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.

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.