Tips for Getting Clean Walls While Protecting the Paint Job
Tips for Getting Clean Walls While Protecting the Paint Job
You spent a lot of time selecting the right paint colors for your home, and you want to keep those paint colors looking beautiful. So when your walls get dirty, you’d like to clean them without messing up the paint color or paint job. But it can be tricky applying a cleaning solution and sponge to the walls. So are a few tips on what you should and shouldn’t do while cleaning to leave your walls looking beautiful.
Do clear out the area before you start. Move the furniture away from the wall to make it easier to navigate the area. Then cover the floor with a drop cloth, newspaper, etc. to protect it from getting wet.
Do dust the walls and baseboards before you begin washing. If you add moisture to a dusty area, it will make it infinitely more difficult to clean.
Do try to use the gentlest cleaning solution. If your walls aren’t very dirty, try using only water to wash them. Or mix a gallon of warm water with a good squeeze of mild dishwashing detergent. If you need to use a stronger solution for more soiled walls, do a spot treatment onto a small area, to ensure that it won’t remove the wall paint or alter the paint job, before applying it to the entire wall.
Do wash your walls during warmer weather. Leaving your windows and doors open will help speed up the drying process and reduce the chances of getting water streaks. But no one wants to do that if the weather is cold. So a good time for Wayne, NJ residents to wash their walls is during late summer.
Don’t slack on the washing technique. One great way to tackle the wall is to break it into sections. Wash one section of the wall with the soapy solution, and then follow up with clean water to wash away soapy residue. Lastly, dab any excess water from the area before moving on to another section of the wall.
Don’t stop in the middle of washing a wall. Complete the entire wall, bottom to top and left to right, before taking a break. If you stop before completing it, then you can get wash marks on the wall paint.
Don’t use a dyed or colored sponge during washing because you risk staining the walls with the dye. Instead, use a natural sponge for washing and then use white cleaning cloths for dabbing away the excess water.
Don’t forget to use a stepladder or stool for the hard to reach corners. The corners tend to trap more of the dirt, grime, and cobwebs, but they can be easy to forget about.
While you are working on your walls, you may get inspired with some new painting ideas and colors. If so, let us help transform those painting ideas into a gorgeous new paint job. Reach out to our painters here.
Tips for Protecting Your Bathroom Paint Job
Tips for Protecting Your Bathroom Paint Job
Your bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in the house, but unlike most rooms it receives a high concentration of moisture daily. Whenever you turn on the sink or the shower, you are introducing more moisture and humidity into the air, which is why mildew is often found in bathrooms. All this extra moisture can wreck havoc on bathroom paint. But there are ways to protect your bathroom paint and make it last longer, here are a few tips:
Mildew Resistant Paint
Certain paints are specifically designed to stand up against high levels of moisture. When you paint your bathroom, make sure to use a high-quality latex paint. There’s also a special line of Benjamin Moore paint colors that’s mildew resistant. Such as Benjamin Moore’s low-VOC Aura Bath and Spa paint and Eco Spec WB Silver paint, which is a zero-VOC commercial paint. These Benjamin Moore paint colors are low-odor interior paints with additives that inhibit mildew growth. Before you apply the paint color, make sure to properly prime the surface. It will help your paint color last a lot longer.
Good Ventilation System
You need to have a way to increase airflow circulation and get rid of the moisture that accumulates after a shower or bath. It could be an open window, a ceiling fan or exhaust fan. After you take a shower or bath, try to run the fan for about an hour. This will help get rid of the steam and moisture, and thereby protecting the paint job.
Stop Any Peeling
Peeling paint occurs more often in rooms with high moisture, and it’s caused by moisture getting between the wall paint and the actual wall surface. Moisture can do serious damage to walls and ceilings so you need to take care of it immediately. Not only will it save your wall surfaces, it will help protect the rest of your bathroom paint job. As the paint peels, it’s easier for moisture to get underneath the wall paint. Resulting in even more peeling paint. So in order to stop the cycle, you need to remove any peeling paint pronto.
