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Repaint,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Shopping Around for A Residential or Commercial Painter

If you are thinking about having your residence or commercial property painted, we advise you to shop around before you make your final decision. There are many things that should be taken into consideration.

Of course, today most people use the internet to find a painter. You might try Craigslist or any of the dozens of other online classified sites. Now you are able to get reviews of the work the company has provided through the use of numerous business review sites. For instance, Yelp is a popular business review site but equally as valuable are such destinations as Foursquare and Angie’s List.

Once you have invested the time in identifying companies and read their reviews, you should contact two or three then take the time to meet with a representative from each company. It is advisable to take notes and request information they may have in the form of brochures, packets or other printed materials. Ask for quotes from each company then set them aside for a day before you begin your decision-making process.

Lay the quotes side by side. Does one seem much less expensive than others? If that is the case and you are interested in getting the ‘most bang for your buck’ don’t let the bottom line be the only factor you take into account. Sometimes the quote will mask hidden fees or other issues. Perhaps the savings will come in the form of low-quality supplies such as paint or inexperienced painters. Or the job may take longer than expected or the company may find some ‘unexpected reason’ that additional funds will be needed.

Ultimately, you want the best job to be done by qualified workers. You want workers to come to your home or place of business and behave professionally and efficiently. Your home or business are your most valuable possessions so it is a good idea to put the time into finding the most reputable paint company before you sign a contract.

And, speaking of contracts, don’t forget to get one!

Looking for a reputable paint company? Contact University Painters, Inc. We are a respected and experienced company that guarantees your satisfaction!

Angie's List, Blog
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Exterior Painters,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Painting a Metal Building

If you are in the painting business, you must become familiar with a variety of structural materials. It’s surprising the variety of items that are not made of wood but still require the occasional paint job to look fresh and new.
One perfect example is metal buildings. Many buildings are constructed of steel and metal buildings are often made of steel but there is a difference. Steel is an alloy and metal is a chemical element. While this may seem technical – it is important to know if you are going to be asked to paint something.

Common types of metal buildings are sheds or stand-alone structures. There are also metal homes as well. There are several reasons you want to paint a metal structure regularly. First, it will improve the aesthetics. More importantly, keeping a metal structure painted will better ensure its longevity and durability. Metal is subject to rusting. This is true whether it’s painted regularly or not. Rain and other environmental contaminants are the ‘enemy’ of metal buildings!

Just as you would inspect your home’s exterior for signs of wear and tear, the same should be done with all structures on your residential or commercial properties. As you walk around the structure look for evidence of paint that is peeling, flaking or otherwise lifting off the metal building. Too, examine the exterior for signs of rust and corrosion. Finally, determine if the exterior looks worn or chalky. Any of these are obvious indications the metal structure should be painted.

The process for painting a metal structure starts with removing the rust and filling any holes. There are multiple approaches to removing the rust. You may decide to purchase a chemical remover. But citric acid and abrasive tools are another way to remove rust from metal.

Next, prepare the surface by washing it thoroughly with soap and water. If you intend to use a power washer do so with caution. The surface of a metal building does not require the same amount of water pressure as a regular building. Be sure to rinse all of the soap off the metal, then let it air dry. Next apply the paint.

Or, you could contact the experts at University Painters, Inc. We provide exceptional service and guarantee your satisfaction.

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

Here are Some More Suggestions for Choosing a Paint Color

This is not a new topic – but it is definitely one that readers are always asking about. The question most painters are asked at nearly every job is “how do I choose a color of paint for my ‘fill in the blank”’. It could be a bathroom, bedroom, home exterior, trim, business, or some other project. Well, believe it or not there are a number of ideas that should help you in the decision-making process. After all choosing a color is a very personal decision that can be distressing if you opt for a color you find you can’t live with.

