Presto painting company, painting contractors, wall coverings contractors, carpenters, painting contractors residential, painting and wallpaper contractors, essex, swampscott, ma. Welcome to Presto Painting - Painting, Wall covering, Faux Painting, Carpentry, Carpenters, Painting Contractors, Residential Painting, Commercial Painting, Essex, Swampscott, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem, Danvers, Lynn, Northshore, Presto Painting Company does complete home improvements, including interior and exterior painting, paper hanging, kitchen remodeling, replacement windows, general carpentry, decks, and aluminum seamless gutter Presto Painting has been providing quality service for over 18 years. Having Presto handle your remodeling project, means that you will receive a professional product from a company that stands behind their work and will be here in the future. Presto will provide you with quality craftsmanship and devoted service to the absolute best of today's trade. Presto Painting is a family owned and operated company which specializes in all phases of home improvement (residential & commercial) since 1988. As a professional painting company, we are members of The Painting and Decorators Contractor Association. We are licensed by the state and in full compliance with all environmental statutes. We are fully insured with Liability and Worker's Compensation Insurance to give our customers peace of mind. Presto provides you with quality craftsmanship and devoted service to the absolute best of today's trade. To ensure you the finest quality and highest standards we hire only full-time painters and do not subcontract work to other companies. Our crews consist of a family member, who is on the job site from start to finish, hands on and surveying all employees. Your property is top priority and we guarantee your satisfaction by using only top of the line products such as Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, California, Cabot, Sikkens, Devoe and Duron. Welcome to Presto Painting - Painting, Wall covering, Faux Painting, Carpentry, Carpenters, Painting Contractors, Residential Painting, Commercial Painting, Essex, Swampscott, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem, Danvers, Lynn, Northshore, Presto Painting Company does complete home improvements, including interior and exterior painting, paper hanging, kitchen remodeling, replacement windows, general carpentry, decks, and aluminum seamless gutter Presto Painting is a family owned and operated company which specializes in all phases of home improvement (residential & commercial) since 1988. As a professional painting company, we are members of The Painting and Decorators Contractor Association. We are licensed by the state and in full compliance with all environmental statutes. We are fully insured with Liability and Worker's Compensation Insurance to give our customers peace of mind. Presto provides you with quality craftsmanship and devoted service to the absolute best of today's trade. To ensure you the finest quality and highest standards we hire only full-time painters and do not subcontract work to other companies. Our crews consist of a family member, who is on the job site from start to finish, hands on and surveying all employees. Your property is top priority and we guarantee your satisfaction by using only top of the line products such as Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, California, Cabot, Sikkens, Devoe and Duron. Having Presto do your remodeling project means that you will receive a professional product from a company that stands behind their work and will be here in the future. Please call one of our offices with any questions, comments or to have one of our representatives come out and give you a free estimate. Presto Painting offers a wide variety of services including interior and exterior painting, both residential and commercial, faux finishes including tromp l'eoil, carpentry roofing, windows & doors, vinyl & wood siding and gutters. Presto Painting offers a wide variety of services including interior and exterior painting, both residential and commercial, faux finishes including tromp l'eoil, carpentry roofing, windows & doors, vinyl & wood siding and gutters. Feel free to visit our gallery to see before and after photographs including sample faux work created by our artists. "We guarantee satisfaction from start to finish." Presto Painting Presto Painting has extensive experience in interior and exterior painting and finishing in both residential and commercial environments. Presto Painting has painted and stained hundreds of houses in the North and South shore areas. Our highly trained team of painters have many years of experience in painting and restoring multicolored Victorian homes to simple one-colored Capes. Presto Painting has extensive experience in interior painting and finishing. Whether you want to refresh your interior or give it a completely new look, our highly trained team of painters have the experience to make your dreams a reality. We offer you the expert advice from our interior decorators from color matching (that special something you adore) to specialty wall coverings and treatments such as glazing, pickling, marbleizing, sponging, and rag rolling. Let us recommend the type of paint to use for easy clean up and maintenance, especially if you have kids or pets. We have painted hundreds of homes and used all the materials out there, so we know what works well and what does not. Please visit out gallery to see before and after photos. We guarantee our work from START to FINISH: * We properly protect all furniture by moving everything to the center of the rooms and covering it with clear plastic, low adhesive masking tape and clean drop cloths. * We remove all area carpets and place them in another room and protect all floors with construction paper and drop cloths. * We remove all outlets, switch plates, ceiling fans, thermostats and all other devices from the walls and ceiling and replace them at completion of the job. * We remove wallpaper or borders and the adhesives. * We prepare the walls and ceilings, fixing imperfections with joint compound and tape as needed, lightly sanding to smooth and washing to remove dust. * We prepare all woodwork, fixing imperfections and holes with caulk and putty, lightly sanding to smooth and washing to remove dust. * We replace defective sheetrock on walls or ceilings. * We prime all surfaces with appropriate materials. * We will only paint with the highest quality paints. * Our work area will receive a complete inspection at the end of the each workday and will be swept and cleaned daily as found, a AHEPA Vacuum will be used for better removal of dust. With both interior and exterior paint, there are common problems you may be experiencing. To learn more about these common problems, click any of the links below. * Alligatoring * Cracking * Peeling * Flaking * Darkening & Decaying * Mildew & Algae * Rust * Surfacant * Staining * Tanning & Staining Alligatoring Description Patterned cracking in the paint film resembling the scales of an alligator. Possible Causes Application of an extremely hard, rigid coating, like an oil enamel, over a more flexible coating, like a latex primer or topcoat. Application of a topcoat before the primer or basecoat is dry. Natural aging of oil-based paints due to temperature fluctuation. The constant expansion and contraction results in a loss of paint film elasticity. Solution Before removing or sanding old paint, check to determine whether it contains lead. Lead may be harmful. Do not remove or sand paint without contacting local health officials for information on lead paint testing and safety precautions. Old paint should be completely removed by scraping and sanding the surface. A heat gun can be used to speed work on large surfaces, but take extreme care to avoid igniting paint or substrate. Follow all manufacturer instructions before using a heat gun. The surface should be primed with a high quality latex or oil-based primer, then painted with a quality exterior latex paint. Cracking/Flaking Description The splitting of a dry paint film through at least one coat as a result of aging, which ultimately will lead to complete failure of the paint. In its early stages, the problem appears as hairline cracks; in its later stages, flaking occurs. Possible Causes Use of a paint that has lower adhesion and flexibility performance. Overthinning or overspreading the paint. Inadequate surface preparation, or applying the paint to bare wood without first applying a primer. Excessive hardening and embrittlement of oil paint as the paint ages. Solution Remove loose and flaking paint with a scraper or wire brush, sanding the surface and feathering the edges. If the flaking occurs in multiple layers of paint, use of a spackling compound may be necessary to make a uniform surface. Prime bare wood or plaster areas before repainting. Use of a top quality Sherwin-Williams primer and topcoat should prevent a reoccurrence of the problem. Peeling Plaster Description Loss of adhesion from plaster which can occur in spots or larger areas. Possible Causes Peeling from plaster could be a result of insufficient wet troweling of the white coat when the plaster was originally applied, causing chalking of the surface. Another possible reason for peeling is the use of a wallcovering glue size, which absorbs water, and holds it underneath the paint. Solution Plaster should be clean and free of any sizing that would reduce adhesion. Test for this by wetting the surface and feeling for and greasy/slick substance. If present, this must be washed off before priming. All new plaster should be primed after it has been cured