We undertake all types of decoration as part of a project or a stand-alone item, particularly larger projects such as factories, offices and schools which require specific skills. There are obvious items such as walls, ceilings, woodwork etc. which is common place, but more specific unusual items such as factory floors that may require epoxy painting for durability. We have the ability to carry out specialist contracts of this nature.
Decorating work
Decorating and building services in Birmingham and across the West Midlands.
What is painting and decorating?
The construction industry covers many different disciplines, each requiring a specialist set of skills. Painters and decorators are professionals that specifically work on improving the aesthetics of the interior of a building. Commercial painting and decorating companies offer painters and decorators for business properties. These can be from warehouses to offices. It is important to get this right, as your employees will be spending a lot of time in the office, and potential clients may come in for meetings. The way an office looks is one of the first things they will interact with. Painters and decorators are also necessary for protecting materials. In regards to warehouses, there may be chemicals or products that may damage the building. From the likes of water, insects, mice and corrosion.
What types of paint are there and for what purpose?
Painting your office is a good way to save money on decorating. However, when it comes to industrial painting, it is crucial not to skimp on materials. Industrial painting services offered by painting and decorating companies go further than just the looks, and make sure the right paint is used for the right materials.
Primers
Not all walls are paint ready, they need to be treated and coated with a base layer. Primers are almost like a midground between paint and glue. Some walls are not completely even, smooth, or allow paint to adhere to them easily. Primer is a great way for painters and decorators to treat a wall before applying the coloured coat. The value of primer for a painter and decorator is when a surface is more porous or if the wall has a foreign agent or stain on it.
Oil Based
Becoming less common, oil-based paints are paints that are mixed with different types of oils depending on the application. Oil based paints are more durable so if you have commercial painting and decorating companies quoting on your property, they will need to see the conditions of the surfaces. Light wear on freshly made walls may not need oil-based paint, but chalky and old walls may struggle with more consumer-focused latex paints.
Latex
More commonly known as water-based paint, Latex paint is a versatile type of paint that can be used internally and externally. The term is mainly used to show a difference between them and oil-based alternatives. As latex paint dries, the water evaporates, leaving a solid coat. Originally, water-based paint was seen as a less durable option but technology has advanced to a much better standard that is almost comparable to oil-based alternatives.
Paint finishes
As a painter or decorator, you will need to know what types of finishes come from each type of paint. This is ranged on a scale from matte to high gloss, this is the paint’s ability to reflect light. Matt is not very reflective and is highly pigmented so it is much better at covering up marks on a wall, but is equally harder to clean. For furniture, you may want to opt for more gloss as the light reflects easier, making them more appealing.
What else can a painter and decorator do?
Being a painter and decorator is not just a job anyone can do. You have to go through training and/or apprenticeships to become qualified. The work is also more than just painting and decorating. You need a high attention for detail and patience, especially when applying wallpaper! You will also need to prepare the surface beforehand, by removing old paint, wallpaper and primer before you can treat the surface.
Is there an overlap with any other services N Harris provides?
N Harris is not only one of many painting and decorating companies in the UK, we are full-service company which will help with brickwork, carpentry and ceilings to name a few. Our local approach with our national reach also means you can be confident you will get the best work done to a high standard. Get in touch today to see how we can help!