House Painting Tips and Using an Austin Professional Painter
Painting your house is not a small project. Choosing to paint it yourself or use a professional is an important decision. Watch the video below to learn about doing it yourself or read on to learn more about using an Austin painting professional.
Austin painters apply paint, stain, varnish, and other finishes to buildings and other structures. Before starting a job, painters read work orders or get instructions from their supervisors. If they are self-employed, painters talk to homeowners and other customers to find out what they want. Self-employed painters often prepare cost estimates for customers before they are hired for a job.
Tip! When painters are making a bid, they should physically inspect the area to be painted. The bid should include the kind of paint, how many coats are needed, preparation and which areas are to be painted.
Painters select the right paint or finish for the job. They consider how well the finish will last on the surface to be covered, and how easy it is to work with. Painters start a job by preparing the surface. For a new surface, they simply wipe it clean and apply a primer or sealer. For surfaces with old coatings, painters first strip off the old paint. They may strip it with chemicals, use sandpaper or wire brushes, or even burn it with a blowtorch. In addition, painters wash surfaces to remove dirt and grease. They also fill nail holes and cracks, and sand rough areas. They do all this work so the wall will be smooth and clean before paint is applied.
Next, painters cover surfaces such as floors with drop cloths. They mask off trim and other areas to protect them from paint. They remove lighting fixtures from walls and ceilings. The next step is to apply the paint or other finish. Painters select the best paint applicator for each job. They consider what will speed up the process and also look best on the surface. For example, they may use a paint roller for interior walls, and a brush with a tapered edge for trim. They may use a paint sprayer for exterior walls. Some painters also mix paints, using their knowledge of paint composition. However, in large paint shops or hardware stores, this task is automated.
To work on tall buildings, painters set up scaffolding. This includes 'swing stages' that are suspended from ropes. Painters also set up ladders so they can work above ground level.
Self-employed painters keep business records. They may also hire and train other employees.
Painters perform the following activities on a frequent basis:
Read work orders or get instructions from supervisors or homeowners.
Select the best finish for the job. Consider factors such as surface, durability, and customers' wishes.
Apply a primer or sealer to new surfaces.
Strip, sand, brush, burn, or blast old surfaces so new paint will apply properly.
Wash walls and trim, fill nail holes, and sand rough spots.
Cover surfaces with drop cloths or masking tape and paper to protect during painting. May remove lamps and door knobs.
Paint surfaces using brushes, rollers, or paint sprayers.
Erect scaffolding or set up ladders.
May prepare cost estimates for customers. May keep other business records.
Source Information:
Minnesota Department of Education
Minnesota Department of Economic Development
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Tip! When painters are making a bid, they should physically inspect the area to be painted. The bid should include the kind of paint, how many coats are needed, preparation and which areas are to be painted.