Paint Colors | University Painters

painting services,house painters, interior painting

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

29 July 2018

What to do with Leftover Paint

painting services,house painters, interior painting Leftovers! Nobody likes them. Not in your fridge and not in your garage. It seems no matter how well you plan a project you are left with an inch of paint in the bottom of the paint can and your first inclination is to tuck the lid back on and tuck the can in some lost corner of the carport.

You know you shouldn’t just toss it in the garbage or pour it down the sink (or should you – read on to find out what the experts say). There are proper ways to dispose of paint. Here are some suggestions that should make the task a little more ‘palatable’.

Pour the leftover paint into a smaller container such as a food or beauty dispenser that is empty and washed out. This will make the paint remains more manageable than collecting piles of cans of nearly empty paint. To ensure it stays fresh, cover the lid with plastic wrap and tighten the lid so no air can get in. If it’s possible, store the container upside down which will further prevent exposure to air. Be sure and label the container with the color, the date it was purchased, and its original use.
If you have leftover paint that is not oil-based, then it is usually permissible to throw it away with your regular garbage. Home improvement retailers suggest you leave the paint opened to the air, so it will dry in the can. Then pour kitty litter in to absorb any leftover paint, replace the lid tightly, and include it in the week’s refuse.
If you are not permitted by city ordinance to dispose of paint through normal trash collections, then search your local listings for professional companies that will either pick up the paint or provide drop-off points for you to deliver it. Many cities consider paint to be a hazardous waste and do not want it seeping into the water table. Therefore, special processes are in place to dispose of it in the least environmentally hazardous way possible.
Consider donating your leftover paint. Organizations such as Habitat for Humanity are happy to take that paint off your hands. In fact, they have begun to partner with municipalities to recycle paint and sell it!

If you are looking for painting professionals – the experts at University Paint invite you to contact us today. We will be happy to speak with you!

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

26 July 2018

Tips on Hiring a Professional Painting Company

house painters, painting services Everyone wants their home to look beautiful. Landscaping is important but the number one item on a homeowner’s list is the exterior presentation. This begins with an elegant façade. While many homeowners believe that painting is a simple job, there are many things that must be taken into consideration. Painting the outside of a home is also very time consuming. Ultimately, the best option is usually to engage the services of a professional painting company. But once that decision is made, there are a number of questions you should ask a prospective business before hiring them.

Perhaps the most important question to ask your potential painters is whether or not they are insured. Today’s painting companies should hold two types of policies – workmen’s compensation and business liability. Ask to see the policies to ensure they are up to date. The last thing you want is a painter getting hurt on the job at your house!

Determine if the job will be subcontracted out once it is offered. Subcontracting can be risky for the homeowner. Contractors choose this option because it costs them less but it can result in shoddy workmanship.
Determine the quality of paint that will be used and have this noted in the painting contract
Find out if the contractor you speak with will be overseeing the job. Often a company will secure a painting job and then make themselves scarce until the bill is presented. You want to know who will be overseeing this work.
Ask the paint company representative about their experience. How many jobs have they done? Do they have references? Are there any homes in the area they have painted that you could drive by and see? If the company is hesitant to provide this information, then they are probably not the right ones for the job.
Request a list of organizations the company may be associated with, such as the Better Business Bureau or other trade associations. The more associations, the better as it helps to ensure their reputation.

Your home is likely your most valuable investment. Cutting corners on upkeep often costs you more in the end. The professionals at University Paint will be happy to discuss our services with you. We are confident you will find us second to none!!

Design, Maintenance, Paint Colors

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

21 July 2018

Summer Time Is Painting Time

exterior painting, home painters Summer can be a great time to complete home improvement projects, especially if they’re outdoor projects. If you’re thinking about painting your home’s exterior, consider the following tips to get the best results.

1. Prepare. For the best results, take the time to prepare the painting surface. It should take as much time to prepare as it does to paint. Wash off dirt or mud, scrape or sand any peeling paint, treat areas that have mold or mildew, repair any gouges, cracks, or other damage. The extra effort will be worth the time spent.

2. Time of day. Spend as much time as possible painting in the morning before it gets hot. Evenings are good a time to paint as well, but even after the sun goes down, the exterior of your home retains heat.

3. Wind. If the weather forecast predicts breezy or windy conditions, postpone your painting. Blowing dirt and debris can stick to wet paint. If that happens, you’ll be back at square one sanding and scraping paint. The same goes for rain. Avoid painting either before or after a storm.

