Toronto Exterior Painters have to work within the limitations of a relatively short painting season. Paint exterior surfaces too early in the spring or too late in the fall and paint failure is imminent.  
When painting the exterior of a home, the temperature of the air is something that must be considered. Oftentimes fall comes and people start to think about painting the outside of their homes because they start to recognize chipping paint or a dull deck. However, finding the right time and the right paint to use in cooler temperatures is imperative to a successful paint/stain job. If it is too cold, booking a job for the spring would be the best idea to ensure proper adhesion and curing of the paint.
Some manufacturers offer low temperature paint. Some of Benjamin Moore’s exterior paint can be used when the air temperature is above or at approximately 4.4 degrees Celsius. Aura exterior paint is rated as safe to use in that temperature.
However, not every type of paint will work well in these temperatures. Some paints are not suitable for these low temperatures and need to be applied when there are higher surrounding air temperatures. For more information regarding the specific temperature levels for each type of Benjamin Moore exterior paints please visit www.benjaminmoore.com.
Other manufacturers have similar offerings of low temperature paint. It is a good idea to check every manufacturers recommendations, or ask a technical representative before  using any low temperature exterior paints.
One thing to consider in low temperatures is dew.  Beware of dew developing on paint before it dries as it will cause the paint to appear uneven and not settle properly. Another thing to be careful with is to ensure that the surface is dry before you paint. It may appear to be a dry and sunny day, but again dew can cause problems. Cool fall or spring mornings may create dew on your paint surface before you get started. Be sure to sure that this moisture has not penetrated your paint surface as this will cause problems.

 For Exterior Painting Services in Toronto, please call 416 733-7767 or request a painting estimate

Written By Joanne

 

In Toronto when we talk about painting a stucco ceiling, we are talking  about painting an acoustical, popcorn textured ceiling. It is similar to the one in the picture, painted by our Richmond Hill Painters.

•  When painting a stucco ceiling it is important to do some research first. Has your stucco ceiling been previously painted? If the texture feels weak to the touch and easy to “crumble” it has never been painted before. In that case an oil primer or paint is your best bet to avoid stucco from peeling off on your roller. The builder stucco does not always adhere as well as paint does and is water soluble. Using oil primer or paint will help to prevent this problem. Zinsser makes a product called “Odorless”. It is not odourless at all but it definitely has less odour than most oil primers. It is also a stand alone finish coat for textured ceilings, so using two products is not necessary.
• Everything in the room has to be covered! Painting stucco ceilings can be very messy. Using dropcloths on carpet or hardwood and plastic over furniture will protect customer property. Also, be prepared to be splattered by the paint/stucco as you roll the ceiling. Protecting yourself with a hat, long sleeves and even safety glasses is a good idea.
• Roll in very small sections as it becomes difficult to see which areas have been saturated and which have not. Do not go back to areas that have been painted as texture may be damaged. Wait for first coat to dry completely. The good news is, that the second coat will be easier to apply as the texture has been now sealed. Clean up the mess and yourself and you are done.

When you need Professional Painters in Toronto to paint your stucco ceiling, call 416 733-7767 or request an estimate online

A synopsis by Maria

In late May, we started the Painters Training. It is a 7 part course designed by Ecopainting to educate, inform and give hands-on training to their painters. In our first session, we learned basic fundamental information about budgets, shop maintenance, job-site efficiency and protecting customer property. We also had a discussion on sustainable painting policies, and how we could enforce that on the field (for more in-depth information and points, visit Joanne’s post about it here

It was a good session to start off on, because this information is something every employee should be aware of.

For our second session, we learned about how to properly paint over pen and marker stains so it would not bleed through. We also learned how to caulk properly and accordingly when dealing with interior or exterior, and what the reasons are for the different types of caulk for each scenario.

During the third session, we were taught how to fill simple holes and cracks in the wall. We were shown the different types of compounds and how to apply them, and we all got some hands-on training. To read more on this, visit Jordan’s post here

Our latest session, and by far the most interesting (to me anyway) was repairing drywall holes. Erna was there to demonstrate how to prep the hole, mix the compound, and apply tape.

Everything from small to large holes, completely through the drywall or just the paper on top of the gypsum, we learned how to properly prep, prime and apply. This was cool.

So, all in all, I think the painters training is a great idea. It promotes education and knowledge of the trade, and that will result in confidence and better work(wo)manship for all of us. It is also important that we all be on the same page with expectations of our work, because we will work better as a team when we are all in agreement and understanding of our methods and standards.

 

-MC

Several pieces of drywall were brought into the office for training purposes. Holes and cracks were created. Mesh and paper tape were used where appropriate, to create solid repairs. Quick-dry, 20 minute compound was used to accelerate drying times. Erna demonstrated different ways to create backing support when patching larger holes. Proper technique and the correct tools were used to patch the holes and cracks. At the end of the session we installed some wallpaper. One of the sessions coming up is dealing with wallpaper removal. Among the services Ecopainting Inc. offers is wallpaper removal in Toronto and the GTA.

As reported by Jordan

9:00 am - Review of “Repairing cracks in drywall and plaster” document.
 
9:30 am - Review of various compound products.

