Catchlight Painting Blog
Bubbles Under Paint: Solvent Blisters
One of the earliest lessons I learned in painting was not to rush to apply the 2nd coat. Oil-primed exterior walls on a Brookline Victorian were taking forever to dry; the paint can label suggested 48 hours before recoating - I waited a full week then applied a...
Hardwood Deck Restoration in Cambridge, MA
Rod Serling in the Twilight Zone would use the phrase "submitted for your approval.." and then go on to describe the latest nightmare scenario. I have my own example to submit, captured in the photograph below. A hardwood deck in Cambridge, built flush to the existing...
Fungal Growth and a Hardwood Deck in Cambridge
Rod Serling in the Twilight Zone would use the phrase "submitted for your approval.." and then go on to describe the latest nightmare scenario. I have my own example to submit, captured in the photograph below. A hardwood deck in Cambridge, built flush to the existing...
Residential Painting: To Prime or Not to Prime
When chatting with potential customers they'll often refer to the need for a primer to help with a color change. This is a common misperception; in fact using a primer to hide a color or effect a color transition is wasting a good product. Primers are typically...
It’s True … Paint Can Buy You Happiness
The other day, I spent almost 3 hours at Ikea attempting to get some advice about an upcoming project at a time when they were having a kitchen sale. It was CRAZY and while I was twiddling my thumbs waiting for my turn, I began thinking about the blog I wrote back in...
Safety First, Last, and Always
As an employer I am tasked with a multitude of responsibilities; providing full-time employment for our employees, ensuring our customers needs are met, delivering service with value, appraising the competition and economy in an attempt to stay relevant in our...
Historic Restoration in New England: The Case for Old Windows
They say eyes are the windows to the soul. In New England, windows are an integral and essential part of the vernacular of older homes. Compare the blank facade of a cookie cutter development home with its modern windows, faux mullions and shallow profile to the...
The Curse Of The Plastic Drop Cloth
One of the tasks we take very seriously when we are welcomed in a customer's home to paint is cleanliness. For my part I am on the OCD end of the spectrum when it comes to cleanliness - my weekends involve exercise, trail running with my dog Huey, and vacuuming my...
Differing Surface Conductivity, Fireplaces and Old Homes … A Paint Nerd’s Dream Project
Exhibit A: the ceiling of a parlor in one of JFK's childhood homes in Brookline. A well-loved room, filled with books, comfortable chairs and a working fireplace - this is my idea of nirvana. The clients obviously enjoy the fireplace, as evinced by the accumulated...
What the Heck Is Moisture Bagging?
I had no idea either, until I moved to New England from San Francisco and encountered a multitude of paint failures that are unique to old wood houses and Old Man Winter. The above photo is of an elevation on the Fitch Inn in Bedford, the start of Paul Revere’s famous...