4. Sunlight. Don’t paint in direct sunlight. The sun can increase the temperature of your home’s exterior by 10 to 15 degrees. It may affect how well the paint adheres to the surface. Schedule painting time so you can be in the shade throughout the day. It’s some times referred to as “following the sun”. Take advantage of overcast days to do as much painting as possible.

5. Temperature. The optimal temperature for painting is around 75 to 80 degrees with less than 50% humidity. Avoid painting on the hottest days. If paint dries too fast, which means the water portion of the paint is evaporating too quickly, it can cause cracking or peeling. To slow the rate of evaporation, put ice in the bottom of your paint container, cover it with a plastic liner, and then pour in the paint.

For the best results any time of year, contact University Painters. We’re experts in our field and are prepared to tackle your painting project. Call us today for a free estimate.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

18 July 2018

Painting Concrete or Brick Surfaces

house painter, Interior Painters ,Exterior Painters Painting is a great way to change the look of any surface, whether it’s inside or outside. Almost anything can be painted, including concrete and brick. With the proper equipment and knowledge, you can add to your home’s value and curb appeal.

Concrete Slabs (such as garage floors)

Before you paint a concrete floor, make sure no moisture comes through the slab. Tape around the floor where it meets the wall and wait for a few days. If there’s moisture on the tape, it’s best not to paint it.

If moisture isn’t a problem, sweep out any dirt and debris and wash the floor with a non-residue cleaner. Remove any old, flaking paint and grease spots. Next, etch the floor’s surface with a muriatic acid solution. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure you have good ventilation. Do not use it in a closed-in space.

Use a latex primer and paint specially made for concrete. Let the primer dry before applying the paint. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for both.

Brick

Before you paint brick, remember it’s a one-time decision. It is nearly impossible to remove paint from brick. Make sure it’s a step you want to take.

The best way to begin any painting project is with a clean surface. Use a wire brush to remove heavy dirt or debris and then wash with a solution of warm, soapy water. If you’re painting an entire house, you might be tempted to get out the power washer. That’s not a good idea; you’re likely to end up with gouges in the brick and you’ll damage the grout. Use a wire brush to spot clean and then use a regular hose to clean the area. You can get a foaming sprayer and then go over the surface again with plain water. Let the brick dry completely.

Use a quality latex primer as a first coat and let it dry completely. Next, apply latex paint for masonry using a long nap roller; use a brush to cover the grout. Don’t be in a hurry. Watch for dripping paint. Two coats are recommended for the best results.

University Painters can help you achieve the look you want for your home’s interior or exterior. Contact us today online at University Painters or call 800-390-4848.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

17 July 2018

Grill Safety

exterior painting, home painters, paints Outdoor grilling is one of the best things about warm weather. Before you slap on the steaks, make sure the grill is ready to go. Here are five easy steps to make outdoor cooking a breeze.

1. Keep the grill at least 10 feet away from your house. Whether you use charcoal or gas, maintain a safe distance from any portion of your home that is flammable. Also avoid overhangs, awnings, pergolas, or other patio covering. Don’t grill inside a garage or under a carport, even if it’s raining. If you have vinyl siding, placing the grill too close to the house can permanently damage your siding and lead to costly repairs. If your home is painted, it can cause blistering and chipped paint.

2. Keep the grill clean. The grill should be cleaned after every use for health and safety reasons. The most important reason to keep the grill clean is to prevent grease fires or flare ups. Stuck on food attracts insects, which isn’t sanitary. Keep pets away from a grill, whether it’s on or off. Dogs especially may be attracted by dripping grease or morsels of food that drop around the grill.

3. Check for gas leaks. Maintain hoses to keep them from cracking and leaking gas. Be sure to check around the top of the propane container as well as the hose. Mix up a solution of dish soap and water and spread it on the fittings and hoses, then turn on the gas. If you see bubbles, fix the problem before you start using the grill.

4. Keep the area around the grill clear of overhanging branches, flower baskets or planters, and decorations. Anything hanging over or around a grill is a fire hazard.

5. Keep a fire extinguisher and spray bottle of water handy. It never hurts to plan. Use the spray bottle to put out any small flare ups. Make sure you know how to use the fire extinguisher BEFORE there’s a fire. It won’t help if you have to stop and read the directions while your house goes up in flames.

University Painters provide quality services to keep the interior and exterior of your home looking its best. Call us today for a free estimate or to learn more about our services. Have a safe and happy summer!

exterior painting, interior painting,painters

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

11 July 2018

Know Your Paint Properties

Summer is often the best time to rejuvenate your home. The process of revitalizing the look of your house usually begins with covering the outside with a fresh coat of paint. If you are a paint ‘neophyte’ and inclined to head to the hardware store to pick up your supplies, there is something you should know. There are two basic types of paint – indoor and outdoor and you don’t want to choose the wrong one for the job!

