Painting Tips & Insights
Expert advice for painting in Calgary's unique environment
December 2024
Tips & Techniques
How to Paint Around Oddly Shaped Rooms in Calgary's Older Homes
Calgary's heritage homes often feature unique architectural elements like bay windows, angled walls, and irregular corners. Learn professional techniques for achieving perfect paint lines and coverage in these challenging spaces.
Key Topics Covered:
- Measuring and planning for irregular spaces
- Cutting techniques for angled walls and corners
- Working around heritage architectural details
- Tool selection for tight and awkward spaces
- Paint application strategies for bay windows
- Managing paint flow in sloped ceiling areas
Pro Tips for Calgary Homes:
Heritage Home Considerations: Many of Calgary's older homes (built 1900-1950) feature plaster walls that require special primer selection to ensure proper adhesion.
Angled Wall Technique: Use a high-quality angled brush (2.5-3 inches) for cutting in around irregular corners. The key is maintaining consistent pressure and paint load.
Bay Window Strategy: Start from the center window and work outward to maintain wet edges and avoid lap marks in these high-visibility areas.
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December 2024
Maintenance
How to Touch Up Interior Paint in Calgary's Dry Climate: A Step-by-Step Guide
Calgary's low humidity and temperature fluctuations can cause paint to behave differently than in other climates. Master the art of seamless touch-ups that blend perfectly with existing paint.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Assessment: Evaluate the existing paint condition and identify the cause of damage
- Surface Preparation: Clean and lightly sand the touch-up area
- Primer Application: Apply appropriate primer for Calgary's dry conditions
- Paint Matching: Ensure color accuracy accounting for fade and age
- Application Technique: Use proper brush/roller technique for seamless blending
- Drying Considerations: Account for Calgary's rapid drying conditions
Calgary Climate Considerations:
Humidity Factor: Calgary's average humidity of 60% means paint dries faster than coastal cities. Work in smaller sections to maintain wet edges.
Temperature Swings: Avoid touch-ups during extreme temperature changes (common in Calgary). Ideal conditions are 18-24°C with stable indoor temperature.
UV Fade Consideration: Calgary receives 2,400+ hours of sunshine annually. Factor in UV fade when matching existing paint colors.
Winter Heating Effects: Forced air heating can cause rapid moisture loss. Use a humidifier in the work area if possible during winter touch-ups.
Materials for Calgary Conditions:
- High-quality synthetic brush (won't shed in dry air)
- Small foam roller for larger touch-up areas
- Primer suitable for low-humidity application
- Paint conditioner to slow drying time
- Fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit)
- Tack cloth for dust removal
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