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exterior painting, interior painting,painters
Written by Colleen Kalil

Know Your Paint Properties

Summer is often the best time to rejuvenate your home. The process of revitalizing the look of your house usually begins with covering the outside with a fresh coat of paint. If you are a paint ‘neophyte’ and inclined to head to the hardware store to pick up your supplies, there is something you should know. There are two basic types of paint – indoor and outdoor and you don’t want to choose the wrong one for the job!

Interior and exterior paint are formulated to meet different expectations. Indoor paint is meant to take the assault of daily living – children and pets, sticky fingers and marks of all sorts. On the other hand, exterior paint is manufactured to withstand the elements including everything from sleet and snow to relentless sunshine and heat in the summer.

One of the main differences between interior and exterior paint is the resin with which it is manufactured. In the case of paint production, is it a highly viscous substance that binds the paint to the surface on which it is being applied. It allows exterior paint to resist chipping, peeling and fading. A stronger resin is used in the creation of indoor paint, so it is less inclined to show scuffs and smears.

Exterior paint goes through a process called ‘outgassing’ which means it lets the surfaces on which it is applied to ‘breathe’ and minute particles of moisture to escape. Interior paint does not need this type of outlet but in either case, with indoor and outdoor painting, be sure you have adequate ventilation.

If you are painting indoor surfaces, it is better to choose a glossy finish because they are easier to clean than a matte finish. When washing down a flat paint, it tends to smear, exacerbating fingerprints and scuff marks, while putting the homeowner in a position where they will need to repaint sooner to keep a clean, pristine look.

Painting is a much more sophisticated undertaking than many people realize. A lot of thought and pre-planning must go into the project before you begin. In other words, getting thunderstruck with the idea of painting your house inside and out should be followed with careful reflection before running to the paint store.

May we suggest hiring professionals as an alternative to taking on the task yourself? The paint experts at University Paints would be happy to meet with you at your convenience and discuss your paint project. We have been servicing this community for over a decade! Call us today.

exterior painting, House Painters
Written by Colleen Kalil

How to Know it’s Time to Paint Your House!

exterior painting, House PaintersHave you been pulling into the driveway lately and feeling that the house staring back at you seems a bit worn? Is it looking dull? Do the other homes in the neighborhood seem newer and more modern? Perhaps all that you really need is a fresh coat of paint to spruce up the place and make it feel new again – and the same is as true for the inside as outside! Putting a fresh coat of paint on the house or inside is like updating your wardrobe! Here are some sure-fire ways to know when it’s time to paint!

You know it’s time to paint when you see the paint cracking or bubbling. This could actually signal more significant problems underneath the paint such as dry rot or mold. Both of these are issues that will cause long-term and significant damage if they are not addressed.

Check the caulking on the windows outside (and inside). Dried and cracked caulking is also an indication you need to take a closer look at the condition of the home and spruce it up. Upkeep is often cheaper than letting things deteriorate so badly that they cause costly damage to the overall structure.

Is the color of the paint looking dingy? Faded? Perhaps one side of the house gets more sun than the other and that causes discoloration. Weather plays an important role in how the outside of your home holds up. Do a monthly or bimonthly walk around as a way to identify problems with the paint and/or structure.

Paint your home – just because. Because you have lived there for a few years and want a change. Because you found a color you like better and think it will give the home greater curb appeal (you want curb appeal even if you are not selling the home as it keeps its value elevated). Or because it hasn’t been painted in 7 years or more – the recommended amount of time between paint jobs.

While these are the main reasons for painting the exterior, you may decide to do it simply because you want a change. One sure way that can happen is by putting on a whole new color! Whatever your reason for choosing to paint, when the time comes we hope you will call the professionals at University Paint. We would be happy to provide a quote and provide the highest quality service. We look forward to speaking with you.

COMMERCIAL PAINTING, PAINTERS
Written by Colleen Kalil

Commercial Painting Considerations

COMMERCIAL PAINTING, PAINTERSCommercial painting and residential painting are very different projects. There are special considerations inherent in commercial jobs, especially when stationery equipment is involved. Communication with your painting contractor will help the work move quickly and maintain safety for everyone. Plan to have the facilities manager or other employee overseeing the project meet regularly with the painters. Make sure the entire crew knows what type of work your business performs, if you use special machinery and if there are possible hazards such as flammable materials.

