People often wonder: can you paint pressure treated wood? The answer is, yes, but there are some important things to consider for best results. There are extra steps you need to take that aren’t necessary with regular lumber.
Pressure treated lumber needs time to dry out completely before it’s painted. Showing a little patience, then applying the proper paint and primer will be your best chance at a successful and long-lasting outcome.
Pressure treated wood needs time to dry out before it’s primed or painted. You can expect 3-4 months before the moisture levels fully go down. If moisture beads up on the surface, it’s still too damp. You’ll know the treated wood is ready to paint when it absorbs water instead of repelling it. If you picked up pressure treated lumber from the hardware store, chances are it will be too wet to use right away. There are also chemicals in the wood such as resin and pitch that need time to dry out as well. The danger in painting too soon is that your lumber could decay and deteriorate much faster than if given time to properly cure.
The drying out process will obviously take longer depending on your location and the climate where you live. Areas with extreme humidity will take treated wood much longer to cure. Cities such as Sacramento with a more arid and dry climate will speed up the process significantly.
How To Paint Pressure Treated Wood
Preparation
Before starting to paint, the first thing you should do is give the wood a good cleaning. Use soap and water to wash away any dirt and debris on the wood. You may need to scrub with a clean rag to really be thorough. When finished, wipe down with a dry rag and let it completely dry.
1. Let the wood dry
As mentioned earlier, between the chemicals used to treat the wood and the water used to clean it, the lumber needs time to dry out. This process can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months. Pressure treated wood that is kiln-dried after treatment will dry out much faster. So if you have a project that can’t wait, opt for kiln-dried wood.
2. Apply a coat of primer
Once you’ve tested the moisture of your wood and are certain it’s dry, you can apply a coat of primer. We recommend using a primer that is listed on the label as suitable for both treated and exterior wood alike.
3. Apply paint or stain
When the primer coat has had plenty of time to dry, the next step is to apply the paint or stain. Stain can be easier to apply but won’t fill in the cracks or give you the color options paint has to offer. Painting pressure treated wood can really change the look and fill in any cracks or imperfections. If you take the paint route we recommend applying at least two coats. Stay away from oil-based paints for treated wood as latex adheres much better. It may take a little longer but the extra protection a double coat gives from the sun and elements will be well worth it.
Conclusion on Painting Pressure Treated Wood
If you live in the Sacramento area and have further questions about painting treated wood or any other project you are working on, give PaintRite Pros a call. We offer a variety of top-quality painting services to people throughout Elk Grove and the surrounding areas. We’ll do everything we can to make sure you love the work we do. We serve the entire area including El Dorado Hills, Roseville, Stockton, and Davis.
When it comes to exterior painting projects it’s important to know what the best temperature to paint outside is. If you attempt to paint or stain when it’s too cold, you run the risk of ruining the project and wasting your precious time and money invested. Temperature and humidity are both important factors to consider when starting any outdoor painting project.
Most people understand that painting outdoors in the winter isn’t the best idea. When the weather turns colder it’s best to put off any outdoor painting projects until the warmer months arrive. On the other hand, you may wonder if painting outside during the hottest months of July and August could be a detriment to drying paint. Truth is that the best time to take on a painting project is when the temperature is moderate and with very little wind. We have found the ideal temperature to be between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit. A little wind might not seem like a big deal but it can cause your paint to dry too quickly.
Different temperature guidelines apply for different types of paint. For example, the exterior paint temperature should be between 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit when using latex paint. For oil-based paint, the ideal temperature should stay between 45-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Painting in the Heat
If the outside temperature is too high or too low, your paint might not bind together properly. This can lead to peeling or cracking of the paint once it dries. Certain paints, such as Latex, are harder to work within the heat because they have a tendency to dry out easily which compromises adhesion. Latex paints are usually the best for all exterior projects. Painting when it’s too hot can cause bubbles and blisters to form in the paint. Consequently, we recommend not painting in temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Painting in Cold Weather
If you are going to brave painting in the cold, be sure to not let the surface or air temperature drop below 35 degrees for at least 36 hours after application. Your paint won’t cure or process correctly and you may end up with unsightly bubbles and bumps in your paint when spring arrives. For the best results, we recommend not painting if the temp drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cold weather can also compromise the overall life expectancy of your paint. Oil-based paints thicken in cold weather, causing your paintbrush to stiffen. This leads to thicker paint application and less coverage per gallon. Also because paint takes longer to dry in cooler temperatures, the surface you’re painting stays wet, attracting unwanted debris, dirt, and bugs to dry stuck in the paint.
Because paint dries much slower when it’s cold, be sure to allow plenty of time for your paint to dry in between coats, at least 24 hours. This is especially important to be aware of if you’re painting with a dark shade that contains more colorant.
How Humidity Affects Paint
Moisture is always a frustration to exterior painters. Too much humidity in the air will lead to water vapor forming on your freshly painted surface. The ideal humidity level for painting outside is between 40-70%. Here is a list of some potential consequences to painting when humidity is too high:
Excess humidity makes it more difficult for the paint to adhere to any surface and causes the paint to bubble and eventually peel. This is especially important to remember when painting wood as it absorbs moisture from the surrounding air and swells. When the air is too dry, wood shrinks, eventually cracking or splitting.
If you live in a high humidity area, your paint could show signs of leaching. Leaching is brown or white discoloration in your paint.
Moisture in the air hinders the protective film layer of your paint from developing, compromising the paint’s protective qualities.
