Maintenance | University Painters

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Written by Colleen Kalil

21 October 2018

It’s the Little Things!

While we focus mainly on exterior painting, we are experienced in all aspects of the painting process, inside and out! For instance, we have some great advice for the weekend handyman or handywoman who is going to tackle an indoor painting project. You’ve decided to paint the wall (or walls). People tend to think that it’s an elementary task. However, there are little things you should think of and attend to before actually popping open the paint can. In other words, a few moments of pre-preparation will make the job go much faster and more smoothly. Then you really will be able to pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

Clear the walls. Take down any hangings or fixtures even if they don’t appear to be near the area to be painted. Accidents happen all too often and are more likely to when you are not prepared!

Inspect the wall for nicks and imperfections. Now is the time to make repairs prior to beginning the painting process. If there are cracks in the paint or you have mold and mildew, attending to these issues before dipping the brush in paint will make the job go more quickly and result in a nicer presentation.

Now wash the walls. That’s right, walls get dirty just like floors and windows. Think about the variety of cooking smells that waft through the house, or odors that are not that enticing. Some of them leave a residue that dulls the color of the walls and makes them look and feel dirty. If you are not one to wash the walls, there are service companies available to do it for you.

Tape, tape, tape. One thing is true about paint – it drips. When you dip the brush in the paint, there’s always a chance that paint splatter can happen. If you want to avoid leaving a paint job on your woodwork, window panes, cupboards or other trim, take the time to buy and use tape that will not allow paint to seep.

The experts at University Painters, Inc. take pride in offering superior exterior painting services to homes and businesses. But that’s not all we know! If you have any paint questions, we will be happy to speak with you.

Creative, Maintenance, Paint Colors

Decorative Arts, Exterior Painting, Indoor Painting, Interior Painting, Littlest Things, Paint, Paint Cans, Painting, Painting Processes, Painting Projects, Paints, Preparation Wills, Visual Arts, Wash, Weekend Handyman

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

16 October 2018

Homeowner Associations Oversight of Exterior (and Interior) Painting

So you’ve bought your first home or condo. It is likely going to be the most expensive investment you will make in your lifetime with mortgage payments being made for a good part of your adult life. The joy one experiences as a homeowner is incomparable. However, if you have bought a home that is part of a homeowners association (HOA), it is best to read the fine print prior to signing your name on the dotted line. All too often you may find that there are unexpected restrictions that will prevent you from making changes to the home’s exterior and sometimes even the interior.

The purpose of an HOA is to help protect the community’s property value as a whole. They intend to maintain a certain presentation that is shared across homes. For example, you may be prevented from painting the exterior of the home at all. Some people may wish to change the color after a time but the contract does not grant permission. Even more importantly, painting services may be limited to a pre-approved list of companies. You may not be allowed to go out and find a contractor on your own.

That is not to say that HOAs are always draconian. In some instances, there may be a palette of colors from which to choose if you want to make your home look a little more individualized. This can apply to everything from the house front to the trim Or, perhaps you have a color you would like to use that is not one of the choices – it is possible to present a convincing argument to the HOA board.

However, if you are new to the mortgage scene, here are some facts you should know. The special restrictions of an HOA will be spelled out in the Master Deed that is signed by the homeowner which state that you agree to stay within the stated guidelines. If you decide to do otherwise – say paint your house an outrageous color outside, the HOA can impose fines and secure liens against the property until you are in compliance.

If you are in the market for an outstanding painting service, contact the professionals at University Painters, Inc. We know the ins and outs of exterior home and commercial painting.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

11 October 2018

Freshen Your Outdoor Look for the Holidays

The time is almost upon us. You know what I mean. The whirlwind of holidays that trip over each other from October to the beginning of the new year! Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas,

Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s run into each other with hardly a moment to take a breath! Homeowners are advised to look over their property now with a critical eye for upgrades that will help give their home that festive look.

Even though in many parts of the country the weather is taking a turn for the worse, there’s still time to put a fresh coat of paint on the exterior of your home. In fact, painting the outside of your home may be the simplest way to give your home curb appeal even if you have no intention of selling. When those trick-or-treaters come knocking at your door or the family shows up en masse with a fruitcake in one hand and gifts in the other, you will be able to feel an extra sense of pride knowing your home is ‘showcase ready’ for everyone to enjoy.

