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Insider Tips for Choosing the Best Interior Painting Services

Insider Tips for Choosing the Best Interior Painting Services

Get top quality results for you home’s fresh coat of paint by hiring the best interior painting services. Learn how to find the very best with these tips.

 

Interior Painting ServicesHow do you choose between interior painting services in town? You want to hire someone who will do a great job on your home or commercial building, but how do you know which one is best when they all have great reviews on their websites? What sets them apart?

Maybe you’ve hired a contractor before and you’re already overwhelmed by the thought of having to do it again. We understand. Let us give you some helpful tips for choosing the perfect interior painting service — one that will give you the best value for your money. Read on to find out what they are so you can relax and be confident with your choice.

Step 1: See What’s Out There

When you’re looking for a professional painting company online, whether they’re going to paint your home or commercial business, try not to get overwhelmed with all the choices. Take a deep breath and remember: Right now you’re just seeing what’s out there. Peruse the options. Make a shortlist of the ones you have a good feeling about.

Pick 5 or 6 of the best interior painting services for your list, and put them in order of most to least reputable, and by how informative their website is.

Some good places to start looking for a painting contractor are:

  • Friends and family referrals
  • Better Business Bureau
  • Painting & Decorating Contractors of America
  • Angie’s List 

When checking the BBB’s website for your local area, take a look at the Annual Homeowner Survey area. This will show you the most trusted referrals.

Step 2: Get Some Bids

You have your list of interior painting companies. Get multiple bids so you have some options. You’ve probably considered the fact that they can get booked up fast. So collect the data needed by each company, which usually includes the square footage, and wall area, of your home or commercial space.

If you’d rather have each interior painting company call you go ahead and fill out the information on their website or send an email. You may be happy with the one that calls you first just because they got back to you first, but you still have some decisions to make, so don’t settle right away.

Healthy Competition

You’ll want to get bids from several professional painting services so you know the range of prices and quality of work, friendliness, reputation, and general availability for the time period during which you need to get the job done. Getting multiple bids also reminds the contractors that they have some competition for the job.

First Meeting

You might feel loyalty towards the first one that arrives to look at your home or building, but this is just a psychological phenomenon. Keep your wits about you and remember, you want them to compete for your business. Healthy competition is a good thing. Don’t automatically go for the “low-ball” bid, as tempting as it may be.

Try to get at least a few bids before making your decision. You’ll thank yourself in the long-run when you make the right choice and you don’t have a ruined livingroom.

Step 3: Interviewing Companies for Interior Painting Services

Remember, you have the upper hand; They’re competing for a job you’re offering. Ask them tough questions, because later you could regret not doing so. Brainstorm what you’d like and need to ask. Here are some recommended questions to ask during the interview.

  • How long have they been in business (the longer the better)
  • Do they use subcontractors or do they use a regular crew (red flag – cheap labor)
  • Do they offer a warranty (a must)
  • Are they insured (a must)
  • Has the interior painting company received any awards (bonus points)
  • Can they provide references and a picture portfolio (a must)
  • What brands/types of paint do they usually use or are willing to use (cheap paint is a red flag)
  • How much of the wall preparation is included in the contract (don’t get scammed)
  • Do they keep a clean workspace, and clean up afterward (a must)

As you may already know, painting can be a smelly job. Consider staying at a local hotel or at a family member’s or friend’s place if it’s your home you’re having painted.

If it’s your business, work together on how to put up warning signs for the public and colleagues and how to block off any areas that should be avoided by foot traffic or long-term occupancy. For health precautions, consider asking about how much time one should stay in a wet-paint area without a mask.

Step 4: Take Some Time to Think

Let yourself rest take some time to think about which one you want to hire. Think about how each company reacted to the questions. Did they seem too proud to answer them? This is a warning sign. You’ll want a company that’s easy to work with and responsive to your requests during and after the painting project.

