The Four Major Stages of Painting

A complete painting project can be divided into four major stages: planning, prepping, priming, and painting. The stages of painting must be conducted in sequential order because each stage lays the foundation and groundwork for the next stage to occur. Understanding and abiding by the major stages of painting is essential to achieving optimal painting success.

Stage I

Planning. Everything begins with an idea and a vision. In the first stage, planning, we consult with you about the specifics of your paint job: the areas to be painted, the paint colors and combinations desired, the amount of paint (and other materials) needed, the extent of renovation work required (such as removing wood rot), the timeline, cost, etc. In the planning stage, establishing a clear strategy will help your painting project to proceed smoothly.

During this stage we will also assess your structure for lead paint and, if this is an issue, make preparations to contain, encapsulate and remove the contaminated debris safely. New Life Crew, LLC is a Vermont Lead Safe Certified business.

Stage II

Prepping. In this phase we get down to the nitty gritty work on the building surfaces. Good prepping sets the stage for effective painting in many ways. One of the first goals is to clean the surfaces to be painted. This can involve pressure-washing the walls or conducting a thorough brushing, which removes the dirt, mold, cobwebs and other detritus from the surfaces to be painted. Fresh paint won’t adhere well on a dirty surface, so the cleaner the better.

The next phase of prepping is to scrape away the existing paint blisters or peeling paint, then sand it to procure a clean and smooth canvas on which to apply the paint. To make the surfaces even, prepping also involves caulking gaps or holes in the surfaces to be painted.

Wood Rot. During the course of prepping your structure to be painted we may encounter wood rot, which is wood that has been deteriorated by inundation of moisture. Wood rot is a progressive condition caused by a fungus that feeds on sources of damp wood. It can be identified through a number of tell-tale signs, including wood surfaces or structures that are warped, discolored or strewn with strange cotton-like cobwebs. Wood rot also has a distinct musty odor like mildew, and in advanced stages may produce mushroom-like growths.

Wood rot compromises the integrity of the wood surfaces and structures in your home as it robs wood of its vitality and durability. In final stages, wood rot completely dilapidates once-healthy wood such that it quickly crumbles under pressure. Wood rot must be removed and repaired through new construction with healthy wood—a process that may be required to proceed with an effective painting of your home or business if it is in a state of significant disrepair.

Stage III

Primer. The primer coat of paint is essential because it lays the foundation for the main coat. The primer coat accomplishes multiple goals. It adds an extra layer of protection to your surfaces, increases adhesion of the final coat of paint, and results in greater durability of the completed painting product.

New Life Crew, LLC uses only the finest quality primer paint to begin your painting project. We also offer a special bonding primer paint that chemically bonds to the substrate and prevents cracking and peeling for up to 20 years. We can discuss whether your structure would benefit from this with you during our initial consultation and painting estimate.

Stage IV

Painting. After setting the foundation with the previous 3 stages, we are ready to apply the final product: your new, fresh coat of paint. When painting your home or business, we employ skilled craftmanship that results in a spectacular new look. And because a paint job is only as good as the materials used, we always use the finest quality paints by Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore to ensure optimal durability and longevity of your new paint product.

Preserving Your New Paint

After completing your painting project, we advise you on home maintenance techniques that will preserve the integrity of your new paint for as long as possible. Basic strategies include inspecting your caulk for damage regularly and replacing cracked or missing caulk. You can preserve your interior paint by touching up blister spots or peeling before it spreads, and exterior paint by cleaning the surfaces of any detritus, including mold or mildew, stains from the natural environment, or places where bushes or trees are brushing against your building.

We encourage you look at the prospect of painting as an opportunity to express your personality or that of your church or business. Along these lines, we consult with you to choose colors and color combinations that will best achieve your desired effect.

Without delving too deep into the psychology of color and mood we can point out that there are three main kinds of paint color: neutral, energizing, and calming. Neutral colors tend towards white, grey, and mild hues. Energizing colors are in the “hotter” span of the color spectrum: including reds, yellows, and oranges. And calming colors tend towards the cooler arc: greens and blues and browns. Energizing colors are generally bright and vivid, while calming colors tend towards being darker and subdued.

The Adventure of Painting

Of course you are the judge of this as regards your painting project! We simply encourage you to think about the impact you want the paint colors and combinations to have upon the people who inhabit your dwelling. Our environment shapes how we feel and think, and the color of that environment imparts a profound impact upon the ambience of the atmosphere. A fresh painting of your home, church, or business can emphasize the emotional and energetic qualities you want to encourage.

Contact New Life Crew, LLC today for an initial consultation of your new painting project!