Paint Colors | University Painters

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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.

Maintenance, Paint Colors

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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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Regular Post

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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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