Step 5: Check Their References

It’s easy for companies to add fake reviews to business websites these days. Research the interior painting company’s references before you make any final decisions. You’ll thank yourself later. Dishonesty is all too prevalent these days, but there are great companies out there too.

Wrapping Up

You’re now empowered to choose with confidence. This fearlessness will work for you during and after the hiring process. You’ll know it did when you end up choosing the right company for interior painting services, and when you see the results. Remember, they are working for you. Don’t let them treat you rudely or keep you waiting for answers to your questions.

After all, getting a new coat of paint should be a fun, exciting experience. Your interior environment is important for your well-being. You don’t want to look at your walls and remember a poor experience. Stay uplifted by choosing wisely.

Contact us today and keep us on your shortlist for home or commercial business interior painting jobs. We look forward to giving you friendly, honest service at a fair price.

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Wall Painting 101- How the Pros Do It

Painting a wall seems easy. You buy some paint, use a brush, and just do it. If you ask the pros though, they’ll tell you these top wall painting secrets.

When painting, the color you choose can have a dramatic impact on your mood and overall feeling.

Studies have shown brighter colors can make people feel more upbeat, while darker colors can make you feel sad.

The color you choose to paint with is essential, but it’s only half the battle, to truly add to the ambiance of a room it must have a professional paint job.

Painting a room does seem like an easy task until you have paint streaks and botched layers. If you ask the professionals, they will give you these expert wall painting tips to make sure it comes out neat and elegant looking every time.Wall Painting

Wall Painting: An Experts Guide

Each painter has a particular way of painting that they believe to be the best. They all have specific brush techniques and methods of preparing that they perform time after time. How do we know what techniques are the best?

Follow along with this expert guide that is dedicated to helping you get the perfect paint job every time.

Preparation

When it comes to preparing to paint a wall, you can look at like preparing for war. It is one of the most critical steps to make sure you get the perfect paint job. If you miss a step or get lazy, you might have paint leak through your barriers, and that’s a big problem.

So its best to put in the work, in the beginning, to make sure the rest of the process is smooth sailing.

First, you should inspect the walls to make sure they are not any holes, cracks, or rough spots. If you find holes, make sure to fill them in along with any cracks. If you have paint that’s chipping, you can go ahead and peel it away. Any spots you find can be easily cleaned with a non-toxic cleaner.

Make sure to lightly sand down any rough spots you find to ensure you have a clean, smooth surface to work with.

Protect Your Assets

When you are finished preparing the wall, its time to move on to taping. To make sure your painting tape holds, its recommended to get a high-quality tape such as frog tape. You can then go along baseboards, molding, doors, window frames, light fixtures, and switch plates.

When it comes to taping, the better edge you create, the better the results will be in the end. Don’t skimp out on the taping portion.

Next, move any furniture in the area if you can to another room. If moving the furniture to another room isn’t an option, make sure to cover it with a plastic throw.

When you feel comfortable with your furniture being protected, throw a drop cloth down on the floors to protect them as well.

Time to Begin Painting

Time to open up the paint can and begin painting. It is a smart idea to pour the paint into a ramp. The ramp helps when painting a wall to ensure the paint is evenly distributed throughout the entire wall.

An important thing to keep in mind when choosing a roller is to look for one that has “shedless” on the label. A shedless roller is higher quality and will make sure you don’t have any unwanted fibers coming off the roller and sticking to the wall.

When you begin to paint, starting at the top and working your way down is the proper way to paint a wall. It is best to work on the ceiling first and work your way down from there.

Technique, Technique, Technique

The technique is what separates the professionals from amateurs. One of the techniques professionals use is called “cutting in.” This technique helps protect the trim and edges by painting straight lines alongside them, eliminating the need to go over it multiple times.

With the cutting in process, you paint the top and bottom first using straight lines and then fill in the middle using a roller.

Another technique that professionals use is called keeping a “wet edge.” This technique involves keeping the “cut in” portion wet to maintain the working area of the wall.

If you do not keep a wet edge while painting, it will give the wall different layers, and ruin the look of it.