When you are applying bathroom paint, it’s a good idea to use professional painters. They can ensure that you use the proper paint, and their expertise will help the paint last longer. Read about our team of professional painters who serve the Wayne, NJ area.
Steps to Storing Leftovers From Your Paint Job
Steps to Storing Leftovers From Your Paint Job
So you’ve finally completed that wall painting project that’s been gnawing at your to-list for months. All you want to do is prop your feet up and relax after hours of moving your arm up and down. But those piles of paint cans won’t stop staring at you. Yeah, it may be tempting to throw the lids on, move the paint to the garage floor and be done with it. But you may need to use that paint again. And it won’t look nice if you don’t store it properly. So before you settle into the couch to catch up on your favorite TV show, take the extra 10 minutes to ensure your paint stays fresh years down the road.
Where to Store It
The place you decide to store the paint needs to have low-moisture and be temperature-controlled. A nice dry basement would be a good option. But set it on a shelf instead of the garage floor, to help protect against moisture. If you don’t have a basement, a closet inside the house would work just as well. The reason that you want avoid a high moisture environment is because the metal can will develop rust around the lid. When you go to open the lid, the rust will fall into the paint and ruin the paint job.
A temperature-controlled environment is very important given that the weather in Wayne, NJ area can get both quite hot and very cold. If the temperature of the paint color gets too high or too low then it will change the consistency of the paint and make it unusable. If this goes on for too long then the paint can turn into a hazardous waste and be harmful to the environment.
How to Store It
First of all, make sure to clean the sealing rim of the can where there may be paint buildup. This will help the lid seal tightly. Then place some plastic wrap across the opening of the can, creating a gasket between the lid and the can. And then to seal the lid down, take a rubber mallet, not a hammer, and gently hit lid just enough to ensure no air can get in. When you store the paint, place the can upside down so the paint color can help create that airtight seal.
When you need to use the paint again, do not shake the can. First, open the can and take a look at the paint color. You’ll need to remove the thick layer that has formed over the paint. If there is a thick layer, it doesn’t mean the paint color is unusable. But it does need to be removed before the paint gets mixed up. If you mix up the paint before this layer is removed, you’ll get lumps in the paint that can ruin the paint job.
Dealing with the messy cleanup after a wall painting project can be real pain. But you don’t have to deal with it. Our team of professional painters can handle the entire project from start to finish. No mess. No cleanup. No frustration. Give us a call today to see how our professional painters can help you.
Should I Use a Pressure Washer on My New Jersey Home?
Should I Use a Pressure Washer on My New Jersey Home?
You probably don’t give too much thought about the cleanliness of the exterior of your home. You have the laundry, kids’ rooms, kitchen and your own bedroom to clean. And since you spend more time in those rooms than you do staring at the siding or brick on your home, it makes sense for those rooms to be your top priority. But if you are feeling bored with your home and you feel like it could use a facelift, pressure washing its exterior could be the perfect solution.
Don’t Neglect the Face of Your Home
Consider how much time you spend cleaning the interior of your home. Okay…how much time you wish you could spend cleaning. It’s probably a whole lot. But the inside of your home is away from all the dirt, grim, leaves and mud—how much more susceptible to getting dirty is the outside?
It’s easy to focus on cleaning the inside of your home because you see it all the time. But the exterior paint, brick or siding of your home collects dirt and grime on a daily basis. It is also the first thing people see, whether they are just driving by or coming for a visit. Put your best foot forward by investing in pressure washing your home. Not only will it help beautify your home, but it can also help the exterior surface and outdoor paint last longer.
Pressure Washing Can be Tricky
If you do want to clean off years of build-up from your home, then you may decide to go the DIY route with pressure washing. It may seem like all you need to do is buy a pressure washer and aim it at the house. How hard could it be, right? Unfortunately, pressure washing a home can be a bit tougher than you might imagine. First you need to make sure you get the right equipment. There are quite a few different types of pressure washers and each one serves a different purpose depending on what you plan on washing. For instance, a boat would need a unit with different features than a home would.
