Handyman Services: Tips to the “Painting Contractor” Don’t Reuse Old Spackle!

Handyman Services specialize in home repairs and small remodeling projects. Handyman Services are equipped to handle a number of home repairs on a homeowner’s to-do list, including squeaky doors, running toilets, drywall repairs, painting and more.

Handyman Services Number one Tip: Never Reuse Old Spackle!

When preparing walls to be painted or wallpapered, you might find it necessary to patch some holes. A good handyman knows the importance of using the right product on the right surface. If the walls to be repaired are plaster, then the old-time spackle is fine to use on minor holes. Painting Contractors prefer to use a softer, lighter weight product for use on drywall such as Durabond.

Though most people try to be conservative with products they pay for, it is better to use a new container of spackle. Maybe you have some left over from the last time you patched some holes. Most likely, this was some time ago and you will find that the spackle has dried and thickened. The professional handyman knows to just throw this out, but the average homeowner will want to try to rejuvenate this product by adding water or mixing in some new spackling. This will be like adding sand to the new product. The product will be less effective; it will lose strength and smoothing ability. It will come off the trowel lumpy and be difficult to smooth out.

The old-time spackle isn’t as workable as newer, lighter weight products that are available today. It doesn’t smooth easily and it dries very hard. This is OK on plaster walls, but on paper-covered drywall, one is likely to tear the paper as they try to smooth the spackle. A newer age, lightweight spackle is a more workable product that dries quickly and can be painted within 30 minutes. Very small nail holes that you run across while painting can be filled and painted immediately.

In addition to patching holes, the rest of the surface must also be prepared. Before painting on a surface previously painted with latex paint, use a deglosser or liquid sandpaper to remove the gloss and clean the surface. This will make the next coat of paint adhere more firmly to the surface with minimal, if any, sanding required. The tackiness will normally disappear within an hour. Oil-based paints should be lightly sanded or primed with a quality primer like Kilz, before applying a fresh coat of latex paint.

Your freshly painted or newly wall papered room will look great for years if the surface is properly prepared. The extra time and effort spent on preparing the surface is well worth it in the end. The paint goes on smooth, covers evenly and adheres to the surface, for a durable finish that looks great. The same applies to wallpaper. With these tips you will be proud to have a freshly painted or newly wallpapered room that looks like it was done by a professional handyman or a painting contractor.

Paul Doughty owns HandyPro Handyman Services, specializing in home repairs and improvements for consumers and businesses in Manitou Springs, Fountain, Monument, Colorado Springs and nearby cities and communities in El Paso County, Colorado.

80829, 80817, 80132, 80902, 80903, 80904, 80905, 80906, 80907, 80908, 80909, 80910, 80911, 80912, 80913, 80915, 80916, 80917, 80918, 80919, 80920, 80921, 80922, 80923, 80924

Carpentry, Plaster, Drywall, Acoustic Ceilings, Grout tub, fix leaky faucet, home warranty/maintenance, paint home, caulk bathtub, replace locks, garage doors, cabinets, countertops, fix running toilet, repair squeaky door, install molding, security services, stained glass, door repair/install, drywall repair, painting, kitchen, insulation, concrete, masonry, repair gutters, remove wallpaper, replace ceiling fan, caulk awning, siding repair, install shelves, organizers, ceramic tile, window well covers, replace bathroom fan, draperies, blinds, shades, glass, mirrors, decks, and much more…just ask!