FAQ’s

When should I use a china bristle brush?

Black or white china bristle brushes should be used when working with oil-base products. (Do not use these when working with waterborne coatings because the water will soak into the bristle and damage the brush.) When working with oil-base paints, the softer nature of the natural bristle will promote better release of the coating onto the surface and will generate an overall better finish. White china bristle brushes are most commonly used when working with less viscous products, such as interior, oil-based stains and polyurethanes.

What are the forms of payment do you accept?

Earn your credit card points when hiring The Vancouver Painting Company. We accept all major forms of credit cards and process them through Monaris Solutions.

Credit card payment is accepted on all interior painting jobs, and exterior painting jobs. E-Mail transfer, Paypal, cash, and cheque are also acceptable forms of payment.

In which order should I paint the walls, ceilings, and trim?

As you can imagine, this can be open to debate. For the most part, however, the ceiling and walls are primed prior to installing the trim. Naturally, the ceilings are done first, and then the wall. Once the trim is installed and the edges caulked, the trim is primed and finish coated. The trim is therefore coated last. Even when repainting a similar order is followed. Ceiling first, walls second, trim last. If the trim were painted first, splatter from the roller could end up on the freshly painted trim. Since time is of the essence in repaint work, there is not usually enough time between painting the trim and painting the wall to use masking tape on the freshly applied paint.

Are there any issues associated with painting over a textured surface?

A common problem with existing textured paint is that it can be water-soluble. If you use a waterborne product directly over such a surface, it may cause the existing texture to begin to soften and fall off of the surface. Test a fast-drying alkyd primer on the surface. Alkyds have the best chance of not wetting the texture paint. If the alkyd primer does not prevent the softening of the texture, then you may have to consider complete removal of the existing texture and reapplication of a new coat.

Application of a fresh coat by roller may be easiest for most; however, in some cases it may not be possible to roll over texture paint as this, too, could cause it to come off. In such cases, application via airless spray may need to be considered. Test the application method over a small area prior to painting the entire ceiling.

What is the optimal temperature to paint outside?

Until a few years ago, painting needed to done when temperatures were going to be above 50° Fahrenheit. However, with advances made in waterborne technologies, products like Duration®, Resilience®, SuperPaint®, A-100® latex, in addition to WoodScapes® products can be applied when temperatures are as low as 35º F. Please note that surface, air and product temperatures must be at or above 35º F and that environmental conditions during and after painting need to be considered. Stable conditions and temperatures above 35º F are needed early in the paint’s drying schedule. The first 48 hours could be critical to successful drying.

 

What can I use to clean a surface that has already been painted?

Maintenance cleaning is vital to the overall service life of a painted surface. However, when selecting a cleaner, be sure to use a non-abrasive cleaner. If cleaning a waterborne paint, avoid products that are ammoniated. Mild, soapy water will generally suffice. However, always test the cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area to ensure that it does not damage the paint film.

Can mildew be permanently avoided?

No. Mildew can grow in any area that is dark and moist with limited air movement. Paints can be formulated to inhibit mildew growth, but under some conditions mildew eventually will reappear on any type of paint. A cleaning or maintenance schedule is the best protection in such environments.

What is the best way to touch-up or repair a wall?

Touching up an existing painted surface can be challenging – professional painters wrestle with this constantly. Ideally, use paint from the same can that was used originally, but reduce it about 10% to 15% with the reducer recommended on the can.

How do I wash my freshly painted wall?

To assure maximum washability and durability, wait at least two weeks before washing the dry paint film. Avoid any abrasive or harsh chemical cleaners as these could damage the paint film.

How do you Calculate your interior/exterior painting costs?

We offer a great deal on both interior and exterior painting. Simply calculate your square footage and give us a call we will handle the rest.

What paint do you use?

The Vancouver Painting Company will use any paint you want us to however we get great rates with the top painting companies and we would love to share those rates with you. VPC has contractor prices at top quality paint stores such as:
ICI Paint, Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, Dulux, Beur, Glidden