Catherine and Family! Arana Craftsman is a family owned and operated company that services Oakland and surrounding areas

A Summer of Celebrations

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Summer 2017 marks several milestones in our Family. Ernesto and I celebrate 14 years of marriage, our eldest daughter Sofia turns 13 and our Company which has grown right along with her also turns 13!

Teenagers are now ruling our household with summer sleepovers, slime making sessions and late-night dance parties. Childhood is relived again and again with them and as they begin to find their wings, Ernesto and I have gone back to sleeping with one eye open and one ear to the ground

In June, we celebrated the last day of school and our 14th anniversary with a trip to the island of Maui. Trade winds, mild temperatures and the ocean blue gave us time to reconnect as a family. Running a successful business can take its toll on quality time together. Our kids spend long days away from us and when is there never something to do?

Thankfully we took the time because we got a very stark reminder while we were there of why it is so important to connect daily with the ones you love.

Sofia and Alexi (our youngest son) both are avid swimmers and love the Ocean. We found Koki Beach off of Hana Highway. It had some brisk waves and a few warning signs of strong undertow, but upon testing the waters I felt they could handle it so I let them swim on with their boogey boards.

They were doing fine, but sure enough as soon as we looked away they began screaming “Mamma! Mamma!”. In no time, the Ocean had swept them to the far right where the water was deeper and where they were now being pulled back and forth over rocks.

I of course jumped into Mama Bear mode and made a beeline in their direction. My family spent many summers swimming in Oceanside and Huntington Beach so I’m a strong Ocean swimmer. Fortunately, a few kind individuals also jumped to our aid and we pulled them to safety with only a few cuts and bruises. Of course, we were all shaken up and we held each other just a little tighter while we processed what happened.

The very next day we jumped right back into the Ocean and snorkeled with fish, spotted sea turtles and a few eels and toured around the island of Molokini with the Pacific Whale Foundation.

Rough times and a little rough Ocean won’t stop us from living life. Most importantly they remind us to focus on the people we love and to not get to caught up in all we’re doing.

Cheers to the best time of the year – Summer!

Tips for Summer Curb Appeal

Do you want to have the best curb appeal on the block? Follow these easy steps!

Mow to the right height. Set your mower to cut about three inches off the ground. Longer turf will retain more moisture and better shade the soil so the roots won’t get dry. The shade helps to keep out crabgrass.

Tall grass is greener and more attractive, but in unused parts of the yard, try drought resistant or California native plants. They are low maintenance and beautiful.

Upgrade your house numbers. Get some that are not only attractive but that can be easily read from a distance. Avoid frilly numbers. Refresh your painted numbers on your curb.

More expensive but very effective, replace cracked or outdated walkways while it’s still summer. Interlocking pavers make it easy to do the job yourself.

Update your flower boxes. When spring bulbs and flowers have finished, replace them with fall bloomers like mums or autumn sage.

Consult with a professional Landscape Architect for a more comprehensive plan. ARCA Design Group based in Albany is the leader in Landscape Design. Visit the Arca Design Group website.

Home Safety Tips to Kick off Summer

Happy National Home Safety month! (Exciting, right?) Well, it’s as good a time as any to just refresh your memory on some basic home safety tips.

The AARP has 30 home safety tips that are surprising and worth knowing. For example, did you know that each year 65,000 barbecue grill fires cause as much as $27 million in property damage each year? Lesson: move your grill a little farther from the home.

  • Did you know that most falls in homes happen in the bathroom, not on the stairs? Put a non-slip mat in the shower and bath mats over tile.
  • Did you know that cooking-related fires are the leading cause of injuries among people 65 years of age and older? Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing while cooking and use a timer to remind yourself to check food you have in the oven.
  • Did you know that more people are injured using hand tools than power tools? Always use high quality tools and avoid tools with frayed power cords or dull cutting surfaces.
  • Did you know that each year approximately 3,800 injuries and 34 deaths occur in U.S. homes due to scalding from excessively hot tap water? Adjust the temperature setting of your home hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, or consider installing temperature limiting faucets on bathtubs, showers, and sinks.
  • Did you know that each year an average of 20,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with garage doors? Don’t try and outrun your door!
  • Did you know that many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains high lead levels and lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not take care of properly? Call an EPA Certified Painting Contractor to remove loose and failing paint.

oakland dining room painting

Frequently Asked Questions – Painting the Interior of My Home

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Should I have my floors refinished or installed first? What about carpet?