Using these professional painting tips will help maintain a professional look while also maximizing efficiency.

Wrapping up

While you finish up your painting job, it is essential to remember the job isn’t finished quite yet. It is recommended not to touch freshly painted walls for at least 2 hours after you finish. It is best if you can leave it overnight to avoid any unwanted streaks.

If possible, you can leave the windows open to help circulate the air.  If it is humid outside, it is not recommended to open the windows.

When the humidity is high, the air contains more water vapors and can affect the finish of your paint job. Due to the increased moisture in the air, the paint can take longer to dry as well.

When finished with your tools, it is recommended to soak them in hot or warm water to get the excess paint off. Most paint will come right off with a little water because many paints are water-based in this day in age.

If needed, you can use a little bit of mild soap for stubborn paint that won’t come off. Cleaning your tools immediately after your finished ensures you keep the integrity of the tools, and they will be ready to use for your next paint job.

When finished with your paint, you can put the lid back on with a little tap from a hammer. Make sure the cover is on tight, and paint can last up to another two years once opened.

When The Professionals Are Needed

After reading through this guide, you will have learned how to properly paint a wall. Keep in mind though some paint jobs are harder than others, don’t get discouraged if you have a massive project.

That is what the professionals are here for, if you need assistance with wall painting, contact us today, and we can help.

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5 Tips for Maintaining the Exterior Paint of Your Home

Canadian homeowners spend up to 3 percent of their property’s total value on maintenance and repairs annually. Ignoring the problems a home has will only lead to them getting worse over time. The best way for a homeowner to find out about what their residence needs is by inspecting.

During these inspections, you need to pay close attention to the condition of the exterior paint. There will come a time when you have to get this paint replaced due to age and wear. Once you have new exterior paint applied, investing time and energy in maintaining it is vital.

The last thing you want is for your home to lose curb appeal due to a lack of maintenance. This is why keeping your exterior paint in good shape is vital.

The following are some of the things you need to do to keep your home’s exterior paint in pristine shape.

  1. Exterior Paint Needs to be Washed

Most homeowners fail to realize how much of a pounding their paint takes from Mother Nature. Every time the window blows dirt into the air around your home, it will usually land on the exterior paint. This means that over time, the paint will start to look dirty and dingy.

While you can wash the dirt off by hand, this will take lots of time and energy. The best way to reduce the time it takes to get this job done is by renting a power washer. If you are unsure about how to adjust the settings on the power washer, working with professionals is a must.

If the pressure is set too high, it may lead to the paint getting blown off. This is why hiring professionals to do this job is a good idea. They will be able to scrub the outside of the home with soap and water before power washing it to ensure it gets as clean as possible.

  1. Touching Up Your Paint is a Good Idea

As previously mentioned, inspecting the outside of your home on a regular basis is important. While looking at your exterior paint, make note of any chips or scratches that are present. The longer you allow these problems to linger, the worse they will inevitably get.

Once the professionals are done painting your home, you need to find out what color was used. Getting a gallon of this paint to keep in the garage is a good idea. By doing this, you can easily touch up these imperfections.

With a paintbrush or a small roller cover, you should have no problem getting these spots covered with paint. Most homeowners take great pride in doing their own improvement projects. Not only will this touching up beautify your home, it can also give you a sense of accomplishment.

  1. Keep Your Landscaping in Check

A variety of different elements are included in your exterior home design. One of the first things a person will notice about your home is the condition of the landscaping around the residence. Allowing your shrubs and trees to grow too high can create lots of problems.

Most homeowners fail to realize that out of control landscaping elements near their residence can damage their exterior paint. If the branches of the shrubs and trees are always rubbing against the paint, it will cause scratches to develop. Also, wet branches coming in contact with the side of the home can lead to the development of mold and mildew.

Instead of dealing with these problems, you need to focus on keeping your trees and shrubs trimmed. If you don’t have the energy or time to do this work, hiring landscaping professionals is important. The money paid to these professionals will be worth it considering the results they can produce.

