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house painters, University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

DIY vs. Professional Painting: Which One is Right for You?

If you’re looking to personalize your home, give it an updated look, or just brighten things up a bit, a fresh paint color is the best place to start. When it comes to deciding whether to do the job yourself or hire professionals, how do you make the choice that is right for you and your home? Here are some important things to consider.

Let’s face it – painting your home requires a lot of time, effort, and equipment. With our busy schedules and day-to-day lives, any way to make things easier is a huge benefit. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits in hiring a professional to do the painting is that you don’t have to do any of the hard work. Just leave it to the professionals!

A major downside of DIY painting is the hassle of handling the materials involved, as well as uncertainty about the finished product. When you trust professional painters with your home’s transformation, you can rest assured that the job is going to be done correctly and efficiently, with an end result that will leave your home looking polished and beautiful.

Of course, the most important part of the process is that it meets your individual needs and preferences. You will still be making the important decisions to suit your personal taste and overall goals for your home, such as the color and finish of your paint, only without the added stress of doing the physical work yourself.

Thankfully, if you are looking for experienced painters who you can trust, you have come to the right place. University Painters, Inc. offers services to fill all of your painting needs, including both interior and exterior painting, wallpaper removal, drywall repair, and so much more. With skilled painters and quality products, you can count on an end result that you will be delighted with. Visit us at www.universitypainters.com.

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Paint Colors,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

8 Creative Ways To Use Up Leftover Paint

After you have a few painting projects under your belt, you probably have more partially-filled leftover paint cans than you know what to do with. The painting professionals at University Painters are familiar with this common dilemma.

Of course, it’s a good idea to hang on to a little bit of extra paint for each of the colors in your home. Few interior walls remain unscathed for long, so there’s a good chance they’ll need periodic touch ups to keep them looking their best.

Sometimes, you’ll find mystery cans you can’t even identify and know you’ll never need, but just can’t bring yourself to throw away. If you’re feeling creative, the following do-it-yourself projects are a fun and guilt-free way to use leftover paint instead of letting them clutter up your basement or garage.

1) Paint a canvas! If you’re not satisfed with your creation, you can always repaint your canvas with primer and try again on a blank slate.
2) Paint an old piece of furniture that needs saving from the landfill. These are everywhere, from thrift stores to your neighbor’s curb.
3) Use a stencil to paint a design on a wall or on a piece of furniture.
4) Find some unused metal or wooden picture frames and paint them to match your decor.
5) Paint an accent wall. A small amount of paint can go a long way in adding a pop of color to your home.
6) Give the inside of a cabinet or the back of a bookshelf some pizzazz by painting it a bright color.
7) Paint your switch plates in a whimsical pattern.
8) Paint clay garden pots and group them together to add a splash of color to your yard, even in the winter.

With a little imagination, you can transform everyday items into unique works of art. Be sure to visit University Painters’ website at www.universitypainters.com for the latest in painting tips and advice.

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Exterior Painters,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Waterproofing the Exterior of a Commercial Structure

No matter what a structure is comprised of – brick, wood, aluminum or other material – there is no question that exposure to the elements can lead to the deterioration of the building. Perhaps one of the most damaging natural elements is water. Moisture can result in a variety of issues to the integrity of the building. It also can lead to other problems with air quality, roof sturdiness and even the heartiness of interior and exterior finishes.

Many businesses have taken to waterproofing their commercial exteriors to prevent the variety of types of damage that rain, sleet and other watery weather can cause. While it is always a good idea to consider waterproofing the building at the beginning of the construction process, it is a task that can be examined at any time.

Water can be devastating to a structure over time. What appears to be an inconsequential small drip can lead to damage to the building’s foundation, roof and all parts of the building in between. Water that sits at the foundation of a building can wear down even the sturdiest of materials and eventually lead to cracks and leaks as the water finds its way into your building. Cracks can also appear in windows and walls, roofs and decks that surround a building. Once this type of damage occurs it is often costly to repair.

When water finds its way into the roof, the structural damage it can cause may be very extensive. It can affect everything from the HVAC to ceiling tiles, furniture and floors. It also affects your air quality in the building. Often a small leak in the roof may go unnoticed and lead to mold and bug infestations.

