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Oil Based Paint vs Water Based Paint for Interior House Painting If you are planning to paint your interior walls, you might be wondering whether to use oil based paint or water based paint. Both types of paint have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on your needs and preferences. In this blog post, we will compare the main features of oil based paint and water based paint, and help you decide which one is best for your project. What is Oil Based Paint? Oil based paint is a type of paint that uses a solvent, such as mineral spirits or turpentine, to dissolve the pigment and binder. Oil based paint dries by evaporation of the solvent and oxidation of the oil, forming a hard and glossy film. Oil based paint is more durable and resistant to stains, scratches, and moisture than water based paint. It also has better adhesion and leveling properties, meaning it can cover imperfections and create a smooth finish. Oil based paint is ideal for surfaces that need more protection and shine, such as trim, doors, cabinets, and furniture. What is Water Based Paint? Water based paint is a type of paint that uses water as the main solvent to dissolve the pigment and binder. Water based paint dries by evaporation of the water, forming a flexible and matte film. Water based paint is more eco-friendly and safer than oil based paint, as it emits fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and has less odor. It also dries faster and cleans up easier than oil based paint. Water based paint is ideal for surfaces that need less durability and gloss, such as walls, ceilings, and drywall. How to Choose Between Oil Based Paint and Water Based Paint? When choosing between oil based paint and water based paint for interior house painting, there are several factors to consider: - The current type of paint on the surface: If you are repainting an existing surface, you need to know what type of paint was used before. You can test this by wiping the surface with denatured alcohol. If the rag picks up the paint, it is water based. If no paint rubs off on the rag, it is oil based. You should never apply water based paint over oil based paint without proper preparation, as it will not bond well and will peel off or crack. You can apply oil based paint over water based paint, but you need to sand and prime the surface first. - The level of durability you need: If you are painting a surface that will be exposed to frequent contact, abrasion, or moisture, such as trim, doors, cabinets, or furniture, you should use oil based paint for more durability and protection. If you are painting a surface that will not be subjected to much wear and tear, such as walls or ceilings, you can use water based paint for more flexibility and breathability. - The frequency of repainting: If you are painting a surface that you plan to change the color of often, such as walls or ceilings, you should use water based paint for easier application and removal. If you are painting a surface that you want to keep the same color for a long time, such as trim or furniture, you should use oil based paint for longer lasting results. - The desired sheen level: If you are painting a surface that you want to have a glossy or shiny finish, such as trim or furniture, you should use oil based paint for higher sheen levels. If you are painting a surface that you want to have a matte or flat finish, such as walls or ceilings, you should use water based paint for lower sheen levels. Oil based paint and water based paint have different characteristics that make them suitable for different purposes. Oil based paint is more durable, resistant, glossy, and adherent than water based paint. Water based paint is more eco-friendly, safe, fast-drying, easy-cleaning, matte, and flexible than oil based paint. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose the right type of paint for your interior house painting project. 

Staircase Renovations

Adding an addition to your home or business is a big undertaking, and it’s important to make sure that the foundation of the structure is installed correctly. An experienced general contractor will be able to oversee the entire process, from the initial planning stages down to the installation of your new addition’s foundation. But why is it so important to have an experienced contractor in charge? 1. To ensure quality – An experienced contractor has a deep understanding of structural integrity, which helps them plan and execute every step of the project correctly and efficiently. They can also make sure that all work is up to code and are properly placed for for the design of your future addition. 2. To communicate effectively with other professionals – A good general contractor will know how to work with others onsite, such as subcontractors and inspectors, in order to ensure smooth coordination throughout the process. This will prevent delays due to miscommunication or lack of knowledge about building regulations. 3. To stay within budget – Having an experienced contractor on board can help you stay within budget by avoiding errors that could lead to costly repairs or reworking later down the line. A good general contractor will also be able to provide realistic estimates based on their years of experience working on similar projects. Having an experienced general contractor involved when laying out a new foundation is essential if you want your building addition project done right. That’s because they have the expertise needed to meet all legal requirements while ensuring quality construction at all times!

Planning on a new home addition?

If you have an unfinished basement, you're not alone. In fact, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, 45% of all residences in the United States have an unfinished basement. But just because it's common doesn't mean it's a good use of your home's square footage. An unfinished basement is essentially wasted space that could be adding value to your home. If you're like most homeowners, you too have an unfinished basement just waiting to be turned into something great. But if you're not sure whether or not it's worth it to hire a contractor to help you finish the space, let us help convince you! Here are some reasons why it's a good idea to hire a professional when it comes to finishing your basement. 1. A contractor has the experience and expertise to get the job done right & on budget. 2. A contractor can help you maximize the value of your home by finished your basement with maximizing equity in mind. 3. A contractor will take care of all the necessary permits and inspections required. 4. A contractor can oversee the entire project from start to finish, so you don't have to lift a finger! If you're on the fence about whether or not to hire a contractor to help you finish your unfinished basement, we hope this article has helped convince you that it's a good idea! Not only will hiring a professional save you time and stress, but it will also ensure that the job is done right and that your home's value is maximized. So what are you waiting for?  Contact Renovate STL today and get started on transforming your basement into something wonderful!

What type of flooring is best for my bathroom?

Things to consider before starting a kitchen or bath remodeling project.

It's no secret that painting your house can be a huge pain. Not only is it time-consuming, but it's also messy and can be pretty tedious work. As a result, it's no surprise that many homeowners opt to hire professional painters to do the job for them. However, some people think that they can save money by painting their homes themselves. Here are five reasons why you shouldn't DIY your house painting. 1. You're Not a Professional Let's face it, unless you're a professional painter, you're probably not going to do as good of a job as one. Professional painters have the experience and the expertise to know how to properly prep and paint a home. This means that they'll do a better job and the end result will likely last longer. 2. It's Time-Consuming Painting your whole house is no small task. In addition to actually painting the walls, you also have to prep the surfaces beforehand, which can include anything from sanding to priming. And if you want to do a good job, all of this takes time—time that you might not have if you're juggling other obligations like work and family. 3. It's Messy Painting is inherently messy, no matter how careful you are. And unless you want paint splatters all over your furniture and flooring, you're going to have to spend time taping everything off—which is yet another time-consuming task. Even if you do manage to avoid making a mess, cleanup is still going to be a hassle. 4. It Can Be Dangerous If you're not careful, painting can be dangerous. After all, paint fumes can be harmful if inhaled for prolonged periods of time, and ladders can be tricky to use if you're not experienced with them. Rather than risk injury, it's probably best to leave the job to someone who knows what they're doing. 5. It Might Void Your Warranty If something goes wrong with your paint job—if the paint starts peeling or chips soon after you've applied it—your home insurance may refuse to cover the damage because you didn't use a professional painter. This means that any repairs are going to come out of your own pocket—and they could end up costing more than what it would have cost to hire a professional in the first place!  There are plenty of reasons why DIYing your house painting is probably not the best idea. Not only are you likely to do a worse job than a professional would, but it's also time-consuming, messy, and potentially even dangerous. Plus, if something goes wrong with your handiwork, it could void your home insurance policy—leaving you on the hook for any repairs that need to be made. So instead of risking all of that, why not just hire a professional painter in the first place?