Color Box Painting LLC Blog

Spring marks the start of both the income tax filing season and home improvement time, but proximity on the calendar isn?t the only thing the two have in common.

Certain types of home improvements can lower your tax bill, or produce a bigger refund to help finance other home projects. Below are some examples, but a word of caution: If you think you quality for any of these benefits, be sure to consult with your tax advisor before filing your return.

Residential energy credit. The cost of installing certain energy-saving items in your main home ? including energy-efficient windows and skylights, exterior doors, insulation systems, a furnace, or hot water heater ? may qualify you for a special tax credit.

Improvements needed for medical care. If you itemize, you may be able to take a deduction for improvements to your home that are made for medical reasons ? widening doorways, adding handrails, sometimes even installing a spa or swimming pool if the main purpose is medical.

Lead-based paint removal. The cost of removing lead-based paint in the course of remodeling or repainting may be tax-deductible.

Points paid for a home improvement loan. You can deduct the cost of points paid on a loan to improve your main home. The deduction can be taken immediately or spread out over the term of the loan.

Capital improvements. Improvements that increase the value of property, lengthen its useful life, or adapt it to a different use (building an addition, converting a basement to a recreation room, or even re-wiring a home, for example) increase the ?basis? of the property and can save on taxes at the time of sale.

Home office deductions. Assuming that you run a business out of your home, direct expenses for things done to the home office such as interior painting, paneling, or carpeting are fully deductible. You may even be able to deduct a portion of the expense for home improvements that benefit your entire home, such as exterior painting or installing a new roof.

Rental property. If you make improvements to rental property that you own, you can recover the cost of the expense over the course of time through depreciation. Simple repairs (including such projects as repainting or fixing broken plaster) can usually be taken immediately as deductions against rental income.

As you can see, there are many connections between your property improvements and your tax liability, so don?t forget about these projects when you file your taxes. Keep careful records, share them with your tax preparer, and get all the tax relief that you deserve!

As a do-it-yourselfer, it?s always smart to use the best painting practices when doing interior or exterior painting. It makes everything easier, faster, and more fun. With that in mind, here are six resolutions you should be sure to keep when doing your 2012 painting projects:

1. Always use testers. No matter how good your color sense, there?s no substitute for seeing the exact color you?ve chosen on the very surface you?ll be painting. So, don?t be a Scrooge at the paint store: Spend a couple of dollars for a paint sample ? and apply it liberally ? to make sure your color pick is perfect.

2. Never cheat on surface preparation. When it comes to painting, patience is a virtue. Resist the temptation to rush things by immediately grabbing your brush or roller before you properly prepare the surface. Time spent to repair, prepare, and clean walls, woodwork, or whatever you?re painting will produce a better-looking paint job.

3. Always use the highest quality paint. While it?s tempting to save a few dollars by using a cheaper paint, you?ll end up paying the price in the final appearance and durability of your paint job. Go for real economy this year by purchasing a quality 100% acrylic latex paint ? it will provide more years of service and produce even bigger savings over the long haul.

4. Never work with substandard brushes and rollers. Invest in well-made, high quality applicators to do justice to your paint. They?ll apply the paint more evenly, make your painting more effortless, and help you achieve superior results.

5. Always care properly for unused paint. Securely seal cans of leftover paint, label them with helpful information (especially if paint drippings conceal data on brand, color, and sheen), and avoid storing them in an area that is subject to extreme cold or heat. Not enough to save? Then be a good citizen and dispose of the paint properly, following your local community?s recommended procedures.

6. Take pleasure in your painting! As with so many things in life, we can approach interior and exterior painting projects as either pleasant activities or disagreeable tasks. This year, be positive in your approach to home painting. You might find it to be fulfilling, even fun. One thing?s for sure: You?re likely to be a lot more fun to be around!

Best wishes from the Paint Quality Institute for a safe, happy, and colorful New Year!

Tagged as: happy new year, paint brushes, paint color testers, paint rollers, paint surface preparation

With the holidays fast approaching, so are your holiday visitors. Is your home company-ready? If not, there?s still time to do something about it. You can dramatically upgrade your décor in just a weekend ? or even a day ? by doing some interior painting. And this type of remodeling is affordable even in the gift-giving season, typically costing a do-it-yourselfer less than $100 a room.

Why is it that we tend to spot the deficiencies in our décor just before family and friends are due to arrive?

In the throes of day-to-day living, most of us become somewhat blind to the condition of our rooms, including their color. But when it really counts, we take a harder, more critical look. All too often, we don?t like what we see. When that happens, we are left with a couple of options: We can panic. . . or paint!

Nothing changes the appearance of a home interior faster, or more effectively, than a fresh coat of interior paint. And, giving a room an entirely new appearance at holiday-time will help lift your spirits and that of your guests.

What?s especially nice about painting just prior to the holidays is that you can even choose colors that are just right for the season, as long as you?ll still love them when the day is done.

At Thanksgiving, fall colors that mirror the time of the year are most attractive ? harvest gold, ochre, brown, beige, and rust, for example. And nothing is cozier and more inviting at Christmas or New Year?s than a special dinner set in a beautiful dining room decked out in a deep shade of red or green paint.

Assuming that your pre-holiday painting is focused on rooms that will be filled with people, keep in mind that paints with higher levels of sheen will be more stain-resistant and easier to clean. Certainly the woodwork, but even the walls, in gathering spots like the kitchen, kids? playroom, and rec room should be done with semi-gloss paint. To make cleaning even easier, be sure to use 100% acrylic latex interior paint.

