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Interior Painters,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Giving Your Home a New Look this Autumn

When a new season rolls around, it’s a great time to think about giving your home a makeover. In the chilly months ahead, you’ll no doubt be spending a lot of time indoors with friends and family, so why not change up your paint colors? With its diverse and vibrant hues, fall offers a lot of inspiration. Here are some tips to give your home a cozy new look for this autumn, and all year round.

One of the first things we think of at this time of year is the variety of colors we see decorating the trees around us. Combining warm shades such as orange, red, and brown mimics the colors of a vivid autumn forest, and helps bring the season to life inside your home. Deep, rich shades of green also evoke the feeling of the outdoors, and can add a touch of drama.

Earthy tones such as almond and chestnut not only create a cozy atmosphere for fall, but they’re also very versatile for all seasons. If you opt for a brown or tan backdrop, you might add splashes of color in accents such as pillows, rugs, and wall decor. For a toasty, rustic vibe, neutrals are a great place to start.   

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you might go for the bolder colors of the season. Orange is great for adding a bit of energetic flair to your home, and it’s also a staple color of autumn. Yellow keeps things cheery and bright as we go into the cold winter months. Paint is one of the easiest ways to update your home, so don’t be afraid to get creative.

For all of your painting needs, contact the experts at University Painters. We know that your home is one of the most important elements of your life, and that a great paint job is crucial to keeping it beautiful. We’ll work with you on your preferences and your budget to achieve your color scheme goals. Visit our website at universitypainters.com, or give us a call at 1-800-390-4848.

Blog, Paint Colors
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Painter,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Giving the Illusion of More Space

There’s no doubt that one of the primary goals of home decor is to make the most of your space. Whether you’d like to make a small room feel larger, or you just want to give your home a more open, welcoming vibe, paint is the best place to start. It’s also one of the easiest ways to make any room feel bigger and brighter.

Here are some tips on how to choose the right colors for your next home makeover. Of course, white is always a good option for creating an airy, spacious effect. It reflects light and provides a pure, simplistic backdrop for any home decor changes you might make in the future. The versatility and space-optimizing benefits of white make it a smart choice for pretty much any room you can imagine.

Another trick for alluding to more space is adding an accent wall. Painting one wall a bolder color than the remaining walls creates an optical illusion, as well as a strong focal point. Don’t be afraid to get creative! An accent color allows you to add a bright splash of color without committing to the shade for an entire room.

It’s also important to keep your ceiling lighter than your walls. Painting your ceilings a light color will instantly give the appearance of higher ceilings, making the room seem more open and spacious. You might also consider adding some stripes. Vertical stripes are a timeless trick for streamlining silhouettes, but have you ever thought of horizontal stripes for elongating walls? You can even experiment with contrasting colors to create depth.

Lastly, another useful tip for optimizing the space of a room is doing some color coordination. Keeping decor and accessories in the same color family as your walls gives the space a cohesive feel. Try matching rugs, furniture, lamps, and other accents to your wall color.

For all of your painting needs, trust the experts at University Painters to get the job done right. We’ll work with you on your color preferences to help you reach your home makeover goals. Call us at 1-800-390-4848, or visit us at universitypainters.com.

Blog, Paint Colors
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Annapolis Painter,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Do I Need To Stay Home When My House Is Painted?

Many home improvement projects are a big disruption to our daily schedules, and painting is no exception. At University Painters, we do our best to keep the disruption to a minimum. Generally, there is no need for you to remain in your home while the interior is being painted, unless of course that’s your preference.

While we leave the ultimate decision up to you, many of our clients prefer to vacate their homes during the project. Painting the entire interior is likely to take several days. Before we begin, we’ll prep all our work areas in order to protect your furniture and possessions from any accidental paint drips or splatters. This allows us to work more quickly and efficiently than if we focused on individual rooms. We’ll carefully cover all the beds, furniture, and appliances for the entirety of the project, so it’s up to you if you’d like to live in the home during this process. If you wish to stay or have no other alternative, we can accommodate you by either completing one bedroom first or saving it for last so you’ll be able to sleep at home.

