Surface contamination
Dust, dirt, residue or chalk between coats.
12 published entries.
Entry001
Preparing and Repainting Cedar Siding
An inspection-led guide to cedar siding and shakes: diagnosing peeling, agreeing repairs, cleaning and removing failed coating, confirming dryness, priming, spraying an exterior acrylic finish, and inspecting the result.
Entry002
Preparing and Painting New Drywall
A good new-drywall paint job begins before the primer goes on. Identify the finish, inspect the entire job, and resolve the preparation work. Then keep inspecting as each stage is completed.
Entry003
Repainting Previously Painted Interior Walls
An interior repaint starts with the condition of the existing room: investigate damage, remove what is failing, repair and clean the surface, spot-prime where needed, and apply two finish coats. Sound existing paint does not automatically require a full coat of primer.
Entry007
Preparing and Repainting Rusted Steel and Iron
Rust treatment begins with the condition of the metal, not the choice of paint. Establish that the component can remain in service, remove failed material, and build a compatible coating system on a properly prepared surface. Inspection at each stage prevents roughness, missed areas, and poor coverage from carrying through to the finished work.
Entry008
Preparing and Painting Exterior Aluminum
A smooth aluminum finish begins with removing corrosion products, preparing the remaining coating, and choosing a compatible primer and finish. This entry records my workflow for exterior aluminum and keeps it distinct from the rust-conversion methods used on steel and iron.
Entry009
Choosing the Right Primer
Choose a primer for the surface it will actually touch, the problem it must solve, and the finish that will follow. Identify the underlying material and the existing coating, prepare them properly, and test uncertain combinations before committing to an entire surface.
Entry010
Refinishing Cabinets with Painted Finishes
A practical painted-cabinet workflow covering cleaning, repairs, grain filling, coating-system choices, spraying, finaling, handling, and touch-ups. Field methods are distinguished from product instructions, with spray-area planning based on cited official requirements and manufacturer directions.
Entry011
Refinishing Cabinets with Stain and Clear Finishes
A cabinet-refinishing guide to stripping and restaining, darkening a sound finish, matching repair color and grain, applying compatible clear coats, and checking the installed result. Includes first-person field practice and separate manufacturer directions.
Entry013
Removing Wallpaper and Preparing the Wall for Paint
A steam-first wallpaper-removal process covering test areas, scoring, adhesive cleanup, drying, damaged drywall facing, patching, full-wall priming, and the final repaint. Includes the limited paint-over exception and separately sourced manufacturer directions.
Entry014
Preparing and Painting Interior Doors and Trim
An interior door and trim repainting guide covering existing-finish assessment, hardware protection, cleaning, feathering, filling, spot-priming, applicator selection, two finish coats, run correction, and careful reassembly. Includes product-specific drying times and the distinction between dry-to-touch and resistance to sticking.
Entry015
Preparing and Painting Exterior Wood Trim and Fascia
An exterior wood trim and fascia guide covering firmness checks, repair or replacement, mildew cleaning, failed-paint removal, localized filler repairs, wood primer, caulking, and two satin acrylic finish coats. Final inspection emphasizes seams, edges, and complete coverage of exposed wood.
Entry 016
Preparing and Staining Exterior Wood Decks
Prepare and stain wood decks, from replacing unsound boards and identifying old finishes to cleaning, brightening, moisture checks, and full-board application. Separate instructions cover water-based deck stains and wiping excess oil from Ipe, with project photographs and maintenance guidance.