Acrylic Paint | University Painters

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

15 November 2018

Common Paint Problems

Who doesn’t like a freshly painted interior or exterior in your home or place of business? Fresh paint gives off a bright, clean feeling. It’s uplifting and makes most people feel pride in their surroundings. But, in the process of painting – and prior to the completed project – there are a number of common paint problems that may cause you to become frustrated and sidetrack you from completing the work. Let’s consider some of these in this blog.

First, when applying a fresh coat of paint, you may find that a stain is apparent underneath. Often those who take on a painting project are unaware that the extra time taken to prep the surface prior to painting will save time and money in the end. If there are stains on the interior or exterior of your home or business, you should take care to remove them before starting to paint. All surfaces should be cleaned and primed before you dip that paint brush into the can.
Second, once you have cleaned the surfaces, be sure to allow enough time for it to dry thoroughly. If you fail to do so you may find that your freshly painted surface will begin to flake, bubble up, or otherwise be unsightly. If you have flaking paint, remove it thoroughly with an abrasive brush, then sand it smoothly so that when you repaint these areas you won’t be able to tell the difference between the old and new paint.
Third, avoid brush marks and paint drips. So, you’ve chosen your color, primed your surfaces, allowed adequate time for it to dry and now comes the moment of truth. You have opened your paint can, stirred it thoroughly and you are on the precipice of updating your home or business’s interior or exterior. In all of your excitement, you dip the brush into the can and put it out completely overloaded and dripping. Then, to make matters worse, the brush is so paint-laden that it causes brush marks as you paint. How to avoid this? It’s simple – don’t overload your brush with paint – or otherwise engage in poor painting techniques.

Need more tips on avoiding common mistakes in painting? Contact the expert painting company of University Painters, Inc. We are here to serve you!

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

23 August 2018

One Brush Is Never Enough

paint, color,house painters Paint brushes come in a variety of sizes, bristle and handle types. Think all brushes are pretty much the same? Think again. A good brush holds more paint than a cheaper one and will make application easier and faster.

Brush Bristles

There are basically three types of brushes: natural-brushes, polyester brushes, and nylon/polyester brushes. Each brush performs differently depending on the type of paint it’s used with.

Natural-bristle

These brushes are made with animal hair and are best used with oil-based paints, varnishes, and other oil-based finishes. The natural splitting on the tips of these brushes are designed to hold more paint and create a smooth finish.

Polyester bristle

It’s best to use polyester bristle brushes with latex paints, but they hold their shape well when used with any paint and produce a smooth, even finish.

Nylon/polyester blend bristles

The mixture of bristles makes these brushes easy to clean and flexible enough to work with any type of latex paint. Nylon/polyester brushes are durable and keep their shape after continued use. If cared for properly, these brushes can last for years.

Size Does Matter

Choose the brush size depending on what you’ll be painting. A general rule for size is one to two inches for windows and other trim; three inches for gloss paints on doors and cabinets; four inches for large, flat areas. In addition to size, consider the shape of the brush. Slanted brushes create straight lines in corners and on edges, while square edge brushes are good for applying paint on large, flat areas.

Maintenance

Make your brushes last a long time by properly maintaining them after each use. Latex paint cleans up in warm water, while oil paint needs to be cleaned with a solvent. When cleaning a brush after using latex paint, hold the brush under warm running water, spread the bristles, and push them against the bottom of the sink to clean brush from tip to handle. For oil paint, swish the brush from side to side in the solvent to remove paint. Use a fresh container of solvent for the final rinse. Dry brushes flat to maintain the proper shape and never store brushes with the bristle end down.

The technicians at University Painters use the finest equipment to produce quality results all around your home. Call or go online to schedule an appointment today.

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.

Creative, Maintenance, Paint Colors

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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.

Design, Maintenance, Paint Colors

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

4 June 2018

Fabulous Finishes Right Out of a Can

painters, interior painting, exterior painting Beyond matte, semi-gloss, and high gloss paint, there’s a whole world of paint finish options. Create a finish to enhance the décor of any room in your home. There are countless finishes, washes, and glazes to choose from, but we’ll look at five: metallic, chalkboard, stone, crackle, and suede.

Metallic paint will give any surface the look of metal. The most commonly used colors are steel, bronze, and gold. This type of project should be completed in one day for the best result. It’s important to get the correct base paint. Use gray for steel, brown for bronze, and mustard yellow for gold. Metallic paint can be used on walls, cupboards, furniture, or home décor items. To get the finish you want, test it on a scrap piece of wood.

