Most new houses have a textured finish on the ceiling. To have a painted ceiling costs more because the drywall and taping have to be that much better. If you are lucky enough to have a smooth finish, it can lend itself to many kinds of decorative finishes.
A very good book from the UK called "The painted ceiling" by Graham Rust will open up a whole new world of what to do with that other wall.
Visit us at http://www.mercuryminc.net/
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Anybody can paint?
Yesterday I was reviewing the You Tube videos on how to paint a wall or room.
It was not a pretty site. From the Australian one that has a guy on the top step of a ladder holding a full roller tray of paint like a pizza delivery guy.
Then the painter using a three quarter inch pile roller sleeve (250mil). The correct roller sleeve pile is 10 mil for interior walls by the way. Any longer and you get a very rough looking texture on the wall. The other bad one showed all the trim taped with masking tape. He must have shares in 3M.
There are some OK ones and here is a link. Although don't listen to the no dropsheet part, use one or you will get paint on your floor.
Back rolling is also important, and is missed by many painting videos, probably because they don't know about it. Back rolling.
Also, using a roller tray to load your roller is OK and better than a five gallon bucket for most home owners. The final tip is try to avoid getting paint on the axle of the roller cage as you reload the roller. This will drip both on the floor as you lift the loaded roller up and down the wall as you paint. Our site has reliable information on home painting. Expect a video from us soon.
Visit us at http://www.mercuryminc.net/
It was not a pretty site. From the Australian one that has a guy on the top step of a ladder holding a full roller tray of paint like a pizza delivery guy.
Then the painter using a three quarter inch pile roller sleeve (250mil). The correct roller sleeve pile is 10 mil for interior walls by the way. Any longer and you get a very rough looking texture on the wall. The other bad one showed all the trim taped with masking tape. He must have shares in 3M.
There are some OK ones and here is a link. Although don't listen to the no dropsheet part, use one or you will get paint on your floor.
Back rolling is also important, and is missed by many painting videos, probably because they don't know about it. Back rolling.
Also, using a roller tray to load your roller is OK and better than a five gallon bucket for most home owners. The final tip is try to avoid getting paint on the axle of the roller cage as you reload the roller. This will drip both on the floor as you lift the loaded roller up and down the wall as you paint. Our site has reliable information on home painting. Expect a video from us soon.
Visit us at http://www.mercuryminc.net/
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Raised plaster.
I started to do raised plaster finishes a few years ago. The technique is fairly straight forward.
The idea is to produce images that are raised off the surface of the wall. This link shows a mural that is painted with raised plaster trees.
I use oiled stencil board to cut out the images. The board is then taped to the wall and plaster is applied over the board so the image if left behind when the board is removed.
I make a custom plaster but you can use regular household filler.
Here is a close look at the proccess. The images can then be painted or glazed to finish them.
Visit us at http://www.mercuryminc.net/
The idea is to produce images that are raised off the surface of the wall. This link shows a mural that is painted with raised plaster trees.
I use oiled stencil board to cut out the images. The board is then taped to the wall and plaster is applied over the board so the image if left behind when the board is removed.
I make a custom plaster but you can use regular household filler.
Here is a close look at the proccess. The images can then be painted or glazed to finish them.
Visit us at http://www.mercuryminc.net/
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
What is Trompe L'oeil
And how do you say it? 'tromp loy' will do. Following is a good passage from a site called Art Effects, with links to it at the bottom.