It’s also important to know how to use the washer before you aim it at your house. If used incorrectly, you could damage the exterior paint. Your home’s exterior will determine the technique you use to pressure wash your home. For instance, if you are washing siding panels that overlap then you should avoid spraying the bottom edges of the panels and instead work across the topmost panel to the one it overlays. These techniques can you help preserve the quality of your home’s exterior as well as the outdoor paint.
If you’ve tried to pressure wash your home and found it to be incredibly difficult or if you just don’t want to deal with the hassle, we have general contractors who can handle this task for you. Just give us a call at Spectrum Painting and one of our general contractors will come to your home and leave it looking like a brand new house.
How to Give Your Old Kitchen & Bathroom Cabinets New Life without Breaking the Bank
How to Give Your Old Kitchen & Bathroom Cabinets New Life without Breaking the Bank
Do you walk into your kitchen and wish your cabinets had an updated look but can’t afford that $60,000 kitchen makeover? We have a solution…paint or stain your kitchen or bathroom cabinets for a fraction of the cost of a full renovation. You might also think of tackling this project yourself, but don’t underestimate the time and expertise required to do this project properly. Hiring a professional painting contractor will insure that the job is done right and that it will last.
When refinishing kitchen & bathroom cabinets, you have several choices to make. First, you need to decide what type of finish or look you are trying to achieve. A professional painting contractor can achieve many updated looks with staining, painting and faux finishing techniques. Second, you need to decide whether your hardware is worth salvaging or if you need to purchase new hardware. It is helpful to have a picture of the look you are trying to achieve so you can communicate your vision to your professional painting contractor.
Spectrum Painting has extensive experience refinishing kitchen and bathroom cabinets. The photos in this article show a couple examples of our refinishing projects. Spectrum Painting can help transform your old worn out cabinets into the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams.
We hope you found this cabinet refinishing article helpful. If you have any interior painting, exterior painting, wall paper, carpentry, power washing, deck refinishing or epoxy floor coating questions, we would be happy to answer them. You can email us at info@SpectrumPaintingLLC.com or call us at 973-706-6033.
Spectrum Painting and Paper Hanging LLC has been in business since 1989 and is the leading provider of interior and exterior painting services in Wayne, NJ and the surrounding areas. Spectrum Painting and Paper Hanging LLC serves Passaic County, Bergen County, Morris County and in additions to interior and exterior painting services, also provides the following services: wall paper installation and removal, carpentry, power washing, deck refinishing, epoxy floor coatings, and more. Call us today to schedule your FREE estimate! 973-706-6033
Even “No Maintenance” Products Need Maintenance – Spectrum Painting, Wayne, NJ
Even “No Maintenance” Products Need Maintenance – Spectrum Painting, Wayne, NJ
Many products on the market today, claim to require “No Maintenance.” Some of these products include composite decks, pvc fences and railings, vinyl and aluminum siding, and more. In our 24 years in business serving the northern New Jersey area, we have found these claims to be misleading. Although these products may hold up well, they are not immune to the forces of mother nature. Sunlight, rain, and dampness can all create problems with these products including warping, fading, mold and mildew.
If you have mold and mildew on any of the following products, Spectrum can help. Our fully trained and skilled craftsmen have the knowledge and ability to clean these products properly and restore them to a clean and safe condition. If your products are faded, in some cases, after a proper cleaning, we would be able to paint them. We can also replace any rotted wood.
PVC Fences and Railings
Composite Decking
Vinyl and Aluminum Siding
Gutters
Walkways and Patios
Garage Floors
We hope you found this home maintenance article helpful. If you have any home maintenance, interior painting, exterior painting, wall paper, carpentry, power washing, deck refinishing or epoxy floor coating questions, we would be happy to answer them. You can email us at info@SpectrumPaintingLLC.com or call us at 973-706-6033.
