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How to Choose The Right Paint Color
When it comes to decorating, choosing paint color can really be a challenge. While you may feel that there are so many choices you’re bound to find the right one, you may end up feeling that there are so many choices you don’t know where to start!
The tips here will really help you if you feel stumped by this important choice. After all, the paint color will set the tone for the room.
Be Patient
It’s great to collect paint chips when planning a room, but hold off making final choices until you’ve developed an overall room scheme. Paint is available in literally an infinite array of colors and is the most versatile element of your room decor, the easiest to change, and the least expensive. Get ideas but make the final decision after rugs, wallpaper, and fabrics are finalized.
Coordinate Decorating Samples
When you go shopping, you’ll need to refer to your fabric, carpet, tile, wallpaper, and trim samples constantly. Be sure to take everything with you wherever you go. No telling where you might see something wonderful.
Really Study the Colors
You’ll find clues about the underlying tones of different shades of a color on a full sample strip of coordinated colors. Even if you’re not even considering using a darker tone, look at all the colors carefully. Decide if the family of colors is the direction you’re headed with your color selection.
Tried and True Formula for Colors
If you’re working with a print fabric, you’ll probably be happier if you select the coordinating wall paint color from the background of the print. Use the deeper or brighter tones for accents throughout the room or adjacent spaces. Learn more tips here about how to choose a color scheme.
Trim it Out
More often than not, you’ll select a shade of white or off-white for the moldings, doors, and windows. If you’re feeling brave, consider the palest shade of color to coordinate with the walls. For a really striking look, try lighter walls and dark tones or bright color for trim.
Choose the Paint Finish for the Job
Consider which paint finish might be best for your project. Matte or flat finishes hide wall imperfections, but glossier finishes will reflect more light.
http://interiordec.about.com/od/interiorpainting/a/diy_choosepaint.htm
Check out who has picked up our press release on roof washing!
Tale a look at our press release in the following medias:
Cape Cod Daily
http://capecoddaily.com/news/27629/
Yahoo News
http://news.yahoo.com/local-contractor-offers-award-winning-roof-cleaning-solution-135647908.html
Boston Globe
http://finance.boston.com/boston/news/read?GUID=20924228
Worth.com
http://markets.financialcontent.com/worth/news/read?GUID=20924228
Local Contractor Offers Award-Winning Roof Cleaning Solution
By: PRWeb
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 13:01 PM EDT
PRWeb
Roof ReviverTM roof cleaner is being used on dirty, streaked roofs across the country this season. In Boston, The South Shore, Cape Cod and the Metro West, the Masse Group is using this environmentally safe and biodegradable cleaner to safely and effectively clean roofs affected by algae, moss and lichens.
Mica Moeller, owner of Moeller Services, LLC, the maker of the environmentally-friendly roof cleaning product, said she is honored and excited by the recognition of the Masse Group who uses the product exclusively.
“Our expansive network of contractors uses this environmentally-friendly cleaning solution to make it possible for thousands of people to save money. They don’t have to replace their roofs to rid themselves of black streaks. Instead, they can clean them; they revive them,” Moeller said. “The Masse Group is a local contractor with experience working on roof tops and they do an outstanding job to eliminate these stains.”
Roof ReviverTM Roof Cleaner uses an innovative two-step process to clean shingles, tiles and other roof surfaces affected by algae, moss and black streaks. Moeller Services developed the product after discovering that other roof cleaners use high concentration bleach, lye and other chemicals that can damage landscaping and surfaces of the home.
“We discovered Roof Reviver and have been thrilled by the results,” said Dan Masse owner of the Masse Group. “Our customers couldn’t be happier to see their roof tops clean again. We get a lot of repeat customers, and many people schedule yearly maintenance with us to prevent the stains from coming back.”
Roof ReviverTM roof cleaner is a product of Moeller Services, LLC, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. The easy two-step process cleans roof surfaces, including shingles and tiles, after they’ve been stained or affected by moss, algae and black streaks. The environmentally-friendly formula makes removing unsightly and embarrassing roof stains safe and cost-effective. For more information, visit http://www.roofreviver.com or http://www.massegroup.com
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The Big PAINt problem!!
Mildew
Cause of Condition
Mildew is caused by fungi feeding on nutrients contained in the paint film or on dirt adhering to any surface. Because moisture is the single most important factor in its growth, mildew tends to thrive in areas where dampness and lack of sunshine are problems such as window sills, under eaves, around gutters and downspouts, on the north side of buildings, or in shaded areas near shrubbery. It may sometimes be difficult to distinguish mildew from dirt, but there is a simple test to differentiate: if a drop of household bleach is placed on the suspected surface, mildew will immediately turn white whereas dirt will continue to look like dirt.