A Little History on Trompe L'Oeil
History shows that the Art of Trompe l'oeil Painting has been used for over two thousand years and as a painting style dates back to 400 B. C. Although ancient trompe l'oeil works are lost, descriptions of these paintings have been passed down through history. Today the earliest murals of trompe l'oeil art that exist can be found in the ruins of Pompeii and Eurculaneum and have been dated back to the first century A.D. After becoming part of the rich culture of the Greek and Roman Empires, trompe l'oeil art all but disappeared during the Dark Ages, not to resurface until the Renaissance and Baroque eras. After the discovery of perspective in the fifteenth-century, the trompe l'oeil style in mural painting flourished. Trompe l'oeil artists used these techniques in perspective to create false openings like doors and windows. In Europe this form of three dimensional art on a two-dimensional surface was used extensively by the wealthy and clergy. Churches and grand cathedrals became a common place for trompe l'oeil paintings to be used, giving these houses of worship the appropriate splendor they deserved. The walls and ceilings of palaces, villas and homes of the rich were decorated by artists and muralist with trompe l'oeil paintings, opening the rooms to a grander scale. Trompe l'oeil architectural elements, like columns, pillars and arches were painted adding to the richness and sophistication of their interiors. http://www.trompe-l-oeil-art.com/
Visit our site at www.mercuryminc.net
A Little History on Trompe L'Oeil
History shows that the Art of Trompe l'oeil Painting has been used for over two thousand years and as a painting style dates back to 400 B. C. Although ancient trompe l'oeil works are lost, descriptions of these paintings have been passed down through history. Today the earliest murals of trompe l'oeil art that exist can be found in the ruins of Pompeii and Eurculaneum and have been dated back to the first century A.D. After becoming part of the rich culture of the Greek and Roman Empires, trompe l'oeil art all but disappeared during the Dark Ages, not to resurface until the Renaissance and Baroque eras. After the discovery of perspective in the fifteenth-century, the trompe l'oeil style in mural painting flourished. Trompe l'oeil artists used these techniques in perspective to create false openings like doors and windows. In Europe this form of three dimensional art on a two-dimensional surface was used extensively by the wealthy and clergy. Churches and grand cathedrals became a common place for trompe l'oeil paintings to be used, giving these houses of worship the appropriate splendor they deserved. The walls and ceilings of palaces, villas and homes of the rich were decorated by artists and muralist with trompe l'oeil paintings, opening the rooms to a grander scale. Trompe l'oeil architectural elements, like columns, pillars and arches were painted adding to the richness and sophistication of their interiors. http://www.trompe-l-oeil-art.com/
Visit our site at www.mercuryminc.net
Monday, January 25, 2010
Who needs art?
If you have the feeling that art is a waste of money and time, then you may have company.
I mean, they just released a movie made by chimpazee's. I think I must have worked on a few of those during my film career.
Ever since people could scrape and paint images in caves ten thousand years ago, art has had a very important part in our cultural development. Art help's us cummunicate our feelings and thoughts in a direct and immediate way. Like all things human we have many people who hide within art's labarynth, and pretend at being something they are not. Don't let these unfortunates distract you from the positive affect artist's have in our society. Graffitti might be annoying but sometimes it is really good, and like it or not, it is an art form. There are so many types of artistic expression that are out of reach to many of us. Some artist's don't appeal to me at all.
I am not ashamed to be very critical if I don't like what I see, but that's a part of it. So strive to be open minded, but don't be ashamed to critique what you see.
Check out my art at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mercurymedia/sets/72157623003002756/
or visit us at http://www.mercuryminc.net/
I mean, they just released a movie made by chimpazee's. I think I must have worked on a few of those during my film career.
Ever since people could scrape and paint images in caves ten thousand years ago, art has had a very important part in our cultural development. Art help's us cummunicate our feelings and thoughts in a direct and immediate way. Like all things human we have many people who hide within art's labarynth, and pretend at being something they are not. Don't let these unfortunates distract you from the positive affect artist's have in our society. Graffitti might be annoying but sometimes it is really good, and like it or not, it is an art form. There are so many types of artistic expression that are out of reach to many of us. Some artist's don't appeal to me at all.
I am not ashamed to be very critical if I don't like what I see, but that's a part of it. So strive to be open minded, but don't be ashamed to critique what you see.
Check out my art at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mercurymedia/sets/72157623003002756/
or visit us at http://www.mercuryminc.net/
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Faux finish fun
Faux Finish comes of course from french, meaning "false", it really is about making something appear to be something else. Take a wall that is half inch drywall and put a few coats of paint and glaze on it and you have marble, old plaster, copper, wood, or stone.
Once the methods are learnt they are fairly straight forward.
It's like the old fable about a king wanting to learn to paint. He goes to see a tutor and asks to be taught. The teacher says" OK, but first you must learn to dance, so he goes to see a dance teacher and the teacher says "OK, but first you must learn music. And so on.
Well good Faux finishing is a bit like that. You have to have a good knowledge of paint and glaze. Also an art background is very useful, and the basic painting skills enabling you to apply the various coatings evenly and quickly without drips and misses.