University Painters uses high quality paints and the odor is generally not a problem. If we’re only painting walls and ceilings, for example, the odor may not be an issue for you. However, if you are sensitive to smells you may want to find alternative accommodations while the work is being done.

The painting of cabinets often has a more potent odor, as the prep process for these surfaces may require additional chemical agents. Since every client has a different tolerance level, we recommend leaving the home if possible.

Of course, for smaller projects, such as painting only a few rooms, it makes perfect sense to stay if that’s your preference. We pride ourselves on accommodating whichever choice you feel most comfortable with.

Should you decide to leave your home, you can feel confident that we hire only the most trustworthy crews, and have no reservations about leaving them unattended. For more information on our painting services, please visit our website at https://universitypainters.com.

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Paint Colors,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

2020’s Anticipated Color Trends

At University Painters, we understand the importance of designing a home environment that reflects your own personality and style. If you’re considering an interior color change, take a look at the contemporary paint palettes predicted to influence home decorating trends in the new decade.

Earlier this summer, Sherwin Williams released a color forecast of 45 hues the paint company expects will make waves in 2020. The colors are divided into 5 themes, all of which are intended to evoke tranquility and joy and serve as a counterbalance to the stresses in our modern lives.

Alive—The colors in the Alive palette are deep, rich jewel tones reminiscent of brightly colored fresh fruits and vegetables. The hues are inspired by mindful living and reflect the food we choose to put into our bodies. This palette celebrates thoughtfulness, time spent with our families, and peaceful hours spent at home. Ripe olives and fresh blues are some of the hallmarks of the Alive palette.

Mantra—Mantra is intended to conjure soothing images of Scandinavian design and Japanese minimalism. This palette draws its inspiration from natural materials and includes both cool and warm tones. They are versatile neutrals that complement a range of design styles.

Play—The Play palette is just what it suggests—fun, bold, and bright colors that add sudden bursts of color and interest to a room. It’s all about leaving cares and worries behind by releasing your inner child and embracing playfulness in everyday life. Aquas, bright pinks, and gold hues all play starring roles in this joyful palette.

Haven—Harkening back to last year’s nature-based palette, Haven is inspired by the gentle tones of the natural world. Its subtle shades reflect hues of the sea, forest, and sky. This palette soothes the senses and brings nature into your home.

Heart—The final palette in the 2020 forecast includes a selection of warm neutrals and brights such as clove and soft coral that complement popular mid-century furnishing styles. They also pair well with soft earth tones.

Whichever palette best suits your own personal decorating style, University Painters can help you bring your artistic vision to life. For more information on our services or to schedule an estimate, please visit our website at https://universitypainters.com.

Blog, Paint Colors
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Repaint, University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Should I Worry About Lead Paint?

We’ve all heard about the dangers of lead paint, but is it really something we need to worry about? For most of us, the short answer is probably not. However, lead paint can pose a significant health risk, so it’s important to understand when it can potentially cause a problem.

Lead paint was used in homes built before 1978, when the federal government banned its use. Some states outlawed it even earlier, but all homes constructed prior to 1978 could potentially contain lead paint. It’s generally not a problem unless older layers of paint are chipping, flaking, or sanded into dust. It can be exposed through repairs, remodeling, or extensive wear and tear.

Exposure to lead paint can cause serious health issues, especially in young children and pregnant women. High levels of lead can cause lead poisoning or brain or nervous system damage. In children, even low levels may cause behavioral problems or learning disabilities.

Because of their tendency to chew everything in sight, toddlers are most likely to ingest lead paint, especially if it is flaking or peeling off the walls in an older home. Children’s bodies absorb lead much more easily than adults; and even low levels of lead can harm a pregnant woman’s developing baby.

If you suspect lead paint in your home, you can send a paint sample to a certified laboratory, or use a home lead test kit. They are readily available at home improvement stores.