Remember, paint fades over time and the process is accelerated by the affects of sun, snow, wind and rain. When you look at your house day after day you may not notice that the exterior is waning and perhaps even a bit shabby. As September melts into October there is still time to have your home painted before winter sets in. Although each house is a unique circumstance, the average time frame for painting the outside of a house is roughly four days.

So, in the time span of a little more than a weekend you can have a whole new look to your home. We hope this blog has given you the push you need to arrange for a professional paint company to provide an estimate and time frame to update your home’s exterior. If you are in the market for an exceptional painting company, please give the experts at University Painters, Inc. a call. We provide superior customer service and our goal is your satisfaction.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

6 October 2018

Boost Your Home’s Value with These Update Tips

Whether you are in the market to sell your home or not there comes a time when you pull up in the driveway and the house – your pride and joy and probably largest investment – is looking rather worn. Well, in this blog we will give you some tips on how to freshen and modernize the presentation without ‘breaking the bank’. Even better – these ideas won’t take more than a weekend afternoon to complete.

Install a new mailbox! Who knew that the receptacle for bills and correspondence could add to or detract from the overlook of your home. If this is a project you choose to undertake put some fun into it. Go ‘mailbox’ shopping on line or at some of the fancy hardware stores. Consider your mailbox to be a fashion statement, a finishing touch that will make the house stand out. It’s true – sometime little changes can make the biggest differences.

Do you have railing or fencing along the front or sides of your house? Think about installing something new and different. Today’s fences run the gamut of wood to concrete in a wide variety of colors and styles. Again, something as simple as updated railings can give the house a whole new look.

While you’re at it – don’t forget the trim. Perhaps the idea of painting the whole exterior of your house seems all too daunting. Instead, consider freshening up the trim. Perhaps choose an alternate color that complements the home. Or, if you do not have trim you may want to add it as accent. Trim also comes in a number of colors and styles and it’s a great way to say ‘welcome home’.

Did you ever think about changing the style and look of the numbers you use on your house? They come in such a variety of sizes, fonts and colors you may have trouble narrowing down your final choice!

Don’t forget the door! A new door (with the addition of a screen door or not as a separate decision) can make a style statement about your home all by itself. Doors come in a variety of materials and may be with or without windows. If your house is very neutral in color a door can be all the more impressive.

So, there you have it. Although our business is exterior residential and commercial painting we here at University Painters, Inc. want you to know we are knowledgeable about all aspects of home and business presentation. Have a question? We’re here and waiting for your call.

exterior painting,painters, residential painting job

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

25 September 2018

Updating Your Home’s Look for Less

Does your home seem to look duller these days? You can’t put your finger on it, but it needs to be updated. The whole house is not in need of a paint job. It’s only the shutters that could use a fresh coat. Shutters are a common addition to many homes. They serve many purposes. They can be a decorative addition or may be used to keep harsh sunlight out. If it’s the shutters that you want painted, here are some hints to tackling this job properly.

Choose a complementary or contrasting color that you are going to enjoy. Many people don’t realize just what an important role shutters play in the overall look of the house until they are painted a color that doesn’t look right. Try to find pictures of homes that are similar to yours and are sporting shutters in a color you are considering as a precursor to making the decision.

Clean the shutters thoroughly prior to the painting process. You may need to use a little bleach to rid them of mold and stains. Allow them to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Just as you would when painting a house, the next step is to scrape off any paint chips or flakes. Otherwise they become part of the new paint job.

Now, prime the shutters just as you would the house. This helps to ensure they are ready to bond with the paint and allows the paint to adhere more thoroughly. A good priming job prior to painting also helps to guarantee a cleaner, brighter look that will last longer!

When you begin the actual painting process, start at the top of the shutter and work your way down. Apply the paint with a lighter stroke so the painted areas do not have tell-tale signs of paint brush marks.

Finally, apply two coats of paint. One will simply not give you the long-lasting paint job you are looking for.

Sound like a lot of work? Too busy to do the job yourself? Then turn to the professionals at University Painters. We have been in the interior, exterior and commercial painting business for 32 years. We will treat your home as if it’s our own.

interior painting,painters,home,commercial

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

22 September 2018

Preparing to Paint

Fall is a great time to refresh your home’s interior. The weather is cooler and it’s an opportunity to get ready for the upcoming holiday season. The time it takes to prepare properly is well worth it when you see the results.