It's just another learnt skill, so why not start now?
visit us at http://www.mercuryminc.net/
Once the methods are learnt they are fairly straight forward.
It's like the old fable about a king wanting to learn to paint. He goes to see a tutor and asks to be taught. The teacher says" OK, but first you must learn to dance, so he goes to see a dance teacher and the teacher says "OK, but first you must learn music. And so on.
Well good Faux finishing is a bit like that. You have to have a good knowledge of paint and glaze. Also an art background is very useful, and the basic painting skills enabling you to apply the various coatings evenly and quickly without drips and misses.
It's just another learnt skill, so why not start now?
visit us at http://www.mercuryminc.net/
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Painting Murals (cont)
Just a thought about the possibilities that are out there for the creative person. Research and preparation are the main thing behind most great works. However there are some that just arrive in the mind of an artist and demand to be painted. I love intuitive works but, if you are a working artist, try telling that to your already jumpy customer. People want to know two things; how much and what's it going to look like.
visit us at www.mercuryminc.net
visit us at www.mercuryminc.net
Friday, January 22, 2010
Who paints murals?
There are some very well known muralists around the world.
In North America Eric Grohe has made a huge impact with his architectual mural works.
Many students will paint a mural, but this is a risky propersition as experience is a great advantage in this field.
Aside from the actual painting, knowledge of paint and the performance of different types of primers are essentential if the masterpiece is to last more than a couple of years.
Eric Grohe's painting is done with a German mineral paint that hardens over time.
The whale muralist Wyland uses epoxy primers to help his wonderful freehand whale murals.
We also have a good grounding in paint science, so visit our site at http://www.mercuryminc.net/
In North America Eric Grohe has made a huge impact with his architectual mural works.
Many students will paint a mural, but this is a risky propersition as experience is a great advantage in this field.
Aside from the actual painting, knowledge of paint and the performance of different types of primers are essentential if the masterpiece is to last more than a couple of years.
Eric Grohe's painting is done with a German mineral paint that hardens over time.
The whale muralist Wyland uses epoxy primers to help his wonderful freehand whale murals.
We also have a good grounding in paint science, so visit our site at http://www.mercuryminc.net/
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Graffitti or mural
If you like it, it's a mural. If you hate it, graffitti. There is some great graffitti out there, and I don't mean those pesky tags. Kamloops BC is, unfortunately not a mural town. I have worked hard trying to encourage murals but they have a built in aversion to anything arty thats not in a gallery or very temporary.
So all of my mural work here is interior, although I would love to paint Kamloops into the twenty first century, with some eye catching, beautiful images.
visit us at www.mercuryminc.net
So all of my mural work here is interior, although I would love to paint Kamloops into the twenty first century, with some eye catching, beautiful images.
visit us at www.mercuryminc.net
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Mural painting
Painting Murals.
Because I have spent twenty five years in the film industry, painting murals became a regular occurance in my life. I've worked with great muralists and not so great ones. Some are good at very large projects and some, smaller works.
One important thing that I learnt was that whoever wants a mural would like to see what they are getting before it's completed.
I took a coarse on Photoshop at Quantlen College and that was an excellent way to convey to my clients a visual representation
of my work before it is complete. Submit an idea to me, and I will give you an idea of how to turn it into a beautiful image that fits into you space.
The first consideration is light source. If your mural is in a hallway or away from natural light then you must consider your lighting arrangements. Even opposite a window you may need additional light to show the mural at night .
The light source is also of prime importance when painting the mural. Unless it's an abstract work with no need for an apparent light source. Any landscape, still life, figure or street sceen needs it's own apparent lighting. I usually have the painting lit from where ever the actual light is coming from, so as to not conflict with it.
Surface preparation must be done carefully. Fill, sand and prime with a top quality primer. Also be aware of your roller texture and/or brush marks to make sure they are compatible with the painting.
I spend a lot of time researching a mural before it is painted. The best painting style is wasted if the composition is wrong.
Placement of the mural and the position of the images with the mural are best delt with by drawing them out first and using whatever means you are comfortable with. I use photoshop, as it really help to convey to the client what they are going to see before the mural is painted. It's a lot easier to change before the hours have been spent painting the mural.
Colour mixing is a skill and without any art training it takes some raw talent and a do it anyway attitude.
My advice is to paint on a sample board first to warm up and discover the intereaction of you colours.
