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Repaint,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Keeping Home and Business Renovations Eco-Friendly

Summer is a great time to refurbish and refresh your properties both business and home. Sometimes this only involves cleaning and painting the exterior to give it ‘curb-friendly’ appeal. It doesn’t matter if you are trying to sell it. The point is you are creating a point of pride for yourself and your family with your residential and commercial neighbors appreciating the efforts.

If you are throwing in some remodeling prior to painting what follows are some suggestions that should help you pay homage to the importance of being eco-friendly in today’s sensitive environment.

• Go all out. Begin by having your home inspected by experts in the field of environmentally friendly homes and businesses. Energy efficiency is one of the most important considerations and there are many professionals who can come in and advise you of upgrades and changes that will save you money in the end. The same is true of keeping your indoor environment as free of pollutants as possible. You want your home (and business) to be a safe haven for your loved ones and customers. Attending to the environmental safety by getting advice and collaborating with professionals who are knowledgeable in this field is an essential start to your summer projects.

• Are you a fan of some of the most upscale retailers who use recycled materials to create their furniture and home good products? Then you should be willing to take that upscale taste to a new level by considering the use of recycled materials when you are refurbishing and upgrading your home and business. Not only is this an environmentally-friendly approach to renewing your property but it is cost effective as well. Recycled products can cost a quarter of what the price of new materials go for. Speak with your contractor in advance and make the use of recycled materials a priority.

• Choose paints that are environmentally friendly when you begin to address the updating of your interior and exterior surfaces. Low VOC refers to volatile organic compounds that are not harmful to the environment and humans. Many painters now use this type of paint exclusively in their work and recommend it to their customers. It can also be described as ‘organic’ paint and should be your first choice when painting your home.
Finally, recycle the materials you remove and/or use in your upgrading process. The less materials going to the dump or being discarded the better for the environment. Need advice on your summer painting project?

Contact the professionals at University Painters, Inc. It will be our pleasure to serve you!

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Paint Colors,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

How Paint Can Make a Room Seem Larger

Spring and summer tend to be the times when homeowners take to their residences with a fine-tooth comb – updating looks and refreshing interiors and exteriors. It just makes everything feel fresh and new and instills a sense of pride in your home ownership. Now, not everyone owns a large home as many people have smaller houses that are made up of a number of small rooms that connect. The idea is to try to make a house and its rooms appear larger without having to go to the expense of putting an addition onto the home. The most inexpensive but visually clever way to add expanse to your abode is through paint!

Paint can add to the viewer’s perception of depth and size. Small rooms feel suffocating enough already so the homeowner is probably going to want to make it feel larger and more inviting. The amateur designer can learn how to use color, furniture placement and lighting to give the room a sense of increased size.

Let’s start with color. If you want a room to look larger then it is recommended that you use brighter colors. This tends to ‘open up the space’. Make sure the color choice is also soft because it is more naturally appealing and relaxing while also emitting a sense of openness. Trim can also work to fool the eye and make an area seem larger.

Lighting is an especially important amenity when creating the perfect open space in a small room. Natural light is always the best first choice. It reflects off the paint on the walls and gives a feeling of comfort and ease. But, the right light fixtures can enhance this sense as well. There are many light fixtures designed specifically for this purpose. If you have windows use coverings that are natural and light not heavy like drapes or old-fashioned Venetian blinds. However, windows that look out on a less than pleasant scene can be dressed up with plants – again giving off a sense of nature.

Finally, do not over crowd the space. One or two pieces of furniture placed strategically will give the room a finished look and avoid clutter!

If you need help creating the perfect indoor home look contact the professionals at University Painters, Inc.

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textures,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Your Garage Floor is Part of the Home

Most people love the look of a freshly painted interior or exterior residence or commercial property. But, there are certain areas they may overlook, thinking no one will notice or care. One great example is the garage floor. When you pull into your garage tonight give your garage floor an honest, critical look and think about whether it would look better if it were ‘finished’. Garage floors are concrete, and this is a difficult substance to work with when trying to make it look ‘noteworthy’. If you are attempting to create a ‘clean’ and organized garage presentation, then adding a finish to the floor may do the trick.