And keep in mind that top quality latex paint offers another nice advantage: It?s a ?green? product with very low odor; plus, any minor odor it does have will dissipate very quickly. Even if you paint only a short time before your guests arrive, no-one will catch a whiff of it!

Tagged as: affordable painting, interior painting ideas

Skillful interior decorating is largely an artistic endeavor, but there?s some science involved also, and none more important than having an understanding of the psychology of color.

Yes, color psychology really is a science, and an important one at that. It can help you choose paint colors that create the right mood in a room, affecting not just your own feelings, but those of everyone who enters. Paint color is so powerful, in fact, that it can influence not just our state of mind, but our psychology as well.

In support of that point, history tells us that the ancient Egyptians, as well as the Native Americans, used color to heal. If so, it?s likely that they favored blues and greens, colors that have an emotional association with peace, calm, harmony, and tranquility.

Blue, which often ranks at the top of surveys exploring ?favorite? colors, can actually slow the pulse rate, lower body temperature, and reduce appetite. As far as paint is concerned, the implications are obvious: blue is a terrific color choice for bedrooms, less so for dining rooms.

Green, also one of the most popular colors, is a little more versatile. While it, too, has a soothing, calming effect (hence, it?s predominance in hospitals), it also is the color of nature. As such, it represents renewal, youth, and vigor. Bottom line: Because it is calming, green paint is a good color choice for bedrooms, and because it is the color of so many vegetables and other foods, it can work in dining rooms, too.

There?s no equivocation with red. It bespeaks energy and excitement, actually raising the blood pressure and making the heart beat a little faster. Because it is aligned with desire and passion, it?s a perfect paint color for dining rooms and adult bedrooms, but wrong for children?s rooms. Yet, ironically, pink ? a very light tint of red ? is one of the most calming colors, and is a fine choice for a baby?s room.

Yellow is a great interior paint color. Like sunshine, it imparts happiness, hope, and optimism. Studies have shown that the brain actually releases more serotonin when the eye takes in yellow ? creating positive psychological vibes. Yellow can even stir our creative juices. What better color to use in a master bath or dinette to get your day off on the right foot?

Orange is a happy color, too. More attention-getting than yellow, orange has an energy and warmth about it. But it pays to be careful with orange. Muddy shades are useful in many parts of the home, but vivid tones may appear raw and flamboyant. Orange is clearly not the color of calm, so it?s best to bypass it when painting a bedroom or any other area where you want to relax.

Purple is a tricky paint color wherever it?s used, but it?s the overwhelming favorite of adolescent girls. Reserve use of this paint color for your daughter?s room to create a win-win situation: Odds are, she?ll love it, and you can take comfort in purple?s proven ability to stimulate brain activity.

No discussion of paint color would be complete without mentioning the ?non-colors?, black (the absence of light, and thus, color) and white (the confluence of all the colors in the spectrum).

Black is a great accent color indoors or out, imparting elegance, formality, and sophistication to a paint color scheme. But don?t get carried away with it. Too much black can be morose and depressing.

White, on the other hand, conveys peace, simplicity, spaciousness, and cleanliness. It can provide a crisp finish to almost any paint job by adding sharp contrast to the wall color. Used throughout a room on walls and woodwork, it can give the illusion that the space is bigger than its physical dimensions.

Color psychology is an important consideration when selecting an interior paint scheme, but it?s only part of the puzzle. Even subtle nuances of tint or shade can alter the impact on our psyche. Then there?s the elephant in the room, so to speak: our personal color preference.
No one will spend more time in your home than you will, so it?s important to please yourself when painting. Choose colors that you love and you won?t go wrong.

Tagged as: choosing paint colors, interior paint colors, room color ideas, wall paint colors

Choosing home décor these days involves more than just finding a style or color you love. Sure, that?s the first step, but many other factors come into play when evaluating products for the home ? durability, maintenance considerations, even the product?s ?green? factor.

Luckily, manufacturers are up to the task and recently have begun to focus on these features -which is good for you, your family, and the planet.

Take paint, for example. It?s a relatively inexpensive way to transform a room. But whatever color you have your heart set on, it pays to buy the best quality latex paint. Top quality paints are tougher and more durable than other paints, they resist staining, and even if they happen to pick up fingerprints and smudges, they are easier to clean with just a little soap and water. That?s something any mother will love.

In addition, today?s latex paints are largely (or entirely) free of VOC?s ? Volatile Organic Compounds ? which were common with the oil-based paints of yesteryear. As a result, they leave no lingering ?paint smell.? These paints also tend to resist mildew growth and continue to look bright and fresh even when exposed to strong sunlight.

Another home decorating product that?s experienced advances in technology is flooring. Certain types of flooring offer benefits far beyond ?your grandmother?s vinyl? both in style and in performance.

Though it varies by manufacturer, vinyl flooring, for example, is printed using ultra-low VOC inks; and some is even made with recycled content. It?s a snap to keep clean, needs no waxing or polishing, and resists scratching, gouging and yellowing. Many brands also carry FloorScore certification, which attests to its good indoor air quality characteristics.

The designs offered in vinyl today are much improved over what you may be familiar with. Using advanced printing and embossing technology, these floors can resemble marble, slate, stone, even hand-scraped wood. The designs look so real, you have to bend down and touch them to be sure. But unlike some of the natural materials they?re made to resemble, vinyl is soft and warm underfoot (your feet and back will thank you), practically waterproof, a cinch to keep clean, and a lot less costly.

