Paints | University Painters

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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

Decorative Arts, Exterior Painting, Indoor Painting, Interior Painting, Littlest Things, Paint, Paint Cans, Painting, Painting Processes, Painting Projects, Paints, Preparation Wills, Visual Arts, Wash, Weekend Handyman

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

16 October 2018

Homeowner Associations Oversight of Exterior (and Interior) Painting

So you’ve bought your first home or condo. It is likely going to be the most expensive investment you will make in your lifetime with mortgage payments being made for a good part of your adult life. The joy one experiences as a homeowner is incomparable. However, if you have bought a home that is part of a homeowners association (HOA), it is best to read the fine print prior to signing your name on the dotted line. All too often you may find that there are unexpected restrictions that will prevent you from making changes to the home’s exterior and sometimes even the interior.

The purpose of an HOA is to help protect the community’s property value as a whole. They intend to maintain a certain presentation that is shared across homes. For example, you may be prevented from painting the exterior of the home at all. Some people may wish to change the color after a time but the contract does not grant permission. Even more importantly, painting services may be limited to a pre-approved list of companies. You may not be allowed to go out and find a contractor on your own.

That is not to say that HOAs are always draconian. In some instances, there may be a palette of colors from which to choose if you want to make your home look a little more individualized. This can apply to everything from the house front to the trim Or, perhaps you have a color you would like to use that is not one of the choices – it is possible to present a convincing argument to the HOA board.

However, if you are new to the mortgage scene, here are some facts you should know. The special restrictions of an HOA will be spelled out in the Master Deed that is signed by the homeowner which state that you agree to stay within the stated guidelines. If you decide to do otherwise – say paint your house an outrageous color outside, the HOA can impose fines and secure liens against the property until you are in compliance.

If you are in the market for an outstanding painting service, contact the professionals at University Painters, Inc. We know the ins and outs of exterior home and commercial painting.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

11 October 2018

Freshen Your Outdoor Look for the Holidays

The time is almost upon us. You know what I mean. The whirlwind of holidays that trip over each other from October to the beginning of the new year! Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas,

Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s run into each other with hardly a moment to take a breath! Homeowners are advised to look over their property now with a critical eye for upgrades that will help give their home that festive look.

Even though in many parts of the country the weather is taking a turn for the worse, there’s still time to put a fresh coat of paint on the exterior of your home. In fact, painting the outside of your home may be the simplest way to give your home curb appeal even if you have no intention of selling. When those trick-or-treaters come knocking at your door or the family shows up en masse with a fruitcake in one hand and gifts in the other, you will be able to feel an extra sense of pride knowing your home is ‘showcase ready’ for everyone to enjoy.

Remember, paint fades over time and the process is accelerated by the affects of sun, snow, wind and rain. When you look at your house day after day you may not notice that the exterior is waning and perhaps even a bit shabby. As September melts into October there is still time to have your home painted before winter sets in. Although each house is a unique circumstance, the average time frame for painting the outside of a house is roughly four days.

So, in the time span of a little more than a weekend you can have a whole new look to your home. We hope this blog has given you the push you need to arrange for a professional paint company to provide an estimate and time frame to update your home’s exterior. If you are in the market for an exceptional painting company, please give the experts at University Painters, Inc. a call. We provide superior customer service and our goal is your satisfaction.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

9 October 2018

A Consumer’s Guide to Trendy Paints

America is a country of choice. We like choice in everything we do – from our breakfast drinks to our appliances, our jobs and to our modes of transportation. In fact, we insist on it. Choice drives the economy! One can sometimes wonder if perhaps we don’t have too many choices on occasion. Take, for instance, paint. Those paint companies seem to never run out of subtle differences in shades that make it possible to offer a hundred variances on the simple color ‘white’ if we are so inclined to opt for them. But then try comparing them side by side. It can be overwhelming.

Indeed, the savvy consumer can quickly become bogged down with the intricacies of something as simple as picking out a paint color. There are dozens of brand names that all compete for the title of highest quality and most exclusive. Some paint companies prefer to market to the public as having the ‘greatest value’, ‘wear-ability’ or ‘durability’. So, you can see, that choosing paint is not nearly as simple as it might have been even twenty years ago. Is there anything out there that can help make the decision process easier?