Furniture

If at all possible, remove the furniture from the room and cover the floor with a drop cloth. If you can’t take all the furniture out, push everything into the middle of the room and cover with plastic or another drop cloth.

Cleaning

Before you paint, clean your windows inside and out. It isn’t necessary for painting, but it will add to the freshness of the room. You can also check the frames and glass for any signs of wear or damage. When the windows are done, cover the glass with plastic using painter’s tape to protect them from drips and splatters.

Repair any cracks, chips, or other damage to your walls. If you have to use putty to fill holes, make sure you sand it smooth. If you don’t, you’ll see the outline under the paint. Dust the walls and ceiling if you plan to paint it. Wash the walls with warm water and a little mild cleaner. By removing the dust first, you avoid creating dirty streaks when you wash the walls. Vacuum any vents in the ceiling or in the floor.

Taping

The best order for painting is trim, ceiling, and walls. Tape around the trim and around the ceiling, then paint. Let the ceiling paint dry completely before taping the top of the walls. Some people hate taking the time to tape, but it saves time and creates a finished look.

Painting

If the current wall color is very dark and you’re applying a lighter color, prime the walls first. However, some brands of paint include primer or the texture makes primer unnecessary. Using a small brush, cut into the corners of the room, where the ceiling and wall meet, and around the trim. Do this for any place your roller won’t be able to reach. Paint the walls using a “W” pattern starting in one corner and covering a 3′ x 3′ area. This reduces visible seams where the paint overlaps.

Drying

Most latex paint dries to the touch in a few hours, but you shouldn’t let anything rest against the wall or wash it for at least 48 hours.

The professionals at University Painters take the time to prepare every surface in your home to achieve the best results. Call us today and schedule your fall refresh today.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

18 September 2018

Paint that Sells the Home

Have you ever gone house hunting and were totally put off by an exterior or interior color that was off-putting, if not downright ugly? You’ve seen those houses painted bubble gum pink or candy cane red on the outside. It’s probably going to be the same house that has interior walls the color of a forest with neon baseboards for added interest.

Believe me when I tell you that the color of your home both inside and out can either draw prospective customers to your home if you are getting ready to sell or repel them. All indications are that if you are getting ready to sell your house, it has a better chance of moving on the market if you keep these things in mind.

Choose a color that blends well with your natural surroundings and the larger neighborhood. For example, if you live in Arizona, the overwhelming majority of homes are a shade of taupe on the outside with subtle trim and an arid, clean color on the inside. Conversely, homes in New England look better and are more likely to sell if they are a shade of white or gray with neutral trims. These colors give off a stately vibe that the potential buyer feels without having to say anything.

Blue is another popular choice for a home’s exterior, but this should be done with the same caution as choosing any other color palette. Again, a blue house would be out of place in many areas of the country. But, it would be just as much at home near a beach, especially with white trim and particularly if the color of blue is muted.

Occasionally, accent walls on the exterior of the home can provide a bold statement. It can make your house stand out while still blending into the overall neighborhood. For example, you might try a charcoal colored or indigo blue accent wall against a cream-colored house.

It’s a good idea to put some thought into the color you choose to paint your house long before you begin the process. Remember, color can draw buyers to you or send them fleeing in the other direction, even if the location is good and the price is right.

If you need some expert advice on painting your house, we here at University Painters pride ourselves on our long-standing professional service. Before you buy that first gallon of paint, give us a call. We would be delighted to work with you!

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

16 September 2018

Mixing Brick and Exterior Color

A brick home offers a unique presentation. To the passerby, it can look stately. To the homeowner, it can feel like a combination of old-world charm and comfort. There was a time when the choice of brick exteriors extended only to what shade of red or chartreuse you liked. Today however, a brick home still offers the owner a variety of options to make their house look unique and stand out from the rest. This can involve either changing the color of the brick itself or the trim in complementing or contrasting pigments.

The easiest way to make a change is to paint the brick itself. This opens up a variety of choices for the homeowner. Some may prefer a muted or neutral color of paint while others may make more bold choices such as painting the brick white. The exterior of a brick home painted in white offers an entirely new and updated look. It can feel modern and chic. At the same time it opens up further options. The home’s trim can be a color that contrasts, thereby accenting and highlighting the white brick or it can remain a neutral, muted tone, such as a gray or brownish tint on the framing and door.