Using chalk or pencil is also a good way to put the image on the surface and see how it fits. If it is a complicated scene, and if you have a digital projector, than projecting the image and drawing it out from the projection is the best way to do the lay out. A thin mix of raw umber and a small brush is an excellent way to quickly sketch out the image.
After the surface is ready then the image has to be placed on the wall. The old way to do this was by way of a grid, a small grid on the orinal image and a large grid drawn on the area to be painted. This is useful if there is not enough space to use a digital projector, which, saves lots of time and places the image right where you need it. Use pencil or calk for this step and be loose with your style, try not to be rigid.
Once that is done then you can start blocking in the main colours. This is just putting in the background colours such as sky and buildings, or fields and mountains.
Because I have spent twenty five years in the film industry, painting murals became a regular occurance in my life. I've worked with great muralists and not so great ones. Some are good at very large projects and some, smaller works.
One important thing that I learnt was that whoever wants a mural would like to see what they are getting before it's completed.
I took a coarse on Photoshop at Quantlen College and that was an excellent way to convey to my clients a visual representation
of my work before it is complete. Submit an idea to me, and I will give you an idea of how to turn it into a beautiful image that fits into you space.
The first consideration is light source. If your mural is in a hallway or away from natural light then you must consider your lighting arrangements. Even opposite a window you may need additional light to show the mural at night .
The light source is also of prime importance when painting the mural. Unless it's an abstract work with no need for an apparent light source. Any landscape, still life, figure or street sceen needs it's own apparent lighting. I usually have the painting lit from where ever the actual light is coming from, so as to not conflict with it.
Surface preparation must be done carefully. Fill, sand and prime with a top quality primer. Also be aware of your roller texture and/or brush marks to make sure they are compatible with the painting.
I spend a lot of time researching a mural before it is painted. The best painting style is wasted if the composition is wrong.
Placement of the mural and the position of the images with the mural are best delt with by drawing them out first and using whatever means you are comfortable with. I use photoshop, as it really help to convey to the client what they are going to see before the mural is painted. It's a lot easier to change before the hours have been spent painting the mural.
Colour mixing is a skill and without any art training it takes some raw talent and a do it anyway attitude.
My advice is to paint on a sample board first to warm up and discover the intereaction of you colours.
Using chalk or pencil is also a good way to put the image on the surface and see how it fits. If it is a complicated scene, and if you have a digital projector, than projecting the image and drawing it out from the projection is the best way to do the lay out. A thin mix of raw umber and a small brush is an excellent way to quickly sketch out the image.
After the surface is ready then the image has to be placed on the wall. The old way to do this was by way of a grid, a small grid on the orinal image and a large grid drawn on the area to be painted. This is useful if there is not enough space to use a digital projector, which, saves lots of time and places the image right where you need it. Use pencil or calk for this step and be loose with your style, try not to be rigid.
Once that is done then you can start blocking in the main colours. This is just putting in the background colours such as sky and buildings, or fields and mountains.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Mural paint
So you have an idea about what you want to paint on your wall but what kind of paint should you use?
You can use your regular interior house paint but that depends on what type of image you are intending.
If it's a abstract shape or group of shapes and lines, then use a similar paint with the same sheen as the walls.
If you are painting a mural which has perspective and several planes (see art info) then I generally use a flat paint and protect the painting later with a flat glaze.(Stays Clear)
Cloverdale Paints has access to scenic paint, which is used in the film industry. This dries flat and comes in 4 liter containers. It is the best way to paint large area's which need lots of paint.
For more on this subject, contact us http://www.mercuryminc.net/
You can use your regular interior house paint but that depends on what type of image you are intending.
If it's a abstract shape or group of shapes and lines, then use a similar paint with the same sheen as the walls.
If you are painting a mural which has perspective and several planes (see art info) then I generally use a flat paint and protect the painting later with a flat glaze.(Stays Clear)
Cloverdale Paints has access to scenic paint, which is used in the film industry. This dries flat and comes in 4 liter containers. It is the best way to paint large area's which need lots of paint.
For more on this subject, contact us http://www.mercuryminc.net/
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Faux Finishes
My theory is that faux finishing falls out of favour everytime it comes into style because so many so called professionals are so bad at it. I have seen faux finishes that would make you groan in disbelief. Any time you combine colours together you need to know how they will work together.
