Many cities have curtailed the issuance of new building permits, resulting in companies, as well as individuals, buying and renovating existing buildings that are sound and meet their needs. While renovation and reclamation of older, iconic commercial and residential buildings have become somewhat of a trend, repainting them may require adherence to some very specific guidelines, requiring the use of very specific paints, many of which may be oil-based. Here, we will briefly compare the pros and cons of both oil-based paints and the water-based acrylics: What are oil-based paints –  Oil-based paints may contain organic solvents, such as white spirits, alcohols, or ketones as their solvent. Organic solvents include glycol, esters, petrol-distillates, and some synthetic resins. The solvent has to evaporate in order for the paint to dry , leaving the pigment and oil behind. As the oil oxidizes, it forms a hard, protective,...

Power washing a building can remove dirt, grime, pollen, and other pollutants for a clean, aesthetically pleasing façade. This may be necessary for a cleaner look or before a new paint job. However, not all power washers or power washing jobs are the same. Even for the same structure, the tools and techniques required will vary depending on types of structural materials and on the cleaning level you need. If you are planning a project that includes power washing your residential home or commercial building, consider these key points to ensure efficiency, thoroughness, and most importantly, safety . Damages to Property The right power washer using the proper settings will result in a perfectly clean exterior. However, a misapplied power washer can damage walls, either directly by peeling paint and denting surfaces or indirectly by propelling...

It is time to start that painting project. You’ve purchased brushes, paint, rollers, and more, and everything is almost ready to start. Have you taken all the necessary safety precautions? Painting safety is not something a lot of people dwell on but should seriously consider if undertaking a DIY painting project. Consider if you have all the equipment needed, if there’s adequate ventilation available in the room to be painted, and how to properly clean and dispose of materials when the job is done. Follow these safety tips to ensure the project will be a safe one. Ensure Adequate Ventilation  Proper ventilation is probably the most important thing to consider if using a solvent-based paint. According to the National Capital Poison Center , exposure to paint fumes from solvent paints can cause dizziness, headaches, and nausea....