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COMMERCIAL PAINTING, PAINTERS
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Commercial Painting Considerations

COMMERCIAL PAINTING, PAINTERSCommercial painting and residential painting are very different projects. There are special considerations inherent in commercial jobs, especially when stationery equipment is involved. Communication with your painting contractor will help the work move quickly and maintain safety for everyone. Plan to have the facilities manager or other employee overseeing the project meet regularly with the painters. Make sure the entire crew knows what type of work your business performs, if you use special machinery and if there are possible hazards such as flammable materials.

Commercial businesses typically have safety procedures in place, and it’s helpful to provide that information to the contractor before the work begins. It’s best to plan to paint when the fewest people are in the building. That may mean painters, and possibly employees, work at unusual times, but the work will go faster, and there’s less likelihood of injury or other interruptions. Professional painters can adapt to the schedule of the business and will plan to have its crew report accordingly. It’s ideal to have the space free of machinery, but that isn’t always possible.

As the business owner or manager, take a few minutes to inform your employees what will be happening, when painters will be on-site, and what accommodations they should plan to make. Avoid surprising your employees with things like limited or no access to parts of the building, fumes or dust that may affect asthma or other breathing conditions, and a longer than expected project schedule.

When you’re hiring commercial painters, ask how much commercial experience the company has. There is a big difference between residential painting and commercial painting, and you want an experienced company with a good track record. Ask how many years the company has been in business and what percentage of their business is commercial.

Make sure the company has insurance. This is basic with any contractor you hire to work on-site. If a vendor you contact doesn’t have liability insurance, keep looking. Licensing is another consideration. They should have up-to-date licensing for your area.

University Painters are experienced, licensed, and qualified to take on commercial painting projects of all sizes. We know our business and will help you get back to your business promptly. Contact us today for a free estimate.

Maintenance, Paint Colors
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home painters, exterior painting
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Small Budget, Big Results

home painters, exterior paintingWarmer weather and longer days mean more time outdoors for most people. Whether you like to entertain family and friends or spend quiet time reading, your backyard can be transformed into a great outdoor living space. Upgrading the outdoor spaces around the home is a popular home renovation project, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to get high-end results. Regardless of the size of your yard, you can create a relaxing oasis without breaking your bank.

Add A Water Feature

There’s nothing more relaxing than the sound of moving water. Adding a fountain to your backyard is an inexpensive way to get an instant atmosphere boost. A fountain can be the focal point in your yard, or it can be part of the overall design. Whichever route you choose, a fountain can have a big impact.

Upcycle Materials

If you look around your home, it’s very likely you’ll find unused material that can be repurposed to create something for your backyard oasis. Old tires can be painted and be used as planters or garden borders, scrap lumber can become a beautiful wooden planter or a small raised garden. Ask family and friends what surplus materials they have as well. You’re only limited by your imagination.

Rock Garden

If you don’t exactly have a green thumb, add a rock garden to your yard. It’s easy maintenance and can be an inexpensive design element. Scout around your yard for rocks to use. Home centers sell a variety of rocks and crushed stone that are fairly inexpensive. Pick out our favorite stone mix and create your very own Zen garden.

Shed A Little Light

Adding even a few well-placed lights can add a sparkle to your yard for very little money. Check second-hand stores for strings of lights and use either clear or color bulbs. Paper lanterns are another inexpensive lighting option that will deliver a big impact. Pierced aluminum cans, glass mason jars, or solar lights offer more lighting choices.

University Painters can be a great resource for your backyard transformation plans. Contact us today for a free appointment at 800-390-4848 or visit our website at universitypainters.com.

Creative, Design, Maintenance
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exterior painting, home painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Painting Wood Shingles

exterior painting, home paintersWood shingles, especially cedar shingles, can be a popular choice for the exterior of your home. With proper stain, they are long-lasting, weather and insect-resistant. You do have the option to paint shingles, but special preparation is needed. Wood absorbs paint faster than other surfaces and has to be specially primed. Even the best paint will soak into the wood without the proper base.

Because shingles may weather differently, check to see if any are damaged and need to be replaced. Shingles also mildew rather quickly and should be cleaned thoroughly before painting. To prepare singles for painting, the shingles need to be washed to remove dirt and mildew.

