FAQ’S

Frequently asked interior paint questions:

What is the most common finish for interior walls?

Selecting a paint finish for walls will depend on the desired amount of shine and durability. The most common paint finishes are washable flat/matte and eggshell/satin, depending on the manufacturer. Washable flat/matte reflects very little light and is the most commonly used product, preferably for two-story walls in great rooms and foyers. Eggshell/satin reflects slightly more light and is best suited for those high-traffic areas, such as hallways and bedrooms.

What are the most common finishes and colors for a ceiling?

A ceiling flat is a popular paint finish for two important reasons: it shows the least amount of imperfections and can hide irregularities and defects in a ceiling, such as waves or divots. When it comes to color, the stock color white is often the best choice for a ceiling, as it can offset an intense wall color, boost natural light and make a space feel even more open.

What is the most common finish for trim work?

When choosing a paint sheen for trim work, the two most common options out there are satin enamel and semi-gloss enamel. Both provide the needed durability while not being overly glossy. A satin enamel finish delivers a clean and contemporary look, while semi-gloss enamel helps moldings and trim stand out more with a sleek, highly radiant sheen.

What is the difference between flat and matte paint?

Matte paints are a washable form of flat paints, and are slightly shinier than ceiling flats. Both absorb more light than they reflect and have no sheen, making them the best choice to hide any wall imperfections. With advances in paint technology, many manufacturers today offer washable flats.

What is the difference between spackling, drywall compound and repair plasters (i.e., Durabond)?

Spackling is a lightweight product designed for patching the smallest holes, cracks and dents in drywall, plaster walls and even wood surfaces. Premixed drywall, or joint compound, is gypsum based and is used for whole-house drywall installation and skim coating or floating large surfaces. Repair plasters are a dry product mixed with water, harder in strength and are highly resistant to moisture, movement and cracking. This product is best suited for cracks, plastic or metal corner beads, repair patches and nail pops.

What is enamel paint?

With advances in technology, enamel coatings are hybrid solutions combining alkyd/urethane with acrylic to dry to a hard shell. This is what makes enamel paint the best choice for interior trim work and coating surfaces, such as windows and doors, which are also subject to extreme wear and tear.

What design options are available for wallpaper installation?

Rockwood Painting offers wallpaper installation and removal services to accommodate customers interested in remodeling their space with a unique and elegant twist. Customers are responsible for finding and selecting their design of choice to ensure the project is delivered in a timely manner and returns the utmost satisfaction. We can refer customers to a number of preferred suppliers and vendors, including Sherwin Williams and The Home Works, as well as online merchants, to support their overall selection process. Once a wallpaper design is chosen, our team is prepared to prep and prime walls for installation.

Frequently asked exterior paint questions:

I’m going to paint the outside of my home. Can I use interior paint for exterior surfaces?

Interior paints lack environment-specific additives, making them insufficient for outdoor surfaces. Exterior paints are formulated to combat against fading, moisture and temperature variations. Also, exterior paints include UV protection and mildewcides to prevent and slow the growth of mold, mildew and algae.

After having my home painted, how do I preserve the finish?

The best way to preserve your newly painted exterior is to SOFT wash your home annually with a MILD mildewcide cleaner. This will wash away dirt and grime and keep mold, mildew and algae from permanently staining the surface.

Why should you use a mildewcide cleaner and scrubber when pressure washing?

We use a mildewcide cleaner to remove dirt and organic matter, such as mold, mildew, and algae. And scrubbing removes surface debris and chalk, the white powder created by the breakdown of the previous coating.

What are the most common finishes for exterior repaints?

When it comes to exterior paint jobs, the most common paint finishes are exterior flat, and exterior satin. An exterior flat finish is low in reflection and does an excellent job of hiding bumps and imperfections, especially on stucco surfaces. It also can provide a contemporary and modern look. Exterior satin finishes have slightly more shine and are well suited for vinyl siding, aluminum siding and wood trim. For a rough sawn cedar finish, a flat solid body stain is best suited to maintain its look and integrity.

What is the best approach to protect plants, trees and bushes when painting your house?

At Rockwood Painting Contractors, we take the ultimate precautions to eliminate any risk of damaging your home. Our team safely covers all outdoor shrubbery with lightweight sheets to protect against paint spills and splatters.

How do you prevent paint from getting on surfaces not to be coated?

Before any outdoor painting project, assess the space and decide which items should be removed or covered. If you have any outdoor décor, such as potted plants, tables or benches, it’s best to move them to a safe place. Anything that’s too large or heavy to move can be covered with a drop cloth or sheet.