Want To Get Started With Painting

bobbyacro

Most people are where they are because of making mistakes. Grass is always greener.

Waggz

Grass may be greener but it still has to be mowed.

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As I paint a kitchen Semi Gloss Fire Engine Red.....

HO - "Do you like the color."
Myself - "Mam, once it hits the wall it all looks green to me."

bobbyacro

Just worked on my first job today. My friend does remodels on forclosed section 8 housing for some investors in Harrisburg PA and asked me if I wanted some work. Painting these houses is not exactly what I wanted to get into, one coat poopy paint on everything and all pretty much the same color, but its a paying gig until I find something better. Just hope I dont get robbed in the hood.

WisePainter

Right on! Sounds like you are on your way!

That is the perfect first job to have, where you can make mistakes and learn from them.
A great first step indeed.

You are where I would have put you, along with every other professional painter here.
Get over it, welcome to the first stages of becoming a painter.
Make that turd shine Grasshopper.




"The only time you start at the top is when you are digging a hole"
~WisePainter~

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My advice: Hire a real painter to do it.

bobbyacro

Thanks WP! I am excited just to start and your right about not making mistakes, place is a crap hole. Trim, walls and doors are all the same color. Should I time myself to see how quickly I can get the work done (room by room)? This is what they call "production work"? The work in this place does not test me too much but I guess its a good place to see how fast I can get the work done correctly.

WisePainter

I hated doing the cr@p work in my first year, I wanted the big jobs that were important. When I look back I find that it was actually beneficial and I am thankful for it, kind of like Daniel in the Karate Kid movies.

Man I tried to watch that childhood gem on TV the other day, and couldn't do it.

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My advice: Hire a real painter to do it.

bobbyacro

I am using, or should I say destroying, my own brushes in this butthole of a house. Would it be out of the norm to submit receipts for them, so im not out $60? My friend is paying me by the hour, its not much but I get its a tough time for everyone, so I feel its a fair request. What say you guys/gals/WisePainter?

WisePainter

Learn how to not destroy your tools.
It takes awhile and typically happens when you start spending big money on special tools you love.
I can't see billing him for tools if you are getting paid by the hour.

__________________
My advice: Hire a real painter to do it.

Wolfgang

Okay what I wanna know is who is using WP's info for posting? This is not the Wise we know and love. Maybe the meds are starting to kick in....

Bobby, great "first" job for you. Excellent arena to get some experience, try some different things, and build up the callouses. I know everyone bashes JP, but this would be an excellent time to try out 14" and 18" rollers, different naps, etc.. You shouldnt be destroying any brushes unless the walls are ghetto textured. Let the brush do the work, its easier on the brush and your hands. Try using the brush in the hand you dont normally use...there will be times when you may have to do it that way.

WisePainter

way to ruin the magic.




i got paid today.

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My advice: Hire a real painter to do it.

Wolfgang

Actually, I was kinda touched emotionally about the whole thing....

WisePainter

ok, now you are just mocking me.

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My advice: Hire a real painter to do it.

bobbyacro

I guess "destroying" was kind of a harsh way to describe it. Everything in the house is rough, not textured everywhere but he doesnt want me "wasting time" patching, sanding etc. etc... just painting. My brush gets caught on a lot of Shi% sticking out. Guess Ill go buy a couple of cheaper brushes. I do switch hands a lot and have fingers of steel on my left hand from playing guitar for 16 years. I wipe caulk all day and cant feel anything

Wolfgang

Yep, I can see it now: In a year, thanks to all the professional advice from us professionals of course, you'll own your own business. "Fingers of Steel Painting...We Will Wipe Your Caulk All Day"

Just kidding with ya.....

Workaholic

I knew it was something. I figured your clock got stuck on 4:20.

Congrats on the job Bobby. Seems like a great starting place.

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Sean

WisePainter

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My advice: Hire a real painter to do it.

Tinstaafl

What kind of music do you play? Uh, strike that, what kind of sounds do you play?

I can lay two fingers, either hand, across 120 volts and have to press down to feel the tingle.

As for killing brushes, generally the guys are right--with a good touch, that shouldn't be happening. OTOH, if the surfaces are really crappy, use cheap brushes and charge for them. While you learn to make them last as long as possible.

outsidethelines

Our little Bobby is on his way. I'm so proud I agree with these guys. Esp. WisePainter when he said he hated the crap work but is now thankful for the experience. I feel exactly the same way.

Yes, you will be purchasing many brushes along the way and you may also have the not so pleasant experience of people walking off with them as well; along with whatever else they can get their grimmy little fingers on. I learned early on to never trust anyone and have been lucky compared to others. As for expecting someone to pay for your brushes, boy he would have to be a REALLY cool friend.

Good luck and let me know when you find work with someone you don't know and have to deal with a crew unfamiliar to you. That will be a good exp. for you too because they will really test you in every way.

Dave Mac

Take notes and time your self and start learning your production rates.

WisePainter

That.

Be extremely self aware of everything you are doing. I hated the first jobs so much I blew through them assuming that polishing turds was gonna end soon, so I didn't keep track of my times or material numbers.

__________________
My advice: Hire a real painter to do it.