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Written by Colleen Kalil

Award Winning Painters

There are a number of different ways to judge the quality of a business.  Many times the work speaks for itself, but what about when you don’t have the ability to see the work first hand?  How can you be sure that you are selecting the best company to provide the service you need when you can’t see the quality of their work in person?  Angie’s List is an online directory of different home services that exists for exactly this purpose.  They are a crowd-sourced review site of local businesses and contractors that specializes in rating companies based on customer feedback.  When you can’t see the results first-hand, word of mouth is a very good way to determine the quality of work a business provides.  In addition to listing businesses based on customer satisfaction, Angie’s List uses those same customer reviews to hand out awards.  Awards that are based on the satisfaction of customers are awards that are truly earned and deserved.  The Lancaster, Pennsylvania branch of University Painters won Angie’s List’s Super Service Award in 2018, making them the best option for all of your painting needs, as decided by the consumer.

University Painters are professional painting contractors who have been in business since 1986.  Since then they have built the business based on exemplary customer service and satisfaction, which is what earned Jonathan Frank and his team at the Lancaster, Pennsylvania location the Superior Service Award.

Whether you are in need of an interior painting spruce-up, or a fresh coat of paint on the exterior of your house, Jonathan Frank’s crew at University Painters in Lancaster, Pennsylvania are up to the challenge of providing the best quality and customer service in the industry.  University Painters pride themselves on understanding the best way to beautify and protect your most valuable asset, your home.  The folks at University Painters Lancaster are trained and skilled professional craftsmen, who combine their expertise with the highest quality products to ensure that you are beyond satisfied with the job.

University Painters commitment to customer satisfaction and quality service has earned Jonathan Franks and his team in Lancaster the trust of their clientele, so you know you can trust them with your next paint job.  If you are looking for professional commercial and residential painting services, contact University Painters. They are environmentally responsible and offer outstanding work.

Written by Colleen Kalil

Updating your kitchen cabinets

The kitchen has become the gathering place in many homes, whether for parties, families, homework or just a cup of coffee or to relax. Old outdated cabinets can make the room feel dull and dismal. Why not update those cabinets with a new coat of paint and possibly even replace some of the doors with glass inserts?

You must decide whether to hire a professional to do the job or try to do it yourself.  Below are some things to consider:

  1. Do you have the time it will take to degrease, putty sand, and prime the cabinets for painting?  This of course is all before you even begin to paint. A reputable local painting contractor like University Painters will be able to do the job quickly and professionally.
  2. Which paint sheen or stain will you be going with? Do you prefer the more traditional wooden cabinets stained appearance or do you prefer to update to a new trendy color?  Speaking with a professional will help you know the current trends. Adding glass inserts helps make a kitchen look more modern, while going without knobs or using knobs that match the paint can help make the kitchen feel more streamlined.
  3. As with any painting project you must have the correct tools to do the job right the first time. If you don’t, the cost of purchasing or renting the equipment can be prohibitive. University Painters prides itself on only using high quality equipment and the finest quality paints.
  4. Now to the most important part of the decision – what painting experience do you have? Do you have what it takes to be sure there are no brushstrokes showing or paint applied too thick that runs and leaves an un-even texture? If you decide to take the cabinets down and paint them, have you arranged for the help to re-install them so they get hung evenly?

 As you can see, the best choice comes down to contacting University Painters for changing the look of your outdated cabinets.  Not only will you add value to your kitchen but you’ll make it a more inviting place to entertain family and friends.  We’re here for you at University Painters!

interior painting, home painting
Written by Colleen Kalil

Interior Paint colors and your moods

On a normal basis we have many reasons for feeling anxious or even angry, so why add paint to the equation? Painting the interior of your home is something that should bring you joy and comfort when you walk in, but be aware that certain colors are known for causing anxiety or depression. It does not mean that you can not use the colors that you like but just be reserved in your choices.

Let’s look at the different colors that make the list and what reactions they cause.

Yellow: One of the colors that seems least likely to be an issue is Yellow. However, tests have shown that yellow in large amounts make people feel angry, stressed or even aggressive.

Pink: Pink is a color that has proven to have a very calming effect; prison studies have confirmed this. When used in small amounts in a smaller bedroom, pink would be a good interior color.

Blue: Many shades of Blue seem to be calming and widely accepted by everyone. However, some darker blues may be overwhelming when used throughout an entire room and may make a person anxious, while some lighter blues can make a person feel a sense of cold when used in rooms with very little light.

Black: Black many times denotes negative feelings of depression or a lack of being in control.

Brown: Dark Browns in large amounts, especially on interior walls, make a person feel depressed. Lighter Browns add a more calming, earthy feel to a home.