Commercial businesses typically have safety procedures in place, and it’s helpful to provide that information to the contractor before the work begins. It’s best to plan to paint when the fewest people are in the building. That may mean painters, and possibly employees, work at unusual times, but the work will go faster, and there’s less likelihood of injury or other interruptions. Professional painters can adapt to the schedule of the business and will plan to have its crew report accordingly. It’s ideal to have the space free of machinery, but that isn’t always possible.

As the business owner or manager, take a few minutes to inform your employees what will be happening, when painters will be on-site, and what accommodations they should plan to make. Avoid surprising your employees with things like limited or no access to parts of the building, fumes or dust that may affect asthma or other breathing conditions, and a longer than expected project schedule.

When you’re hiring commercial painters, ask how much commercial experience the company has. There is a big difference between residential painting and commercial painting, and you want an experienced company with a good track record. Ask how many years the company has been in business and what percentage of their business is commercial.

Make sure the company has insurance. This is basic with any contractor you hire to work on-site. If a vendor you contact doesn’t have liability insurance, keep looking. Licensing is another consideration. They should have up-to-date licensing for your area.

University Painters are experienced, licensed, and qualified to take on commercial painting projects of all sizes. We know our business and will help you get back to your business promptly. Contact us today for a free estimate.

home painters, interior painting
Written by Colleen Kalil

New Paint Technology And Trends

home painters, interior paintingEvery industry has to continue to innovate in order to remain relevant and the paint industry is no exception. Changes in environmental and healthcare industries have driven changes in many home décor products including carpeting and paint.

People are more and more aware of the impact of everything we put in, around, or on our bodies. Home should be a place where we’re safe from pollutants and other contaminants. The toxic effects of paint on our health have been documented and are pointed to as the source of many common ailments for both people and animals. One of the biggest concerns about paint are VOCs, or volatile organic compounds. VOCs can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, visual problems, and respiratory distress. Symptoms as serious as memory loss have been attributed to VOCs.

Having plants in your home can improve the air quality, but why not get to the real source of the problem and give your home’s interior a fresh coat of paint? Eco-friendly paint, that is. There are a number of good, eco-friendly options to choose from. They may be a bit more expensive, but in the long run, your health is worth the price.

Three well-known paint manufacturers, Sherwin-Williams, Behr, and Benjamin Moore, all have eco-friendly paint options readily available.

1. Sherwin-Williams Harmony paint line is VOC-free and works with other household products to improve air quality.

2. Behr’s Premium Plus paints are VOC-free with paint and primer all in one.

3. Benjamin Moore’s Natura products are VOC-free, as well as asthma and allergy-friendly.

As our society becomes more aware and more concerned with environmental issues established companies are developing new product lines and innovative newcomers are introducing new technologies into the marketplace.

1. The Real Milk Paint Co. products are different from water and oil-based paints. They’re made from real milk protein and instead of a liquid are often sold as powder.

2. Earth Pigments markets another great alternative to conventional paint. They’re sustainable because they are mineral and plant-based.

3. Bioshield products are eco-friendly, solvent and VOC-free paints and wood stains suitable for interior and exterior use.

At University Painters, we can help you select eco-friendly paint options that will not only beautify your home, but protect your family’s health and well-being. Contact us today at 800-390-4848 for a free consultation.

interior/exterior painting, painters,
Written by Colleen Kalil

Not All Paint Is Created Equal

interior/exterior painting, painters,Paint is paint, right? Not true. There are various types of primers and paints and they can be used to their best effect when you understand the difference.

Basically, there’s oil-based paint versus water-based paint; each has different properties and uses. In some states, the use of oil-based paint has been banned due to the level of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), but it hasn’t been removed from use in all areas. Oil-based paint takes longer to dry, has a stronger odor, and requires more harsh cleaners, such as turpentine or mineral spirits to remove. Once it’s on the wall or another surface, there are a few disadvantages. It tends to become brittle and could crack and peel. It’s also susceptible to fading and becoming chalky when exposed to prolonged periods of sunlight. On the positive side, oil-based paint is less sensitive to environmental elements such as water and humidity, takes abuse better, and looks good longer.

