Maintenance | University Painters

interior painting, exterior painting, painters

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

31 May 2018

When and Where to Use Matte, Semi-Gloss, or Gloss Paint

interior painting, exterior painting, painters Paint is one of the easiest ways to freshen up and improve the appearance of your home both inside and out. Whether you’ve just moved into a new place, or you’re just in the mood for a new look, painting can transform your home quickly and inexpensively. Once you select the color, you should give some thought to the paint’s finish. Common choices for finish are matte, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. The finish you choose will impact how long it lasts, how quickly it gets dirty, and how easy it is to keep clean.

The gloss in the paint you choose determines how much it will shine, or reflect light. Paint with a matte, or flat finish, has no shine; it contains 0 to 10% gloss. Matte paint is the most difficult to keep clean so if you have kids or pets, it may be best to not use matte paint in high-traffic areas. However, since matte paint has no gloss to reflect light, it’s a good selection to use on walls where you want to hide irregularities or repairs. Matte paint is usually the lowest priced paint as well, so consider it if you have a large area to cover.

Satin finish and semi-gloss paint have more gloss than matte, 25 to 35 percent and 35 to 70 percent respectively. It has a shinier finish than matte and is easier to clean. While it’s typically used for interior doors, woodwork around doors and windows, consider using it in higher traffic areas such as the bathroom and kitchen. This paint will also last longer when exposed to water, soap, or grease. One downside of higher gloss paints is that they don’t hide imperfections in the wall or on wood.

High-gloss paint has 70 percent or higher reflectivity and can be used in the same places as low-gloss paint. However, make sure you really want the area to have a very shiny finish. High-gloss paint is the most durable, and the easiest to clean. Like semi-gloss paint, it doesn’t hide the flaws in walls or other surfaces. Think about whether shine or a little camouflage is more important to you.

If you’re unsure which type of paint to use in your house, the experts at University Painters can work with you to select the best finish for your needs. Call us today for an appointment.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

27 May 2018

Pressure Wash Carefully To Prevent Damage

painters, repair,, maintenance services Pressure washers are a quick way to clean up discolored surfaces around your property. A pressure washer uses a powerful blast of water and steam and should be used carefully to prevent damage and prevent personal injury. They can be used for many purposes but can damage some wood, aluminum siding, and stone surfaces.

Pressure washing a deck can clean off built-up dirt and grease and even remove old paint. Newer composite deck materials may not require such a high-powered device. Most wood used for decks can stand up to a pressure washing but first test a small, inconspicuous place to be sure the wood can handle the pressure.

Do not pressure wash your painted house! It may be tempting, but will likely damage the paint and take it off in some places. If you want to wash down your home, a little soap and water with your normal garden hose are more than sufficient for cleaning. Sometimes a pressure washer can be used on vinyl – not aluminum – siding, but it’s best to check with an expert before proceeding.

Another area to avoid using a power washer is the roof. Regardless of the material used for your roof, power cleaning can cause damage and be expensive to repair. If you have trouble with moss or other natural grown on the shingles, try a little bleach and water. The problem can also be prevented by cutting back branches that overhang the roof and block sunlight.

Concrete is the perfect surface to power wash and remove mold, mildew, and grease. University Painters are knowledgeable and experienced and know how to clean the surfaces around your house without damaging them. Call us today for a free consultation.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

24 May 2018

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.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

19 May 2018

Keep Your Home’s Paint Looking Like New

When you paint your home’s interior or exterior, you can keep it looking new longer if you know how to take care of it. Most people paint their homes then forget about it until it needs to be repainted. Regular maintenance can extend the life of the paint in your home and ultimately save you money. Here are three tips you may not know.

1. Keep an eye out for any spots or stains from dirt, grease, or crayons, etc. It’s easiest to clean spots when they’re fresh rather than after they’re ground in and covered with more dirt. Take into consideration the finish on your wall. Scrubbing too hard on a matte wall may remove more than just the stain. Try to remove the stain with a damp sponge first. If the stain is stubborn, add a little dish soap on the sponge and try again.

2. Mold is never a good sign. It usually develops in moist, damp areas such as bathrooms and basements. If you find mold, you can purchase special paint to cover the area, or you can start with a simple solution of water and bleach. Check the surface a few months later to make sure the problem has been solved. If the mold continues to spread, you may want to call in a professional to help.