What About Rain?
Obviously, no matter what the temperature is outside, it’s never a good idea to paint when it’s raining. However, take into consideration that you need to allow plenty of time for your exterior surface to dry before applying any paint. This is particularly true if there has been recent precipitation. If rain is in the forecast, hold off. You will need at least 4-8 hours of dry time after it rains for things to completely dry out. It’s most important the area you are
working on is dry before you paint. The surface needs to remain dry for a good period of time after being painted to ensure a better bond. This makes for fewer problems down the road. The last thing you want is to repaint your home because the outside conditions worked against you.
When painting a house, most professionals start the process by following the sun’s shadow around the house. This method helps avoid painting in direct sunlight which can dry the paint too quickly. It’s a good rule of thumb to allow paint to be dry to the touch before the sun goes down for the day. Once the sun sets, cooler temperatures and humidity in the form of dew come along and can cause potential problems.
The Best Time to Paint Outside
With the winter months being too cold and humid and the summer months often too hot, consider spring and fall as optimal times to paint your home. You won’t be miserable, working in the extreme heat, and you’ll avoid issues associated with the paint drying too fast.
How Long Does Paint Take to Dry?
The answer to this question depends largely on what type of paint you’re working with. The back of each paint can indicate on the label the approximate drying time for that specific paint. Latex paints dry more quickly than their oil-based counterparts. After only an hour the first coat is no longer wet and in roughly 4 hours it’s dry enough for another coat to be applied. Oil-based paints require at least 6-8 hours to become dry to the touch and a full 24 hours before you should apply the next coat. Remember that both temperature and humidity play a part in the actual amount of drying time.
Best Time to Paint Outside Conclusion
If you have further questions about exterior painting or any other painting questions, don’t hesitate to contact PaintRite Pros. We offer a full range of painting services in Elk Grove and the Sacramento area. Our trained professionals have years of experience and it shows. If you want the best exterior painting service near Sacramento, you can be sure that no one fits that description better than our team! We serve all of the Sacramento area including Roseville, Elk Grove, El Dorado County, and more! If you need a Lincoln painting contractor, we recommend Diamond Star Painting. But if you’re in Tucson, Arizona, we recommend Spahr’s Painting.
A sunroom is a magical space that allows you to enjoy the comforts of home and the benefits of the glorious outdoors at the same time. They exude light and relaxation and are considered a luxury as not every home is lucky enough to have one. Choosing the right sunroom paint colors will greatly enhance whatever mood or vibe you are looking to produce. If you can expand your sunroom to be an extension of your living space by creating a seamless flow, your home will seem even larger. If you live in the Sacramento area and need a company to paint the interior of your sunroom, give us a call and get your free estimate. Now that we’re done with the self-promotion. Let’s get into the best sunroom paint colors. How Long Should you Wait Between Coats of Paint
Stick With Neutral Tones
Wonderful White
Most sunrooms or sun parlors are typically smaller-sized spaces in your home. To enhance the size and make it feel as airy and open as possible, we recommend turning to neutral tones. White is an obvious and classic choice when contemplating sunroom color schemes. White will allow the warmth and light from the outside to brighten your room from the inside out. Chantilly Lace and White Heron by Benjamin Moore are an excellent choice for a cool white. Navajo White pulls in warmer tones for a cozy feel.
Another benefit of white is that it pairs easily with a variety of bold and fun accent colors. Adding a punch of color in the form of throw pillows, floor rugs, wall decor, or picture frames is a wonderful way to add your personality to the mix. Try adding deep navy accents for a nautical theme, turquoise for a trendy vibe, or even bright yellow for a fun and playful atmosphere.
If bold accents aren’t your style, stick with a natural vibe by adding accents steeped in nature. Lush greenery is always a perfect complement to any white or neutral pallet. You could also try incorporating an accent wall composed of brick, river rock, or shiplap. Natural furniture choices are also perfect selections for a sunroom. Bamboo, wicker, or teak will add an element of casual comfort. A major focal point of any sunroom is the windows. Don’t forget to utilize them when considering decor and style choices.
Consider the Undertone
While white is versatile, classic, and trendy all at the same time, let’s not rule out the rest of the members in the neutral tone family. Beige, ivory, taupe, brown, and gray are all sunroom color options to consider. Neutral tones appear to be without color and don’t compete with primary colors. A neutral is created by mixing a pure primary color with a pure neutral color. So, each neutral carries an undertone from the primary color it was created from. These undertones are important to think about when choosing paint colors for your sunroom.
The undertone of your color choice will greatly affect the overall look and feel of your room. Natural lighting most definitely plays into how your paint selection will turn out. Oftentimes, homeowners purchase a paint color after looking through dozens of paint swatches only to end up discouraged and disappointed when the color on their walls doesn’t at all resemble the color they chose. The effect natural light had on your paint wasn’t anticipated.
We suggest a simple trick to avoid this pitfall. Try taping the different color swatches you are considering to your sunroom wall. As the lighting throughout the day changes, check in and see how your swatches may have changed along with the light. Full sun can make a color you deemed as a warm gray to appear more dusty blue then you had previously thought. The absence of any natural light may bring out cool undertones when the rest of your decorating pallet is warm.