• Take the time to identify trends. Hop on the internet and scour it for pictures of different colors that you favor. If you don’t like a certain color then ignore what the ‘experts’ are saying about this choice. For example, one paint company claimed that the new trend in house painting is the color black. If you are not a fan then it won’t matter how many people say this is ‘in’. Move on.
• Consider palettes of color. If you are partial to a tint you can usually find it nestled along an array of similar shades – light to dark. This may help you begin the narrowing down process.
• Keep in mind the little things. For example, if you are painting the exterior of your home will you want trim? Will it be a complementary or contrasting color? What about painting a business? What color will draw the eye of a potential customer instead of repelling them? It’s true – color can be off-putting for many people.
• Don’t forget that the sheen of the paint is important as well. You can choose a color that is along the continuum from flat to shiny, each with its own appeal and drawbacks.
• Always, always, always get a sample of the color and apply it to a small area where it will be seen. Give it a couple days before you decide if it’s right for you or not. But, remember to prep the surface in advance of applying the sample so you get a true vision of its final look.

Now, enjoy your paint choosing process. It’s really part of the privilege of owning a home or business. If you need help, contact the experts at University Painters, Inc. You’ll be glad you did!

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

Tools for the House Painter

I daresay that everyone thinks they can paint their own home. It seems like an easy enough thing to do. What do you need but a couple cans of paint, a few brushes, a sunny afternoon with music playing in the background with a cold one in one hand and a roller in the other?

This is the type of thinking that keeps house painting companies busy. House painting is a profession and the tools you need and approach you take is what separates the professionals from the amateurs. Let’s look at the items you need that will set you apart and allow you to call yourself a professional.

First, a professional painter has the accounting and receipt tools that prepare them to make quotes on a project. They have a set rate per foot and charges for other itemized needs such as power washing or repairing cracks. The professional painter is able to put together a quote that covers all parts of the job from beginning to end that can generate a contract that is fair to both parties.

Second, a professional painter has a way to advertise their business while they are on the job. That might come in the form of signs that say something like ‘this house is being painted by…” or labeling on the service vehicle that includes the name of the business and phone number. The true professional always has business cards at the ready to hand to a potential customer or inquisitive neighbor who may have questions.

Third, a professional painter has a variety of ladders in different sizes, painting overalls with the company name, and tarps, brushes, rollers, tape, extension poles, paint sprayers, paint edgers, exterior color swatches and exterior prep tips. A power washer is essential, if that is to be a contracted part of the job, and will add to the breadth of services you can provide.

Finally, a professional painter has a professional attitude. You should be attentive, reflective and capable of answering questions about a customer’s needs.

Now, if you have questions about exterior home painting, contact the experts at University Painters, Inc.

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

To License or Not to License

Just like doctors, lawyers, nurses and a wide assortment of other professions, painters may need to hold a license in order to operate. Overall, occupational licensing is a controversial subject. The more formal title for the process is ‘occupational licensure’. Each state is able to set up their own parameters for what occupations they would like to have licensed so the person who is employed in that field can receive compensation for their services. According to one group of researchers, the number of occupations that require licensure has skyrocketed over the last six decades. Where as once only one in twenty occupations required licensing today it is nearly one in four!

So, if you are interested in starting a painting business your first step should be to investigate the requirements of your state. And if you are looking for a reputable painting company you should also find out what the state requires. Licensing gives the consumer greater confidence in the supplier of a product or service.

But, there is no question that every state has different expectations. Some have highly stringent licensure requirements such as Arizona, whom many say has the toughest expectations in the land, and others do not require a license at all in order to operate a painting contract business. For example, Michigan just dropped the need to have a license in order to alter a structure. At the time the requirement was dropped there were 432 licensed contractors who devoted their services solely to painting – at $150 per license to be renewed every three years.

In other instances, a state such as Arizona is now opening their doors to let those with a license in other states automatically qualify for similar licensure. States that have taken an aggressive stance on licensing find that the fees they collect do not offset the cost of oversight of the licensees nor does it make up for the impact it may have on overall economic growth.

So, no matter what side of the fence you’re on – painter or the person looking for a painter – start by ensuring you have all the facts. If you happen to live in a state that does not require a license, then find an alternative means of assessing the company’s competency.

If you are in the market for a residential contractor, contact the professionals at University Painters, Inc. We will treat your home like it’s our own.

Angie's List, Blog
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Repaint,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Double Checking Commercial Painting Projects

So, you have decided to take the plunge and have your commercial property upgraded with a new paint job. You have done your due diligence and gotten no less than three quotes. You’ve compared them for similarities and differences to help determine what best fits your needs at the most reasonable price.

