Ken Rader tells you how to repair sheetrock

Some Basics that you will find helpful
By:  Ken Rader, Professional Painter in Fayetteville Arkansas

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It wouldn't be at all uncommon for you to find a need to repair drywall in your home that has been damaged or you may find an occasional protruding drywall nail head or screw head that will require attention. If you choose to repair these damaged places, you might need a few tips. Here are 4 steps that will be of help to you in repairing damaged drywall.
Step 1 – Fill Dents or Holes

If your dent is shallow—that is, if it is ½" or less in depth—you will be able to patch it using only joint compound. If it is deeper, or if you have a hole through the drywall, you will need to apply a patch over the damaged area. For a shallow dent, spread a layer of mud (joint compound) over the dent. Then, cut a small piece of drywall paper or fiberglass screen and press it onto the drywall surface. The patch should cover the hole but should also leave a flat, even surface. Using your joint knife or putty knife, spread another layer of joint compound over the screen and allow the compound to dry.
You can use fast setting drywall compound.  It comes in a bag and is designed to set up and dry in 20 minutes, 45 minutes and 90 minutes.  I would recommend using either the 45 minute or 90 minute mix.  You have to be really fast if you want to use the 20 minute stuff.  It will set up in your mud pan and is a real job to get it cleaned out.  They are all easy sand and so you can fill and put on the final coat in just a couple of hours.

Step 2 – Apply Compound a Second Time
When the compound covering the patch is dry and you begin sanding, you may discover that the patch surface is slightly indented. If it is, apply another coat of compound and level its surface by drawing the flat edge of your joint knife across it. Be sure the surface is level. When it has dried and after you have sanded you find that the surface is still indented, apply another layer of compound. You can use regular joint compound for the final coating.  Just add a little water to it so that it will smooth easier.  Thin coats dry pretty fast.

Step 3 – Repair Protruding Nail Heads or Screw Heads
When finding a protruding nail or screw head, test it to determine if it is loose or whether it has simply not been driven deeply enough into the drywall and joint. Occasionally, a nail or screw will be driven into the drywall but will miss the stud into which it should have been driven. Pull these nails out of the drywall and fill the hole as described in Step 1. If the nail (or screw) is driven into the wall stud, but is not driven below the drywall surface, use a hammer or screwdriver to hammer it in or drive it further into the wall stud. The head will need to be sunk below the surface of the drywall. Then fill the depression with compound as described in Step 1.  It is usually best to use a drywall screw next to a nail that has popped.  This will keep the nail from popping again.  Be sure and recess the screw head into the drywall and fill the area with compound.


Step 4 – Sand and Paint
When the compound is dry the color in the center will be the same light shade as the color of the compound at the outer edge and you need to use your sand block and sandpaper to sand the surface. Using the sand block will be necessary to insure that the entire surface of the damaged area is flat and is the same level as the surrounding surface.  You can do what some describe as wet sanding.  Use a big sponge like they used for cleaning tile and lightly go over the compound.  Work with it just a little and you will see how you can remove some of it just like sanding, only without the dust. Finally, wipe the dust left from sanding and apply a coat of primer.  Use a premium acrylic primer that will dry in about one hour and you can paint it within 2 hours. When the primer is dry, apply a coat of paint that matches the rest of the wall.

Read more: We offer several articles that will help you make repairs, paint, wallpaper, strip wallpaper and choose you style of decor.

KEN RADER INTERIORS L.L.C. IS PROUD TO OFFER THIS INFORMATION.  WE OFFER ARTICLES ABOUT PAINTING AND DECORATING FOR YOUR EDUCATION AND ENJOYMENT.

WE ARE PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND DECORATORS IN FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS.
WE OFFER PAINTING AND DECORATING SERVICES THROUGHOUT NORTHWEST ARKANSAS.

FOR ALL OF YOUR PAINTING NEEDS CALL US AT (479) 443-3686
EMAIL US AT kennethrader@att.net and be sure and visit our web page at http://www.kenraderinteriors.com
  AS ALWAYS “HAPPY PAINTING AND DECORATING!”

Arkansas Best Painters- How to Paint a Room

HOW TO PAINT!  A FEW BASICS FOR YOU.
KEN RADER INTERIORS L.L.C. IS PROUD TO OFFER THIS INFORMATION.  WE OFFER ARTICLES ABOUT PAINTING AND DECORATING FOR YOUR EDUCATION AND ENJOYMENT.

WE ARE PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND DECORATORS IN FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS.
WE OFFER PAINTING AND DECORATING SERVICES THROUGHOUT NORTHWEST ARKANSAS.

FOR ALL OF YOUR PAINTING NEEDS CALL US AT (479) 443-3686
EMAIL US AT kennethrader@att.net and be sure and visit our web page at http://www.ArkansasBestPainters.com
HAPPY PAINTING AND DECORATING!

