Why Choose a Professional to Paint Your Business

Interior painting, Jerry Enos

If you are the owner of a small- or medium-sized business, you know the enormous amount of effort it takes to grow and sustain your company. You probably wear many hats on a daily basis to keep things moving smoothly. If you have an office where you meet with clients, you know that the appearance and style reflects back on your brand and reputation. Knowing these things means that you have an understanding of why it is important to choose a professional painter to paint the interior and/or exterior of your business. Let’s further explore these reasons in today’s blog.

Why Choose Professional to Paint Your Business Offices:
High End Appearance

When clients or customers enter your business, what do they see? Experienced painters will be sure that the look is clean and professional. While some business owners may choose to paint their business themselves to save a few dollars, they may not do the careful job that experienced painters will do. Not only does a painting company like Jerry Enos Painting have the right tools and equipment to do the job right the first time, but we also have trained painters who know how to avoid paint mistakes that are common with the novice painter. With a professional painter, you are guaranteed a professional look that will last.

Tuned in to Safety

If you are a small company, you know that insurance is a must. Hire a professional paint company that is licensed and insured so there will be no question about the safety level and quality of the job being done. Professionally trained painters have a better understanding of ladder placement, balance, and movement to meet the safety requirements for your business.

Planning Experience

If your business needs to continue working while a painting project is being completed, a professional will know how to plan and execute the job with minimal disruptions to your business. This may include working at different hours or adjusting workstations while a section is completed.

Saves you Time

Face it, as a business owner you don’t have a free weekend to paint the office. Professional painters for Jerry Enos can come in, evaluate the paint needs, protect the furnishings, get the job done, and keep your business running smoothly.

Brand Awareness

Your office is part of your brand. Our paint consultants can work with you on the right color scheme and style you may want to stay in alignment with your brand.

Does your business need a refresh? Considering painting? Call Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to speak to our color consultants.

 

Take Your Home Study or Library to the Next Level

Decorating, decorative paint techniques

Are you a bookworm or just love having a space to read, write, or think? If so, you may be lucky enough to have a dedicated study or library in your home. Or possibly you have turned a spare room into your dream home library. When planning out this space, what are the items on your list that are “must haves?” And what color will you paint this room to make it just the way you want? Let’s explore some ideas that will help you in the planning process of making your dream study!

Color Palette

Depending upon the size and/or style of your space, you may want to choose one or two colors that can help define the area. Take into account the adjoining rooms if it is not an enclosed space, or the overall color palette of your home. If you are looking for something cozy and enveloping, maybe try a darker tone or neutral as your backdrop. If you like a splash of color, maybe a green or red could be an accent wall. If you are looking for serene and calm, maybe a lighter color should be your pick. Check out Benjamin Moore’s online page on color personality to help you choose the color that will be right for your space. Or talk to the color specialists here at Jerry Enos Painting who can take a look at your space and help you decide.

Must-Haves

Most homeowners have a list of items that they must have in certain spaces. Usually this list is determined by the purpose or theme of the room. If your study is meant to be a space where you can write, then investing in a desk that matches your personality and needs is a must-have. If you plan to cozy up and read in your study, then a lounger or sofa may be a good choice. If you plan to meet with others in a book club fashion, then a grouping of chairs would be a good choice. The Fresh Home Online website has some amazing examples of the many must-haves you may want in your home study.

Whether you want a traditional looking study or a more modern appearance, the experts at Jerry Enos Painting can help you choose a color pallette to get you started in taking your study to the next level. Call us at 978-546-6843, or visit our website.

 

Paint Sheen Guide

paint sheen

Picking a color to paint a space can be a daunting decision. There are so many factors to take into account like: the amount of light, the size of the room, the mood you want to portray, and the color palette of adjacent rooms. Add into this decision the fact that every color on that famed “color wheel” looks a little different depending upon the sheen or finish of the paint. Today, we are examining the different types of paint sheens. Hopefully, this will aid you in your decision-making process as you narrow your choices for your paint project.

What are Paint Sheens?

The idea of paint sheen is really a question of how shiny you want your paint to look? Do you want it to reflect the light or absorb the light in a room? Do you want it to be easy to clean, or is the surface low maintenance and will need little cleaning? There is a spectrum of paint sheens from no shine (flat paint) all the way up to very shiny (high-gloss). Making things even more confusing is the fact that different brands use different terminology when it comes to these sheens. For example some paint brands label the sheen levels flat, eggshell, semi-gloss, and high-gloss, while other brands include satin as a sheen level and call the “flat” sheen “matte.” Don’t worry, once you have started looking at the different sheens, you will begin to spot the differences in no time.

