Painting a residential house is an important task that can give a fresh and vibrant look to your home. A fresh coat of paint can enhance the curb appeal of your home, protect it from weather damage, and increase its value. However, residential house painting is not a simple task, and it requires careful planning, preparation, and execution.
In this article, we will discuss some essential tips for residential house painting that will help you achieve the best results.
Choose the right paint: The first step in residential house painting is to choose the right paint. Consider the climate of your area, the condition of your home, and the desired look you want to achieve. You should choose a paint that is durable, long-lasting, and provides adequate protection against weather conditions.
Clean and prepare the surface: Before painting your house, you need to clean and prepare the surface. This includes removing dirt, debris, and loose paint. You can use a pressure washer or a scrub brush to clean the surface. If there is any mold or mildew, you should remove it using a solution of water and bleach.
Repair any damages: Once the surface is clean, you should inspect it for any damages such as cracks, holes, or rot. Repairing these damages is essential to ensure a smooth and even paint job. You can use wood filler, caulk, or spackle to fill the gaps and holes.
Use quality equipment: Residential house painting requires quality equipment such as brushes, rollers, and sprayers. You should choose the right equipment based on the size of the surface you are painting. Using quality equipment will ensure a professional-looking finish.
Apply primer: Applying primer is an essential step in residential house painting. Primer helps the paint adhere better to the surface, provides a smooth and even base, and improves the durability of the paint. You should apply primer after cleaning and repairing the surface and allow it to dry completely.
Choose the right painting technique: There are different painting techniques that you can use, such as brushing, rolling, or spraying. The choice of technique depends on the type of surface you are painting and the desired finish. For instance, rolling is suitable for large surfaces, while brushing is ideal for edges and corners.
Follow safety precautions: Residential house painting can be hazardous, especially if you are working at heights. You should follow safety precautions such as wearing protective gear, using ladders or scaffolds correctly, and avoiding painting in extreme weather conditions.
In conclusion, residential house painting is a significant investment that can enhance the value and appearance of your home. By following these tips, you can achieve the best results and ensure a professional-looking finish. Remember to choose the right paint, clean and prepare the surface, repair any damages, use quality equipment, apply primer, choose the right painting technique, and follow safety precautions.
This the how-to-listicle that aims to help in deciphering the cryptic signs from you home that scream, “It’s time to repaint me!” Let’s face it, your Bay Area abode is more than just four walls and a roof—it’s your castle, your sanctuary, and possibly the backdrop to some of the most epic scenes of your life. But even the grandest of castles starts to crumble and over time, they need something as basic as touch-up or a major overhaul. This is especially important if you want to keep your curb appeal game strong.
The Telltale Signs It’s Time for a New Paint
The Great Fade-Out Chalky, sun-bleached, cobwebby look are all signs that your house has been left out in the sun too long (because, well, it has). If it has a saggy, past the expiration on the milk carton look or showing shades of pale or gothic novel veneer, it’s time for action. We wish it was just an cosmetic issue, but fading paint is your home’s cry for help. Like a sun-bleached tourist after a day at the beach, your house needs protection.
Peeling & Cracking: The Unwanted Artwork When your home’s exterior begins to peel and crack, it’s not trying to embrace an abstract art movement—it’s signaling distress. And it is not your home’s attempt at shedding its old skin, even if it were, it doesn’t look as cool as an actual snake shedding it skin because underneath will be rot and broken-down stucco or wood. Peeling paint can lead to moisture invasion faster than pirates boarding a ship. Arrrgh, matey, it’s time to call in the professionals!
The Chalk Zone No, not the fun, animated kind. If you run your hand across your home’s exterior and it feels like you’ve just chalked up for a gymnastics routine, that’s chalking. The sun has baked your paint (and now your stucco) into a powdery finish that is sadly not a suitable material for an outdoor mural. This is your home’s way of saying, “I’m meltinnnnnng.”
Stains & Water Damage: The Unwanted Decor Stains and water damage are like the uninvited guests at your party—they just show up without warning and they are not attractive. If your home is starting to look like a Dalmatian with all those black mildew spots and white chalky spots, it’s time to paint it! Forget the décor, water damage is the silent home killer, creeping in and chewing up your structural system and wreak havoc like a ninja. Don’t let your home fall victim to these stealthy attackers.
Fungus Among Us If you’re starting to spot more mushrooms on your home than in your garden, that’s a clear sign of fungal or mold growth. This isn’t the time to experiment with homemade penicillin; it’s a sign that your paint has lost its protective mojo. Your home is now playing host to spore parties, and trust us, you don’t want to be on that guest list.
