Got a question or need professional advice about your paint related project.  Ask Chris at staff@bnkpainting.com.  Questions answered immediately.

"I bought a gallon of PrepRite to prime a room with paneling. I want to use Latex paint as a final coat. My question is, can I use this with Latex paint, or will I have problems with the paint not sticking."

This is what you want to use and you will not have any issues with latex over it.  It is oil based topcoats that latex will not bond to cause of the sheen it creates.  Primers are flat and create good surfaces for paints to bond to

"Can I paint my asphalt shingle roof?"

Yes you can paint your asphalt shingle roof.  Check with you local Sherwin Williams store for a product selection.  Products vary by state.  There are various products you can use inlcuding elastomeric products.  Check these websites I have listed for some products and information. 

http://www.acrytech.com/Roof%20Paints.htm 

http://www.tuffkoteco.com/skspecs.htm 

http://www.roofsealer.com/roof_paint/roof_paint.html 

http://www.ceramicadditive.com/coolcoat.html 

"How do I figure out how much paint I need?"

Visit the site I have listed here and they have a very simple calculator to use that will estimate the amount of paint you will need based on several factors. 

 www.behrpaint.com

"I am comparing bids and notice some are high and some are really low, why is that?"

The cost of a job is determined by the level of thoroughness, attention to detail, and quality of materials to be used. For example, it costs more to properly prepare a surface for painting than to give it the "quick once over." We would be happy to review, in detail, our calculations for your project so you can make a fair comparison with other bids. We suggest that you read "Why Hire A Pro ?". 

"The last painter we hired would work for a few days, then be gone for a couple days. Will you stay on the job once you begin?"

Yes. We'll stay with the project and work continually until your project is complete. However, this differs for exterior work. Weather dictates our working habits during cold and rainy seasons.

"ARE YOU USING THE PAINTING IMAGES PROGRAM FROM SHERWIN WILLIAMS?
SECOND, IF SO DOES THE PROGRAM WORK WITH INTERIORS?"

Yes we are using their program.  It has a few flaws and they have discontinued supporting or distributing it.  We have never used if for interiors but I do not see why it would not work.

"Do you protect our furniture and clean up after you are done?"

Yes. Floors, furniture and other areas necessary to protect from paint will be covered. We also cover doorways to adjoining rooms to contain dust if we will be sanding. On completion we will pick up and clean up to return your home to the condition that we found it.

"Do you subcontract your work?"

No.  Chris and Darren complete all work that is bid on.

"Do you carry insurance and workers compensation?"

Yes, our insurance includes general liability and worker's compensation policies. Insured through Pankranz Insurance Boise Idaho. 

"What kind of paint do you use?" 

Most of the time we use Sherwin Williams line of products. However, the brand of paint we use can be influenced by other factors including customer preference, the nature of the project, and other bid specifications. In addition to using the best paint, we use top quality materials, tools and supplies from other companies.

"What do I have to do in order to get ready for the painters?"

The only items we ask the customer to move are the small knick-knack items and pictures. We come expecting to move furniture, window treatments and switch plates. We also ask that you let us know if you have animals that we need to be cautious of, watch for escape, etc. If your animals normally have access to the areas we will be in, please restrict them from our work area, at least until the paint is dry. Upon completion of the project, we will replace all items we moved back in their correct location.

"Is it better to brush the paint on or spray it on?"

Manufacturer specifications require that paint be applied at a specified mil thickness to insure proper application and warranty.  The only way to insure the proper mil thickness is to spray the paint on with the manufacturer recommended airless tip size. A brush will leave heavy areas and thin areas voiding any warranty if the paint fails.

"Will the paint adhere properly by spaying it on with an airless sprayer or is it better to roll it on?"

Airless sprayers apply the paint on using approximately 3000 PSI (pounds per square inch).  Although this may sound high the paint still will not bridge small gaps, cracks, and holes.  After spraying the paint on one should back roll the paint with a 3/8 nap the insure all holes, cracks, and gaps are filled.  Back rolling with the proper nap and immediately following the spraying will insure mil thickness and evenness.

"What is better to use, a brush or a roller (Nap)?"

If you are using latex paints, brushes will always have a tendency to leave brush strokes.  Use oil based paints if you absolutely do not want brush strokes.  A nap on the other hand will lay out the paint in a more even pattern insuring manufacturer specs of mil thickness.  Using a high quality nap will leave a very light stippling pattern with latex paints but is usually more appealing then heavy brush strokes

What type of paint and/or sealant should I use to paint an open wooden staircase white? What method should I use to paint wood veneer white?

For the wood veneer: The surface should be cleaned using Sherwin-Williams ProClean Prep Wash Cleaner to remove surface dirt and contaminants. Next use PrepRite Bonding Primer on the veneer. This will give you improved adhesion for a long-lasting job. The finish coat will be dependent partly on the sheen you choose. For a flat finish, SuperPaint or Cashmere Interior Latex would be good; for a satin or semi-gloss finish, I would consider ProClassic Waterborne or Alkyd coatings. 

To paint the open wooden staircase, you would want to use Sherwin-Williams High Performance Floor Enamel. This is a high-gloss finish that will give you the durability needed for this area. 

To prepare the surface: First, make sure that the surface is clean, dull and dry. If you are applying the product to new wood, be sure to sand the wood first, wearing a proper respirator for sanding dust.

What is the best way to prepare a cedar porch for staining?

Remove all surface contamination by washing with appropriate cleaner to remove all contaminants. I recommend Cuprinol Liquid Deck Cleaner. For areas not exposed to direct weathering – such as under eaves and porch ceilings – use a power washer. Rinse and allow to dry. If the surface still appears dirty, suspect mildew. Remove the mildew by washing with a solution of one pint liquid bleach and one gallon water. Apply the solution and scrub the mildewed area. Allow the solution to remain on the surface 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and allow the surface to dry before painting. Always follow the safety precautions printed on the label. Cuprinol deck and wood stains are good choices for this application. These stains are available in everything from semi-transparent coatings to solid stain coatings. 

Can you tell me how to clean latex paint from an aluminum ladder?

Alcohol will remove most of the paint drips and spatters. If you need to remove a large amount paint, it will take a lot of elbow grease and a stiff putty knife or scraper. The Allway 4 Edge 11/2 inch Scraper (1626324) is the safest method.