a minimum of 30 days. This will reduce moisture and alkali. After curing and before priming, wipe the plaster with a damp cloth to remove powder and dust. If peeling has already occurred, remove as much of the present paint and primer as possible by sanding or scraping before repainting. If just the peeling areas are removed, all the original primer may peel eventually, and the new coat will come off with it. If the surface is badly disintegrated, cover it with canvas, mesh, hardboard or wallpaper liner, then plaster and paint the new covering. Cracks and holes in plaster should be repaired before repainting. If patching is necessary, a water-mix patch or premixed plaster should be used when the intended topcoat is latex since oils in some patching compounds sometimes bleed into latex. When using a water-mix patch, thoroughly dampen the surrounding edges of the damaged areas of the damaged areas to prevent the plaster from absorbing moisture and becoming crumbly. Make sure the newly repaired plaster is similar in surface texture to the adjacent plaster so that the repaired area blends in with the original area. Reprime and repaint the surface. On very chalky plaster, and oil-base primer such as PrepRite Wall and Wood is recommended because the oil wets the chalk and adheres better than water-base primers. Otherwise, PrepRite Classic Latex is an excellent solution. Soft, porous or powdery plaster should be treated with a solution of one pint of vinegar to one gallon of water until the surface feels hard. Rinse with water and allow it to dry before priming. Flaking Description Flaking is the lifting of paint from the underlying surface in the form of flakes. Possible Causes Flaking is generally preceded by cracking or checking and will occur over different surfaces. When it occurs over wood, it is usually found on those boards that have an excessive amount of "flat" hard grain pattern. This flat grain pattern is smooth, hard and non-porous. Lower quality paints crack and eventually flake when applied to this type of surface. They cannot accommodate the large extremes of expansion and contraction of the wood that are caused by seasonal weather changes. Because of poor paint penetration into the hard flat grain, flaking will occur on these areas. Excessive cracking can also occur due to poor surface preparation and/or applying too thin a coat of paint. Solution A light sanding or scrubbing with a wire brush to fresh wood followed by application of an alkyd or latex primer is recommended. Wood must not be allowed to weather prior to coating. Replace boards that have an excessive amount of flat grain patterns with boards that have an edge grain (e.g. boards with equal amounts of narrow hard and soft grain patterns.) Darkening & Decaying Wood Description Has the appearance of severe mildew but will not react to the "bleach test" listed in the Mildew section. Whereas mildew generally has a spotty appearance, darkening and decaying wood generally has a more solid, consistent appearance. Possible Causes Darkening of wood is caused by ultraviolet radiation. This can take place on wood that has never been coated with a protective coating. It also can occur under clear varnishes and lightly pigmented stains. Different degrees of darkening can occur on different woods. If moisture penetrates into the wood, varnish coatings will peel due to wood decomposition under the coating. Woods that are exposed to weather are not protected against wood-destroying organisms. Eventually the wood ceases to be a coatable surface. Solution New woods must not be exposed to harmful sun rays for extended time periods. If heavily exposed for more that 10 days, the wood should be sanded to a fresh surface before priming. Paint and stain adhesion performance is enhanced when the new wood is painted or stained immediately after installation. Wood that has been allowed to darken (decompose) must be sanded to fresh wood. Wood that cannot be sanded to fresh wood must be replaced. Coatings can be applied to treated woods after the moisture content has dropped to a paintable level usually 15% or below. Paints, semi-transparent and solid color stains can be used on vertical surfaces or horizontal surfaces. Mildew & Algae Description Black, gray, green or brown areas on the surface of paint or caulk. Possible Causes The appearance of mildew or algae depends on various conditions, which are: Continuously high humidity or dampness. As the humidity increases, mildew growth becomes more rapid. High average temperature. Poor ventilation. Still air increases mildew growth. Composition of surface. Mildew will grow on any surface that provides a nutrient, even dirt. Mildew occurs more often on light colors of paint film. Colors that do not absorb the sun's heat provide a surface for mildew growth. Cement based products are more prone to support algae growth. Solution Provide drainage and/or ventilation to remove excess moisture. Wash mildewed areas with Sherwin-Williams ProClean Mildew Remover or a solution of one part household bleach and three parts water. This will destroy mildew and bleach stains caused by mildew growth. Apply solution by brush or a garden sprayer apparatus. Heavy mildew may require additional applications, and scrubbing may be required. Flush area with clean water to remove bleach solution. Allow to dry thoroughly. Rust Description Reddish-brown stains on the paint surface. Possible Causes Steel nails that are in contact with moisture will rust. Depending on conditions, this rust can either be red or black. Nail heads exposed to air will always be red rust-colored. If the nail is extracted and the nail shank is red, then the wood is saturated with moisture. Damp wood that possesses a high amount of tannic acid may develop black discoloration if it comes in contact with steel. Nail heads that are a black color are usually under the coating surface and will ultimately cause adhesion failure of the topcoat. Once exposed, the nail head will develop red rust. Solution Locate and eliminate the source of moisture. Replace nails with galvanized or other non-rusting nails. Rusty nails that cannot be removed must be sanded to shiny metal, countersunk, coated with a rust-preventive primer and then caulked. Repair moisture damage by sanding weathered wood to a fresh surface. Surfacant Leaching Description Concentration of water-soluble ingredients on latex paint, creating a blotchy, sometimes glossy appearance, often with a tan or brownish cast. Possible Causes Many different water-soluble materials are used in the manufacture of latex emulsion paints. When these paints are applied during hot and humid periods and dry during cool evenings, the painted surface will cool, allowing dew to form. This accumulated moisture on a paint surface whose curing is temporarily delayed may extract and concentrate different water-soluble materials from within the paint at the paint surface. As the water evaporates, a concentrated residue is left behind, causing staining, unsightly runs and gloss patterns. Aluminum siding will react to temperature changes faster than solid vinyl or wood siding because of the smaller amount of material involved. Consequently, aluminum siding will develop surfactant leaching quicker and more easily; however, all siding including masonry is prone to this problem under identical conditions. Use of lower quality paint. Solution Apply paint to all surfaces during weather conditions that allow proper curing of the paint film. When "surfactant leaching" occurs, flush with clean water immediately before the stains have sufficient time to set up or harden. Light scrubbing with a soft brush is acceptable. If stains cannot be removed in this manner, then repainting will be necessary during more favorable weather conditions. Staining, Water, Smoke Description Stains in the paint surface caused by virtually anything that would bleed, leak, or stick onto the paint film. Possible Causes Water stains are caused by leaks in roofs, gutters, plumbing or just about any source associated with water. Heavy tobacco smoking leaves yellow nicotine stains that bleed through the topcoat. Fire/smoke damage. Moisture contacting uncoated or non-galvanized metal causing rust to occur. Solution The source of the water and rust must be repaired. Excessively damaged wood, plaster or drywall may need to be replaced. Peeling paint must be removed if present. The stained area must be properly sealed with a primer designed to "hold out" water and rust stains. Tobacco smoke stains should be cleaned from the walls using Sherwin-Williams ProClean cleaner. Both fire damage and tobacco smoke stains must be sealed before topcoating. All stains must be primed with the appropriate Sherwin-Williams primer in order to prevent bleed-through. Tanning/Staining Description Brownish or tan discoloration on the paint surface due to migration of tannins from the substrate through the paint film. Typically occurs on "staining woods," such as redwood, cedar and mahogany, or over painted knots in certain other wood species. However, tannin staining can occur with any kind of wood. Possible Causes All woods, but especially red-colored woods, contain a water soluble dye called tannin. Tannin is not soluble in most solvents. Application of latex topcoats directly to these red-colored woods may develop a red-colored stain on the finish coat. If the dry film is intact and discoloration occurs at a later date, then staining is being caused by water moisture within the board wall. This moisture will migrate and eventually carry staining substances from within the wood to the surface of the paint film. Some cedar woods contain colored dyes such as tannin which is water soluble, and other colored extracts which are soluble in mineral spirits. In these instances, a primer that has discolored should be spot tested with a second coat of primer or a latex topcoat to determine which will successfully block future discoloration. Solution If dry film is intact and discoloration is occurring at a later date, then internal moisture is the culprit. The moisture source must be located and corrected. Remove stains by washing with a solution of equal parts alcohol and water. Allow to dry thoroughly. New red-colored woods must be sealed with an oil primer that will function as a barrier coat, preventing staining of the topcoat. Note: Even with proper preparation and recommended products, tannin bleed can still occur (especially on new woods) with both latex and oil topcoats. Presto Painting has painted and stained hundreds of houses in the North and South shore areas. Our highly trained team of painters have many years of experience in painting and restoring multicolored Victorian homes to simple one-colored Capes. Please visit out gallery to see before and after photos to see for yourself our expertise. We guarantee our work from START to FINISH: 1. Preparation of the exterior is the most important phase of the project: * Scraping, sanding with Orbital sanders and spackling all loose and chipping paint; * Powerwashing all surfaces with bleach to remove mildew and dirt. * Stubborn areas are hand-cleaned and scraped with brushes. 