Two great choices for covering the garage floor are paint or epoxy. Epoxy is a durable glue that bonds exceptionally well. If you opt to use a 100% epoxy glue it results in a hard surface that will be resistant to oil and grease stains, chemical spills, abrasions and other issues.

There is also an ‘epoxy paint’. This is a latex acrylic product that has a small amount of epoxy mixed in. An epoxy paint will adhere to the floor better than other forms of paint because it has that mixture of adhesive included. With either product it is a good idea to paint a sample on a small part of the garage floor and let it sit for a few days. Then take some time to reflect on which you like better. If you can find homes in the area that are willing to show off their garage floors it might also be helpful to see the finished product in real life.

Things to know as you make a decision include the fact that paint is easier to apply than epoxy, the garage floor should be power washed in advance and left to dry completely, and an epoxy finish will last longer and wear better and give a more professional finished look. However, applying an epoxy is much more labor-intensive and expensive.

If you are looking for painting advice or support contact the professionals at University Painters, Inc. We’ve got you covered!

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Repaint, University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

What to Know Before Painting Your Offices?

Most people devote forty hours or more a week to their workplace. Your office is your home away from home and when it starts to look dingy it can affect worker productivity. Painting the inside and outside of a business on a regular basis is a good business strategy. What follows are some ideas for what to take into consideration before beginning the process.

• Think about your clientele or the people you serve. If you are a business that caters to teens, then a bold color scheme inside and out will be appealing. If you work with families, then a toned-down color would probably be more suitable. Indoor walls will keep their pristine presentation longer if washable paint is used. It is also advisable to buy the more expensive paint. Research has shown that it wears better over time.
• Choose a color that will be easy to replace when it comes time to touch up the interior or exterior surfaces. In other words, just because orange-pineapple-green is the hot color today doesn’t mean that you will be able to find it in a year or two when you need to paint over or brush up areas that have shown wear and tear.
• Keep your interior and exterior walls clean. This will make your business more inviting from the inside and outside. Keep a small area of your walls covered and remove the covering occasionally. This will allow you to tell how dingy your paint job has become and will indicate that it’s time to spruce things up.
• Touching up your paint job inside and out can be a rather tricky business. Because the color has been exposed to the elements inside and out, it may be difficult to perform a touch up or patch job that won’t be noticeable. When it comes to touching up a paint job it is easier to do with a flat paint than a glossy one. Knowing this in advance may help you decide the type of finish you want to put on your walls from the outset.

Need some advice on painting your residence or business? Contact the professionals at University Painters, Inc.

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repaint,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Suggestions for the Commercial Property Owner

Now, you know your business! You probably live, eat and breath every tiny aspect of keeping it up and running because research shows that small and medium-sized business owners make their livelihood from this endeavor. So, this blog is not intended to give the impression we do not respect your broad and deep intellect when it comes to your company. However, we have been in the business of commercial and residential painting for years and have found that a well-placed reminder on occasion ensures you are proactive in maintaining an exceptional presentation!

• When you are budgeting, whether you do it quarterly, semi-annually or annually, include the cost of updating your building’s façade and interior on a regular basis. In fact, several times a year you should walk the interior and exterior of your property with an eye towards assessing how it looks to the public.
• Check your parking lot. Be sure that it looks fresh and clean and the parking space lines and other markings are visible and easily identifiable. This is especially true of the handicapped features. If these are mismarked or not clearly visible, it could result in a fine or lawsuit.
• Do not allow graffiti to take away from your building’s presentation. If you find graffiti anywhere on the building contact a graffiti removal company or commercial painting business to rid your exterior of it immediately. Also contact the police and take pictures of the graffiti for documentation purposes. You are able to press charges if the culprit (s) are found and ask for restitution.
• If you are not able to repaint the entire exterior or interior of your business, consider updating the look of the trim and perhaps the door. Freshly painted parts of the building can complement the current paint job and make it look newly updated altogether.
• Don’t forget to budget for painting fencing if you have that on your property. No matter what kind of material your fence is made of it will need to be updated occasionally.

You are the steward of your business – embrace the responsibility knowing that a nice presentation invites business. If you need more input on painting your commercial property, contact the experts at University Painters, Inc.