Interior and exterior paint are formulated to meet different expectations. Indoor paint is meant to take the assault of daily living – children and pets, sticky fingers and marks of all sorts. On the other hand, exterior paint is manufactured to withstand the elements including everything from sleet and snow to relentless sunshine and heat in the summer.

One of the main differences between interior and exterior paint is the resin with which it is manufactured. In the case of paint production, is it a highly viscous substance that binds the paint to the surface on which it is being applied. It allows exterior paint to resist chipping, peeling and fading. A stronger resin is used in the creation of indoor paint, so it is less inclined to show scuffs and smears.

Exterior paint goes through a process called ‘outgassing’ which means it lets the surfaces on which it is applied to ‘breathe’ and minute particles of moisture to escape. Interior paint does not need this type of outlet but in either case, with indoor and outdoor painting, be sure you have adequate ventilation.

If you are painting indoor surfaces, it is better to choose a glossy finish because they are easier to clean than a matte finish. When washing down a flat paint, it tends to smear, exacerbating fingerprints and scuff marks, while putting the homeowner in a position where they will need to repaint sooner to keep a clean, pristine look.

Painting is a much more sophisticated undertaking than many people realize. A lot of thought and pre-planning must go into the project before you begin. In other words, getting thunderstruck with the idea of painting your house inside and out should be followed with careful reflection before running to the paint store.

May we suggest hiring professionals as an alternative to taking on the task yourself? The paint experts at University Paints would be happy to meet with you at your convenience and discuss your paint project. We have been servicing this community for over a decade! Call us today.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

8 July 2018

How to Know it’s Time to Paint Your House!

exterior painting, House Painters Have you been pulling into the driveway lately and feeling that the house staring back at you seems a bit worn? Is it looking dull? Do the other homes in the neighborhood seem newer and more modern? Perhaps all that you really need is a fresh coat of paint to spruce up the place and make it feel new again – and the same is as true for the inside as outside! Putting a fresh coat of paint on the house or inside is like updating your wardrobe! Here are some sure-fire ways to know when it’s time to paint!

You know it’s time to paint when you see the paint cracking or bubbling. This could actually signal more significant problems underneath the paint such as dry rot or mold. Both of these are issues that will cause long-term and significant damage if they are not addressed.

Check the caulking on the windows outside (and inside). Dried and cracked caulking is also an indication you need to take a closer look at the condition of the home and spruce it up. Upkeep is often cheaper than letting things deteriorate so badly that they cause costly damage to the overall structure.

Is the color of the paint looking dingy? Faded? Perhaps one side of the house gets more sun than the other and that causes discoloration. Weather plays an important role in how the outside of your home holds up. Do a monthly or bimonthly walk around as a way to identify problems with the paint and/or structure.

Paint your home – just because. Because you have lived there for a few years and want a change. Because you found a color you like better and think it will give the home greater curb appeal (you want curb appeal even if you are not selling the home as it keeps its value elevated). Or because it hasn’t been painted in 7 years or more – the recommended amount of time between paint jobs.

While these are the main reasons for painting the exterior, you may decide to do it simply because you want a change. One sure way that can happen is by putting on a whole new color! Whatever your reason for choosing to paint, when the time comes we hope you will call the professionals at University Paint. We would be happy to provide a quote and provide the highest quality service. We look forward to speaking with you.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

3 July 2018

Commercial Painting Considerations

COMMERCIAL PAINTING, PAINTERS Commercial painting and residential painting are very different projects. There are special considerations inherent in commercial jobs, especially when stationery equipment is involved. Communication with your painting contractor will help the work move quickly and maintain safety for everyone. Plan to have the facilities manager or other employee overseeing the project meet regularly with the painters. Make sure the entire crew knows what type of work your business performs, if you use special machinery and if there are possible hazards such as flammable materials.

Commercial businesses typically have safety procedures in place, and it’s helpful to provide that information to the contractor before the work begins. It’s best to plan to paint when the fewest people are in the building. That may mean painters, and possibly employees, work at unusual times, but the work will go faster, and there’s less likelihood of injury or other interruptions. Professional painters can adapt to the schedule of the business and will plan to have its crew report accordingly. It’s ideal to have the space free of machinery, but that isn’t always possible.