1. We prime all surfaces with oil based or latex primers. 2. We re-nail all loose wood, clapboards and shingles. 3. We replace any rotted or defective material such as: siding, fascia boards, etc. at customers request. 4. We apply finish paint or stain by brush; roller or spray may be used at customers request. 5. Only high quality paints are used such as Benjamin Moore, California or Sherwin Williams. 6. All exterior attachments such as lights, shutters, canopies etc. are removed prior to all work and replaced at job completion. 7. All exterior surfaces needed are covered with drop cloths to prevent damage. 8. All paint materials, ladders, drop cloths and equipment are placed in a safe place at the end of each work day. 9. Work area receives a complete inspection at the end of each work day and is swept clean. 10. All surfaces are prepared and finished in a manner that meets PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS. Commercial painting goes beyond merely painting walls. A high level of awareness in how people interact with colors in different environments plays an integral part of their experience. Whether it's to create a certain ambiance in a restaurant or to provide the pleasant colors to help reduce work stress in your place of business, let Presto Painting help create that special environment. Presto Painting has extensive experience in commercial painting as well as residential painting. Whether its a law firm, dentist's office, retail establishment or any other commercial facility, let Presto Painting's experience work for you. We will help you pick out colors and create a compelling ambiance for your clientele, visitors or customers. What is Faux Painting? Literally speaking, Faux stands for "false" in French. In this case it stands for False finishes; decorative finishes that transform your walls. From simple finishes to more complex marbleizing and antiquing to giving your walls a leathery look, let Presto Painting handle your decorative needs. Murals, Illusions, Tromp L'oeils, our Formally trained artists can help your visions come to life! Why use Faux finishes? Faux finishes are much more affordable and less expensive when compared to the original materials they are duplicating. From a painting sky in your dining room to an alcove with a vase of flowers in your bathroom, there is no limit to what you can paint on a surface to beautify your surroundings. With Presto Painting, you can rest assured that no matter what your imagination dreams of, our trained artists can help in the transformation of your environment from a boring room to a room where your imagination has taken control. Tromp L'oeils can transform a smaller space to a much larger one simply by fooling your eye. Tromp L'oeil is french for "to fool the eye." When used in reference to Faux painting, it refers to painting murals that are so realistic in its use(three dimensional) that it appears real to the human eye. Services we offer: * Decorative Wall finishes (Washing, Sponging, Ragging...) * Distressed Wall finishes (Leather, Aged...) * Marbleizing & Stoning * Tromp L'oeil & Murals * Crackling * Antiquing * Woodgraining Presto Painting also offers a wide variety of carpentry work. With a carpenter on site, you can rest assured that all rotted and defective wood will be replaced. But we offer more, such as: Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom; Building a new or rebuilding an old deck/patio; Building exterior showers; Replacing windows and doors; Installing new shingles or clapboards; Installation of shutters. Presto offers both residential and commercial roof installations. From a small service and repair job to a large re-roofing project, we are committed to providing the highest levels of materials and workmanship available. Presto also replaces windows and doors. Are you tired of your old windows and doors or do you just want a change? Presto can replace your windows and doors with top quality products. No matter what your replacement window needs may be, you can be sure that with the many quality products that we use, Presto can help you select the best product and value for your individual application. Presto offers installation of vinyl and wood siding. We offer: * Wrapping fascia boards with aluminum * Removing and installing vinyl or wood siding * Removing and installing Cedar shakers * Installing fluted corners Repairing leaks; Installing new copper gutters & downspouts; Installing new heavy duty aluminum seamless gutters & Downspouts; Installing new Fir wood gutters; Cleaning to prevent overflow; Sealing corners to prevent leaks. Rowley PO Box 201 Rowley, MA 01969 Tel: 978-948-7332 Fax: 978-948-7349 Ipswich PO Box 648 Ipswich, MA 01938 Tel: 978-356-5419 Swampscott 505 Paradise Road, #157 Swampscott, MA 01907 Tel: 781-593-3661 Fax: 781-477-9335 Marblehead 781-639-3733 Boston/Brookline 617-738-3263 Welcome to Presto Painting - Painting, Wall covering, Faux Painting, Carpentry, Carpenters, Painting Contractors, Residential Painting, Commercial Painting, Essex, Swampscott, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem, Danvers, Lynn, Northshore, Presto Painting Company does complete home improvements, including interior and exterior painting, paper hanging, kitchen remodeling, replacement windows, general carpentry, decks, and aluminum seamless gutter Presto Painting has been providing quality service for over 18 years. Having Presto handle your remodeling project, means that you will receive a professional product from a company that stands behind their work and will be here in the future. Presto will provide you with quality craftsmanship and devoted service to the absolute best of today's trade. Presto Painting is a family owned and operated company which specializes in all phases of home improvement (residential & commercial) since 1988. As a professional painting company, we are members of The Painting and Decorators Contractor Association. We are licensed by the state and in full compliance with all environmental statutes. We are fully insured with Liability and Worker's Compensation Insurance to give our customers peace of mind. Presto provides you with quality craftsmanship and devoted service to the absolute best of today's trade. To ensure you the finest quality and highest standards we hire only full-time painters and do not subcontract work to other companies. Our crews consist of a family member, who is on the job site from start to finish, hands on and surveying all employees. Your property is top priority and we guarantee your satisfaction by using only top of the line products such as Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, California, Cabot, Sikkens, Devoe and Duron. Presto Painting is a family owned and operated company which specializes in all phases of home improvement (residential & commercial) since 1988. As a professional painting company, we are members of The Painting and Decorators Contractor Association. We are licensed by the state and in full compliance with all environmental statutes. We are fully insured with Liability and Worker's Compensation Insurance to give our customers peace of mind. Presto provides you with quality craftsmanship and devoted service to the absolute best of today's trade. To ensure you the finest quality and highest standards we hire only full-time painters and do not subcontract work to other companies. Our crews consist of a family member, who is on the job site from start to finish, hands on and surveying all employees. Your property is top priority and we guarantee your satisfaction by using only top of the line products such as Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, California, Cabot, Sikkens, Devoe and Duron. Having Presto do your remodeling project means that you will receive a professional product from a company that stands behind their work and will be here in the future. Please call one of our offices with any questions, comments or to have one of our representatives come out and give you a free estimate. Presto Painting offers a wide variety of services including interior and exterior painting, both residential and commercial, faux finishes including tromp l'eoil, carpentry roofing, windows & doors, vinyl & wood siding and gutters. Presto Painting offers a wide variety of services including