Water-based paint, also referred to as latex or acrylic pain, cleans up with soap and water and is gentler on the environment. Water-based paint comes in a larger variety of colors than oil, is chip-resistant, and can achieve a high gloss finish. It has become the industry-standard but it does have a few drawbacks. Water-based paint is more difficult to dry in humid climates, and doesn’t take the punishment of heavy traffic as well as oil-based paint. One option that has the benefits of water-based paint and the lasting power of oil-based paint is acrylic enamel. It’s not a mixture of oil and water-based paint as it uses acrylic as the binding agent.

There are also specialty paints for difficult areas with properties such as being flame retardant, mold and mildew resistant, and resistant to condensation. When hiring a professional, ask what type of paint they use and discuss the pros and cons of each. University Painters always use quality materials and are experts in their field. You can count on them to help you make the best choices for your home inside and out. Visit www.universitypainters.com or call 800-390-4848 for a free consultation.

house painting. painters, painting services
Written by Colleen Kalil

Why Hire A Professional For A Painting Job

Some people think that painting a house does not necessitate hiring a professional. While it is possible to paint your house on your own, entrusting this job to a professional has many benefits that can save you time and money.

Quality Work

House painting service providers like University Painters can provide you with experienced painters who are trained in their job and have many years of experience working in the industry. This translates to a painting project that will be of the highest quality. You are ensured that each stroke from their brush can boost the beauty and appeal of your house.

Painting Job Gets Done On Time

Experienced painters are very fast and are able to finish their jobs on time. This means that you do not have to wait long before your house looks fresh again with its new coat of paint. This is particularly beneficial if you need to have your house painted quickly.

No Stress

Hiring professional painters can save you from stress, as they are trained to handle all situations that inexperienced do-it-yourselfers may not expect to happen. You won’t have to worry about the small details if you hire a painting service contractor.

Reduced Maintenance

Painting jobs that are done by a quality house painting contractor tend to last a long time, which means that your maintenance costs are reduced. This can help save money and time.

Warranties

Most professional painting service providers give you a warranty when they paint your house. The warranty lasts for several years, during which time the contractor will paint your house again if the paint wears poorly or there are any related problems that the painter is responsible for.

Free Estimate

Before hiring a painting contractor, the service provider must give you a free estimate that will itemize the costs that you may expect to incur. In some instances, contractors can help you cut corners but still allow you to get the results that you want.

Fair Price

Quality painting done by a professional often comes at a fair price so you do not have to worry about compromising your budget.

University Painters has been providing painting services to homes and commercial buildings for over three decades. Contact us now to get a free estimate of a painting job

house painting jobs,exterior painting
Written by Colleen Kalil

Tips For Perfect Exterior Paint Jobs

The first thing that guests notice when they arrive at your house is the appearance of your home. They may notice if the structure is leaning or if the yard is unkempt. One thing that most people will notice, however, is the paint job. They can easily see the color of your house and notice if the paint has chipped. People can also tell whether or not the paint job was handled by a professional. These are some of the reasons why homeowners should take the exterior paint job on their home seriously. Here are some tips that can guarantee perfect exterior paint jobs:

Clean And Prepare The Surface

Paint will not adhere well to dirty surfaces so all walls and surfaces must be cleaned before coating them with paint. To ensure that the new paint job will last long, give your house a good power wash prior to the arrival of the painting contractor.

Choose A Neutral Color

Most professional exterior painters recommend that you choose neutral colors for your home. Neutral colors are easy on the eyes and if you’re planning to put your house up for sale or rent it out, a neutral color makes it less likely that buyers and renters will complain about your color choice.

Don’t Forget To Paint The Trims And Doors

Do not forget to include the trims and doors in your home’s paint makeover. If you are hiring a professional painter, ask if painting the trims and doors is included in their painting service.

Hire A Professional Painter

You can paint your exterior yourself but hiring a professional painter gives you a hassle-free guarantee that your home will look its best once the job is done. Professionals know the best colors to use and already have the tools required for the job.

Be selective when it comes to hiring a painting contractor. Remember that you always get what you pay for. Hiring the cheapest painting contractor in town may initially save you money, but a bad painting job can end up costing more in the long run when hiring another contractor to fix the job.

Do a background check of the painting companies you consider for the job. The best way to do this is to ask for feedback from friends and family members who have hired them in the past. You can also ask the company for references you can contact.