Recommended Treatment
Because mildew can only exist in shady, warm, moist areas, attention should be given to altering the environment that is conducive to fungal growth. The area in question may be shaded by trees which need to be pruned back to allow sunlight to strike the building; or may lack rain gutters or proper drainage at the base of the building. If the shady or moist conditions can be altered, the mildew is less likely to reappear. A recommend solution for removing mildew consists of one cup non-ammoniated detergent, one quart household bleach, and one gallon water. When the surface is scrubbed with this solution using a medium soft brush, the mildew should disappear; however, for particularly stubborn spots, an additional quart of bleach may be added. After the area is mildew-free, it should then be rinsed with a direct stream of water from the nozzle of a garden hose, and permitted to dry thoroughly. When repainting, specially formulated “mildew-resistant” primer and finish coats should be used.
http://www.nps.gov/hps/tps/briefs/brief10.htm#Paint%20Removal%20Precautions
Great product for home, office, or classroom use. Give us a call to find out more.
IdeaPaint turns virtually anything you can paint in the classroom into a high-performance dry-erase surface, giving you and your students the space you need to collaborate, interact and discover new ways of learning.
No matter where you use it, minds will open and fill with big ideas.
http://www.ideapaint.com
Happy Valentines Day! What does the color “red” mean?
What Colors Mean
We live in a colorful world. In many countries, colors represent various holidays; they are also used to express feelings and enliven language. Find your favorite color and see what it means around the world.
Red
Red Ribbon Wrapped Around an Orange Race Car
For the ancient Romans, a red flag was a signal for battle.
Because of its visibility, stop signs, stoplights, brake lights, and fire equipment are all painted red.
The ancient Egyptians considered themselves a red race and painted their bodies with red dye for emphasis.
In Russia, red means beautiful. The Bolsheviks used a red flag as their symbol when they overthrew the tsar in 1917. That is how red became the color of communism.
In India, red is the symbol for a soldier.
In South Africa, red is the color of mourning.
It’s considered good luck to tie a red bow on a new car.
In China, red is the color of good luck and is used as a holiday and wedding color. Chinese babies are given their names at a red-egg ceremony.
Superstitious people think red frightens the devil.
A “red-letter day” is one of special importance and good fortune.
In Greece, eggs are dyed red for good luck at Easter time.
To “paint the town red” is to celebrate.
Red is the color most commonly found in national flags.
In the English War of the Roses, red was the color of the House of Lancaster, which defeated the House of York, symbolized by the color white.
The “Redshirts” were the soldiers of the Italian leader Garibaldi, who unified modern Italy in the nineteenth century.
To “see red” is to be angry.
A “red herring” is a distraction, something that takes attention away from the real issue.
A “red eye” is an overnight airplane flight.
If a business is “in the red,” it is losing money.
http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0769383.html
Fire away with all of your paint problems!
It always amazes me that there are a million paint products on the market that claim to work to correct paint problems. With all these options it is hard and time consuming for someone to try a product and spend alot of money without having positive results.
Well how about just asking the pros. If you have a paint issue that you can’t resolve or want to know what product to use, just ask us. It does not cost you anything and if we don’t have an answer we certainly can point you in the right direction.
For instance , what is the best way to treat and seal a mahogany deck, or what type of paint additive should I use to minimize brush strokes and have better paint flow? You get the idea. So fire away with any of your questions.
Fixing Decayed (Rotted) Wood Using an Epoxy Penetrant and Filler
Fixing Decayed (Rotted) Wood Using an Epoxy Penetrant and Filler
When you come across rotted wood in your old house projects, instead of replacing the damaged wood, you also can repair it with specialty epoxy penetrants (also called consolidants) and fillers to make repairs. Not only is this faster, but the fixed wood is stronger than the original. For example, if you are fixing an old window and you strip the wood, paint on an epoxy penetrant. This will not only strengthen the wood, but also give it complete protection from moisture for decades once it is primed and painted.
About epoxy consolidants (penetrants) and fillers.
These products restore rotted, severely damaged windows, columns, frames, broken furniture, structural and decorative wood components. They are especially valuable for parts that cannot be replaced because of size, shape or other reasons. The objects restored with these products become fully functional parts often stronger and far more durable than the original.
