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Written by Colleen Kalil

Metal Siding

Now if your home or business exterior looks worn, you have the option of replacing the siding itself. But a more reasonable choice would be to paint the aluminum siding to give it a fresh, modern look.

However, painting metal siding is not the same as painting over the wood frame of a home. First, as the color fades on metal siding it tends to revert to a substance that is chalky in appearance and texture. So the first thing that needs to be done is to remove this powdery material before applying a fresh color.

This prepping process is fairly involved and requires time and patience to ensure that when painting begins, the siding will take and hold the new color. In other words, surface preparation is critical to the ultimate success of the project. Begin by removing all the dirt and debris that is clinging to the siding. You may start with the garden hose for the initial rinse and then turn to a power washer,which can be rented or purchased.  Ensure that it has a ‘detergent tank’ to do the job properly. Even so, an extensive build-up may be challenging to remove so be prepared to devote the amount of time and energy necessary to complete this vital first step.

Although it might seem obvious, it is best to begin spraying at the top of the house so that the dirt and grime roll down the sides. Once the exterior is pristine, test a couple colors on the aluminum siding before you finalize your decision.

Finally, choose a high quality acrylic latex paint for a look that will endure. Some of the better paints also include a primer which provides an even more beautiful finish.

If you have a residential or commercial property with metal siding, give the experts at University Painters, Inc. a call. We specialize in refreshing all exterior looks.

painting contractor. house painting
Written by Colleen Kalil

Mixing Brick and Exterior Color

painting contractor. house paintingA 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!

interior painting,House Painting Pressure Washing
Written by Colleen Kalil

Repairing and Repainting After Water Damage

interior painting,House Painting Pressure WashingIf you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ll have to deal with water damage at some point in the life of your home. The causes of water damage vary from the effects of bad weather to frozen pipes to antiquated plumbing. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to do a thorough job of repairing the damage to prevent additional problems in the future.

Consider The Source

Before any repair work can be started, find the source of the water damage. Make sure the repairs are made properly and quickly. Wet materials can begin to develop mold and mildew in as little as 24 hours.

Ceiling Damage

Ceiling damage can cause paint to peel and bubbles to form. Once the source of the water is repaired, examine the damaged area. Remove any peeling paint or bubbles. If the drywall is sagging, let it dry completely. Check to make sure it is still attached to the beams and use drywall screws to restore it to the correct position.

Clean any visible mold or mildew from the damaged area. Use filler or putty to create a flat surface wherever peeling paint or bubbling was removed, then sand it smooth. Next, apply a stain blocking primer to any area that is discolored and let it dry completely. If you don’t apply stain block, the original stain will bleed through the new paint. It’s best to repaint the entire ceiling to prevent patches of different colored paint.

Wall Damage

If the wallboard doesn’t need to be replaced, check to make sure it’s still attached to the studs. Scrape off any peeling paint or drywall putty then clean the surface. If there is any mold or mildew, use bleach and water or a solution specifically designed to combat mildew. Let the area dry completely, then apply a fresh coat of paint. If the existing paint has faded, you may need to repaint the entire wall or room to maintain consistent color.

Repairing water damage can be a time consuming process. Save yourself the aggravation and leave it to the professionals at University Painters. Call or go online to schedule a free consultation today.

exterior painting, home painters
Written by Colleen Kalil

Painting Wood Shingles

exterior painting, home paintersWood shingles, especially cedar shingles, can be a popular choice for the exterior of your home. With proper stain, they are long-lasting, weather and insect-resistant. You do have the option to paint shingles, but special preparation is needed. Wood absorbs paint faster than other surfaces and has to be specially primed. Even the best paint will soak into the wood without the proper base.

Because shingles may weather differently, check to see if any are damaged and need to be replaced. Shingles also mildew rather quickly and should be cleaned thoroughly before painting. To prepare singles for painting, the shingles need to be washed to remove dirt and mildew.

To clean wood shingles, a sponge, household bleach, and water are what’s called for. Using a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water, apply the solution to mildewed areas with a sponge and leave for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Let the shingles dry and be aware that it can take up to two weeks for shingles to dry completely.

When the shingles are dry, use a scrub brush to remove any old wood or dirt and brush the residue off with a wide paint brush. Next, apply a stain blocking primer with a four to six inch brush. Shingles need to be coated evenly. If you choose to use a sprayer, use even strokes moving in different directions for complete coverage.

The final step is to paint. Acrylic latex exterior paint is a good choice and will last for many years. As with the primer, the paint should be applied in all directions and completely cover the shingles. Work in a limited area, approximately 20 feet square, and then move to the next section.

University Painters are licensed, qualified, and knowledgeable about all types of finishes for the exterior of your home. We can work with you to create the look you want for your home. Contact us today at 1-800-390-4848 for an appointment.

House Painter Exterior Painting
Written by Colleen Kalil

Benefits Of Exterior Painting You May Not Be Aware Of

People paint the exterior of their house primarily for aesthetic purposes and to increase the value of their home but there is more to giving your house a colorful touch-up. Here are some other benefits of exterior painting:

Protects Your Home From Harsh Weather

Your home is constantly exposed to extreme temperatures and the damaging elements that they bring. A fresh protective coating serves as a barrier that can protect your residence from an extremely cold winter and a hot summer. 

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