Brighten with Yellow
It’s safe to say that when we think of a sunroom, hues of yellow come to mind. With its natural and warm allure, there are countless yellow tones that are the ideal sunroom colors. Yellow seems to call out an invitation to the sunshine and brightens any room. Benjamin Moores’ Hawthorn Yellow adds a soft, golden touch. Banana Yellow, also by Benjamin Moore is a bold choice that is currently trending.
Get the Blues
It’s no secret that blues of all shades and hues are making a comeback. There is a blue for every room in your home, not excluding your sunroom. With the nature of a sunroom being to induce calm and relaxation, why not
consider blue? Depending on the shade you choose, blue can create an extremely wide range of emotions. From moody and serene to energetic and bold. Some of the top-selling sunroom paint colors in blue tones are Partly Cloudy by Behr and Honest Blue by Sherwin-Williams.
Go Bright and Bold
Maybe you aren’t the sort of person that’s drawn to neutral tones. Maybe you love to be a bit unique and would prefer to be bold when it comes to decorating. A sunroom is an ideal space to show a little flair and personality. Painting a brightly colored accent wall is an easy way to pack a punch. Hot pink, bright green, orange, electric blue, or even black are all exciting options. Black can be a very smart choice, especially when paired against white. Try keeping your walls white and painting any trim black. The contrast is eye-catching and a very popular look.
Drawing the Outside In
Always honor and be true to your surroundings when decorating your sunroom. Keep in mind the outdoor elements when choosing paint shades and colors. The location of your home can often assist in helping with your decorating pallet. For example, if your home is located on a coastline, your color scheme may consist of dusty blues and tans with a splash of navy. Located in the hotter, arid, or desert states, you may lean toward pale pinks with coral and green accents. For a mountain home or cabin, warm earthy tones of brown, gold, tan, and green are appropriate and inviting.
Conclusion
If you live in or around the Sacramento area and have questions about painting your sunroom or any other painting projects, give PaintRite Pros a call. Our professional technicians will be more than happy to assist you in choosing the best color for your project. We take into account all the lighting details when presenting you with color options.
With a team of expert painting professionals, as well as friendly customer service and creative design consultants, we go above and beyond other painting companies. We take the time to do the job right and exceed your expectations. We also offer services such as exterior painting, kitchen cabinet painting, and garage floor epoxy and serve the entire Sacramento area including Folsom, Roseville, El Dorado Hills, and Stockton. FREE ESTIMATE
The color blue is a timeless classic. It has always been a favorite when it comes to interior decorating, largely because of its versatility and charm. But now, more than ever before, homeowners are expanding their love of all the numerous blue exterior house colors as well. From calming and serene to vibrant and bold, let’s talk about the very best shades of blue for your home’s exterior.
The color you choose for the exterior of your house can say a lot about you. Do you have a flair for being unique? Are you someone in touch with nature? Are you a risk-taker? The beautiful thing is, you get to choose the color that answers these questions, making your home an extension of you.
No matter what look you are going for when painting your home, it is guaranteed you can find a variety of blue that fits the bill. It can most certainly be subtle, leaning to a more neutral tone, or can be bright, bold, and electric.
A navy blue house exterior is eye-catching and unique. People tend to shy away from decorating with darker tones for their interior. Homeowners worry black or navy will make their rooms appear smaller than they are. But, these dark blues will not have that effect on the exterior of your home and are a welcomed change from the common tan, white or light gray that dominates most neighborhoods.
Navy is considered an elegant neutral and often gives off a nautical or beachy vibe. You can really play up the beachy feel when deciding on decor to hang on your front door and other exterior accents. Hale Navy paint by Benjamin Moore is dark blue with muted warm gray tones. Whether you go with a warm navy with gray undertones or a navy so dark it almost looks black, you will be adding to your curb appeal and receive praise from all your neighbors.
Lighter colors emphasize architectural details while contrasting colors bring attention to the lines and details. This explains why pairing a crisp white trim against your darker blues creates such a statement.
Blue Gray
Dusty blue has many of the same benefits as grey. Sometimes it is even hard to distinguish if a house is considered grey or dusty blue. This may possibly be one of the most popular paint trends of the year. Silver Mine by Behr is an excellent choice if you are going for this look. It’s a very subtle color that adds more personality than simply going with white or cream. It looks great when paired with stark white or even charcoal grey trim and shutters.
Light Blue
If you’re wanting a relaxing and dreamy look, choose a hue of light blue. When it comes to painting your home, this is one of our favorite blue exterior house colors. One of the benefits of a light blue house is that it easily matches other colors. There are only a few colors that don’t pair well with light blue that you’ll want to avoid. We recommend staying away from orange or red tones which can detract from a homey feel and look more like a sporting venue. Rather, go with natural wood or stone accents to compliment the cool tones.
You’ll want to be careful to not try mixing two different shades of blue. For example, don’t paint your siding navy and your trim a lighter shade of blue. To avoid clashing tones, stay with a single tone of blue and once again, choose whites, creams, or grays for trim and molding.
Choosing a lighter paint color has another advantage over darker tones. Lighter-colored paints last longer and fade much more slowly than their dark counterparts. Dark colors absorb heat and suffer more from moisture problems than lighter shades. Dark shades will require more time-consuming touch-ups since they fade much more rapidly.
Vintage Aqua Blue
The color aqua is a blue-green hue that is perfect for homes near the beach or any mass of water. Its warm tones give off a light and summery attitude. Even if your home isn’t exactly located near the oceanfront property, aqua can still be just the right amount of color kick your exterior needs.
