Looking for professional help with your wallpaper removal job? If you’re in MIddle Tennessee, our Protek Professional Painting Services team would love to help! Reach out to us right here.

Always do wallpaper removal before painting

Whenever possible, you should always try to completely remove your wallpaper before painting your space. This will give you smoother, more professional-looking results that last for longer. Wallpaper under the paint can cause it to bubble and detach from the wall. Wallpaper that has been painted over is also extremely hard to remove later on. Even if there are a lot of layers of wallpaper or you’re facing a generally tough job, it will always be worth it to remove the wallpaper completely first.

Test your wallpaper

If you’ve spent any time researching beforehand, you’ll know there are a handful of different methods for removing wallpaper. To test the initial ease of your wallpaper removal, we recommend using a great utility knife to pry the paper up in an area that’s not easily noticeable. Can you pull the paper down the surface of the wall? This is great news! You most likely will not have to soak, steam or dry-strip the walls. If you have a tough time pulling the paper off by hand, you’ll want to look into soaking, steaming or dry-stripping instead. 

Know your walls

So your wallpaper isn’t budging by hand. How do you know which method to try next? First, find out if your walls are plaster or drywall. Homes that are 50+ years old typically have plaster walls, while newer homes use drywall. Drywall is much more delicate, so keep in mind that you won’t want to soak or steam-strip it and you’ll need to consider other options. 

Make sure you have the correct tools for the job

With the right tools, a wallpaper removal job can be relatively easy, even though it is time-consuming. Once you know if your wallpaper is easily peelable and if you have plaster or drywall, you can choose the best tools to get the job done right the first time. If your wallpaper can be stripped, all you’ll need is a great utility or putty knife and your hands! If you have plaster walls and decided to use a soaking method, grab a liquid stripper concentrate from your local home improvement store and a large brush or sprayer. You can find more in-depth instructions for this method right here. For a steam removal, you’ll need a steamer, scoring tool, gloves, and goggles. You’ll also want some extra help from a friend. You can find more instructions on this method here. 

Hit a dead end? Don’t be afraid to reach out to the experts.

Sometimes in the wallpaper removal process, you may encounter damage or unexpected complications. In those cases, it’s always best to reach out to a professional for help before moving forward. Our ProTek team is licensed and insured and has expansive experience with the wallpaper removal process. If you’re in Middle Tennessee, specifically Williamson or Davidson County, we’d love to help you with your job!

Fill out a contact form right here and we’ll have a member of our team get back with you as soon as possible. 

The post What You Need To Know About Wallpaper Removal appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

You decide on a project that seems like it will be pretty easy and straightforward. You buy the paint and other tools you need, and then quickly realize you’ve hit a roadblock, or that it’s going to be a lot more work than you thought.

The good news? Most interior painting mistakes can be avoided if you prepare correctly beforehand. Here are 5 of the most common interior painting mistakes people make, and how you can easily avoid them.

Mistake #1: Not using quality paint

When it comes to painting, a low price tag doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a good deal. In most cases, cheaper, thinner paints require more coats or leave you with unsatisfactory results. You’ll get the best bang for your buck by purchasing high quality, trusted brands that were created specifically for the job at hand. Not sure which paint is best for your job? Ask for help at your local hardware or home improvement store, or reach out to our team here at ProTek!

Mistake #2: Not properly preparing surfaces

Regardless of what surface you’re painting in your home, but sure it’s clean and that all residue has been removed. Scrape away any gunk, completely remove all wallpaper, sand down rough surfaces and remove any tape. By properly preparing your surface beforehand, you’ll save yourself a whole lot of time and get a much smoother and satisfactory result.

Mistake #3: Failing to protect your space before painting begins

Regardless of what room you’re painting, it’s important to use tools like paint tape and drop cloths to protect your surfaces and floors. No matter how great your paint looks, the residue left on floors, carpets, and counters, will cheapen the end result. Do the work to properly protect your room ahead of time, and you’ll save yourself a good amount of trouble later on.

Mistake #4: Not using the correct painting tools

Even with great paint, using the wrong tools can severely mess up your paint job before you even begin. Certain rollers and brushes work best with specific types of jobs and surfaces. For example, a stiff, angled brush is great for tricky spots like corners. Thick nap rollers are best used on textured surfaces. Prevent frustration by doing your research beforehand to ensure you have the right tools for your job.

Mistake #5: Not reaching out for your help when you need it

If you’ve hit a snag in your painting project that you’re not able to fix on your own, that’s where the experts come in. Don’t be afraid to contact a trusted local company or painting expert if you hit a roadblock or uncover unknown problems during your project. Sometimes a little help and expertise can go a long way in making your space into a place that you love.

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What other mistakes have you made on painting projects in the past? We’d love to address any issues, problems or questions that you have, so reach out to our ProTek team anytime!

The post 5 Interior Painting Mistakes Most People Make appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

The best thing about updating your home’s curb appeal is that making improvements doesn’t have to be overwhelming! With a small budget and a little effort, you can considerably improve the curb appeal of your home and bring fresh new life to your place.

Here are a few key tips that any homeowner can apply:

1. Put some effort into landscaping.

This is by far the easiest way to improve your home’s curb appeal. However, it’s one step that many homeowners put off for the longest. Depending on the current season, a trip to the garden center at your favorite home improvement store can greatly improve your home’s appeal. Choose attractive planters for your windows. Lay new mulch or add greenery and flowers to your flower beds. Even a hanging planter at your front door can make a big difference. The greener the better when it comes to the exterior of your home.

2. Clean up debris and clutter.

Whether it’s your garden hose, kids toys, trash cans or pet supplies, the less clutter the better when it comes to your home’s exterior. If you need outdoor storage, find some attractive storage options for your garage or behind your home. Do your best to keep your porch, yard, and driveway clear of debris and clutter. This small step will instantly make your home seem cleaner and more appealing.

3. Add in personal accents and elements.

From a welcoming doormat to a colorful wreath or string lights, a few tasteful decorative elements can add instant personality to your home and make it look well cared for! Outdoor seating or unique artwork and decor are also great ways to show your personality. Don’t forget to add touches of charm to the outside of your home and not just the inside!

4. Small paint jobs boost your home’s curb appeal.

A little paint can go a long way! Even if you don’t currently have the budget to paint your whole house, paint can still go a long way in increasing your curb appeal. Choose a new, bright accent color to make your front door pop. Then choose a complementary shade for your window shutters, or simply add a fresh coat to the shutter paint you already have. If you have a garage door or other unique elements on your house, make sure you touch those up too.

5. Don’t skip the pressure wash.

Pressure washing your home is one of the best ways to improve its appeal and keep it in the best possible condition. Mold, grime, and other elements can make your home’s exterior look worn, so it’s best to clean and protect your house against these regularly. When you pressure wash, don’t skip important areas like your patios and decks! They can make a big difference as well.

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All these ideas should help you considerably improve the curb appeal and feel of your home. By applying just a few of these tips, you can have the best looking house in the neighborhood in no time!

Are you in the Middle Tennessee area and looking for help with exterior paint, pressure washing, or generally improving the exterior condition of your home? Reach out and give our ProTek team a call. We would love to help create a plan that works for you and your home.

The post Here’s How To Instantly Upgrade Your Home’s Curb Appeal appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.