Red: Red is a fascinating color in that it can make you excited, feel stimulated, or even energized. As much as this works great for interiors, it also must be used in moderation as it can also make a person feel in danger or even angry.

As you can see there are many different ways that interior paint colors can affect your mood. Knowing these concepts ahead of time can save you the time and the expense of having to repaint rooms afterwards. As everyone knows, knowledge is power, so go forward ready to make your home more appealing. Be sure to contact University Painters for our professional color recommendations.

Exterior Painting, Painters, Painting Job
Written by Colleen Kalil

Common Signs that a House Needs Repainting

Exterior Painting, Painters, Painting JobIf you are like most Americans, you are busy, busy, busy. Between work and home, raising a family and struggling to make ends meet, sometimes even the most obvious needs can be overlooked. This is especially true of your home’s exterior. You may pull out of the driveway before the sun comes up and pull back in long after dusk. If so, you may actually be unaware of the condition of your home’s exterior or the fact that it may need freshening up. In this blog we will provide you with a list of signs that it is time to paint your home.

  • Do an exterior walk of your home during the daylight hours, on a weekend if you work during the week. This is the best time to notice if the paint is fading. It is easiest to identify if you can find a nook or cranny on the house that is shaded and compare the sharpness of the color with an area that is in the direct weather more often.
  • The paint shows signs of wear aside from fading. For example, perhaps the exterior of the home is showing signs of rot or mold. Those are indicators that the home’s exterior needs some serious attention which may include repainting.
  • If the caulk is cracking on the exterior surfaces of the home or otherwise appears brittle, this means the caulk has lost its elasticity and should be updated. In other words, the exterior needs to be repainted. This will prevent further wear and tear on the home.
  • You are selling your house. This is often a difficult decision. You really don’t want to pay to update the home’s exterior if you are not staying there, but potential buyers are attracted to homes that look fresh and updated. It’s called curb appeal and the most common way to get it is by painting. Consider the cost and benefits. Ultimately you can pass the cost of the painting on to the buyer in the form of a higher price.

Finally, a home’s exterior should be painted every five to ten years. Knowing this – you may be in need of a paint job. If so, don’t hesitate to call the experts at University Painters, Inc. Your home is our business.

Interior Exterior Painting
Written by Colleen Kalil

Color Choices & Your Mood

Interior Exterior PaintingYes, it’s true. Color has a psychological effect on your mood. There is an actual area of study that focuses solely on this and it’s called color psychology. Simply defined it is the study of hues ‘as a determinant of human behavior’. Color can have both positive and negative effects on individuals. Some will elicit happiness, others anger, and still others depression.

While there is no question that color can influence a person’s mood, there are a variety of factors that must be taken into consideration. For example, age, gender and culture all play a role in how a color is perceived by the individual. Some studies have shown that men find women more attractive when they are wearing the color red! Research also confirms that warm colors may invoke more of a tendency to make a spontaneous purchase! It is obvious that color psychology is complex, interesting and useful.

But what does this have to do with exterior, interior and commercial painting? Well, a lot actually. After all, when you undertake a painting project the aim is to improve the overall presentation of a room, home or business. It could generally be accepted that the outcome should be one that fosters happiness and pride. So, more than a little thought should go into the colors you choose for any paint job.

Remember that red and orange are stimulating. These are hues that must be used after much reflection and thought. Most often, they are not good color choices for the outside of a home or business, except perhaps as trim or accent. Even indoors, red and orange are powerful and should be used sparingly unless the aim of the room is to be stimulating.

Meanwhile, the color white invokes visions of cleanliness and purity. It is overwhelming the choice of color for many business and home exteriors. It gives a feeling of sterility (austerity even to some extent), so it is hardly a color to give to a room where people and family gather.

Ultimately, every color tends to evoke subtle emotions. Keep this in mind when you set out to improve your home’s appearance. Take some time and get comfortable with a color before you make it a permanent part of your residence or business.

If you have questions about residential or commercial painting, please call the experts at University Painters, Inc. for answers. Your home is our business.

exterior painting,house painters
Written by Colleen Kalil

Boost Your Home’s Value with These Update Tips

exterior painting,house paintersWhether you are in the market to sell your home or not there comes a time when you pull up in the driveway and the house – your pride and joy and probably largest investment – is looking rather worn. Well, in this blog we will give you some tips on how to freshen and modernize the presentation without ‘breaking the bank’. Even better – these ideas won’t take more than a weekend afternoon to complete.

Install a new mailbox! Who knew that the receptacle for bills and correspondence could add to or detract from the overlook of your home. If this is a project you choose to undertake put some fun into it. Go ‘mailbox’ shopping on line or at some of the fancy hardware stores. Consider your mailbox to be a fashion statement, a finishing touch that will make the house stand out. It’s true – sometime little changes can make the biggest differences.