interior and exterior painting, both residential and commercial, faux finishes including tromp l'eoil, carpentry roofing, windows & doors, vinyl & wood siding and gutters. Feel free to visit our gallery to see before and after photographs including sample faux work created by our artists. "We guarantee satisfaction from start to finish." Presto Painting Presto Painting has extensive experience in interior and exterior painting and finishing in both residential and commercial environments. Presto Painting has painted and stained hundreds of houses in the North and South shore areas. Our highly trained team of painters have many years of experience in painting and restoring multicolored Victorian homes to simple one-colored Capes. Presto Painting has extensive experience in interior painting and finishing. Whether you want to refresh your interior or give it a completely new look, our highly trained team of painters have the experience to make your dreams a reality. We offer you the expert advice from our interior decorators from color matching (that special something you adore) to specialty wall coverings and treatments such as glazing, pickling, marbleizing, sponging, and rag rolling. Let us recommend the type of paint to use for easy clean up and maintenance, especially if you have kids or pets. We have painted hundreds of homes and used all the materials out there, so we know what works well and what does not. Please visit out gallery to see before and after photos. We guarantee our work from START to FINISH: * We properly protect all furniture by moving everything to the center of the rooms and covering it with clear plastic, low adhesive masking tape and clean drop cloths. * We remove all area carpets and place them in another room and protect all floors with construction paper and drop cloths. * We remove all outlets, switch plates, ceiling fans, thermostats and all other devices from the walls and ceiling and replace them at completion of the job. * We remove wallpaper or borders and the adhesives. * We prepare the walls and ceilings, fixing imperfections with joint compound and tape as needed, lightly sanding to smooth and washing to remove dust. * We prepare all woodwork, fixing imperfections and holes with caulk and putty, lightly sanding to smooth and washing to remove dust. * We replace defective sheetrock on walls or ceilings. * We prime all surfaces with appropriate materials. * We will only paint with the highest quality paints. * Our work area will receive a complete inspection at the end of the each workday and will be swept and cleaned daily as found, a AHEPA Vacuum will be used for better removal of dust. With both interior and exterior paint, there are common problems you may be experiencing. To learn more about these common problems, click any of the links below. * Alligatoring * Cracking * Peeling * Flaking * Darkening & Decaying * Mildew & Algae * Rust * Surfacant * Staining * Tanning & Staining Alligatoring Description Patterned cracking in the paint film resembling the scales of an alligator. Possible Causes Application of an extremely hard, rigid coating, like an oil enamel, over a more flexible coating, like a latex primer or topcoat. Application of a topcoat before the primer or basecoat is dry. Natural aging of oil-based paints due to temperature fluctuation. The constant expansion and contraction results in a loss of paint film elasticity. Solution Before removing or sanding old paint, check to determine whether it contains lead. Lead may be harmful. Do not remove or sand paint without contacting local health officials for information on lead paint testing and safety precautions. Old paint should be completely removed by scraping and sanding the surface. A heat gun can be used to speed work on large surfaces, but take extreme care to avoid igniting paint or substrate. Follow all manufacturer instructions before using a heat gun. The surface should be primed with a high quality latex or oil-based primer, then painted with a quality exterior latex paint. Cracking/Flaking Description The splitting of a dry paint film through at least one coat as a result of aging, which ultimately will lead to complete failure of the paint. In its early stages, the problem appears as hairline cracks; in its later stages, flaking occurs. Possible Causes Use of a paint that has lower adhesion and flexibility performance. Overthinning or overspreading the paint. Inadequate surface preparation, or applying the paint to bare wood without first applying a primer. Excessive hardening and embrittlement of oil paint as the paint ages. Solution Remove loose and flaking paint with a scraper or wire brush, sanding the surface and feathering the edges. If the flaking occurs in multiple layers of paint, use of a spackling compound may be necessary to make a uniform surface. Prime bare wood or plaster areas before repainting. Use of a top quality Sherwin-Williams primer and topcoat should prevent a reoccurrence of the problem. Peeling Plaster Description Loss of adhesion from plaster which can occur in spots or larger areas. Possible Causes Peeling from plaster could be a result of insufficient wet troweling of the white coat when the plaster was originally applied, causing chalking of the surface. Another possible reason for peeling is the use of a wallcovering glue size, which absorbs water, and holds it underneath the paint. Solution Plaster should be clean and free of any sizing that would reduce adhesion. Test for this by wetting the surface and feeling for and greasy/slick substance. If present, this must be washed off before priming. All new plaster should be primed after it has been cured a minimum of 30 days. This will reduce moisture and alkali. After curing and before priming, wipe the plaster with a damp cloth to remove powder and dust. If peeling has already occurred, remove as much of the present paint and primer as possible by sanding or scraping before repainting. If just the peeling areas are removed, all the original primer may peel eventually, and the new coat will come off with it. If the surface is badly disintegrated, cover it with canvas, mesh, hardboard or wallpaper liner, then plaster and paint the new covering. Cracks and holes in plaster should be repaired before repainting. If patching is necessary, a water-mix patch or premixed plaster should be used when the intended topcoat is latex since oils in some patching compounds sometimes bleed into latex. When using a water-mix patch, thoroughly dampen the surrounding edges of the damaged areas of the damaged areas to prevent the plaster from absorbing moisture and becoming crumbly. Make sure the newly repaired plaster is similar in surface texture to the adjacent plaster so that the repaired area blends in with the original area. Reprime and repaint the surface. On very chalky plaster, and oil-base primer such as PrepRite Wall and Wood is recommended because the oil wets the chalk and adheres better than water-base primers. Otherwise, PrepRite Classic Latex is an excellent solution. Soft, porous or powdery plaster should be treated with a solution of one pint of vinegar to one gallon of water until the surface feels hard. Rinse with water and allow it to dry before priming. Flaking Description Flaking is the lifting of paint from the underlying surface in the form of flakes. Possible Causes Flaking is generally preceded by cracking or checking and will occur over different surfaces. When it occurs over wood, it is usually found on those boards that have an excessive amount of "flat" hard grain pattern. This flat grain pattern is smooth, hard and non-porous. Lower quality paints crack and eventually flake when applied to this type of surface. They cannot accommodate the large extremes of expansion and contraction of the wood that are caused by seasonal weather changes. Because of poor paint penetration into the hard flat grain, flaking will occur on these areas. Excessive cracking can also occur due to poor surface preparation and/or applying too thin a coat of paint. Solution A light sanding or scrubbing with a wire brush to fresh wood followed by application of an alkyd or latex primer is recommended. Wood must not be allowed to weather prior to coating. Replace boards that have an excessive amount of flat grain patterns with boards that have an edge grain (e.g. boards with equal amounts of narrow hard and soft grain patterns.) Darkening & Decaying Wood Description Has the appearance of severe mildew but will not react to the "bleach test" listed in the Mildew section. Whereas mildew generally has a spotty appearance, darkening and decaying wood generally has a more solid, consistent appearance. Possible Causes Darkening of wood is caused by ultraviolet radiation. This can take place on wood that has never been coated with a protective coating. It also can occur under clear varnishes and lightly pigmented stains. Different degrees of darkening can occur on different woods. If moisture penetrates into the wood, varnish coatings will peel due to wood decomposition under the coating. Woods that are exposed to weather are not protected against wood-destroying organisms. Eventually the wood ceases to be a coatable surface. Solution New woods must not be exposed to harmful sun rays for extended time periods. If heavily exposed for more that 10 days, the wood should be sanded to a fresh surface before priming. Paint and stain adhesion performance is enhanced when the new wood is painted or stained immediately after installation. Wood that has been allowed to darken (decompose) must be sanded to fresh wood. Wood that cannot be sanded to fresh wood must be replaced. Coatings can be applied to treated woods after the moisture content has dropped to a paintable