7 Hacks You Can Learn From Professional Union Painters

We all love to get insider secrets, and painting tips are no exception. Qualified painters from the IUPAT are some of the best of the best. The next time you have a truly DIY project that requires a bit of painting, keep these hacks from unionized commercial painters in mind.

1. Don’t skip the preparation: One of the biggest headaches for people is prepping the area so it’s ready to be painted. That’s why so many individuals decide to skip this step. Don’t succumb to the temptation!Instead, go through all the rigors of washing, sanding and filling in cracks/holes. This is a huge step in making the finished product look great.
2. Get quality paint: Think that the “on sale” or “clearance” paint is going to save you tons of money?Be careful.Do your homework on paint brands, and read the recommendations. You don’t have to buy top-of-the-line, but beware of bottom-of-the-barrel. Like everything else, you get what you pay for.
3. Use a primer: Primers are part of the preparation process. They might seem like an unnecessary step… at first. As soon as you see the finished product, you’ll understand how important they are. As with paint, get a good brand of primer for even, reliable coverage.
4. Invest in great brushes: Brushes make painting so much better, but only if your brushes can stand up to the job. Have you ever had bristles that fell apart and ended up on your wall or floating in the paint? Choose the best brushes you can afford.
5. Clean those brushes: In addition to buying the right brushes, you should also buy cleaning solvents for the brushes. Removing all the paint residue after each project will extend the life of the brushes. Plus, it’s essential for projects that take several days to complete.
6. Let each coat of paint or primer fully dry: Impatient to move on to your next “to do” task? Remind yourself that it isn’t worth it to add a second coat before the first has had time to dry.
7. Paint in ventilated areas: Are you going to paint in an enclosed space?Be sure it’s properly ventilated. You may want to add some fans, too. This helps circulate fumes out and away from where you’re working. You may want to purchase masks to wear to further protect you from inhaling toxic vapors.

With the right equipment, and an eye towards safety, you can be sure your painting project looks amazing. Plus, you can get a better understanding of how challenging it is for union painters to make every finished product shine.

Would you like to become a professional painter? The IUPAT can help you get started. Just contact us and we’ll be happy to discuss your options in this exciting field!