As the business owner or manager, take a few minutes to inform your employees what will be happening, when painters will be on-site, and what accommodations they should plan to make. Avoid surprising your employees with things like limited or no access to parts of the building, fumes or dust that may affect asthma or other breathing conditions, and a longer than expected project schedule.

When you’re hiring commercial painters, ask how much commercial experience the company has. There is a big difference between residential painting and commercial painting, and you want an experienced company with a good track record. Ask how many years the company has been in business and what percentage of their business is commercial.

Make sure the company has insurance. This is basic with any contractor you hire to work on-site. If a vendor you contact doesn’t have liability insurance, keep looking. Licensing is another consideration. They should have up-to-date licensing for your area.

University Painters are experienced, licensed, and qualified to take on commercial painting projects of all sizes. We know our business and will help you get back to your business promptly. Contact us today for a free estimate.

Maintenance, Paint Colors

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

24 June 2018

Quick Changes To Your Outdoor Spaces

exterior painter,, home painters Do you love outdoor projects but don’t have a whole afternoon to devote to it? Consider one or two simple projects that require very little time but can change an unused corner of your yard into something special.

Vertical Gardens

If you don’t have the space, or the time, to invest in a large garden, you can still create a simple place to grow herbs or flowers that’s quick and easy. Repurpose indoor organizers such as canvas clothing or shoe organizers into unique planters for outdoor use. Hang them in an area that gets plenty of sun. Use inexpensive clay pots to create a multilevel planter. Turn some pots upside down to create tiers and top them with potted plants.

Banish Pesky Mosquitoes

If you have a favorite relaxation spot in your yard, but are plagued by mosquitoes, there are quick, eco-friendly ways to drive them out of your space. Citronella candles, either store bought or homemade ones, keep these pests away, provide lighting, and create a calming glow.

Not only will eating garlic keep insects at a distance, but so will a simple garlic spray that you can mix up at home. Your yard may smell like a garlic festival for the first 24 hours, but after that, you won’t smell it but mosquitoes will and they’ll steer clear.

Faux Pergola

You don’t have to be an expert carpenter to create a fun little pergola-style canopy. A drop cloth and four poles are all you need. Paint the poles a color that complements your home’s exterior. If you’re handy with a needle and thread, you could add a few yards of tulle fabric to each corner to create a curtain effect.

Mini Fire Pit

With a few simple tools and an unused grill you can create a place to roast marshmallows in the evening, for little or no money. Remove the legs from an unused circular grill, dig a hole the same size and shape as the grill, line the hole with stones, and voila, your own fire pit.

These quick and easy projects can improve your yard’s appearance and your enjoyment. University Painters is a great resource for your backyard transformation plans. Contact us today at 800-390-4848 for a free appointment or visit our website at universitypainters.com.

exterior / interior painting, home painters

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

21 June 2018

Pressure Washing Around Your House

exterior painting, interior painting, painters If you think pressure washing is just for your home’s exterior, think again. Pressure (or power) washing is a great way to clean and refresh many large areas quickly. A washer can be used on most any surface. Let’s start with your home’s exterior. As the years pass, your home’s exterior can take a beating. Rain, snow, dirt, birds – well, you get it. Pressure washing is good for cleaning aluminum or vinyl siding, clapboard, brick, or stone. Be careful with wood shingles as the pressure may gouge or damage them and can push water under the shingles causing mildew problems. You can add a mild detergent to the power washer for the first cleaning and then follow up with clean water to take off all soap residue.

Like wood shingles, any wood surface should be treated with care when using a pressure washer. Be sure to use a low-pressure nozzle or you could strip the finish or other coatings off the wood, or oversoak the wood. Proper use of the washer on wood will help you remove dirt, grime, mildew, or other stains.

Metal surfaces such as rain gutters, drains, and fencing are also good targets for a power wash. Even an outdoor grill can be power washed. Don’t hold the jet too close to the surface though to avoid scratches.

Concrete, stone, and brick can also be cleaned with a power washer. Make your garage floor look like new by adding a little detergent to your washer to get rid of grease and oil. Whether your driveway is brick, stone, or concrete, it can be washed too. Never use a pressure washer on asphalt surfaces unless you want to replace it.

Power washing is also off limits for roof shingles, especially asphalt shingles. It’s likely to cause more damage than good including loosening shingles, driving water under shingles, and blowing them off entirely.

Your in-ground swimming pool or a Jacuzzi can be pressure washed. If the washer is able to create steam or use hot water, you can eliminate germs and other contaminants from these vulnerable areas.

University Painters not only paints interiors and exteriors, they can pressure wash surfaces around your home for a cleaner, fresher look. Contact us today for a free appointment.

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