September 20, 2011 Painted wood paneling. Photo: Kurt Dwyer Painting

To paint or not to paint old wood paneling, that is the question. When we think of wood paneling, we often get the image in our minds of [...]]]>

Painted wood paneling. Photo: Kurt Dwyer Painting

To paint or not to paint old wood paneling, that is the question. When we think of wood paneling, we often get the image in our minds of old, tired knotty pine walls that have darkened or yellowed over time. Paneled walls have been around for centuries and can be restored and preserved beautifully. Walnut or pine walls dating to the 1800’s and even earlier can be incredibly beautiful if left in their natural state, even though they may in fact have been originally painted.  In the twentieth century, less expensive paneling became a common fixture in middle class housing, especially in finished basements and in homes in very humid climates such as coastal locations. Painted bead board paneling is a classic feature in beach cottages as well as homes looking to emulate the casual beach house vibe.  It’s really the old dark paneled walls in the “downstairs den” that really scream “dated”. Often varnished, these walls have darkened over time and can make an already dark space feel like a tomb.Jennifer McSharry of Kurt Dwyer Painting in Massachusetts said, “Preparing previously varnished or polyurethened walls to be painted takes a considerable amount of work, including the use of a chemical stripper or a de-glosser, depending on the condition or existing sheen of the wood. The deciding factor is usually a personal choice – wanting to modernize or lighten the look – as we could just as easily keep the natural wood and re-stain instead of paint.”

“Proper prep work is essential for any painting project and for painting over natural wood surfaces it is crucial,” said McSharry. “In order to paint any surface it must be clean, dull, and dry.  That is the standard, so before a can of paint is opened, all surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned to remove contaminants like, built up dirt, grime, grease, body oils, etc.  Dirtex is great for cleaning surfaces,” she said.

After cleaning the wood panels, the next step is sanding off the varnish. “After the surfaces are completely clean, they will need to be sanded until the surface is dull and there is no shine visible shine,” said McSharry. “If sanding does not dull the surface enough, a chemical stripper or de-glosser may be used to eliminate the shiny surface and ensure proper paint adhesion.”

 

As with almost all painting projects, applying a good coat of primer is key to good results. McSharry said, “An oil-based primer is better for this situation than a latex but if the surfaces are prepared correctly a latex primer can be used.  Apply a thin layer of primer and allow to cure completely, followed by thin layers of paint, with sufficient drying time in between coats, to achieve the best finish result.”

Bead board walls, especially those that run only half way up the wall, are often painted in a glossy paint to match the trim. However, full paneled walls are usually painted as one would paint a standard wall.  If paneled walls are left unpainted, a great way to bring them up to date would be to strip them of their varnish and sand to a dull finish and leave as is. Or, they can be coated with a very thin white or gray paint or stain for a limed look. Vintage style with natural or limed woods, complete with nicks and scratches, is a very popular design trend right now. Natural wood walls will mix well with careworn and faded vintage fabric slipcovers and industrial style fixtures, keeping the space on-trend and not overly dark and foreboding.

“I like real wood paneling because it has more character than sheetrock and can be refinished in countless different ways,” Charles from Peace Painting Company in Alpharetta, GA said on Hometalk.com. “Before you undo and redo, creating more landfill material and buying new products, think about being creative with what you’ve been given, even if it’s not ideal. I think chances are you could find a finish for your real wood paneling that you would like.”

Linda Merrill is a Networx - http://www.networx.com – writer. Read more articles like this one - http://www.networx.com/article/painting-wood-paneling-a-pro-weighs-in - on Networx.com.

 The seasons are changing and it’s time to start thinking about the changes needed around your house. Kurt Dwyer Painting can help to make your house look and feel bright, cheery and fresh.

Not sure what to do? Kurt Dwyer Painting has plenty of ideas – [...]]]> Kurt Dwyer Painting Asks “Time For a Change?”

 The seasons are changing and it’s time to start thinking about the changes needed around your house. Kurt Dwyer Painting can help to make your house look and feel bright, cheery and fresh.

Not sure what to do? Kurt Dwyer Painting has plenty of ideas – they can change the look and feel of your home or office with a fresh coat of paint.

