Interior Painting Tip -

 NO NO - Latex or Acrylic Paint over an Oil Base Finish

Before beginning any interior painting project, the actual type of paint on the surface, wall or ceiling etc, must be identified. Why? Water based finishes have a hard time adhering to oil based finishes. The best way to do this is wiping a small area of the surface with Denatured Alcohol on a clean rag. If the paint is softened and removed then it is a Latex or Acrylic. Use a dark rag for light colors and light rag for dark colors, better to see the removed paint. Never apply latex or acrylic house paint over an oil base finish without using a primer first.

How to Paint a Light Color Over a Dark Wall

1. If the window frames, wallboards and ceiling are going to be white, then you can apply the primer to       everything. So, you'll need to just tape up the glass windows and other fixtures so that they don't get any paint on them.
2. Begin with the corners and then apply one coat of primer over everything, and let dry before adding another coat. You may require several coats to completely cover the dark paint. Don't be skimpy with the primer.
3. Paint the wallboards, ceiling and window frames with white paint and then let dry thoroughly. One coat should do it.
4. Once they are dry, tape the edges of the wallboards, the ceiling and window frames to avoid getting any colour on them.
5. Apply one coat of colour to the walls, beginning with the corners, and then let dry. Apply a second coat.

Choosing the Right Finish for Painting

With 5 basic finishes to choose from this can be a difficult task.

· Flat finish: Great for large walls, ceiling areas, powder rooms and halls. This is a non-reflective, durable finish. It hides imperfections well and holds up to occasional cleaning.
· Eggshell finish: Has the low sheen of an eggshell. There is a slight hint of shine or gloss. It's great for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and dens. It holds up better to cleaning than flat.
· Satin finish: Has a smooth, velvety look. Is easy to clean and has a moderate sheen. Great for windows, doors, trims, ceilings, kid's bedroom walls, kitchens, bathrooms, and any other high traffic areas. Holds up well to cleaning and scrubbing.
· Semi-gloss finish: Has a subtle sheen. Is great for doors, trims, and cabinets. Easily cleaned and durable.
· Gloss finish: Has an almost reflective quality, mimicking enamel or plastic. Great for kitchens and bathroom walls, cabinets, trim, and furniture, as well as high traffic areas. Is the toughest finish and is easy to clean

I called Jordan after finding his ad on craigslist. I was very impressed with his promptness and willingness to drive over an hour and a half to meet with me and give me an estimate. The first impression I got from Jordan was that he was a guy who took pride in what his work and loved older homes full of character and antique wood. That type of passion is very rare, and I should know as this is the 3rd old home I have had remodeled. I knew from talking to him that, if I could afford him, he would be the individual I hired. I had first agreed to just have him refinish the floors, but before his first day my painter was a no-show, so I asked Jordan if he could take over that for me. The room was a mess of cracking and pealing paint over bare joint tape. I figured the room would probably need to be re-drywalled, but Jordan made is look like a brand new home by scraping, sanding and skimming. He was VERY meticulous and paid attention to details. I cannot stress enough how rare this type of pride of workmanship is. I joked that I had never seen anyone polish a turd like that and asked if he would perform the same miracle in the other rooms that were riddled with my amateur workmanship. He did, and they came out fantastically. He suggested a great crown molding and base molding and we did that throughout and he refinished all of our heart pine floors back to their original glory. One would never know these floors took over 80 years of abuse after Jordan was done. While he was refinishing the stairs he discovered that they could take the risers and railing and all back down to the old dark and rich wood it was 80 years ago and so I had him go for it. The stairs are now the centerpiece of the house. I never thought I would own something like this, and I owe it all to Jordan and his team. The project included: Refinishing 1,000 square feet of antique floors, stripping and refinishing antique staircase back to wood from 6 payers of paint and glue, installing crown molding throughout, installing base molding, sanding, skimming and painting 3 rooms and ceilings, refinishing antique fireplace, refinishing antique door back to wood that have about 6 layers of paint, detailing antique wooded windows, refinishing antique floor furnace grate. Probably much more ~ I cannot even remember. All and all I am very happy with Jordan and his work and plan to have him back in a few weeks to perform more miracles in my kitchen and dining room. If you are looking for someone who takes his time, is a perfectionist, takes pride in his work and charges a very fair price I would personally recommend Jordan over ANY of the dozens of carpenters I have worked with over the years. His workmanship cannot be beat and his price is very fair.  ~  Josh in Lake Wales  (from Angie's List)


I recently purchased a foreclosed home in the West Pasco area and hired a general contractor (GC) to do the work in my home. My 3,500ft home has all wooded floors throughout. I asked GC if GC had experience in refinishing wood floors and GC claimed to have done many wood floor refinishing and replacement projects. Well, instead of doing what I should have done from the beginning which was hiring a professional floor company, I gave the job to the GC. The GC totally destroyed my floors and I thought I would never be able to salvage them again. GC applied a stain that was almost black that wasn't even made for interior staining. I went on Craigslist and saw Jordan Erickson's ad and I gave him a call. I explained the situation to him and how badly the floors were destroyed. He drove over the next day and gave me a quote.and said he would do whatever he could to salvage the floors and make them look the best they can possibly look. I didn't want to replace all the wooden glue down floors since it would cost three times time the amount I would spent to refinished them. He gave me a quote that was very reasonable and fair and seemed very knowledgeable about his business and wood floors. I also had to tell him I needed the work done within a week. Since I was in transition between homes from the north, I couldn't be there to witness his work. I began to receive daily picture via email and phone and updates from Jordan on the progress of his work in my home. I just couldn't believe the magic he performed on these floors. I couldn't wait to see them for myself and to see if the pictures could possibly be the same terrible floors I left him. I was totally impressed not only what the wonderful work he did on these floors but how he was going to bring out all the beautiful colors in the wood and make them look practically new. I highly recommend Jordan and his company and can assure you that you are truly working with a professional who takes great pride in his work.           VL in West Pasco


