Current Projects

April 19 - 2010

I have not updated this page in a very long time - Sorry! I am however preparing a major update to this page soon & it will have an extensive archive of completed projects from the last 4-5 years.

As the economy has pulled in it's horns, so has the consumer.

Housing construction has been affected in the US of course, but also in Canada, and much of the world at present. The downturn is having an impact on the painting & decorating trade. Home owners looking to decorate or redecorate will be tempted to "do it themselves", naturally to "save money". This may work well if they already are very familiar with painting, have some or most of the tools needed, and have some time on your hands. If not, I would suggest, save your money and hire a professional, they'll be able to do the job faster than you, more efficiently than you, and therefore, likely to cost you less.

Why would a professional be cheaper? First of all, you won't have to go out & buy equipment, drop cloths or ladders that you may not have. Professional painters are going to know where to spend time and where not, how to do the job efficiently & properly for the highest level of paint adhesion. They will have discounts that they may, all or in part, pass on to you, and they will have all the tools required to do the job. Professional Painters may also have better advice in terms of products and preparation. If they're really good they may also help with colour design.

If you are going to do the job on your own, here are some basic tools required to give you the best finish (disregarding your skill level).

Essential Tools for Painting:

cleaning rags & buckets.
lights
various ladders. (extension & step)
canvas drop sheets, poly, cardboard sheets.
taping gun with paper & tape/s.
plaster, sand papers & primer/sealers.
specialty vacuum. (never use your home vacuum cleaner to suck up plaster dust).
painting pole/s
roller cages, mini rollers, sleeves & sash brushes in particular.
paint trays with a number of liner inserts.
cleaning solvents, or water where appropriate.

North End House

Above is a picture of the summer exterior trim project on this 6000 sq. ft. home from several years back.
Again - I will be updating this shortly.

North End Cottage

Here is a series of shots of a luxury cottage I did all the finishing on.

Lots of detail work here!

I guided the clients through to the kinds of colours & finishes that would work for the feeling they wanted to create, which was a comfy rustic style, with a touch of sophistication.

On the interior, distressed finishes on all the fluted moldings, corner blocks & wainscott's, with solid finishes for the inner areas of the doors. I ran a venetian plaster around the upper main room perimiter along with accents at either end + the fireplace wall.

The exterior had plenty of detailed cutting in with a clear coat on all the cedar & 2 colours for trim.