Also dabbing on different colours one after the other is hardly faux finishing.
The subtle glow you can achieve with ragged off glazes are not easy and without a thorough knowledge of glazing, impossible. Latex based paint dries very quickly. Latex based glaze dries even quicker. So getting it off before it sets becomes a very big obsticle to that perfect finish. Also, tinting glazes is a very tricky thing and takes many years to master.
So faux finishing will come and go, but good faux finishing will always give you astounding looks and beautiful surfaces.
Visit us at http://www.mercuryminc.net/
Also dabbing on different colours one after the other is hardly faux finishing.
The subtle glow you can achieve with ragged off glazes are not easy and without a thorough knowledge of glazing, impossible. Latex based paint dries very quickly. Latex based glaze dries even quicker. So getting it off before it sets becomes a very big obsticle to that perfect finish. Also, tinting glazes is a very tricky thing and takes many years to master.
So faux finishing will come and go, but good faux finishing will always give you astounding looks and beautiful surfaces.
Visit us at http://www.mercuryminc.net/
Friday, January 15, 2010
Murals
Is a mural something to consider for your home or business?
The main reason people don't have more art in their homes is that it's not all that easy to find a competant artist who has experience painting murals. Also the cost is a major factor in not having anything but the basic paint on your walls. Considering a mural really says that you have confidence in your own taste and enough income to think about surrounding yourself with beautiful, meanful images.
Now if your in business it's a whole different ballgame. Murals are a very good communication tool between you and your customers. They can inspire, encourage, or relax people. Many companies have used murals successfully to grow their customer base and sell exciting new products.
Also a mural is a great way to change the appearance of an ugly building and increase the publics interest in your premises.
Visit us at www.mercuryminc.net
The main reason people don't have more art in their homes is that it's not all that easy to find a competant artist who has experience painting murals. Also the cost is a major factor in not having anything but the basic paint on your walls. Considering a mural really says that you have confidence in your own taste and enough income to think about surrounding yourself with beautiful, meanful images.
Now if your in business it's a whole different ballgame. Murals are a very good communication tool between you and your customers. They can inspire, encourage, or relax people. Many companies have used murals successfully to grow their customer base and sell exciting new products.
Also a mural is a great way to change the appearance of an ugly building and increase the publics interest in your premises.
Visit us at www.mercuryminc.net
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The world of filler.
When painting or just fixing your home, you will eventually come across a hole that needs to be patched. All fillers are not created equal however. Many companies have tried to make the perfect filling compound but still the most convenient is good old Redy Filla. It's really just the stuff that drywallers use and is good for most jobs.
If you need to fill a bigger hole a powdered patching compound is what you want. Often referred to as Fast Set (the most common brand). Because it chemically sets up, the patch won't shrink and fall out as will the Redy filla.
My favourite is Polyfilla, because you can buy it in smaller boxes and it is a reliable way to fix dings, cracks, and holes.
One tip, don't put water in a container and mix it, put a little on a board and gently add water. Why? because it's very hard to guage the amount if you add powder to water. Don't make it too runny and use it with in 10 minutes otherwise it will set up and be useless.
For more paint related topics, read my previous blogs or visit our site.
http://www.mercuryminc.net/
If you need to fill a bigger hole a powdered patching compound is what you want. Often referred to as Fast Set (the most common brand). Because it chemically sets up, the patch won't shrink and fall out as will the Redy filla.
My favourite is Polyfilla, because you can buy it in smaller boxes and it is a reliable way to fix dings, cracks, and holes.
One tip, don't put water in a container and mix it, put a little on a board and gently add water. Why? because it's very hard to guage the amount if you add powder to water. Don't make it too runny and use it with in 10 minutes otherwise it will set up and be useless.
For more paint related topics, read my previous blogs or visit our site.
http://www.mercuryminc.net/
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Everything is green,but?
From lime kilns in Cornwall 2 centuries ago, to the latest low VOC paints coming onto the market in 2010. We, as a species may well be inclined to slap ourselves on the collective backs for a job well done.
Before we get too excited, remember that water soluble products are contributing to contaminated water supplies world wide. The paint industry, to which I must also belong, is not really taking the lead in this rush to be green. It is grudgingly being pushed to adopt new rules that it wished would not be there.
