Christmas 2023 🌲

Have you completed your Christmas shopping? Paintway have been “wrapping up” (Pardon the Pun? hehe) all of our Christmas gift shopping over the past week, but I still have a few gifts left on my list. We have been so busy this month, it will feel great to have our shopping and gifts all set to go so we are ready to relax and enjoy time with family and friends.

Paintway would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas 🎄 and would like to take the opportunity to thank you all so much for your business in 2023.

Thank you again for your Support in 2023!

Merry Christmas Toowoomba 🤶🏻 – James + Melissa

Housepainters Toowoomba

House painting is a process that involves preparing the surfaces of a house, applying paint, and then allowing it to dry. It’s a great way to improve the appearance of your home, protect it from the elements, and increase its value. Here are some key points to consider:

Preparation: This is a crucial step that involves cleaning the surfaces, scraping off old paint, and repairing any damages. It’s important to ensure that the surfaces are smooth and free of dirt, grease, and loose paint for the new paint to adhere properly.
Choosing the Right Paint: The type of paint you choose depends on the surface you’re painting and the look you want to achieve. There are different types of paint for different surfaces, and they come in various finishes like matte, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss.
Painting Techniques: There are various techniques for applying paint, such as rolling, brushing, and spraying. The technique you choose can affect the finish and the time it takes to complete the project.
Safety: Painting can involve working at heights and using chemicals, so it’s important to take safety precautions. This includes using a sturdy ladder, wearing protective clothing, and ensuring good ventilation.
Clean Up: After the painting is done, it’s important to clean up properly. This includes disposing of used paint cans and cleaning brushes and rollers.

There are alot of “non qualified Painters” Ensure your painter is Licensed (they must be to complete any work over $3300) Fully Insured and Hold the correct Qualifications.

Why Does Paint Blister on Weatherboard Homes?

So you’ve just finished repainting the old timber house, it looks great; but only a few weeks later blisters occur on the sides that are exposed to the most sunshine, and the blisters cause the new paint film to peel off, sometimes back to bare timber. Sounds familiar? Why does this happen, and how can we prevent it?

Blistering is a common problem that can occur when re-painting timber weatherboards. Many disputes between painters and their clients arise because the new coats of paint form blisters soon after application. This is when the surface of the paint develops bubbles or blisters, which can then burst and leave behind unsightly patches of peeled paint. Blistering can occur for a variety of reasons, including poor preparation, inadequate priming, and incompatible paint types, but the most common cause of blistering is moisture.

Timber weatherboards are particularly susceptible to moisture-related problems because they are constantly exposed to the elements. Rain and humidity can all contribute to the moisture content of the timber, which can cause the wood to swell and contract. When moisture gets trapped beneath a layer of paint, it can create pressure that causes the paint to lift and bubble. The current trend to paint timber houses using dark colours exacerbates this problem, because the darker colours absorb heat and create air gas bubbles that need to escape the substrate.

Poor preparation can also contribute to blistering. If the surface of the timber is not properly cleaned and prepared before painting, any dirt, grease, or other contaminants can interfere with the adhesion of the paint. This can cause the paint to lift and bubble, especially if the timber is not completely dry before painting.

Inadequate priming can also cause blistering. A good quality primer helps to seal the timber and prevent moisture from penetrating the surface. If the primer is not applied properly, or if an insufficient number of coats are used, moisture can still seep through and cause blistering.

To prevent blistering, it is important to take proper care when painting timber weatherboards. This includes ensuring that the surface is clean and dry before painting, using a high-quality primer, and selecting a paint that is compatible with the timber surface. Painters should use a moisture meter to check the moisture content in the timber. If the moisture content is above 15% the existing paint may need to be stripped off to allow the timber to dry thoroughly.

When painting over old timber surfaces it also pays to do an adhesion test. A simple adhesion test is done by scoring the paint film using a sharp blade, in a cross hatch pattern. Place some tape with strong adhesion (such as duct tape) over the paint surface, press it down, and then quickly remove the tape by ripping it off. If any paint comes off and sticks to the tape the paint film has failed the adhesion test, and the entire surface may need to be stripped of paint before repainting.

