Paint | University Painters

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

14 June 2018

New Paint Technology And Trends

home painters, interior painting Every industry has to continue to innovate in order to remain relevant and the paint industry is no exception. Changes in environmental and healthcare industries have driven changes in many home décor products including carpeting and paint.

People are more and more aware of the impact of everything we put in, around, or on our bodies. Home should be a place where we’re safe from pollutants and other contaminants. The toxic effects of paint on our health have been documented and are pointed to as the source of many common ailments for both people and animals. One of the biggest concerns about paint are VOCs, or volatile organic compounds. VOCs can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, visual problems, and respiratory distress. Symptoms as serious as memory loss have been attributed to VOCs.

Having plants in your home can improve the air quality, but why not get to the real source of the problem and give your home’s interior a fresh coat of paint? Eco-friendly paint, that is. There are a number of good, eco-friendly options to choose from. They may be a bit more expensive, but in the long run, your health is worth the price.

Three well-known paint manufacturers, Sherwin-Williams, Behr, and Benjamin Moore, all have eco-friendly paint options readily available.

1. Sherwin-Williams Harmony paint line is VOC-free and works with other household products to improve air quality.

2. Behr’s Premium Plus paints are VOC-free with paint and primer all in one.

3. Benjamin Moore’s Natura products are VOC-free, as well as asthma and allergy-friendly.

As our society becomes more aware and more concerned with environmental issues established companies are developing new product lines and innovative newcomers are introducing new technologies into the marketplace.

1. The Real Milk Paint Co. products are different from water and oil-based paints. They’re made from real milk protein and instead of a liquid are often sold as powder.

2. Earth Pigments markets another great alternative to conventional paint. They’re sustainable because they are mineral and plant-based.

3. Bioshield products are eco-friendly, solvent and VOC-free paints and wood stains suitable for interior and exterior use.

At University Painters, we can help you select eco-friendly paint options that will not only beautify your home, but protect your family’s health and well-being. Contact us today at 800-390-4848 for a free consultation.

interior painting, exterior painting, painters

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

31 May 2018

When and Where to Use Matte, Semi-Gloss, or Gloss Paint

interior painting, exterior painting, painters Paint is one of the easiest ways to freshen up and improve the appearance of your home both inside and out. Whether you’ve just moved into a new place, or you’re just in the mood for a new look, painting can transform your home quickly and inexpensively. Once you select the color, you should give some thought to the paint’s finish. Common choices for finish are matte, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. The finish you choose will impact how long it lasts, how quickly it gets dirty, and how easy it is to keep clean.

The gloss in the paint you choose determines how much it will shine, or reflect light. Paint with a matte, or flat finish, has no shine; it contains 0 to 10% gloss. Matte paint is the most difficult to keep clean so if you have kids or pets, it may be best to not use matte paint in high-traffic areas. However, since matte paint has no gloss to reflect light, it’s a good selection to use on walls where you want to hide irregularities or repairs. Matte paint is usually the lowest priced paint as well, so consider it if you have a large area to cover.

Satin finish and semi-gloss paint have more gloss than matte, 25 to 35 percent and 35 to 70 percent respectively. It has a shinier finish than matte and is easier to clean. While it’s typically used for interior doors, woodwork around doors and windows, consider using it in higher traffic areas such as the bathroom and kitchen. This paint will also last longer when exposed to water, soap, or grease. One downside of higher gloss paints is that they don’t hide imperfections in the wall or on wood.

High-gloss paint has 70 percent or higher reflectivity and can be used in the same places as low-gloss paint. However, make sure you really want the area to have a very shiny finish. High-gloss paint is the most durable, and the easiest to clean. Like semi-gloss paint, it doesn’t hide the flaws in walls or other surfaces. Think about whether shine or a little camouflage is more important to you.

If you’re unsure which type of paint to use in your house, the experts at University Painters can work with you to select the best finish for your needs. Call us today for an appointment.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

27 May 2018

Pressure Wash Carefully To Prevent Damage

painters, repair,, maintenance services Pressure washers are a quick way to clean up discolored surfaces around your property. A pressure washer uses a powerful blast of water and steam and should be used carefully to prevent damage and prevent personal injury. They can be used for many purposes but can damage some wood, aluminum siding, and stone surfaces.

Pressure washing a deck can clean off built-up dirt and grease and even remove old paint. Newer composite deck materials may not require such a high-powered device. Most wood used for decks can stand up to a pressure washing but first test a small, inconspicuous place to be sure the wood can handle the pressure.

