Prep Like You Mean It

How-tos, Jerry Enos

In the past, we have discussed the Importance of Prep Work for Painting and why you should never skip this important step for the sake of the surfaces you will be painting. Today, we are looking at the details of how to prep your walls, surfaces, and rooms for painting. This is the most skipped step in the painting process but also one of the most critical to making your paint job look professional. Here are a few tips to prep like you mean it!

Safeguard your Belongings

One of the main purposes of preparing an area that you are painting is to safeguard your belongings. Clear all small items and keepsakes from the room. Store them safely in boxes until after you are completely done. Remove as much of the furniture from the room as possible. The remaining pieces should then be moved to the center of the room and covered with a tarp. Cover the floor with a canvas tarp and tape at the edges so it will not move. We suggest not using plastic on the floor as it can lead to slips and falls.

Outlets and Lighting

Unscrew switch and outlet faceplates. Place a piece of painters tape over the outlets to ensure that drips to not enter the opening. Label each so you know where they go at the end of the project. If you have sconces or hanging lights, wrap or cover these so that they will not be damaged by drips or drops.

Repair

Inspect your walls and ceiling. Does it have holes, dents, stains, or other blemishes that need to be repaired? Fill holes and cracks with putty, find the cause of stains and cover with stain-resistant primer, and sand down uneven areas. Be sure to be complete this step before you start painting. Any imperfections will show up depending upon the level of sheen you use in the paint. In addition to holes, cracks, and stains, consider caulking the space between the trim and the walls. This will make for a nice clean look.

Clean

Wash down the surfaces of the room with mild soap and water. This will rid the corners and surfaces of dirt, grime, and spider webs that have built up over the years. Allow for everything to completely dry before you begin priming.

Gather Supplies

Once the room is cleaned and repaired, it is a good idea to gather all the supplies in one spot. This will ensure that you have everything you need. Nothing is worse than having to run out to the store when you are midway through a project.

If prepping for painting is not your forte, leave the hard stuff to Jerry Enos Painting. Call Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to get started on your update today.

Laundry Room Update

Color Trends, Decorating

In today’s age of HGTV, home updating shows, and the cascade of DIY programs, the laundry room has finally come out of the dark shadows and become a room that homeowners consider a vital part of their everyday life. More and more home contractors are placing the laundry room on the main living levels rather than in the basement which requires quite a bit of hiking of laundry baskets up and down the stairs. Homeowners are getting creative in the design and décor of their laundry rooms, and that means that paint for your laundry room update is a major consideration, too.

Color Scheme

One of the first decisions when embarking on your laundry room update is the color scheme that you may want to use. Some homeowners keep it clean and simple with a white background and white appliances, while others like to go a little bolder and have a splash of color on a main wall. Reds are great to punch it up a notch, while lighter blues and greens can create a mellow look for your laundry room. Talk to the color consultants at Jerry Enos Painting about the mood you want to create.

Organization

Laundry rooms are all about organizing the mounds of clothes that will be visiting this room on a daily basis. Check out the multitude of baskets, bins, and storage units that can keep your laundry room organized. Choose bins that coordinate with the color you have chosen for the walls. Consider cubbies and hideaway closets that can store all the cleaning supplies, hangers, and the all-important iron.

Appliances

Homeowners have a unique opportunity when updating their laundry room to take advantage of the tax rebates and incentives offered for energy and water-saving appliances. In addition to choosing ENERGY Star appliances, there are a wide assortment of colors from which to choose. Work with your color consultant to coordinate a complimentary color to your wall paint.

Laundry rooms have come a long way since they were purposely hidden away in the basements. Bring your laundry room into this century with a bright and fresh look. Call Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to get started on your update today.

 

Ceiling Painting 101

Interior painting, Jerry Enos

In our January blog, we discussed “The Forgotten Surface – Ceiling Paint” to highlight how many homeowners often overlook the plane right above their heads. Professional painters know that the ceiling is often the anchor for the whole room and can often show signs of roof leakage or aging paint first. Unfortunately, many homeowners are intimidated by the idea of painting a ceiling and this skip the step entirely. Here is a quick guide to ceiling painting.

The Right Tools

Before you even begin the task of painting your ceilings, make sure you have the right equipment including: extension ladders, rollers, roller extensions, furniture covers, floor coverings, paint brushes, and cloths for drips. (Definitely don’t forget drip cloths as the ceiling tends to have many drops due to the nature of the location.)

Prep, Prep, Prep

The often neglected step during any painting project is the dreaded prep work. Clear out as much of the furniture from the room as possible. Remaining pieces should be moved to the middle and completely covered. Then completely cover the floor. You may want to consider using heavy tarp instead of plastic, as plastic can get slippery underfoot. Wipe down the ceiling as best as you can including clearing any spider webs, dust particles and grime that has built up over the years.

