FEBUARY 2010

The right tool for the right job:
Most home handy-men/woman have a lot more skill than you would expect but get a second rate finish because of the tools they use.

Have you ever tried to saw a piece of wood with an unsharpened saw or changed a mechanical part with a tool that just didn't fit? Painting is exactly the same and the homeowner often buys the cheaper product because it is a one of job

BlackSilver has found by experience and experimentation that a quality brush/roller is well worth the investment. Avoid hardware stores that have everything but specialize in nothing when buying these items and go straight to an outlet that deals with the trade. You will get better advice and often there is little difference in the price.

Wattyl outlets have trained staff that deal with REAL tradespeople everyday and know the best brush/roller etc for the job. And don't forget December's tip if it's a small touch up.

JANUARY 2010

It's time to take down the Christmas lights and they have probably been put up with nails or hooks, which penetrate the wood and allow moisture into the substrate.

Holes should be filled with external grade filler and touched up and if you have had the house painted by BlackSilver you will find the type of paint and colour used on the record sheet provided inside your pantry or meter box.

We also leave a litre or so on most jobs so if it hasn't been too long since the home was painted that will certainly help.

Again we can save time and money. Use blue tack wherever possible or tape and when removing the Lights, cables, signs etc wipe the surface area with a little White Spirits to remove and residual.

This avoids and moisture penetration and helps maintain the paintwork considerably.

DECEMBER 2009

Touching up paintwork is a challenge even for the professional painter particularly if the job wasn't done correctly the first time, as we should have a clean surface free of brush marks and blemishes.

In many cases it is simply easier to paint the door/wall complete rather than attempt a touch up but small areas can be touched up inexpensively and with little sign of your handiwork.

"Touch ups Show up" is a saying often quoted by those in the trade but here's a tip that may come in handy.

Rather than use a brush or roller try a household sponge the type often used for washing up. Cut a small piece half the size of the mark you wish to address and light moisten the sponge and dip into the paint then lightly dab the area, allow the are to dry, and then reapply if necessary.

Don't try to cover in one coat as you will tend to put the paint on too heavily and it will show up.

Try this somewhere that doesn't matter or won't stand out to get the feel of it and you will be surprised how easy it is and save money on a brush or roller that will probably only go hard in the shed anyway.

NOVEMBER  2009

Paint additives…
Hot weather means brush marks in the paint, lines where sections join up and basically hard work Hot weather thinners can make a difficult job much easier as it retards the drying process and gives you that extra time you will need.

What about making enamels flow and have more body? 10ml of raw linseed oil per litre will give you an easy flowing paint with a good clean finish (but don't over do it as linseed oil also acts as a retardant).
Paint driers will speed up the time takes to dry but again stick to manufacturers specifications, as too much can have the opposite affect.

What about making white paint even whiter? Just a touch of blue stainers can really give white paint a whiter than white look but again don't overdo it or you can end up with duck-blue. It is always a good idea to sample an area first to ensure you get the desired end affect.