Painting And The Environment | University Painters

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

29 July 2018

What to do with Leftover Paint

painting services,house painters, interior painting Leftovers! 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!

Design, Maintenance, Paint Colors

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

21 July 2018

Summer Time Is Painting Time

exterior painting, home painters Summer can be a great time to complete home improvement projects, especially if they’re outdoor projects. If you’re thinking about painting your home’s exterior, consider the following tips to get the best results.

1. Prepare. For the best results, take the time to prepare the painting surface. It should take as much time to prepare as it does to paint. Wash off dirt or mud, scrape or sand any peeling paint, treat areas that have mold or mildew, repair any gouges, cracks, or other damage. The extra effort will be worth the time spent.

2. Time of day. Spend as much time as possible painting in the morning before it gets hot. Evenings are good a time to paint as well, but even after the sun goes down, the exterior of your home retains heat.

3. Wind. If the weather forecast predicts breezy or windy conditions, postpone your painting. Blowing dirt and debris can stick to wet paint. If that happens, you’ll be back at square one sanding and scraping paint. The same goes for rain. Avoid painting either before or after a storm.

4. Sunlight. Don’t paint in direct sunlight. The sun can increase the temperature of your home’s exterior by 10 to 15 degrees. It may affect how well the paint adheres to the surface. Schedule painting time so you can be in the shade throughout the day. It’s some times referred to as “following the sun”. Take advantage of overcast days to do as much painting as possible.

5. Temperature. The optimal temperature for painting is around 75 to 80 degrees with less than 50% humidity. Avoid painting on the hottest days. If paint dries too fast, which means the water portion of the paint is evaporating too quickly, it can cause cracking or peeling. To slow the rate of evaporation, put ice in the bottom of your paint container, cover it with a plastic liner, and then pour in the paint.

For the best results any time of year, contact University Painters. We’re experts in our field and are prepared to tackle your painting project. Call us today for a free estimate.

Maintenance, Paint Colors

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

8 July 2018

How to Know it’s Time to Paint Your House!

exterior painting, House Painters Have you been pulling into the driveway lately and feeling that the house staring back at you seems a bit worn? Is it looking dull? Do the other homes in the neighborhood seem newer and more modern? Perhaps all that you really need is a fresh coat of paint to spruce up the place and make it feel new again – and the same is as true for the inside as outside! Putting a fresh coat of paint on the house or inside is like updating your wardrobe! Here are some sure-fire ways to know when it’s time to paint!

You know it’s time to paint when you see the paint cracking or bubbling. This could actually signal more significant problems underneath the paint such as dry rot or mold. Both of these are issues that will cause long-term and significant damage if they are not addressed.

Check the caulking on the windows outside (and inside). Dried and cracked caulking is also an indication you need to take a closer look at the condition of the home and spruce it up. Upkeep is often cheaper than letting things deteriorate so badly that they cause costly damage to the overall structure.

Is the color of the paint looking dingy? Faded? Perhaps one side of the house gets more sun than the other and that causes discoloration. Weather plays an important role in how the outside of your home holds up. Do a monthly or bimonthly walk around as a way to identify problems with the paint and/or structure.

Paint your home – just because. Because you have lived there for a few years and want a change. Because you found a color you like better and think it will give the home greater curb appeal (you want curb appeal even if you are not selling the home as it keeps its value elevated). Or because it hasn’t been painted in 7 years or more – the recommended amount of time between paint jobs.

While these are the main reasons for painting the exterior, you may decide to do it simply because you want a change. One sure way that can happen is by putting on a whole new color! Whatever your reason for choosing to paint, when the time comes we hope you will call the professionals at University Paint. We would be happy to provide a quote and provide the highest quality service. We look forward to speaking with you.

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.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

19 February 2018

Preparing Your Home For An Exterior Paint Job

Nearly half of the painting process for painting the exterior of your home is preparation, so make sure to follow these steps to guarantee that the exterior paint will look great and last.

Wash Your Home’s Exterior

Wash your house’s exterior from top to bottom prior to having it painted. A thoroughly washed surface can maximize the adhesion of the new paint to the exterior surfaces. Consider renting a power pressure washer, which can save you hours of time and effort you would otherwise spend with hand washing. You can wash your exterior with regular tap water; use clean additives only when there is mold and heavy stains. Allow your home to dry for at least one day prior to having it painted.

Make Repairs

Paint isn’t the solution to damaged or rotten surfaces of your home. It will only cover the unsightly marks. Repair any damaged areas of your home first prior to painting it. You may do this on your own but there are instances when you have to seek help from a carpenter or a handyman. Get professional help when the job calls for replacement or repairs of crucial parts of your house, such as stairs or overhangs.

Trim Nearby Plants And Trees

Be sure to trim the trees, plants and bushes close to your home before getting your exterior painted. This will provide enough space to work outside around the house without the painters having to brush off branches and thorns that can potentially injure them. Trimming plants that are in close contact to your home can also prevent foliage from hitting the wet paint once applied.

Scrape Away Flaking Paint

After washing your home’s exterior, you need to scrap and sand away any loose paint. Taking off this old flaking paint may involve a lot of work but this is a crucial step. The condition of the surface that needs to be painted will determine the success of the project.

Houses built before 1978 may also have lead paint, so scraping and sanding the exteriors of these homes need to be done with care.

Prepping your home prior to a painting job will require a lot of work. Fortunately, these tasks can be included in your painting project when you hire a professional. This can help you save a great deal of time, effort and money. Contact us here at University Painters for professional painting services.

Regular Post

Written by Josh Jablon

2 January 2018

Home Issues That Homeowners Should Not Ignore

Homeowners do not have to fix minor cosmetic issues around the house right away but it is important to know how to identify problems that need to be addressed as soon as possible. Here are some of them:

Pest Damage

Many homeowners think that pest infestations are a mere annoyance but rats and termites do not just bring germs and other pathogens into your home. They can also cause tremendous amount of physical damage to your home in a short period of time.

Water Leaks

Figures from the United States Geological Survey agency show that a slow leak can cost a family more than $200 a year in wasted water. Besides wasting money on your utility bill, water leaks will damage virtually everything that it touches.

Broken Garage Door

A broken garage door can pose a safety risk to your family. Thieves can easily break in if you have an unfixed garage door. A garage door that does not close all the way also gives easier access to pests.

Damage To The Roof

A damaged roof can decrease the value of your property. It can also result in structural problems when rainstorms occur. Homeowners need to check the roof and the attic for signs of water damage at least twice a year.

Frayed Wires

Many homeowners ignore repairing damaged wiring unless they run into important home appliances such as the refrigerator. Frayed wires are unfortunately one of the most common causes of house fires. The condition can create short circuits that may possibly escalate into a fire hazard.

Flaking Paint

Colors can transform your house into a home. Adding an extra coat of paint will not only increase the value of your property, it can also improve insulation and protect the structure of your home.

Peeling paint is a common problem for ceilings and bathroom walls because of possible water leaks and high humidity. Flaking paint can be an eyesore in what could be an attractive bathroom but there is another reason why peeling paint warrants attention: areas with flaking paints serve as a prime breeding ground for disease-causing bacteria and mildew.

If your home was built before 1978, it likely used lead-based paint so it’s a good idea to hire a professional who can handle the repair. University Painters can provide you with the professional painting services that you need. Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your painting issues in your home.