To clean wood shingles, a sponge, household bleach, and water are what’s called for. Using a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water, apply the solution to mildewed areas with a sponge and leave for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Let the shingles dry and be aware that it can take up to two weeks for shingles to dry completely.

When the shingles are dry, use a scrub brush to remove any old wood or dirt and brush the residue off with a wide paint brush. Next, apply a stain blocking primer with a four to six inch brush. Shingles need to be coated evenly. If you choose to use a sprayer, use even strokes moving in different directions for complete coverage.

The final step is to paint. Acrylic latex exterior paint is a good choice and will last for many years. As with the primer, the paint should be applied in all directions and completely cover the shingles. Work in a limited area, approximately 20 feet square, and then move to the next section.

University Painters are licensed, qualified, and knowledgeable about all types of finishes for the exterior of your home. We can work with you to create the look you want for your home. Contact us today at 1-800-390-4848 for an appointment.

Maintenance, Paint Colors
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home painters, interior painting
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

New Paint Technology And Trends

home painters, interior paintingEvery industry has to continue to innovate in order to remain relevant and the paint industry is no exception. Changes in environmental and healthcare industries have driven changes in many home décor products including carpeting and paint.

People are more and more aware of the impact of everything we put in, around, or on our bodies. Home should be a place where we’re safe from pollutants and other contaminants. The toxic effects of paint on our health have been documented and are pointed to as the source of many common ailments for both people and animals. One of the biggest concerns about paint are VOCs, or volatile organic compounds. VOCs can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, visual problems, and respiratory distress. Symptoms as serious as memory loss have been attributed to VOCs.

Having plants in your home can improve the air quality, but why not get to the real source of the problem and give your home’s interior a fresh coat of paint? Eco-friendly paint, that is. There are a number of good, eco-friendly options to choose from. They may be a bit more expensive, but in the long run, your health is worth the price.

Three well-known paint manufacturers, Sherwin-Williams, Behr, and Benjamin Moore, all have eco-friendly paint options readily available.

1. Sherwin-Williams Harmony paint line is VOC-free and works with other household products to improve air quality.

2. Behr’s Premium Plus paints are VOC-free with paint and primer all in one.

3. Benjamin Moore’s Natura products are VOC-free, as well as asthma and allergy-friendly.

As our society becomes more aware and more concerned with environmental issues established companies are developing new product lines and innovative newcomers are introducing new technologies into the marketplace.

1. The Real Milk Paint Co. products are different from water and oil-based paints. They’re made from real milk protein and instead of a liquid are often sold as powder.

2. Earth Pigments markets another great alternative to conventional paint. They’re sustainable because they are mineral and plant-based.

3. Bioshield products are eco-friendly, solvent and VOC-free paints and wood stains suitable for interior and exterior use.

At University Painters, we can help you select eco-friendly paint options that will not only beautify your home, but protect your family’s health and well-being. Contact us today at 800-390-4848 for a free consultation.

Creative, Paint Colors
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home painters, paints, exterior painting
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Gates and Fences

home painters, paints, exterior paintingGates and fences may be added to a home for security or purely decorative reasons. Though any number of materials can be used, two of the most common are wood and iron. Both are long-lasting, can add curb appeal and value to your home if they are maintained regularly.

WOOD

If your gate or fence is made of wood, it must receive regular attention to keep it from drying out, splitting or rotting. Many newer fences are made of cedar or redwood, which are more resistant to bugs, but even these woods need care to look their best.

Wood fences that will be below ground level should be made of pressure-treated wood. This wood is chemically treated to withstand mold, mildew, and insect damage. Pressure-treated wood doesn’t need a sealant, but can still be stained or painted for aesthetic reasons.

To keep a wood fence looking its best, keep a few things in mind. Don’t point sprinklers directly at a fence. The water will keep the wood moist and can encourage the growth of mold and mildew. Keep vines off fences because they will likewise add moisture to the wood fence. Keep grass trimmed around the fence.

