Maintenance | University Painters

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

12 December 2018

Give the Gift of Exterior Painting

It’s that time again when you rack your brain to come up with a unique and worthwhile gift for someone close to you. It may be a family member or an especially dear colleague. Perhaps you are committed to giving back to someone in your community but do not want to bestow a gift that will remain unused and unremembered in a short amount of time.

This year make a true difference in someone else’s life. Be it your parents or the elderly couple down the street, make arrangements to have the exterior of their home painted and refreshed as part of the holiday preparation. Now, if you live in a part of the country that is experiencing the proverbial white winter, it won’t be possible for their home to be refreshed at this time of year. However, you can still make a gift of exterior painting in the form of a gift card that will ensure them a fresh new look when winter turns to spring and the desire to refresh is at its peak (like a bear coming out of hibernation for the winter!).

However, there are many parts of the country for which it is the perfect time for exterior painting. The weather conditions are more conducive to freshening up your exterior in a way that will guarantee the paint will adhere for optimum results.

Too, as this is considered the off season for many exterior paint companies, they may offer some type of holiday discount or incentive to lure your business. That is in keeping with what is common in all industries and commerce for this time of the year.

If you do choose to give the gift of exterior painting, you will want to meet with the potential companies and obtain estimates and discuss the additional requirements in advance so when the time comes for the job to get started next spring, some of the groundwork has been laid. At the holiday time many exterior painting companies have more time to spend with you on planning for future projects because they may not be as busy.

Finally, some exterior painting companies also provide interior painting services or other additional services that support preparations for home holiday updates and refreshing.

The professionals at University Painters, Inc. are happy to speak to you about all of your residential and commercial exterior painting needs.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

8 December 2018

A Finished Home Includes a Painted Garage Floor

People love to pull up in the driveway of a home that is freshly painted. It exudes a ‘completed’ presentation that is inviting if not totally enchanting. It draws you in…making you want to enter the building to see what awaits you indoors. However, all too often homeowners forget that the garage is a part of the package and even if it is neatly organized a dirty, unfinished garage floor can take away from the overall look of the home. As a homeowner, you should be interested in ensuring that even the most remote and forgotten part of your home gets the proper treatment. In this case we are talking about the garage floor.

Yes, we know the garage is the ‘catch-all’ for all those items that can’t seem to find another place to be stored. It is the place where you keep your car and where fluids are allowed to drip onto the floor with little regard for any damage it may cause. You probably also keep your lawn and outdoor equipment stored there, further allowing for grease and oil spots to build up.

When you think about it, you might actually decide that you need a space in the house where you don’t have to keep everything pristine. Well, we’d like to offer some arguments against this very notion and encourage you to have your garage floor painted. Read on!

First and perhaps most importantly, a finished garage floor will help ward off pollutants. The proper floor covering will prevent oil and other chemicals from sticking to the floor and causing a build-up that can be dangerous over time, both from fumes and potential flammability.

A garage floor painted with an epoxy will be easier to clean and keep clean. This finish is less likely to gather dust and dirt and when it’s time to clean, often a simple water/soap solution or water blaster will do the job quickly and efficiently. This can’t be said of unfinished garage floors.

Interestingly, and often overlooked, is the fact that a finished garage floor is more energy efficient. When working in a garage with an unfinished floor, the light is absorbed by the dark concrete. The opposite is true of a brightly that reflects the light back into the work area.

So, homeowners, don’t overlook the garage floor when painting your home. If you are in need of a professional paint service to complete the job for you, contact University Painters, Inc. Your home is our business.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

6 December 2018

21st Century Eco-Friendly Exterior Paint Practices

In today’s world it is essential to be ecologically aware and proactive in all business-related actions. Exterior paint companies are no different. This is especially true with tools and supplies that may lend themselves to environmentally friendly applications and outcomes. If you are in the market for an exterior home or commercial painting job, ask your painting contractor whether or not they follow any of these environmental practices.