Bright and Bold Blues
Do you want your home to stand out in a wonderful and unique way? If so, try an electric or brilliant blue. These tones tend to evoke a cheerful and radiant energy. This is one of the best blue exterior house colors if you’d like your home to really stand out.
Ever noticed how certain paints appear different during different times of the day? Or how natural sunlight affects the color differently than formal lighting? Paint may appear gray when the sun is directly overhead, then morph into a dusty blue at dusk. If you’re considering a brighter blue hue, these are important things to consider as this can have a major impact on how the paint will look on your home. Make sure you are happy with your choice before committing.
Front Door Colors to Go With Blue Houses
With a blue house, you can choose just about any color of front door you want. Some colors will look better than others depending on the shade of blue you are working with. But, some of our favorites are black, white, green, maroon, pale yellow, and warm wood stains. You can have a ton of fun with this and let your creativity show. Pale pink, rust, and pea-green can all add a pop of color without being too overbearing.
Trim
We find the best color of trim to pair with any shade of blue is white. The crisp and clean white in contrast to navy, gray-blue, or even bright blues, creates beautiful lines that are always satisfying and beautiful to come home to. Other trim options are black, dark grey, and cream.
Fixtures
If you are going to put time and energy into revamping the exterior of your home, don’t forget about the important details to complete the process. Light fixtures, door handles, window frames, and railings are all finishing touches you will want to address. Consider what style you are hoping for and go from there. All white fixtures will give a very different vibe than all
black. Modern farmhouse, colonial, contemporary, or rustic are styles you’ll want to be mindful of when deciding on fixtures.
Materials
What materials look best when paired with blue tones? Blue’s versatility to match well with other colors makes this question simple to answer. Most materials will complement blue and look great. River rock with its varied colors give a rustic feel while natural wood lends an earthy look. When you add wood into the mix with blue, no matter what the finish, you have a winning duo.
Conclusion
Painting the exterior of your home is a huge undertaking. Quality exterior paint not only adds a protective layer to your home but also adds to the aesthetic beauty. At PaintRite Pros, we know how much you value your home. New exterior paint not only adds curb appeal but is actually one of the most cost-effective forms of renovations, providing several visual and financial benefits.
It is very possible that your tastes have changed over the years and you are simply ready to update your exterior to a more modern color and look. Or maybe you never liked the color of your home when you purchased it and you are finally ready to take the leap and make a change. Hiring a professional exterior painting service to give your home a fresh coat of blue exterior house colors is an excellent way to improve your living experience and can turn your house into the place you love to come home to.
Contact us today with any questions you may have about choosing the perfect blue exterior house colors for your home or any questions you may have concerning any of your upcoming painting projects. If you live in the Sacramento area, we’ll give you a free quote! We serve the entire area including Folsom, Roseville, Stockton, El Dorado Hills, and Elk Grove. We also offer services for epoxy floors, interior painting, cabinet painting, fence painting, commercial painting, and more. GET FREE ESTIMATE
Outdoor metal needs to be protected from the environment. Exposure to water and the elements makes the painted metal subject to chipping and ultimately the metal rusting. That’s why we strongly recommend painting metal siding and gutters. You may be asking yourself, can I paint metal siding and other metal surfaces? You absolutely can. In fact, one of the best ways to counteract the breakdown of your outside metal is to paint it. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll teach you how to paint metal siding, gutters, and more
Proper Surface Preparation
As with all painting projects, proper surface preparation is essential to restoring your metal siding.
Clean the metal siding
You should start by thoroughly cleaning your siding of all loose dirt or other contaminants. Cleaning can be done by simply using warm soapy water and a rag or by using a pressure washer (2500 psi minimum). You’ll want to pay close attention to any chalk that may be on the surface. There is a good chance that the original coating has chalked badly and will need to be completely removed prior to painting.
Beware of mildew
Areas such as ceilings and eaves degrade slower than areas that are directly exposed to the sun. These areas tend to accumulate dirt and even mildew. It’s best if you power wash these areas if it’s an option. Using a solution that is three parts water and 1 part bleach should do the trick. Make sure it sits on the metal surface for at least ten minutes before being washed off with plain water.
Primer
The more thorough the cleaning, the better chance you won’t need to prime the metal surface before you paint. If you have a considerable amount of chalk residue or oxidation on the surface, it’s probably best you plan on laying down a coat of primer first. We recommend using a solvent-thinned primer.
Standard high-quality 100% acrylic exterior paint is the best choice for painting aluminum or metal siding in most environments. It’s a good idea to go with a satin sheen that will shed water easier than matte paint and will stay looking better for a longer period of time.
Steel doors, door frames, and handrails should be cleaned then primed with a rust-inhibitive solvent-based metal primer followed by a topcoat or two. These areas are subject to a great deal of wear and tear, so make sure you choose a durable topcoat paint.
Painting Metal Gutters
At some point, you may want to paint the gutters at your house, whether you just want a new look for your home or due to wear and rust.
While it’s fairly easy to paint gutters, you can’t apply the paint directly to them. This would make the paint fall off and frustrate you. As with siding, your metal gutters need to be scrubbed and free from chalking and other residues to have primer and paint adhere to the surface.
How to Protect Outdoor Painted Metal
The best way to protect your outdoor metal is to follow the above steps. Putting in the time to get your siding as clean as possible, using the proper primer, and then finishing off by applying at least two coats of high-quality acrylic exterior paint will give you a fresh look while protecting your siding for many years to come.
