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Repaint,University Painters
Written by Colleen Kalil

How To Choose Exterior Paint Colors

As any realtor will tell you, enhancing your home’s curb appeal is the number one way to both increase its value and make it more inviting to visitors. Planting flowers and keeping the lawn well-manicured is a great start, but painting the exterior of your home will make the biggest impact on its overall appearance.

When deciding on a color palette, there are many factors you’ll want to take into consideration. For example, do you live within an HOA or historical district that regulates which colors are acceptable? If so, you’ll be more limited in your options. You don’t want to choose colors that get all the neighbors talking—and not in a good way.

If your property is more secluded, you’ll have the freedom to express your own style without others second-guessing your choices. Homeowners who live in a wooded neighborhood or a town with many cloudy days might want to go bold with a barn red or sunny canary yellow to add a little pizzazz to their world.

The paint you select should complement your home’s architectural style. A stucco Southwestern pueblo home that looks great in a light adobe tan probably won’t be too attractive coated in a deep azure blue. That same blue, however, could look absolutely stunning on a little cottage in the Florida Keys. Context is everything.

Once you’ve settled on the primary exterior paint color, you’ll need to decide on hues for the trim, shutters, and window frames. A tastefully contrasting front door and garage door will elevate your home’s entire design. The challenge is to make your home stand out while at the same time exist harmoniously with the surrounding landscape and the other homes in the neighborhood.

The team at University Painters is happy to offer paint color suggestions that will work well for your home. Please visit our website at https://universitypainters.com/.

Paint Colors,University Painters
Written by Colleen Kalil

How Paint Color Affects Our Mood

One of the most exciting parts of customizing your home is choosing the paint color. It reflects your personality, and contributes to the overall atmosphere you’d like to evoke. In fact, paint colors can have a significant impact on your mood. How so? Colors have an emotional value. Some contribute to a serene, calm ambience, while others create a more energetic environment.

For example, blue is widely considered a very relaxing color, which is what makes it such an excellent choice for bedrooms and bathrooms. On the other hand, red makes a bold first impression. It pumps adrenaline and stimulates a lively social climate, which can make it ideal for living rooms and other places where you might mingle with guests. Yellow is joyful and uplifting, and it often creates a positive aura in certain spaces, such as bathrooms and kitchens. In smaller areas, it can brighten things up and add a welcoming touch.

Of course, neutral colors are among the most popular choices, and understandably so. Their versatility and timeless quality makes them an excellent backdrop for most spaces. If you’re aiming for a calmer theme, go for less color. For more intensity, add color. Another thing to consider is the effect that can be achieved with both deep and light shades. Lighter colors open up a room and give the illusion of a larger space, while darker colors contribute to the warmth and coziness of a room.

Important factors to think about are the size of the room, the primary purpose of the space, and the overall décor scheme you’re going for. The experts at University Painters will work with your color preferences to help you make your house a home. Visit our website at www.universitypainters.com, or give us a call at 1-800-390-4848.

Interior Painters,University Painters
Written by Colleen Kalil

Does Paint Quality Matter?

With the wide variety of paints available on the market, choosing the right brand can be a daunting task. One thing you don’t want to do is skimp on the quality of the paint you use on your home. In the long run, some cheaper paints may end up costing you much more in additional materials, not to mention time, energy, and frustration. As with most purchases, you get what you pay for, and paint is no exception.

Whether you’re planning on hiring an experienced painting contractor or are a do-it-yourself novice, choosing the right paint is the first step in ensuring a satisfactory result.

The name-brands such as Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and Behr typically offer premium products. They are more expensive than lesser-known brands and provide a consistently reliable product. Of course, there are many smaller companies that also produce excellent paint. So how do you determine whether a paint is high quality and will give you the results you’re after? For the novice painter, it can be tricky. Here’s a quick primer on what makes a premium paint.

