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Factory Built Housing Painters Handbook: Chapter 7
Best Practices for Factory Built Housing
Producing a high-quality, smooth finish on a surface presents challenges that a painter does not encounter when applying paint material to a textured surface. Textured surfaces are more forgiving and, typically, will hide small flaws or imperfections. Smooth walls demand more precise work, from prep through application of the final coat of paint. These are best practices for smooth wall processes. See All Chapters View Chapter 8: Caring for Your Interior Walls
Step1
Inspect walls
Inspect walls thoroughly to ensure that all repairs have been completed. As Benjamin Franklin so eloquently stated, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” With respect to painting, truer words were never spoken. If the walls have not been properly taped, mudded, sanded, and cleaned, no amount of paint will camouflage the imperfections. Find Caulking and Patching Tools Explore Wall Repair Supplies
Step 2
Thoroughly Clean
Thoroughly clean floor areas, paying particular attention that dust is removed along edges and corners. After a thorough sweeping, dry vac the remaining dust particles along wall edges and corners. Although airless spraying is fast and efficient, the downside to the process is that spray pressure will launch dust particles into the air where they will eventually land in wet paint. This will require additional sanding and repainting. CAUTION: Avoid breathing sanding or grinding dust as they may be harmful if inhaled. Find Cleaning Products
Step 3
Damp Mopping
Walls and ceiling surfaces require wet-mopping prior to the application of paint or the level 5 spray finish.
Mop walls from top to bottom, and ceiling in one direction only.
Damp mopping in one direction pastes down drywall fibers in a consistent pattern and direction.
Maintain even strokes and prevent the mop from depressing areas of the wall surface.
Keep even pressure on the mop to allow it to fall from the ceiling to the floor.
Repair any imperfections as you progress across the surfaces.
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Step 4
Apply a Fog Coat
Remember to apply a light fog coat or “kiss coat” of paint prior to the application of the finish coat.
If you are using the level 5 product, it must be applied before you fog coat with paint. Allow the level 5 product to dry completely.
Conduct one last inspection and make repairs to any imperfections that you discover. Allow repair coats to dry before applying the fog coat or “kiss coat” of paint. Explore All Sprayer Equipment
Step 5
Apply the Finish Paint
Apply the finish paint at 8-10 wet mils, followed by an immediate backroll. Spray the finish coat of paint and backroll from ceiling to floor in one direction only. Overlap roller strokes to maintain a wet edge as you progress across the wall. An 18-inch roller is recommended. If you notice the roller taking up too much paint, remove excess paint by rolling in an area that hasn’t yet been painted. Maintain an even pressure on the roller to achieve a consistent finish appearance. Find the Right Products for Your Project
Step 6
Touch-up
Touch-up should be performed using the same ½” roller nap size used in the original application. The final steps include feathering-in and touch-up in the surrounding areas.
Please refer to all Product Labels, Technical Data Sheets (TDS) or Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for safety and detailed application instructions. View High-Quality Brushes and Rollers
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