photo credti: Dugwin
Last week I was working with a fine carpenter replacing some double-hung windows in my 1870’s townhouse. In preparation, I painted all the window frames and sashes before the job started. It took about a week to get it all done between brush painting, drying time, cutting in at the glass line and sanding between coats. I thought they looked pretty good with three carefully applied coats of exterior semi-gloss over the factory prime coat.
But Rene’s first comment was “Why didn’t you use a roller?” Well, …because… I didn’t think of it.
I grew up painting with a brush. But a small foam roller would have left a smoother finish, faster application, faster drying time, and less sanding between coats. It took a younger person with different experience to remind me of a better way. And it took open communication for him to feel comfortable critiquing the boss. Our trusting relationship and Rene’s high level of skill certainly helped. I shudder to think of all the other things I’m doing the hard way, and don’t even know about.
In addition to painting I also have a pretty well-equipped shop and do a bit of wood-working. So I took on the job of milling and painting custom exterior trim to match the original. Unlike the first painting job, this all got done in one night. I used a roller.