If this occurs the painter should give the client the option of stripping off the paint. In most cases the building owner cannot afford to pay for the complete stripping of the paint. In this case the painter should put this in writing and inform the client that adhesion failure of the new coats of paint or blistering is possible, and no responsibility will be taken if this occurs.

In many cases it is more cost effective to treat the paint bubbles that may occur by cutting them out, sealing the bare timber, and filling the surface before recoating. This is also an acceptable outcome as long as the home owner is aware of this prior to work commencing.

In conclusion, blistering of new paint on timber weatherboards is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, including moisture, incompatible paint types, poor preparation, and inadequate priming. By taking the necessary steps to ensure substrates are dry, and ensuring proper preparation, it is possible to avoid blistering and achieve a high-quality, long-lasting finish. No matter what the outcome is, is important that the painting contractor inform the client of the possible risks prior to starting the project and that the client is aware of possible outcomes for the chosen method of surface preparation.

Autumn has Arrived 2023

Fashion and homewares trends come and go, and so do house paint colours. Thankfully, it’s almost as easy to refresh your walls as it is your wardrobe (skinny jeans are out, by the way).

Updating your interior paint colours can overhaul your mood, this very purpose can help us to re-energise and feel warm and cosy this Autumn.

“When we talk about design and colour, we’re talking about how it feels — not just how it looks. “When we’re at home it’s important to feel the best you can.”

“Colour is coming back into homes and Aussies should feel empowered to move away from pure white walls –

As we enter the cooler months, now is the perfect time to update your home and embrace the colours of the season. This autumn, we can expect to see a combination of warm neutrals that help to create the cocooning atmosphere we crave in our homes as the seasons change.

Wrap the room

To move away from all-white ceilings, consider running your chosen wall colour onto the ceiling to create a truly enveloping feeling. For this living room, we painted the main walls and ceiling in Beaten Track paired with the slightly earthier Stilted Stalks on the fireplace wall to make it a clear focal point

Use tonal colours: Selecting two warm earthy colours and running them from floor to ceiling, as illustrated here, wraps the room in warmth.

When planning your autumn design update, look for ways to highlight your home’s unique characteristics and embrace your natural surroundings.

Adding a deep hue can be a fast and effective way to accentuate existing architectural features, like how we have opted for the rich, warm mid-tone Brown & Neutrals on the opening that leads to the home’s main entrance.

Christmas 2022

Have you completed your Christmas shopping? Paintway have been “wrapping up” (Pardon the Pun? hehe) all of our Christmas gift shopping over the past week, but I still have a few gifts left on my list. We have been so busy this month, it will feel great to have our shopping and gifts all set to go so we are ready to relax and enjoy time with family and friends.

Paintway would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas 🎄 and would like to take the opportunity to thank you all so much for your business in 2022.

We would like to leave you with one more Painting Tip for the Year.

Thinking of painting your home and want to know the paint colour trends forecasted by the interior design experts for 2023? As professional painters we see the trends and know what works. Trends in interior design are as cyclical as those in clothing and furnishings. The good news is that updating your walls is practically as simple as updating your wardrobe.

Its all about making Changing Colours inside your home can have a great impact on your mood. Which is precisely what is necessary as the world emerges from the pandemic’s gloom. It’s for this reason that one of the new colour palettes has been selected: to give us a much-needed boost of energy and positivity.

If you are planning a house makeover, ensure you hire a QUALIFIED Painter to redecorate the interior paint, if you are trying to decide what colour to repaint your newly constructed or renovated home, Just call us and we can help you with all those decisions.

Merry Christmas Toowoomba 🤶🏻

Common House Painting Mistakes

Do-it-yourself painting can be a way to save money on house painting. But you need to do your homework first. As you want the end result to look like a professional house painters job. Painting is a great way to give your home a face-uplift, and DIY painting is one way to achieve this. We always see the same common mistakes people make when undertaking the house painting themselves.

Most of these mistakes people make during the painting process are avoidable; all you need to do is to pay attention to the small details before starting the paint job and during the painting process.