  1. Inspecting Gutters and Downspouts

The outside of your home has a number of different parts. The gutters mounted on your roof help to keep water from puddling on the roof and at the foundation of a home. Over time, these gutters will start to get filled with leaves and other debris.

If the gutters are allowed to overflow, the water can cause damage to your exterior paint. Instead of dealing with this problem, getting your gutters cleaned professionally on a regular basis is vital.

With this professional cleaning, you can keep your roof, your foundation and your exterior paint in good shape. Consulting with gutter professionals is the best way to figure out how often this cleaning should be performed.

  1. Caulking and Sealing

Keeping the doors and windows around your home sealed and functional is important. If the seals around these windows and doors wear out, it can lead to your paint getting damaged. When water gets behind the fascia boards on your home, it can cause them to rot.

Hiring professionals to caulk and seal the outside of your residence is a great way to avoid this type of damage for good. If you are like most homeowners, you don’t have the experience to do this work. Instead of making mistakes that will only lead to more problems, you need to work with experienced professionals.

Professional Painters Can Help You Out

Getting new exterior paint and maintaining it is much easier when hiring a professional. A professional painter will have a team of employees they can use to get this work done in a hurry.

Are you looking for a reputable and experienced painter to hire? If so, contact us to find out more about the services we offer.

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Need Bathroom Paint Inspiration? 15 Small Bathroom Paint Color Ideas

According to USA Today, your bathroom should be repainted every three to four years. Between the moisture buildup and constant activity, those walls need a little extra attention.

If you need a little inspiration, we have you covered. Here are our 15 best small bathroom paint color ideas. With this list, you can transform your bathroom with the latest looks.

Keep reading for a rainbow’s worth of small bathroom paint ideas!

  1. Dusty Blue

Your new bathroom paint color doesn’t have to go straight for intense shades. Instead, this cool gray-blue can add a little extra to your white tiles and countertops.

As your exploring these small bathroom paint color ideas, consider making other updates to your bathroom as well. A new mirror or different accents can complement dusty blue’s cool tones for a clean but balanced look.

  1. Griege

This color is picking up popularity for bathrooms as well as living rooms.

For a superhero paint color combo, beige and gray unite to bring you griege. This color can add new depth to your previously all-white walls.

It can also give other rooms throughout your household a neutral backdrop.

If you aren’t ready for a bold color, try griege instead. While providing an alternative to basic white, this color can inspire some creative small bathroom color schemes.

Try complementing it with a seafoam blue or goldenrod. With this neutral tone, there’s no limit to the possibilities!

  1. Vintage Velvet

Want to go bold instead of neutral? Vintage velvet can give you that depth you’re searching for.

This color adds a pop of glamor and drama to even the smallest bathroom. In addition to adding depth, this is a fun color that lets you get a little adventurous with your bathroom makeover.

You can also expand on that depth with the right lighting. If you can’t let the sunshine in, try adding light instead. Strategically placing sconces by the mirror or a dramatic overhead light can give your bathroom the additional depth you’re looking for.

If you’re unsure about choosing a bold color, grab a paint sample. Don’t be afraid to explore your options before making a big color commitment.

  1. Charming Pink

Indulge in a sweeter color like charming pink for your next bathroom upgrade. Unlike silly pink shades, this powder pink keeps your bathroom from looking childish.

Rather, this hue uses a slightly muted color to add a grown-up appeal to your bathroom walls. This color is airy and light, making even the smallest bathroom look open and inviting.

If you’re exploring small bathroom color schemes, consider pairing this pink with a charcoal gray or deep brown.

These pairings will add a level of sophistication to your small bathroom.

  1. Deep Navy

Looking for another bold option? Deep navy or midnight blues can add that flare of drama you’re looking for.

You can use this tool from Sherwin-Williams to “paint” your bathroom. That way, you have an actual visual of how these small bathroom paint color ideas will work in your own bathroom.