We, (that's you and me), are a force that CAN change the way all industries produce products. We only have to demand change and it will happen. The problem there is that we are so used to cheap, we don't really care about the cost to the evironment. How much do you know about the paint you put on your walls? Is it full of fungucides? what are VOC's? can my children lick the paint?
Individually we do care, but together we are as careless as a herd of buffalo's running over a cliff.
So consumers, educate yourselves about the products you buy, it's your responsibility, and your duty to your children and grandchildren.
Happy painting.
http://www.mercuryminc.net/
Benjamin Moore
Before we get too excited, remember that water soluble products are contributing to contaminated water supplies world wide. The paint industry, to which I must also belong, is not really taking the lead in this rush to be green. It is grudgingly being pushed to adopt new rules that it wished would not be there.
We, (that's you and me), are a force that CAN change the way all industries produce products. We only have to demand change and it will happen. The problem there is that we are so used to cheap, we don't really care about the cost to the evironment. How much do you know about the paint you put on your walls? Is it full of fungucides? what are VOC's? can my children lick the paint?
Individually we do care, but together we are as careless as a herd of buffalo's running over a cliff.
So consumers, educate yourselves about the products you buy, it's your responsibility, and your duty to your children and grandchildren.
Happy painting.
http://www.mercuryminc.net/
Benjamin Moore
Monday, January 11, 2010
Clear finishes
Varnish is the first thing that comes to most peoples mind when I mention a clear finish.
With the new regulations coming into affect this year, water borne finishes are becoming the only choice. As with latex paint, the problem is that the open time (working time) is short, and these water thinned products don't bring out the look of the grain as well as their oil based cousins.
Benjamin Moore has a product called 'Stays Clear" an interior clear coating that is by far the best for interior finishing. Flecto has an interior Urethane for wood and floors that is also very good.
When applying these you must work fast and make sure you brush them out in both directions before laying them off. If you add colour contact me for more help before starting.
Visit us @ http://www.mercuryminc.net/
With the new regulations coming into affect this year, water borne finishes are becoming the only choice. As with latex paint, the problem is that the open time (working time) is short, and these water thinned products don't bring out the look of the grain as well as their oil based cousins.
Benjamin Moore has a product called 'Stays Clear" an interior clear coating that is by far the best for interior finishing. Flecto has an interior Urethane for wood and floors that is also very good.
When applying these you must work fast and make sure you brush them out in both directions before laying them off. If you add colour contact me for more help before starting.
Visit us @ http://www.mercuryminc.net/
Friday, January 8, 2010
Wallpaper paste
Wallpaper paste comes in a few varieties. The premixed paste can be cellulose, or clay based.
I like the clear vinyl paste which works for most applications.
I know most wallpapers are prepasted, but if you choose an expensive wallpaper, then it will likely be unpasted. Hence this little blog. In the film industry we used wheat paste for many scenic applications but it is hard to find, hard to mix, and is prone to mold.
visit my site @ www.mercuryminc.net or look at my past blogs on painting.
I like the clear vinyl paste which works for most applications.
I know most wallpapers are prepasted, but if you choose an expensive wallpaper, then it will likely be unpasted. Hence this little blog. In the film industry we used wheat paste for many scenic applications but it is hard to find, hard to mix, and is prone to mold.
visit my site @ www.mercuryminc.net or look at my past blogs on painting.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
How to apply wallpaper
Those video's over on the left are random samples from Youtube, there is no way I can recomend or critique them, so watch at your own risk.
Wallpaper goes in and out of style. In 2010 it is gaining ground again.
Every wallpaper can have different installation instructions. Read them carefully.
I have been hanging wallpaper since I was sixteen, and still I read the instructions.
With the expensive custom wallpapers, I suggest having an experienced tradesperson do it. This though is easier said than done. How do do find someone who really can do it properly?
The supplier should have a list, but since it's been in decline for a few years people who have lots of experience are rare.
Tomorrow I am going to install wallpaper for a customer, I will video the process and post it, as writing the process down won't really help you here.
Visit us @ www.mercuryminc.net
The 'this old house' site has lots of tips too.http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/0,,,00.html
Wallpaper goes in and out of style. In 2010 it is gaining ground again.
Every wallpaper can have different installation instructions. Read them carefully.
I have been hanging wallpaper since I was sixteen, and still I read the instructions.