It pays to consider all your needs before choosing a product ? whether it?s paint for the walls or vinyl for the floors. With a little knowledge, you can find something that?s family friendly, budget-friendly, and Eco-friendly, all in one!

This is a guest post by Betsy Amoroso. Betsy is Director of Corporate Communications at Mannington Mills and has 15 years of experience in the home furnishings and decorating industry.

Tagged as: eco-friendly, flooring, green, guest post, interior

Life is full of ironies. Some even involve paint. Consider the fact that top quality acrylic latex exterior paints easily expand and contract when temperatures rise and fall dramatically? yet, they shouldn?t be applied on days that are extremely cold or extremely hot.

How can that be? The answer, my friend, lies in the chemistry of these paints:

The particles of acrylic binder in latex paints are ?thermoplastic?, so they harden as the temperature drops. If the temperature is too low when the paint is applied, it can fail to produce a good paint film. And that can lead to early paint problems.

What?s more, paint film can be affected by falling temperatures in the hours after the paint is applied. It actually takes about 36 hours for paint to form the best protective film, even though the paint may be dry to the touch much sooner. So, a quick drop in temperature right after painting can be harmful to paint.

It isn?t just cold that can affect newly-applied paint. Very hot temperatures can also compromise the job by causing the paint to dry too quickly. When that happens, the binder particles lose ?mobility?, get locked in place, and don?t have enough time to form a paint film with optimum durability.

A related point: Paint film formation isn?t affected just by the air temperature; it also can be affected by the temperature of the surface that is being painted. An exterior wall getting full sun on a bright, summer day will be considerably hotter than the ambient temperature. If it gets too hot, that can cause the paint to dry too fast.

Windy conditions are another factor that can affect exterior latex paint. Like high temperatures, wind can also cause paint to dry too quickly and compromise the long-term performance of a paint job.

So much for problematic weather. What are the best conditions in which to do exterior painting? Generally speaking, when temperatures are above 50 degrees F. and below 90 degrees F., on days that are not extremely windy.

There are also ways to combat weather that is less than ideal. Rather than painting the sunny side of the house on very hot days, work on the shady walls or other areas out of direct sunshine. Likewise, on moderately windy days, focus your efforts on the sheltered portions of your home. And if conditions are just too extreme to apply paint, turn your attention to caulking or other types of surface preparation.

Finally, before you conclude that it?s just too hot or too cold to paint, check the label on the paint can. Paint manufacturers are always working to improve their products so that they can be applied in a wide range of temperatures. You might just discover that your paint finds ?questionable? weather just peachy!

If the paint color on the banisters and railings inside your home is fading unevenly, the cause may be the type of paint that was used on them. Certain enamel paints tend to soften when exposed to natural oils left from handprints and fingerprints. That, in turn, can make the paint wear down and fade.

The problem isn?t confined to banisters, either. Uneven fading can also occur around doorknobs, on the edges of doors, on trim around the entryways to rooms, even around light switches ? in fact, anywhere that hands frequently come into contact with woodwork and walls.

There?s only one way to resolve this problem: You?ll have to repaint.

If possible, start by removing all of the softened, existing paint by scraping it off, being careful not to mar the wood or other surface below. Then, sand the banister, door, or other affected area with fine grit (#220) sandpaper. Finally, remove any dust left from the sanding by thoroughly washing down the surface.

The next step is to apply a quality latex interior stain-blocking primer to the banister or other area. Be sure that the primer you use is intended to block stains, or your work may be for naught.

When you go to buy your paint, ask for a product that resists ?oil-softening?. To make sure the coating has this property, you might want to ask to see the product data sheet. You will probably end up with either gloss latex enamel paint or top quality semi-gloss latex enamel paint (most top quality semi-gloss latex paints have good oil-softening resistance).

Fading banisters are just one of the countless problems that can arise when the wrong type of paint is used for a particular application. If you are at all unsure that you have the right paint for your next paint job, be sure to seek out a knowledgeable counterperson at your local paint store or home center, and ask for his or her advice.

Tagged as: banisters, interior painting ideas, interior painting tips, railings, staircase

To bring proper balance to a color scheme, keep in mind the image of a man in a business suit. The harmonious proportionality between the suit, the shirt, and the tie is a winning combination that can be mimicked to work wonders in any room.

Why does a well-dressed man look striking in business attire? Part of the reason is the relationship between the color ?mass? of his clothes. As the dominant color, the suit makes up roughly 60% of the picture; the secondary color of the shirt, 30%; and the punch color in the tie, 10%. The percentages just look and feel right. You can use the same formula when outfitting a room.

The dominant hue in most interior spaces will be the paint color you use on the walls. Typically, that?s the simple part of the equation. Then the thinking begins.

Design-wise, you need to select a secondary color that will comprise 30% of the visual field in a room. This requires some discipline when furnishing the space. Keep in mind the classic appearance of a man in a suit. What would happen if he wore a patchwork plaid instead of a solid color shirt? It would ruin the color balance of the overall look. So, work hard to use a lot of your secondary color, rather than diluting its power by employing multiple, competing shades.

You can have a lot more fun and freedom with your necktie equivalent ? the punch color in your décor. Often, this 10% of the color scheme can be introduced by way of decorative accents such as lamps, pillows, glassware, artwork, or area rugs. For the biggest impact, choose a bold hue. And to give structure to your color scheme, try to have the accents match as closely as possible, color-wise.