Deep navy can add depth to your bathroom. Complete this paint shade with white, gold, and a pop of pink to really make the room shine.

  1. Cerulean

If you’re looking for a blue between deep navy and aqua-sphere, try cerulean.

This watery blue is reminiscent of beach waves and pool days. Complement this color with a pop of sunshine yellow or white for balance.

  1. Requisite Gray

Balance this soothing color with pale pink or green linens with white accents to broaden the room.

Don’t limit yourself to these small bathroom paint color ideas. Consider updating your home’s exterior with the latest styles as well!

  1. Mint

This unity of blue, gray, and green works for any room. If your bathroom brings in a lot of sunlight, mint is great for keeping the room cool, too.

  1. Periwinkle

Periwinkle marries blue and purple for a subtle, soothing effect. Find a shade with a hint of gray to give the room a grown-up feel.

  1. Neutral Ground

If you’re looking for a color that complements your bathroom’s existing accessories and linens, try a neutral beige and taupe.

This color offers a simple color backdrop to your bathroom. That way, items within the rest of the room really pop against the walls. Neutral ground also adds enough warmth to balance the existing white and silver fixtures in most bathrooms.

Using that balance of warm and cool colors, you can make your small bathroom look a lot bigger, too!

  1. Stormy Blue

For a bathroom with copper, add this navy shade for the best balance. Try it on a statement wall if you’re worried the room will appear too dark.

  1. Ancient Marble

An alternative to mint, this green-gray color gives your bathroom a natural look. This rock-like neutral color is a great option among cool hues.

  1. Hunter Green

If you want to go down the boho haven route, trying hunter green on for size. This color offers a shade of gorgeous emerald to your bathroom walls.

Pair this color with two white walls to offer balance to the room. Alternating walls is as also a great way from using a bold color that feels too heavy for the entire bathroom.

You can use a single statement wall as well, matched with fixtures, a rug, and hardwood floors to completely transform your tiny bathroom.

  1. Peachy Pink

Choose a grown-up pink with this peachy shade. This color option adds playfulness and a flare of glam to any size bathroom.

  1. Aqua-Sphere

Spa blue hues allow homeowners to give their bathrooms a soothing, seaside vibe. This pale blue will add airiness to your bathroom as well, making the space feel more open.

Whether the room has access to natural light or you add new sconces, this color helps light bounce throughout the room.

Complement this pale blue hue with a soothing white or sandy shade to complete the room’s beach vibes.

Spruce it Up: 15 Small Bathroom Paint Color Ideas

With these 15 small bathroom paint color ideas, you can transform your bathroom with the latest tried-and-true picks.

Discover the benefits of our painting services and get started on updating your bathroom today!

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10 Trends in Exterior Paint Colors in 2019

Is the outside of your home looking old and tired? Or are you tired of the color? Are you getting ready to sell your home?

There are many reasons you might want to repaint. And there are good reasons for selling in 2019. Keeping resale value in mind, some colors are better than others.

A nice coat of paint rejuvenates your home’s exterior. If you’re painting soon, take a look at these top trends in exterior paint colors for your home in 2019.

You Can’t Please Everyone

You can’t please everyone, but there are some colors that most people find easy on the eyes. Remember when everyone wanted a red front door? That’s out of style now, along with the bright-yellow accents!

If you’re repainting for yourself or to sell, neutral colors are easygoing and never go out of style. Neutrals pair well with colorful home decor accents that are easy to change when you tire of them.

Don’t worry, neutral doesn’t mean boring. And keep in mind that color affects mood in different ways.

That being said, take a look at these great exterior paint color trends and pick one that works for you.

  1. White on White

From the popular farmhouse trend to a Mediterranean beach house, white is on point. And don’t be fooled, there’s more than one white. Painting your house white is tricky because there are so many whites from which to choose.

There are cool whites with blue or grey undertones. There are also warm whites with a hint of brown or cream. Some whites with brown undertones look the tiniest bit pink.