Outdated Fashion
Is your home stuck in a time warp? If your curb appeal is more “yikes” than “yay,” it might be time for a wardrobe change. Homes, like people, need to keep their looks updated. If your home is still rocking the avocado green and harvest gold from decades past, it’s begging for a makeover paint job. After the paint, plant new plants, install a deck or an arbor. Feather in more Flowers. Place a park bench or two where you can admire your home’s make over. Let’s give your home the glow-up it deserves! Frequent Queries from the Concerned Homeowner
Q: How often should I repaint my house?
A: Think of repainting like visiting your favorite hair salon. Every 8-12 years is a good refresh rate to keep your home looking and felling its best, with a little touch-up in between to cover the grays…err, we mean, the fades.
Q: Can I paint my house myself?
A: No. Definitely not. Well, most people definitely cannot. DIY house painting can be as risky as cutting your own hair before a big event. Sure, you might save some cash (or not), but are you ready to live with a less-than-perfect (or just plain ugly) outcome? For best results, leave it to the pros. We have the skills, tools, and, most importantly, the ladders.
Q: How important is choosing the right color for my house?
A: Choosing the right paint color is like selecting the right outfit for a first date—it needs to make a good impression and withstand a bit of scrutiny and the test of time. Factors such as your neighbor’s homes, siding and roof material and whether you’re going to choose a low lustre or flat sheen all come into play. Consult with a professional to find your home’s perfect match.
When your home starts showing these above signs, it’s not just being dramatic—it’s a genuine cry for help. Remember, it can’t leave and go to the doctor! Paint is the universal antidote and the home-saver! Repainting your Bay Area home is not just about aesthetics; it’s about protection, preservation, and occasionally, making the neighbors a tad jealous. So, if you notice any of these signs, don’t wait for a paintpocalypse. Give your home the TLC it deserves, and keep your castle’s curb game strong.
At Arana Craftsman Painters, our goal is clear: we aim to provide unmatched painting services that not only transform your space but also mirror your personal taste and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property. We’re dedicated to forging enduring relationships with our clients, built on the foundations of open dialogue, dependability, and exceptional outcomes.
Why Arana Craftsman Painters Stand Out
Unmatched Expertise and Attention to Detail: Our highly skilled painters bring extensive experience to every project, guaranteeing meticulous care in every brush stroke and ensuring impeccable finishes. Offering a broad spectrum of painting services, we cater to both residential and commercial clients, personalizing our approach to fit your unique requirements and desires.
Commitment to Quality and Sustainability: We prioritize the use of premium, environmentally friendly paints and materials, assuring not only an outstanding finish but also the well-being of your family, employees, and the planet.
Tailored Solutions for Every Project: Recognizing the distinctiveness of each project, we collaborate closely with you to grasp your vision and provide tailored solutions that make that vision a reality. Whether it’s revamping the exterior of your home, revitalizing your interior spaces, or updating the look of your business, our expertise ensures your goals are achieved.
In-depth Local Insights: As experienced Oakland Painters, our deep understanding of the local architecture, climate, and aesthetic preferences enables us to offer thoughtful advice and long-lasting solutions that are impeccably aligned with the Bay Area’s unique characteristics.
Our Signature Services
Residential Painting: Let us transform your home with our all-encompassing interior and exterior painting services, designed to refresh and rejuvenate your living spaces.
Commercial Painting: Boost your business’s image with a fresh, professional appearance that reflects your brand’s quality and ethos.
Color Consultation: Our color experts are here to guide you in choosing the ideal palette to complement your style and enhance your space’s ambiance.
Eco-Friendly Practices: Embrace a healthier, more sustainable approach to your painting project with our selection of eco-friendly paints and materials.
At Arana Craftsman Painters, we’re not just painting walls; we’re enriching lives, one space at a time.
Maintaining your interior paint job’s vibrant beauty and pristine condition doesn’t have to be a lot of work. With a dash of elbow grease, a sprinkle of diligence, and the right techniques up your sleeve, you can ensure your exterior surfaces will remain clean looking, intact and the envy of the neighborhood (or at least your discerning house cat). Let’s dive into what it takes get this done!
The Monthly to Quarterly Dust-Down: A Wall’s Best Friend Believe it or not, dust and walls have a love-hate relationship. Dust loves walls, but walls, not so much. Regular dusting is your first line of defense in the battle for wall longevity. Use a soft, microfiber cloth or a gentle duster, give your walls a light once-over a month or Quarter depending on how much time you have. This isn’t just about keeping appearances; it prevents the accumulation of dust particles that can make your walls look dull and neglected over time.
Spot Cleaning: The Art of Precision Accidents happen, we get it! Or maybe your little artist was inspired or you had an oops moment from a dinner party gone wild, walls do get their fair share of unsolicited decorations. Here is the secret sauce for spot cleaning walls that have a flat to matte sheen: a soft sponge, lukewarm water, and a drop of mild detergent. Dab gently; don’t scrub like you’re trying to erase a bad memory. This method helps remove most stains without leaving your wall looking like it went through a minor exorcism. For walls that have eggshell or higher, you can use a magic eraser or scrub a little hard.