Waterproofing a building can be done anytime from initial construction to renovations and is an excellent investment because it protects your investment! Waterproofing will ensure the structural integrity of your commercial (or residential) exterior. It will also ensure better air quality for businesses that do not have exposure to natural air through open windows and doors. Waterproofing also makes your building more energy efficient, preserves the value of the property and extends the lifetime of your building.

The experts at University Painters, Inc. are here to support you in the maintenance and presentation of your residential or commercial property.

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Repaint,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Use Your Commercial Building to Market Your Brand!

If you are a business owner that operates from a brick and mortar site, you should be asking yourself if you are getting enough ‘bang for your buck’? In other words, have you given any thought to allowing your building to be an advertisement, like a billboard that catches the eye of potential customers and draws them in? In today’s highly competitive market this may be an excellent option for getting the word out about your company without having to enhance your marketing budget. Here’s how.

• Think about the colors of the building’s exterior. If you have a business card, website or other item you use to promote your brand, hold it up against the building and consider how to apply it through the proper paint and accessories, like lighting or signage.
• Investigate what researchers say a color invokes in potential customers. Blue building exteriors tend to make customers feel a sense of calm or peace. Is that what you want your business to say? If you sell mattresses and bedding, it’s perfect but if you sell power tools you might want to go in another direction. For the record – yellow says energy or vibrancy, red says drama, black says elegance or maybe secrecy, and green says health. Of course, there are variations to this and you may want to mix and match colors on a trial basis before settling on a final choice.
• Make sure your logo can be neatly and pleasantly worked into the exterior in a way that complements (and compliments) your brand. Look at this experience as an opportunity to bring your business card to life but be sure to try it on a small scale before transferring it to the building itself.
• Investigate the building codes and requirements before investing in creating your exterior work of art. Some areas do not allow for changes to a business exterior, others will invite it under certain circumstances and in other cases you have carte blanche to do what you please!
• Find a commercial paint company that has experience in creating exterior branding on commercial buildings. This takes part artist, part professional. Do your homework and interview several companies before making that final decision. Ask to see their work and be sure you have a rapport.

In the market to change your commercial exterior? Contact the professionals at University Painters, Inc.

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Repaint,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Mistakes to Avoid when Painting your Home’s Exterior

Summer and fall are two of the most popular times to repaint a home’s exterior. The weather tends to move the job along – sunshine, clear skies and fresh air. But that doesn’t mean that you or the company you hire to paint the outside of your house may not make mistakes. Novice painters can find they overlook important steps that will cause the paint job to fade and crack much sooner than it should. The following suggestions should help you keep your home’s exterior looking fresh and new much longer.

  • Don’t forget to prime the wood! There are several reasons for priming the wood before adding paint. First, if the wood is new and has never been painted, then adding a primer is an essential first step. Also if the wood has weathered or been stripped in advance of this new paint job – prime it! Otherwise you may add several coats and find that it is soaking into the wood the same way that water soaks into a sponge.
  • Don’t paint in the middle of the day! Or when it is going to rain! Or it has just rained! Listen to the weather report for what is expected over the few days that the painting is expected to occur. Try to squeeze in your painting during a time where the skies are clear, and it is neither too hot or too cold (it could cause dew to collect on the home’s exterior). Also, it is better to paint in the early hours of the day. Excessive heat can compromise the paint’s long-term viability.
  • Don’t scrimp on the paint. Sure, painting your home’s exterior can be expensive and most people are looking for opportunities to cut costs. But, one place that should not be open to a budget cut is the purchase of the paint. If the saying ‘you get what you pay for’ is ever more relevant – it’s when a homeowner invests in paint. If you are looking to cut the cost of paint, ask the company if they have online discounts or other cost savings – but buy the paint that will weather the best.

Are you in the market to have your home’s exterior painted? Contact the experts at University Painters, Inc. We don’t make mistakes!

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Repaint,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Is Your Paint Surface Primed?

Many DIYers are not fully prepared to take on a home repair or maintenance job. One example is painting the inside or outside of your home. All too often home or business owners think they can save themselves money by completing a needed paint job themselves. It certainly looks easy enough! However, there are many nuances to the painting process the novice painter does not realize – one of the most common mistakes is failing to use a primer.