Do not pressure wash your painted house! It may be tempting, but will likely damage the paint and take it off in some places. If you want to wash down your home, a little soap and water with your normal garden hose are more than sufficient for cleaning. Sometimes a pressure washer can be used on vinyl – not aluminum – siding, but it’s best to check with an expert before proceeding.

Another area to avoid using a power washer is the roof. Regardless of the material used for your roof, power cleaning can cause damage and be expensive to repair. If you have trouble with moss or other natural grown on the shingles, try a little bleach and water. The problem can also be prevented by cutting back branches that overhang the roof and block sunlight.

Concrete is the perfect surface to power wash and remove mold, mildew, and grease. University Painters are knowledgeable and experienced and know how to clean the surfaces around your house without damaging them. Call us today for a free consultation.

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.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

19 May 2018

Keep Your Home’s Paint Looking Like New

When you paint your home’s interior or exterior, you can keep it looking new longer if you know how to take care of it. Most people paint their homes then forget about it until it needs to be repainted. Regular maintenance can extend the life of the paint in your home and ultimately save you money. Here are three tips you may not know.

1. Keep an eye out for any spots or stains from dirt, grease, or crayons, etc. It’s easiest to clean spots when they’re fresh rather than after they’re ground in and covered with more dirt. Take into consideration the finish on your wall. Scrubbing too hard on a matte wall may remove more than just the stain. Try to remove the stain with a damp sponge first. If the stain is stubborn, add a little dish soap on the sponge and try again.

2. Mold is never a good sign. It usually develops in moist, damp areas such as bathrooms and basements. If you find mold, you can purchase special paint to cover the area, or you can start with a simple solution of water and bleach. Check the surface a few months later to make sure the problem has been solved. If the mold continues to spread, you may want to call in a professional to help.

3. Most people don’t realize that paint can fade the same way fabrics can fade. Start with a high-quality paint to avoid this problem. However, if you’re unsure of the quality of the paint you have on your walls, or if you like your room sunny and bright all day long, consider tinting your windows with a UV coating.

A little effort will keep your home looking freshly painted for a long time. The professionals at University Paints use the finest quality materials and are available to consult with you about your painting needs. Contact us today.

Maintenance, Paint Colors

Architecture, Cleaner Spot, Damp, Extends, Interior Painting, Keeping Your Home, Look New, Paint, Paint Look, paint your home, Paints, People Painting, Ss Interiors, Visual Arts, Wood Stain

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

31 March 2018

Painting Your Walls With These Colors Can Brighten Up Your Mood

Are you redecorating or looking to freshen up a space in your home? Are you looking for the right paint color to boost your mood? Choosing the right color can be a challenge, especially when you want different shades in different rooms. You don’t want your home to be the same color throughout.

The bedroom, for example, should be a calming and relaxing oasis where you get away from it all. Meanwhile, the dining room should make you feel alive and social. Sometimes white and off-white doesn’t always cut it. Try out some of these colors to improve your mood.

Blue

Blue is a popular shade because it’s so calming and relaxing. It helps devoted yogis to stay centered and focused. Blue can lower your blood pressure, clear your mind, and help steady your breathing. It’s perfect to use in a room where you meditate, lounge and rest, or practice yoga often.

White

Believe it or not, white is a tried and true color. Some people are afraid to paint their walls white because it can attract dust and dirt. Painting your home white will make it look more open and inviting. While it’s not a calm or relaxing color, white can make you feel happy and clean.

Yellow

Liven up your home with bright sunny yellow. Nothing is more joyful than walking into a yellow kitchen early in the morning. Most people are drawn to yellow because it represents the sun’s rays. Use it in rooms where you entertain your family and friends such as the breakfast room, kitchen, or sun room. However, if you have severe anxiety, you may want to choose a softer hue.

Green

This color is perfect for your office as it can reduce anxiety and promote prosperity. When most people think of green, they think of emerald green or bright green. This shade comes in relaxing hues that’s gentler on your eyes and is known to be calming and soothing. For those who love the great outdoors but live in the city, they may choose to use blue-green or forest green.

Red

You can use red as an accent color or all over your walls. Some people find red too loud in large amounts. Use a softer shade in a room where you and your family frequent the most. It’s a perfect color for socializing with your friends and family, especially around the holiday season.

