To spray or not to spray?

I’m a big fan of using a spray gun when painting.  I’ve been doing it for a really long time now and there are some tricks to getting it right!  

You can get a wonderful finish in a short amount of time and it’s much quicker than brushing or rolling!  It makes painting things like your vermiculite ceilings, cane furniture and trellis a whole lot easier.

There are several different spray guns available.  Here’s a couple: 

Conventional spray guns are used with an air compressor and are great for fine detailed work like doors, aluminium windows and wrought iron fences.  You can adjust the fan size and the air flow which allows you to do more detailed work.  

Airless spray guns are used on large jobs like ceilings and walls because a larger volume of paint can be put through it.  Instead of using air to push the paint around, the paint is put under extremely high pressure through a spray tip.  This reduces the amount of overspray if used correctly.

A couple of tips to remember when spraying:

First off, do yourself a favour and take a couple of practice runs on a spare bit of plywood or gyprock before you tackle the real job.  You can create a lot of havoc with a spray gun and if things start to go wrong, they can go REALLY wrong REALLY quickly! 

Always release the trigger at the end of each pass before you stop moving.  This way you won’t get a heavy build- up of paint where you stop.  

Overlap your spray pattern by 50 percent.  This’ll ensure good coverage.

If the paint is coming out spotty, like an orange peel finish, you’ll need to either increase the pressure of the spray gun, increase the pressure of the air compressor or your paint may be too thick.

Don’t work outside on a windy day.  Oil- based paint can take up to 6 hours to dry so if you’re spraying on a windy day that paint can travel a long way and damage lots of cars, bikes and homes along the way!  I’ve actually seen it happen!

Use the spray trigger guard and safety shield.  The spray of paint that comes out of an airless spray nozzle is at such high pressure, it can cut right through your skin so, as always, SAFETY FIRST!  Never cross the spray over your skin or clothing and don’t forget all the safety gear including eye goggles, gloves, respirator  and ear protection.

You’ll be spraying like a pro in no time!

Efflorescence

Efflorescence is the formation of salt crystals on or near the surface of concrete.  It’s not only terrible to look at but it can get worse over time.  It may also be an indication of a more serious problem, like waterproofing issues.

To get efflorescence, two things are required-  water soluble salt and water.  Water moving through the concrete pushes salt to the surface, then the water evaporates and leaves the white powder behind.  The longer you leave it, the worse it gets.

If you get onto it straight away, generally white vinegar will do the trick.  If that doesn’t do it, head on down to the hardware store and pick up an efflorescence remover.  If the leaching is extensive, it’s highly likely there’s a bigger issue that needs addressed ASAP.

Now, can it be prevented?  According to the HIA, most experts will say no.  It can, however, be minimised and serious damage avoided.  Preventing water from getting in is the number one priority.  Physical measures and good design are the most effective means of avoiding efflorescence or leaching.  Adequate waterproof membrane, a suitable sealer, good drainage and ensuring a high quality of workmanship are also imperative.

Removing Old Paint

If you’re planning on doing any paint removal, you’ve got to check out these great products that I came across this week.  Let’s Clean has a whole range of products including 600GL Soy-Gel which is a paint remover made from soybean.  It’s 100% biodegradable, low odour, non-caustic, safe and effective.. even with lead based paint.  It just doesn’t get any better than that!

Jump online and check out their fantastic range of products. That’s http://www.letsclean.com.au  and use simonshouse as the discount code when you place your order.

Painting in the rain?

There are some things most of us wouldn’t do when it’s raining outside, like wash our car or repair our roof.  Or paint the outside of our house! 

Well I came across some painters this week that were painting external window frames IN THE RAIN!!  So I guess the question isn’t “would you?” but “should you?”  And the answer is NO!

Absolutely, you can paint the inside of your home.  You’ll need to allow longer for dry times and make sure you’ve got good ventilation. 

You can also paint outside under cover as long as the surface is dry, again the dry times will be longer.  It’s important to know that most paints can’t be applied below a certain temperature, it will say on the can.  If it’s likely to drop to the minimum degrees 8-10 hours after you paint, you’re pushing it.  The paint will start peeling off just as soon as the weather warms up.

As for painting exterior window frames out in the pouring rain, NO!!  I’m pretty sure I don’t need to even tell you why!

Winter Pool Care

You may not feel like taking a dip in your pool during the winter but just because you’re not swimming in it doesn’t mean you should forget about it for 3 or 4 months.  Regular maintenance, including water testing, is really important and means a lot less work to do next summer!

Test your chlorine and PH levels every week.  Since the demand for chlorination is less during the cooler months, levels may not be enough to keep it clear of bacteria.  Algae can grow during winter as well if it’s low on the right chemicals.  Testing and making sure the levels are right can protect the pool coating too. Run the filter and cleaning system a few hours each week to make sure they’re running okay and not seizing up. Pool covers are great if you want to keep leaves, bugs and other debris out.  They also keep the water and pool chemicals from evaporating as quickly. 

Just remember to take it off every once in a while to air things out and to have a look at what’s going on beneath it. If you’ve got any questions, take a water sample down to your local pool supply shop and they’ll point you in the right direction! 

Fire Saftey

Following two separate fires in homes last month warnings were issued on recalled and dangerous heaters.  One fire involved an electric heater that was purchased 5-6 years ago and left in the box.  When used, the heater ignited and caused significant damage.  Anyone bringing out a heater that has been in storage is urged to check at www.recalls.gov.au to make sure they’re not using an unsafe product.  After that, check out all the cords and plugs to make sure and give it a good wipe down before using it

The second fire involved a cabinet gas heater.  These non-compliant heaters are extremely dangerous because they use LPG cylinders which are not designed to be used indoors.  They have been banned in Australia but can still be found for sale online and at some markets.  If you’ve got one, stop using it immediately!  Check out this video on dangerous cabinet gas heaters at www.bit.ly/1u42yt2

Here are a few tips for a safe winter:                                                                

• Do not place room heaters too close to furniture, curtains or bedding.

• Supervise children and pets at all times.  Don’t allow them to play or sit too close to the heater. 

• Remember the rule:  A metre from your heater!

• Gas heaters must be certified and should be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Always have a source of fresh air coming into a room when using a gas heater.

• Check and clean out your fireplace often.  This includes having the chimney cleaned regularly to remove any soot, debris or build- up of cresote.

For more information about home fire safety to www.homefiresafetyaudit.com

Termite Prevention

Just mention termites and you’ll strike fear in the heart of any home owner!   

While the only way to know for certain is to have your home checked out by a reputable pest control service, there are several things you can do to make an infestation less likely.

Termites are attracted to wood so move any potential food source well away from the building. This means stacks of timber, firewood, and no storing the leftovers from your latest DIY project under the house!  Tree stumps are a popular nesting place too so get rid of those.

Termites are also attracted to water so get busy fixing up any leaking pipes, drains, sinks or showers.  They also prefer humid conditions so keep the area under your house dry by having enough sub- floor ventilation and drainage.

Some timbers are naturally resistant to termites, but others can be treated. Use one of these timbers if it will be in contact or close to the soil.  When possible, choose a building material that termites can’t chew through, like steel, or properly laid concrete.

Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to termites.  They can cause extensive structural damage before you know it, so no mucking about!  Get your termite prevention plan in place ASAP!!  Make sure your plan includes regular inspections from a reputable pest control service.

Have a look at www.csiro.au and search termites for lots more info.