If you are having new carpet, laminate, or wood floors installed, then it is important to have your flooring done first. Installation of these products can slightly damage or mark up the baseboards and walls. Painting these areas will address any damage after the flooring contractor has left. The very first part of our process is to mask and protect flooring.

How is my furniture protected?

Large pieces of furniture are moved to the center of the room – where possible – and covered with new drop cloths or plastic. If needed, we can move furniture out of the room temporarily and reinstall upon completion.

Can I still live here while you’re working?

In most cases it is possible for a homeowner to stay in their home while it is being painted. It can depend on the scope of work and how long the work will affect critical areas such as the kitchen or bathrooms. If all surfaces of the room are scheduled for paint, then that room will have to be sealed off until completed. If a homeowner needs to stay during the process, we plan the project out so that they can be as comfortable and as unimpeded as possible.

My walls are cracking and sagging – why? What can be done?

Walls are constructed of either lath and plaster or sheet-rock. Lath and plaster is an older building material and can typically be found in homes constructed pre-World War II. Plaster is applied over a wire lath or a thin layer of paper and it has the propensity to crack and fail. Sagging can be caused by the paper underneath. When painted, that paper can be activated and will bubble and move, resulting in sagging. Sheetrock, on the other hand, rarely cracks unless put under seismic pressure or some other extreme circumstance. The tape that bridges the seams of the sheets is more likely to fail (in an Earthquake for example), but happens more rarely.

Can you make my wood look better?

In most cases, yes. Wood trim typically suffers from damage caused by everyday living. Dings, dents, holes, and peeling paint are all normal wear and tear. This is especially noticeable on door frames and baseboards. The best way to treat and restore wood is to carefully sand down the current layer of paint to de-gloss the surface and remove any failed material. We then use a wood filler like Bondo or Spackle to fill in damaged areas, sand until it blends with the surrounding area, prime and the surface is restored and ready for paint.

What sheen of paint should I use?

This is a great question and one that is not only dependent on how a room is used, but it also dependent on the how much shine the homeowner prefers. The higher the sheen, the more wipe-able and cleanable it is and the longer the paint surface will last. On the downside, the higher the sheen, the more the texture and wall anomalies will be highlighted. Colors will also ready differently than they will with a flat sheen. Higher sheens bounce and focus light. Some homeowners like that and some don’t. For more information on Sheen, please go to: http://brands.sherwin-williams.com/for-homeowners/sheen-levels/

Our basic advice is that in any room with moisture or heat activity at least an eggshell sheen should be used – the kitchen, bathrooms, and the laundry room are good examples. Sheen choices in all other rooms are subjective and a matter of personal preference on the part of the homeowner

Are there any rules for choosing colors?

There are a few basic rules:

  • Take into account the existing elements in the room that already have a color – furniture, a wood ceiling, brick fireplace etc.
  • The size of the room – darker colors tend to make a room look smaller
  • The amount of light in a room – a lighter or brighter color can amplify the amount of light
  • What the room will be used for – child’s room, office, bedroom
  • If you get stuck and just can’t decide, our service includes a 1-hr consultation with a professional Color Consultant. We will also apply paint in a small 2’x 2’brush out on the wall and on trim.

Which paint brand is best?

There are a number of brands and grades on the market. We have found good success with the Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore and Kelly Moore Brands. All 3 provide a similar level of quality for what a typical homeowner needs. Each have different color stories and that is was often leads a homeowner to choose one over the other.

How long can I expect my paint job to last?