Primer is used as a preparatory coat for wood, metal, plaster or canvas that has never been painted. The purpose of a primer is to prevent layers of paint from being absorbed. Primer is deliberately light-colored so that it doesn’t compromise the color you have chosen for your final presentation.

Primer serves multiple purposes. First, it helps the layers that are applied after it to adhere more securely to the surface. If you were to paint directly on an unpainted surface the paint would seep into the plaster, wood or other finish. Each surface that is painted reacts differently to the pigment. By starting with a primer, you are better guaranteed that the paint you apply will be less likely to peel. That is because primer has properties that allow paint to better adhere over long periods of time.

Primer will also be necessary when you want to paint a light color over a darker one. The application of primer – a white color – helps to hide the darker color and allows the authentic tint of the new paint to be seen. In fact, it is essential to add a primer when changing from dark to light colors. Otherwise, the new color will be tainted and not reflect correctly.

Using a primer also ensures your paint will be more durable. For the money it just makes sense to use a primer for a longer lasting fresh look, inside or out. There are some paints that include primer in them that negates the need to add an extra coat on certain materials such as new drywall.

If you would like expert advice on when to apply primer, contact the experts at University Painters, Inc. We know painting inside and out.

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Interior Painters,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Don’t Do This if You’re Going to Paint

This country is blessed with a large helping of ‘good old American know-how’. We are inclined to take on projects and do them ourselves. It is the heart of the DIY movement and it has taken the nation by storm. While that is all well and good, we would like to offer you a list of ‘don’ts’ to ensure you are pleased with the outcome of the time and effort you have put into your paint job.

  1. DON’T start painting before you have done your due diligence and completed all of the preparations that will ensure the paint job goes smoothly, otherwise you will get to the end of the work, step back and say to yourself ‘what happened?’. Prep work includes cleaning the surfaces you intend to paint, inside or out. If you don’t then you will be painting over dirt, grime and other particles that will now be a permanent part of your newly painted home or business. Prep work also includes fixing surface imperfections and covering items you do not want exposed to paint.
  2. DON’T skimp on tools and materials. The old adage – you get what you pay for – could never be truer than when you are painting. Take the time to explore home stores to identify items that will make the job easier, more efficient and more successful. For example, did you know that you can purchase ‘roller liners’ that will make cleaning up after painting an almost effortless job? There are dozens of little knick-knacks that will ensure the painter doesn’t end up frustrated!
  3. DON’T forget to prime. Whether you are painting a new surface such as drywall or one that has been painted before, a primer helps the true color of the paint you have selected to show through while ensuring durability.
  4. DON’T continually dunk your brush or roller in the paint. It actually makes the painting tool too heavy and can lead to uneven painting strokes.
  5. DON’T choose the wrong paint! Don’t buy indoor paint for an outdoor job just because the price is cheaper.
  6. And DON’T forget to call University Painters, Inc. for all your painting needs at home or at your place of business.
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exterior painting,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Commercial Business Painting Advice

Research shows that three-fourths of businesses in this country are small proprietorships or partnership-owned. These are companies that have become successful through the sweat, hard-work and dedication of the owners who often started out with only an idea. Indeed, small and medium-sized businesses have a lot to be proud of and part of this pride should show through in their building’s presentation. You want the outside of your company to be inviting and offer a professional appearance.

As a result, you may include building and grounds maintenance and upkeep as part of your annual budget. This may encompass regular painting to ensure the business always gives a fresh and inviting presentation. If so, there are certain steps that should be taken to keep that exterior pristine. While you may have heard some of this advice before it is valuable to revisit certain issues to ensure you are addressing them in a timely manner.

One way to avoid having to redo the paint job on the exterior of your building is to address maintenance on a regular basis. Begin by keeping the building’s exterior clean. Have your business pressure washed on a regular basis. This will remove grime, dirt and the dozens of other types of pollutants from the surface that tend to cause paint to crack and fade over time.

