Mar 8, 2015
I will need to start thinking about repainting the exterior of my home, what's new in products and paint?
Mar 12, 2015

Sherwin Williams Duration Exterior Satin finish is the only way to go.  If you don't have the ability to reside or replace your paint-needing product with something maintenance free.... Duration.

Tom Gunter asked:

Jan 14, 2015
What is the best way to get latex paint out of carpet?
Jan 15, 2015

Here is the very short answer, but has been effective over the past decade and a half.

Start with Warm Soapy Water (Should probably get the majority depending on the density of the spill) and if that is not enough fire power use Denatured Alcohol.  Always try to avoid chemicals if possible as different carpet reacts differently to chemicals depending on the actual material and dye they use.   

Tom Gunter asked:

Jan 14, 2015
What is the best way to get latex paint out of carpet?

Michael Sawick answered:

Jan 14, 2015

Hello Zack,

As a painting company with a few thousand interior painting projects under our belt we've had a couple drops of paint on carpeting over the years. We take two courses of action:

1. We start with the absolute most gentle process possible. Soap and water on a cotton cloth dabbing the spot. Don't ever rub or smear the area as it could result in spreading rather than removing the stain.

2. If we're not able to remove the paint this way we call in a professional. There are too many variables when it comes to carpeting chemistry and weave to risk making the problem worse and ending up with a large carpet replacement bill to gamble.

Carpet cleaners have an entire arsenal of cleaning materials, equipment, and specialized knowledge when it comes to removing stains.

John Ramey asked:

Feb 18, 2014
New to Charlotte and living in Myers Park. How much should it cost to paint a living room (22'4"x14'6") and a study (14'2"x12'6")?
Dec 3, 2014

The short answer on this is - $900-$1,250.00 - Inclusive (Range in price is due to the amount of prep work and current condition)

You will want your vendor to do the following:

  • Cover and protect all flooring, furnishings and all other permanent fixtures of home
  • Detach, clean and re-set all outlet covers, vents, etc...
  • Repair all imperfections in drywall throughout home
  • Sand and prime all repairs
  • Apply two coats of interior eggshell latex to all wall surfaces
  • Labor, paint and materials should all be inclusive

**** You will also want a life time warranty on quality and repairs (Excluding Wear and Tear)

Sep 21, 2014
We are looking at houses and found on that we like but it has a CAT SMELL, especially in the basement. Is there any way to truly remove the smell?
Sep 26, 2014

If you use a black light you can target the urine areas soak in white vinegar leave for ten min wet vacuum as much up as you can mix up a cup of water with a quarter size dawn dish detergant put in spray bottle saturate area but don't soak. Sprinkle baking soda around on the wet area spread likghtly. let sit until everything dries hard this could take up to a day. break up the crusted area with finger tips when dry then vacuum up. it is a bit time consuming but it is all natural and it works like  nothing else!

Sep 21, 2014
We are looking at houses and found on that we like but it has a CAT SMELL, especially in the basement. Is there any way to truly remove the smell?
Sep 21, 2014

Cat smell or cat urine smell? 

If it is the latter, I have had success with Nature's Miracle.  If the smell is just the animal, that will diminsh with time and with changing out blinds, flooring, wall coverings, etc. 

Aug 26, 2014
Does anyone know of a reliable exterior house painter that is well versed in historical home preservation?
Aug 30, 2014

 Older homes are a specialty. Check with homes near by and ask neighbors. If neighbors have have had a good experience often they will be willing to share a phone number.

 Be sure that the contractor you hire is certified to work with pre 1978 homes. The OSHA and EPA certifications or RRP guidelines (Restoration, Renovation, Paint standards)  must be followed to protect employees and the general public from the harmful effects of lead paint products. Good Luck!

Aug 26, 2014
Does anyone know of a reliable exterior house painter that is well versed in historical home preservation?
Aug 28, 2014

Where is your historical home located?  Any reputable paint supplier should be able to recommend licensed, reputable painters.  We prefer Aboff's Paints or Sherwin Williams Paints.  If you are on Long Island check our out website www.lwwinslowpaintinging.com

Jul 10, 2014
I would like to paint the inside of my front door. It is already stained with a semi glossy dark stain. Can I effectively use latex paint with primer in it?
Jul 31, 2014

Most stained doors were done with oil based coatings. That means you need an oil based primer first then you can use latex paint. Latex primer will not adhere to oil based coatings.

Dennis D. Gehman

President

Gehman Design Remodeling

PA297

355 Main Street

Harleysville, PA 19438-2417

Office 215-513-0300

Cell 267-718-4697

Fax 215-513-1280

Email dennis@gehmanremodeling.com   

Web www.gehmanremodeling.com 

Jul 10, 2014
I would like to paint the inside of my front door. It is already stained with a semi glossy dark stain. Can I effectively use latex paint with primer in it?
Jul 28, 2014

Karen, I'm not a painting specialist, but from my experience you would be better off with a good coat of oil based primer. First, sand thoroughly, including the details, then wipe clean with a tack cloth or lint-free rag dampened with solvent.

John Ramey asked:

Feb 18, 2014
New to Charlotte and living in Myers Park. How much should it cost to paint a living room (22'4"x14'6") and a study (14'2"x12'6")?
Apr 25, 2014

Most painters will charge about $300 to $500 per room for rooms of that size depending on the type of paint you are requesting to be used.  That is assuming that the room is empty and items like crown molding will cost more to paint.

Feb 17, 2014
I have a ranch-style brick house and I'd like to give it a facelift. Do you recommend painting brick or will it be a lot of maintenance/work in the long-run?

Eric Consuegra answered:

Mar 12, 2014

Bekah, 

I woulld consult with a professional painting company for more information., however in my experience when encountering brick chimneys which have been painted, I have seen cases where moisture was trapped behind the paint causing the brick to deteriorate and flake off.  Again, a painting company may be able to recommend a specific paint that will be appropriate for this application. Hope this helps!

Eric Consuegra, Arocon Roofing and Construction, LLC

Feb 17, 2014
I have a ranch-style brick house and I'd like to give it a facelift. Do you recommend painting brick or will it be a lot of maintenance/work in the long-run?
Feb 25, 2014

What is the wall construction of the home?

Before making a recommendation about painting, you have to know what the vapor permeance and structure of the wall is.  Improper placement of a vapor retarder can have disatrous implications.

WoW Home Solutions

Feb 17, 2014
I have a ranch-style brick house and I'd like to give it a facelift. Do you recommend painting brick or will it be a lot of maintenance/work in the long-run?

Terry Stamman answered:

Feb 24, 2014

Bekah,

It is perfectly fine to paint brick.  Here are some things to consider.  You need to clean it fiirst.  I recommend a thorough power wash with a 25 degree tip.  Keep the nozzle back at least six inches while you are doing this.  Then, you need to rub your fingertips across the brick and mortar.  If a lot of particles are dislodged, you need to apply a masonry conditioner.  This will help bind the particles together.  If no particles, or very few, are dislodged, then apply a masonry primer.  Remember to let the surface dry  for at least three days after the powerwash.  You are forcing water throught the brick and it will take a few days for it to dry.  After the primer or conditioner has dried, apply a high quality latex or elastomeric paint.  You will enjoy your work for many years.

One proviso:  Do not paint the brick if it is horizontal like the top of a planter.  That will peel and very quickly.  However, painting on brick on sidewalls is perfectly fine.

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