Conclusion: Painting Metal Siding & Gutters
If you’re in the middle of a painting project or have big plans in the near future, give us a call with your questions. We have a trained team of experienced painters who would be more than happy to help in any way we can.
Brick is a very popular home building material. It’s low maintenance, durable, retains its color well, and is weather and fire-resistant. It brings sophistication and elegance to any home. But, what do you do when your brick home starts to look outdated, dingy, or run down? Many homeowners are intimidated to attempt to paint their brick home because bricks are notorious for being difficult to paint. With the right paint and proper preparations, you can simplify the process and give your property a cleaner, more fresh look. So let’s break down this process of how to paint a brick house.
Prepping
Prepping is the first and most important step you need to take in making sure painted exterior brick is done correctly.
Like any job, having the right tools on hand will make the job flow much easier and smoother. You will definitely want to have a sprayer or roller that can cover a large area at one time. We recommend a sprayer if possible. You will also need a brush on hand for any drips or hard to reach areas.
Be sure to clean the brick thoroughly with a cleaning mixture before you do anything else. You can scrub them down with a simple solution of soap and water with a stiff-bristled brush and rinse it down with a hose.
After cleaning, you’ll want to fill in all cracks with acrylic caulk. Be sure to allow for plenty of time for the caulk to dry before applying your exterior coat of paint.
Now, you will want to cover all the windows and doors with plastic to protect them from overspray.
Start painting with either a sprayer or a brush
What kind of paint should I use for brick?
It is very important to choose the proper kind of paint when painting brick. We recommend using either a mineral-based paint or a latex-paint made specifically for masonry. Either will do the trick, but mineral-based paint will hold up better in the long run.
What will it cost me to paint my brick home?
As with any type of home improvement project, doing it yourself is definitely the cheaper, more cost-effective option. If you have the time and energy to tackle the project on your own, you will only be paying for the paint and the tools. So for example, to paint a 2500 square foot home when doing it yourself will cost you roughly $800. That is including the paint and a good quality sprayer.
When hiring out, labor can run anywhere between $150-$350 an hour. For the same 2500 square foot home, hiring a professional painter will cost you roughly $7500 to have the entire brick home painted. Keep in mind that professionals take care of all the prep work and clean-up and are trained and experienced. Quite often homeowners sacrifice quality for cost.
If you have a home that is on the larger size, with lots of windows and high roof peeks, it may be money well spent to hire out the job.
What color should I paint my brick home?
Removing paint from brick is messy and nearly impossible, so make sure you’re fully committed to the color you choose before jumping in. Here are some of the best colors to paint a brick house.
1. White
There is nothing really more classic than a beautifully painted white brick home. Pairing white with black shutters and doors can make your home feel like a piece of history while also giving it a crisp and updated look.
2. Green
Green is making quite a comeback for both exterior and interior use. The trendy focus leans more toward earthier greens with olive undertones than the lighter shades of the 2000’s such as sage. Greens bring out the natural beauty of your landscaping as well.
3. Light Grey
Grey is a classic color but tends to add an element of depth that white just can’t offer. It allows both accent colors and landscaping to pop and really stand out against it. When paired with white trim, light grey can really show off the personality of your home.
Get expert help painting exterior brick
Now that you know how to paint a house, you’re well on your way! Our professionals here at PaintRite Pros are well experienced and happy to assist in any painting projects for your home or business. From free color consultations to free project quotes, we will be there to make your vision a reality. We’re based in Elk Grove, CA, and serve the entire Sacramento area.
The color of your trim can make your room feel bigger or accentuate the room”s shape. But trim colors other than white are often overlooked. However, they can give your room a very dramatic look. You’ve heard time and again that the most effective way to update your home’s interior is to paint it. Most homeowners focus solely on the main color of the walls, but there are several unique options for your trim that can really make a room pop. The hard part is picking from the thousands of color options for your walls and trim that will give you the look you will love coming home to. Here are some ideas to help you choose the best colors for your space. If you’d like to get a quote and live in the Sacramento area, then click here to get a free estimate.
The Same Color of Trim
Using the same color on the walls and the trim is an excellent way to give a uniform look to the entire room. This is a great choice if there is a contemporary feel to your space. It will keep the room feeling open and spacious. You will want to consider the amount of light in the room to help determine how dark or light a shade will work best.
Wood Trim
Wood tends to add warmth to any space and can often contribute to a cozy atmosphere. Wood trim can create a sense of depth when paired with dark walls and a lighter ceiling. If you are going for a more classic look, wood trim is a great option.
White Trim
White trim is a timeless choice for your home. If you want to play it safe, you can never go wrong with white. It keeps your room simple and very clean looking. While white is often the obvious choice, choosing the perfect white trim color can often be daunting. There are literally hundreds of shades to choose from. Look at the undertones of your wall color and compare with swatches of trim options to select what will work best. Bright white trim tends to give off a vibrant feel where creamy or off-white paint lends a warmer, almost antique vibe.
Colorful Trim
A fun pop of color is an easy way to add balance to a room and to highlight its architectural space. The color of the trim can make your space feel bigger. You can try using colorful trim to create sharp and clean lines to make the room feel larger. Think of trim as a sort of frame for your walls. Your walls will really stand out with the perfect color complimenting it. Insert pic of light walls with grey trim
Grey Trim
People are loving the color grey, but it doesn’t just have to be used as the primary color of a wall. It is very trendy to use all sorts of shades of grey and using it for trim is no exception. It’s a classic look that can be stunning in several different spaces. Grey trim will set your room apart and leave others anxious to follow your bold lead.