level usually 15% or below. Paints, semi-transparent and solid color stains can be used on vertical surfaces or horizontal surfaces. Mildew & Algae Description Black, gray, green or brown areas on the surface of paint or caulk. Possible Causes The appearance of mildew or algae depends on various conditions, which are: Continuously high humidity or dampness. As the humidity increases, mildew growth becomes more rapid. High average temperature. Poor ventilation. Still air increases mildew growth. Composition of surface. Mildew will grow on any surface that provides a nutrient, even dirt. Mildew occurs more often on light colors of paint film. Colors that do not absorb the sun's heat provide a surface for mildew growth. Cement based products are more prone to support algae growth. Solution Provide drainage and/or ventilation to remove excess moisture. Wash mildewed areas with Sherwin-Williams ProClean Mildew Remover or a solution of one part household bleach and three parts water. This will destroy mildew and bleach stains caused by mildew growth. Apply solution by brush or a garden sprayer apparatus. Heavy mildew may require additional applications, and scrubbing may be required. Flush area with clean water to remove bleach solution. Allow to dry thoroughly. Rust Description Reddish-brown stains on the paint surface. Possible Causes Steel nails that are in contact with moisture will rust. Depending on conditions, this rust can either be red or black. Nail heads exposed to air will always be red rust-colored. If the nail is extracted and the nail shank is red, then the wood is saturated with moisture. Damp wood that possesses a high amount of tannic acid may develop black discoloration if it comes in contact with steel. Nail heads that are a black color are usually under the coating surface and will ultimately cause adhesion failure of the topcoat. Once exposed, the nail head will develop red rust. Solution Locate and eliminate the source of moisture. Replace nails with galvanized or other non-rusting nails. Rusty nails that cannot be removed must be sanded to shiny metal, countersunk, coated with a rust-preventive primer and then caulked. Repair moisture damage by sanding weathered wood to a fresh surface. Surfacant Leaching Description Concentration of water-soluble ingredients on latex paint, creating a blotchy, sometimes glossy appearance, often with a tan or brownish cast. Possible Causes Many different water-soluble materials are used in the manufacture of latex emulsion paints. When these paints are applied during hot and humid periods and dry during cool evenings, the painted surface will cool, allowing dew to form. This accumulated moisture on a paint surface whose curing is temporarily delayed may extract and concentrate different water-soluble materials from within the paint at the paint surface. As the water evaporates, a concentrated residue is left behind, causing staining, unsightly runs and gloss patterns. Aluminum siding will react to temperature changes faster than solid vinyl or wood siding because of the smaller amount of material involved. Consequently, aluminum siding will develop surfactant leaching quicker and more easily; however, all siding including masonry is prone to this problem under identical conditions. Use of lower quality paint. Solution Apply paint to all surfaces during weather conditions that allow proper curing of the paint film. When "surfactant leaching" occurs, flush with clean water immediately before the stains have sufficient time to set up or harden. Light scrubbing with a soft brush is acceptable. If stains cannot be removed in this manner, then repainting will be necessary during more favorable weather conditions. Staining, Water, Smoke Description Stains in the paint surface caused by virtually anything that would bleed, leak, or stick onto the paint film. Possible Causes Water stains are caused by leaks in roofs, gutters, plumbing or just about any source associated with water. Heavy tobacco smoking leaves yellow nicotine stains that bleed through the topcoat. Fire/smoke damage. Moisture contacting uncoated or non-galvanized metal causing rust to occur. Solution The source of the water and rust must be repaired. Excessively damaged wood, plaster or drywall may need to be replaced. Peeling paint must be removed if present. The stained area must be properly sealed with a primer designed to "hold out" water and rust stains. Tobacco smoke stains should be cleaned from the walls using Sherwin-Williams ProClean cleaner. Both fire damage and tobacco smoke stains must be sealed before topcoating. All stains must be primed with the appropriate Sherwin-Williams primer in order to prevent bleed-through. Tanning/Staining Description Brownish or tan discoloration on the paint surface due to migration of tannins from the substrate through the paint film. Typically occurs on "staining woods," such as redwood, cedar and mahogany, or over painted knots in certain other wood species. However, tannin staining can occur with any kind of wood. Possible Causes All woods, but especially red-colored woods, contain a water soluble dye called tannin. Tannin is not soluble in most solvents. Application of latex topcoats directly to these red-colored woods may develop a red-colored stain on the finish coat. If the dry film is intact and discoloration occurs at a later date, then staining is being caused by water moisture within the board wall. This moisture will migrate and eventually carry staining substances from within the wood to the surface of the paint film. Some cedar woods contain colored dyes such as tannin which is water soluble, and other colored extracts which are soluble in mineral spirits. In these instances, a primer that has discolored should be spot tested with a second coat of primer or a latex topcoat to determine which will successfully block future discoloration. Solution If dry film is intact and discoloration is occurring at a later date, then internal moisture is the culprit. The moisture source must be located and corrected. Remove stains by washing with a solution of equal parts alcohol and water. Allow to dry thoroughly. New red-colored woods must be sealed with an oil primer that will function as a barrier coat, preventing staining of the topcoat. Note: Even with proper preparation and recommended products, tannin bleed can still occur (especially on new woods) with both latex and oil topcoats. Presto Painting has painted and stained hundreds of houses in the North and South shore areas. Our highly trained team of painters have many years of experience in painting and restoring multicolored Victorian homes to simple one-colored Capes. Please visit out gallery to see before and after photos to see for yourself our expertise. We guarantee our work from START to FINISH: 1. Preparation of the exterior is the most important phase of the project: * Scraping, sanding with Orbital sanders and spackling all loose and chipping paint; * Powerwashing all surfaces with bleach to remove mildew and dirt. * Stubborn areas are hand-cleaned and scraped with brushes. 1. We prime all surfaces with oil based or latex primers. 2. We re-nail all loose wood, clapboards and shingles. 3. We replace any rotted or defective material such as: siding, fascia boards, etc. at customers request. 4. We apply finish paint or stain by brush; roller or spray may be used at customers request. 5. Only high quality paints are used such as Benjamin Moore, California or Sherwin Williams. 6. All exterior attachments such as lights, shutters, canopies etc. are removed prior to all work and replaced at job completion. 7. All exterior surfaces needed are covered with drop cloths to prevent damage. 8. All paint materials, ladders, drop cloths and equipment are placed in a safe place at the end of each work day. 9. Work area receives a complete inspection at the end of each work day and is swept clean. 10. All surfaces are prepared and finished in a manner that meets PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS. Commercial painting goes beyond merely painting walls. A high level of awareness in how people interact with colors in different environments plays an integral part of their experience. Whether it's to create a certain ambiance in a restaurant or to provide the pleasant colors to help reduce work stress in your place of business, let Presto Painting help create that special environment. Presto Painting has extensive experience in commercial painting as well as residential painting. Whether its a law firm, dentist's office, retail establishment or any other commercial facility, let Presto Painting's experience work for you. We will help you pick out colors and create a compelling ambiance for your clientele, visitors or customers. What is Faux Painting? Literally speaking, Faux stands for "false" in French. In this case it stands for False finishes; decorative finishes that transform your walls. From simple finishes to more complex marbleizing and antiquing to giving your walls a leathery look, let Presto Painting handle your decorative needs. Murals, Illusions, Tromp L'oeils, our Formally trained artists can help your visions come to life! Why use Faux finishes? Faux finishes are much more affordable and less expensive when compared to the original materials they are duplicating. From a painting sky in your dining room to an alcove with a vase of flowers in your bathroom, there is no limit to what you can paint on a surface to beautify your surroundings. With Presto Painting, you can rest assured that no matter what your imagination dreams of, our trained artists can help in the transformation of your environment from a boring room to a room where your imagination has taken control. Tromp L'oeils