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exterior painting, home painters, paints

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!

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.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

10 April 2018

How To Bring More Light Into Your Kitchen

If your kitchen feels rather dark, you may want to consider adding more natural light. Natural light can come from overhead skylights or from your adjacent rooms that are open to your kitchen. Having more light can help you prepare food easier and entertain your guests. Here are some ways to bring more light to a dark kitchen.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

8 April 2018

Getting Your Backyard Ready For Barbecue Time

Summertime is the best time for people to come together and have a good time. The idea of hosting your party can seem overwhelming. You have to deal with the planning, preparing, cleaning, and entertaining. Follow these steps to ensure that your backyard party is a success.

First! Plan Your Guest List

Planning is the most important part of any party. Planning is essential when it comes to your barbecue. You need to create several lists for guests, supplies, food, beverages, decorations, and other items you’ll need.

Creative, Design, Maintenance

Backyard, Backyard Parties, Barbecue, Barbecue Time, Barbecues, Best Timing, Better Time, Exterior Painting, Food And Drink, Guest List, Mailing Invitations, Oral Literature, Paints, Party, Vocal Music

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

25 March 2018

How To Choose The Right Colors For Your Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the busiest places in the home. It’s where your family cooks, eats, and spends time together. When you decorate your kitchen, you want to transform it into a special space you’ll be happy to come home to. Can’t decide on the perfect colors for your kitchen? Follow these steps to design your perfect kitchen.

Choose Your Favorite Colors

Forget about the trends. You want to paint your kitchen in the colors that you enjoy looking at every time you walk into the room. Sure, you can explore the popular options, but make a choice on what makes you happy. The popular or trendy paint colors may be easier to find, but the classics will make a lasting impression on your kitchen.

Create Your Own Color Palette

Once you know what colors you want to use, decide on your color palette. Visit a home improvements store and choose paint chips that stand out to you. Bring them home and see how well they go with your kitchen. Or, you can skip the trip and find stunning color palettes on Pinterest.

Start With Your Cabinets

This is the perfect place to start if you’re repainting or replacing your cabinets. Your cabinets and drawers are the focal point of your kitchen and should stay that way. Choose your colors with a long-term plan in mind. White cabinets may look pretty, but dirt shows up quickly, especially if you cook a lot.

Keep Your Countertops Neutral

You don’t want your countertops to clash or compete with your cabinets. While they may have one of the biggest surfaces in your kitchen, you want to keep them neutral. Choose neutral colors that best complement your walls, backsplash, and cabinets. This will also help you extend the life of your counters if you choose to renovate or repaint your kitchen later on.

Go Crazy With Your Backsplashes And Paint Color

This is where you can let your imagination run wild a little. While countertops and cabinets tend to use neutral colors, your paint color and backsplash is where you can get a little creative. Bright colors will make you smile every time you walk into your kitchen.

There are many options for backsplashes, including glass tiles. Since cabinets and appliances cover most of your walls, use a pop of color that you normally wouldn’t use in a room that’s painted in one color. An accent wall can allow you to use your favorite color without it dominating the entire room.

Decorating your kitchen can help liven it up. It can even change the view of the rest of your house. Whether you’re considering a major renovation or just one room, adding a new coat of paint will improve your home. Contact University Painters today to discuss the plans of your project and to learn more about our interior painting services.