Actually, there is. Consumer Reports, a magazine long respected for its thorough examination of many market niches, takes the time on occasion to test a wide variety of paints for multiple factors including, but not limited to, the very ones we spoke of in this blog. While we would not tout one paint over another for any reason in our blog – even if it has the Consumer Reports seal of approval – we would point you in their direction and advise you to take the time to read their research before making any final decisions. An educated consumer makes better choices.

However, we will second one of their most astute observations. As noted in a Consumer Reports study regarding paint options, it is a good idea to stay away from the cheapest brands. They will likely not provide the ‘wear-ability’, ‘durability’, or thorough covering you can expect from the more popular, and usually more expensive, brands.

It’s usually true what they say – you get what you pay for.

Need more hints about painting? Contact the experts at Universal Painters, Inc. Our goal is to provide the best service for your home.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

30 September 2018

What Professional Painters Wish Their Clients Knew

Whenever you spend money to improve or maintain your home, you’re making an investment in its value. When you hire professional service experts, you want their best work and it’s especially true with painters. Color is the first thing you notice when you step into a room followed by how well the paint was applied. Just as you want the best work from your painter, they’d like you to put forth your best efforts as well. Here are a few things the professionals wish their clients knew.

1. Back Seat Painters

You’ve hired an experienced professional so don’t look over their shoulder continuously. In addition to technical skills, a professional understands the product they’re using and its performance and properties. Asking endless questions and pointing out how you would do things differently isn’t just annoying, it’s rather insulting.

2. It Takes Time

If you want to end up with a spectacular paint job, you should expect about 30% of the time to be devoted to preparation work. There’s a distinct difference between a fast, slipshod job and a careful, painstaking process.

3. Do Your Part of the Prep

Your painter will expect to do the majority of the prep work as part of the project, but you can save around 10% on your project if you do your part preparing for the painter. Remove all pictures from the walls, put away knick-knacks or other valuable objects, and make sure the room is clutter-free. For example, if you’re painting your family room, make sure toys, clothes, and other items are put away and there’s ample room to work in. The painter is there to paint, not clean house.

4. Pets and Little People

Keep pets and children out of the rooms to be painted. It’s easy to imagine paint being knocked over, brushes on surfaces other than walls, and paint tracked all over the house. Besides the obvious, it’s a distraction to answer questions, pet the dog or cat, and it slows down the pace of the work. Remember, the painter should be able to focus on painting.

University Painters are experienced professionals and are not only good at our jobs, we’re good with our customers. Contact us today to meet with one of our experts and begin your project.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

25 September 2018

Updating Your Home’s Look for Less

Does 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.

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Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

22 September 2018

Preparing to Paint

Fall is a great time to refresh your home’s interior. The weather is cooler and it’s an opportunity to get ready for the upcoming holiday season. The time it takes to prepare properly is well worth it when you see the results.

Furniture

If at all possible, remove the furniture from the room and cover the floor with a drop cloth. If you can’t take all the furniture out, push everything into the middle of the room and cover with plastic or another drop cloth.

Cleaning

Before you paint, clean your windows inside and out. It isn’t necessary for painting, but it will add to the freshness of the room. You can also check the frames and glass for any signs of wear or damage. When the windows are done, cover the glass with plastic using painter’s tape to protect them from drips and splatters.

Repair any cracks, chips, or other damage to your walls. If you have to use putty to fill holes, make sure you sand it smooth. If you don’t, you’ll see the outline under the paint. Dust the walls and ceiling if you plan to paint it. Wash the walls with warm water and a little mild cleaner. By removing the dust first, you avoid creating dirty streaks when you wash the walls. Vacuum any vents in the ceiling or in the floor.

Taping

The best order for painting is trim, ceiling, and walls. Tape around the trim and around the ceiling, then paint. Let the ceiling paint dry completely before taping the top of the walls. Some people hate taking the time to tape, but it saves time and creates a finished look.

Painting

If the current wall color is very dark and you’re applying a lighter color, prime the walls first. However, some brands of paint include primer or the texture makes primer unnecessary. Using a small brush, cut into the corners of the room, where the ceiling and wall meet, and around the trim. Do this for any place your roller won’t be able to reach. Paint the walls using a “W” pattern starting in one corner and covering a 3′ x 3′ area. This reduces visible seams where the paint overlaps.