IRON

Iron fences are a beautiful focal point for a home, and can last for decades, but they have one enemy: rust. To keep an iron fence in good condition, wash it every six months with mild soap and water, followed by a coat of metal wax. If you’re already seeing signs of rust, remove the rust with a fine wire brush and rinse it with nonionic water. Keep latches, hinges or other decorative pieces well-oiled and working. Just as with wood fences, keep weeds, grass, and vines away from an iron fence so the extra water won’t damage it.

CHAIN LINK

Chain link fences are commonly used, durable, and functional. Both coated and uncoated fencing is available. Coated fencing is easy to clean and maintain. Uncoated fencing, like iron, is susceptible to rust and should be checked regularly. The posts holding the fence are usually metal and can be treated the same way. Make sure the posts are at a 90-degree angle with the ground. If the posts aren’t secured in cement, they may begin to lean after a time.

University Painters can help you care for everything around your home’s exterior. Contact us today for a free appointment at 800-390-4848 or visit our website at universitypainters.com.

Creative, Maintenance, Paint Colors
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painters, interior painting, exterior painting
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Fabulous Finishes Right Out of a Can

painters, interior painting, exterior paintingBeyond matte, semi-gloss, and high gloss paint, there’s a whole world of paint finish options. Create a finish to enhance the décor of any room in your home. There are countless finishes, washes, and glazes to choose from, but we’ll look at five: metallic, chalkboard, stone, crackle, and suede.

Metallic paint will give any surface the look of metal. The most commonly used colors are steel, bronze, and gold. This type of project should be completed in one day for the best result. It’s important to get the correct base paint. Use gray for steel, brown for bronze, and mustard yellow for gold. Metallic paint can be used on walls, cupboards, furniture, or home décor items. To get the finish you want, test it on a scrap piece of wood.

While whiteboards have replaced the chalkboard in most classrooms, you can bring it back to life in your home. Chalkboard paint is great for creating unique spaces in your home. It can be used in the kitchen to create your own “special of the day” sign, to remind family members of important events, or to use as a calendar. It’s great for a child’s bedroom or playroom. It’s one wall you won’t mind them coloring on. Chalkboard paint is easy to apply, and easy to clean.

Paint infused with small particles of marble, quartz, or sand creates the look of stone inside your home. It’s perfect for use on walls, furniture, and on, well, stone. This type of textured paint is great for hiding little imperfections quickly and easily.

When this paint cracks, you don’t scrape it off the wall. Crackle paint is a two-step process. First, you paint the crackle medium over a base color. Then, apply an acrylic paint. As it dries, it will crack and show the color underneath. Get creative with color combinations.

Applying suede paint is another project that should be completed in one day. It’s a two-step process consisting of a base coat and a top coat. The end result creates a warm luxurious finish that is a complement to any room.

If you’re unsure of the best finish for your home’s interior, call University Painters and receive expert advice. Our years of experience and our highly-trained staff can help you get the right texture, color, and finish for your decorating needs. Call us today and set up an appointment.

Creative, Paint Colors
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interior painting, exterior painting, painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

When and Where to Use Matte, Semi-Gloss, or Gloss Paint

interior painting, exterior painting, paintersPaint is one of the easiest ways to freshen up and improve the appearance of your home both inside and out. Whether you’ve just moved into a new place, or you’re just in the mood for a new look, painting can transform your home quickly and inexpensively. Once you select the color, you should give some thought to the paint’s finish. Common choices for finish are matte, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. The finish you choose will impact how long it lasts, how quickly it gets dirty, and how easy it is to keep clean.

The gloss in the paint you choose determines how much it will shine, or reflect light. Paint with a matte, or flat finish, has no shine; it contains 0 to 10% gloss. Matte paint is the most difficult to keep clean so if you have kids or pets, it may be best to not use matte paint in high-traffic areas. However, since matte paint has no gloss to reflect light, it’s a good selection to use on walls where you want to hide irregularities or repairs. Matte paint is usually the lowest priced paint as well, so consider it if you have a large area to cover.

Satin finish and semi-gloss paint have more gloss than matte, 25 to 35 percent and 35 to 70 percent respectively. It has a shinier finish than matte and is easier to clean. While it’s typically used for interior doors, woodwork around doors and windows, consider using it in higher traffic areas such as the bathroom and kitchen. This paint will also last longer when exposed to water, soap, or grease. One downside of higher gloss paints is that they don’t hide imperfections in the wall or on wood.