Use ‘lead-safe’ practices. The EPA has prepared an extensive list of rules and regulations for the paint and renovation industry to follow for the safest removal and disposal of ‘lead-paint’ materials. Click this link for more information Steps to Lead Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting. While the intent of this entry is not to provide an extensive reiteration of the document it bears noting there are guidelines for setting up, cleaning, and proper dumping of all paint refuse.
Recycle all paint related products whenever possible. This includes the paint cans and solvents, worn brushes and other paint tools. The commercial and residential paint company should have the name, number and address of the recycling organization in the area that accepts these specific types of materials, as well as what is necessary to prepare them for recycling in advance. For example, must the paint cans be cleaned out? Should the brushes be free of paint residue…and more.
Ask prospective commercial and residential paint companies that you are considering for your job what their perspective is on quality tools. While some paint businesses find it better or more convenient to go with the most inexpensive tools on the market and replace them regularly, there is an argument for purchasing the most well-made brushes and related items that can be reused for longer periods of time.
Does the company purchase low or zero-VOC paints (volatile organic compounds)? Painters that are knowledgeable regarding this subject are likely more eco-friendly in their business practices as a whole.

If you are looking for professional commercial and residential painting services contact University Painters, Inc. They are environmentally responsible and offer outstanding work.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

30 November 2018

Why You Should Hire a Professional Painting Service

Now that you have looked at the outside of your home with a critical eye, you realize it needs to be refreshed, updated, and repainted. The next question is whether or not you will hire someone to do the work for you or if you will take on the momentous task all by yourself. Here are three good reasons to outsource the job.

Your home is usually your largest investment and maintenance is paramount to protecting it. Unless you have experience in the area of painting a large project like your home, it is advisable to consider the alternative. A professional painting company is adept at addressing little imperfections you may not realize need special attention. These flaws can come back to haunt you and cost more in the end.
The purpose of any home improvement project is to maintain or add value to your residence. Residential and commercial painting companies are licensed and insured. This is advantageous in the event of an accident or other unforeseen mishap. Insured businesses offer the guarantee of being able to right any problems.
Residential and commercial paint companies often come with years of knowledge in all aspects of the painting process. There are plenty of online resources that the amateur DIY homeowner can refer to in order to approach home projects on their own. But there are certain projects that are better left to the professional. Talk to a professional painting company before you decide to take on the house painting yourself!

The net result is that outsourcing the job to a professional can save you a considerable amount of time and stress. Ultimately it is difficult to put a price on this. It’s one thing to think about taking on the painting of your home or business exterior or interior but the actual undertaking can be highly stressful. First there’s the amount of time that you must set aside, in addition to your daily activities to complete the project. Then there’s the matter of ensuring that you are able to do the job properly. It is more challenging in reality than it seems in theory.

So if you are contemplating refreshing your home or business, we suggest you rely on the expert services of a professional painting company. The painting specialists at University Painters, Inc. are just a phone call away and would welcome the opportunity to work with you!

Maintenance, Paint Colors

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

19 November 2018

The Right Stuff

Many people think that starting a painting service is an easy undertaking and just about anyone can do it. Well, that is true to a certain extent. It seems that anyone can buy a can of paint and paintbrush and enter the business. But in order to be a successful residential and commercial painting business in this highly competitive market, it takes ‘the right stuff’. That includes a variety of traits and competencies.

First, often a residential and commercial painting company is owner operated. That means the owner may have at one time been a ‘one-man outfit’ but has grown to support and employ others. This cannot happen unless the owner provides a quality service for a fair price. The owner must be adept at marketing and advertising as well as having business savvy. With all of the technology tools available to grow and track a business the owner of the painting company must be able to utilize technology to their advantage.

Today’s residential and commercial painting company must use technology for keeping track of finances and customers but must also stay abreast of the myriad research reports on paints and their components, their impacts on health and wellness and the environment.

Paint companies often create extensive business plans that include mission and value statements, identify the market they serve, develop growth plans, name company objectives, identify challenges and risks, include legal considerations and much more. Indeed, residential and painting companies are much more than a can of paint, a ladder and a brush.

The painting process itself is much more involved than most people realize. A painter must start by inspecting the surfaces to be covered for everything from holes to mildew, stains and other forms of damage that must be addressed prior to putting on that first coat of paint. Then a primer must be applied before the actual painting can begin.

Finally, the painting company must be able to interact with a customer to ensure they are meeting their needs. Sometimes a customer has trouble explaining what they are looking for and the painter has to be able to put their ideas into words.

So for those of you who think painting is an easy profession – think again. You must have the ‘right stuff’ – just like the experts at University Painters, Inc. Call on us to meet all your painting needs.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

18 November 2018

Residential Vs Commercial Painting

Residential painting’ is the professional term for ‘house painting’. The professional term is used by professional painters and you should never underestimate the expertise of painters and companies that claim they are qualified for this occupation. While ‘house painting’ may seem like a ‘no-brainer’, there is a lot involved in ensuring that a homeowner receives a quality outcome.