Drying

Most latex paint dries to the touch in a few hours, but you shouldn’t let anything rest against the wall or wash it for at least 48 hours.

The professionals at University Painters take the time to prepare every surface in your home to achieve the best results. Call us today and schedule your fall refresh today.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

18 September 2018

Paint that Sells the Home

Have 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!

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

16 September 2018

Mixing Brick and Exterior Color

A brick home offers a unique presentation. To the passerby, it can look stately. To the homeowner, it can feel like a combination of old-world charm and comfort. There was a time when the choice of brick exteriors extended only to what shade of red or chartreuse you liked. Today however, a brick home still offers the owner a variety of options to make their house look unique and stand out from the rest. This can involve either changing the color of the brick itself or the trim in complementing or contrasting pigments.

The easiest way to make a change is to paint the brick itself. This opens up a variety of choices for the homeowner. Some may prefer a muted or neutral color of paint while others may make more bold choices such as painting the brick white. The exterior of a brick home painted in white offers an entirely new and updated look. It can feel modern and chic. At the same time it opens up further options. The home’s trim can be a color that contrasts, thereby accenting and highlighting the white brick or it can remain a neutral, muted tone, such as a gray or brownish tint on the framing and door.

If you do choose to paint the brick white, take the time to look at the breadth of shades in that color. There are many toned-down whites that are not as stark, such as creams and even light beige. Some homeowners have even used a whitewash or translucent color that offers a more aged look. There are those who swear this route offers easier upkeep and a more classic appearance.

Whatever color you choose, take the extra step of painting a small portion of the house in that color prior to ‘taking the plunge’. This will help to ensure you can live with your decision before you come home to a totally new look you did not expect. Still another color that is a common choice for painting brick homes is a shade of gray. This can be equally as stunning, particularly when paired with white or charcoal trim.

Other colors that harmonize are yellow and cream, and green or black and gray. It’s up to you. And remember, if you want to keep your brick home its original color, painting the trim in a beautiful accent color can make it stand out just as much.

Whatever you choose, first choose University Painters. We are experienced in painting all types of exterior and interior surfaces and will treat your home like it’s our own!

interior painting, painters, paint colors

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

7 September 2018

Color Trends for 2018-2019

interior painting, painters, paint colors Have you ever walked into someone’s house and thought, “That color is so 1970s?” It’s easy to tell the last time a home was painted based on the color palette. While some colors are timeless, there are definite trends in color families, hue, and tone. Read on for the hottest colors for 2018 and 2019.

In House Beautiful’s May 2018 issue, the top five color trends for interiors were Sage, Gold, Ultra Violet, Crimson, and Teal. Bold colors are in, and it’s your chance to experiment. If you’ve never had anything except white walls, try something new. Select one, two, or more colors you’d like to try and paint a 2′ x 2′ area on the wall. Paint color often dries darker than it appears in the can. You’ll also want to see it at different times of the day.

Trends for 2019 are a bit more subtle, but they’re still not typical. Hazelnut, Lilac, Gray, Dark Green, and pastels are at the top of the list for color choices. The choices you make will depend on the style of your home, the room’s purpose, and your personal taste. Color psychology is a great way to guide your choice.

Colors in the red-orange family are warm and stimulate Purple your senses. While reds are associated with danger or caution, they convey power and energy. Orange is also energetic but in a lighter way than red. Yellow has a feeling of joy, brightness, and happiness. Children whose favorite color is yellow tend to be happier and more positive.

Blue and green represent nature, freshness, and growth, but also stability and safety. Most shades of green are calming colors, good choices for bedrooms or the living room. The lighter the colors in this palette, the more soothing the effect.

The color of royalty, purple has gained in popularity over the last few years. Purple represents wealth, luxury, and creativity.

White is a timeless classic and ranges from bright white to eggshell. White symbolizes purity, goodness, and cleanliness. It’s an excellent neutral if your furnishings have busy patterns or bold colors. Be careful when choosing bright whites. Depending on the light source and lighting in your home, it can appear harsh.

No matter what your color preferences are, the experts at University Painters can help you select the right color for you and apply it to perfection. Call us or go online for an appointment.

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