Historic buildings are windows into the past. Sunlight, humidity, and wear from aging deteriorates old paints and fades once vibrant colors. Extra care needs to be taken to research the type of paints applied at the building’s zenith and the appropriate popular color scheme of that decade. Professional commercial painters will pay attention to delicate details and safely manage a project of this magnitude.
Washing
Give your building a good washing. Low pressure hot water from a power washing company is best. A good rinsing with a hose and a long brush to get the surface thoroughly clean will not penetrate the layers of grime. The surface needs to dry at least 24 hours to be completely dry. For paint removal, the surface will need to be power washed after the surface is prepared.
Paint Removal
Scraping
Although a time-consuming task, hand scraping is simply the best method to reach first sound or well adhered layer of paint. Sanding and hot air guns are mechanical methods of paint removal which may damage the wall surface. Surface damage detracts from the value of the building and will make the application of new paint difficult.
Stripping
Chemical strippers for removing old paint from wood require effective ventilation for interior painting. Eco-friendly options are soy- and citrus-based paint strippers. Vinegar is effective for small paint removal jobs.
Dichloromethane, Methylene chloride and paint thinners, like turpentine, are hazardous to the environment and to people. These products are highly flammable and can not be disposed of down the drain. To protect the groundwater, paint strippers should be disposed at a hazardous waste center. People need to don appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) like masks, gowns, shoe covers, and gloves when working with paint strippers. Most paint strippers are carcinogenic and can be easily inhaled or absorbed through the skin causing headaches, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and loss of coordination.
High pressure washing and sandblasting might seem like an effective solution to painted brick, but this treatment weakens brittle brick. Often weakened grout and loose bricks are the reason the brick was painted. Sandblasting releases old paint particles into the air and if the paint was lead based, then plants and people are endangered. Sandblasting also creates depressions and deep gouges that must be repairs before painting can commence.
In New Jersey, Trisodium Phosphate Solution (TSP) is the chemical of choice for paint removal. Productive paints will scrape the loose, peeling paint from the surface. Then apply TSP, apply fiber paper strips next. Allow to cure for 24 hours. A chemical reaction occurs, and paint bonds broken from the wood or brick surface. When the paper peels away, the old paint comes with it.
Rotted surfaces
Paint will not hold onto rotted surfaces. If the damage is small, use wood fillers for screw or nail holes. Use Kwikwood or epoxy for small gouges. Replace sections of wall with rotted wood and broken trim with fresh wood. Then caulk any gaps around siding and trim junctions.
EPA Certified Professionals
EPA Certified Professionals in New Jersey evaluate for lead paint and properly dispose of it safely. If the building built before 1978, it is at risk for asbestos and lead. Productive Painting Company has been working in New Jersey more than 20 years and is familiar with the history of construction practices in the Monmouth County area.
Original Colors
Recreating the original glory of a historic building through its color story requires a Master Painter. Original color paints no longer exist in standard retail. A Master Painter required to blend existing paints to restore the original finishes and be historically accurate. Historic photos were in black and white, so familiarity with historic color schemes required. A Master Painter has the needed skill set.
Laws
The National Park Service provides certifications for historic preservation. Public Law 115-97 grants tax breaks from the Internal Revenue Service. A 20 percent income tax credit for rehabilitation of historic, income-producing buildings as designated by the Secretary of the Interior is given by the National Park Service. The Secretary’s Standards for Rehabilitation must be followed to qualify for the tax break. Owner occupied residential buildings do not qualify for historic status. The New Jersey Historic Preservation Office, located within the Department of Environmental Protection, responds to 40,000 calls per year and provides resources for grants to restore historic buildings.
The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program encourages private sector investment in the rehabilitation and re-use of historic buildings. It is one of the nation’s most successful and cost-effective community revitalization programs. Since 1976, private investment of 117 billion has preserved 47,000 historic properties. Standards for preservation codified in 36 CFR Part 67 which spells out the materials permitted for use in restoration and preservation.
Contact Us
Productive painting offers professional residential, commercial, and industrial interior and exterior painting services to the communities of Wall, NJ and throughout Monmouth County, NJ. Fully licensed and insured, Productive Painting Company is owner operated NJ LICENSE #13VH04439800.
Productive Painting
Call Now: (877) 298-9688
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday 8AM-5PM
Saturday 8AM-1PM
Sunday Closed