"Fall" Into Some Garage Floor Logic

The PW Asks: Tell us about garage floor coatings.

The Painter Says: In order to coat a garage floor there needs to be an air temperature of at least 55 degrees. There are a variety of ways to handle a garage floor, from simple to complex.

1.       A simple clear coat on a garage floor creates a dust barrier and the concrete is not “dry” looking.

2.       A 2-part epoxy is another option which can add color. Next, taking it a step further is a 2-part epoxy plus clear urethane layers with colored chips added. The surface can be smooth with chips suspended in the urethane for a sleek look. Or the chips can actually protrude from the urethane for a skid proof surface. An epoxy garage floor can serve many different purposes and will last the longest if the floor is professionally prepared and coated.

Early fall is an ideal time to coat a garage floor.

Fall Changes Everything

Once Labor Day weekend rolls around we start thinking about getting the kids back in school and assessing the fallout of a wonderful summer season. Smudged walls and dirty carpet can be tidied up just in time for throwing the windows open and taking in the fresh, crisp air. This fall, kids will be our focus and the Painter will be giving us ideas for kids bedrooms and even for kids with allergies. Be watching for our weekly "Kids Room" painting and decorating ideas.

The PW Asks: What changes in the painting world in the fall?

The Painter Says: We leave humidity behind and temps become cooler. This means we may switch products, especially in wood finishing that are compatible with the colder weather. Sometimes we add additives so products dry correctly and do not flash.

Painting and Storms Don't Mix - Part 2

The Painter: (Regarding the farmhouse that was primed 3 hours before an unexpected storm): When we came back the next day, we found that on the south side of the house, water got behind the paint and formed softball sized pockets that were still full of water.

PW Comments: Take me out to the ballpark, take me out with the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,,,, (yum, I love Cracker Jack - remember when you used to get a real toy - a real ring!) Hmmm hummm hmmm hmmm hummmmm..........

Painting and Storms Don't Mix - A Great Story

The PW Asks: Any interesting windy day or inclement weather stories? 

The Painter Says: Priming a farm house with oil primer and a storm came out of nowhere. It was sunny then blue, thunder & lightning. The primer had been on the house 3 hours and then a down pour.The next day on the west side of the house there was a line of paint on the ground. It took the oil primer right off the wall. Now that’s tough – taking oil off the wall.

PW Comments: stay tuned for Part 2 - it gets even better (slash worse) when they inspect the south side of this farm house.

Negotiating With Spiders

The PW Asks: Have you ever painted over a critter? 

The Painter Says: Oh yeah. I told them to go and they wouldn’t so I rolled them into the wall.

(The Painter pauses to ponder) Basically those Daddy Long Legs. They become part of the wall.

Big Bad Spiders - Badder Than A Junkyard Dog

The Painter Says: If you paint a house on a lake you better prepare yourself for the biggest baddest spiders you’ve ever seen. You can power wash them off one day and they’ll be back the next.

PW: Have you ever been bit by a spider?

The Painter: Not that I know of.

Biggest Baddest Minnesota "Lake" Spider

Interesting Critter Sightings While Painting

The PW Asks: What is the most interesting critter you’ve run into painting outside? 

The Painter Says: Not like they were in the way but I’ve seen deer, turkey, badgers and the BIG “lake” spiders.

Never seen on a jobsite - honest.