As you take on a major painting project, it is important to realize a new coat of paint is only as stable as the surface underneath. It is crucial for the old paint not to peel or flake to guarantee a perfect paint job. Here are common paint removal techniques that will ensure a clean slate:

There are different methods for stripping paint depending on the surface material. Sandblasting is a well-known way to remove paint from metal, concrete, and other hard surfaces (but be cautious of fragile materials!). Less abrasive particle blasting can be used to remove paint from sheet steel, aluminum, magnesium, plastics, and fiber glass without causing damage to the underlying surface.

Power Washer
Power washing is a great option for home exteriors. Spraying water at a high pressure, this is an excellent method for paint removal from wood, masonry, and concrete exteriors. A few words of caution: a high-pressure power washer is pretty powerful, so use caution if it is your first time!

Paint Stripping
There are times when a pressure washer may not do the trick. If your customers have a deck or wood siding that they would prefer to restore to natural wood or stain, recommend paint stripping. Industrial paint strippers are full of powerful chemicals so inform your customers to wear full protection and wash themselves thoroughly when finished applying the chemical. After the chemical stripper has had a chance to work, tell your customers they can touch the removal up by scraping or power washing.

Mythic’s greatest quality- it is a zero-VOC, zero-carcinogenic, premium quality line of latex paint. Some may ask, “But what does all that exactly mean?” If so, refer to this fact sheet that can help answer some of your questions.

What are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?
Regular paints contain VOCs, which use solvents in paint that release emissions into our environment. Along with release at the time of application, these emission can continue to be released even after the paint has dried. Keep in mind Zero VOC or low VOC does not mean Non-Toxic. VOC’s used to be an unavoidable aspect of paint, but thanks to Mythic, we now have more options without reducing the quality of the paint and completely Non-Toxic, not just Zero VOC!

Safer and Better Paint for everyone
Non-toxic, eco-friendly paints have much less odor when wet, and no smell remains once the paint is dried. VOCs or other toxins can cause dizziness and headaches, as well as worsen allergies and chemical sensitivity.

Safer and Better Paint for the Environment
Paints with VOC’s and other toxins are considered hazardous waste, so disposing them can sometimes be an inconvenience. Since paint cleaners also contain VOCs and toxins, the clean-up of these paints become even more toxic and messy. Smog is also a common side effect of the use of paints with VOC’s and paint clean-ups. Sticking with environmentally-friendly products for an easier clean up and disposal, as well as making the environment a better place to live!

We are pleased to announce Interior Designer Cathy Hobbs (ASID/LEED AP), founder and creator of Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes™ has been named our new exclusive brand ambassador. Cathy is a nationally known interior designer and five-time Emmy Award-winning television personality. Cathy was a finalist on Season 6 of HGTV’s Hit Reality Series “DESIGN STAR” and has been featured on national programs like “The Nate Berkus Show”, “HGTV’s Top Ten”, “Martha Stewart Living-Radio” and is currently a regular contributor to the prominent shelter sites Sheknows.com, Shoptopia, Cotton Candy Magazine, and ehow where she is a presenter hosting her own interior design web series.

Cathy is the founder and creator of Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes (www.cathyhobbs.com ) which is a boutique style full-service design firm, which executes high-end residential and commercial interiors while also specializing in affordable design solutions called Design Recipes, as well as home staging. Cathy is a LEED AP, recognized and credentialed by The U.S. Green Building Council for her exceptional expertise and knowledge of Green and Sustainable design and is the only Green Home Stager in New York City. She is also an NCIDQ certificate holder. A graduate of one of the top interior design programs in the country, The Fashion Institute of Technology, her commitment and vision is to make interior design approachable and affordable to all those who seek the services of a professional designer.

Cathy is a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers and the International Interior Design Association, as well as a certified staging professional. Credentialed by Certified Staging Professionals (CSP), Cathy is also one of the top home staging trainers in the country, traveling nationwide teaching real estate staging for CSP to aspiring stagers.

Cathy’s new color collection, Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes, contains 12 specialty colors hand selected by Cathy Hobbs. To find out more go to: www.mythicpaint.com/Cathy_Hobbs_Color_Collection_Details.aspx?ID=53&flag=#36 

022-3 Cathy’s Barcelona Blue	076-6 Cathy’s Limeade	077-1 Cathy’s Nantucket Sand	085-3 Cathy’s Loghan Blonde
100-5 Cathy’s Optimistic	141-3 Cathy’s Bremen Gray	095-5 Cathy’s Serengeti Sunrise	165-2 Cathy’s Natural Stone
198-3 Cathy’s Agnes	083-6 Cathy’s Citrus	045-4 Cathy’s Caribbean	133-1 Cathy’s Chilly Willy