Repair

At this point, many homeowners may have found stains, cracks, or small imperfections in the ceiling. Before you begin the painting process, repair all of these blemishes. This may include investigating the cause of the water stain to get to the root of the problem and solve it.

Primer

Always apply a coat of primer for your ceiling, as it can cover and provide protection from the occasional stain or mark.

Paint

Here is where the fun begins. No matter if you are choosing a traditional white, flat paint, or something a little bolder, like a color on your ceiling, start from one corner and work your way toward the next. Try to keep the lines straight to allow you to know where you have previously painted. Take breaks often as neck strain can be a real pain during ceiling painting. Many experts suggest cutting in at the edges first and then hand rolling. Others use painters tape. Depending on your skill level and ease with a paint brush, you can choose what works best for you.

The ceiling of your home is an additional canvas equal to the square footage of each room you are painting. Don’t overlook this plane. If you are looking to refresh your ceilings and other surfaces, call Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to speak to our color consultants.

 

Painting in an Open Floor Plan

Color Trends, Interior painting, Jerry Enos

Open floor plans have been long been a popular option for homes, especially for people who love to entertain or families who need to keep an eye on young children. Homeowners love the feeling of being in a larger space where the line of sight allows for easy entertaining across several areas. Homeowners also remark that an open floor plan allows for an abundance of natural light, since interior walls are omitted and each area has access to exterior windows. While open floor plans add an airy, light appearance to a space, the open concept does have its challenges. One of these challenges is how to paint so that the color palette is cohesive while also allowing for defining spaces within the larger room such as a breakfast nook, entertaining area, and tv area. Let’s take a closer look at these three challenges and what the options are for painting your open floor plan.

Challenge #1 – Too Much of One Color

One of the biggest problems homeowners face when choosing paint colors for their open concept home is where to transition the color. This causes many people to settle on a monochromatic color scheme, which is definitely a viable option. Some homeowners love the clean lines of one color throughout the space, but others feel it is boring. An option for these folks is to find natural transition spots throughout the larger room to define spaces within the open concept for different purposes, whether it is a dining area, a comfortable seating space, or a play area for children. Once those transition areas have been identified, complimentary colors can be used to delineate the individual area.

Challenge #2 – Too Many Colors

When choosing the option to find transition spots and paint varying colors, some homeowners find that they are using too many colors, and the once open floor plan now looks like a patchwork of colors. The option to solve this problem is to choose 3-5 colors that are complementary to each other for the space. We suggest sticking to a color family or grounding the space with a neutral color to keep it all cohesive. Choose a deeper or lighter shade to transition spaces, but allow for continuity.

Challenge #3 – Creating a Focus

Many homeowners who love their open floor plan also want a focus to the room. Some choose the kitchen while others choose the fireplace area. Whatever you choose, consider creating a focus through the use of paint – an accent wall! An accent wall can draw the eye to a space and create an interest area. For homes with an architectural feature such as high ceilings, tray ceilings, trim, or archways, these features are fantastic for creating a focus. Paint a lighter or darker shade of your primary color, or go wild and give the space a pop of color!

Do you have an open floor plan and need help choosing colors? Call Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to speak to our color consultants.

Matte, Satin and Gloss – Paint Finishes Explained

Color Trends, Interior painting

If you are painting your home or business you may have heard that your job is not done once you have chosen the paint color. Now you need to focus on what paint finish or sheen you want to use in the space. Sheen refers to the how shiny the finish will look. Most paint brands come in several sheens or paint finishes including:

  • Flat/Ultra Flat
  • Matte
  • Eggshell
  • Pearl
  • Satin
  • Semi Gloss/Gloss
  • High Gloss

It is important to note that each brand of paint uses similar terminology, however they do not always offer all the levels of sheen. Some may refer to low sheen as Eggshell/Matte or combine the levels to make it less confusing for customers. Ask your painter or the store where you are purchasing what level of sheen you are getting and how it will impact the paint color – whether the color will reflect or absorb the light.

  • Flat or Matte Sheen – This has low shine and is usually a good choice for low traffic areas such as ceiling and bedrooms. The biggest selling point about these low shine options is that they hide flaws in the walls and bring out the color beautifully.
  • Eggshell and Satin – Both have a bit more shine to them than the flat/matte options. These choices are great in living rooms and dining rooms as they are a little easier to clean and allow the color to absorb light.
  • Pearl – According to Benjamin Moore retailers, Pearl is in the middle of the sheen spectrum. It has an almost iridescent quality and, because it creates a smooth, less porous surface, it’s easier to clean and is often used in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as for trim details, such as doors, window frames, base moldings, and crown moldings.
  • Semi Gloss and Gloss – If you are looking for a sheen in your highest traffic areas, these two sheens are optimal. They allow for repetitive clean ups without discoloring the paint and the allow for a shine!