Of course, there are other ways to achieve 60-30-10 balance in a room. Rather than painting all of the walls the same color, you could incorporate an accent wall painted in your secondary color. That would enable you to include some furnishings in your dominant color. When these furnishings are taken together with the color of the three walls, you would still be at 60%, and the proportionality of things would still be intact.

While the 60-30-10 rule operates primarily as a guideline for interior color schemes, it can also help inform color choices on the home exterior. There, the siding would be painted the dominant color, the shutters and trim the secondary color, and the front door, a punch color. The percentages might not always be exact, but an exterior color scheme approximating the 60-30-10 formula will present a pleasant, harmonious look to all who pass by.

Tagged as: color schemes, interior paint colors, interior painting ideas

One thing that makes life exciting is the unexpected: spotting a bluebird in your yard, receiving a thoughtful note from a friend, or discovering a new place to explore. Since surprises are so much fun, why not incorporate a few into your home décor? It?s easy and inexpensive with paint.

Begin by thinking of paint as pure color, like a magic wand you can wave over the plainest item to give it a fresh, vibrant appearance. It?s a powerful notion that will unlock lots of great ideas for your home.

We?ve written often about the visual interest you can create by painting an accent wall or ceiling an unexpected color. But the ?five walls? are just the starting point when it comes to the surprise value of paint.

If you?re wanting for ideas, just sit down in a room that needs more pizzazz and carefully observe your surroundings. Chances are, you?ll spot several promising candidates for painting: built-in cabinets, the backs of bookshelves, picture frames, or an old piece of furniture that is begging for new life.

After identifying what you might paint, think outside the box when it comes to color. Very plain objects can be show-stoppers when painted in vibrant tones. And don?t feel that you have to remain faithful to the color scheme in your room. Colorful accents that are a little ?off? can provide the visual surprises that make a room more interesting.

In the unlikely event that you can?t find an item of furniture to paint, create one. Drop by a neighborhood garage sale or consignment shop and purchase an old door that has some character. Paint it an unusual color like deep red or teal and use it as the top part of a coffee table or sofa table. By doing so, you?ll inject a colorful conversation piece into your room.

You can employ old, weather-beaten shutters in the same way. Or, hang them on your walls as rustic ?artwork? after giving them a fresh new appearance with paint.

Look for ways to introduce color into your rooms that no one would expect. One way to do this is to paint natural objects that ordinarily would not be painted. As examples, consider painting the ends of stacked firewood next to your fireplace in a variety of colors, paint mousy-looking pinecones in bright colors and nestle them in a stylish basket, or display brightly painted rocks in an aged wooden container. Even brightly painted sticks can make a bold design statement when artfully arranged in a favorite vase.

For added impact, paint your surprise décor not with flat paint, but in a reflective, high gloss finish. The happy, playful patina will enhance its allure. You could even go one step further and treat an item of furniture or an accent piece in metallic paint.

So, the next time you have an urge to spice up your surroundings, don?t feel that you have to run out to the nearest mall or home furnishings store. Look around you, use your imagination, and think outside the box. You may be surprised how easy and inexpensive it is to get an exciting new look by using paint color alone!

Most home painting is undertaken for both maintenance and aesthetic purposes, but there?s one painting project that is done purely for pleasure: furniture distressing. Yes, the project involves paint and brushes, but so too does fine art. And adding an aged look to obsolete objects is a creative undertaking of which any artist would be proud.

Authentically distressed furniture ? the kind that got that way from years of use and abuse ? is a valuable commodity today. High-end antique stores charge thousands of dollars for these pieces. But you can get the same chic look for a song if you do your own distressing.

Start by searching your attic and basement for furnishings that have served your own family in the past. Many of us put old items into storage, where they can sit for years, even decades. Look for wood pieces that have interesting shapes and details, the more unusual, the better.

If your search comes up empty, hit the road. . .literally. You can always pick up hidden gems at second-hand stores or consignment shops, but it?s thriftier yet, and more fun, to go on a trash day treasure hunt. When you do, concentrate on older, upscale neighborhoods, and get there early, preferably before dawn (you?ll be in competition with professional antique dealers and collectors who make much of their living this way). Look not just for furniture, but also for cabinets, vanities, ornate molding and other architectural elements, clocks, and picture frames. They all look great when distressed.

With your newfound items in hand, it?s time to create your paint palette. Consider where in your home you?ll use the finished piece and take cues from the room?s color scheme. Distressing typically involves at least two or three paint colors, sometimes even more. That provides plenty of opportunity to pick up not just the color of the walls, but also the accent colors. Sometimes, a multi-colored distressed piece is what ties together an entire color scheme.

Before you run out to the paint store, see if you have any paint leftovers in storage, especially if you plan to use the same colors that appear on your walls and trim. Why spend more for a new can of paint if you don?t have to? Other tools and supplies you?ll need for your project: a palette knife or painting spatula, paint brushes (and a roller if the item you?re working on is large), liquid paint stripper (optional), 100 grit sandpaper, a latex clear coating if you are working with latex paint, or an alkyd varnish if you are working with oil-based paint.

As with many artistic activities, distressing can be done in countless ways. But here are some general tips to get you started:

First, remove any hardware that is on the piece, such as handles, clasps, or hinges. Then clean the item thoroughly using warm soap and water. Wipe it down and allow it to dry.

