Improving the appearance and functionality of your home is something on every homeowner’s mind. Whether that is getting new carpet installed, painting your fence, or putting new blinds up, or switching the color of the paint, regular home maintenance and improvements can keep the home feeling new for a long time.

Another home improvement that can instantly improve the appearance of your property is a fresh coat of paint on your fence. The fence is often an overlooked aspect of the home’s exterior that can be easily improved. It’s usually not until the fence is damaged or looking decayed. 

There are many things to consider when you are painting your fence.

Paint vs. Stain Fence

The first thing to consider is if you want to paint or stain the fence. This ultimately comes down to your personal preference. 

Stain is a great option if you want to bring out the natural beauty of wood. As time goes on, stain can simply be reapplied because the color fades away over time. Paint, on the other hand, chips and peels so it makes reapplication a little more complicated. 

Staining can also be more expensive upfront than paint. The stain may cost less per gallon but you may also need more cans of stain. Paint may be less expensive initially but it may also require more paint for touch ups through the years. 

Benefits of Painting Your Fence

One of the most obvious benefits of painting your fence is the visual appeal. A fresh coat of paint can instantly improve the appearance of your property. You can also choose the color of your fence that complements your home’s exterior and landscape to create a cohesive look. 

Paint also prolongs the life of your fence because it acts as a protective barrier between the fence and natural elements. It’s important to use the correct type of paint for your fence to ensure the paint correctly adheres to the fence. 

Painted fences are relatively easy to maintain and clean. Regular cleaning and touch-ups can keep your fence looking fresh for years. A clean and well-maintained fence can also increase the overall value of our property. 

Paint Preparation 

• Pick Your Paint Well: Choose a paint that is intended for exterior use. This paint will last much longer outdoors than interior paint. You’ll also have to consider the fence material because different fences require different paints. The climate is also a major factor to consider when choosing the type of paint you use for your fence. There are some types of paint that do better in humidity and wet climates than others.
• Check the Weather: Exterior paint has to remain dry for several hours before it can get wet, so make sure you paint on a clear and sunny day. Paint also applies best when there are mild temperatures.
• Clean the Area: To clean the area, remove any debris from around the fence including garbage, kids’ toys, and grass clippings. This will prevent items from getting on the wet paint and leaving an uneven finish. You can also mow the lawn before painting to get rid of any grass in the way of the bottom of the fence.
• Wash the Fence: Providing a clean surface for paint to be applied on is essential for an even coating. This will also help the paint stick better. You can use a wet rag and soap to get rid of any dirt and grime. To get an even cleaner finish, you can pressure wash the fence.
• Repair any Damaged Areas: If there are any imperfections in the fence, you can repair those areas to make the finish look great. Replace any panels that are broken or have holes in them. You can also sand any rough edges and areas to make the fence smooth for an easy application
• Prime: The final step to prepare your fence for paint is to prime it. Choose an exterior primer that is suitable for your fence material and stir it well with a stir stick before applying. You can use a paintbrush or paint roller to apply an even coat to the fence, making sure to get into all the crevices and corners. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly before applying the paint.

Time to Paint!

Once you have completed the necessary steps to prepare your fence, you are ready to paint! As with any paint job, you will need to apply an even coat to cover the entire surface. You may need to apply a second coat to achieve the results you want.

Painting your fence and other surfaces can be time consuming and difficult for homeowners who have many other responsibilities around the house. For those wanting to save time and effort on exterior painting, contact Wilson’s Paint and Floor Coverings.

Laminate flooring is a common household flooring choice because it is cheap and relatively easy to clean. That being said, laminate floors are not particularly hardy. They scuff and stain fairly easily, and you can’t always clean them like hardwood floors. In the event of damage, you also can’t simply refinish the floor. With all that in mind, knowing how to clean laminate flooring quickly and correctly is essential.

General Advice for Cleaning Laminate Flooring

The best advice for cleaning laminate floors is to do so right when any problems arise. In the event of spills, act quickly to mop up excess mess before it has a chance to stain. The best option is to use a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the floor, and such cloths are effective for collecting dust and dirt.

If you are not present when the spill occurs, don’t despair—there may still be hope. Begin your cleaning efforts by vacuuming or sweeping the floor. Use a soft-bristled attachment so you don’t scratch your floor. If you don’t remove excess dirt or debris, your efforts to remove stains can ground particulates into the flooring and create new stains. 

Follow the cleaning instructions that come with your laminate flooring. If no such instructions are at hand, keep reading for our stain-specific cleaning solution suggestions. When you have finished, be sure to wipe the floor dry. Too much moisture has the tendency to damage laminate floors, so you should never leave your floors wet.

Cleaning Solutions to Remove Oil Stains

The cleaning solutions that are effective for returning laminate flooring to a spotless state depend on the kind of mess being cleaned. Some of them—like a bag of ice and a putty knife for candle wax or gum—are pretty unintuitive, but you probably already have them floating around your home.

Vinegar

Vinegar is effective for most stains and general cleaning of laminate flooring. Even tricky stains like furniture polish, hard water marks, or coffee can generally be removed by applying vinegar. The best method is to mix a 1:1 solution of distilled white vinegar and warm water thoroughly. Because it isn’t wise to let puddles sit on laminate floors, use a spray bottle to apply the vinegar solution to the stains. Don’t let it sit too long before wiping it up with a microfiber cloth.

You may have to use this method a few times to completely get rid of the stain. Vinegar can also remove unpleasant odors and add shine to laminate floors. If you don’t like vinegar’s pungent smell, mix a few drops of lemon juice or mild dish soap into your solution. 

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol makes a very effective floor cleaner, especially when cleaning laminate flooring. Even the waxy stains of crayon marks can be removed with a bit of rubbing alcohol and elbow grease. Mixing it with mild dish soap makes the solution even more effective at cutting through oils and grease. Rubbing alcohol has the added benefit of disinfecting the floors it is applied to, making the area safer as well as better to look at.

Acetone

For ink-based stains like pen, permanent marker, and nail polish, acetone is the best cleaning solution. It can also remove more viscous contaminants like tar and paint. Use acetone with discretion, however; it is pretty strong stuff. Again, don’t let it sit on the floor too long.

Magic Eraser

Magic Eraser can be a helpful laminate-cleaning tool, especially for particularly difficult stains like hair dye. Moisten the eraser a bit before using it to clean laminate floors. 

Things to Avoid

Because laminate floors are not as hardy as hardwood, you must be careful to not use anything that is too abrasive when cleaning them. This applies to both tools and cleaning products. Never use sanders or steam cleaners when cleaning laminate. Stay away from solutions like bleach and ammonia even if they are diluted, and don’t apply polishes or waxes.

Cleaning with oil-based products is a gamble when it comes to laminate since they can leave residue or streaks or even damage the floors’ protective sealant. On the other hand, traditional mopping is also unwise because it runs the risk of water seeping down into the seams of the floor. This can cause your laminate flooring to fade, swell, or bubble.

As you choose the right laminate cleaner for your flooring, err on the side of caution, not using too much. Best practice is to apply the cleaner with a microfiber cloth and not let it sit too long.