Deep Clean Without the Drama Once a year, your walls deserve a spa day. Especially your high traffic walls. This involves a more thorough cleaning but doesn’t require any special chants or moon phases. Simply mix a small amount of mild detergent in a bucket of water, and using a soft sponge, wash your walls from top to bottom. Apply the same principles as above. Do not go to town scrubbing on walls that have a flat or matte sheen. Why top to bottom, you ask? If you clean only the bottoms, you may start to see a two-toned color. Rinse with a second sponge dipped in clean water to prevent soap residue from throwing a comeback party. You can also use a wet cloth.
Touch-Ups: The Magic Wand of Wall Maintenance Even with the best care, life happens, and walls can get chipped or scuffed. If and only if you have walls painted with a flat sheen, keeping a small amount of your wall paint for touch-ups can be a lifesaver. Apply with a small brush for precision and blend into the existing paint. It’s like concealer for your walls – it covers up the minor blemishes and keeps everything looking cleaner, just not flawless. You may see the paint “flash” even though it is flat. Paint is not as high quality as it used to be unfortunately and it can fade faster than it did before all of the changes.
Avoid the Fade: Shielding from the Sun The sun is great for beaches and picnics but not so much for your paint job. Prolonged exposure to UV or direct sunlight can cause your vibrant colors to fade into a washed-out memory. Using curtains, blinds, or UV window films can protect your walls from the harsh effects of UV rays, keeping your colors bright and your spirits high.
The Right Paint for the Job Choosing the right type of paint can make a world of difference in maintenance. Higher quality paint will hold its color for longer and resist scuffs for longer. For high-traffic areas, consider using paint with a higher “sheen” or gloss. Eggshell is a good start, Satin is better and Semigloss, while extremely shiny is best in high traffic areas that you need to keep clean. These finishes are not only more durable but also easier to clean, making them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and playrooms. For other areas, an eggshell or satin finish can provide a nice balance between sheen and ease of maintenance.
Humidity: The Invisible Enemy Especially in bathrooms, high levels of humidity can be a painted wall’s nemesis, leading to peeling paint and mold growth. You can also experience streaking when a shower is running. Ensuring your home is well-ventilated, especially in areas like the kitchen and bathroom, can prevent humidity levels from reaching critical mass. A dehumidifier can also be a valuable ally in your quest to maintain optimal humidity levels.
Be Gentle: The Golden Rule of Wall Care When it comes to maintaining painted walls, gentleness is key. Harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning tools are the archenemies of paint. They can cause more harm than good, leaving your walls in a state of distress. Stick to mild detergents, soft cloths, and tender loving care.
Final Touch: Regular Inspection and Quick Action Regularly inspect your walls for signs of wear and tear. Catching issues early can prevent them from escalating into full-blown wall crises. At minimum it will reduce your costs of repainting too soon. A quick touch-up here, a gentle clean there, and your walls will continue to stand tall and beautiful, come what may. Maintaining your painted walls for long-lasting beauty isn’t rocket science, but it does require a bit of effort, a touch of knowledge, and a sprinkle of humor. By following these tips, you can ensure that your walls remain a source of pride and joy, reflecting the care and love you put into your home. Remember, the walls aren’t just part of your house; they’re the backdrop to your life’s many moments and memories.
Spring is a time of new growth, renewal and rejuvenation, and what better way to embrace this seasonal shift than by infusing your home with the vibrant, uplifting essence of spring colors? At the heart of spring decorating is spring like, vibrant colors that breathe life into any space. These colors make it feel more inviting and energized. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the myriad ways to incorporate the freshness of spring into your home, transforming it into a sanctuary of warmth and joy.
The Palette of Renewal: Understanding Spring Colors
Spring is synonymous with renewal, and its colors reflect this beautifully. Envision the brightness of a tangerine, the cheerfulness of sunshine, the playful spirit of pink, the freshness of grass, and the calmness of blue. Well-chosen colors will not feel like pastels, but chic, full spectrum and vibrant. For those seeking a softer ambiance, consider the diluting these colors until they are just a touch of the shade of the color. They offer the same spring-like vibe but will be more timeless and classic and add a layer of sophistication to the overall aesthetic.
Elegance in Softness: Pastel Sophistication Soft, pastel hues are quintessential to the spring palette, offering a sophisticated take on seasonal decor. If you have a room that you like to change up now and again, now is the time! Throw out yesterday’s red and imagine your living room with the tranquility of of a blue accent or the vibrancy of pink or purple accent walls, all tied together by a floral upholstered chair that serves as a visual anchor.