When lead paint is present in a home, leaving it undisturbed is sometimes better than removing it, as long as the paint is not chipping or disintegrating. The removal process is labor intensive and should ideally be done by a professional. If the surface is in good condition, you can minimize the chance of lead exposure by covering it with wallpaper, paneling, or a fresh coat of new paint.

If you are concerned about lead paint, please contact the paint professionals at University Painters. Visit our website at https://universitypainters.com.

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Annapolis,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Simple Ways to Improve Your Curb Appeal With Paint

Your home’s curb appeal is the first thing visitors notice—and you want to make sure that initial impression is a positive one. As we live in our home day in and day out, it’s easy not to notice the little imperfections that can detract from its overall appearance. Fortunately, you can easily enhance your home’s curb appeal with a simple can of paint.

Picket fences are charming, and a well-maintained and crisply painted one is always attractive. However, if the paint on your picket fence is chipping or flaking, it will look a lot less appealing. Giving it a fresh coat of paint will bring new life to your fence.

Take a good, unbiased look at your front door. If it’s old and worn, consider replacing it. If that’s not in your budget, paint it! Look for a color that complements your home’s main hue and give that tired door an eye-catching makeover.

You might think of it as a mere mailbox, but if it’s ugly, it could very well be a big eyesore perched right in your front yard. A neatly painted mailbox, on the other hand, tells visitors that you take care of your home.

Although it’s often overlooked, your home’s front porch may benefit from some fresh paint as well. A new coat of paint on a concrete or wood porch can transform it into an inviting spot for relaxing and watching the world go by.

These may seem like little details, but they can mean the difference between having a home that looks neglected and one that appears well cared for. Call University Painters at (800) 390-4848 so we can spruce up your home’s exterior and make your home as inviting as possible. For more painting ideas, please visit our website at https://universitypainters.com.

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Exterior Painting,Universtiy Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Removing Lead-based Paint From Your Home

The test results from the do-it-yourself lead paint kit you sent off are back, and the news is not good—lead paint is present in your home. Removing lead paint is a big project, but taking these precautions during the renovation process will help protect your family’s health.

Ideally, your family should live somewhere else while the work is completed. Children and pregnant women are most at risk, so if you can’t relocate the whole family, this is the perfect opportunity for your kids to have a long visit with grandma.

The job requires protective clothing including goggles, gloves, and coveralls. The most important piece of equipment is a NIOSH-approved respirator to avoid inhaling fumes and lead-dust particles.

Before you begin, you’ll want to prepare your work area by making sure the dust and paint chips will be contained. Seal the area, close all heating vents, and cover the entrance with plastic sheeting. Remove all furnishings and window coverings. Heavy items that cannot be moved should be completely draped with thick plastic and tightly sealed with tape.

Even if you are working outdoors, be sure to place drop cloths on the ground to avoid soil contamination. Don’t work on windy days, and seal doors and windows to stop paint dust from entering your home.

Using chemical stripping techniques instead of sanding is less likely to spread lead dust. Stripping agents are also potentially harmful, so they must be used with care.

When you are done for the day, remove protective clothing and footwear and wash separately from household laundry. Using a spray bottle filled with water and a drop of dishwashing liquid when wiping down surfaces will prevent dust from spreading. Be sure to vacuum the area and put all waste into a sealed bag or container before disposal.

To have this work performed professionally, contact the painting experts at University Painters at (800) 390-4848 or visit their website at https://universitypainters.com.

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Repaint,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

How To Choose Exterior Paint Colors

As any realtor will tell you, enhancing your home’s curb appeal is the number one way to both increase its value and make it more inviting to visitors. Planting flowers and keeping the lawn well-manicured is a great start, but painting the exterior of your home will make the biggest impact on its overall appearance.

When deciding on a color palette, there are many factors you’ll want to take into consideration. For example, do you live within an HOA or historical district that regulates which colors are acceptable? If so, you’ll be more limited in your options. You don’t want to choose colors that get all the neighbors talking—and not in a good way.