  1. Compare the number of hours the contractor bids to complete the job. If there is a wide discrepancy among the bids, question each contractor on how they arrived at that number and then use your common sense. Some contractors will underbid the number of hours just to get the business and then either cut corners to complete the job during the listed time frame or come back and say there were time and cost overruns. The internet is an excellent resource to get an estimate for this information.
  2. Go over the terms of the contract with your painter prior to both people signing it. The painter has the option of visiting the site more than once to ensure they have given the job its ‘due’. Any changes or decisions to back out should occur before both parties agree. Otherwise, it can become a legal matter.
  3. This is your business! Walk through the job with the painter and have them explain what they intend to do. Because it is only fair that the professional be paid for their time, expect that they will require a fee for these services.
  4. It is a good idea to visit a few jobs the painter has completed previously. It will give you a better idea of what a finished product looks like. Any reputable painter will be more than happy to provide references.
    You are a smart business owner – otherwise you wouldn’t exist! Do the smart thing by keeping your property presentable while also getting the best bang for your buck. One last piece of advice – you might take the time to visit a work site in progress. There is nothing more insightful than seeing the painting company at work.
  5. If you are in the market for a reputable and expert painting company for your commercial property, contact the professionals at University Painters, Inc. We look forward to working with you.
Blog, Paint Colors
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painters,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Beware of Paint Contractor Scams

The contracting industry is all abuzz lately because scamming is wreaking havoc with manyr businesses. Here are just a few examples of what you as a consumer should be on guard against!

While technology has been a boon to the human race – opening up new and wonderful possibilities in all areas of life – it has also become an avenue for tricking people out of their hard earned money. Texting is the latest medium for scamming. For example, a bona fide painting contractor recently received a text asking for a quote on a job. But, several mistakes appeared in the request and the contractor politely explained that he only gives quotes once he has seen the structure and can do a walk-through to better estimate the amount of time and work that will be required. The scammer then stated he was out of town and he was giving the contractor permission to go ahead and make the quote. The contractor put the issue to bed by saying that he would contact the realtor who recently sold the home and see if he would be willing to open the house up. By the way, the home had been recently purchased but it had been done in a different name than the scammer gave. Once this offer was made the scammer ended all contact.

There are other fraudulent schemes that contractors and consumers should watch out for. One is a request for the payment to be made in full up front before any work has begun. Reputable and licensed contractors will provide a contract and the usual amount that states will allow to be paid upfront is 10% of the total cost.

In fact, if you have a painter that does not want to provide a contract who says you should just take their word for it – move on! There is are guarantees without a contract. Contracts are legally binding and should be signed by both parties. With all the exceptional painting companies in the business you should have no trouble finding the right one for your job.

As if the aforementioned hustles aren’t enough, still another bit of trickery is for the contractor to ask for more money because they ‘ran into unforeseen problems’. The responsibility to provide an accurate quote for all work to be done rests with the painting contractor. Any unforeseen problems will be their responsibility unless you have requested changes.

If you are in the market to have painting done at your house or place of business, contact the honest professionals at University Painters, Inc.

Blog, News
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Professional Painters,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

The Special Care Needed to Paint Medical Facilities

Some painting projects are more sensitive than others. For example, painting an auto body shop may require general expertise but painting a medical facility of any type requires special knowledge . Hospitals and medical buildings of all types must keep in mind the types of actions that are going to be taking place. In any given day, a hospital will schedule surgeries, operate laboratory facilities, feed hundreds of people in the cafeteria and require the use of chemicals to clean and maintain the building. Trying to fit painting inside or outside into this schedule can be a very complex undertaking to say the least.

Then, of course, there is the idea that the smell of paint or paint fumes can be mildly offensive to some and make others physically ill. So, as you can see, painting a hospital or medical facility requires expertise and experience. What kind of knowledge base would you expect a paint company to have if they were going to undertake a hospital painting project?