With so many trim options, you are certain to find the color combo that is right for you and your home. If you are located in or near the Sacramento area, give the painting professionals at PaintRite Pros a call. We serve the entire area including Folsom, Stockton, and El Dorado Hills, and will be happy to assist you in any way with your upcoming projects or painting needs.
There are several aspects that contribute to determining the cost to paint the interior of a house. Obviously, factors such as square footage, quality of paint, ceiling height, and ease of access need to be considered. But the biggest factor when it comes to determining interior painting cost will be if you decide to tackle the project yourself or decide to hire a professional painting company. In this post, we’ll give you an idea of interior painting costs for different types of residences as well as how to save money during the process.
If you need the interior of your home painted and would like a professional to do it for you in Sacramento, we’ll give you a free estimate! We serve the entire Sacramento area including Folsom, Dixon, Stockton, and El Dorado County.
In general, the cost to paint a home’s interior is based on the size and layout of your home. On average, the cost to paint the interior of a home is between $1 to $3 per square foot. The cost goes up to around $4.50 per square foot if you’re including walls, ceilings, and trim. If your home has walls taller than 10 feet, the cost per square foot can increase by $0.57 to $1.05. However, keep in mind that this is the price estimate when hiring a professional. The cost will be substantially lower if you are planning on a DIY project.
The cost to paint the interior of a house in Sacramento, CA is typically in the range of $2-$4.70 per square foot. That doesn’t include materials. For a 12 x 14 foot room, it’ll cost you somewhere between $1,200 and $2,900.
Cost of DIY Compared to Hiring a Professional
If you’re planning on DIY interior house painting there are a few things to know beforehand to ensure a successful outcome. You will most definitely pay more when hiring out the job. However, a professional will do the job right. Painting projects also take up quite a bit of time. So while hiring a painting company may cost more, it may be well worth it in the long run. Below is a list of things to consider if you are planning a DIY project.
Find the square footage of the actual surface you’ll be painting. This is done by measuring each individual wall. Multiply the length of the surface by the height of the wall. Once you get your total, divide that number by 350 to determine how many gallons you’ll need.
Calculate the paint product cost. When calculating paint costs, it’s always best to factor in two coats of paint. This is especially true if you’re making a drastic color change.
Take the number of gallons and multiply it by 1.7 for the second coat. Applying a second coat typically requires 30% less paint than was used for the first coat.
Multiply the number of paint gallons calculated by the price per gallon of paint for your project. Remember that you can expect to pay around $30 to $50 per gallon if you’re buying your paint from a local Sacramento big box store like Home Depot. You’ll pay closer to $50 to $75 per gallon for the higher-quality paints from Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams.
Factor in the cost of materials. DIY projects require you to purchase all the necessary paint supplies out of your own pocket. While a variety of materials can be reused, they still add a considerable amount of cost to your project.
Materials & Tools Needed:
Drop Sheets
Painter’s Tape
Buckets
Paint Brushes
Paint Rollers
Masking Paper
Sanding Pads
Scrapers
Drywall Compound
Extension Poles
Ladders
Cost to Paint a 1500 Square Foot Interior
The cost to paint an average home that is approximately 1500 square feet will roughly cost around $1500 to $2500. This is based on calculating that the average cost to paint the interior of a home runs between $1 to $3 per square foot.
Painting Labor Cost for Interior
Interior painting labor costs tend to vary depending on what part of the United States you live in. Local painting companies set the standard for each individual area. For example, it may cost substantially more to hire a painting company in an area where the housing market is booming and contractors can charge a higher rate due to demand.
Interior Painting Costs by Housing Type
While the majority of U.S. citizens live in single-family homes, about a quarter of households live in multifamily housing such as condominiums and apartments, With that said, let’s discuss the specific painting costs for the different types of housing:
Interior Apartment Painting
On average, the cost to paint the interior of an apartment will be much lower than a home because the square footage is normally much lower. Painting an apartment can cost you somewhere between $1900 and $4500 on the high end. It’s always a good idea to check with your apartment management to be aware of any building requirements that are recommended before you start painting.
Interior Condo Painting
Your typical condominium usually has more square footage than an apartment which means you can expect to pay more to have one painted. The vaulted ceilings and taller walls will also increase the cost. Again, be sure to cut through all the red tape and check with building procedures before starting any interior work.
Interior House Painting
In addition to any patchwork or prep of walls that needs to be addressed, ease of access to the painted surface and wall height are the next biggest contributors to cost. Total square footage is also a dominant factor. So, let’s break down your typical home, room by room so you know what to expect before hiring a painting contractor.
Painting Cost by Type of Room
Bedrooms
Because of the basic box shape of a bedroom, they are considered one of the easiest rooms to paint. Easy usually means it isn’t as hard on your pocketbook either. If your room has extensive detailed trim or crown molding and is on the larger size, plan on paying more. Typically, you’ll pay somewhere between $350 and $650 to have a bedroom painted.
Kitchens
While painting your kitchen can be time-consuming because of all the edges and appliances to paint around, they are on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to cost. Most of the wall space is taken up by your backsplash and cabinets, meaning you won’t use much in the way of paint.
The average cost to paint a kitchen island is somewhere between $400 – $800.