With the expensive custom wallpapers, I suggest having an experienced tradesperson do it. This though is easier said than done. How do do find someone who really can do it properly?
The supplier should have a list, but since it's been in decline for a few years people who have lots of experience are rare.
Tomorrow I am going to install wallpaper for a customer, I will video the process and post it, as writing the process down won't really help you here.
Visit us @ www.mercuryminc.net
The 'this old house' site has lots of tips too.http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/0,,,00.html
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Removing wallpaper
So you have a room(s) with ugly wallpaper and it has to come off.
Sometimes you can find a corner that's lifted and pull the top layer off. This will help speed up the proccess.
You will need; some old towels, a bucket and sponge, a scraper (it has a flat blade like a filling knife but stiff),you can use an old filling knife also. You'll need a paint roller and tray and an old paint brush.
Place the towels up against the bottom of the wall to prevent pools of water.
Put hot water in the bucket, then pour some in the tray and begin rolling the water onto the wallpaper.
Tip; only roll upwards, otherwise the water will run down the wall. Use the brush to wet the edges where the roller can't reach.
Now leave it for 10 minutes then go back and wet the area again.
It might soak in quickly or it might take several wettings, but eventually the water will loosen the paste that sticks the paper to the wall. Only when it comes off easily, start the scraping process.
When you have removed all the wallpaper you need to wash off the paste residue, (all of it).
If you don't do the last step the paint you apply will be rough and will tend to crack and possibly fall off.
One last thing, the old wet wallpaper is slick and if allowed to dry, sticks to everything, so pick it up immediately and put it in a garbage bag.
Please visit our site for more info, or read my blogs further down the page.
www.mercuryminc.net
Sometimes you can find a corner that's lifted and pull the top layer off. This will help speed up the proccess.
You will need; some old towels, a bucket and sponge, a scraper (it has a flat blade like a filling knife but stiff),you can use an old filling knife also. You'll need a paint roller and tray and an old paint brush.
Place the towels up against the bottom of the wall to prevent pools of water.
Put hot water in the bucket, then pour some in the tray and begin rolling the water onto the wallpaper.
Tip; only roll upwards, otherwise the water will run down the wall. Use the brush to wet the edges where the roller can't reach.
Now leave it for 10 minutes then go back and wet the area again.
It might soak in quickly or it might take several wettings, but eventually the water will loosen the paste that sticks the paper to the wall. Only when it comes off easily, start the scraping process.
When you have removed all the wallpaper you need to wash off the paste residue, (all of it).
If you don't do the last step the paint you apply will be rough and will tend to crack and possibly fall off.
One last thing, the old wet wallpaper is slick and if allowed to dry, sticks to everything, so pick it up immediately and put it in a garbage bag.
Please visit our site for more info, or read my blogs further down the page.
www.mercuryminc.net
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Painting baseboards and stairs
When you are confronted with having to brush down to your precious carpet, there are a couple of things you should know.
Make sure you have vacuumed where they carpet meets the baseboard.
Buy a12" drywall knife or an edger tool, which is between 12" and 36" and is specifically for this task.
With your cutting can and brush ready, make sure you have a damp rag close by and a drop sheet on the carpet. The drop sheet should stop about 2" from the baseboard.
Now push the blade of the drywall knife to depress the carpet and protect it. The blade of the drywall knife should be just under or against the bottom of the baseboard. Next carefully cut in the baseboard.
Don't feel as though you can just slop paint on the blade of the drywall knife, as this will increase the risk of get some on your carpet.
If you do get paint on the carpet, dab it off and add more water if necessary, try not to rub as this can discolour the carpet. Don't continue until the paint is completely gone from the carpet.
Wipe the blade of the drywall knife with every move.
Don't over load your brush, this will avoid drips.
For more info, see last years blogs below, or visit us @ www.mercuryminc.net
Make sure you have vacuumed where they carpet meets the baseboard.
Buy a12" drywall knife or an edger tool, which is between 12" and 36" and is specifically for this task.
With your cutting can and brush ready, make sure you have a damp rag close by and a drop sheet on the carpet. The drop sheet should stop about 2" from the baseboard.
Now push the blade of the drywall knife to depress the carpet and protect it. The blade of the drywall knife should be just under or against the bottom of the baseboard. Next carefully cut in the baseboard.