A white house sporting white trim offers a clean look that’s gorgeous. if you’re looking for something more striking, use white with a bold dark color for the trim.

If you opt for white, use one with a low light reflective value (LRV) for your home’s exterior. It won’t reflect the surrounding colors of the landscape or your neighbors’ homes.

  1. Dark and Dramatic

Looking for something a little more dramatic for your home’s exterior? Almost no matter the type of home, it’ll look great with a bold dark color. Whether your house is mid-century modern, contemporary, or craftsman, a dark color looks great.

Colors gaining in popularity are dark greens, dark blues, and charcoals. Pair these dark colors with white trim.

Stormy Gray has a blue undertone for a unique and dramatic look. Looking for a beach or coastal feel? Try Stormy Gray. Pair it with white trim details.

  1. The Famous Greige

Greige is taking over and for good reason. Greige is the marriage of gray and beige. Homeowners and buyers love greige. Beige infuses warm undertones while gray offers soft neutral tones.

The two colors together make greige. And it’s the perfect color for exterior as well as interior paint jobs.

  1. Safe Taupe

Taupe is a good exterior color for playing it safe if you’re selling soon. Tony Taupe from Sherwin-Williams (SW 7038) is a great neutral exterior color. It’s also one of the most popular, and it’s coming up big in 2019.

  1. A Classic – Desert Beige

This strong neutral tone pairs well with bold contrasting trim colors. The trim is a visual outline for your home’s exterior. This classic beige isn’t boring and pairs well with white gutters, corner strips, and soffits.

  1. Got the Blues?

Do you love blue? You’re not alone!

Many homeowners and buyers opt for blue. Deep bold blues make for great accent colors. Or do the entire exterior in a bold blue hue. If you choose a dark or bright blue, pair it with cool light trim colors.

Be bold with Peacock Blue and you’ll stand out from your neighbors!

Blue is another color that gives a coastal feel like Cape Cod in the summer. Try any sea-blue watery hue for a charming exterior. Ready to set your home apart? Try Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year: Oceanside.

  1. Almost Blue

You’re not ready for blue, but you want a nautical feel? Try a deep blue-gray exterior. You’ll get the nautical, coastal vibe without committing to full blue.

Pair with white trim for a neutral look. Not sure what white to look for? Your painting contractor can help. Speaking of contractors, make sure you hire a good one!

  1. Unexpected Red

As 2019 comes into full bloom, there are also some unexpected color trends. Here’s a trend you may not be sold on when it comes time to sell, but if you’re looking for something different, try a smoky red exterior.

A bright and cheerful lighthouse red is a traditional color, but it’s also fresh. It’s the perfect pairing for bright white trim. Paint the garage doors and soffits white as well.

  1. Nature-Inspired Exterior Colors

No doubt 2019 decor takes lots of its inspiration from nature. If you’re looking for a retreat-like space, consider a moss green like Spanish Moss from Valspar. This woodsy green has brownish tones reminiscent of tree bark.

Looking for a more neutral green? Try Benjamin Moore’s Cypress Green. It’s a gray-green amalgamation that’s neutral without being boring. Try it with black or dark-gray shutters and trim.

  1. Pale Yellow

Yellow is making a comeback. This cheerful hue says “happy!” But beware of going too bright. A nice toned-down pale shade is your best bet if you’re selling anytime soon.

Yellow looks great on a traditional craftsman or old Victorian. Pair it with a white porch and trim. Add gray details for a sophisticated look.

Exterior Paint Colors for 2019

There are so many great exterior paint colors for 2019. There’s something for everyone’s taste. If you’re painting your home with no plans for selling, go for whatever trend suits you best.

If you’re painting with selling in mind, stick to one of the more neutral trends. Neutral may seem boring, but it’s tried and true when it comes to selling your home.

Whether you’re going for a coastal blue or a lighthouse red, a fresh coat of exterior paint makes your home look great.

Are you ready for a new coat of exterior paint? Call us. We’re here to help!

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