Dining and Living Rooms
Most dining and living rooms aren’t too expensive when it comes to painting costs. They usually have furniture that is easy to move and not a lot of intricacies to paint around. These medium-sized rooms will generally cost you anywhere from $450-$850 to have painted by a professional.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are similar to kitchens when it comes to painting. Much of their wall space is already taken up with tile, your shower, or large mirrors. Trim is easy to access and smaller square footage will always make bathroom paint jobs less expensive. Because bathrooms are usually one of the easiest painting jobs to do, it will run you somewhere around $250-$600.
How to Save Money on Interior Painting
Hire a Professional Painter in the Winter Months
Many people aren’t aware that the time of year you choose to paint the interior of your home can greatly impact the overall cost of the job. Hiring a professional painting company in the off-season can save you quite a bit of money. During the colder months in California when business is slow and fewer exterior paint jobs are available, companies are more competitive with their prices. If you can wait to book your interior painting work between November and February, you’ll save a considerable amount on your upgrade.
What is the Cost to Paint the Interior of a House Conclusion
In a nutshell, hiring a painting contractor will always cost you more than doing the job yourself. But professionals are experts at what they do and know all the tricks of the trade. If you are looking for an experienced painting company in the Sacramento, Elk Grove area, contact PaintRite Pros. Our skilled team of painters have an excellent reputation with interior, exterior, and commercial painting services. Spend your precious time during the holidays with your family and friends and let us take care of your interior painting needs.
Sometimes it can seem to be a totally overwhelming and even daunting process when you are in the market to hire a painter. Is there really any way to guarantee that you have hired a painter you can trust to do the job you need at a fair price? While not always fool-proof, there are some tell-tail signs of a reputable company and certain steps that you as the homeowner can follow to hire a painter you can be more than satisfied with. If you’d like to speak with an expert or hire a painter, we have offices in Las Vegas and Sacramento. Click here to get a free quote or give us a call.
Hiring a painter: where to start
It is always a good place to start by asking a family member or a trusted friend for a recommendation. Sometimes you can luck out and the referred company does an excellent job. But oftentimes disaster can still strike. That is why even with a recommendation, it’s a very good idea to do some online research. Find out if other people agree with the recommendations you were given or if they have a not so good track record.
Search for online reviews
Start by looking at reviews from multiple sites. If the reviews remain consistent from site to site then that’s a good indicator that the reviews haven’t been manipulated and can be trusted. Both Google and Yelp list reviews from real customers which means authentic reviews.
Also, it’s important to pay attention to how detailed the reviews are. More detail is a great indicator of experience obtained from working with a company. Plus, more thorough descriptions will give you the knowledge and insight into a company’s performance.
The manner in which the owner of a company replies to negative feedback is another detail you should pay attention to. Look at the explanation for a bad review and decide on its validity. But even just a quick “thank you” on a good review speaks volumes about their customer service.
Ask about insurance
No one likes dealing with insurance! It’s confusing and complicated. But as a consumer, you should never consider working with a contractor that doesn’t already have two certain types of insurance in place.
Comprehensive Business Liability, which simply protects your property from any damage caused by the contractor. A painting contractor should have no less than a million-dollar limit on liability coverage.
Workman’s Compensation which protects you and the workers while working on your property. This insurance can be very expensive so many contractors will try to work without it.
Request the contact information and name of their insurer. Call the insurer yourself to make sure their insurance is current and up to date.
What kind of materials will be used?
There is a very large difference in quality between paints and stains. Obviously, the better quality products that contain higher quality ingredients will look nicer and last longer. Along with coatings, the quality of other materials being used on your home will greatly impact the longevity of the paint job. It is important you find out about the products that will be used on your project. Many contractors are vague in their description and details about what products they are using and will use the cheapest supplies available. This saves the contractor money and leaves you with a sub-par outcome. Get them to specify all the details in writing.
Visit the company’s website
You can educate yourself quite a bit from a contractor’s website. Look for the following:
Look for photos of past projects. There should be several. Also, look for images with close-ups of their detailed work. Keep an eye out for photos indicating the crew follows safety protocol and uses proper equipment.
You should also be able to find a page containing bios of the crew as well as pictures of them on the job. This will help you gauge the workers’ level of experience and help you know who will be showing up at your home. Sadly, there have been several documented cases where employees of a hired contractor have burglarized or injured a homeowner. In learning about who will be performing work on your home, look into their hiring policy, and whether or not they do criminal background checks.
Employees or subcontractors?
Many contractors will use subcontractors instead of hiring employees because it is the cheaper route to go. They are not required to pay social security taxes or employee benefits. However, you may be putting yourself at risk.
Subcontractors are typically paid a flat fee for a job which takes away their motivation to do their best work and they may be tempted to cut corners.
The contractor may not know the people on the crew, which makes it very likely that no background checks have been performed.
Using subcontractors increases the chances of them not having workmen’s compensation insurance.
Request a detailed proposal
Big jobs can tend to vary by thousands of dollars. Lower bids may mean less prep and the use of cheaper materials. On the other hand, some painters may jack up the price based on what neighborhood your home is in or because they simply don’t want or need your business.
In order to truly understand what you are paying for, you need to ask for a detailed proposal from your contractor.
Getting your bid, which contains all the ins and outs of your expectations, can likely protect you in the future should there be any discrepancies once the project is finished.
