5 Scary things not to do when painting

Halloween is here! It’s all fun and games with endless candy and spooky costumes, but don’t bring the scariness into the workplace when you have a painting job.

Keep it lean and clean no matter the time of the year when it comes to paint preparation. Here are five things not to do when you’re beginning a project as a residential or commercial painting contractor.

5 things residential and commercial painters should avoid

1. Skip Surface Prep

We know. You’re a professional; you have a steady hand. Of course you do. And installing surface protection paper and taping the trim with masking tape takes time. But taking the steps to prep your space before the job will make the actual painting go much faster, giving you a consistent look and preventing the occasional slip of hand leading to a good paint job.

• Floors: Avoid paint spills, dirt and dust from damaging your floors during a paint job. For long term protection explore Trimaco’s X-Board, a heavy duty board product that can withstand paint spills. For short term protection, Trimaco offers a full line of drop cloths that offer dependable, reusable surface protection.
• Trim and Ceilings: Protect your trim and ceilings with a simple painter’s tape and masking paper. We know this takes time, but with the help of a hand masker the application process can be cut in half.
• Windows: Make no mistake when it comes to painting near windows. Avoid scraping dry paint off the glass, with the help of pre taped masking film. Trimaco’s Tape and Drape offers superior surface protection, and clings to almost any surface.

Taking the time to protect your surfaces makes a great impression on your clients, showing them you’re a conscientious and dedicated professional.

Paint over dirt

It’s tempting, especially if you’re short on time—or maybe you think it won’t matter if you’re using a paint primer with anti-mold and -mildew components. Not true. Your surface and whether it’s clean or not dictates the paint’s ability to adhere to it. You’re not going to want to take that call a year later to hear about peeling paint, are you?

Poor outcomes reflect poorly on you. Make sure to take a damp cloth or tack cloth to remove any dirt or debris to create a smooth surface prior to your painting project.

Neglect your paint homework

Nearly three-quarters of U.S. homes built before 1978 contain lead paint either inside or outside. Before you’re ready to paint and start preparing walls for painting, stripping paint, power-washing or anything else, it’s a good idea to know what you’re working with. Nothing’s worth risking your health.

Be sure to test your space for lead, or other harmful jobsite risks. If you do plan on working in a harmful environment, make sure you are wearing the appropriate protective wear, such as DuPont Tyvek Coveralls.

Forget your painter’s rags and wipers

You know this! But a little reminder never hurts. Invest in a high quality wiper. Cheap wipers (or excessively dirty ones) leave behind grime and fibers that affect the surface you’re painting. We recommend replacing or washing your painter’s rags regularly. Explore Trimaco’s beloved Wonder Rags. It’s truly a painter’s favorite!

Be careless by not straining your paint

Think you haven’t got time for straining your paint? Don’t! When you do not strain your paint, you increase your risk of clogging sprayers. In addition to this costly mistake, you’ll also be putting inferior paint on the walls, complete with impurities that can add a grainy or uneven texture.

Reliable straining bags with professional-grade mesh and filters can be a live-saver. Explore Trimaco’s full line of paint strainers to find the one that meets the needs of your job.

DON’T SKIMP ON PREPARATION

Save the scary stuff for Halloween and remember paint prep is key. Trimaco has a fun line of surface protectors, masking products, paint strainer and rags to help prep your jobsite. Check out our full catalog to ensure the best jobsite protection.