Residential painters usually provide a variety of services. When you contact a company, they will arrange to visit the home and create a detailed quote for the expected job. Many paint companies will do this without requiring a deposit or some form of fee for their time. However, even if the company does require payment for the quote, you must remember that ‘time is money’ and the paint company understands that you will likely be shopping around for the most cost-effective residential painter to fill your needs.

Keep in mind that residential painting does not simply imply home exteriors. There is a whole list of painting services they can provide. These include interior painting of walls, ceilings and trim. Caulking and sealing and drywall repair are also options. Additionally decks and fences, staining and stucco fall under the category of residential painting.

On the other hand, commercial painting addresses much larger jobs. Everything from restaurants to offices and schools to hospitals fall under this category. Think of any business you drive by, from retail establishments to churches then realize that most of these buildings have been painted at some point! Commercial painters have a broader range of expertise. That is because they work with commercial building contractors, or in the case of apartment buildings or condos, they will interact with HOAs. It may surprise you to learn that commercial painters are able to take blueprints of buildings not yet constructed and provide a quote for the potential structure!

If you are in the market for a commercial painter, please note they provide the following services including interior and exterior painting of hotels, restaurants, apartment complexes, and other buildings. You can also rely on them to provide power washing and decorative or logo painting. Many do repairs such as window replacement and masonry refurbishing.

If you need residential or commercial painting services, please contact the professionals at University Painters, Inc. Your home and business…are our business!

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

3 November 2018

All Decked Out!

Commercial and residential painting services’ is an expansive heading. There are so many different options customers can request that often don’t come to mind immediately. One great example of this is painting, staining or sealing a deck.

A deck is an outdoor addition to a home. It usually extends out from one of the home’s floor levels. They are most often made from wood or composite materials. This may include wood that is pressure-treated, an option that some home owners may avoid because of the chemicals involved in the development of this material. In other instances, the homeowner may turn to cedar – a lovely alternative except that it is more easily damaged, even though it is more resistant to rotting. Yet another choice is what is known as ipe. This is a type of wood from South America and its attributes include rot-resistance and solidness, although it is noticeably more expensive.

The downside of having a deck is the unavoidable beating it takes in any weather. In climates that are highly sunny, it can cause the deck to dry out and fade quickly. Humidity, rain, sleet and snow are equally as damaging. So, if you put your hard-earned money into building a deck, or if one already comes with the home you purchased, it requires proper attending to and maintenance – usually in the form of painting, sealing or staining. While a deck may seem to be a simple undertaking, painting and staining are actually a challenge, no matter what size the deck.

When determining your path to refreshing your deck, think about what you want the final presentation to be, such as the color of paint or stain, or if you simply want to put on a clear sealant allowing the natural color of the deck to shine through. Remember that it shouldn’t clash with the overall look of the home. Instead it should be a warm and natural addition and not an eyesore. You may even want to test a small part of the deck with different samples of colors and stains you are considering prior to completing the project in full.

Finally, remember you can always call on the expertise of the experienced professionals at University Painters, Inc. We specialize in creating beautiful and lasting appearances that homeowners will love for years to come.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

31 October 2018

What Does an Exterior Home Painting Cost Estimate Include?

Hardly anyone questions the reality that painting the exterior of your home increases its value – sometimes exponentially. Most will also agree that painting your home’s exterior is a tedious, labor-laden job that can quickly become overwhelming. The job requires a large amount of preparation and may include a variety of complex nuances that lead the homeowner to abandon any thought of undertaking the process themselves, and instead place the job in the trusted hands of professionals. What factors are involved in painting the exterior of your home? The most common points are listed below.

Labor costs compromise the bulk of the price. Of course, there are dozens of resources that will purport to give you the average cost of hiring a painter. One source says $50 per hour per painter with a bottom line of $2400 – $7000 for an entire exterior of a home. Another resource estimates exterior painting costs of $30.00 to $35.00 per hour with commercial jobs priced at $25.00 to $45.00. Still another source says painting an average home between 500 and 1,500 square feet can cost between $1,000 and $3,000

You can see there is no single price for labor. Other factors that must be taken into consideration include the number of stories of your house and ease of accessibility to reach all areas.