Spectrum Painting and Paper Hanging LLC serves Passaic County, Bergen County, Morris County and in addition to interior and exterior painting services, also provides the following services: wall paper installation and removal, carpentry, power washing, deck refinishing, epoxy floor coatings, and more. Call us today to schedule your FREE estimate! 973-706-6033
Easy Outdoor Entertaining with a Little Help from Spectrum Painting
Easy Outdoor Entertaining with a Little Help from Spectrum Painting
Summer time is one of the best times to get together with family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate a special occasion or just reconnect. Outdoor entertaining doesn’t have to be stressful.
You take care of the guest list and the menu. Spectrum Painting can help you with the following:
o Stain or Paint your Deck, Fence & Swingset
o Touch Up your Front Door, Railings, Columns & Trim
o Power Wash Walkways, Decks, & Patios
o Power Wash your Exterior
We have also created a list of tips for outdoor entertaining that we hope you find helpful.
Plan your guest list carefully – decide whether you are having all adults or a mix of adults and children. After completing your guest list, you will have an easier time deciding on what food is appropriate for your party and what type of seating arrangements you will need to make.
Make your menu simple – plan to make 2-3 food items from your menu that will WOW your guests and then purchase pre made items for the rest. Also, try to include as many menu items that can be prepared or purchased a day ahead. The day of your party should be fun, not stressful, and proper planning can help you avoid this.
Seating that is ample – provide enough seating for all of your guests. If you don’t want to spend money on rental chairs and tables, you can get creative. You can bring inside chairs and tables outside. You can also setup a large picnic blanket in the yard for children and young adults.
We hope you found this home maintenance article helpful. If you have any home maintenance, interior painting, exterior painting, wall paper, carpentry, power washing, deck refinishing or epoxy floor coating questions, we would be happy to answer them. You can email us at info@SpectrumPaintingLLC.com or call us at 973-706-6033.
Spectrum Painting and Paper Hanging LLC serves Passaic County, Bergen County, Morris County and in addition to interior and exterior painting services, also provides the following services: wall paper installation and removal, carpentry, power washing, deck refinishing, epoxy floor coatings, and more. Call us today to schedule your FREE estimate! 973-706-6033
The Proper Way to Clean Your Matte Finish Walls
The Proper Way to Clean Your Matte Finish Walls
We all have those areas in our homes where the painted wall surfaces get dirty and marked up over time. We find this mostly in entry areas, along staircases, and in kitchens and bathrooms. If you have chosen to go with a matte finish paint in those areas, cleaning your walls can be a little tricky. Many of our customers have asked us about cleaning their matte finished walls and in our experience this is what we have found to be the most effective solution:
STEP 1: Vacuum your walls to remove dust particles
STEP 2: Prepare two buckets, one with a mild detergent and water solution, and one with clean water to rinse the walls
STEP 3: Wash walls with a clean sponge and the mild detergent and water mixture. Use gentle strokes with the sponge, working from bottom, up.
STEP 4: Wipe the walls lightly because matte finishes have a tendency to wash off easily. It may be a good idea to keep some extra matte finish handy in order to make any touch-ups if need be.
STEP 5: Use the clean water and another clean sponge to rinse the matte finished walls. Use soft cloths to soak up any extra water.
STEP 6: Routinely cleaning your walls keeps the matte finish looking bright and fresh!
We hope you found these painting tips helpful. If you have any interior painting, exterior painting, wall paper, carpentry, power washing, deck refinishing or epoxy floor coating questions, we would be happy to answer them. You can email us at info@SpectrumPaintingLLC.com or call us at 973-706-6033.
Spectrum Painting and Paper Hanging LLC has been in business since 1989 and is the leading provider of interior and exterior painting services in Wayne, NJ and the surrounding areas. Spectrum Painting and Paper Hanging LLC serves Passaic County, Bergen County, Morris County and in additions to interior and exterior painting services, also provides the following services: wall paper installation and removal, carpentry, power washing, deck refinishing, epoxy floor coatings, and more. Call us today to schedule your FREE estimate! 973-706-6033
Office Painting in New Jersey
Office Painting in New Jersey
Maintaining a clean, professional facility is crucial for customer satisfaction and company reputability. Whether it’s a doctor’s office, corporate office, consultation room, medical facility, or executive office, Spectrum Painting is ready to serve you. When painting offices and other commercial facilities, we offer professional service and a top-quality product that aims for 100% satisfaction.