Apply a thick base coat of paint to the entire piece, using a ?highlight? color, not the one you want to be predominant when you complete the distressing. For example, if you want the finished piece to be generally blue, with smudges of green paint showing through, then apply the green paint first. You can apply the paint with a brush or, to get a thicker coat of paint, a spatula or palette knife. Allow the paint to dry completely, about 24 hours for latex paint.

If you are planning to use more than two colors, apply all the highlight colors first in thick coats of paint. Allow each one to dry thoroughly before applying the next color. Complete the painting by applying the predominant color last and allow it to dry.

Next comes the artistic part. Patiently use the sandpaper to lightly sand off patches of paint where you want the highlights to show through. Assuming that you applied several coats of paint, you can apply more pressure to get to the lower layers of paint, or even down to the bare wood in spots. Work with the piece until you love the way it looks.

When you are happy with the color treatment on your piece, dust off it off thoroughly. If you want to make it look even more distressed, hit it with a hammer, a chain, or a sock filled with nuts and bolts. You can even use a wire brush to make the piece appear more aged.

If you used latex paint, complete the project by sealing your distressed item with a coat of latex clear finish; if you used and an oil-based paint, seal it with a coat of alkyd varnish.

In the course of distressing furniture, you?ll likely discover your own tricks and techniques. For example, before applying any paint, some do-it-yourselfers rub a wax crayon along the edges of furniture where it would normally get wear and tear; then, after the paint dries, they wipe off the wax with a damp cloth ? voila! Instant aging!

Remember that furniture distressing is an art form that can take a while to master. But that?s what makes it fun and relaxing. Enjoy yourself. . .and enjoy your new objets d?art!

Few things are as troubling to a homeowner as a case of peeling paint. As ribbons, or even sheets, of paint pull away from a wood exterior, so too goes the protective layer that keeps Mother Nature at bay, and with it, the attractive appearance of the home.

Needless to say, peeling paint is not to be ignored. It?s a sign that something is terribly wrong. But what? And what to do about it?

There are at least half a dozen reasons that paint can peel. Some of these can be traced back to the day the paint was applied, while others can occur over time. Possible causes of peeling paint include:

Failure to properly prepare the surface before painting ? for example, applying paint on top of a dirty or mildewed surface, which can interfere with the ability of the paint to properly adhere to the home exterior. Use of a lower quality exterior paint that has less-than-ideal adhesion and flexibility characteristics. Applying latex paint in weather conditions that hinder the formation of good paint film ? painting on extremely hot or very cold days, for example, on in windy weather. Applying an oil-based paint to damp or wet surfaces. Rain, humidity, and other forms of moisture penetrating the walls through uncaulked joints, deteriorated caulk, a leaking roof, or others areas, causing wood to swell and paint to lose its adhesion. Excess humidity or other forms of moisture within the home escaping through the exterior walls. (More likely if oil-based paint was used; latex paints are more forgiving in this respect, allowing water to escape without affecting the paint film.)

The best way to solve the mystery of peeling paint is to eliminate as many possible causes as you can.

If you believe that exterior moisture is the culprit, take steps to cut off the source: repair your roof if necessary; caulk open joints and gaps in the exterior of your home; make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean; and cut away any vegetation that is too close to your home.

If, based upon where the peeling has occurred, you suspect that the cause is moist air originating inside your home, consider installing vents or exhaust fans, especially in kitchen, bathroom, and laundry areas. Also consider using dehumidifiers.

Then address the paint job. First, remove all the loose and peeling paint with a scraper or wire brush. Next, sand any rough edges on the paint so that they are as smooth as possible.

Prime areas where the paint is completely gone to the point that bare wood shows. Finish your project by repainting with a top quality 100% acrylic latex exterior paint. This type of paint has excellent adhesion and is extremely flexible. In addition, it will allow water vapor to escape without harming the coating.

So, if you encounter peeling paint on your home, don?t pull out your hair. Instead, put on your detective?s hat, try to get to the bottom of the problem, and take corrective measures. That?s the proper way to deal with peeling paint and get your home looking great again!

Tagged as: painting techniques, peeling paint

It happens on even the best interior paint jobs done by the most fastidious do-it-yourselfers: discovering a spot that was missed months or even years after putting the roller down, a careless action that mars a carefully painted wall, a spill or stain that won?t scrub off ? all reasons to reach for the touch-up paint.

Simple fix? Typically, it is, if you go about it the right way. But, as with so many aspects of interior painting, there?s an art to getting the best results, even when doing touch-up work.

The first order of business is to see if you kept some leftover paint from the original paint job. If you did things ?by the book,? you?ll quickly find both the can of paint and your notes on the label as to where it was used. So far, so good.

For a professional-looking touch-up ? that is, one that is unnoticeable ? the paint color must be an exact match. This wouldn?t seem to be a problem if you kept some leftover paint. After all, the paint on the wall came from the same can. Unfortunately, that?s not always enough: Sun exposure may have caused the applied paint to fade slightly, or the color of paint in the can may have ?drifted? a bit from its original appearance. Sheen, too, can change over time, whether the paint is on the wall or in the can.

So, how should you proceed? Try to do a simple touch-up and see how it looks. Here are some tips:

1. Apply the touch-up paint with the same type of applicator you used on the original paint job. If you used a brush, use a brush for your touch-up; if you used a roller, touch up with that.

2. Apply the touch-up paint sparingly. Use the smallest brush or roller needed to cover the area, and dab or roll the paint on with a very light touch.

3. Complete the touch-up by carefully feathering the edges of the paint to get an even finish. Use light, almost artistic strokes. Remember, this is ?restoration? work ? pretend you work for a museum!