A professional painter will understand low-VOC and no-VOC. VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. These are NOT harmful to humans or the environment. The term usually refers to paint (and several other types of materials such as cleaners, sealants and adhesives). Volatile organic compounds are photo-chemical and react when they are exposed to the air. This could occur on a short term basis or even over long periods of time in the form of harmful gases from traditional paints and adhesives. They can even lead to some very serious illnesses such as cancer, central nervous system disorders, headaches and much more. Therefore, the newer paints that are low-VOC or no-VOC are the clear better choice for large commercial jobs where people’s health is at risk.

Other things that also need to be taken into consideration when doing commercial painting of a hospital are the types of drywall repair to be completed prior to the actual application of paint, the types of flooring (non-slip safety and epoxy), and the electrostatic paint equipment that will be needed.

If you have a large and sensitive commercial paint project you need completed, call the experts at University Painters, Inc. Your painting needs are our business!

Blog, Maintenance
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Exterior,University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Are You Stuck on Stucco?

The exteriors of homes can be made of many different types of materials. There’s processed wood, siding, brick and more. One type of home exterior material that can prove to be especially challenging to construct, maintain and paint is stucco.

Stucco is ‘fine plaster’. It is used on certain interior decorations and molding or as coating for the surfaces of walls. Stucco is durable and resists all types of weather so it is an excellent choice for a home’s exterior. Too, it can be turned into various patterns. The appearance may be smooth, raked, or even circular to give a home a unique look.

Stucco is not expensive as it is made from lime, sand and cement. It is simply a wonderful alternative for your home’s exterior. Even so, it will need to be refreshed with a fresh coat of paint. But, before you think about opening that first new can of paint, follow the same procedure you would with any exterior painting job.

Begin by walking the entire perimeter of your home. Look for places that are showing signs of wear, tiny cracks and holes, mildew or other damage. Next, power wash the entire exterior then perform a second walk around. This will help you confirm what areas really need repair and what might have been hidden by dirt!

Fill any small holes and cracks with a siliconized caulk. Make sure that the caulk has time to set and dry before moving forward. Now, before putting on that final coat of paint, do your home a favor and add a layer of acrylic primer. This helps to secure the weather resistant properties of the paint you are about to apply. In other words, it adds to the staying power of the paint while also enhancing the color you will apply.

Next apply the paint. It is best to paint around the exterior of the windows, doors and trim first to set up a nice perimeter border. Be sure to add a second coat.

If you have any questions, contact the expert exterior painters at University Painters, Inc. We look forward to creating the perfect look for you. https://universitypainters.com/

Blog, Maintenance
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Professisonal Painting,University Painters, Inc
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

The Difference in Paints by Price

Spring is setting in and people start dreaming about spring cleaning and modernizing your home’s look. One of the busiest times of the year for home improvement stores is the spring! If you have stopped in lately and seen the price of exterior paint, you may be asking yourself why is there such a difference in price? In some cases, you can get a gallon of paint for ten dollars while further down the shelf it can cost up to forty dollars or more. Of course, if you buy paint in larger quantities the price difference can shrink. Is more expensive paint any better than the cheaper stuff? Let’s consider this more closely in this blog.

There are several factors that influence the difference in paint prices. Research also shows that nearly every paint company makes paint that falls within the continuum of inexpensive to expensive, so the name of the company alone should not be your deciding factor.

Paint is made of resins, solvents and pigments. The more expensive the paint the more pure and smaller the pigments. Pigments in the less expensive paints are of a lesser grade and spread out more which means the job will require multiple coats, so it is just as costly in the end. Too, the more expensive the paint the more likely the resin is of a higher quality which adds to the durability of the job.

Lastly, the solvents in paint also vary according to cost with cheaper paints having more solvents that evaporate leaving the paint and resin behind when it dries. And the more expensive paints also have additives that help prevent painted surfaces from mildew. Experts also advise you to purchase paint that is one hundred percent acrylic. Why? Because acrylic paint is fast drying and water-resistant when it has dried.

Whether you intend to do your own exterior (or interior) painting this spring, the best idea is to purchase the higher quality but more expensive paint. For all practical purposes, it will be cheaper in the long-run.

And if you decide to turn the painting responsibility over to an exterior home painting company, be sure they use high quality paint as well. If you are looking for experts in exterior and interior home painting, contact the professionals at University Painters, Inc. We look forward to providing you with superior service.

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