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Staining Sealing Painting
Written by Colleen Kalil

All Decked Out!

Staining Sealing PaintingCommercial and residential painting services’ is an expansive heading. There are so many different options customers can request that often don’t come to mind immediately. One great example of this is painting, staining or sealing a deck.

A deck is an outdoor addition to a home. It usually extends out from one of the home’s floor levels. They are most often made from wood or composite materials. This may include wood that is pressure-treated, an option that some home owners may avoid because of the chemicals involved in the development of this material. In other instances, the homeowner may turn to cedar – a lovely alternative except that it is more easily damaged, even though it is more resistant to rotting. Yet another choice is what is known as ipe. This is a type of wood from South America and its attributes include rot-resistance and solidness, although it is noticeably more expensive.

The downside of having a deck is the unavoidable beating it takes in any weather. In climates that are highly sunny, it can cause the deck to dry out and fade quickly. Humidity, rain, sleet and snow are equally as damaging. So, if you put your hard-earned money into building a deck, or if one already comes with the home you purchased, it requires proper attending to and maintenance – usually in the form of painting, sealing or staining. While a deck may seem to be a simple undertaking, painting and staining are actually a challenge, no matter what size the deck.

When determining your path to refreshing your deck, think about what you want the final presentation to be, such as the color of paint or stain, or if you simply want to put on a clear sealant allowing the natural color of the deck to shine through. Remember that it shouldn’t clash with the overall look of the home. Instead it should be a warm and natural addition and not an eyesore. You may even want to test a small part of the deck with different samples of colors and stains you are considering prior to completing the project in full.

Finally, remember you can always call on the expertise of the experienced professionals at University Painters, Inc. We specialize in creating beautiful and lasting appearances that homeowners will love for years to come.

interior painting,House Painting Pressure Washing
Written by Colleen Kalil

Repairing and Repainting After Water Damage

interior painting,House Painting Pressure WashingIf you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ll have to deal with water damage at some point in the life of your home. The causes of water damage vary from the effects of bad weather to frozen pipes to antiquated plumbing. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to do a thorough job of repairing the damage to prevent additional problems in the future.

Consider The Source

Before any repair work can be started, find the source of the water damage. Make sure the repairs are made properly and quickly. Wet materials can begin to develop mold and mildew in as little as 24 hours.

Ceiling Damage

Ceiling damage can cause paint to peel and bubbles to form. Once the source of the water is repaired, examine the damaged area. Remove any peeling paint or bubbles. If the drywall is sagging, let it dry completely. Check to make sure it is still attached to the beams and use drywall screws to restore it to the correct position.

Clean any visible mold or mildew from the damaged area. Use filler or putty to create a flat surface wherever peeling paint or bubbling was removed, then sand it smooth. Next, apply a stain blocking primer to any area that is discolored and let it dry completely. If you don’t apply stain block, the original stain will bleed through the new paint. It’s best to repaint the entire ceiling to prevent patches of different colored paint.

Wall Damage

If the wallboard doesn’t need to be replaced, check to make sure it’s still attached to the studs. Scrape off any peeling paint or drywall putty then clean the surface. If there is any mold or mildew, use bleach and water or a solution specifically designed to combat mildew. Let the area dry completely, then apply a fresh coat of paint. If the existing paint has faded, you may need to repaint the entire wall or room to maintain consistent color.

Repairing water damage can be a time consuming process. Save yourself the aggravation and leave it to the professionals at University Painters. Call or go online to schedule a free consultation today.

interior painting,home painters
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.