What’s the Difference?

While at first you may think, a color is a color no matter what sheen it is, this is not true. The higher the gloss, such as semi-gloss and high-gloss, the easier the surface is to clean and wipe down after a smudge, streak, or mess has occurred. The lower the level of gloss, such as flat and eggshell, the more difficult that cleaning can be.

In addition, the higher the gloss, the more the paint color is reflected, while in lower level sheens, the color is absorbed. If your walls have imperfections they can be hidden better with a lower sheen level like satin, eggshell, or flat. Also, if you are looking for something that looks soft or almost velvety, you may want to look into satin or eggshell enamel.

What to Use in Each Room?

House Logic online has broken down the sheens or finishes and which rooms they may work well in. Here is a handy graphic from their site.

If you have questions about which sheen may work best in your space contact Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website.

Painting Tips for Kid-Proofing Your Walls

How-tos, Jerry Enos, Painting Challenges

If you have children, or even grandchildren, then you know just how messy life can be. Toys strewn around, snacks left uneaten, and all sorts of art projects are an everyday occurrence. It is pretty much an accepted part of having little ones in your life. But are there ways to kid-proof your walls and painted surfaces so that fingerprints, smudges, and smears are easy to clean or refresh? Let’s take a look at some painting tips for kid-proofing the walls in your home.

Choose Colors Wisely

Let’s face it, kids leave their marks on walls, furniture, and around light switches constantly. To combat the messes, choose a color palette that can hide the marks of crayons, fingerprints, and art supplies well. High traffic areas get especially dirty quickly, so choose a shade or two darker that can conceal the mess. Picking a bright white may be asking for trouble.

Choose a Good Sheen

When a mess occurs, you will want to be able to clean off the markings, smudges, or streaks easily and quickly. Choose a high-quality, washable, low-VOC paint in a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish. The higher the gloss, the easier it will be to wipe down and clean up.

Plan Ahead

The longer a stain, crayon streak, or paint mess stays on a surface, the harder it will be to completely erase it. Plan ahead and have wipes ready to make quick work of messes when they occur. Some homeowners find it easier to keep alcohol-free wipes in main living areas to use as clean-up-patrol. All you really need is warm water and soap to remove most marks.

Can’t Beat Them, Join Them

If the children in your home tend to draw on the walls or add their creative flair to the walls when they shouldn’t, maybe you should give them a space where this is allowed. There are some amazing paints on the market that allow children to write on them in chalk or erasable marker where the artistic side can be explored in a specific area of your home. Some homeowners create an art corner with a chalkboard wall to allow children to express their creative side, while still having an easy clean up after the fun is done.

Do you need more ideas for choosing the right color, sheen, or kid-proofing for your painted surfaces? Call Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to speak to our color consultants.

 

Kitchen Cabinets and Color

kitchen cabinets

When you think about kitchen cabinets, do you mostly think about the color of the wood, such as deep mahogany, lighter oak, or medium pine? While these wood-stained cabinets are beautiful, there is a trend catching on in which you may also want to consider – painting your kitchen cabinets! Whether you like light, medium, or dark, distinguishing your kitchen cabinets with your favorite hue opens up a whole realm of possibilities. Let’s take a closer look at kitchen cabinets and color.

 

Benefits of Painting vs. Remodelling

The price of removing and replacing existing cabinetry can be cost prohibitive for many people who just want to give their kitchen a little facelift. Painting kitchen cabinets that may be dated, dark, or dingy could be a fantastic way to accomplish a “redo” without breaking the bank. In addition, there are minimal disruptions when it comes to painting instead of tearing out the cabinets and starting from scratch.

Beyond White

For homeowners considering painting their cabinetry over remodelling the entire space, try to think beyond white. There are so many colors to choose from that can complement your overall design, such as slate grey, green, blue, or even a sunny yellow. While white matches with everything and has a clean, crisp appearance, consider also that it will need to be cleaned periodically due to smudges, dirty fingers, and food messes.

