How to Avoid Roller Lines When Painting Walls
TL;DR: Roller lines happen when paint dries unevenly, usually because of the wrong roller nap, too much pressure, or not keeping a wet edge. You can prevent them by choosing the right roller cover for your wall texture, loading the roller properly, working in a “W” pattern, and maintaining a wet edge from corner to […]
VOC Levels in Paint: What Homeowners Need to Know
TL;DR: VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are chemicals in paint that evaporate into your air as the paint dries. In NYC apartments with limited ventilation, VOC levels matter more than in a house with open windows. Look for paints labeled “low-VOC” (under 50 g/L) or “zero-VOC” (under 5 g/L) for the safest indoor air quality, and […]
How to Paint Plaster Walls Like A Pro
TL;DR: Painting plaster walls takes more prep than drywall, but the results are worth it. Start by testing for lead paint (mandatory in pre-1978 buildings), repair all cracks with setting-type joint compound, sand smooth, prime with a quality oil-based or bonding primer, then apply two coats of latex paint. In NYC, plaster walls are everywhere […]
What You Need to Know About Lead Paint in NYC Apartments
If you live in a pre-war apartment in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens, there’s a very real chance your walls contain lead paint. We see it constantly in our work as professional painters across New York City — layers upon layers of old paint hiding beneath more recent coats, some of it dating back decades. Lead […]
Is Benjamin Moore Paint Good? A Professional Painter’s Honest Take
If you’ve spent any time browsing paint aisles or researching online, you’ve probably come across the name Benjamin Moore. It’s one of the most talked-about paint brands in the industry, and with good reason. But is Benjamin Moore paint good enough to justify the higher price tag, especially for a New York City apartment or […]
How to Remove Wallpaper – A Professional Step-by-Step Guide
There comes a time in every home when that dated wallpaper has to go. Maybe you inherited a bold floral print from a previous owner, or you’re simply ready to refresh your space with a clean coat of paint. Either way, learning how to remove wallpaper properly is one of the most valuable DIY skills […]
Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin Williams – Which Is Better?
If you’ve started researching paint for your next project, you’ve probably already landed on the two biggest names in the industry: Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams. These are the brands that professional painters, interior designers, and serious homeowners come back to time and again—and for good reason. Both companies produce high-quality paint that outperforms anything you’ll […]
Paint Cracking When Drying? Why It Happens and How to Fix It
There’s nothing more frustrating than stepping back to admire a freshly painted wall only to see a web of cracks spreading across the surface. Paint cracking when drying is one of the most common paint failures we encounter on jobs throughout New York City, and it can turn an otherwise beautiful finish into something that […]
Why Your Paint Is Peeling Off the Wall Like Skin
There’s nothing quite as frustrating as watching the paint on your walls slowly curl, crack, and peel away like sunburned skin. You might have just painted last year—or maybe you moved into an apartment where mysterious patches are flaking off in the bathroom. Either way, that shedding paint isn’t just an eyesore; it’s a signal […]
How Color Blocking Can Make Your Tiny NYC Apartment Feel Bigger
Living in New York City often means making the most of every square foot, and we’ve seen countless clients transform their cramped spaces into stylish, functional homes using one simple technique: color blocking. At Soho Painters, we’ve helped hundreds of NYC residents discover how strategic paint placement can visually expand their apartments without knocking down […]