When the paint has dried, take a critical look at your touch-up. If you can barely see it, and you?re satisfied with the result, your work is done. But even if you?re not satisfied, all is not lost.

Assuming that you have enough leftover paint, you can repaint the entire wall where the touch-up is needed. While this is probably more work than you bargained for, it?s an effective way to hide the touch-up. Even if the color or gloss of the paint has changed slightly, the mismatch will hardly be noticeable, since light and shadow often alter the appearance of paint from wall to wall anyway.

What if you don?t have enough paint for your touch-up, or your paint has gone bad?

In that case, your only alternative is to take a sample of the color to your paint retailer and ask him or her to try to match it. With your new paint in hand, your options, once again, are the touch-up two-step: first, try the ?dab/roll and feather? technique described above; if you?re still not happy, then repaint the entire wall where the touch-up is needed. One way or the other, you?re likely to rescue your beautiful paint job and save yourself from repainting the entire room!

Among the long list of exterior products promoted as ?maintenance free? is composite decking. Typically made of plastic and wood fibers, these materials are tough, durable, and increasingly popular.

Manufacturers say the color of composite decking is permanent, although they admit it will fade. But what if you want to change the color completely, or simply freshen the appearance of your deck? It?s possible to do so, but you have to go about the job in the right way.

Assuming that your composite deck has been around for a while, it likely has mildew on it (the organic matter in the wood fiber serves as nutrients for mildew). This must be removed before any type of coating is applied.

Make a solution of one part bleach to three parts water and apply it liberally to the surface of the deck, as well as to any steps, railing or benches that are part of it. Wait 20 minutes, then scrub the surface with a long-handled brush. Rinse off the solution and any mildew residue.

Next, remove the gloss on the composite by lightly sanding all the surfaces with very fine #220 sandpaper. If the deck material is textured, sand in the same direction as the wood grain, not across it.

Remove dirt and dust from all the surfaces by washing them with a household detergent solution or a commercial cleaner made for this purpose. Again, rinse thoroughly.

If you intend to paint your composite deck, first prime it with a quality exterior latex stain-blocking primer recommended for use on plastic materials. You should not prime if you intend to apply a deck stain.

Complete the job by applying a top quality latex floor and deck paint in a satin or semi-gloss finish (higher gloss levels have better mildew resistance and are easier to clean). If you didn?t prime the surfaces, you can apply a quality acrylic latex solid color deck stain recommended for use on composite decking.

One thing to know before charging ahead with this project: Once composite decking is painted, or coated with a solid color stain, you will probably have to repeat this process every three to five years. Because of its face-up exposure, decks take a beating both from elements and from abrasive foot traffic, so even the highest quality paints and stains will eventually succumb to the punishment.

Another thing to keep in mind: When you reapply paint or stain in the future, make sure that you continue to use a top quality exterior latex coating. If you were to apply an oil-based product over a latex coating, you run the risk that the oil coating will quickly develop cracks that could ruin the appearance of the deck.

Follow these instructions and your tired-looking composite deck will get a second life in the color of your choice!

Tagged as: exterior painting ideas, painting projects

When it comes to protecting and maintaining your home, there are few products that offer as many benefits as top quality caulks and sealants. What?s more, these multipurpose materials cost very little, yet they can help you save a ton of money.

Here are just some of the ways these budget-friendly materials can make life better for you, your family, and your bank account:

Improving your insulation. Caulks can be used to seal cracks, gaps and holes in the exterior of your home to prevent the loss of costly heat and air conditioning. At the same time, they can help eliminate drafts and air infiltration from outside the home. The result? Careful application of caulk can make your home more comfortable to live in, and less expensive to heat and cool.

Protecting against exterior moisture damage. Rain, snow, even dew, can damage masonry surfaces, cause wood to rot, and accelerate paint failure if there are even small gaps and openings in your home exterior. But you can easily prevent these problems with caulk. Applying a top quality siliconized acrylic caulk to gaps and open joints in exterior wall surfaces will seal out moisture and help to head off potentially costly repairs.

Protecting against interior moisture damage. In the same way, you can apply caulk around sinks, bathtubs, countertops, tile, and many other areas in your kitchen and bathrooms to protect against moisture damage inside your home. Siliconized acrylic or silicone caulk will create a watertight seal in any wet area; as a bonus, siliconized acrylic caulks have excellent resistance to mildew growth.

Finishing interior walls. You can save time, money, and effort by using water-based acrylic caulk ? rather than drywall compound or spackling ? to fill seams between drywall panels. Unlike those other products, acrylic caulk doesn?t have to dry completely before painting; nor does it have to be sanded after it dries.

Filling gaps in woodwork. There?s a good reason caulk is often called ?the carpenter?s best friend?: By sealing mitered joints, seams, and gaps between molding and walls, you can greatly enhance the appearance of wood trim and wainscoting with caulk. Save the carpenter?s labor charges, and bring on the caulk!

Glazing. Quality caulk can even be used in place of glazing compound to seal glass panes to frames in windows, doors, skylights, and light fixtures.

A tube of the highest quality caulk costs about the same as an inexpensive movie rental, but it has the potential to save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in unnecessary energy expenses and home repairs. And because top quality caulk is so versatile, it can be used in place of many other types of sealants, saving even more money.