Monochromatic or a Pop of Color

Depending upon your personality and the colors that you hope to use to decorate, you have a choice. You may want to choose one color to paint the cabinets, or go for a pop of color on the top or bottom. If you are looking for clean lines and a look that is more contemporary, monochromatic may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you want something cozier, maybe choose two colors that coordinate and compliment each other for your cabinets.

Thinking about painting your cabinets? Call Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website.

 

Showcasing the Architectural Features of your Home

Interior painting, Jerry Enos

Painting is a quick and affordable way to refresh the overall look of your home. What if you are looking to not only reinvigorate your room with color, but also bring out the architectural features that you love? Choosing the right coordinating or complementary color can help or, possibly, using a paint technique can showcase the parts of your home that make it unique. Architectural features like columns and wide archways are beautiful and should be made a focal point of the home. Unfortunately, many of us do not live in a historic home with these grand features, but even homes built in the last few decades have some architectural features that can be brought out through clever painting. For example, does your home have:

  • Casement windows
  • Bay windows
  • Decorative molding
  • Ceiling trays
  • Chair rails
  • Wainscoting
  • Exposed beams
  • Wide staircase
  • Framed molding
  • Crown molding

Each of these architectural details may go overlooked, unless they are highlighted with the right color and sheen of paint. Many designers suggest bringing out the crown or decorative molding with an eye-catching white that draws attention to detail. Using a higher gloss sheen also helps set the molding apart from the less reflective walls.

For details such as wainscoting and chair rails, many designers note that using complementary colors (or even colors in the same family above and below the rail or on the wainscoting) can bring out the detail in the kitchen or dining room. Be sure not to pick colors that are too close, or the attention may go to the color difference rather than to the architectural detail. For details such as casement windows and bay windows, painting an accent color or bold color can bring out the detail.

Does your home have unique architectural details that you would like to highlight but you don’t know how? Talk to our paint specialists and color consultants at Jerry Enos Painting. Call Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website.

Caring for your Newly Painted Surfaces

How-tos, Interior painting

Ahhhhhhh, we all know that amazing look and feeling of a freshly painted room. The walls, trim, and ceiling look new, clean, and flawless. Unfortunately, that clean, unblemished look only lasts for so long, especially if you share your home with children or “man’s-best-friend.” How, then, can you care for your newly painted surfaces so that “just painted” look remains as long as possible?

You could prohibit everyone from entering the space… or you could just use our tips to help you keep the surfaces sparkling clean and knick-free! Here are just a few ideas to maintain those newly-painted surfaces.

  • Dust and wipe down the walls as a regular part of your biannual cleaning. Most of us think of this chore as something we only do during spring cleaning, but try to do it at least one other time during the year to get rid of typical dust, dirt, and other debris that can naturally take away the freshly painted look of the walls. Get rid of those spider webs in the corners by the ceiling while you are at it!
  • For smudges, spare marks, or rubbings (possibly from furniture), take a sponge and use a simple combination of warm water and soap. These marks are common, especially around the trim, light switches, and corners of the room.
  • For more difficult stains like splatters of food, crayons, or other stains, try a bit of baking soda on a damp sponge, or a gentle household cleaner. We do not recommend an erasing sponge as the sheen and color may be compromised.
  • For scuff marks or knicks, wash the area and use putty to refill the area. Once dry, sand it down and paint over the area with leftover paint.
  • For larger knicks, cracks or grooves, you may need to consider how long the paint has lasted and when you plan to repaint before tackling a repair job.

 

Need help keeping your newly painted room fresh? Call Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to speak to our color consultants.

What the Color of Your Home Says About You

Color Trends, curb appeal

Are you starting the process of painting the exterior of your home? Is part of this process deciding on what color palette you would like to use? It can be an arduous decision that takes trial-and-error, and searching inspirational homes for hours, online and in your neighborhood. You may also be wondering what the color you choose will say about you and your family? Here is a quick look into the psychology of color, and what the color you choose will tell others about you.

When homeowners start the search for a color that they want to paint the exterior of their home, it is always best to choose one that they not only love but also one that suits the mood they are looking to create. For example, do they want a traditional look with a white home, black shutters and white picket fence? Or perhaps they are looking for something softer like a sage green or muted yellow? The choice is in your hands.

Paint experts at Benjamin Moore Paints claim that the color you choose will have a large impact on your environment, as well as perception. Here are a few of their notes on what a color may say about you and your home.