Below find the DIY mistakes outlined by our experienced painters; they will help in your next DIY paint project.

1. Avoid Choosing the Wrong Colour

Did you know that most of the common painting mistakes happen before you start painting? One of them is picking the wrong colour; it is advisable to choose a paint colour based on a colour swatch. Most clients get frustrated when looking for the best colour. You visit the store and buy your preferred colour, but the final look differs from the colour you initially picked. Light plays a major part when looking at colours!

Always ask the paint store for a mix of the sample paint, take it home, and try it out. Paint experts will advise that you observe it in both artificial and natural light.

2. Over-brushing is not a Good Idea

When undertaking your interior painting on cabinets, doors, or any other woodwork, avoid too much brushwork. This strategy will help achieve the smoothest possible finish. After loading your brush, immediately cover the area with paint. After that, apply one or two strokes to level it off. Avoid brushing the same spot when the paint starts to dry off. That will only cause brush marks and ridges.

3. Extreme Temperatures

Extreme temperatures like Queensland summers or Melbournes winters are not the right atmosphere for any paint job. Avoid any exterior painting during the heat of the day or conversely a cold morning.

Painting on a hot surface is not a good idea; the paint will dry faster before spreading it evenly. Sometimes the colour can slough and bubble off. Always avoid the direct sun when painting and know the best time to paint your home.

4. Cover Everything before Spray Painting

When you decide on DIY, never underestimate the power of sprays from paint sprays and spray cans. Always cover everything with thin plastic. In case you are working outdoors, avoid spraying on a windy day. The spray may end up on the neighbour’s property.

5. Surface Prep

Before you start your DIY paint job, it is crucial to prepare your walls or ceilings. Remember to remove any flaking and peelings surfaces. Scrape any glossy surfaces before applying a fresh coat of paint. It ensures that you end up with an evenly painted surface. Avoid the mistake of painting on unprepared surfaces, and the result will be an uneven paint job.

6. Do not Use the Wrong Finish

When you choose the wrong paint sheen or gloss for your DIY, it will not deliver professional work no matter how good you are. Below are some tips to help avoid that:

When the surfaces are not perfect, avoid using any high sheen. That glossiness will only maximize the problem, and light-reflecting will bring out all the defects. In case you decide to use gloss sheen or semi-gloss, ensure that the surface is well prepared and smooth enough.

If you are using different sheens and the same colour, always label your cans. It will make your DIY easier and avoid any mistakes until the paint dries.

7. Avoid Rookie Mistakes

There are two common mistakes that rookie DIY make:

Leaving the lid off after opening the paint can; the main problem is that anyone can step on the lid and spill paint all over. The other reason to avoid leaving the lid off is to keep the paint clean and prevent it from drying out. You will prevent mixing colours up.

Always lock your pets; if you forget to, they may end knocking the paint cans or putting paintbrushes in their mouth. It is the best trick for any DIY project.

8. Avoiding having your Roller Touch the Floor

In case you are painting new walls before installing the skirting, always leave an unpainted strip that the skirting will cover. When you paint close to the floor, the roller might pick some dirt and spread it across the wall. When painting over any ceiling, test a small section. If the texture looks fine, you can continue with the painting on the whole ceiling.

9. Wash Your Brushes

After the DIY project, you will be exhausted, do not leave the brushes in the garage to clean them later; it is a bad idea. Protect your tools by washing the brushes immediately with water and dish detergent. Ensure you wrap the brushes in airtight aluminium foil or plastic wrap. After cleaning, store them in the original packaging to maintain their shape.

How to choose the Right Colours for your home

What’s the most important role colour plays in a room?

It sets the mood for a room. The colour you choose is really about what you want the room to feel like.

Do you tend to use one colour throughout the entire interior, or mix it up room to room?

In general, I feel it’s important to have continuity throughout the entire house. I’ll use one or two colours throughout the house, and then mix in other accent colours. That gives continuity, but at the same time allows the various rooms to have different personalities.

What kind of classic colour combinations do you think work best?

