About Laura Mesich Expertise I own my own painting and remodeling company for the last 13 years. So, I can answer any questions regarding Painting, remodeling and decorating. I can also help out with advice regarding hiring a contractor, if you are getting a fair price or any Do it yourself questions. I would even like questions that I dont know the answer to so that I can resarch and find out whats best!
Experience I have had the painting and remodeling company for almost 14 years and have worked at all aspects of it. From actually painting, running the office, sales, ordering, all aspects of the company. I am also a Realtor and am working on my Interior Design degree. So the training that I have had on the design side has tremendously helped me be able to serve my clients
Organizations Plainfield IL Chamber of Commerce
Shorewood IL Chamber of Commerce
Education/Credentials Associate degree: Business management
Bachelors Degree: Communication leadership
Real Estate Broker
Awards and Honors Graduate Magna Cum ladae Bachelors degree
Past/Present Clients Two many to list in the Will and DuPage counties of IL
Question We have a wallpapered 2 story foyer in really good condition (no peeling, no texture) but we want to paint after 15 yrs. Can we paint over it like a contractor suggested or not? I had never heard of it before.
Answer Start by wiping down your walls thoroughly with a damp sponge - wallpaper paste dries clear and, like most glues, can cause problems for paint to stick to it. Besides removing old glue, you want to make sure the wallpaper is free of other dust and grime. BUT: Make sure the wallpaper is dry before taking the next steps!
Go over the walls with your bare hands to feel for any surface imperfections that will become apparent once the wall is painted. Repair any dents or scratches with a surfacing compound such as Spackle. Let the spackle dry and lightly sand (using 220 grit paper) any areas that don't feel smooth. Remove any residual dust with a damp cloth before continuing.
Stir the primer and as long as you've already done your test patch (see "test patch" above), apply it to the walls. This will help the paint "stick" to the wallpaper.
Trick of the Trade: When you buy your primer have it tinted to half the amount of the same pigment you are having them put in your paint. It's free and it will allow for faster coverage with the paint and fewer coats of it. Meaning, you'll save $$$!!!
Before applying the paint, you'll want to be 100% certain that the primer is dry, so we find it best to wait 24 hours. Mainly because the wallpaper will absorb the primer and take longer to dry than if you were just painting directly onto the wall.
Trick of the Trade: Repair any minor blisters or bubbles that may have formed overnight by slitting them with a utility knife and then glue them to the wall with wallpaper paste. Allow it to dry and wipe off any excess with a damp sponge.
Once all of your spot treatment areas are dry, if the coverage looks good, you're ready to paint!
Make sure to stir the can of paint prior to applying it to the wall.
Use a really good quality of paint and paint two coats!
