Thursday, January 1, 2009

It's All In The Details


As a decorative painter, I strive for that "perfect" wall finish. Walls free of dry glaze lines, with toned corners, and an overall even appearance in pattern and sheen. Every bit as important are the smallest of details. Today's modern homes contain an over-abundance of mechanical and electrical devices necessary for alarm systems, heating and air conditioning, whole house vacuums, and audio-visual equipment. In-wall speakers, motion and smoke detectors, light switches, air vents, and electrical outlets can spoil the look of that "perfect" finish. As part of my service, I've always included adding the wall finish to these minor annoyances to make them blend in. First, remove everything possible from the walls. Place the screws back in their proper places to avoid loss and easier painting. Metal or plastic should be prepped by sanding to give the material some "tooth", binding the base paint. Simply apply the base and glaze in the same manner as the walls. I never paint the actual switch or the plug-in parts of electrical outlets, as these do not hold up over time. Always tape over the 'eyes' of motion detectors and make sure any working mechanisms are not painted shut.

It may sound obsessive, but taking a little more time with these elements helps them blend into the overall finish for a more professional, seamless look.