Blue and white, yellow and green for a kitchen, red and black for a very formal dining room. For a lounge, I would suggest chocolate brown and camel or dark green and navy blue. We like burgundy and khaki, navy and khaki, or dark green and khaki. And greys and blues look really great together.

What kind of guidelines would you suggest if someone wants to use bold colours?

You need to be aware that you will likely get tired of bold colours very quickly. If you really want to incorporate a strong, bold colour, use it as an accent. Bold colours are often attractive because they are the colour of the moment this can quickly date a room.

How should the homeowner account for different lighting in choosing colours?

Select three shades of the colour you want: where you think you want to be, and one shade lighter and one shade darker. Do this with paint, wallpaper, or fabric swatches. Put the samples in two places: next to the window and in a darker corner. Look at them at different times during the day and at night. Then make your decision.

Is a neutral colour scheme always appropriate?

No. It totally depends on the house, the location, the architecture, and the personality of the homeowner. It’s about trying to keep a balance. An entire neutral house can be boring.

How do you use colour to affect relationship and the relationship with other decorative elements?

Colour is key to how the decor is perceived. If it’s a big room, paint it a brighter, warmer colour to bring the walls in. Paint a smaller room a cooler colour to push the walls out. Colour also establishes visual weight and balance. If you put a bold primary-based piece of art in a pastel room, it’s probably not going to seem right. The colours of the art should balance the colours of the space.

What are the challenges homeowners face in choosing colours and colour schemes?

Sometimes people are scared of colour, especially dark colours. Ultimately, people should really follow their heart: If they love a colour, test it, and like it in place, they should not be afraid to choose it.

Spraying-Rolling- or a paintbrush? Which method and why?

We just wanted to touch base and talk to you about methods of painting your home. We had a customer call us recently and was quite distressed the painters she had hired and sprayed EVERY wall, corner and every inch of her home which cause alot of excessive spray to lay over her carpet furniture including the TV!

Using a paint spray has become a useful tool in the housepainting trade, there certainly is a place for spraying but it certainly IS NOT everywhere internally in your home!

Often painters will use this method to save time and money but there has to be precautions in doing so as paint that is sprayed can leave a fine residue over everything in that room!

When spraying very special care and preparation needs to happen before we can use the machine and often this is overlooked by many tradesman.

If you decide to paint a room yourself using a Spray…here are some helpful tips to get started 😀

Preparation of surfaces (standard room)

• Remove any grease or dirt by washing down surfaces

• Fill any imperfections in the plaster work with a recommended filler product

• Lightly sand any filled areas and imperfections to a smooth, even finish

• Wipe down surfaces with a soft broom/brush or cloth to remove any dust

• We recommend you also protect yourself by wearing protective clothing and safety equipment such as, eyewear, gloves and a mask.

Masking

• Use a blue tape to mask up all trim areas including; architraves, skirting boards, window reveals, light fittings, light switches, etc.

• Cover all floors and furniture with heavy duty Wagner canvas drop cloths

• It is best to remove any window furnishings, however if this is not possible then cover with lightweight plastic drop sheets or masking film

Spraying (ceiling)

• Select a premium paint in your chosen colour. Firstly, apply one coat to all cornices

• Then work systematically from side to side across the width of the room, applying the first coat to the ceiling

• Allow the first coat to dry thoroughly and then repeat the process with a second coat moving up and down the length of the room

Spraying (walls)

• After the ceiling is completely dry, mask up underneath the cornice edge using blue tape and masking film or paper and extend to cover the pre-painted ceiling to a minimum of 30cm

• Working systematically up and down, across the wall, apply the first coat in an even pattern

• Allow the first coat to dry thoroughly and then repeat the process with a second coat

Removal of masking tape/paper

• Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before gently removing the masking tape

• Note – if the paint is still wet when removing the tape then the paint may bleed onto the protected surface

• Dispose of all tape, paper or plastic thoughtfully

Cleaning

– Once you have completed the project, it is important to follow the simple cleaning instructions for sprayer to ensure maximum performance of the unit for your next project.