Paint Your Concrete Foundation

A great way to spruce up your foundation is to paint it. It’s actually a pretty easy project to tackle. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Pull the dirt and weeds away from the foundation with a shovel so no dirt will get on your roller.
• Wash off the concrete foundation with a spray nozel on the jet setting. Difficult dirt you can remove with a broom or wire brush. Wait until the foundation is completely dry before you begin painting.
• Use the brush to paint the grooves first, but if your foundation does not have grooves, you may begin with the roller. Use concrete primer for the first coat, then wait for it to dry. Once dry, apply the second coat then allow that to dry. Afterward, paint all the edges and the top and bottom with the brush.
• When all is dry, make sure you push the dirt back into place.

Photo:  archiexpo.com

Pressure Washing

Before you paint, it is very important that you have surfaces pressure washed. The most common surfaces to pressure wash are building and home exteriors where it is apart of regular maintenance as well. However, there are other surfaces that need to have pressure washing maintenance as well like boats, parking lots, decks, mobile trailers and more.

It is important to thoroughly maintain surfaces with pressure washing because it removes…

• Mold and mildew that have developed due to weather and the environment
• Chemicals and other elements that cling to the surfaces
• Old layers of peeled paint coats

Pressure Washing also prevents the progression of damage from a host of conditions that affect surfaces.

Photo: allamericanpowerwashing.net

8 Proper Paint Brush Care Tips

Many people don’t know that there is a proper way to handle and care for their paint brushes. If you care for them properly, not only will you extend the life of the brush, you will keep it working efficiently as well.

Here are 8 tips to help you take better care of your paint brushes:

1. Consider the type of paint you are using before you pick  your brush. Always choose the right brush for the type of paint you are using.

2.  Don’t leave brushes sitting in paint for an extended period of time. The paint will harden on the bristles and make it harder to clean.

3. Never use nylon brushes in oil based paint because the chemicals and oils in the paint will change the feel of the brush bristles permanently.

4. High quality Nylon Polyester mix brushes are generally a good choice for an all purpose brush.

5. China Bristle brushes clean more thoroughly after using in oil paint than Nylon or Nylon Polyester brushes.

6.  Don’t use a China Bristle in latex paint because you will ruin the brush.

7. Thoroughly clean your brushes until the water is clear.

8. Store the brush back in the” keeper” or the cardboard packaging that most of the brushes come in. It will allow the brush to hold it’s shape.

Photo: business-for-artists.com

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