Painting is the most cost effective way to update the look and feel of your home.

Allow Kurt Dwyer Painting into your home and see how they can turn then into now. [...]]]> Boston Design Blog released August 25, 2011

Kurt Dwyer Painting – “We’ll Change the Color of Your Life”
If your home is in need of an update Kurt Dwyer Painting can help bring your home into the 21st century.

Allow Kurt Dwyer Painting into your home and see how they can turn then into now. You deserve a life with color and vibrancy, whether those colors are subtle and soft or bold and dramatic. Painting is the most cost effective way to update the look and feel of your home.

Start the New Year off by giving your home a fresh coat of paint. Your home is meant to last, but over time, simple wear and tear can result in less-than-perfect conditions. Kurt Dwyer Painting [...]]]> Boston Design Blog released January 04, 2011
Revitalize Your Home With a Fresh Coat of Paint in the New Year

Start the New Year off by giving your home a fresh coat of paint. Your home is meant to last, but over time, simple wear and tear can result in less-than-perfect conditions. Kurt Dwyer Painting (KDP) has been successfully improving the quality and value of homes throughout the Boston area through its wide array of services. KDP is committed to making each of its clients a top priority, and is dedicated to 100% customer satisfaction through competitively priced services, reliability, ability to meet deadlines and quality workmanship.

A family owned and operated professional service with more than 25 years combined experience, KDP offers residential and commercial interior and exterior painting, power washing, faux finishing, color consultation, gutter cleaning and more.

Contact KDP for a color consultation free of charge; they will work with you to find colors that suit your home’s décor.

Call (617) 512-4725

KDP’s team of experienced professionals is on the job to satisfy you.

KDP is licensed and insured for their safety and for the protection of your biggest [...]]]> Boston Design blog released April 29, 2011

Five Reasons to Hire Kurt Dwyer Painting

KDP’s team of experienced professionals is on the job to satisfy you.

KDP is licensed and insured for their safety and for the protection of your biggest investment.

KDP is reliable – they show up when they say they will and they complete projects on time.

KDP is a proud member of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA), which holds them to the highest industry standards.

Spring is in the air – is your home in need of an update?  KDP has over 15 years of experience and provides interior/exterior painting, color consultation, power washing, and gutter cleaning. They are a family owned business dedicated to complete customer service. KDP is licensed and insured and does not employ undocumented workers.

Here are a few testimonials from some of their satisfied customers:

“I am completely thrilled that I selected Kurt Dwyer Painting to paint my house.  From the minute Kurt and Jennifer first came to my home to give me an estimate, I was impressed with their professionalism and attention to detail.  Hiring someone to paint my house was a big decision and a huge investment; I absolutely made the right choice with KDP.  Although there were lower estimates, I had a good feeling about the quality of workmanship I would be getting and I was absolutely right.  I had gone with a low estimate years ago, and wasted my money on a job poorly done.   It now looks like I have a brand new home!  I have received several compliments on the way my house looks, from friends and also from strangers just walking by!”

M. Wagner ~ Scituate, MA

“Dear Jenn and Kurt,
It was a pleasure to work with your company once again. Thank you for another job well done. We have relied on Kurt Dwyer Painting on three occasions to have the exterior and interior of our home painted. Each time, KDP has provided a walk thru assessment and written estimate. The KDP team has always been extremely professional and polite.  I really appreciate the great care you have taken of our home while working.”

A. Wilson ~ Westwood, MA

“We used Kurt Dwyer Painting inside our home, June 2010, and were very pleased with the punctuality, professionalism, and reasonable price. Every effort was made from the initial contact to the follow up to insure we were satisfied with the work. My husband and I are very satisfied customers and would definitely consider KDP in the future and recommend them to others.”

G.  Finn ~ Medfield, MA

“Jennifer & Kurt, thank you for a wonderful job on our house. It looks great. All the time spent preparing before painting is critical and, as an architect, is what caught my attention about your company in the first place. Your commitment to being on the job every day until the project is complete and your positive attitude with client communication are signs of superior service. FYI, in my architectural practice I see clients continuously frustrated because contractors seem to forget they are a service business. Keep up the great work.”

B. Bayer Architect, Inc. ~ Westwood, MA