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Repaint,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Shopping Around for A Residential or Commercial Painter

If you are thinking about having your residence or commercial property painted, we advise you to shop around before you make your final decision. There are many things that should be taken into consideration.

Of course, today most people use the internet to find a painter. You might try Craigslist or any of the dozens of other online classified sites. Now you are able to get reviews of the work the company has provided through the use of numerous business review sites. For instance, Yelp is a popular business review site but equally as valuable are such destinations as Foursquare and Angie’s List.

Once you have invested the time in identifying companies and read their reviews, you should contact two or three then take the time to meet with a representative from each company. It is advisable to take notes and request information they may have in the form of brochures, packets or other printed materials. Ask for quotes from each company then set them aside for a day before you begin your decision-making process.

Lay the quotes side by side. Does one seem much less expensive than others? If that is the case and you are interested in getting the ‘most bang for your buck’ don’t let the bottom line be the only factor you take into account. Sometimes the quote will mask hidden fees or other issues. Perhaps the savings will come in the form of low-quality supplies such as paint or inexperienced painters. Or the job may take longer than expected or the company may find some ‘unexpected reason’ that additional funds will be needed.

Ultimately, you want the best job to be done by qualified workers. You want workers to come to your home or place of business and behave professionally and efficiently. Your home or business are your most valuable possessions so it is a good idea to put the time into finding the most reputable paint company before you sign a contract.

And, speaking of contracts, don’t forget to get one!

Looking for a reputable paint company? Contact University Painters, Inc. We are a respected and experienced company that guarantees your satisfaction!

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Exterior Painters,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Painting a Metal Building

If you are in the painting business, you must become familiar with a variety of structural materials. It’s surprising the variety of items that are not made of wood but still require the occasional paint job to look fresh and new.
One perfect example is metal buildings. Many buildings are constructed of steel and metal buildings are often made of steel but there is a difference. Steel is an alloy and metal is a chemical element. While this may seem technical – it is important to know if you are going to be asked to paint something.

Common types of metal buildings are sheds or stand-alone structures. There are also metal homes as well. There are several reasons you want to paint a metal structure regularly. First, it will improve the aesthetics. More importantly, keeping a metal structure painted will better ensure its longevity and durability. Metal is subject to rusting. This is true whether it’s painted regularly or not. Rain and other environmental contaminants are the ‘enemy’ of metal buildings!

Just as you would inspect your home’s exterior for signs of wear and tear, the same should be done with all structures on your residential or commercial properties. As you walk around the structure look for evidence of paint that is peeling, flaking or otherwise lifting off the metal building. Too, examine the exterior for signs of rust and corrosion. Finally, determine if the exterior looks worn or chalky. Any of these are obvious indications the metal structure should be painted.

The process for painting a metal structure starts with removing the rust and filling any holes. There are multiple approaches to removing the rust. You may decide to purchase a chemical remover. But citric acid and abrasive tools are another way to remove rust from metal.

Next, prepare the surface by washing it thoroughly with soap and water. If you intend to use a power washer do so with caution. The surface of a metal building does not require the same amount of water pressure as a regular building. Be sure to rinse all of the soap off the metal, then let it air dry. Next apply the paint.

Or, you could contact the experts at University Painters, Inc. We provide exceptional service and guarantee your satisfaction.

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Exterior Painters,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Making the Paint Job Last

Painting the exterior (or interior) of a residence or business is a costly and time consuming undertaking. You may invest time, money and angst to ensure you get the look you are aiming for. In that case, you want to make the paint job last as long as possible. Consider the following advice.