Don't feel as though you can just slop paint on the blade of the drywall knife, as this will increase the risk of get some on your carpet.
If you do get paint on the carpet, dab it off and add more water if necessary, try not to rub as this can discolour the carpet. Don't continue until the paint is completely gone from the carpet.
Wipe the blade of the drywall knife with every move.
Don't over load your brush, this will avoid drips.
For more info, see last years blogs below, or visit us @ www.mercuryminc.net
Monday, January 4, 2010
Paint selection
Choosing paint for your home painting project is an important step.
Except for a few Alkyd paint diehards (sorry folks), Latex paint is what you will use.
Avoid really cheap no name products, cheap paint is cheap paint!
Eggshell finish refers to the sheen of the paint and not the colour.
Usually, eggshell is used everywhere including bathrooms and kitchen.
However, rooms where moisture can be a problem, use semi gloss or pearl, the latter has a sheen between semi gloss and eggshell.
There are some good washable flat finishes in the high end paints. These are good for Faux Finishes and some living area's.
Quality is important. The top of the line products are worth the money because you get a better looking job, and also last longer.
Benjamin Moore is a favourite of mine, I also use Cloverdale Paint, and General Paint.
Benjamin Moore has a great reputation and their top of the line paints perform very well.
Please visit our site @ www.mercuryminc.net or www.benjaminmoore.ca
Have fun, Ken.
Except for a few Alkyd paint diehards (sorry folks), Latex paint is what you will use.
Avoid really cheap no name products, cheap paint is cheap paint!
Eggshell finish refers to the sheen of the paint and not the colour.
Usually, eggshell is used everywhere including bathrooms and kitchen.
However, rooms where moisture can be a problem, use semi gloss or pearl, the latter has a sheen between semi gloss and eggshell.
There are some good washable flat finishes in the high end paints. These are good for Faux Finishes and some living area's.
Quality is important. The top of the line products are worth the money because you get a better looking job, and also last longer.
Benjamin Moore is a favourite of mine, I also use Cloverdale Paint, and General Paint.
Benjamin Moore has a great reputation and their top of the line paints perform very well.
Please visit our site @ www.mercuryminc.net or www.benjaminmoore.ca
Have fun, Ken.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
New year resolutions.
When you decide that a repaint is in order this year, the first thing to do is write down a plan.
Putting pen to paper always helps to put things in perspective.
Which area's are you going to paint? What are your colour choices?
Do you have area's that a professional may have to deal with, such as, ceilings, or high walls in the foyer?
Do you have the experience to paint the trim without producing a disaster? The 5 P's from the US navy are good to keep in mind whatever you do.
Prior planning prevents poor paint jobs.
OK I added the last word.
Happy painting ,please visit our site before you begin, and read some of last years blogs about paint tips and trade secrets. Ken. www.mercuryminc.net
Putting pen to paper always helps to put things in perspective.
Which area's are you going to paint? What are your colour choices?
Do you have area's that a professional may have to deal with, such as, ceilings, or high walls in the foyer?
Do you have the experience to paint the trim without producing a disaster? The 5 P's from the US navy are good to keep in mind whatever you do.
Prior planning prevents poor paint jobs.
OK I added the last word.
Happy painting ,please visit our site before you begin, and read some of last years blogs about paint tips and trade secrets. Ken. www.mercuryminc.net
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Who do you listen to?
I just looked at You Tube video's about painting. I wanted to know who was talking about, and showing the howto's on this subject. Well the first one was not good, it included a guy on a ladder with a roller tray full of paint balanced on his hand like a Pizza, painting around the top of the wall cutting in the ceiling.
Also we saw no roller extension pole and a wacky technique for rolling the wall.
It goes to show that they don't know what they aught to know when explaining a painting technique.
The next one was better, so there are some video's to watch on this subject.
The thing is how do you know what to watch? I promise to give you the best idea's on painting.
Visit us www.mercuryminc.net or see my first You Tube video here
See you tomorrow, Ken.
Also we saw no roller extension pole and a wacky technique for rolling the wall.
It goes to show that they don't know what they aught to know when explaining a painting technique.
The next one was better, so there are some video's to watch on this subject.
The thing is how do you know what to watch? I promise to give you the best idea's on painting.
Visit us www.mercuryminc.net or see my first You Tube video here
See you tomorrow, Ken.
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