Blog

Ah, Portland — land of endless coffee, flannel shirts, and rain. Lots of rain. So naturally, one of the top fears we hear from homeowners is this: "Won’t the rain ruin my fresh paint job?" Let’s separate the soggy fiction from the fact. Because while paint and water are like oil and vinegar when mixed the wrong way, Portland’s weather isn’t the death sentence for exterior painting that people think it is. You just have to know what you’re doing — and at Lightmen Painting, we do.

Read More  

Repairing and painting damaged drywall? If you’ve just found a patch, dent, or hole in your wall, you’re not alone. Drywall damage is one of the most common headaches homeowners and pros alike face. The good news?

Read More  

When it comes to painting—especially when it involves power sprayers, solvents, ladders, and ceilings—safety gear for painting professionals isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. From respirators to coveralls, discover the essential safety gear every painter needs to stay protected, OSHA-compliant, and job-ready.

Read More  

If you’ve ever stared at a half-finished exterior paint job while shivering in your coat, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Can you paint when it’s freezing outside?”

Read More  

Real estate is one of those industries that never sleeps. Markets shift, buyers change habits, and tech keeps flipping the playbook on how to connect with clients. If you’re in real estate and still marketing the way you did five years ago, you’re already behind.

Read More  

Running a small business in the construction world isn’t for the faint of heart. Between juggling contracts, chasing payments, managing crews, and staying on top of ever-changing regulations, it sometimes feels like you’re holding the whole operation together with duct tape and coffee. Whether you’re looking to grow your client base, streamline operations, or avoid burnout, these insights will help you stay sharp and competitive.

Read More  

Can you paint outside in the rain? Not really — unless you want the paint to fail. Here’s how to handle painting during rainy seasons without botching the job.

Read More  

I’ve seen glossy paint jobs on doors that aged gracefully and others that turned into streaky, chipped nightmares within months. This article dives into whether glossy paint really belongs on doors, why it can be a bad idea, and when it might actually work.

Read More  

If you’ve ever looked at your home’s exterior and thought, “Wasn’t this a deeper color last year?” — you’re not imagining things. Fading paint in direct sunlight is a real thing, and it doesn’t affect all paints equally. In this article, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about paint fade, from color choices to pro-level prevention tips.

Read More  

Matte paint hides imperfections — or so they say. But is that just industry hype, or is there real truth behind the claim? At Lightmen Painting, we get this question all the time from homeowners and designers alike. Whether you're dealing with old drywall, patched-up surfaces, or just tired of staring at uneven textures, choosing the right paint finish can change everything. In this guide, I’ll break down what matte paint really does (and doesn’t) do, how it stacks up against other sheens, and whether it’s the best option for your next interior painting project. Let’s get real about hiding flaws with matte paint.

Read More