On interior projects, bubbling and peeling are not a typical problem in most areas where moisture and heat are not present. Homeowners with pets and children will notice more nicks, dents and dirt faster. We recommend paint with a higher sheen in these cases, especially in the hallway or children’s bedroom, so that most of these things can be wiped down. We provide a 5-yr guarantee against, peeling, bubbling and cracking of the paint film.

How much will it cost?

Cost is dependent on what the scope of work is, what the surface conditions are, what the desired color scheme is and how much materials will be needed. The best way to understand cost is to schedule a consultation where we get a complete understanding of what your goals are and what will be required to complete the project. Call Now!

Oakland Bathroom Painting Services

Arana Craftsman Painters Reopens During COVID-19

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The company remains committed to the safety and social distancing while delivering the best paint in the Bay Area.

San Francisco, California, June 24th, 2020 – COVID-19 had forced many a business to either rework how they do business or to shut down completely. However, with the proper precautionary measures some businesses have been allowed to resume operating. One business that has recently reopened is Arana Craftsman Painters.

These Oakland painters had previously ceased operations due to the spread of COVID-19. With social distancing and masks in play however the company has begun painting once again. Arana Craftsman Painters have been servicing the San Francisco Bay Area for years and have brought beauty and rejuvenation to both businesses and homes. They are a family-owned residential painting company that combines artisanal attention to detail with sustainable practices. The company has managed to garner quite a positive reputation as a result of their superb and often surreal work. With a multitude of local clients who have sung praises for them in the past, Arana Craftsman Painters felt that it was unfair to their clients to remain closed for long. This is why they have decided to reopen their business, while taking into account all the necessary guidelines to curb COVID-19.

“As part of our efforts to curb the spread of the epidemic, Arana Craftsman Painters will be taking all the necessary precautions. The most important of which is that all our painters will be equipped with masks. In addition to this we will limit the amount of employees that are sent to any particular job. This is mainly to ensure that proper social distancing is practiced. During their residential appointments, they wear masks, gloves and boots. This helps limit any kind of physical interaction on the surface or with another person. Moreover, we are committed to following all of the Alameda County guidelines for COVID-19.” says Arana owner, Catherine Baldi.

Arana Craftsman Painters have been a renowned option in the area for a long time. They hope to continue providing on their same high standard even during these extreme circumstances.

About Arana Craftsman Painters

Arana Craftsman Painters is the Bay Area’s premier painting company. They primarily work on residential buildings but paint commercially as well. Being a family-owned business, they have cultivated a large base of clients in the area. Their strong attention to detail and sustainable practices have made them a go-to option for many people who have had their homes’ old surfaces restored by Arana Craftsman Painters. The company has relaunched their service which was previously closed due to COVID-19. They remain fully committed and vigilant in the fight against the spread of Covid-19.

Support at risk girls

Support For At-Risk Young Girls

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I have given to many a good organization throughout my lifetime, but none has inspired me more than the fight to protect vulnerable young girls. You have no doubt heard that there is a rise in the number of stories about missing and exploited youth. In fact, according to UNICEF 1.2 million children worldwide are being trafficked each year and Oakland is considered one of 2 major hubs in the United States.

MISSSEY was founded by 2 survivors and 2 allies and their Mission is potent: To provide services to the commercially sexually exploited and to work for systemic change with the youth they serve. They have done years of work with Oakland Police, Local, Regional and Federal government to create systemic change for the youth they serve. This goes directly to their Vision of a world without commercial sexual exploitation.

At a fundraiser for MISSSEY hosted by Oakland-based Shine Center for Well Being and Laura Martin Bovard Interiors, I had the honor to meet Holly Joshi, MISSSEY’s outgoing director. She talked to us about the work she did while at Oakland Police as well as recent headway on State laws that would match the severity of Federal sentencing.

The average age of trafficked youth is 12 years old. This hits home for me as my own children fall within this exact age range. What makes these children so vulnerable is instability within the home due to economic, social or physical challenges. In Oakland, Children of color are the largest number of youth affected because they disproportionately overlap with these tougher economic conditions.