A room looks wonderful with a fresh coat of paint. But if you have a "Love-Hate" relationship with painting, you'll want to read our tips on getting a great finished product. You might even enjoy the project as much as the finished product!Start Out Right

• You'll enjoy the job more if you get everything together at the start. Organize a tool station in the middle of the area you'll be working in. Gather together your paint, brushes, rollers, hammers, screwdrivers, plastic bags, plastic wrap, rags, paint can opener, and drop cloths.

Plan a Day for Prep

• Don't try to get everything done in one day. Use the day before painting day to gather furniture in the center of the room, patch cracks and holes, put blue painter's tape around doors and windows, and cover wall and ceiling light fixtures (light bulbs removed, of course!) with large plastic bags.

Clear the Decks

• If you can, clear out all the furniture and accessories. Take everything off the walls. If you can't move everything out, place the furniture and lamps in the middle of the room and cover them with a good drop cloth. Be sure that you tape the cloth around the furniture. Then put a second cover of plastic or old sheet over everything.
• 

Remove All Hardware

• It may seem easier to paint around door knobs or cabinet hinges, but unless you're a professional, very experienced painter, you're bound to get drips around. So carry around some zip top bags and remove all cabinet knobs and hinges, door knobs, light switch plates and outlet covers, and light fixtures. Place the pieces together in separate bags and clearly mark the contents and location (top left cabinet, bathroom door, etc) you took them from. This is a great time to clean the hardware! Put them back when you're done painting.

Get Yourself Ready

I know this looks a bit extreme.  However, depending on how extensive your project is you may need to use some of this gear.  At the least you will need, safety glasses, and a dust mask.  And yes, this is me!  Total remodel of a 5,000 sq. ft. bldg.  I did not do it all myself.  I was involved with Texture of walls and ceilings, Drywall tape and mud, and painting.

• No matter how hard you try, you're bound to get drips (or more) of paint on whatever you're wearing. So take off all jewelry. Reserve some old, but comfortable, clothes for your painting jobs. Slip-on shoes are easy to take off if you need to leave the room. You won't have to worry about tracking drops of paint into other rooms. When you paint the ceiling, put a scarf, shower cap, or old baseball hat over your hair and some plastic over your eyeglasses.

Don't Paint Over Problem Walls

• If your walls have holes or cracks, fix them before you start with the paint. Any home center or paint store has knowledgeable personnel to guide you to the best products for the job. Wide cracks and large holes can be "bridged" with fiberglass tape, spackle will fill small holes and cracks, and texturizing products are available to match your existing wall finish.
• We hope this helps.  If you live in the Northwest Arkansas Area give us a call or drop us an email.  We would love to assist you on your next painting project.
• As Always "Happy Painting and Decorating"

EXTERIOR COLOR SCHEME-FIVE TIPS TO CHOOSE YOUR COLOR

EXTERIOR COLOR SCHEMES

FIVE TIPS TO SUCCESSFULLY PICK YOUR COLOR!

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING YOUR NEXT COLOR.

COLOR TRENDS, PAINTS AND GOOD PAINTING PRACTICE

Do you plan on sprucing up your home exteriors this fall?  Or, are you considering placing you home on the market?  No matter what the reason, a fresh coat of paint can immediately revive the overall appearance of what typically is your largest investment, YOUR HOME.

   When it comes to exterior painting, many people chose to repaint using the same colors that already exist on the house.  However, choosing a new color scheme can be exciting and provide a new and updated look.  In addition, remind yourself that refreshing your home with a new paint job is one of the most cost-effective projects you can invest in and one that truly adds value.

   Choosing a new color scheme might seem daunting at first; however, here are some suggestions that will help and guide you through the color selection process.

1. CONSIDER THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE HOME

Some architectural styles, such as Victorian, lend themselves to elaborate four and even five-color schemes. Others, like Georgian or Colonial styles, are better-suited to two or three colors.  Usually this includes a main body color and one or two accent colors for trim, shutters and doors.

    2.   NOTE THE MATERIAL OF CONSTRUCTION

         If the home is made of wood, brick, masonry or aluminum siding, IT CAN BE     PAINTED virtually any color.  However, if it has vinyl siding, it might be best to paint it a similar hue to the original, although newer paints on the market have been formulated to allow for a wider choice on this surface.  And several primer/sealers of the acrylic variety will stick to the vinyl siding and allow premium exterior paint of any color to be applied. These include Bulls Eye 1-2-3, Glidden Gripper, Kilz Total Premium.  If you read the labels of these products you will see that they claim to stick to any surface.  I have used all three of these and they deliver on their promise.