• Start by ensuring the surfaces of the structure you will be painting are clean. If it is an interior you should wash the walls down with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly. If it an exterior you will most likely use a power washer. Painters have a saying – the paint job will only be as good as the surface on which it is applied. So the first step is the most important!
• Another part of the prepping process is repairing any damage to the surface. If there are issues with the surface to be covered, the paint may not stick or stay adhered as long. Ultimately the surface should be as level as possible. Otherwise, it opens up the possibility of bubbling and chipping paint.
• Take care to keep pooling water and standing puddles away from the home. Water damage is one of the quickest ways to prevent the paint job from staying fresh. Don’t run your sprinkler close to the home and if you have a pool try not to place it so close to the dwelling that water regularly gets splashed on it. The same is true of little areas you might overlook. For instance – windows. If you have a leaky window it will eventually affect your paint job. What makes it worse is that the dulling paint in certain spots will be obvious against the rest of the structure.
• Invest in a good gutter system. Make sure the spouts drop the water far enough into the yard to avoid water damage.
• Still another way to make your paint job last longer is to ‘enhance’ the paint product. There are several items you can include in a can of latex paint to give it a more durable finish. Fairly new on the market, the aim of these products is to ‘suspend the particles and lock them throughout the paint, allowing them to remain bright and fresh-looking for a longer period of time’. Certain products also keep the paint clean longer.

If you are in need of a professional company to put a new look on your home or business, contact University Painters, Inc. We are sure you will be pleased!

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Paint Colors,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Here are Some More Suggestions for Choosing a Paint Color

This is not a new topic – but it is definitely one that readers are always asking about. The question most painters are asked at nearly every job is “how do I choose a color of paint for my ‘fill in the blank”’. It could be a bathroom, bedroom, home exterior, trim, business, or some other project. Well, believe it or not there are a number of ideas that should help you in the decision-making process. After all choosing a color is a very personal decision that can be distressing if you opt for a color you find you can’t live with.

• Take the time to identify trends. Hop on the internet and scour it for pictures of different colors that you favor. If you don’t like a certain color then ignore what the ‘experts’ are saying about this choice. For example, one paint company claimed that the new trend in house painting is the color black. If you are not a fan then it won’t matter how many people say this is ‘in’. Move on.
• Consider palettes of color. If you are partial to a tint you can usually find it nestled along an array of similar shades – light to dark. This may help you begin the narrowing down process.
• Keep in mind the little things. For example, if you are painting the exterior of your home will you want trim? Will it be a complementary or contrasting color? What about painting a business? What color will draw the eye of a potential customer instead of repelling them? It’s true – color can be off-putting for many people.
• Don’t forget that the sheen of the paint is important as well. You can choose a color that is along the continuum from flat to shiny, each with its own appeal and drawbacks.
• Always, always, always get a sample of the color and apply it to a small area where it will be seen. Give it a couple days before you decide if it’s right for you or not. But, remember to prep the surface in advance of applying the sample so you get a true vision of its final look.

Now, enjoy your paint choosing process. It’s really part of the privilege of owning a home or business. If you need help, contact the experts at University Painters, Inc. You’ll be glad you did!

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Painters,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Tools for the House Painter

I daresay that everyone thinks they can paint their own home. It seems like an easy enough thing to do. What do you need but a couple cans of paint, a few brushes, a sunny afternoon with music playing in the background with a cold one in one hand and a roller in the other?

This is the type of thinking that keeps house painting companies busy. House painting is a profession and the tools you need and approach you take is what separates the professionals from the amateurs. Let’s look at the items you need that will set you apart and allow you to call yourself a professional.

First, a professional painter has the accounting and receipt tools that prepare them to make quotes on a project. They have a set rate per foot and charges for other itemized needs such as power washing or repairing cracks. The professional painter is able to put together a quote that covers all parts of the job from beginning to end that can generate a contract that is fair to both parties.

Second, a professional painter has a way to advertise their business while they are on the job. That might come in the form of signs that say something like ‘this house is being painted by…” or labeling on the service vehicle that includes the name of the business and phone number. The true professional always has business cards at the ready to hand to a potential customer or inquisitive neighbor who may have questions.

Third, a professional painter has a variety of ladders in different sizes, painting overalls with the company name, and tarps, brushes, rollers, tape, extension poles, paint sprayers, paint edgers, exterior color swatches and exterior prep tips. A power washer is essential, if that is to be a contracted part of the job, and will add to the breadth of services you can provide.

Finally, a professional painter has a professional attitude. You should be attentive, reflective and capable of answering questions about a customer’s needs.

Now, if you have questions about exterior home painting, contact the experts at University Painters, Inc.

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