Homeowner / DIY
8 published entries.
A painting job brings together a surface, a coating, a method, equipment, and the discipline to carry the work through. SPATE gives those decisions a shared language: Substrate, Product, Application, Tools, and Execution.
Choose brushes and roller covers for wall paint, enamels, primers, and stains using my field selections. Includes shared nap tables for drywall, cedar, stucco, and smooth finishes, plus frame choices, mini rollers, water-based cleanup, storage, and replacement checks.
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.
Entry 012
Diagnosing and Correcting Paint Flashing
Troubleshoot flashing, uneven paint, and a blotchy finish on painted vinyl siding and interior walls. Learn to level repairs, match texture, correct cut-in bands, repaint corner to corner, and inspect the dried result.
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.