Tag Archives: University Painters

There are many differences between staining an item or painting it. First, the chemical makeup of paint and wood stains is distinctly different as are the circumstances of their use. The choice of either for interior and exterior use will depend on the type of wood it is intended to cover. Rough surfaces will look better with stain while smooth surfaces will look better with paint.

There are similarities in paint and wood stains. For instance, both can be either oil or water-based. Stains also come in gel form as well. Oil based stains are less environmentally friendly but if you are staining indoors it is important to ensure you have ample ventilation (which, of course, is important when painting indoors also).

Relatively new to the marketplace are gel stains. This type of stain is the consistency of a thick paste, so it does not penetrate into the wood like thinner stains or paint. The advantage of this stain type is that the natural wood grain tends to shine through more clearly and without blotches – which often occurs with oil and water-based stains. Finally, stains enhance a wood-look where paints can change the mood and color completely.

Paint is mostly oil-based or latex. Oil-based paints are most often used for interior paintings while latex is the preferred type of paint for a home’s exterior. The reason for this is that latex paint resists fading and is also weather-resistant in all types of climates.

There are other differences in paint and stain as well. Stain soaks into the wood while paint acts as a film that lays atop it. Too, paint is much more expensive than a stain. Surfaces that are going to be painted generally need to be primed in advance which is extra time and effort. Staining a surface requires little to no preparation. Stains also act to enhance the substrate (surface) and accent the fact that it is a wood surface. Paint provides an altogether different outcome.

Finally, stains are easier to maintain. That does not mean they last any longer because there is no evidence of that. Stained exteriors, fences, furniture or other materials will require regular maintenance the same as if an item has been painted. Latex is generally preferred for exterior painting because it weathers better than oil-based paint and is more resistant to fading and chalking.  Latex paint is preferred for all climates, but particularly for harsh climates found in all parts of the country. 

Keep these things in mind when you begin to plan upgrades to the interior or exterior of your home. Don’t hesitate to contact the experts at University Painters, Inc. for all your painting needs!

Today’s consumers are more aware than ever of the impact their decisions have on the environment. For decades, Americans have been painting the interiors and exteriors of their homes with ‘abandon’ and frankly little thought about how that excess paint will affect everything from landfills to the water table. In this blog we will offer some brief insight into the subject and hopefully leave the discerning homeowner better prepared to make ecologically sound decisions!

It should come as no surprise that the ingredients in most interior and exterior paints are toxic. Paints and stains may contain lead, petroleum and a variety of other unhealthy materials that can have long-lasting and unexpected outcomes. Science has labeled these paint ingredients as VOCs or volatile organic compounds. This means the chemicals evaporate fairly quickly at room temperature. While this is advantageous in the short term, anyone who has been around a freshly painted indoor or outdoor area can attest to the fact that the ‘fresh paint’ smell lasts for a few weeks. It can have negative short and long-term health impacts. Water-based paints will have a significantly less negative impact, but they are not entirely environmentally safe.

All types of paint are classified as ‘chemical waste’ and must be disposed of accordingly. It is important to take the time to understand the various types of paint and their chemical makeup in advance of its purchase. The best advice is to buy paints with the lowest VOC possible – there are even paint companies that claim to make 100% eco-friendly indoor and outdoor paints.

If you want to be environmentally aware then another suggestion is to buy only the amount of paint you need. Often people overbuy and then are left with the decision of what to do with the excess paint. Unfortunately, the decisions they make are generally not supportive of the environment.

Other ways to minimize your impact on the environment when painting or staining your home is to properly store the paint then reuse or recycle it in the future. By placing plastic wrap securely over the top of the paint can before tightly securing the lid, you are creating a seal that will keep the paint fresh and usable.

Finally, if you are unsure of what to do with excess paint or stain, contact your industrial waste specialists in the area. They will be happy to help.

Want a fresh and environmentally sound look to your home? Contact University Painters, Inc.

At University Painters, we pride ourselves on not only our extensive experience and quality workmanship but also on maintaining clear lines of communication with our clients. Clients who entrust their homes to us deserve the highest level of service and should never be left in the dark about any aspect of their project.

We understand the importance of keeping you in the loop and are always available to answer your questions. If you have any of the following common client concerns, please contact us and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.

How much will this project cost? University Painters provides a free written estimate before starting any project. Each bid describes in detail all of the tasks to be performed, including both the prep work and the painting itself.

How often will I be updated on the progress of my project and expected completion date? Your project is our priority. Unlike some contractors who try to squeeze you in between larger jobs or show up only when it’s convenient for them, University Painters provides you with a precise timeframe or specific date the work will be completed. We’ll tell you exactly which days we’ll be there and also give you specific daily start and end times so you’ll know when to expect us.

Do you clean up after yourselves at the end of each day? Regardless of how long your project lasts, you don’t want to end up living with a mess that sloppy painters leave behind. Our crews respect the home and possessions of our clients. When they’re done for the day, they’ll clean everything up and sweep or vacuum any dirt or dust that may be left behind.

At University Painters, our clients always know what to expect so there are no surprises. For more information on our services, or to schedule a consultation, please visit our website at https://universitypainters.com.