can transform a smaller space to a much larger one simply by fooling your eye. Tromp L'oeil is french for "to fool the eye." When used in reference to Faux painting, it refers to painting murals that are so realistic in its use(three dimensional) that it appears real to the human eye. Services we offer: * Decorative Wall finishes (Washing, Sponging, Ragging...) * Distressed Wall finishes (Leather, Aged...) * Marbleizing & Stoning * Tromp L'oeil & Murals * Crackling * Antiquing * Woodgraining Presto Painting also offers a wide variety of carpentry work. With a carpenter on site, you can rest assured that all rotted and defective wood will be replaced. But we offer more, such as: Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom; Building a new or rebuilding an old deck/patio; Building exterior showers; Replacing windows and doors; Installing new shingles or clapboards; Installation of shutters. Presto offers both residential and commercial roof installations. From a small service and repair job to a large re-roofing project, we are committed to providing the highest levels of materials and workmanship available. Presto also replaces windows and doors. Are you tired of your old windows and doors or do you just want a change? Presto can replace your windows and doors with top quality products. No matter what your replacement window needs may be, you can be sure that with the many quality products that we use, Presto can help you select the best product and value for your individual application. Presto offers installation of vinyl and wood siding. We offer: * Wrapping fascia boards with aluminum * Removing and installing vinyl or wood siding * Removing and installing Cedar shakers * Installing fluted corners Repairing leaks; Installing new copper gutters & downspouts; Installing new heavy duty aluminum seamless gutters & Downspouts; Installing new Fir wood gutters; Cleaning to prevent overflow; Sealing corners to prevent leaks. Rowley PO Box 201 Rowley, MA 01969 Tel: 978-948-7332 Fax: 978-948-7349 Ipswich PO Box 648 Ipswich, MA 01938 Tel: 978-356-5419 Swampscott 505 Paradise Road, #157 Swampscott, MA 01907 Tel: 781-593-3661 Fax: 781-477-9335 Marblehead 781-639-3733 Boston/Brookline 617-738-3263 Welcome to Presto Painting - Painting, Wall covering, Faux Painting, Carpentry, Carpenters, Painting Contractors, Residential Painting, Commercial Painting, Essex, Swampscott, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem, Danvers, Lynn, Northshore, Presto Painting Company does complete home improvements, including interior and exterior painting, paper hanging, kitchen remodeling, replacement windows, general carpentry, decks, and aluminum seamless gutter Presto Painting has been providing quality service for over 18 years. Having Presto handle your remodeling project, means that you will receive a professional product from a company that stands behind their work and will be here in the future. Presto will provide you with quality craftsmanship and devoted service to the absolute best of today's trade. Presto Painting is a family owned and operated company which specializes in all phases of home improvement (residential & commercial) since 1988. As a professional painting company, we are members of The Painting and Decorators Contractor Association. We are licensed by the state and in full compliance with all environmental statutes. We are fully insured with Liability and Worker's Compensation Insurance to give our customers peace of mind. Presto provides you with quality craftsmanship and devoted service to the absolute best of today's trade. To ensure you the finest quality and highest standards we hire only full-time painters and do not subcontract work to other companies. Our crews consist of a family member, who is on the job site from start to finish, hands on and surveying all employees. Your property is top priority and we guarantee your satisfaction by using only top of the line products such as Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, California, Cabot, Sikkens, Devoe and Duron. Presto Painting is a family owned and operated company which specializes in all phases of home improvement (residential & commercial) since 1988. As a professional painting company, we are members of The Painting and Decorators Contractor Association. We are licensed by the state and in full compliance with all environmental statutes. We are fully insured with Liability and Worker's Compensation Insurance to give our customers peace of mind. Presto provides you with quality craftsmanship and devoted service to the absolute best of today's trade. To ensure you the finest quality and highest standards we hire only full-time painters and do not subcontract work to other companies. Our crews consist of a family member, who is on the job site from start to finish, hands on and surveying all employees. Your property is top priority and we guarantee your satisfaction by using only top of the line products such as Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, California, Cabot, Sikkens, Devoe and Duron. Having Presto do your remodeling project means that you will receive a professional product from a company that stands behind their work and will be here in the future. Please call one of our offices with any questions, comments or to have one of our representatives come out and give you a free estimate. Presto Painting offers a wide variety of services including interior and exterior painting, both residential and commercial, faux finishes including tromp l'eoil, carpentry roofing, windows & doors, vinyl & wood siding and gutters. Presto Painting offers a wide variety of services including interior and exterior painting, both residential and commercial, faux finishes including tromp l'eoil, carpentry roofing, windows & doors, vinyl & wood siding and gutters. Feel free to visit our gallery to see before and after photographs including sample faux work created by our artists. "We guarantee satisfaction from start to finish." Presto Painting Presto Painting has extensive experience in interior and exterior painting and finishing in both residential and commercial environments. Presto Painting has painted and stained hundreds of houses in the North and South shore areas. Our highly trained team of painters have many years of experience in painting and restoring multicolored Victorian homes to simple one-colored Capes. Presto Painting has extensive experience in interior painting and finishing. Whether you want to refresh your interior or give it a completely new look, our highly trained team of painters have the experience to make your dreams a reality. We offer you the expert advice from our interior decorators from color matching (that special something you adore) to specialty wall coverings and treatments such as glazing, pickling, marbleizing, sponging, and rag rolling. Let us recommend the type of paint to use for easy clean up and maintenance, especially if you have kids or pets. We have painted hundreds of homes and used all the materials out there, so we know what works well and what does not. Please visit out gallery to see before and after photos. We guarantee our work from START to FINISH: * We properly protect all furniture by moving everything to the center of the rooms and covering it with clear plastic, low adhesive masking tape and clean drop cloths. * We remove all area carpets and place them in another room and protect all floors with construction paper and drop cloths. * We remove all outlets, switch plates, ceiling fans, thermostats and all other devices from the walls and ceiling and replace them at completion of the job. * We remove wallpaper or borders and the adhesives. * We prepare the walls and ceilings, fixing imperfections with joint compound and tape as needed, lightly sanding to smooth and washing to remove dust. * We prepare all woodwork, fixing imperfections and holes with caulk and putty, lightly sanding to smooth and washing to remove dust. * We replace defective sheetrock on walls or ceilings. * We prime all surfaces with appropriate materials. * We will only paint with the highest quality paints. * Our work area will receive a complete inspection at the end of the each workday and will be swept and cleaned daily as found, a AHEPA Vacuum will be used for better removal of dust. With both interior and exterior paint, there are common problems you may be experiencing. To learn more about these common problems, click any of the links below. * Alligatoring * Cracking * Peeling * Flaking * Darkening & Decaying * Mildew & Algae * Rust * Surfacant * Staining * Tanning & Staining Alligatoring Description Patterned cracking in the paint film resembling the scales of an alligator. Possible Causes Application of an extremely hard, rigid coating, like an oil enamel, over a more flexible coating, like a latex primer or topcoat. Application of a topcoat before the primer or basecoat is dry. Natural aging of oil-based paints due to temperature fluctuation. The constant expansion and contraction results in a loss of paint film elasticity. Solution Before removing or sanding old paint, check to determine whether it contains lead. Lead may be harmful. Do not remove or sand paint without contacting local health officials for information on lead paint testing and safety precautions. Old paint should be completely removed by scraping and sanding the surface. A heat gun can be used to speed work on large surfaces, but take extreme care to avoid igniting paint or substrate. Follow all manufacturer instructions before using a heat gun. The surface should be primed with a high quality latex or oil-based primer, then painted with a quality exterior latex paint. Cracking/Flaking Description The splitting of a dry