   3.  TAKE FIXED COLORS INTO ACCOUNT

   Consider the colors on and near the house that cannot, or will not, be painted.  This includes the roof color and wood, masonry or stone that will be left unpainted.  Just remember that all of these surfaces can be painted with the technology of paints and primers that are on the market today.

4.      CONSIDER THE SURROUNDINGS

Look at the hues of neighboring homes and buildings-particularly those that are right next door. You would not want to suggest a color that is exactly the same as your neighbor’s home, and conversely, you don’t want to clash with it either.  Also, be sure to take into account any plantings that are in your yard or landscaping.  If your house is in a neighborhood where the houses are fairly close together, then you would likewise consider the plantings and landscaping of a nearby neighbor.  This can make your house and property appear larger than it is when it compliments what is next door.

5.      CHECK FOR RESTRICTIONS

Some historical districts, newer developments, and townhome or condominium communities have restrictions on what paint colors or color combinations may be used.  To avoid disappointment, it’s best to find out about these limitations before choosing and applying new hues.

Well, there you have it, 5 excellent tips to help you pick your new color for your home.  This is the easy process.  Next comes, the painting process.  This is probably the most difficult and misunderstood process of all home improvement projects.  I know, you have been bombarded with the idea that you can do it yourself.  Yes you can, but at what cost.  I mean, what will it going to cost you in your time, energy and any relationship you have with your mate or neighbors.  It can be ugly.  Please give consideration to hiring the professional painter for this.  Exterior painting is a different animal than interior painting.  It is a big ugly animal that will bite you, maul you and leave you whimpering on the ground.  I have seen this happen and witnessed this ugly truth.

Check out our web page at www.kenraderinteriors.com

Look us up and like us at www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors.

Be sure and check out our other blog posts.  We have endeavored to cover a wide range of subjects within the painting industry.

Also, if you are in need of carpet cleaning or carpet cleaning advice, please visit our partner site www.kleensmart.net and look up our blogs on www.kleensmart2012.wordpress.com

As always “Happy Painting and Decorating”

Ken Rader

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.     Serving Northwest Arkansas U.S.A.

Choose the Professional Painter and save yourself the stress

House Painters – Choosing the right Professional Painter is easier that you think.

 

Your Home is your Castle, when you're looking to make a alteration or improvement to it, you have to consider not only the final finished product, but likewise the experience, and of course professional behavior and all around worth that goes into the project. When you think about house painters, you can measure their service from the bottom up to see if they perform up to a professional level.
When you hire a painting contractor, the expense of materials consumes a significant portion of the currency you pay. Quality House Painters simply use only the highest quality materials to guarantee that your painting investment endures and looks attractive for many years.  If they use cheap paint, DO NOT HIRE THEM!
Of course, the labor itself is the other major cost, and if a house painting company employs the right people, that can go a long way towards ensuring you receive quality for your money.  The best companies are usually owned and operated by one person or perhaps a husband and wife team.  They usually do all the work thus keeping control of quality and time spent on the job. That means that the company has to invest in itself and its employees, with the proper compensation, benefits and treatment, to ensure that the benefits of high quality employment is passed along to you.
The work of completing a chore also has to come with safe procedures and efficiency. Is the company insured?  It is a valid and good question.  Accidents must be prevented, or repairs may have to follow.  Is the company properly licensed?  It is very rare these days to find that licenses are not needed.  Rather, with each passing year more licenses are required, both state and usually city. Projects ought to be completed within the budget or estimate, and on schedule with what has been projected. Meeting these challenges is the distinguishing factor of a true high quality company.
When you employ skilled and qualified House Painters, you will be getting much more than coats of paint on your walls. They are experts in their field, bringing all of their experience along to your project to insure superior results. Skilled house painters will do surface preparation to guarantee a flawless finish, and will spot potential troubles before the work starts.  A skilled professional is proud of his work and it is the best advertising he can have.  So he will do the best job possible.
This kind of skill and professionalism can only come with experience. House painters of this level of skill and knowledge can accurately judge the amount of paint and other materials are needed, and will have all of the tools or gear required to complete a job of any type, or deal with any and all issues which may arise.
So if you are getting ready for a painting and fixing up project this year make your selections wisely. Purchasing experience and professionalism will make a big difference. Scan their reviews, ask for references, and check to see if they are A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau. Do they maintain a five star evaluation in reviews and have been in service for many years. The qualified painting company always puts the customers first. This is the reason great painting companies have so many repeat customers. They know they can count on them to deliver the service they require.
Ken Rader is owner and operator of Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C. in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Ken shares his knowledge on house painters. House painting. (Interior and Exterior) and other home improvement topics. Check out all of our blogs.  We are sure you will find some information that will assist you in your Home improvement projects.
As always “Happy Painting and Decorating”
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You may also leave comments and they are always welcome.  We are always striving to improve our articles and have a share in a wonderful experience for you on your next home improvement project.
Ken Rader