Need a fresh coat of paint in your home? Contact University Painters today to find out about our interior painting services. We can bring new life and help improve your mood. Call our estimators to get a quote on your next interior painting project.

interior painting,exterior painting, home painters

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

22 March 2018

Benefits Of Painting The Interior Walls Of Your Home

Winter is actually the best time to paint the interior walls of your home. A fresh coat of paint can transform a room and remove years of built up stains and dirt. To learn why an interior painting project is so important, here are some advantages you can achieve with just a few coats of paint.

Cleans and Refreshes Your Walls

When you repaint your walls, the first step is to prepare the surface by sanding and cleaning them. You then lay down a layer of primer that’s known as a base coat. During this process, your walls become cleaner than they’ve been in a long time. You wouldn’t go without cleaning your floors and carpets. Why wouldn’t you want cleaner walls and ceilings?

Protects Your Interior Walls

Interior paint serves a similar purpose to exterior paint. Paint keeps out moisture, preventing mold or mildew from building up. It also repels dirt, dust, and allergens from your walls. If you live in an older home that has plaster walls, the paint can prevent dust from forming where the plaster would otherwise deteriorate.

Looks Aesthetically Pleasing

Most people love the dramatic change that comes with painting their walls. If you live in a smaller space, painting the walls a bright color can help open up that space. Light paint colors create space while dark colors make rooms feel cozier and smaller.

Be mindful of the paint color you use. Use a dark color on an accent wall to add a pop of color without making your room feel cold and cramped. A change of color can change the mood and style of a room. Reds and some yellows are ideal for kitchens and dining rooms, while blues and purples are perfect for bedrooms.

Increases the Value of Your Home

Thinking of reselling your home in the next few years? One of the best ways to improve the value of your home while saving money is to repaint your walls. It’s an affordable way to remodel, and it makes your home look attractive to potential buyers. If you want to make a small change on your home before putting it on the market, painting it is a great way to get a big return on your investment.

University Painters can help you with your next interior painting job. We’ll work with you to make your home remodeling project a success. Contact our professional and qualified estimators today to get an expert quote.

home renovation, painting jobs, interior,exterior painting

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

16 March 2018

5 Signs That Your Entire Home Needs A Renovation

Renovating your home can be stressful for you and your wallet. If the overall quality of your home is deteriorating, then it’s time to plan your next remodeling project. Here are some ways to tell when it’s time to have your home renovated.

Your Roof Is Leaking

It’s not fun to hear water dripping late at night or to wake up to brown water stains on your ceiling. Leaks in your roof can mean the roof is old and has rotted away. It could also mean that the roofer you hired didn’t do a good job. Either way, your roof needs to be replaced.

Do you still have popcorn ceilings from decades past? Then your ceilings are due for an update as well. Popcorn ceilings are more susceptible to leaks and water stains than other types of ceilings.

The Paint On Your Walls Is Chipping

Another clue that your home needs renovating is when the interior paint starts to chip. Many factors affect your walls such as dirt and the chemicals you use. Apply a fresh layer of paint to your walls on the inside and exterior of your home. Touch up your cabinets, drawers, and other areas in your kitchen and bathrooms.

Outdated Paint Colors

Outdated colors are one of the most noticeable signs that your home needs a renovation. You don’t want your home to look like it came out of a bad 80’s movie. Consider using timeless colors such as black, white, and gray. More homeowners are now choosing timeless palettes that add a very modern or minimalist look but still looks trendy.

The Plumbing Literally Stinks

When your bathroom smells like an old bathroom, then you know you have plumbing problems. It’s time to replace those old and rusty fixtures with modern fixtures that conserve water and express your sense of style. You should also replace the toilet’s wax seal and fix any other leaks that exist.

Your Entire Home Feels Outdated

If you’re seeing a lot of vintage finishes inside and outside your home, then it’s time to start a remodeling project to update it. Older homes may have brass or gold door handles or gold finishes everywhere. The bathrooms may have gold fixtures and faucets.

You can do this project yourself without the help of a contractor. You can replace your fixtures inexpensively thanks to home improvement stores and online websites. New fans and light fixtures can be easily found too. It’ll probably cost you less than $400 to make some of these improvements.

If you feel it’s time for a remodeling project, contact University Painters today. We can update the interior and exterior of your home to your liking.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

11 March 2018

Choosing The Right Interior Paint For Your Home

Choosing the right paint color isn’t always a fun process. You can make it easier when you know exactly what you’re looking for. Deciding on the right paint color takes a little research, but it’ll make your interior painting project a whole lot easier.

You’ll probably end up with a few different color shades that you want to use. Here are some tips for choosing the right paint color that will help you avoid making a costly mistake.

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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