University Painters has been providing professional painting services for more than three decades. Our experience and reputation in the industry can guarantee the quality of services we provide. Contact us now to get a free estimate.

painting contractor. house painting
Written by Colleen Kalil

Signs That Tell You It Is Time To Repaint Your Home

Painting your house goes beyond aesthetics. A good painting job can protect your home from outdoor elements, as well as preserve its value, but how do you know that your house needs a new coat of paint? Here are four signs that can tell you it is time to repaint your home:

Fading Color

A fading paint color, because of prolonged exposure to elements such as water and sunlight, indicates your house needs repainting. The loss of paint color does not only affect the paint pigments but also the molecular structure of the coatings. This means that when exterior surfaces start to look dull and washed out, the paint film is already deteriorating.

Colors fade progressively, so it may be difficult to identify how much fading has occurred. One way of determining the degree of fading is to compare the existing paint film against the original sample or leftover paint. Houses that use bold and darker shades tend to fade more quickly than those painted with light colors.

Chalky Residues

Color fading is sometimes caused by chalky residue. Excessive chalking can erode the paint film until it can no longer provide an effective barrier against harmful elements. If you find any chalky residue on the surface of your wall, consider it a sign that it is time to call a painting contractor to repaint your home.

Cracking And Peeling Paint

Areas where the paint has cracked or peeled off will continue to deteriorate if the problem is not addressed immediately. This results in the surface being exposed to potentially damaging water, moisture and heat.

Paint film that is flaking off can likewise no longer protect the structural elements of your home, resulting in the bare wood being exposed to wood-destroying fungi that can jeopardize the structure of your home.

Mold and Water Stains

Mold, mildew and water stains are not just unsightly. They are also symptoms of bigger issues and pose potential health hazards. You need to use the right chemicals to get rid of the mildew and mold. Painting over areas with mold spores will only make the problem worse. A professional painter will know how to address this issue. Make sure to contact an expert if your walls have unsightly molds.

University Painters can help you with home repainting. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

exterior painting, home painters
Written by Colleen Kalil

Preparing Your Home For An Exterior Paint Job

Nearly half of the painting process for painting the exterior of your home is preparation, so make sure to follow these steps to guarantee that the exterior paint will look great and last.

Wash Your Home’s Exterior

Wash your house’s exterior from top to bottom prior to having it painted. A thoroughly washed surface can maximize the adhesion of the new paint to the exterior surfaces. Consider renting a power pressure washer, which can save you hours of time and effort you would otherwise spend with hand washing. You can wash your exterior with regular tap water; use clean additives only when there is mold and heavy stains. Allow your home to dry for at least one day prior to having it painted.

Make Repairs

Paint isn’t the solution to damaged or rotten surfaces of your home. It will only cover the unsightly marks. Repair any damaged areas of your home first prior to painting it. You may do this on your own but there are instances when you have to seek help from a carpenter or a handyman. Get professional help when the job calls for replacement or repairs of crucial parts of your house, such as stairs or overhangs.

Trim Nearby Plants And Trees

Be sure to trim the trees, plants and bushes close to your home before getting your exterior painted. This will provide enough space to work outside around the house without the painters having to brush off branches and thorns that can potentially injure them. Trimming plants that are in close contact to your home can also prevent foliage from hitting the wet paint once applied.

Scrape Away Flaking Paint

After washing your home’s exterior, you need to scrap and sand away any loose paint. Taking off this old flaking paint may involve a lot of work but this is a crucial step. The condition of the surface that needs to be painted will determine the success of the project.

Houses built before 1978 may also have lead paint, so scraping and sanding the exteriors of these homes need to be done with care.

Prepping your home prior to a painting job will require a lot of work. Fortunately, these tasks can be included in your painting project when you hire a professional. This can help you save a great deal of time, effort and money. Contact us here at University Painters for professional painting services.

interior painting,House Painting Pressure Washing
Written by Colleen Kalil

How To Prepare Your Home For An Interior Paint Job

Hiring a professional can save you the hassles of painting the interior of your home yourself.  All you have to do is sit back and relax while the painter does the hard work for you. If you want things to get done faster, however, here are some things you can do prior to the arrival of the painting service contractor:

Remove Hangings On The Wall

If you have framed wall decorations, pictures and mirrors hanging on the wall, take them down before the painter arrives. This will not only expedite the painting process but moving these valuables out of the way can also protect them from accidental damage. 

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