Thanks for being so easy to work with.  The bedroom and closet floors are so beautiful after the screen and coat.  Thanks for the extra attention of removing the paint which I wanted gone before my son moved back home.  Your quality workmanship is genuinely appreciated.  You were on time, on budget and a pleasure to do business with.   Debbie in Plant City

"My household has almost put everything away after having all our floors replaced and refinished. The floors look wonderful. I want to tell you how happy we are.  Jordan, who sanded and finished our hardwood floors was especially conscientious and very skillful for such a young man. We will be happy to recommend your company to our friends and family."                          S. Corral, in Tampa

The website is excellent and very informative. We are very satisfied with the laminate floor installations and doors as well.  I will keep your company in mind for future referrals.  Take care and thanks again.        Reggie, in Temple Terrace. 

I was looking for a handyman on Craigslist & I found Jordan's services. I own a TownHouse in Tampa but don't live in the same area so I needed to find someone dependable, reliable & honest. I found this in Jordan & much more. I admired his willingness to do a expert job in whatever the task may be & his desire to do it right the first time. I was not disappointed in the end results & he did above & beyond my expectations. I had the pleasure of meeting him in person when I made a trip to inspect my investment. He is very hard working young man & I would recommend him highly. I'm so pleased with him that I hired him as my property manager. I can now rest easy knowing he is looking out for my best interest & my property.        Thanks so much Jordan !!       Christine, in West Palm Beach, Fla

My wife and I were out of time and move in day was rapidly approaching. We needed a painter who could meet our time frame and still meet our high expectations of quality. We found Jordan's ad on craigslist and he met every expectation and more. His knowledge and professionalism was next to none and completed the entire interior of our home with time to spare. If your looking for quality and you have a schedule to meet, call Jordan.      Thanks for everything!"         Gary and Cindy, in Westchase

Jordan and his crew did a great job!  My hardwood floors had a thin layer of old black, glued down rubber padding that I thought would never come off and thought that the wood wouldn't look good. When the project was complete, the hardwood looked beautiful and was worth getting done. I would recommend Jordan for hardwood floors for anyone who appreciates quality workmanship.  Bruce, in Ybor

I would not let just anyone work in my home but a good friend told me that Jordan is very trustworthy.  I had the privilege of meeting Jordan and asked him to paint the ceilings in my home. The rooms were full of furniture with paintings on the walls.    Jordan and his co-workers were very careful and professional with all of their efforts.  My ceilings are so beautiful and all of my furniture was return to their proper place.  I have more work for Jordan to do in the future.  Jordan does outstanding work at a very reasonable price.    Ms. Pally - Carrollwood 
 
I was remodeling a home that had fire damage . I wanted to find a good flooring contractor who had modest pricing and was not some huge corporation.  I found Jordan on Craigslist and I was very impressed with his ad. His ad had a link directly to his website, which was even more impressive.  I used "Ask for a Quote" and Jordan responded the same day.  When we met at the jobsite, Jordan was very professional and I liked his attitude right off the bat.  Jordan sent me the estimate within two days. I went with his quote, and he began his work. Jordan installed and laced in 450sf of naildown 3/4 southern yellow pine and then refinished 900sf of the floor.  I was so intrigued on how precise and meticulous he was. The floors turned out absolutely phenomenal.  I am still in contact with Jordan and when the next floor job comes up, I am definitely using Jordan.  Thank you Jordan for doing such a thorough and awesome job!         -John Storti,  General Contractor in Tampa - Seminole Heights

Jordan, we get so many compliments on the stairs and we haven't even moved in yet!  We are probably going to be moving in about a month and then will have the "party" a few weekends after that so I'll let you know when.  Kathy and Allen in Apollo Beach

I found Jordan on Craigslist and hired him to paint the entire interior of my house and to sand and refinishthe hardwood in the downstairs with a major repair on the kitchen floor.  SW-6660. While I don’t particularly like yellowish tints, this is a pretty neutral-yet-warm color that will bring out the golden colors of the pine plank flooring. The color is also paired with your choice of color for the ceiling, so all is good. When we lived there, everything was done is grays… from walls, countertops, bathrooms, tile, carpets, color of house siding… It was very depressing.  The inside of the house was so dark and dismal and depressing. Really heavy and foreboding.  Thanks for your thoroughly professional estimate and your qualify workmanship.  The house is beautiful.  My wife and I are truly thrilled with your quality craftsmanship.    T Sweeney in Wimauma

My patio required new wood and the carpenter requested that I find a good painter.  I asked my friends and was informed that Jordan could perform the task.  All 8 pillars and trim required primed and painting.  I did not want any paint on the screens.  Jordan and his co-worker did an outstanding job!  Kimberli in Westshore.

Here are some pictures of the finished Front Door.  Once again, the doors look just fantastic. We are very happy with the results. Thanks again. Let us know if we can help with references or if you need more pictures.  Ed P. in Nine Eagles