Do you have railing or fencing along the front or sides of your house? Think about installing something new and different. Today’s fences run the gamut of wood to concrete in a wide variety of colors and styles. Again, something as simple as updated railings can give the house a whole new look.

While you’re at it – don’t forget the trim. Perhaps the idea of painting the whole exterior of your house seems all too daunting. Instead, consider freshening up the trim. Perhaps choose an alternate color that complements the home. Or, if you do not have trim you may want to add it as accent. Trim also comes in a number of colors and styles and it’s a great way to say ‘welcome home’.

Did you ever think about changing the style and look of the numbers you use on your house? They come in such a variety of sizes, fonts and colors you may have trouble narrowing down your final choice!

Don’t forget the door! A new door (with the addition of a screen door or not as a separate decision) can make a style statement about your home all by itself. Doors come in a variety of materials and may be with or without windows. If your house is very neutral in color a door can be all the more impressive.

So, there you have it. Although our business is exterior residential and commercial painting we here at University Painters, Inc. want you to know we are knowledgeable about all aspects of home and business presentation. Have a question? We’re here and waiting for your call.

exterior painting,painters, residential painting job
Written by Colleen Kalil

Updating Your Home’s Look for Less

exterior painting,painters, residential painting jobDoes your home seem to look duller these days? You can’t put your finger on it, but it needs to be updated. The whole house is not in need of a paint job. It’s only the shutters that could use a fresh coat. Shutters are a common addition to many homes. They serve many purposes. They can be a decorative addition or may be used to keep harsh sunlight out. If it’s the shutters that you want painted, here are some hints to tackling this job properly.

Choose a complementary or contrasting color that you are going to enjoy. Many people don’t realize just what an important role shutters play in the overall look of the house until they are painted a color that doesn’t look right. Try to find pictures of homes that are similar to yours and are sporting shutters in a color you are considering as a precursor to making the decision.

Clean the shutters thoroughly prior to the painting process. You may need to use a little bleach to rid them of mold and stains. Allow them to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Just as you would when painting a house, the next step is to scrape off any paint chips or flakes. Otherwise they become part of the new paint job.

Now, prime the shutters just as you would the house. This helps to ensure they are ready to bond with the paint and allows the paint to adhere more thoroughly. A good priming job prior to painting also helps to guarantee a cleaner, brighter look that will last longer!

When you begin the actual painting process, start at the top of the shutter and work your way down. Apply the paint with a lighter stroke so the painted areas do not have tell-tale signs of paint brush marks.

Finally, apply two coats of paint. One will simply not give you the long-lasting paint job you are looking for.

Sound like a lot of work? Too busy to do the job yourself? Then turn to the professionals at University Painters. We have been in the interior, exterior and commercial painting business for  32 years. We will treat your home as if it’s our own.

house painter, exterior painter
Written by Colleen Kalil

Paint that Sells the Home

house painter, exterior painterHave you ever gone house hunting and were totally put off by an exterior or interior color that was off-putting, if not downright ugly? You’ve seen those houses painted bubble gum pink or candy cane red on the outside. It’s probably going to be the same house that has interior walls the color of a forest with neon baseboards for added interest.

Believe me when I tell you that the color of your home both inside and out can either draw prospective customers to your home if you are getting ready to sell or repel them. All indications are that if you are getting ready to sell your house, it has a better chance of moving on the market if you keep these things in mind.

Choose a color that blends well with your natural surroundings and the larger neighborhood. For example, if you live in Arizona, the overwhelming majority of homes are a shade of taupe on the outside with subtle trim and an arid, clean color on the inside. Conversely, homes in New England look better and are more likely to sell if they are a shade of white or gray with neutral trims. These colors give off a stately vibe that the potential buyer feels without having to say anything.

Blue is another popular choice for a home’s exterior, but this should be done with the same caution as choosing any other color palette. Again, a blue house would be out of place in many areas of the country. But, it would be just as much at home near a beach, especially with white trim and particularly if the color of blue is muted.

Occasionally, accent walls on the exterior of the home can provide a bold statement. It can make your house stand out while still blending into the overall neighborhood. For example, you might try a charcoal colored or indigo blue accent wall against a cream-colored house.

It’s a good idea to put some thought into the color you choose to paint your house long before you begin the process. Remember, color can draw buyers to you or send them fleeing in the other direction, even if the location is good and the price is right.

If you need some expert advice on painting your house, we here at University Painters pride ourselves on our long-standing professional service. Before you buy that first gallon of paint, give us a call. We would be delighted to work with you!

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.

painting services,house painters, interior painting
Written by Colleen Kalil

What to do with Leftover Paint

painting services,house painters, interior paintingLeftovers! 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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