High-gloss paint has 70 percent or higher reflectivity and can be used in the same places as low-gloss paint.  However, make sure you really want the area to have a very shiny finish. High-gloss paint is the most durable, and the easiest to clean. Like semi-gloss paint, it doesn’t hide the flaws in walls or other surfaces. Think about whether shine or a little camouflage is more important to you.

If you’re unsure which type of paint to use in your house, the experts at University Painters can work with you to select the best finish for your needs. Call us today for an appointment.

Creative, Maintenance, Paint Colors
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interior/exterior painting, painters,
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Not All Paint Is Created Equal

interior/exterior painting, painters,Paint is paint, right? Not true. There are various types of primers and paints and they can be used to their best effect when you understand the difference.

Basically, there’s oil-based paint versus water-based paint; each has different properties and uses. In some states, the use of oil-based paint has been banned due to the level of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), but it hasn’t been removed from use in all areas. Oil-based paint takes longer to dry, has a stronger odor, and requires more harsh cleaners, such as turpentine or mineral spirits to remove. Once it’s on the wall or another surface, there are a few disadvantages. It tends to become brittle and could crack and peel. It’s also susceptible to fading and becoming chalky when exposed to prolonged periods of sunlight. On the positive side, oil-based paint is less sensitive to environmental elements such as water and humidity, takes abuse better, and looks good longer.

Water-based paint, also referred to as latex or acrylic pain, cleans up with soap and water and is gentler on the environment. Water-based paint comes in a larger variety of colors than oil, is chip-resistant, and can achieve a high gloss finish. It has become the industry-standard but it does have a few drawbacks. Water-based paint is more difficult to dry in humid climates, and doesn’t take the punishment of heavy traffic as well as oil-based paint. One option that has the benefits of water-based paint and the lasting power of oil-based paint is acrylic enamel. It’s not a mixture of oil and water-based paint as it uses acrylic as the binding agent.

There are also specialty paints for difficult areas with properties such as being flame retardant, mold and mildew resistant, and resistant to condensation. When hiring a professional, ask what type of paint they use and discuss the pros and cons of each. University Painters always use quality materials and are experts in their field. You can count on them to help you make the best choices for your home inside and out. Visit www.universitypainters.com or call 800-390-4848 for a free consultation.

Maintenance, Paint Colors
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interior painting,home painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Keep Your Home’s Paint Looking Like New

When you paint your home’s interior or exterior, you can keep it looking new longer if you know how to take care of it. Most people paint their homes then forget about it until it needs to be repainted. Regular maintenance can extend the life of the paint in your home and ultimately save you money. Here are three tips you may not know.

1. Keep an eye out for any spots or stains from dirt, grease, or crayons, etc. It’s easiest to clean spots when they’re fresh rather than after they’re ground in and covered with more dirt. Take into consideration the finish on your wall. Scrubbing too hard on a matte wall may remove more than just the stain. Try to remove the stain with a damp sponge first. If the stain is stubborn, add a little dish soap on the sponge and try again.

2. Mold is never a good sign. It usually develops in moist, damp areas such as bathrooms and basements. If you find mold, you can purchase special paint to cover the area, or you can start with a simple solution of water and bleach. Check the surface a few months later to make sure the problem has been solved. If the mold continues to spread, you may want to call in a professional to help.

3. Most people don’t realize that paint can fade the same way fabrics can fade. Start with a high-quality paint to avoid this problem. However, if you’re unsure of the quality of the paint you have on your walls, or if you like your room sunny and bright all day long, consider tinting your windows with a UV coating.

A little effort will keep your home looking freshly painted for a long time. The professionals at University Paints use the finest quality materials and are available to consult with you about your painting needs. Contact us today.

Maintenance, Paint Colors
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exterior painting,paints, home painter
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Faux Finishes for Exteriors

If you live in a community with very similar style homes and want to make your house stand out, consider a faux finish for the exterior. Faux finishes are often used as a way to change the interior of your home, but the right technique in the right place outside your home can add interest and enhance your home’s value. 

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