All paint is comprised of three elements:

1) Solvents that suspend the other ingredients in the paint, allowing it to be spread smoothly and evenly
2) Pigments to color the paint
3) Resins to bind the pigments together

High quality paints have a high concentration of fine pigment particles and premium resins. This results in a smoother application and a lasting finish. Lesser quality paints are diluted with a higher percentage of solvents and will require more coats with potentially inferior results. Selecting the right paint the first time around will not only be more cost-effective, but will also save you time and spare you energy and frustration.

University Painters uses only the highest quality paints for all their interior and exterior projects. If you have any questions about your choices, please give us a call or visit our website at www.universitypainters.com.

house painters, University Painters
Written by Colleen Kalil

DIY vs. Professional Painting: Which One is Right for You?

If you’re looking to personalize your home, give it an updated look, or just brighten things up a bit, a fresh paint color is the best place to start. When it comes to deciding whether to do the job yourself or hire professionals, how do you make the choice that is right for you and your home? Here are some important things to consider.

Let’s face it – painting your home requires a lot of time, effort, and equipment. With our busy schedules and day-to-day lives, any way to make things easier is a huge benefit. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits in hiring a professional to do the painting is that you don’t have to do any of the hard work. Just leave it to the professionals!

A major downside of DIY painting is the hassle of handling the materials involved, as well as uncertainty about the finished product. When you trust professional painters with your home’s transformation, you can rest assured that the job is going to be done correctly and efficiently, with an end result that will leave your home looking polished and beautiful.

Of course, the most important part of the process is that it meets your individual needs and preferences. You will still be making the important decisions to suit your personal taste and overall goals for your home, such as the color and finish of your paint, only without the added stress of doing the physical work yourself.

Thankfully, if you are looking for experienced painters who you can trust, you have come to the right place. University Painters, Inc. offers services to fill all of your painting needs, including both interior and exterior painting, wallpaper removal, drywall repair, and so much more. With skilled painters and quality products, you can count on an end result that you will be delighted with. Visit us at www.universitypainters.com.

Paint Colors,University Painters
Written by Colleen Kalil

8 Creative Ways To Use Up Leftover Paint

After you have a few painting projects under your belt, you probably have more partially-filled leftover paint cans than you know what to do with. The painting professionals at University Painters are familiar with this common dilemma.

Of course, it’s a good idea to hang on to a little bit of extra paint for each of the colors in your home. Few interior walls remain unscathed for long, so there’s a good chance they’ll need periodic touch ups to keep them looking their best.

Sometimes, you’ll find mystery cans you can’t even identify and know you’ll never need, but just can’t bring yourself to throw away. If you’re feeling creative, the following do-it-yourself projects are a fun and guilt-free way to use leftover paint instead of letting them clutter up your basement or garage.

1) Paint a canvas! If you’re not satisfed with your creation, you can always repaint your canvas with primer and try again on a blank slate.
2) Paint an old piece of furniture that needs saving from the landfill. These are everywhere, from thrift stores to your neighbor’s curb.
3) Use a stencil to paint a design on a wall or on a piece of furniture.
4) Find some unused metal or wooden picture frames and paint them to match your decor.
5) Paint an accent wall. A small amount of paint can go a long way in adding a pop of color to your home.
6) Give the inside of a cabinet or the back of a bookshelf some pizzazz by painting it a bright color.
7) Paint your switch plates in a whimsical pattern.
8) Paint clay garden pots and group them together to add a splash of color to your yard, even in the winter.

With a little imagination, you can transform everyday items into unique works of art. Be sure to visit University Painters’ website at www.universitypainters.com for the latest in painting tips and advice.

Paint Colors,University Painters
Written by Colleen Kalil

2019’s Top Paint Colors

If you’re considering giving your home a makeover, be sure to check out this year’s hottest new interior paint colors. Painting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to make a big impact on your home’s overall appearance. According to Realtor Magazine, these colors are making a splash this year and may be just what you’re looking for.

Pantone Paint Company named “Living Coral” its top color for 2019. The shade is a warm, inviting blend of pink and orange with golden undertones. It’s fresh yet cozy, and using it on smaller areas will add a pop of color to any room. Living Coral is a great choice for accent walls, especially when paired with a few complimentary accessories such as throw pillows and rugs in similar shades to tie the look together.

