JUNE 2010

Almost the end of the financial year and $$$ comes to mind. A good time to get painting done, the market is quieter and generally prices are down a little.

You can also avoid the inevitable Christmas rush that usually starts early every year; ours started in August last year and didn't stop until May.

Getting two or three quotes is always a good idea but be sure you compare apples with apples. At BlackSilver we always give our quotations and estimates in writing so the client is fully aware of the extent of work that has been quoted.

Protect yourself and get it in writing and if the detail is sketchy insist on more. It may save you future embarrassment and expense later.

MAY 2010

They say most car accidents happen within 5 minutes of your own home and since I read that I have been parking the Ute at the bottom of the hill and walking the last 3 kilometres just to be on the safe side. JOKING! :-)

Safety however is no joke and working around the house can be just as dangerous as a building site.

With all the trip factors, electricity, swimming pools, slippery and hard surfaces around the average home it is no wonder more people don't get hurt.

People go to extraordinary lengths to be safe on the work site only to come home and climb up on the roof to unblock a gutter, usually when the roof is wet and think nothing of it.

What about ensuring you are wearing non-slip shoes next time, do you need some sort of restraint or harness?

Treat home jobs as you would any other and put safety first, check the area you are going to be working in and identify and eliminate (if possible) any dangerous factors.

This applies to something as dangerous as climbing up on the roof in the rain to something as innocent as moving a table. Is it too heavy for one person, are you using correct lifting techniques?

Household cleaning products are often full off strong chemicals, avoid inhalation whenever possible, keep these products away from small children.

Working with Electricity? Is the power off at the main? Is it a job for a licensed professional?

Painting usually involves some form of scaffold don't be tempted to use the old kitchen chair or broken ladder as it only takes one over reach and you may well end up on the floor or worse.

Remember safety first, asses the job, identify and address risk factors and when you are satisfied proceed with caution, we only have one life and one body protect it!

APRIL 2010

When painting gutters in hot weather in acrylic paint add a product called "Hot Weather Thinners" to the paint. This stops the dragging effect and brush marks due to drying too fast.

Another tip is to block off downpipes from the gutters and fill the gutters with approximately 2 inches of water to keep them cool whilst painting.

These tips can also be combined if necessary

MARCH 2010

Cars need to get washed regularly and not just for aesthetic reasons, paintwork deteriorates quickly when dust and mould are left on the surface.

Summer is typically hot and dusty and your house like your car needs the odd wash.

Considering water restrictions the old method of walking around with a hose is a little irresponsible and for the record does little to actually remove the grim.

Just as your car won't be cleaner by simply wetting it neither will your paintwork. A damp rag and bucket are optimum and for high or larger area a mop or squeegee work wonders

One lap around the fascia and gutters of the average house takes 15-20 minutes if done correctly and add years to the life of your paint.

Use the same method for roller doors; fences etc. but avoid surfaces finished in flat paint i.e. under eaves, as they are not always finished in washable surfaces

At BlackSilver we even use washable acrylic on all under eaves and gable in fills making cleaning and maintenance a lot easier.