paint film through at least one coat as a result of aging, which ultimately will lead to complete failure of the paint. In its early stages, the problem appears as hairline cracks; in its later stages, flaking occurs. Possible Causes Use of a paint that has lower adhesion and flexibility performance. Overthinning or overspreading the paint. Inadequate surface preparation, or applying the paint to bare wood without first applying a primer. Excessive hardening and embrittlement of oil paint as the paint ages. Solution Remove loose and flaking paint with a scraper or wire brush, sanding the surface and feathering the edges. If the flaking occurs in multiple layers of paint, use of a spackling compound may be necessary to make a uniform surface. Prime bare wood or plaster areas before repainting. Use of a top quality Sherwin-Williams primer and topcoat should prevent a reoccurrence of the problem. Peeling Plaster Description Loss of adhesion from plaster which can occur in spots or larger areas. Possible Causes Peeling from plaster could be a result of insufficient wet troweling of the white coat when the plaster was originally applied, causing chalking of the surface. Another possible reason for peeling is the use of a wallcovering glue size, which absorbs water, and holds it underneath the paint. Solution Plaster should be clean and free of any sizing that would reduce adhesion. Test for this by wetting the surface and feeling for and greasy/slick substance. If present, this must be washed off before priming. All new plaster should be primed after it has been cured a minimum of 30 days. This will reduce moisture and alkali. After curing and before priming, wipe the plaster with a damp cloth to remove powder and dust. If peeling has already occurred, remove as much of the present paint and primer as possible by sanding or scraping before repainting. If just the peeling areas are removed, all the original primer may peel eventually, and the new coat will come off with it. If the surface is badly disintegrated, cover it with canvas, mesh, hardboard or wallpaper liner, then plaster and paint the new covering. Cracks and holes in plaster should be repaired before repainting. If patching is necessary, a water-mix patch or premixed plaster should be used when the intended topcoat is latex since oils in some patching compounds sometimes bleed into latex. When using a water-mix patch, thoroughly dampen the surrounding edges of the damaged areas of the damaged areas to prevent the plaster from absorbing moisture and becoming crumbly. Make sure the newly repaired plaster is similar in surface texture to the adjacent plaster so that the repaired area blends in with the original area. Reprime and repaint the surface. On very chalky plaster, and oil-base primer such as PrepRite Wall and Wood is recommended because the oil wets the chalk and adheres better than water-base primers. Otherwise, PrepRite Classic Latex is an excellent solution. Soft, porous or powdery plaster should be treated with a solution of one pint of vinegar to one gallon of water until the surface feels hard. Rinse with water and allow it to dry before priming. Flaking Description Flaking is the lifting of paint from the underlying surface in the form of flakes. Possible Causes Flaking is generally preceded by cracking or checking and will occur over different surfaces. When it occurs over wood, it is usually found on those boards that have an excessive amount of "flat" hard grain pattern. This flat grain pattern is smooth, hard and non-porous. Lower quality paints crack and eventually flake when applied to this type of surface. They cannot accommodate the large extremes of expansion and contraction of the wood that are caused by seasonal weather changes. Because of poor paint penetration into the hard flat grain, flaking will occur on these areas. Excessive cracking can also occur due to poor surface preparation and/or applying too thin a coat of paint. Solution A light sanding or scrubbing with a wire brush to fresh wood followed by application of an alkyd or latex primer is recommended. Wood must not be allowed to weather prior to coating. Replace boards that have an excessive amount of flat grain patterns with boards that have an edge grain (e.g. boards with equal amounts of narrow hard and soft grain patterns.) Darkening & Decaying Wood Description Has the appearance of severe mildew but will not react to the "bleach test" listed in the Mildew section. Whereas mildew generally has a spotty appearance, darkening and decaying wood generally has a more solid, consistent appearance. Possible Causes Darkening of wood is caused by ultraviolet radiation. This can take place on wood that has never been coated with a protective coating. It also can occur under clear varnishes and lightly pigmented stains. Different degrees of darkening can occur on different woods. If moisture penetrates into the wood, varnish coatings will peel due to wood decomposition under the coating. Woods that are exposed to weather are not protected against wood-destroying organisms. Eventually the wood ceases to be a coatable surface. Solution New woods must not be exposed to harmful sun rays for extended time periods. If heavily exposed for more that 10 days, the wood should be sanded to a fresh surface before priming. Paint and stain adhesion performance is enhanced when the new wood is painted or stained immediately after installation. Wood that has been allowed to darken (decompose) must be sanded to fresh wood. Wood that cannot be sanded to fresh wood must be replaced. Coatings can be applied to treated woods after the moisture content has dropped to a paintable level usually 15% or below. Paints, semi-transparent and solid color stains can be used on vertical surfaces or horizontal surfaces. Mildew & Algae Description Black, gray, green or brown areas on the surface of paint or caulk. Possible Causes The appearance of mildew or algae depends on various conditions, which are: Continuously high humidity or dampness. As the humidity increases, mildew growth becomes more rapid. High average temperature. Poor ventilation. Still air increases mildew growth. Composition of surface. Mildew will grow on any surface that provides a nutrient, even dirt. Mildew occurs more often on light colors of paint film. Colors that do not absorb the sun's heat provide a surface for mildew growth. Cement based products are more prone to support algae growth. Solution Provide drainage and/or ventilation to remove excess moisture. Wash mildewed areas with Sherwin-Williams ProClean Mildew Remover or a solution of one part household bleach and three parts water. This will destroy mildew and bleach stains caused by mildew growth. Apply solution by brush or a garden sprayer apparatus. Heavy mildew may require additional applications, and scrubbing may be required. Flush area with clean water to remove bleach solution. Allow to dry thoroughly. Rust Description Reddish-brown stains on the paint surface. Possible Causes Steel nails that are in contact with moisture will rust. Depending on conditions, this rust can either be red or black. Nail heads exposed to air will always be red rust-colored. If the nail is extracted and the nail shank is red, then the wood is saturated with moisture. Damp wood that possesses a high amount of tannic acid may develop black discoloration if it comes in contact with steel. Nail heads that are a black color are usually under the coating surface and will ultimately cause adhesion failure of the topcoat. Once exposed, the nail head will develop red rust. Solution Locate and eliminate the source of moisture. Replace nails with galvanized or other non-rusting nails. Rusty nails that cannot be removed must be sanded to shiny metal, countersunk, coated with a rust-preventive primer and then caulked. Repair moisture damage by sanding weathered wood to a fresh surface. Surfacant Leaching Description Concentration of water-soluble ingredients on latex paint, creating a blotchy, sometimes glossy appearance, often with a tan or brownish cast. Possible Causes Many different water-soluble materials are used in the manufacture of latex emulsion paints. When these paints are applied during hot and humid periods and dry during cool evenings, the painted surface will cool, allowing dew to form. This accumulated moisture on a paint surface whose curing is temporarily delayed may extract and concentrate different water-soluble materials from within the paint at the paint surface. As the water evaporates, a concentrated residue is left behind, causing staining, unsightly runs and gloss patterns. Aluminum siding will react to temperature changes faster than solid vinyl or wood siding because of the smaller amount of material involved. Consequently, aluminum siding will develop surfactant leaching quicker and more easily; however, all siding including masonry is prone to this problem under identical conditions. Use of lower quality paint. Solution Apply paint to all surfaces during weather conditions that allow proper curing of the paint film. When "surfactant leaching" occurs, flush with clean water immediately before the stains have sufficient time to set up or harden. Light scrubbing with a soft brush is acceptable. If stains cannot be removed in this manner, then repainting will be necessary during more favorable weather conditions. Staining, Water, Smoke Description Stains in the paint surface caused by virtually anything that would bleed, leak, or stick onto the paint film. Possible Causes Water stains are caused by leaks in roofs, gutters, plumbing or just about any source associated with water. Heavy tobacco smoking leaves yellow nicotine stains that bleed through the topcoat. Fire/smoke damage. Moisture