CARMEL F.A.Q.

The following is a Frequently Asked Questions section containing questions that we regularly receive from our clients in the Carmel area. If you cannot find the information that you need in the Painting Tips section of our web site, you will likely find it here. If you have any questions that are not addressed in this FAQ, you can always feel free to email the friendly M & P Custom Painting LLC customer service team by calling us at (317) 332-9681.

What colors are the best colors and why?
Simply put, color affects mood. Red, yellow, and orange are considered the warm colors which incite happy, excitable moods and stimulation. They're great for offices for that reason. Blue, green, and purple are called the cool colors because they're relaxing and peaceful. Think bedroom and den. The light colors, like beige or any off white are spacious and uplifting. Perfect for the Doctor's office.

Dark colors make rooms look smaller and are depressing. Bold colors are appealing while whites reflect light, but beware, they get dirty pretty easily.

Can I paint over wall covering?
Don't do anything for at least 2 or 3 weeks, and when you do clean, make sure you use a cleaner that won't destroy your paint. Read all labels for directions for your cleaner, make sure it is properly diluted and practice cleaning first on a small unnoticeable area.

Does it matter what type of brush I use.
Absolutely. Not only does it matter what type and size brush you use, it even matters if you should USE a brush AT ALL. In many cases, not only is using a roller or a sprayer easier, but it will provide better results than a brush, which can drip or blotch. Frankly it depends on the thickness of the paint, the texture of the surface, and even the weather.

Can I paint over my vinyl siding or do I have to take it all down?
Yes, you can paint over vinyl siding. Not only is it cheaper and easier than replacing vinyl siding, painting over vinyl siding can look great too if you use the right paint. It can change the whole appearance of the house, you can do it more than once, and it provides quite a unique look if done properly.

PAINTING TIPS

Fishers Painting Tips
Here are a few tips that should help you out if you want to tackle that project by yourself. Remember, we're here if you get into trouble or if you just don't want to deal with the hassle, but if you want to have a go at it yourself, read on:

Sand, Sand And Sand Some More
Any surface you are going to paint on has got to be flat. It literally cannot be flat enough. The slightest ripple or texture can cause an annoying seam that will nag at you for years to come. When you think you've sanded enough, sand it once more, seriously. Then completely inspect it, make sure all dust is removed, apply a coat, wait and inspect before proceeding.

Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness
A dirty work area is never a good thing unless you are a pig farmer. When it comes to painting, a clean, organized work area is mandatory. Spilled drinks or smudges can destroy all of your hard work, loose garbage can blow into a wall, and the last thing that you want is to get moisture or dirt between the wall and the paint you just spent all of that time sanding.

Buy More Than You Need
While we have a formula for painting a room, we do this professionally and we keep large stocks, paint color mixtures on record, and distributors that can make almost any paint. As you are doing this yourself and don't likely do it too often, buy enough to allow for mistakes, AND to allow for touch ups down the road. A new coat of paint can peel or chip, and you might not find that mixture you chose at a later date if the hardware store doesn't carry or make it anymore.

Tape Is Your Friend
And it can save you from making annoying, time consuming, and even costly mistakes. Tape all corners and seams, sills, anything where you want a crisp even line, that way when your brush goes out of bounds, you don't get a smudge, when you remove the tape, your line will be perfect. Be careful when removing that tape too. And use a tarp over the entire room. You'd be amazed how paint can travel away from where you are working.