Regularly walk the grounds of your building all the way around. Look closely for maintenance issues that can cause problems with your paint job. For example, there may be small areas in which the paint is stripping or fading. Sooner rather than later is the best time to address these issues. Call in a professional painter to refresh these small places.
Keep the surfaces caulked and sealed. If you allow caulk and sealant to crack, it opens the door for a variety of problems with the paint job. First, it looks unsightly to see cracked caulking and sealant. Second, unaddressed issues can allow water to leak in and air conditioning or heat to leak out of the building and increase the cost of your utilities and maintenance down the road.

Your business’s exterior look is a reflection on you! Keep it maintained and you could be saving yourself hundreds if not thousands of dollars in the end. Contact the experts in building exterior maintenance at University Painters, Inc. It is our pleasure to partner with companies in their quest to look good.

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Repaint,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Keep that Paint Job Looking New

If you have just invested in an exterior residential painting job, you want to enjoy it for as long as possible before it needs repair. But that can be tricky because your home’s exterior is subject to the natural elements as well as other pesky problems that can quickly cause the pristine look to disappear. Here are some great ideas for keeping that paint job looking new for as long as possible!

• Keep the home’s exterior ‘clean’. That means washing it down regularly. Some options for washing can cause the paint job to deteriorate more quickly. For example, although power washing is effective it is also harsher and may harm the fresh paint. Remember, that jet is designed to be powerful and is strong enough to even damage bricks. Choose a garden hose for cleaning and avoid harsh chemicals. Plain old soap and water should do the trick.
• If you have sprinklers in your lawn be sure their nozzles are turned away from the home’s exterior. The constant assault of sprinkler water can leave water patterns on your home and clogged sprinkler heads can have the same concentrated effect as a power washer. In fact, keep your sprinklers and their heads in good working condition for the sake of your plants, yard and home.
• Set some ground rules for children. For instance, they should not bounce balls or other items on the sides of the house. Set up a play area far enough away from the home to prevent marks from play items that could inadvertently hit the house. And, of course, no coloring or marking on the walls either.
• Although everyone loves the look of lush greenery and flowers adorning their homes, they can also damage the paint. The best advice is to keep an eye on your trees, bushes and flowers and cut them back if they begin to touch the home’s exterior. Many plants and bushes can leave marks on a paint job that are more difficult to remove than other dirt. As much as you may enjoy the look of ivy and vines crawling up the side of a home, be prepared to redo the entire exterior of the wall where the vines grew and perhaps the entire house to ensure it presents in one color.

Are you in the market for professional residential and commercial exterior painters? Contact University Painters, Inc. for a paint job you can be proud of!

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Exterior Painters,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

The Right Cleaning Process for the Job

Commercial painters know that one of the most important parts of the painting process is to ensure that the surface is clean of debris and other materials prior to painting. This has become an easier part of the job because commercial power washing machines are available that better ensure the integrity of the surface prior to painting. However, for very big jobs you have to know what choice is better – sandblasting or power washing. Let’s consider both in this blog.

Sandblasting is just as it sounds. It uses a jet stream of sand driven by steam or compressed air to clean a surface. Power washing uses a high pressure stream of water to blast away dirt and debris.

When it comes to large jobs where a structure may be made of steel, the general public may not realize that these are surfaces that are subject to the environment and can become worn and need repair if they are not tended to regularly. Structural steel is a unique type of surface that is often better suited to sandblasting. There are several reasons for this.

  • First, sandblasting is able to get deeper into the surface and remove imbedded particles that may remain if only power washing is done. Too, power washing does not remove the old paint – only sandblasting can ensure this occurs. In other words, the sand works as sandpaper to erase the old paint while also ridding the surface of debris and dirt. It also removes rust which a power washer will not be able to do.
  • Sandblasting is cheaper than power washing. This may not seem true at first – but sandblasting can extend the life of your surfaces and that equates to money saved. In the end, you also do not have as much to worry about with corrosion over time. Removing rust prior to refurbishing is the better choice most times when it comes to industrial work.

Now, that does not mean that sandblasting should always be the choice. Water blasting or power cleaning/washing is an equally appropriate option in many scenarios. For example, power washing is appropriate for a wide variety of surfaces which is not true of sandblasting. Too, you are able to adjust the strength of the blast which allows you to tailor the job to various parts of a residential or commercial exterior.

Don’t make your decision about prepping a surface without speaking to an expert. The professionals at University Painters, Inc. will be happy to work with you! Call us 800-390-4848.

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