The penetrants. Reinforces, rebuilds, water- and insect-proofs wood by hardening after penetrating. Regenerates rotted windowsills, frames, structural and decorative parts, furniture, boats, columns, floors.
Epoxy fillers are a structural adhesive putty and wood replacement compound. They are a high-strength no-shrink adhesive paste to fill, repair and replace wood and other materials in structures, walls, floors, furniture, sculptures. They are unaffected by water and insects.
We use Abatron’s wood restoring products. It is better to use a product specially formulated for wood even if it is more expensive.
Product information below. Note: Only buy enough for a year as the components degrade over time
Here are two examples of how we used an epoxy penetrant and filler to fix damaged wood.
Product information:
Abatron’s LiquidWood and WoodEpox
http://www.hereandthere.org/oldhouse/fixing-decayed-wood.html
“Color Trends 2012″
Discover the adventure of color. Create unique paint color palettes for your home. Keep pace with the latest trends and styles
in color.
Let us show you how to incorporate Benjamin Moore colors into your life. The only limit is your imagination.
Featured Color Tool
The result of world-wide research by our color experts, “Color Trends 2012″ is our inspiring new collection of paint colors for the new year.
Structured into four select color groups—Eclectic Elegance, Earth & Sky, Sense & Sensibility, and Spiced Life—”Color Trends 2012″ can bring to life any home and transform the ordinary into the sublime.
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/explore-paint-colors
Why hire a professional painter?
Before you decide to “do it yourself” or hire the least expensive painter you can find, here are some points to consider that suggest the lowest price may not be the best value.
Safety: Painting can be hazardous work, whether it’s working on a ladder or dealing with solvents and dust. Hiring a professional contractor means you don’t have to worry about these problems.
Health: If your home was built before 1978, it was almost certainly painted with lead-based paint, which can cause serious health effects when it is scraped or sanded in preparation for repainting. Professional contractors will take appropriate steps to protect you. On June 1, 1999, remodeling contractors, including painters, will be required to furnish EPA produced pamphlets to their customers before they begin a job that involves disturbing lead-based paint. Professional painting contractors will understand and be willing to follow the recommendations on this pamphlet.
Preparation: Getting the surface properly prepared makes all the difference. Professional contractors know the value of preparation and will do it right.
Knowing Paints and How to Apply Them: The choices today are more complicated than just oil or latex, and professional contractors will know what works, how to use it, and will have the right tools for the job.
Cleanup and Disposal: Hiring a professional contractor means you don’t have to worry about dealing with paint residues and other leftovers. Professionals will know how to handle hazardous wastes that may be part of the job.
How to Choose the Right Contractor for Your Project?
Once you have decided to contract with someone to do a particular painting and decorating project, how do you go about selecting the right person or firm? Do you make your selection on price, size of company, years in business, or other criteria?
To locate the names of reputable contractors, there are many sources of information. Some of these sources would be friends, relatives, architects, decorators, yellow pages, trade associations, local “quality- oriented” paint supply stores, and newspaper advertisements. However, these sources can only give you limited general information. In order to make an educated decision, you need some specific information about any person or firm you are considering hiring.
Always ask if the contractor is licensed and insured . Quality contracting firms will be only too happy to provide you with copies of their certificates of insurance . They should provide bonding information (if the job is large enough to require such) and documentation of safety training and compliance programs.
Reputable contractors will encourage the use of a written contract. This contract should clearly explain the scope of the work to be performed. It should also cover such items as surfaces to be painted, methods and extent of surface preparation, time schedules for the project, and payment procedures. Knowing the total scope of the work enables you to carefully evaluate the different bids you may receive with the proper information and keep them on a level playing field. The contract serves to protect both you and the contractor.
Obtain a list of references from the prospective contractor. This list should include the contact person, address, and telephone number of the previous client. Follow up on this list with a phone call. Remember, the contractor will not give you a bad reference. Therefore, ask references if they know of any other work this contractor has performed. Be sure to ask whether the contractor and employees treated you professionally and with respect. The references you are interested in should be from projects similar in size and scope to yours. Also, these projects should be at least a few years old. This will help you gauge the performance of the construction and materials used. If possible, try to see the work that was done.
Discuss any guarantee or warranty programs the contractor may offer. Ask about the manufacturer’s warranty on the products to be used on your project. Remember you are looking for long-term durability from the paint job. The use of high quality products is as important as the selection and performance of the contractor.
Ask your potential painting contractors if they are members of any trade associations.