3. Most people don’t realize that paint can fade the same way fabrics can fade. Start with a high-quality paint to avoid this problem. However, if you’re unsure of the quality of the paint you have on your walls, or if you like your room sunny and bright all day long, consider tinting your windows with a UV coating.

A little effort will keep your home looking freshly painted for a long time. The professionals at University Paints use the finest quality materials and are available to consult with you about your painting needs. Contact us today.

Maintenance, Paint Colors

Architecture, Cleaner Spot, Damp, Extends, Interior Painting, Keeping Your Home, Look New, Paint, Paint Look, paint your home, Paints, People Painting, Ss Interiors, Visual Arts, Wood Stain

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

15 May 2018

Get Your Backyard Event Ready

During the warmer months of the year, people want to spend more time outdoors, not just relaxing but also celebrating with friends and family. Whether the gathering is a casual barbeque, a child’s birthday party, or a wedding, everything should look fresh and inviting.

If your home has been the same color for the past decade, consider giving the exterior a refresh with a new combination of colors. Every year, the people at the Pantone Color Institute select a color of the year, which influences the fields of fashion, design, and home décor. The color for 2018 is Ultra Violet, and while the exterior of your home may not be the place for a pop of this vibrant color, there are other palettes that are currently trending.

Before painting, consider the environment around your home. Do you live in a wooded area, downtown, or a more traditional suburban setting? How will the new color fit in with other homes in your neighborhood? The answer to these questions will help you choose the best color scheme for your home. The first step is to select the main color, and then add accent colors. Don’t go overboard with the number of accent colors or you may end up with what looks like a Jackson Pollock painting rather than a fresh, updated exterior.

Exterior colors now trending are gray-blue, pale yellow, Cyprus green, peach, forest green, and red. If you select a bold color like red, keep the trim simple and add a complementary color to the front door. If you absolutely love white as the main color for your home, try updating the accents to forest green, gray-blue, or navy blue. If you live in a lush, forest environment, yellow or peach are options to make your home stand out but not overpower the flora.

If you have a few ideas but need help making your final color choices, contact University Painters. We can help you develop the right color palette for your home. Contact us today so we can help you get prepared for your next backyard event.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

7 May 2018

After the Paint, Add Molding for a High-end Finish

Paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the look of your home, but you can take your home decorating up a notch by adding the right moldings. Crown moldings, or cornice moldings, may be the most universally known, but there are other choices that will add character and charm to your home.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

29 April 2018

Why You Should Remodel Your Home In The Summer

Summer is the best time to remodel your home. Not only is the weather nice enough for you to open the windows, but you have plenty of free time on your hands. It’s easy to ignore the little projects that you need to get done in the winter.

Remodeling can be costly and many homeowners would rather move than renovate their home. If you’re not happy with your home, you may want to decide if renovating is right for you. While most would rather move, most homeowners agree that summer is the best time to start a home remodeling project.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

23 April 2018

Ways To Freshen Your Living Room While Sticking To A Budget

Spring is here and you may want to freshen up your home. Maybe a remodeling project isn’t in your future right now and that’s okay. You don’t have to completely overhaul your living room. If you want a new look, you can freshen up your living room while sticking to your budget.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

20 April 2018

Transform Your Basic Bathroom Into Your Private Spa Oasis

There’s nothing like going to the spa after a long day. Why not turn your bathroom into your own little private spa? All it takes is a few additions to create a spa-like atmosphere. Here are some ways you can upgrade your bathroom with just a few minor adjustments.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

17 April 2018

How To Make Your Attic Look More Like A Room

Turning your attic into a room is a great way to expand your home without the added expense of an addition. An attic can pose many challenges when it comes to creating a spacious and comfortable area. Most attics have limited light and feature slanted ceilings and walls that make them feel cramped. However, the trick is to work with your attic’s features rather than fighting them.

Creative, Design, Maintenance, Paint Colors

Accent Wall, Attic, Cramp, Home Painters, Home Without, Individual Lights, Low Ceilings, Paint Shades, Paints, Rooms, Wall Can, Wall Colors

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