  • Whites can feel contemporary, classic, or anywhere in between. It’s an honest, harmonious family of colors. Whites tell us that you are classic and timeless.
  • Deep, dark colors, such as purples or reds, can promote an air of energy and confidence. Even as an accent color on a door, a bold choice of a deep color can add some “wow” factor to the outside of your home.
  • Neutrals and soft colors, such as lighter greens, beiges, and creams, can send the message that you are grounded and earthly.
  • Pale colors like dusty lavender, ballet pink, and sky blue are comfortable and easy-to-live with, and send the message that you are easy-going and uplifting.

Have fun choosing your color, no matter what shade you are aiming for. Other things to keep in mind when choosing a color include: taking into account the color of neighboring homes, analyzing the amount of sun and shade your color will get, and making sure that, if your home is historical, the color is in compliance with historic district rules.

As always, if you have questions, call Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website.

 

Techniques to Make a Small Space Look Larger

Decorating, decorative paint techniques

Is there a room (or rooms) in your home that could be described as cozy, small, or cramped? It is fairly common for homeowners, especially in the New England area with its historic homes, to struggle with what to do with rooms that are short on square footage. Would you like to create the illusion that the space is larger than it really is without spending a fortune on remodeling or renovating your home? Here are several simple and affordable techniques to make a small space look larger.

  1. Paint with a Purpose – Many designers have long believed that lighter colors make a room appear brighter and bigger. In fact, light and bright colors are more reflective and do make rooms feel more open and airy. More recently, designers have added to this idea of painting in light colors with painting the trim, walls and sometimes even the ceiling the same color in order to trick the eye into believing that the surfaces are continuous. Paint is an affordable way to make a room feel less confining and more open.
  2. Pay Attention to Furnishings – If you are trying to decorate a small space, pay close attention to the furniture in which you will fill the space. The softer the tone of the fabrics, the less it will appear to take up space. In addition, designers encourage that less is better for tight spaces. Only use minimal amount of furniture. When possible, use double-duty furnishings such as ottomans, that also serve as seating. Keep the scale of the furniture down to make the room seem larger. For example, instead of filling a room with a sectional sofa, maybe choose a smaller scale loveseat instead.
  3. Let in the Light – Allow as much natural light into the space as possible to open the interior of the home. Forgo dark curtains for light filtering ones. When possible, use curtains or blinds on the lower half of a window to allow the top half to let in full sun. For rooms that are lacking big windows, try artificial lighting strategically placed throughout the room.
  4. Remove the Clutter – Spaces that have too much going on, or too many pictures/keepsakes can feel confining and uncomfortable. Keep decorations to a minimum to allow the illusion that there is ample space.
  5. Use Mirrors – Mirrors can help reflect both artificial and natural lights, thus making a space feel larger. Mirrors that reflect the outdoors can bring the outside in and create a look that the room goes on and on.

 

Do you need help choosing a paint that can help your small space look a bit larger? Call Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to speak to our color consultants.

Kitchen Trends

Color Trends, Decorating

The heart of every home is the kitchen. For many of us, it is where we first gather in the morning and then again at the end of the day to meet with family and check in with each other. It is the place where everyone ends up any time you entertain. And it is the place that feeds us emotionally and physically. The kitchen, then, should be a place that sets the mood through paint and décor. Let’s take a look at some of the recent kitchen trends when it comes to color schemes.

If it is time to update or at least liven up the hub of your home, here are a few kitchen color combinations that are currently trending.

  • Grays and browns are neutral colors that seem to be taking center stage in the kitchen as of late. Light grays and browns are neutrals that allow for play with accent colors around the kitchen, and the soft shades of these two colors can make for a perfect backdrop.
  • Green and silver are a combination that decorators are loving in the kitchen since they nicely show off the stainless steel appliances that are currently very popular. They also help bring the color of nature inside your kitchen.
  • Red has long been a favorite color in the kitchen as it is cheery and acts as an activator color. It shows off well with white or gray cabinets and allows for some fun choices when it comes to counter top appliances such as a mixer or coffee maker.
  • For homeowners who love a contemporary look, black and white will never be out of style. The crisp and stark color difference makes for a sleek look with walls, surfaces, and countertops.
  • Bold blues are currently trending in kitchens as they can liven up any size space without making it look dark. Blues also coordinate well with the many color options that kitchen appliances come in these days.

Are you ready to refresh your kitchen and need help painting and choosing a great color scheme? Call Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to get started on your update today.