Decorative Arts | University Painters

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.

Creative, 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

12 May 2018

Faux Finishes for Exteriors

If you live in a community with very similar style homes and want to make your house stand out, consider a faux finish for the exterior. Faux finishes are often used as a way to change the interior of your home, but the right technique in the right place outside your home can add interest and enhance your home’s value.

Design, Paint Colors

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

7 May 2018

After the Paint, Add Molding for a High-end Finish

Paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the look of your home, but you can take your home decorating up a notch by adding the right moldings. Crown moldings, or cornice moldings, may be the most universally known, but there are other choices that will add character and charm to your home.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

4 March 2018

5 Colors You Should Never Paint Your Walls

Painting your home can be an overwhelming task and can feel like a chore at times. There are so many colors, combinations, and finishes to choose from. You sometimes wonder if you should go the easy route and paint it all white. You probably shouldn’t if you plan to resell your home down the road.

Painting your home may not be easy to do, but it’s one of the easiest ways to update the look of your residence. If you want to add a new coat of paint but will be listing your home soon, here are some shades you need to avoid.

Yellow

Never paint your kitchen yellow, no matter how warm the color makes you feel. Homes that had soft yellow or marigold kitchens sold for $820 less than other homes, according to Zillow. Yellow is a tricky and risky color to pull off when it comes to your home’s interior. While buttery yellow can look pleasing to the eyes, bright yellow can cause headaches and anxiety.

Dark Brown, Eggplant, or Any Dark Color

Dark brown is also not a hit with Zillow’s study. Bedrooms that had dark brown walls sold for $236 less than other homes. Colors like dark brown, eggplant, olive green, and green-brown make homes feel small, cramped, and dark. While buyers have the option to repaint their homes, they can’t see past these ugly shades.

Terracotta

Terracotta may look like another cheerful color, but even a muted terracotta can decrease the value of your home. Buyers aren’t crazy about bright orange walls since it’s one of the least-liked colors in the world. They also didn’t like seeing brick red and copper dining rooms and kitchens.

Gray-Blue or Slate Gray

While blue was one of the most-liked colors in 2017, buyers weren’t crazy about rooms with gray-blue walls. They didn’t take kindly to living rooms that featured muted silver, pastel gray, light blue, periwinkle, or slate gray walls. Gray may be a trendy color in fashion and interior design, but that doesn’t mean it’s likable. Paint your home’s dining room or living room gray or slate, and you could lose $1,112 when you sell it.

White, Off-White, or Eggshell

White bathrooms may seem simple and minimalist in design, but buyers disagree. A coat of this generic color could set your home’s selling price back by over $4,000, according to Zillow. Some people prefer off-white or eggshell because it makes a smaller room look brighter and bigger. Buyers, on the other, thinks it makes a room look “dead” and “flat,” especially if the room lacks in natural light.

Considering painting the interior of your home? Need to freshen up your space? Contact University Painters today for a free estimate and more information on our interior painting services.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

28 February 2018

Why Hire A Professional For A Painting Job

Some people think that painting a house does not necessitate hiring a professional. While it is possible to paint your house on your own, entrusting this job to a professional has many benefits that can save you time and money.

Quality Work

House painting service providers like University Painters can provide you with experienced painters who are trained in their job and have many years of experience working in the industry. This translates to a painting project that will be of the highest quality. You are ensured that each stroke from their brush can boost the beauty and appeal of your house.

Painting Job Gets Done On Time

Experienced painters are very fast and are able to finish their jobs on time. This means that you do not have to wait long before your house looks fresh again with its new coat of paint. This is particularly beneficial if you need to have your house painted quickly.

No Stress

Hiring professional painters can save you from stress, as they are trained to handle all situations that inexperienced do-it-yourselfers may not expect to happen. You won’t have to worry about the small details if you hire a painting service contractor.

Reduced Maintenance

Painting jobs that are done by a quality house painting contractor tend to last a long time, which means that your maintenance costs are reduced. This can help save money and time.

Warranties

Most professional painting service providers give you a warranty when they paint your house. The warranty lasts for several years, during which time the contractor will paint your house again if the paint wears poorly or there are any related problems that the painter is responsible for.

Free Estimate

Before hiring a painting contractor, the service provider must give you a free estimate that will itemize the costs that you may expect to incur. In some instances, contractors can help you cut corners but still allow you to get the results that you want.

Fair Price

Quality painting done by a professional often comes at a fair price so you do not have to worry about compromising your budget.

University Painters has been providing painting services to homes and commercial buildings for over three decades. Contact us now to get a free estimate of a painting job

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

10 February 2018

How To Prepare Your Home For An Interior Paint Job

Hiring a professional can save you the hassles of painting the interior of your home yourself. All you have to do is sit back and relax while the painter does the hard work for you. If you want things to get done faster, however, here are some things you can do prior to the arrival of the painting service contractor:

Remove Hangings On The Wall

If you have framed wall decorations, pictures and mirrors hanging on the wall, take them down before the painter arrives. This will not only expedite the painting process but moving these valuables out of the way can also protect them from accidental damage.

Maintenance, Paint Colors

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

19 January 2018

Signs That Mean Your Bedroom Needs A Makeover

Your bedroom is the place where you relax and unwind but it may be time for you to update your room if you no longer feel the zest it used to have. Here are some of the things you need to check out to see if it’s time for a room makeover:

Clutter

Has your bedroom become a dumping ground for old books and magazines, worn-out clothing items and virtually useless collections? Clutter can prevent you from relaxing in what should be your sanctuary at home, so take time to declutter and get rid of things that are no longer useful.

Windows

A gloomy room can deflate your spirits so consider lightening things up if your room is on the dark side. Go for sheer curtains instead of blackout blinds. Adding a new curtain pole may help improve the look of your room.

Beddings

It may be time to buy new pillows if you are sleeping on old and flattened ones. Plump, new pillows are not just beneficial to your health. They can also make your bed look more enticing. Consider accessorizing your bed using cushions and throws to make it look more inviting.

Furniture

Worn-out and old-fashioned furniture can be expensive to replace but there are other ways to give them a new life. Give the old furniture some love with sanding and re-painting. You may also want to replace the old knobs and handles.

Lighting

You can update you room by simply changing the lights. Ceiling lights can brighten up a dull space as well as serve as an attractive feature. Feature mirrors are a great way to reflect light in your room.

Flooring

Threadbare carpets are an eyesore. Rugs are an inexpensive option instead of re-carpeting if you are on a tight budget. For your worn floor boards, check if they are suitable for sanding, varnishing, or painting.

Peeling and faded wallpaper and paint can drag down the look of your room so if these characterize your walls, it is time to get decorating. A feature wall using a large piece of art or wallpaper is a great way to modernize your room. Neutral colors on your wall will allow you to make easy changes when your mood strikes.

Should you decide to give your room a new color, avoid sloppy painting jobs by entrusting this work to an experienced professional. Contact us at University Painters for a free estimate of the painting jobs you have in mind.