Just looking around the abundant and wealthy Bay Area it is more than evident that the number of folks falling through the cracks is on the rise and these children are some are the most vulnerable. Strong homes from family structures to intact physical structures are the key. Based in Oakland, MISSSEY runs a homelike environment that provides shelter, a hot meal and mentoring. The work is in partnership with youth “helping them transition from victim to survivor to leader, encouraging their long-term stability and success in whatever path they choose.”

Through Arana Craftsman Painters we have become a monthly donor to MISSSEY and we are working on donating our painting services to them to help them transform the girl’s space. I firmly believe that Thanksgiving is a daily ritual and one that should be exercised through giving. Please help this very important organization provide these much needed services. Please consider giving to MISSSEY: www.misssey.com

Your Guide to Stress-Free Thanksgiving Prep

Hosting Thanksgiving at your house this year? With so many details to coordinate, guests to host and dishes to cook, having a plan will save headaches and pave the way for a beautiful feast you can really feel grateful for. This breakdown of just what to do and when, from the early preparations to Thanksgiving Day, can help.

Thanksgiving Week

  • Shop for perishables.
  • Pick up the turkey if you’re buying fresh.
  • Gather your recipes. Pin copies to a bulletin board, tape them to the kitchen wall or at least bookmark them in your cookbooks for easy reference.
  • Write the cooking plan (oven temperatures and cooking times) on a whiteboard or tape it to the wall, somewhere that you and your helpers can easily check it.

The Night Before

  • Set the table if you’re serving family style or set up the buffet.
  • Put labeled serving dishes and implements on trivets on the table or buffet.
  • Tidy up around the house.
  • Prep any dishes you can to ease the workload for the next day.
  • Put anything you made in advance and froze in the fridge to thaw.

On Thanksgiving Day

  • Fill a dishpan with soapy water and use it to clean as you go.
  • Start the turkey in the morning and follow your cooking plan.
  • If anyone offers to help, accept!
  • Wrap up leftovers promptly to avoid food-borne illnesses. If you’re giving leftovers to guests, pack the food in takeout containers and store it in the fridge until it’s time to go.
  • Run a load of dishes in the dishwasher before sitting down to dessert.
  • Now sit back and enjoy that pie!

Article written by Laura Gaskill read article

Gaco Deck Colors

Painting Processes We Love: GacoDeck Waterproofing and Anti-Slip System

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For this project (photos below), Arana restored, sealed, and waterproofed the front porch and stairs of our client’s Victorian home using one of our favorite products: GacoDeck®.

GacoDeck is typically used on roofs, decks, and staircases and even works great on concrete — anywhere that needs to be sealed.

This 2-part and four-layer process creates an epoxy coating that provides a hard and long-lasting surface, once dry. Applying GacoDeck® results in a fully-adhered, durable, waterproof membrane that expands and contracts along with the substrate as weather changes.

The process of applying GacoDeck involves first cleaning the surface to be coated, and then working within the recommended guidelines for timing, applying primer if the surface has been previously coated or painted (and sanding before this if it was a glossy paint). All seams, cracks, and joints must be prepared with special tape, flashing, or caulking materials. GacoDeck can also be used on concrete under certain conditions.

Note that GacoDeck is NOT recommended for teak, cedar, or redwood due to tannin bleeding on light colors.

(If you have any questions, let us meet with you to survey the area you wish to coat and make recommendations!)

The area to be sealed must be washed and dried appropriately, and then four layers of coating are applied; the topcoat is mixed with walnut shells to create a non-skid surface which, if properly proportioned and applied, meets California state accessibility standards for safety.

And another benefit, clean-up of your sealed deck area or walkway once GacoDeck is applied, is easy. Simply use soap and water.

GacoDeck TopCoat will maintain its waterproofing capacity and stay true to color for up to 5-7 years. At that time, homeowners are advised to apply (or have us apply) maintenance coats of GacoDeck TopCoat (again, mixed with GacoGrip Texture Granules). No primer is required.

Safety and beauty, a well-designed product, and happy customers are all reasons why, at Arana, we love GacoDeck. Call us to learn more about this product and determine if the process is right for you and your home.