Dark Wood Balustrade
This customer requested this dark wood balustrade spraying Farrow & Ball Pale Powder.On-site spraying creates so many challenges and staircases are one of the most challenging projects as it is generally connected to multiple rooms and if the property is occupied during the process this makes it more complicated . So controlling over-spray and fumes are the main factors to address.
Over-spray is something that cannot be avoided when spraying with conventional paint sprayers as they use compressed air to create high pressures that blast the finish onto a surface. The paint is finely atomized by the pressure, resulting in smooth, even coverage. So any paint that doesn’t hit the surface turns into dust ,which if not managed could end up all over the property.
Following certain procedures can reduce the effects of over-spray:
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Make sure the the material is at the right viscosity for spraying.
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Ensure the correct pressure at the gun when the trigger is pulled
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The paint fan pattern should be no wider than the surface you’re spraying
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Keep the gun at 90 degrees and around 6 inch away from the surface and avoid any arcing, keeping the wrist locked
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The use of an extractor to help remove the over spray out of the atmosphere and outside the property is an absolute must.
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Ensure the working area is thoroughly protected with an adhesive carpet protector or for hardwood, laminate and tiled floors, antinox floor protection
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When spraying areas which are directly adjacent and which have been previously decorated, use low tack tape and masking paper
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Ensure all walls are covered with tape and drape to protect from any misguided overspray
Preparation is the key to any decorative procedure, more so when dealing with painting over previously stained varnished surfaces.
Any grease and dirt needs to be removed by washing down with a suitable degreaser like sugar soup, then rub down all surfaces to remove as much varnish as possible exposing the bare wood.
Then an adhesion primer is sprayed on.
This is important as this will help reduce any chipping paint. Also, you must take into account that once the varnish has been removed, it is possible tannins in the wood can be released. This needs to be sealed, ideally with a shellac based primer. There are a couple of primers that bond and also seal back tannins, my personal choice is Zinsser Coverstain.
Once the surfaces are ready for the top coats there are a wide range of products you can use - these are not usually off the shelf products however, as not all paint is suitable for spraying. Finish coats are water-based, which dry quickly and produce fumes and smell.
Another important factor is temperature. Spraying in cold conditions is not ideal so its imperative that favourable conditions are in place in order to achieve the best results.
Before
After