If you are painting and trying to decide what sheen to use, consider the condition of the walls, level of shine you want, and how much traffic the areas get. Still undecided? Call Jerry Enos Painting instead at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to find out more.

Basement Room Remodel

Decorating, Jerry Enos

What is your basement like? Dark and dingy? Maybe in need of a breath of fresh air? You are not alone. Many Americans have basement rooms that are underutilized and need some help in order to add viable living space. Whether you want to turn your basement room into a guest suite, laundry area, craft corner, second living area, or a home theatre, we have a few ideas that can help revitalize your basement! Read on to find out more about a basement room remodel. 

 

  • Brighten It Up – Basements have the reputation of being dark and gloomy, and rightfully so since they lack natural light and general brightness in the area. We suggest adding lighting depending upon what you want to use the room for: a sitting area, reading nook, etc. Ceiling lighting can really brighten up the space and make it feel less underground than it really is. Another great way to do this is through paint. Choosing a cheery and light paint palette can make the basement room feel cozier and will attract more friends and family to the area.

 

  • Wall Surfaces – While many homeowners choose a typical wall covering we suggest a wainscoting that can make the room look and feel like it is not in the basement. Choose a half wall treatment to make the ceiling seem higher, as height is usually an issue at the basement level.

 

  • Consider Layout – Use furniture and paint to separate sections of the basement for different functions. For example a TV area should be the darkest area for optimal viewing, while a socialization area should have the most natural light and have the lightest paint colors for welcoming guests. Partition walls, whether permanent or temporary, are a great solution for separating areas.

 

  • Storage – Let’s face it, most of us use our basement primarily for storage, so don’t forget to keep an area that has clever storage solutions such as: storage benches, shelving, and colorful bins. Your belongings aren’t going anywhere or disappearing, so unless you find another space for them somewhere else in the house, you’ll have to plan to declutter and still have some things you want to keep to the side.

 

Are you considering remodelling your basement and need ideas on design and color palette? Call Jerry Enos Painting instead at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to find out more.

Top 10 Reasons Why it is Important to Hire a Pro Painter

Jerry Enos

Many homeowners and business owners alike think that they can easily paint either the interior or exterior of their home or business and get the same professional result as if they hired a painting expert. This is not really true. There are many errors that can occur along the way from the prep work to the final coat. Here are our top ten reasons why you should go with a pro painter this time.

 

  1. Prep Work – A vast majority of any paint job is the prep work including scraping, sanding, and filling holes. Too many homeowners skip or do not give the necessary attention to this step.
  2. Cleaning the Area – Whether it is power washing the exterior of a home or wiping off the dust and dirt from the surfaces inside a home, this step often gets missed by those who are doing it themselves.
  3. Finding rotting wood or areas that need repairs. Most people who are doing painting on their own do not know the signs of wood that needs to be repaired or replaced.
  4. Weather Knowledge – Professionals know to watch the weather and will stop painting if the prediction is that rain is on the way or that the humidity will get over 85%.
  5. How Much Paint – Many homeowners make mistakes on buying too much or too little paint that will become a problem as the job nears completion.
  6. How Many Coats – Professionals know the importance of getting the right number of coats on, including a primer and final coat, so that there is no discoloration or fading a few years down the road.
  7. Quality of Paint – Many people who love to DIY choose the cheapest paint, which may mean it either will not last or will have a tendency to peel or chip. Professionals know quality paint.
  8. Techniques and Tools  – Professional painters, who have been doing it as long as our team has, know the best techniques and tools needed to do each job.
  9. Patience – Burnout after a few hours or days of painting is a problem for many homeowners who had no idea how much work their “little project” was going to really be. Professionals know in advance the patience needed to make your home/business look fantastic.
  10. Experience – Professional painters rely on their experience when it comes to painting difficult areas or architecture. Experience matters when painting your most valuable possession.

 

There’s really so much benefit behind hiring a professional, who has expertise in painting. Thinking about painting this summer or fall? Call Jerry Enos Painting instead at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to find out more.

 

Fun Paint Ideas for Children’s Rooms

Decorating, Interior painting, Jerry Enos

Children are full of energy and love to have fun, so why not turn their bedroom into a place of wonder, where even the paint is part of the enjoyment of the room? Sure, many parents choose unique themes and colors to match their child’s interests and personality, but these paint ideas can take your child’s bedroom to the next level!

  • Color – Get your child involved in the process of choosing the color for his/her bedroom. Maybe they have a favorite color or would like to have an accent wall to make their room unique. Some children choose designs, a mural, or even create an art or reading nook by creatively painting an area of their room. While we suggest letting parents have the final say, let your child become invested in their space!