Find out about their warranty
This is a big one! Some companies, knowing the importance of warranties, will give unrealistically long warranties and have no proof to back it up. Sadly, most of these companies will be out of business long before their warranties expire. So what is a realistic warranty you can trust?
A decent warranty by the contractor will provide both labor and materials for a covered defect.
Most warranties will have exclusions so it is good to protect yourself and find out exactly what those are.
1-year warranties are pretty common and are alright as long as the work is well done. If a job has been poorly done, most signs will show up within the first year. 2-3 year warranties are also fairly common. Anything above this timeframe and you will want to look very closely at the fine print before moving forward.
Always get the warranty in writing
Conclusion: How to hire a painter
Following these basic tips and guidelines should help hire a painter. With painting, like anything else in life, you get what you pay for. So save yourself some money and grief and do your homework before trusting someone with such an important job. If you have any questions about projects you are starting, contact the professionals at PaintRite Pros. We have locations in Sacramento and Las Vegas and would love to offer our professional services.
One question many homeowners ask is “do I need to prime walls before I paint them?” Years ago, many painting professionals would have recommended primer nearly every time you painted. But today, there are many more high-quality and effective paints on the market so there isn’t always the need to prime.
The answer can be a bit complicated. If you use a primer in certain interior situations, it might be a waste of money and be unnecessary. On the other hand, not using a primer can sometimes cost you more in the long run because you may need to apply multiple coats to achieve the coverage and desired look you were envisioning.
Paint primer is a preparatory undercoat put on materials such as wood, furniture, or walls before painting.
Primer is a lot like paint but has a higher concentration of solids plus an adhesive binder in it. In some ways, it is more like glue or a sealant than paint. It seals the surface you are working with and provides a clean and smooth area for the paint to stick to.
But since not all jobs or projects need primer, it is helpful to know which factors contribute to using it or not.
When to use primer?
1. Color contrast from dark to light
Picture yourself trying to brush a pale lavender paint over a dark green shade and you will realize very quickly that priming over the dark color is necessary when making a dark to light transition. In some instances, when covering a dark coat of paint, you may need a tinted primer to help the new color look truer to the color swatch you have chosen.
2. Walls that have stains or odor
Scuffed or stained walls can greatly benefit from a coat or two of priming before painting. Some stains, such as crayon scribbles or grease spots, will show through new paint. Surface blemishes may also easily show through a lighter shade of paint so it is worth your time to use a primer if your walls have a few things to hide.
Do not, however, use a primer to cover up mold or mildew on your walls. It will only grow. First, deal with the cause of the mold and remove it. Then you are free to go ahead to prime and paint.
Cigarette smoke and other strong odors can still be left lingering after repainting. Special primers can be used to truly cover the unwanted smells and block them permanently.
3. The surface is porous
It is always a smart idea to prime before you paint a porous surface such as unstained or untreated wood. The surface is porous when it absorbs water, moisture, oil, odors, or stains. Newly installed drywall is highly porous as well but in two ways: the bare facing paper on drywall and the dried joint compound covering the seams. These porous materials will literally absorb your paint right into the wood or drywall if you don’t prime first.
Also, if you have patched or repaired drywall, you will likely have patches of spackle or joint compound on the surface. If these patches are small, there is no need to buy separate primer. You can take a small amount of your regular paint and lightly brush it on the areas you just repaired. When the spots are fully dry, you can paint the wall normally and the spots you worked on won’t show through.
4. When painting over a glossy surface
Glossy surfaces are very hard for paint to stick to. If your wall has been shellacked or been covered in a high gloss or enamel paint, you can try coat after coat of paint and it will never stick
Along with primer, these surfaces may also need some light sanding or buffing beforehand. Doing this will ensure the surface of your walls has enough texture so both the primer and paint can adhere nicely.
5. When you have wallpaper
Whether your wall has some blemishes from the removal of wallpaper or you plan to paint over existing wallpaper, you should definitely plan on using a primer. Each of these surfaces is on the rough side and will benefit from primer.
6. You’re painting over metal or plastic
You can actually find primer that is specifically made for metal. It will help protect from rust and serves as a strong foundation for any future coats of paint.
You definitely need a primer specifically designed for plastic as well. Apply the primer in even amounts to the completely sanded, clean, and dry plastic area.
If your walls are clean and in good condition, you might be able to eliminate the need for primer. Giving your walls a quick but thorough cleaning is very simple. Create a thin mixture of tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) and water and wipe down the walls with a soft cloth or sponge. Now you are ready to paint.
Your new paint nearly matches the old
When your previous color and the new color you have chosen are the same or even similar, the need for primer is greatly reduced or even eliminated. The base color is not different enough to change or modify the outcome of the topcoat.
The paint you’ve picked already has primer
The new generation of self-priming paints are a thicker paint with primer added. Most of these paints do a great job and provide excellent
coverage. However, these paint primers can’t tackle every job, as we talked about earlier. If you are in doubt before starting a project, you’re far better off taking the time to prime the surface correctly. Your beautiful and satisfying end result will make you glad you did.
Conclusion: Do I need to prime my walls before I paint them?
Hopefully, we’ve answered your question on “do I need to prime my walls before I paint them,” and any other questions you have. If you are considering starting a painting project, and still aren’t sure where or how to start, contact our professionals at PaintRite Pros. We serve the entire Sacramento area including Elk Grove, El Dorado Hills, Stockton, and more! We’ll give you a free estimate. If you or a friend need Spanish speakers, we have various employees who speak it fluently.
