Posts Tagged ‘Local Painting Contractors’

“My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or the other of us has to go.” This may have been Oscar Wilde’s last recorded comment before passing away in a hotel in Paris. While it is unknown why the decor got under Mr. Wilde’s skin, it is not an uncommon experience. A beautiful wallpaper that is applied successfully can create a gorgeous transformation. Over time though the paper can feel outdated or tired, it can become stained or damaged, or adhesion may fail. If you are battling your wallpaper and feel it’s time for it to go, we have some suggestions for how to remove it. 

Start preparing the space by removing what you can from the area. Furniture or fixtures that can’t be easily removed can be covered by painter’s plastic. Go to your breaker box and turn the power off to the outlets in the room to err on the side of caution. Remove outlet and lightswitch plates to expose the paper underneath. Cover the outlets with blue tape to keep moisture from getting in. The removal process can be messy so it is best to cover your floor with a drop cloth or tarp. 

Outdoor features on homes, such as decks and porches, continue to grow in popularity on both new construction and on remodeled homes. Decks and porches offer greater resale value for your home, increase square footage of your property, and add a beautiful space for friends and family to gather. Maintaining or refinishing these features protects the structures themselves and complements the aesthetics of your home and landscaping. If you are thinking about refinishing a deck or porch, we have a few suggestions! 

First, take the time to determine the appearance you would like. Do you prefer the look of a painted finish or a stained finish? Typically, sealers and stains are the easiest to apply, while a paint application takes a bit more time and effort. Paint is great for concealing imperfections, whereas stains and sealers showcase the grain and character of the wood. Either way, be sure to select a product that offers UV protection and can withstand foot traffic. 

Repainting kitchen cabinets is one of the most inexpensive ways to transform the look of your kitchen. There are many how-to videos and articles available to steer you in the right direction. Here are four time-tested tips that we recommend:

Create a System

Take the time to remove doors and drawer fronts after degreasing them. To avoid a headache later be sure to take pictures of the cabinet layout, create a labeling system to identify which doors belong to which cabinets, and draw a diagram. The doors and hardware may fit just right where they were, so having a system for putting them back will save you time and frustration. 

When you are at a good stopping point for your painting project and you have sealed up your paint cans, it is time to clean your brush. While each professional painter can teach you a classic trade secret or a one-of-a-kind cleaning technique that he or she have developed over time, there are a few basics that painters of all experience levels should know. Below we will share the basics so you are ready to tackle your next painting project.  

The most important thing to know is that brushes must clean with each use! Cleaning brushes regularly and thoroughly extends the life of the brush and allows you to apply a consistent finish. The type of paint you have been using will determine the cleaning solution you will need. For instance, if you are painting with latex paint, you will clean your brush with warm water and a mild soap (bar or dish detergent.) If you are painting with oil-based paints, then you will clean your brush with mineral spirits.  

Benjamin Franklin has been credited with saying, “By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.” While it is unclear if Franklin ever uttered this phrase, it’s clear why the idea resonates with people. Most of us have had experiences that reinforce this message. Whether hosting an event, leading a work team, playing competitive sports, or even taking on a home improvement project, intentional preparation can lead to a great outcome.

Benjamin Moore is kicking off the new decade with Color of the Year 2020, a flawlessly happy, upbeat palette lead by First Light 2102-70. Helping us transition into the new decade with ease, this soft pink provides an ideal alternative to the abundance of whites and beiges we have seen this past decade. To add to the versatility of this dusky, blush pink, First Light 2102-70 can satisfy both cool and warm hue lovers alike as it fuses both worlds perfectly.  

First Light 2102-70, however, is not the only option for 2020.  The Ben Moore team also selected 9 other colors to go along with this timeless pink. Another great feature of Benjamin Moore’s 2020 Palette is that there is something for everybody–from soft, almost pastel hues like Crystalline AF-485 and White Heron OC-57 to deep, dramatic shades such as Cushing Green HC-125 and Blue Danube 2062-30.

Sherwin Williams just announced its 2020 color of the year, and we could not be more excited! Naval SW 6244 is an exquisite blue. In spite of its boldness, this gorgeous neutral calls for quietness and reflection. It evokes feelings of tranquility, calmness, and order—a much needed state of mind in today’s ever ending  go, go, go environment. 

Inspired by the iconic 1920s, this rich, deep navy blue has a retro aura surrounding it. Like the 1920s, this hue was designed to galvanize a new decade full of boldness, daring, and forward-thinking.  

Naval SW 6244 has the ability to either give a space an incredibly calming feeling or it can explode with energy.  You can enhance one feeling over the other with lighting and light fixtures, by adding texture to your room, and by your furniture choices. The sky is the limit!

Are you feeling claustrophobic in your home? Tiring of your shoebox-sized apartment? Is your home’s old-world charm no longer making up for its tiny living spaces? In New Orleans, a city full of historical homes dating hundreds of years, protecting the integrity of space is always a priority. However, in century-old home design, some rooms dwarf in comparison to their modern equivalents. Pint-sized bathrooms, cramped kitchens, and barely-there bedrooms force us to juggle historical integrity and modern needs for space. Before you start tearing down walls or browsing classified ads for a new housing situation, consider maximizing your space with paint! While painting your walls does not actually increase square footage, using the right shades and techniques can make your space appear bigger.

It happens to all of us. You come home from work and your entire house looks like it is actually starring you down. But you are just not really sure whether it is time to paint or not. So how can you actually know? There are a few signs that you will tell you when it is time.

Chalky Residue

One of the most obvious signs that would point towards “it is time to repaint the exterior of your home” is chalky residue on your painted surfaces. All you have to do is run your hand over any existing painted areas and if it leaves color on your hand it means that the resin is no longer holding together, thus letting you know that it is definitely time to repaint the exterior of your home.

Yes, you should! This might seem a bit of an obvious and straight forward answer, but the truth of the matter is that taking care of rotten wood around your house can be easily overlooked and push to the bottom of the house project’s list. Addressing rotten wood, however, should be a top priority because if it is left unattended it will become a bigger, more costly issue very quickly.

But what causes wood to rot?

Microscopic organisms, commonly known as fungi, and moisture cause wood to decay and rot. In other words, wet and damp wood are like a buffet for fungi, which is the main and perhaps only ingredient responsible for wood decaying.