If your property is more secluded, you’ll have the freedom to express your own style without others second-guessing your choices. Homeowners who live in a wooded neighborhood or a town with many cloudy days might want to go bold with a barn red or sunny canary yellow to add a little pizzazz to their world.

The paint you select should complement your home’s architectural style. A stucco Southwestern pueblo home that looks great in a light adobe tan probably won’t be too attractive coated in a deep azure blue. That same blue, however, could look absolutely stunning on a little cottage in the Florida Keys. Context is everything.

Once you’ve settled on the primary exterior paint color, you’ll need to decide on hues for the trim, shutters, and window frames. A tastefully contrasting front door and garage door will elevate your home’s entire design. The challenge is to make your home stand out while at the same time exist harmoniously with the surrounding landscape and the other homes in the neighborhood.

The team at University Painters is happy to offer paint color suggestions that will work well for your home. Please visit our website at https://universitypainters.com/.

Blog, Design
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Paint Colors,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

How Paint Color Affects Our Mood

One of the most exciting parts of customizing your home is choosing the paint color. It reflects your personality, and contributes to the overall atmosphere you’d like to evoke. In fact, paint colors can have a significant impact on your mood. How so? Colors have an emotional value. Some contribute to a serene, calm ambience, while others create a more energetic environment.

For example, blue is widely considered a very relaxing color, which is what makes it such an excellent choice for bedrooms and bathrooms. On the other hand, red makes a bold first impression. It pumps adrenaline and stimulates a lively social climate, which can make it ideal for living rooms and other places where you might mingle with guests. Yellow is joyful and uplifting, and it often creates a positive aura in certain spaces, such as bathrooms and kitchens. In smaller areas, it can brighten things up and add a welcoming touch.

Of course, neutral colors are among the most popular choices, and understandably so. Their versatility and timeless quality makes them an excellent backdrop for most spaces. If you’re aiming for a calmer theme, go for less color. For more intensity, add color. Another thing to consider is the effect that can be achieved with both deep and light shades. Lighter colors open up a room and give the illusion of a larger space, while darker colors contribute to the warmth and coziness of a room.

Important factors to think about are the size of the room, the primary purpose of the space, and the overall décor scheme you’re going for. The experts at University Painters will work with your color preferences to help you make your house a home. Visit our website at www.universitypainters.com, or give us a call at 1-800-390-4848.

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Interior Painters,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Does Paint Quality Matter?

With the wide variety of paints available on the market, choosing the right brand can be a daunting task. One thing you don’t want to do is skimp on the quality of the paint you use on your home. In the long run, some cheaper paints may end up costing you much more in additional materials, not to mention time, energy, and frustration. As with most purchases, you get what you pay for, and paint is no exception.

Whether you’re planning on hiring an experienced painting contractor or are a do-it-yourself novice, choosing the right paint is the first step in ensuring a satisfactory result.

The name-brands such as Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and Behr typically offer premium products. They are more expensive than lesser-known brands and provide a consistently reliable product. Of course, there are many smaller companies that also produce excellent paint. So how do you determine whether a paint is high quality and will give you the results you’re after? For the novice painter, it can be tricky. Here’s a quick primer on what makes a premium paint.

All paint is comprised of three elements:

1) Solvents that suspend the other ingredients in the paint, allowing it to be spread smoothly and evenly
2) Pigments to color the paint
3) Resins to bind the pigments together

High quality paints have a high concentration of fine pigment particles and premium resins. This results in a smoother application and a lasting finish. Lesser quality paints are diluted with a higher percentage of solvents and will require more coats with potentially inferior results. Selecting the right paint the first time around will not only be more cost-effective, but will also save you time and spare you energy and frustration.

University Painters uses only the highest quality paints for all their interior and exterior projects. If you have any questions about your choices, please give us a call or visit our website at www.universitypainters.com.

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