To get the best performance when applying caulk to the exterior or interior of your home, make sure that you use a top quality product. For most applications, top quality water-based acrylic or siliconized acrylic caulk works best. But it?s always wise to check the label on the caulk tube to make sure it?s intended for the job you have in mind.

Tagged as: caulk, green

As the days get longer and the weather warmer, a homeowner?s thoughts turn naturally to. . .painting! Yes, as the spring maintenance season gets ever closer, we start our to-do lists and plan out our projects. But when it comes to home painting, what to do first?

One of the best ways to begin is to thoroughly assess the painted condition of your entire property, both inside and out. Take a slow walk through and around your home, with pad and pencil in hand. Check out everything. Take notes. And bring along your significant other ? not only because two sets of eyes are better than one, but to get buy-in as well.

Inside the home, the desire for a more attractive appearance may take precedence over maintenance needs. Are you tired of your room colors, or are you simply ready for a change? Jot down your thoughts, along with any ideas you have for new paint colors.

But don?t neglect to note the condition of your interior paint. Have your painted walls seen better days? Is the trim banged up? How do the baseboards look? And don?t fail to assess the condition of your ceilings; most people paint them far less frequently than the walls. . .and they often look that way.

Outside the home, start your inspection at the front door, which gives friends and visitors the all-important first impression of your home. Make sure it?s in tip-top shape.

Next, look for signs of paint failure on your exterior walls ? evidenced by bare wood, peeling or flaking paint, mildew or mold. If you have any masonry (on walls, foundation or a fireplace), check for white, crusty efflorescence. Aluminum siding? Look for vulnerable bare metal and unsightly white oxidation, an indication that corrosion has set in.

Check all the areas where two different surfaces come together. Make sure they are properly caulked and that the caulk is in good condition. If you see a problem, make a note of it.

Naturally, you?ll want to inspect your exterior trim, windows, shutters, and doors, but don?t forget to also look at your garage door, gutters, downspouts, railings, and decks. A fresh coat of paint can help maintain them all, not to mention your metal light fixtures and lamps, outdoor furniture, swing sets, picnic tables, and fencing.

Now that you have an inventory of your painting needs, categorize the projects in terms of their urgency or desirability. You should actually assign every job a numerical or alphabetical rating, indicating which ones to do first.

Next, see if you have the brushes, tools, and accessories that you?ll need for your most urgent projects. That way, you can purchase them all in one trip to the paint store, saving valuable time that you can spend applying your paint.

Generally speaking, it?s better to get to the exterior paint jobs first, starting with the areas of greatest need. You just can?t fool (around with) Mother Nature. By delaying urgent outdoor painting projects, you run the risk that your home will suffer damage. So, start outside.

If there are multiple exterior paint jobs on your ?urgent? list, you might be able to bunch similar projects together, saving yourself a lot of time and effort. For example, if your metal railings, metal furniture, and a metal lamppost are all badly in need of painting, you can work more efficiently by doing them all at once.

Keep addressing your most urgent outdoor needs until you run into weather that is not conducive to outdoor painting ? for example, especially wet, cold or windy days, which may interfere with good paint film formation. When the weather takes a turn for the worse, move indoors.

Follow the same procedure with your interior painting that you followed when doing the outdoor work. Start with the projects you deem most urgent, either from an aesthetic or maintenance perspective. And since Spring has sprung, you can comfortably work with your windows open so as to keep your rooms well-ventilated as your paint.

By identifying and completing your most important projects first, you?ll do a better job of protecting your home with paint. And if afterwards you sneak away for a short vacation or a round of golf with your friends, you?ll be able to do so guilt-free!

Tagged as: affordable painting, painting projects

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Have you ever walked into a recently-painted room where the wall colors were electric. . . just too bright, almost blinding?  We?ve all had that experience, but do you know why some paint colors appear that way?

Often, the explanation is that the paint color is a ?pure? hue ? in other words, it is precisely the same as the hue that appears on the color wheel.

In real life, few colors are pure hues.  The leaves of most plants may be green, but each one is a variation of the green on the color wheel.  And color in the natural world is typically mottled, as is most of the color we see, whether it be on fabric, wood, or any other object.  That?s why pure colors are so visually shocking:  They look almost unnatural.

Paint color experts know that the aesthetics of any hue can be greatly enhanced by modifying the pure color slightly.  This is accomplished by adding white, black, or gray to the pure hue to soften its intensity, making it more visually inviting.

When white is added to a pure hue, the result is a tint of that color.  Add white to the blue on the color wheel and it takes on look of a soft blue sky, something we see almost every day and, hence, are familiar and comfortable with.  Our eye can easily accept paint in this color because we experience the color frequently.

When black is added to a pure hue, something else ensues:  It produces a shade of that color, which is darker in value than the pure hue.  As an example, add black to the red on the color wheel and it takes on the familiar shade of ripe strawberries or leaves in the fall, objects (and colors) we?re used to seeing.

Adding gray ? that is, both white and black ? to a pure hue is an especially effective way to ?kill? its intensity and, thus, make it visually acceptable.  The addition of gray converts a pure hue into a tone, which is a muted version of the pure hue on the color wheel.  Artists sometimes refer to this type of color modification as ?muddying? or ?dirtying? the color.  Don?t be put off by those terms.  From an aesthetic standpoint, pure colors benefit greatly from the addition of gray by ?toning down? their brightness to a more visually pleasing level.

The next time you create an interior or exterior color scheme, remember that bright isn?t always right, especially when it comes to paint color.  Tints, shades, and tones are usually more visually attractive than pure hues. . .and there are an infinite number of color variations to choose from!