Paint is going to be the next big expense. If you purchase paint that runs between $25 – $40 per gallon with an average home exterior of 3000 sq. ft., the paint will run anywhere from $375 – $600. However, if you purchase more expensive paint, the price will go up. For the record, research shows that most homes need to be painted every 5 to 7 years and the better paints offer you better protection against the ravages of the weather.
Other costs include power washing the exterior surfaces prior to painting, which can run $75 per day rental fee; there’s no reason to purchase a power washer unless you will be doing long-term power washing on a patio or other surfaces. Ladders and scaffolding can run up to $75 a day as well, and then there are the variety of tapes, sponges, brushes or power sprayer equipment to apply the paint.

Then there is the homeowner’s time and frustration. Exterior home painting is an exacting job. Hire the professionals at University Painters, Inc. Your home is our business.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

28 October 2018

The Right Paint Will Help to Prevent Mildew & Mold on Your Home’s Exterior

Mildew is a thin whitish-colored coating that is found on a variety of indoor and outdoor surfaces. Everything from plants to paper and leather can invite mildew. However, it is more commonly found in areas that have humid summer weather. So, in areas of the country that are prone to humidity, homeowners should make it a habit to routinely inspect their home by doing a monthly ‘walk-around’.

If you do discover mildew don’t be too disturbed. Chances are with monthly inspections you have caught it early. Why is it important to remove mildew (and mold) from your home’s exterior? There are several reasons. First, mildew can cause the exterior to discolor and may lead to wood rot. Too, mildew can aggravate any existing allergies.

Mildew and mold are both potential problems for home exteriors although they look and act differently. Mildew presents as an almost chalky white or gray or tan substance. It is usually easy to spot. Mold, on the other hand, is fuzzy-looking. It often is first noticeable by its sour smell rather than appearance.

Both are removable but must be done with caution. No matter which you are trying to destroy, the first thing to remember is you should wear protective clothing. That includes the use of gloves and goggles. It is best to ensure you have covered all parts of your body as well. There are commercial mildew removers available at most stores. If you are an environmentalist who does not like using chemicals, then you can make your own mildew-remover solution.

Removing mold from your home may require the intervention of a specialist who is knowledgeable in this area. Mold can creep into cracks and hidden places in your home which makes it difficult to ensure that it is completely eliminated.

It is always a good idea to purchase mildew-resistant paint the next time you want to freshen the exterior of your home. Examples of these are enamel-based and linseed oil-based paints. They may be a bit more expensive but if you live in an area that is prone to humidity, you will likely save yourself money in the long run.

If you want to know more about keeping up your home’s exterior, contact the experts at University Painters, Inc. Your home is our business.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

24 October 2018

Seasonal Painting

It may seem that exterior and interior painting is an all-year-round event. But the truth of the matter is that no matter where you live, summer seems to be the best season for painting. What is the allure of this time of year? To start with, paint loves the heat. Often there is less rain in the summer months than other times of the year, which gives you longer windows of time to apply the paint without fear of it being washed away.

Despite the fact that spring and fall seem to offer better climate conditions – breezy, cool days and cool nights – these times of the year are also the most unpredictable. In other words, you may start a project and get hit with an unexpected storm or a light rain shower. The summer offers more sustainable weather conducive to all your outdoor projects.

Continued warm weather ensures the surface is dry which is the only type of surface that will accept paint. If an area has experienced a recent hard rain, the surface of the home’s exterior may feel dry but be saturated underneath. Experienced painters know how to determine if a surface is optimally ready to receive paint.

If paint is applied to a surface that is moist underneath, it will adversely affect the drying paint. However, summer is also a time that dew tends to collect on things in the early morning hours. So you will need to rely on the expertise of the painting company you hire to ensure they are knowledgeable in prime paint application times.

For the inexperienced home exterior painter, the worst time to paint the outside of a home is when it is cool outside – forty degrees or below.

To recap:

Outdoor projects of all types are best conducted during the summer months. This includes painting the exterior of the home including trim. The reasoning is the heat ensures the surface is dry, which allows the paint to ‘cure’.
Allow the home’s surface to dry in the sunshine prior to painting in the morning.
Finally, painting during the earlier summer months will allow you to find and seal rot that may have occurred during the winter.

For more information on painting seasons and related information, contact the experts at University Painters, Inc. Your home is our business!

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