“Blueprint,” by Behr, is a deeper, sophisticated shade of blue that’s neither dark nor overpowering. It’s part of a line of Behr paints that features a range of grays, teals, and blues. Blueprint can be described as being between navy and denim, but with a more polished and contemporary finish. Interior designers recommend layering various shades of dark and light blue decor accessories within a room for striking results.

Inspired by the earth-toned palette of the Southwest, Sherwin William’s “Cavern Clay” is reminiscent of New Mexico’s adobe pueblo dwellings. It’s a warm, terra cotta color that makes itself at home in all parts of the country. This hue can look either casual or elegant and is able to serve as a backdrop for almost any decorating style.

Benjamin Moore’s “Metropolitan Gray” is the top pick for this year’s neutral, continuing the grey trend that has been a favorite for several years. Soothing and understated, it’s an ideal neutral for those who love gray.

Whether you opt for one of these popular choices or have something different in mind, University Painters’ skilled contractors can help you achieve any color scheme you can imagine. Please give us a call or visit our website at www.universitypainters.com.

Exterior Painters,University Painters
Written by Colleen Kalil

Waterproofing the Exterior of a Commercial Structure

No matter what a structure is comprised of – brick, wood, aluminum or other material – there is no question that exposure to the elements can lead to the deterioration of the building. Perhaps one of the most damaging natural elements is water. Moisture can result in a variety of issues to the integrity of the building. It also can lead to other problems with air quality, roof sturdiness and even the heartiness of interior and exterior finishes.

Many businesses have taken to waterproofing their commercial exteriors to prevent the variety of types of damage that rain, sleet and other watery weather can cause. While it is always a good idea to consider waterproofing the building at the beginning of the construction process, it is a task that can be examined at any time.

Water can be devastating to a structure over time. What appears to be an inconsequential small drip can lead to damage to the building’s foundation, roof and all parts of the building in between. Water that sits at the foundation of a building can wear down even the sturdiest of materials and eventually lead to cracks and leaks as the water finds its way into your building. Cracks can also appear in windows and walls, roofs and decks that surround a building. Once this type of damage occurs it is often costly to repair.

When water finds its way into the roof, the structural damage it can cause may be very extensive. It can affect everything from the HVAC to ceiling tiles, furniture and floors. It also affects your air quality in the building. Often a small leak in the roof may go unnoticed and lead to mold and bug infestations.

Waterproofing a building can be done anytime from initial construction to renovations and is an excellent investment because it protects your investment! Waterproofing will ensure the structural integrity of your commercial (or residential) exterior. It will also ensure better air quality for businesses that do not have exposure to natural air through open windows and doors. Waterproofing also makes your building more energy efficient, preserves the value of the property and extends the lifetime of your building.

The experts at University Painters, Inc. are here to support you in the maintenance and presentation of your residential or commercial property.

Repaint,University Painters
Written by Colleen Kalil

Use Your Commercial Building to Market Your Brand!

If you are a business owner that operates from a brick and mortar site, you should be asking yourself if you are getting enough ‘bang for your buck’? In other words, have you given any thought to allowing your building to be an advertisement, like a billboard that catches the eye of potential customers and draws them in? In today’s highly competitive market this may be an excellent option for getting the word out about your company without having to enhance your marketing budget. Here’s how.

• Think about the colors of the building’s exterior. If you have a business card, website or other item you use to promote your brand, hold it up against the building and consider how to apply it through the proper paint and accessories, like lighting or signage.
• Investigate what researchers say a color invokes in potential customers. Blue building exteriors tend to make customers feel a sense of calm or peace. Is that what you want your business to say? If you sell mattresses and bedding, it’s perfect but if you sell power tools you might want to go in another direction. For the record – yellow says energy or vibrancy, red says drama, black says elegance or maybe secrecy, and green says health. Of course, there are variations to this and you may want to mix and match colors on a trial basis before settling on a final choice.
• Make sure your logo can be neatly and pleasantly worked into the exterior in a way that complements (and compliments) your brand. Look at this experience as an opportunity to bring your business card to life but be sure to try it on a small scale before transferring it to the building itself.
• Investigate the building codes and requirements before investing in creating your exterior work of art. Some areas do not allow for changes to a business exterior, others will invite it under certain circumstances and in other cases you have carte blanche to do what you please!
• Find a commercial paint company that has experience in creating exterior branding on commercial buildings. This takes part artist, part professional. Do your homework and interview several companies before making that final decision. Ask to see their work and be sure you have a rapport.