Tagged as: choosing paint colors, color schemes, modern painting, paint color ideas, paint color schemes, painting effects, room color ideas, wall paint colors

One of the quickest and easiest ways to freshen the look of your home is to change the color of your front door or entranceway. Cleaning, prep, and painting can often be accomplished in just a couple of hours, less time than it takes to plant your front beds. But what color to paint your door? One idea is to let your flowers be your guide.

When visitors approach your home, they take in the whole scene with just one glance. For them, your entranceway and plantings form a single tableau. Keep that in mind when you select your paint color. . .and when you purchase your plantings. To create the best first impression of your home, the colors should work well together.

If you?re interested in creating a well-crafted look for your entranceway, it?s wise to start with a color wheel. You can find one on the Paint Quality Institute website at www.paintquality.com. Another one that is very helpful for planning purposes can be found at www.colorschemedesigner.com.

Assuming that your flowers are perennials, or if you?ve already planted this year?s annuals, one part of your color equation is already in place. All you have to do is decide what door color will complete the look of your entranceway.

One ?can?t miss? combination involves high-contrast complementary colors, which sit directly across the color wheel from one another ? for example, red and green, blue and orange, or yellow and violet. If most of the flowers in your front beds are red, a good color to paint your door would be a dark shade of green. Yellow flowers? A door painted blue-violet would work well.

Depending upon the color of the flowers in your beds, you might be able to create a more complex color scheme using a triadic palette, involving three colors that are equidistant from one another on the color wheel. As an example, if your flowers are blue and yellow, you could paint your front door a dark shade of red for a perfect triadic plan.

On the other hand, if your taste has a strong gravitational pull toward just one part of the color wheel, then you might want to go with an analogous color scheme, in which all of the colors are close cousins. Let?s say your flowers range from pinks and reds to fushia and magenta ? a bright red door would complete the picture.

Of course, if you?re going to both overhaul your beds and paint this spring, the wheel is your oyster. There?s no limit to what you can do as you create your color scheme from scratch. If that describes your situation, spend time with the color wheel, see which color combinations appeal to you, then decide which color to paint the door, and which to use in your beds.

But don?t forget: Spring and summer won?t last forever, nor will your flowers. Plan for the day when the petals drop by selecting a front door color that will also look good in the off-season. That way, your front entrance will make a great first impression year ?round!

Tagged as: choosing paint colors, color schemes, exterior paint color schemes, good color combinations, paint color ideas

Unlike interior painting, where monochromatic (one-color) paint schemes are commonplace, exterior painting is typically most interesting when it involves several colors.

Why the difference between interior and exterior painting?

For one thing, interior wall colors get a visual assist from home furnishings.  The furniture, fabric, artwork, and bric-a-brac that are present in a room satisfy the eye?s need for color variety.  A solitary color looks perfectly natural playing second fiddle to this symphony of hues.

Another reason a single paint color can carry the day indoors:  The space involved is ? relatively speaking ? small, at least when compared to a home?s exterior.  The eye can?t possibly tire of a color that makes such a limited appearance.

By way of contrast, exterior paint colors are applied to very large wall surfaces.  A home painted in a single color would look. . .well, boring, without the accompaniment of one or more additional colors.

When painting the outside of their home, most homeowners instinctively recognize the need to create an exterior color scheme using multiple paint colors.  Commonly, they will choose at least three or four paint colors ? one for the siding or wall surface, a contrasting color for the trim, and an additional color or two for smaller architectural features such as shutters and doors (the front door often having its own unique color treatment).

Owners of Victorian homes, or other highly ornate houses, may choose color schemes that employ even more colors.  Up to six colors or more can sometimes be seen on these homes.  And they are often used to good effect to highlight architectural details that might otherwise escape our attention.

Of course, the more complex the color scheme, the more artistic talent it can take to pull together an aesthetically-pleasing look.  But there are ways to simplify the process.

The easiest, most risk-free, way to choose an exterior color scheme is simply to mimic the look of homes that you find attractive.  To do that, you can look around your own neighborhood or drive through nearby communities where the style of houses resembles your own home.

There are also many excellent books on home painting that can steer you in the right direction.  These are often written by color experts who can offer valuable advice on color schemes.  What?s more, some of the books include images of attractively-painted homes that can serve as templates for your own home painting.

Free literature provided by paint companies can be a great source of inspiration.  Visit your local paint retailer or decorating center and you?ll likely find some terrific guides on color schemes.  Many paint companies pay top dollar to colorists who pick out palettes that are visually pleasing.  Why not take advantage of this resource?

If you?re using a contractor to do your painting, you might ask for his or her opinion, particularly if you are confident of your contractor?s color sense.   Other than you, who has more at stake in the final appearance of the job?

For the vast majority of homeowners, following all, or even a few, of these suggestions should provide more than enough help when selecting an exterior color scheme.  But if you are the owner of a Victorian home who wants to employ a highly complex color combination involving five or more paint colors, you may want to go a step further and hire your own color specialist.  If you do so, be sure to choose someone with experience in your particular style of architecture.

And regardless of the way that you go about selecting your new exterior color scheme, be sure to use a top quality 100% acrylic latex paint for the best results.  These paints are especially durable and color-fast, so they?ll help protect your home and keep your attractive new color scheme looking freshly-painted for a long, long time.

Tagged as: choosing paint colors, color schemes, exterior paint colors, exterior painting ideas, house paint colors, paint color schemes