 

  • Magnetic Paint – Yes, we said magnetic paint! Magnetic paint is just like regular paint, but made with tiny particles of iron dust mixed in. The iron dust allows any surface you paint on to hold a magnet, just like your kitchen refrigerator. This means that your child can use magnets to hang their favorite posters, art work, or awards right on the wall without having to deal with push pins, tape, or other adhesives that can mark or stain the wall surface.

 

  • Chalkboard Paint – Similar to magnetic paint, chalkboard paint allows kids to draw or write on the wall with chalk and then easily wipe it away with a damp cloth or paper towel. Your child can practice spelling words for school, stay organized with “To-Do” lists/calendars, or just create a masterpiece on their chalkboard section of their room. The possibilities are endless.

 

Are you looking to make your child’s bedroom into an enjoyable place where they can imagine, explore, and keep all of their special items up on the walls? Look to some of these ideas next time you decide to paint your child’s bedroom. Don’t want the hassle? Then call Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to find out more.

 

Water Stains and Other Paint Issues

Exterior painting, Interior painting, Jerry Enos

Nail holes, cracks, peeling paint, and water stains are common blemishes that occur in homes and businesses. Fixing these imperfections on ceilings, trim, and other surfaces are an important part of the painting process. In order to get the professional and clean look you are hoping for with a paint job, these issues should be handled carefully. Here is a quick checklist of what to do in these instances to ensure the best aesthetic result.

Water Stains

The first step in dealing with a water stain is to find out the root cause. If the stain is on a wall or ceiling, the potential culprit is a leak in your roof, around the flashing, or near the chimney where water can sometimes find its way in. If the stain is near a window, door, or sliding glass door, the problem may be originating near deteriorating caulk. Once you have determined the cause and repaired the area, we suggest letting the area dry thoroughly, and having an inspection done to determine if there is any mold or fungus build up. Once you have completely repaired the area, it is time to use a primer that can cover water stains so they will not be visible again. Using a high quality top coat should complete the job. You may find that the entire area needs to be repainted as matching colors may be difficult.

Holes and Cracks – It is quite common for wall surfaces to have cracks and holes. Whether these occur because of the home “settling” with age, or from hanging multiple pictures on the walls, it is not a huge deal as long as you take care of the repairs prior to painting. Fill the holes with putty and possibly skim coat/tape over cracks to ensure that the primer and final coat will adhere well.

Peeling or Chips – If your home is anything like mine, the trim around doors and molding along the floor are the areas that see the most amount of damage. High traffic areas like doorknobs, light switches, and lower trim where shoes are kicked off tend to get a lot of peeling and chipping of paint. The ultimate solution is to not touch the trim, but that is not a feasible solution. It is important to sand down the peeling or chips and touch up the areas that see the most traffic to keep it looking professional.

While many “Do-it-Yourselfers” could tackle these issues, why not let Jerry Enos Painting handle the work for you and get your house back to looking fantastic and professional, minus the stains, holes, and peeling? Call Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to find out more about our attention to detail, cleaning, prepping, and professional painting when it comes to your most valuable asset – your home.

 

Empty Nest? Now is the Time to Redecorate!

Interior painting, Jerry Enos

Do you have a college-bound senior or maybe a college graduate who is ready to head out and make it on their own? If the prospect of having an“empty nest has you nervous, don’t worry, you are not alone. So many parents face this time with trepidation, but we say consider it a time when you finally get to do things for yourself. And think of the real estate you gain back in your own home! Now may be the time to redecorate “the nest” so-to-speak!

 

Many parents of college-bound seniors decide to keep their bedroom intact as s/he will be returning during school breaks, and most definitely in the summer. But other parents decide that now is the time to make this room into something else. In fact, some parents decide that the room can have many functions. Depending on the size of your child’s room you could opt to create all sorts of functions for this space including a(n): man cave, craft room, extra guest room, storage closet, pool or gaming room, in-home theater, large walk-in closet, or even a fitness room. The possibilities are endless!

 

Before you start moving furniture and clearing out the space, there are some things to consider for design and decorating purposes. First and foremost, in our eyes, is the color palette for the room. If the space is going to be used for many purposes you may want to go with a neutral color that can accommodate many different functionalities. If is going to be a home theater or a man cave, you may want to choose a deeper or darker color for viewing purposes and comfort factor. If you are choosing to transform the space into a workout area, your paint color may have more punch to it in the form of brighter and more energetic tones like reds or yellows. If you plan to carve out extra closet space or crafting area, you may want to consider using paint to delineate different areas of the room for different purposes such as a wrapping station with an accent wall, or a craft corner with softer tones.

 

Talk to the professionals at Jerry Enos Painting to get started on creating your own space out of your empty nest. Call Jerry Enos Painting at at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to find out more.