In the market to change your commercial exterior? Contact the professionals at University Painters, Inc.

Repaint,University Painters
Written by Colleen Kalil

Mistakes to Avoid when Painting your Home’s Exterior

Summer and fall are two of the most popular times to repaint a home’s exterior. The weather tends to move the job along – sunshine, clear skies and fresh air. But that doesn’t mean that you or the company you hire to paint the outside of your house may not make mistakes. Novice painters can find they overlook important steps that will cause the paint job to fade and crack much sooner than it should. The following suggestions should help you keep your home’s exterior looking fresh and new much longer.

  • Don’t forget to prime the wood! There are several reasons for priming the wood before adding paint. First, if the wood is new and has never been painted, then adding a primer is an essential first step. Also if the wood has weathered or been stripped in advance of this new paint job – prime it! Otherwise you may add several coats and find that it is soaking into the wood the same way that water soaks into a sponge.
  • Don’t paint in the middle of the day! Or when it is going to rain! Or it has just rained! Listen to the weather report for what is expected over the few days that the painting is expected to occur. Try to squeeze in your painting during a time where the skies are clear, and it is neither too hot or too cold (it could cause dew to collect on the home’s exterior). Also, it is better to paint in the early hours of the day. Excessive heat can compromise the paint’s long-term viability.
  • Don’t scrimp on the paint. Sure, painting your home’s exterior can be expensive and most people are looking for opportunities to cut costs. But, one place that should not be open to a budget cut is the purchase of the paint. If the saying ‘you get what you pay for’ is ever more relevant – it’s when a homeowner invests in paint. If you are looking to cut the cost of paint, ask the company if they have online discounts or other cost savings – but buy the paint that will weather the best.

Are you in the market to have your home’s exterior painted? Contact the experts at University Painters, Inc. We don’t make mistakes!

Repaint,University Painters
Written by Colleen Kalil

Is Your Paint Surface Primed?

Many DIYers are not fully prepared to take on a home repair or maintenance job. One example is painting the inside or outside of your home. All too often home or business owners think they can save themselves money by completing a needed paint job themselves. It certainly looks easy enough! However, there are many nuances to the painting process the novice painter does not realize – one of the most common mistakes is failing to use a primer.

Primer is used as a preparatory coat for wood, metal, plaster or canvas that has never been painted. The purpose of a primer is to prevent layers of paint from being absorbed. Primer is deliberately light-colored so that it doesn’t compromise the color you have chosen for your final presentation.

Primer serves multiple purposes. First, it helps the layers that are applied after it to adhere more securely to the surface. If you were to paint directly on an unpainted surface the paint would seep into the plaster, wood or other finish. Each surface that is painted reacts differently to the pigment. By starting with a primer, you are better guaranteed that the paint you apply will be less likely to peel. That is because primer has properties that allow paint to better adhere over long periods of time.

Primer will also be necessary when you want to paint a light color over a darker one. The application of primer – a white color – helps to hide the darker color and allows the authentic tint of the new paint to be seen. In fact, it is essential to add a primer when changing from dark to light colors. Otherwise, the new color will be tainted and not reflect correctly.

Using a primer also ensures your paint will be more durable. For the money it just makes sense to use a primer for a longer lasting fresh look, inside or out. There are some paints that include primer in them that negates the need to add an extra coat on certain materials such as new drywall.

If you would like expert advice on when to apply primer, contact the experts at University Painters, Inc. We know painting inside and out.

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