Spectrum Painting is committed to excellent service from start to finish. Our office painting services incorporate comprehensive preparation of all surfaces to be painted, as well as two coats of paint (unless otherwise specified). For interior jobs, our thorough surface preparation includes removal of hardware, scraping, sanding, filling imperfections, minor carpentry repairs, and priming where necessary. For exterior projects, we remove all shutters, scrape and power sand, putty all window sashes, report damaged or rotting wood that needs replacing, and apply primer/sealer to entire exterior. When painting offices, Spectrum uses only premium materials, and we provide our own lighting on the jobsite. At the end of each job we conduct a final inspection and touch-up as well as a walk through with the owner or facility manager to ensure complete satisfaction.
We are a commercial painting company dedicated to keeping a clean work area. Whether it’s furniture that needs to be moved, shrubbery that needs to be covered, or floors that need to be kept spotless, we will make sure that all painting work is conducted with care and precision. Upon completion of each job, we will check for any spills, sweep all floors, vacuum rugs, return furniture to original locations, re-hang wall art, replace outlet covers, hardware, etc. and dispose of trash. You can count on us to leave your office neat and clean.
Cutting down on facility upkeep time is essential to businesses and professional offices who want to maintain a smooth business operation. This requires a painting contractor who is able to work with your schedule and get the job done in a timely manner. Spectrum Painting is committed to completing commercial painting jobs with minimal interruption of your business hours.
Excellent communication is another key element in selecting a painting contractor for offices and business. Spectrum Painting offers excellent and personable communication with customers. We ensure that your questions get answered and that your experience with our service is smooth and professional.
For offices and businesses which require low odor paints, we offer low VOC paints which are both environmentally friendly and relatively odorless. Low VOC paints are perfect for doctor or dentist offices which service patients who are more sensitive odors in their surroundings.
Spectrum Painting is located in Wayne, New Jersey. We offer office painting and wallpapering services in Wayne and the surrounding towns, including Clifton, East Orange, Parsippany and Morristown.
How Often Should I Paint my Home Exterior in New Jersey?
How Often Should I Paint my Home Exterior in New Jersey?
Harsh weather will take its toll on a home exterior, from the heat and UV rays of summer to the snow, ice and wind of a New Jersey winter. All of this conspires to break down your exterior paint, causing it to fade and eventually peel. While this is definitely an aesthetic matter that is important for the appearance of your home, it is even more significant as a protection issue. The paint on your home prevents moisture and pest entry that would cause serious damage, including wood rot, mold and boring. So how often do you need to paint your home exterior to keep it in great shape?
In New Jersey, the south side of a house or building receives the harshest exposure to the weather. That is the direction that receives the most sunlight, which fades the colors and wears the paint sooner. For that reason, the south side of a structure should be repainted about every 3 years. The rest of the house can wait longer under normal circumstances, from 6 to 8 years between full repaintings. Using a high-quality paint is a good way to make sure you don’t end up painting more often than you need to.
Some residential painting contractors offer paint maintenance programs, which is a great way to keep your house always looking its best. Here at Spectrum Painting, we have a Painter for a Day program, which allows you to hire one of our expert painters at a low daily rate. He can perform miscellaneous touch ups, clean hard-to-reach windows, pressure wash siding, clear out clogged gutters, caulk windows, doors, vents and much more.
With a yearly visit from a Spectrum Painting craftsman, you can maximize the life of your paint and keep your home looking its finest in every season. From our headquarters in Wayne, New Jersey, Spectrum Painting serves Patterson, Fairfield, Hawthorne, Oakland, Wyckoff, Ridgewood and the surrounding area.