 
CGC, Sheetrock 20
- good for unstable areas, dries fast
- requires mixing
- requires primer
- requires more sanding than drywall compound
- dust mask required
- not used for exteriors
- high flashing
 
Caulk
- flexible but can’t be sanded
- useful as a backing in cracks for other compounds
 
DAP” DryDex
- drying indicator
- very sandable
- interior, exterior
- dust mask required
- larger patches need multiple applications
- recommended for small patch jobs 
 
Lightweight type compound
- dries chemically
- flexible
- interior, exterior
- good for large patches
- can paint while it dries
- difficult to sand
 
10:30 am - Review of tools and tool maintenance

 
- keeping tools clean
- all painters should have at least a 2″ and 3″ patching knife at all times
- always use the appropriate knife in relation to the size of the patch
- the more flexible the knife, the easier it is to use for patching
- the more rigid the knife , the easier it is to use for scraping
 
11:00 am - Practice using the various compounds

This time it’s time to get to some real “hands on” training. Our new office space is now full of holes and some cracks, courtesy of us. Now we need to patch them properly before sanding, spot-priming them and before painting the walls.
This is the third session of the Painters training program.  This training will help all painters working for Ecopainting Inc. upgrade their skills.

 There was some attempt to clean and some attempt to paint over this writing, during the second painter training session. Special stain covering primers had to be used. 

 

Trying to paint over this drawing made with pen, during the second painter training session.

There was a lot discussed about wall and ceiling preparation and washing stains was a part of it.
Proper caulking technique was demonstrated by Karon.
The distinction was made between exterior caulking, and the mostly aesthetic reason for caulking during Interior Painting.
The PDCA standards, of what constitutes a proper painted surface was reviewed.

 

 

Written by Joanne 

The first training session covered the following main ideas. Below lists some important things that were discussed about each:

Introduction to Job Budgets:

-          The price of  a painting job is comprised of 3 components: job costs, overhead costs, and profit.

-          The estimator gives a certain number of hours the job must be completed.

Shop Set-Up and its daily upkeep:

-          Having the shop organized, out of the way, and close to the work area helps with efficiency and a safe and clean job site.

-          There is a checklist spreadsheet that will be online for the job managers or painters at the jobsite to do a daily inventory on materials at the site. Using this will definitely help make sure we all have what we need in a timely fashion.

Painters Tools and their Maintenance:

-          Make sure all tools on the list are clean and are brought to the jobsite everyday.

Efficient Washing of Paint Rollers and Brushes

-          During this part of the training we got to talk a bit about the environment and how finding ways of cleaning rollers and brushes as well as disposing of painting waste is important. As George said: We are “Ecopainting” so we have a responsibility to our friends in the ecosystem!

-          A three bucket washing system was suggested for washing paintbrushes to minimize the use of water.

-          If you are painting a colour similar to the colour previously used on your brush/roller, they do not need to be 100% free of paint, the colours will blend enough and by the second coat it won’t matter. Basically, get your brushes/rollers as clean as they need to be without using too much water.

Task Sequencing:

-          MES (Most Efficient Sequence)

-          Something that may be new for some: painting doors, frames, and any other vertical trim after the ceilings and before the walls.

Masking and Dust Protection for Interior Furnished Areas:

-          Protect all property!

-          Block off rooms not being painted by closing doors or using plastic to close off the room. This will keep the dust out and cut down on clean up time and unhappy customers who don’t like dust!

-          Take pictures of the layout of the room to make it easier to return everything to its right place.

-          Take note of, or take pictures of, previous damage/paint on hardware etc.

Important Notes:

• George is looking for volunteers to be the Environmental watchdog! I believe we will all have the honour of this position at some point.
• Next session will be held in the new office, suite 207. I think we are all looking forward to taking out some anger on those walls!  
• More hands-on learning and activities to follow in the next 6 weeks.

Starting after training: Bonus system for all jobs!! That means more money for the painters, if jobs are completed under budget: more money = happy painters J. This is why things such as task sequencing and efficiency are so important!

  

Preparation for painting is more than just covering the floors. It is necessary to examine surfaces for potential paint problems, such as stains, holes, cracks and other imperfections. Wall and ceiling preparation will provide a perfect background for the finish paint. 

Continuing with our training program for our Toronto Painters and apprentices, the following subjects will be covered during the June 3rd session:

- Wall & Ceiling preparation.
- Cleaning surfaces
- Stain priming.
- Moulding and Trim preparation.
- Filling nail holes.
- Caulking.

Ecopainting Inc. of Toronto is conducting a training program for it’s painters and apprentices.
The course is designed to address the company’s specific painting and procedure training needs, but can stand on its own as an introductory course to painting.
Emphasis will be placed on the hands on part of training.
The first course will be on Interior Residential Painting.
It will consist of seven weekly modules starting on Wednesday May 27th. Locations will be decided later to match the session’s subject.

• May 27th. Job-site efficiency / Customer property / Tools
  Introduction to job budgets and importance of project efficiency.
  Shop set-up and it’s daily upkeep.
  Painters tools and their maintenance.
  Efficient washing of paint rollers and brushes.
  Task Sequencing. Most Efficient Sequence (MES) for performing a job.
  Masking / Dust Protection for Interior Furnished Area.

  Information on the remaining modules will follow in this blog.
  Our Toronto Painters are advised to check here weekly.