Painting Wallpaper, Woodwork, and Brick
Pittsburgh painting projects do not always involve drywall or siding. Some interior and exterior surfaces include other materials like brick and wallpaper, or it could mean a choice between stain or paint for wood trim. People often debate the decision to paint these surfaces for various reasons. The choice is always up to the homeowner, but there are some things to consider.
Hide Old Wallpaper
Wallpaper does not always peel away from the wall as easily as people would like. Removal involves hours of effort to steam and scrape the paper away. Old homes may have multiple layers of paper, and delicate plaster walls underneath.
Concerns can also arise when people leave the paper. A coat of paint could make any blemishes in the wallpaper more noticeable. Over time, the wallpaper adhesive may come loose and make it necessary to remove the paper. Wallpaper with a dark print could need several layers of paint to hide the pattern.
Either method requires an effort to prepare the wall properly for painting. The work includes a coat of spackle over any damaged or uneven areas, spackle to smooth out the wallpaper seams, and glue to secure any loose edges of wallpaper. Moisture from the paint could loosen the paper, so start with an oil-based primer to avoid this problem.
Brighten the Design
Stained wood trim can add warmth and elegance to a home, but it can also cause too much of a contrast for people that want a bright, airy interior. The decision to paint could be complicated by the age of the home. Many people may feel the historic look of the house becomes diminished when someone covers the trim and other woodwork with paint.
Victorian houses were commonly filled with stained wood because the natural tones of the wood complimented the darker interiors that many people preferred. Many other historic homes originally had painted trim. Good quality hardwood often looks best when stained because it allows the swirls and other patterns of the wood to show through.
Painting does not diminish the beauty of carved trim. In some instances, a coat of white paint can help to bring out the detail of trim once hidden in the shadows. The decision to paint or not remains a personal one. Someone that dislikes natural trim should feel free to use whatever paint color they desire.
Cover Exposed Brick
Paint can brighten brick walls and may make it easier to clean exposed brick inside the home. A coat of paint will enable homeowners to hide permanent stains, like the soot around a fireplace. Paint can also help to protect older brick walls by sealing the bricks and the grout from the elements.
Bricks can be damaged by painting. Bricks have porous surfaces that can allow water to enter. It is possible that painting may seal water into the bricks where it could soften the material. Trapped water can also cause the paint to peel and bubble. Paint products that allow air to flow through can help to prevent trapped moisture.
Paint may add to the maintenance needs of the exterior because of the upkeep required for any painted surface, but it can also help to modernize the appearance of the home. The potential for damage to the brick and the house and the difficulty of removing paint from bricks without harm makes this a project for a professional.
Homeowners can cover nearly any material they want with paint, but it will only look its best if done correctly. At Fagan Painting LLC, we can help with your paint questions and select the products for your Pittsburgh painting projects. Contact us to discuss your ideas and to receive an estimate.