate Vehicle

2011-03-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

Coming to a driveway near you...The New Montes Painting Estimate Car!
All Estimates within the GTA are always on the house and on Time.

Biggar Ave (Toronto) Repairs and prep work

2011-03-10T18:59:00.000-08:00

The 2nd floor library ceiling is almost complete too but needs some colour to be added. Repairs are now finish in the master bedroom and we will begin priming all the walls and some patches on the ceiling. The 2nd floor office is now repaired and ready to paint too.

Master Bedroom Repairs

2nd Floor Library (1st Finish paint colour done)

Office (All Patched Up and Ready to Paint)

Biggar Ave (Toronto) Just Add Colour!

2011-03-05T17:58:00.000-08:00

Different swatches of colour were used in all rooms. Even though the taping was very time consuming the light accents of colour really added a nice warm feel to all the rooms and hallways. If you want to try doing this type of work yourself make sure to remove all tape as soon as the second coat is applied. This will prevent the tape from yanking out some of the paint you've just applied.

Main Floor Library

Kitchen

2nd Floor Hallway