Determine if your contractor is a member of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America. PDCA is a professional association of contractors in the coatings industry. It has been in existence since 1884 and has over 3100 members all over the country and parts of Canada . The focus of the association is the education of its members and the promotion of professionalism within the industry. Look for the PDCA logo on his business card, bid sheets, or trucks. Trade associations such as the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) offer many programs for the education of painting contractors. This education includes training in the area of safety, business management , technical areas of painting and surface preparation, and more. Quality painting and decorating contractors are well educated on the different aspects of any painting project and that knowledge helps eliminate surprises.
Industry standards are another benefit of trade associations. PDCA produces nationally recognized standards that discuss many different aspects of a painting project. Use of these standards in proposals and contracts helps improve communication between the client and the contractor, assists in ensuring quality, and becomes a basis for evaluating the job’s requirements.
Good contractors are very eager for your business. They are also very proud of their craftsmanship. Once you have made your selection, step back and give the professional room to execute the project. You have both done your homework, so give the professional the opportunity to meet and exceed your expectations. Remember, as with anything else in life, you get what you pay for. If you want high quality and reliable service, be willing to pay the price that comes with it. Good luck with your painting projects.
The Painting and Decorating Contractors of America is a full-service national trade association representing over 3,100 companies engaged in all sectors of the coatings application industry. PDCA has developed this report to assist you in making an informed decision when you next contemplate a painting or decorating project. To find a PDCA contractor in your area call 800-332-PDCA.
The Best Paint Colors to Sell a House
In today’s home-selling world, a lot of work goes into preparing a home for a quick sale. One trend is toward using home staging professionals to assist in making sure homes show well to potential buyers. Home staging takes into consideration many factors, but few are as important as using the best paint colors. Using the wrong paint colors can send potential buyers reeling. With a little thought, though, paint colors can attract rather than repel buyers. You only need to follow a few basic rules.
Exterior Colors
In picking exterior colors, some colors simply clash with their environment. It might be fun to live in the only bright yellow house on the street, but you must realize that the buyer is new to the neighborhood and does not need the added attention of a canary yellow home. The best colors should take into consideration other homes in the neighborhood and additional environmental surroundings. According to Bob Vila, former host of “This Old House,” earth tones play well in natural settings such as wooded lots. The color also should take into account other features of the home. A good color takes into account the roof color, stonework, bricks and other elements of the home. The color selection also depends somewhat on the vegetation on the lot. Shrubs and trees might impact your choice of exterior color. Lastly, some homes simply feature an architectural style that demands conforming to some traditional colors. As Vila says, Colonial-style homes often look their best with white exteriors, but ranch-style homes are more appealing with more color.
Living Room Colors
The key to living room color is to combine warmth with neutrality. Warm colors are inviting and give a living room a little more character than plain white walls would. Meanwhile, the use of neutral colors ensures that the walls do not conflict with the potential buyers’ plans for the room. Remember that home buyers already have furniture to bring into the home, and they are unlikely to paint or buy new furniture to accommodate bold colors in a living room. Good neutral colors feature creamy whites, muted beiges and light gray tones. A living room is the most likely room to be repainted at some point. Therefore, it is the one room where you can be a little stylish. Check on trends and consider incorporating those color styles into a living room. It might help you sell your house.
Kitchen Colors
The key to kitchen color is to pick something bright. Most buyers want a bright kitchen. After all, this is the place where meals will be prepared, and they need to see the food they are dicing, slicing, chopping, frying and baking. How can you tell if your steak is ready if you can’t see the color? Light colors help add brightness to the room. Light bounces off of them. At the same time, plain white walls are dull and unappealing. Pale yellow, light olive and warm beiges are great kitchen colors.
Bedroom Colors
Bedrooms are designed for relaxation. They are not areas of a home buyers expect to showcase for guests. Therefore, there is little need to establish trendy looks in these rooms. Instead, bedroom colors should be mild, soft tones. Eggshell whites, beiges, lighter grays, light yellows and light olives work well in bedrooms.
Bathroom Colors
Many homeowners make the mistake of going with bold colors in bathrooms. An essential approach to bathrooms is to select colors that emphasize space. Bathrooms are often relatively small spaces, and a small bathroom can turn many buyers away. After all, who wants to knock out a wall to make more bathroom space? Warm whites are great for making bathrooms look larger than they are. Stay away from darker colors. Deep reds, browns, yellows and blues make bathroom walls leap toward a viewer. This makes the room look extremely small.
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