Careful preparation and communication makes a quality result
Aucklanders have had to contend with a lot weather-wise in recent years! During the January 2023 storm that ravaged parts of Auckland, the rear section of this clifftop property subsided.
As part of the significant land stabilisation project, the client decided to rejuvenate the interior of his house. He requested that his interior designer create a moody cocoon for him and his teenage children. The interior designer working on this project is very well regarded for her contemporary aesthetic. She is well known for creating unconventional bespoke colour palettes that come together beautifully.
For this project, the interior designer specified:
Light paint colours for the main entry and living areas; and,
Dark paint colours for the remaining interior.
In most spaces, the ceiling colour came down to about one quarter of the height of the walls. Thereafter, the wall colours continued down to the bottom of the skirting boards. This delineation in paint colours extended across timber joinery. In the remaining spaces, dark paint colours were specified for entire rooms, including the timber joinery.
Putting everyone on the same page
This bungalow was originally built in the 1930s and had received shoddy renovations in the 1970s/1980s. The existing surfaces were neither straight nor square and there were obvious imperfections. Further, the interior designer had specified paint colours from a paint brand that does not manufacture all paint colours, especially, the dark ones, in flat sheen. The higher sheen levels would further aggravate the appearance of the irregularities and imperfections.
We highlighted these observations and explained the implications of applying dark paint colours to these surfaces. It was vital that the client understood the irregularities and imperfections would likely be exacerbated after applying the dark paint colours.
The client chose to only replace some gib-boards and timber joinery. Our forewarning allowed him to make a considered and informed decision, and for everyone to be on the same page regarding expectations for the end result.
So many people had a vested interest in ensuring that we delivered on the client’s and interior designer’s shared vision. After all, the paint finish is one of the most important components in bringing the vision to life.
Meeting challenges head-on
Getting the quote on point
The interior designer had specified in excess of 15 different paint colours. This meant purchasing smaller quantities of each paint colour at a higher cost compared to a bulk order. The average cost per litre of paint from this paint brand is $67.00. On a 374 sqm house, a mistake and/or an outcome expectation gap would be expensive!
We put together a paint colour schedule by room then by substrate to ensure that we correctly understood the brief. The version signed off was the eighth iteration, and this demonstrates the effort that went into ensuring there would be no costly surprises. It was not only important that the correct paint colours (in excess of 15, remember!) had been applied to the correct substrates. Minimising the appearance of the irregularities and imperfections was also a top priority.
Line work
We used a laser to ensure that the masking tape was applied in a straight line for the demarcation high up on the wall. That was the easy part! Finding masking tape that would adhere to different substrates well was difficult. But the most challenging aspect was achieving straight demarcation lines across ridged timber joinery.
We tried myriad techniques before achieving results we were happy with. Ultimately, a free hand technique and a ton of patience did the job. No shortcuts were taken in pursuit of a clean line.
Compromise and communication
The client works extremely long hours and he values the limited time he has to enjoy his home. The challenge of getting the demarcation lines right meant that we needed to extend the project timeframe; it was not a project that could be rushed. The right personalities with the right mindset and skills to the job were crucial to success.
We were transparent and careful to explain the reason for any timeline changes; the client was gracious in allowing us the opportunity to work overtime.
If you want an interior or exterior paint job that cuts no corners, get a quote from Wall Treats.
Every project is a lesson learnt
This project tested our persistence and resilience. There were so many times when it would have been easier to walk away. However, we have the integrity to persevere and complete projects despite the challenges.
The experience has certainly elevated our team’s resilience and painting skills. We have always delivered excellent painting outcomes and received positive feedback from our clients. However, we now know the mindset required to collaborate with Auckland’s premium designers who want to deliver custom outcomes to their clients. If we have the opportunity to complete another similar project again, we’d know the techniques to apply to complete the job efficiently.
People say ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE IF YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO IT, but no one ever tells you how crucial it is to find the right people with the right mindset.
Care and communication is quality
When it comes to hiring a contractor, most people obtain three quotes and proceed with the one in the middle. Price is almost always the deciding factor. Obviously, finances are very important. Cast your minds back to when you were deciding which vehicle to invest in. Did price outweigh proven performance, customer service and warranty? The Wall Treats team will do what it takes to ensure a project is carried out to completion, with the very best results possible. Poor quality does not make itself known until the end of a project, at which time fixing it is costly and bothersome. Some people would have found it unnecessary to look at eight iterations of a paint colour schedule, but it’s this type of attention to detail that sets premium painters apart.
