Painting and Staining a Basement Remodel

Basement Remodeled by Artisan Remodel of Madison, Wi. Finishing done by Eric Welch Painting LLC.

Basement transformed with skillful design and custom woodwork.

All painting and staining on this project was done by EWP and crew over a couple of weeks time. It was completed in stages to work around the carpenter and electrician. Mike, of Artisan Remodel, really outdid himself on this project.

We started by staining all the oak in the middle of the basement before assembly.  One coat of paint was put on the ceiling and walls. Then, the carpenter and electrician did there handy work, and after skillfully assembling a basement masterpiece, we came back to finish the project. We laid two coats of shellac on the wood, sanding and filling holes between coats. Then, another finish coat of paint on the walls and trim. 

EWP Gets New Credentials

Over the winter months, I like to go back to school. This school happens to be the Milwaukee Lead/Asbestos Information Center. This year, I passed the Lead Abatement Worker and Lead Abatement Supervisor initial course requirements. All that's needed from here is a test with the Department of Heath Services in downtown Madison and I'll be a certified lead abatement company. 

With so many homes in Madison with peeling lead paint, I thought it would be a good idea to learn the process necessary to remove the lead hazard. I found, in most cases, it is better and or cheaper to enclose or replace the lead hazard. Enclosure would be adding aluminum window wraps to your window frames and sills. Replacing would be taking out that old, peeling window and putting in a new one with no lead paint present. 

The costs associated with lead abatement as far as painting goes is steep. To chemically or mechanically remove the lead paint and clean the area before repainting will take about three times the time in labor and a mountain more paper work. But, the benefit will be permanent. For now, we will continue to approach all older homes with peeling paint in a lead-safe manner and follow all city regulations. In time, we may offer full lead-abatement services.

When to Start Painting an Exterior

When is it time to start painting outside? It's ok to paint outside when it stops freezing at night for at least a couple of weeks. Once the forecast looks like it's in the 60's and dropping down to the 40's at night, then it is fine to paint outside. The last thing anybody wants is premature paint failure by jumping the gun, so it's better to fault on the safe side and wait for the weather to warm. I'll most likely begin the first exterior the first week of May. 

We will be starting a couple of lead-safe jobs near St. Mary's hospital, a great way to start the year. I'll be posting pictures (before and after). For now, the interiors are still coming in and we have about 5 projects to complete before we're ready to officially start the exterior season. 

Let me know if you have any questions about this years painting season. I'd be happy to recommend paints or primers, tips on preparation or what caulk to use.

Thanks, and enjoy the spring weather.

Eric

Bathroom and kitchen remodel part 2 (willy st.)

The bathroom is coming along nicely, mostly finished now.  All the painting has been completed by my Madison painters. The new tub and shower is a huge improvement, allowing the new tenant more room. The floor was leveled and a new sink was installed. All the plumbing was moved to maximize the usable space, which is at a minimum.  A fresh coat of paint later, and this room is looking pretty nice. 

Willy St. bathroom after photoArtisan Remodel bathroom painted by Eric Welch Painting

As you can see, both bathrooms have their own characteristics. The bathroom on the left, is a remodel done on a budget for a rental unit and the one on the right, was completed for the homeowner by Artisan Remodel, a Madison area custom builder. Each type of remodel has its place. For before photos of the Willy St. remodel visit this blog post. Be warned, it is not a pretty sight. 

EWP will typically only paint a finished bathroom or kitchen remodel after the builder has finished. 

EWP Teams Up With The Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters

A synergetic partnership is formed.

MADISON, March 2, 2013 - Eric Welch Painting is going to provide pro bono, lead-safe painting services for the Wisconsin Academy's Old University office as part of a new business partnership. What started as an emergency call, has turned into a longer term relationship.

Due to failing (and falling) paint in the Wisconsin Academy’s coffee room, an emergency call was made to the experts at Eric Welch Painting. "The paint was literally falling off the wall," remarked, Eric. "Once the wallpaper was removed, it would expose more and more peeling paint." Preparation is key for any paint job, interior or exterior, and especially when lead-based paint is involved.

Through pro bono and discounted work, EWP will provide the painting and lead-safe renovations in current and future projects, while the Wisconsin Academy will offer their vast network of publications, artists, and academic knowledge. A community like Madison is strengthened both socially and economically when people and their businesses work together towards mutual goals. EWP helps by adding color and vibrancy, and at the same time helps make safe potential health hazards, such as lead paint. The Wisconsin Academy offers many avenues for leading artists and academics to share their works and knowledge, shining a spotlight on some of Madison's best intellectual capital.

Eric Welch Painting is a Madison area painting contractor that specializes in interior and exterior painting services. Through lead-safe practices, we make dirty, exterior paint jobs, painless and clean with a focus on the future.