While whiteboards have replaced the chalkboard in most classrooms, you can bring it back to life in your home. Chalkboard paint is great for creating unique spaces in your home. It can be used in the kitchen to create your own “special of the day” sign, to remind family members of important events, or to use as a calendar. It’s great for a child’s bedroom or playroom. It’s one wall you won’t mind them coloring on. Chalkboard paint is easy to apply, and easy to clean.

Paint infused with small particles of marble, quartz, or sand creates the look of stone inside your home. It’s perfect for use on walls, furniture, and on, well, stone. This type of textured paint is great for hiding little imperfections quickly and easily.

When this paint cracks, you don’t scrape it off the wall. Crackle paint is a two-step process. First, you paint the crackle medium over a base color. Then, apply an acrylic paint. As it dries, it will crack and show the color underneath. Get creative with color combinations.

Applying suede paint is another project that should be completed in one day. It’s a two-step process consisting of a base coat and a top coat. The end result creates a warm luxurious finish that is a complement to any room.

If you’re unsure of the best finish for your home’s interior, call University Painters and receive expert advice. Our years of experience and our highly-trained staff can help you get the right texture, color, and finish for your decorating needs. Call us today and set up an appointment.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

24 May 2018

Not All Paint Is Created Equal

interior/exterior painting, painters, Paint is paint, right? Not true. There are various types of primers and paints and they can be used to their best effect when you understand the difference.

Basically, there’s oil-based paint versus water-based paint; each has different properties and uses. In some states, the use of oil-based paint has been banned due to the level of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), but it hasn’t been removed from use in all areas. Oil-based paint takes longer to dry, has a stronger odor, and requires more harsh cleaners, such as turpentine or mineral spirits to remove. Once it’s on the wall or another surface, there are a few disadvantages. It tends to become brittle and could crack and peel. It’s also susceptible to fading and becoming chalky when exposed to prolonged periods of sunlight. On the positive side, oil-based paint is less sensitive to environmental elements such as water and humidity, takes abuse better, and looks good longer.

Water-based paint, also referred to as latex or acrylic pain, cleans up with soap and water and is gentler on the environment. Water-based paint comes in a larger variety of colors than oil, is chip-resistant, and can achieve a high gloss finish. It has become the industry-standard but it does have a few drawbacks. Water-based paint is more difficult to dry in humid climates, and doesn’t take the punishment of heavy traffic as well as oil-based paint. One option that has the benefits of water-based paint and the lasting power of oil-based paint is acrylic enamel. It’s not a mixture of oil and water-based paint as it uses acrylic as the binding agent.

There are also specialty paints for difficult areas with properties such as being flame retardant, mold and mildew resistant, and resistant to condensation. When hiring a professional, ask what type of paint they use and discuss the pros and cons of each. University Painters always use quality materials and are experts in their field. You can count on them to help you make the best choices for your home inside and out. Visit www.universitypainters.com or call 800-390-4848 for a free consultation.

Interior painting, Home painters,, repairs

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

10 January 2018

Most Common Causes Of Peeling Paint

Paint may start to peel off of interior walls or exterior surfaces of your home regardless of when it was applied. Here are some possible causes and how you can fix the problem:

Poor Adhesion

Paint will start to peel off when it does not adhere properly to the surface underneath it. This happens when the wall was not cleaned and primed correctly.

Mildew, oil, dirt and dust need to be thoroughly removed before painting. If you are painting a wall covered in old paint with a glossy finish, you must use an abrasive cleanser to clean and dull the wall to improve adhesion. If you are painting over a wall with an existing paint type, you need to choose the same type of paint. Oil, latex and water-based paints do not mix well together.

Moisture

The paint will not dry correctly if it is applied to a damp surface. This can lead to premature peeling of paint.

Paint That Has Gone Bad

Peeling can happen if the paint used has already gone bad. Latex paints may no longer be usable when they are left stored in open containers in the garage. They start to develop a strong odor and leave a rough finish on the surfaces that can cause peeling. Cheap paints may also fail and peel sooner compared with higher-end paints.

New Wood

New wood has natural oils that can cause paint to peel off regardless if the wood appears dry when you paint it. Cedar is particularly susceptible to this. Wood that was not properly cured may contain too much moisture.

A wall with peeling paint is an eyesore, as well as a health risk, since areas in your home with flaking paints can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew. Ensure you make the necessary repairs as soon as possible.

Fixing peeling paint requires removal of the chipped paint, use of a patching compound, sanding, then use of an oil-based primer. An easier option to repairing peeling paint is to entrust the job to an experienced professional.

University Painters can help fix peeling paint in your home. Our expert painters can remove old and peeling paint layers then repaint the surfaces using tried and tested techniques that can prevent peeling from happening again. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you repair peeling paints in your home.

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