If you do choose to paint the brick white, take the time to look at the breadth of shades in that color. There are many toned-down whites that are not as stark, such as creams and even light beige. Some homeowners have even used a whitewash or translucent color that offers a more aged look. There are those who swear this route offers easier upkeep and a more classic appearance.

Whatever color you choose, take the extra step of painting a small portion of the house in that color prior to ‘taking the plunge’. This will help to ensure you can live with your decision before you come home to a totally new look you did not expect. Still another color that is a common choice for painting brick homes is a shade of gray. This can be equally as stunning, particularly when paired with white or charcoal trim.

Other colors that harmonize are yellow and cream, and green or black and gray. It’s up to you. And remember, if you want to keep your brick home its original color, painting the trim in a beautiful accent color can make it stand out just as much.

Whatever you choose, first choose University Painters. We are experienced in painting all types of exterior and interior surfaces and will treat your home like it’s our own!

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

11 September 2018

Hiring The Right Commercial Painting Contractor

House Painting Window Keeping your home in good repair, protects your largest investment. It’s crucial to find the best contractors to get the most for your money. Many people have learned from sad experiences that not all contractors are the same. Do your homework and save yourself, time, money, and headaches.

Ask For Recommendations

Check with family and friends to find out what painting contractors they’ve used and who has done a good job. Look for recommendations on services such as Angie’s List or Home Advisor.

Whether or not the company has a Better Business Bureau logo on their site, checking the BBB site may yield additional information. If they have ever been listed, you can see if any complaints have been reported. If they do have the BBB logo on their site, you can verify their status.

Estimates

It’s crucial to get at least three quotes from different contractors. This will give you an idea of the average market prices so you can be sure you’re getting the best offer. Be sure you ask each contractor for the same information: a breakdown of supplies, labor, and any other expenses. Compare each item to check the cost of materials and how much the contractor charges for labor. If there’s a significant difference in any of the quotes, ask why.

Licensing

Even if a contractor advertises they’re fully-licensed, you should confirm they are licensed according to state licensing and that means both the company and the individual who will do your work. Your state has a Contractor State Licensing board where you can find the information. Don’t skip this step. You should also find out if the company is bonded or insured in case they break something or cause any damage.

Scheduling and Budget

One area that commonly causes contention between contractors and clients is differing expectations about when the work will be completed. Be sure to indicate any times when workers cannot be in your home.

When you review the budget, be sure the contractor know you want to be notified before any work is done that will increase the amount of money you initially agreed to.

University Painters are trustworthy, qualified professionals committed to providing quality work. Contact us today for a free estimate.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

3 September 2018

Prepping Your House for that New Exterior Paint Job

Exterior Painters,paint,painting company You’ve finally decided it’s time to spruce up the outside of your home. Maybe you are getting ready to sell it or maybe you just want to have a house that looks good inside and out. Well, everyone knows you need to pick out the color. That’s the fun part of the job. But there’s more to painting a house than putting on paint. There are a number of steps that must be taken to be sure the surfaces are prepped and ready to receive the color and reflect it in the best way possible for years to come. Let’s consider these steps more closely.

Trim back shrubbery, trees and other landscaping so they do not become part of the paint job.
Begin the painting process by cleaning the entire exterior of your home completely. You want the house to be fully clean so the paint doesn’t dry with dirt and other pollutants mixed in. The best way to do this is to power wash your home. If you do not own a power washer, they can be rented at most home repair and construction stores. Use a cleaner or additive only if you find mold and stains.
Allow at least 24 hours for the exterior to dry thoroughly before beginning the next step, which requires a paint scraper and patience. Methodically move around the entire outside of the house scraping paint chips and flakes. These become quite obvious if they are painted over and not removed beforehand.
Caulking is the next step. Here too, patience and attention to detail are necessary. The most expedient way to carry out this task is to fill cracks with caulk until it seeps beyond the edge, then wipe away the excess with a damp rag.
If you have been cataloging areas of the exterior that need repairs, this is the time to complete them. Rotted boards or other problems that are too difficult to handle on your own require calling in a professional, such as a painting contractor, to complete the job.
Next, prime the house with a quality primer. It seals the wood from the elements and will help make your paint job last longer.

Now it’s time to paint! Or you could hire the painting professionals at University Painters. We have been in the business since 1986 and we’ll treat your home as if it is our own! Contact us at 800-390-4848 for more information.

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