contacting uncoated or non-galvanized metal causing rust to occur. Solution The source of the water and rust must be repaired. Excessively damaged wood, plaster or drywall may need to be replaced. Peeling paint must be removed if present. The stained area must be properly sealed with a primer designed to "hold out" water and rust stains. Tobacco smoke stains should be cleaned from the walls using Sherwin-Williams ProClean cleaner. Both fire damage and tobacco smoke stains must be sealed before topcoating. All stains must be primed with the appropriate Sherwin-Williams primer in order to prevent bleed-through. Tanning/Staining Description Brownish or tan discoloration on the paint surface due to migration of tannins from the substrate through the paint film. Typically occurs on "staining woods," such as redwood, cedar and mahogany, or over painted knots in certain other wood species. However, tannin staining can occur with any kind of wood. Possible Causes All woods, but especially red-colored woods, contain a water soluble dye called tannin. Tannin is not soluble in most solvents. Application of latex topcoats directly to these red-colored woods may develop a red-colored stain on the finish coat. If the dry film is intact and discoloration occurs at a later date, then staining is being caused by water moisture within the board wall. This moisture will migrate and eventually carry staining substances from within the wood to the surface of the paint film. Some cedar woods contain colored dyes such as tannin which is water soluble, and other colored extracts which are soluble in mineral spirits. In these instances, a primer that has discolored should be spot tested with a second coat of primer or a latex topcoat to determine which will successfully block future discoloration. Solution If dry film is intact and discoloration is occurring at a later date, then internal moisture is the culprit. The moisture source must be located and corrected. Remove stains by washing with a solution of equal parts alcohol and water. Allow to dry thoroughly. New red-colored woods must be sealed with an oil primer that will function as a barrier coat, preventing staining of the topcoat. Note: Even with proper preparation and recommended products, tannin bleed can still occur (especially on new woods) with both latex and oil topcoats. Presto Painting has painted and stained hundreds of houses in the North and South shore areas. Our highly trained team of painters have many years of experience in painting and restoring multicolored Victorian homes to simple one-colored Capes. Please visit out gallery to see before and after photos to see for yourself our expertise. We guarantee our work from START to FINISH: 1. Preparation of the exterior is the most important phase of the project: * Scraping, sanding with Orbital sanders and spackling all loose and chipping paint; * Powerwashing all surfaces with bleach to remove mildew and dirt. * Stubborn areas are hand-cleaned and scraped with brushes. 1. We prime all surfaces with oil based or latex primers. 2. We re-nail all loose wood, clapboards and shingles. 3. We replace any rotted or defective material such as: siding, fascia boards, etc. at customers request. 4. We apply finish paint or stain by brush; roller or spray may be used at customers request. 5. Only high quality paints are used such as Benjamin Moore, California or Sherwin Williams. 6. All exterior attachments such as lights, shutters, canopies etc. are removed prior to all work and replaced at job completion. 7. All exterior surfaces needed are covered with drop cloths to prevent damage. 8. All paint materials, ladders, drop cloths and equipment are placed in a safe place at the end of each work day. 9. Work area receives a complete inspection at the end of each work day and is swept clean. 10. All surfaces are prepared and finished in a manner that meets PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS. Commercial painting goes beyond merely painting walls. A high level of awareness in how people interact with colors in different environments plays an integral part of their experience. Whether it's to create a certain ambiance in a restaurant or to provide the pleasant colors to help reduce work stress in your place of business, let Presto Painting help create that special environment. Presto Painting has extensive experience in commercial painting as well as residential painting. Whether its a law firm, dentist's office, retail establishment or any other commercial facility, let Presto Painting's experience work for you. We will help you pick out colors and create a compelling ambiance for your clientele, visitors or customers. What is Faux Painting? Literally speaking, Faux stands for "false" in French. In this case it stands for False finishes; decorative finishes that transform your walls. From simple finishes to more complex marbleizing and antiquing to giving your walls a leathery look, let Presto Painting handle your decorative needs. Murals, Illusions, Tromp L'oeils, our Formally trained artists can help your visions come to life! Why use Faux finishes? Faux finishes are much more affordable and less expensive when compared to the original materials they are duplicating. From a painting sky in your dining room to an alcove with a vase of flowers in your bathroom, there is no limit to what you can paint on a surface to beautify your surroundings. With Presto Painting, you can rest assured that no matter what your imagination dreams of, our trained artists can help in the transformation of your environment from a boring room to a room where your imagination has taken control. Tromp L'oeils can transform a smaller space to a much larger one simply by fooling your eye. Tromp L'oeil is french for "to fool the eye." When used in reference to Faux painting, it refers to painting murals that are so realistic in its use(three dimensional) that it appears real to the human eye. Services we offer: * Decorative Wall finishes (Washing, Sponging, Ragging...) * Distressed Wall finishes (Leather, Aged...) * Marbleizing & Stoning * Tromp L'oeil & Murals * Crackling * Antiquing * Woodgraining Presto Painting also offers a wide variety of carpentry work. With a carpenter on site, you can rest assured that all rotted and defective wood will be replaced. But we offer more, such as: Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom; Building a new or rebuilding an old deck/patio; Building exterior showers; Replacing windows and doors; Installing new shingles or clapboards; Installation of shutters. Presto offers both residential and commercial roof installations. From a small service and repair job to a large re-roofing project, we are committed to providing the highest levels of materials and workmanship available. Presto also replaces windows and doors. Are you tired of your old windows and doors or do you just want a change? Presto can replace your windows and doors with top quality products. No matter what your replacement window needs may be, you can be sure that with the many quality products that we use, Presto can help you select the best product and value for your individual application. Presto offers installation of vinyl and wood siding. We offer: * Wrapping fascia boards with aluminum * Removing and installing vinyl or wood siding * Removing and installing Cedar shakers * Installing fluted corners Repairing leaks; Installing new copper gutters & downspouts; Installing new heavy duty aluminum seamless gutters & Downspouts; Installing new Fir wood gutters; Cleaning to prevent overflow; Sealing corners to prevent leaks. Welcome to Presto Painting - Painting, Wall covering, Faux Painting, Carpentry, Carpenters, Painting Contractors, Residential Painting, Commercial Painting, Essex, Swampscott, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem, Danvers, Lynn, Northshore, Presto Painting Company does complete home improvements, including interior and exterior painting, paper hanging, kitchen remodeling, replacement windows, general carpentry, decks, and aluminum seamless gutter Rowley PO Box 201 Rowley, MA 01969 Tel: 978-948-7332 Fax: 978-948-7349 Ipswich PO Box 648 Ipswich, MA 01938 Tel: 978-356-5419 Swampscott 505 Paradise Road, #157 Swampscott, MA 01907 Tel: 781-593-3661 Fax: 781-477-9335 Marblehead 781-639-3733 Boston/Brookline 617-738-3263 Welcome to Presto Painting - Painting, Wall covering, Faux Painting, Carpentry, Carpenters, Painting Contractors, Residential Painting, Commercial Painting, Essex, Swampscott, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem, Danvers, Lynn, Northshore, Presto Painting Company does complete home improvements, including interior and exterior painting, paper hanging, kitchen remodeling, replacement windows, general carpentry, decks, and aluminum seamless gutter Welcome to Presto Painting - Painting, Wall covering, Faux Painting, Carpentry, Carpenters, Painting Contractors, Residential Painting, Commercial Painting, Essex, Swampscott, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem, Danvers, Lynn, Northshore, Presto Painting Company does complete home improvements, including interior and exterior painting, paper hanging, kitchen remodeling, replacement windows, general carpentry, decks, and aluminum seamless gutter Welcome to Presto Painting - Painting, Wall covering, Faux Painting, Carpentry, Carpenters, Painting Contractors, Residential Painting, Commercial Painting, Essex, Swampscott, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem, Danvers, Lynn, Northshore, Presto Painting Company does complete home improvements, including interior and exterior painting, paper hanging, kitchen remodeling, replacement windows, general carpentry, decks, and aluminum seamless gutter