Making a Statement with Spring Colors In spaces like the kitchen, which often feature neutral palettes, the introduction of a single spring color like yellow can dramatically transform the atmosphere. Or a splash of aquamarine on bar stools with a wooden island counter top or a stand mixer introduces a fresh, almost tropical vibe. This concept can be applied across various rooms, utilizing spring colors to add personality and flair.
The Harmony of Neutrals and Brights Spring decorating doesn’t mean shying away from white or neutrals. In fact, white walls can set the stage for bold furniture can, window treatments and art to shine. By starting with a subdued palette, you can afford to be bold in your accents, from brightly patterned bedding to colorful wall art. This balance ensures your space feels grounded yet alive with the spirit of spring.
DIY Spring Touches
Incorporating spring colors needn’t be a major commitment. Simple projects, like painting the inside of a bookcase, or changing your trim color. Even painting the ceiling of your bedroom, a bright sky blue can add a burst of brightness without overwhelming. This approach is especially suitable for renters or those on a budget, proving that a touch of spring can be both impactful and easy to achieve.
Nature’s Influence: The Lure of Green Nothing says spring like the sight of greening grass, and incorporating this shade into your decor can mimic that feeling of renewal. From grass-green velvet furniture to floral accents in crisp white settings, the freshness of green can transform any room into a springtime haven.
Striking the Right Balance Achieving harmony in your spring decor involves balancing light and dark colors. By pairing navy furniture with lighter fabrics and warm color accents, you can create a space that feels balanced, inviting, and vibrantly alive with spring energy.
The Subtle Touch Introducing color doesn’t have to mean bold statements. A tone-on-tone wallpaper or subtle pattern can add depth and interest without overwhelming, proving that sometimes, less is indeed more.
A Nod to Rustic and Retro and the Power of Patterns
Even in spaces filled with antiques and rich textures, spring colors can find their home. By integrating faded rugs or pillows in pastel hues, you can create a cohesive look that bridges the gap between the old and the new.
Starting your color makeover with a beloved fabric pattern is a foolproof way to introduce spring into your decor. This approach allows for a cohesive color scheme that can be carried throughout the room, from walls to accessories, creating a harmonious and visually appealing space.
Incorporating spring colors into your home decor can be a way to brighten dark spaces, change up old heavy colors or provide a backdrop for new furniture and fixtures. By embracing the principles outlined in this guide, you can transform your living spaces into vibrant reflections of spring’s rejuvenating energy. Let the season inspire you to refresh, renew, and revitalize your home with the beauty of spring colors.
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Oakland Painters Arana Craftsman Painters 819 San Leandro Blvd San Leandro, CA 94577 510-567-9559
As painting contractors, we revere the inspiration of the architects responsible for the many historical and modern styles of housing in the Bay Area. In particular, we are awed by Victorian-era homes.
While painting these beauties, we feel that we get to reopen the channel for whatever inspiration was brought in when the houses were originally designed. As we restore and recoat a home’s surface, our work becomes an exercise in reconnection with and deep respect for the original designer and the many artisans involved in the construction, restoration, and maintenance of the home.
Arana has had the distinct pleasure of performing exterior restoration and painting services for a number of homes built throughout the Bay Area in the late 1800s and early 1900s; houses that fall into the genre of Victorian-era and related architectural movements; distinct categories such as Queen Anne, Late Victorian, Colonial Revival, and Classical Revival.
There is so much artistic detail on the exteriors of these structures that in some cases these houses, including those in our portfolio, have gone from being all-white to a canvas for as many as 7 — and up to even 11 — colors!
Like a human body, the homes that fall within the genre of “Victorian-era” have an anatomy, and those anatomical parts come with names and even symbolism! We feel that earlier builders really took to heart the magic that architectural details can create.
They started with something seemingly mundane — designing a house — and turned it into something reverential and reflective of spirit, spinning the ordinary into the extraordinary.
In this article we highlight specific architectural details from several of our East Bay Victorian-era home painting projects.
Special thanks to the Berkeley Architectural Historical Association (BAHA) who provided us with information on the types of homes in our portfolio and in some cases, the name of the architect, year built, and other valuable notes.
Finials
Found in lots of places, but typically at the apex of a roof like the one in the above photo, finials are among our favorite details. They come in all shapes and designs such those that curve and end in a point, orbs and even pinecones.
Metal finials can act as a lightning rod for the structure. The finial pictured at right, coated in that metallic gold, might be said to energize the connection to the heavens, serving as the home’s antenna to God.
Sunburst
This Queen Anne Victorian (pictured above for its finial and at the top of this page) also features a sunburst, in the homeowner-specified red-and-gold motif, which is perhaps a nod to the “setting sun” interpretation.
Per this quote in an article by Mary Jo Bowling in 7×7 Magazine:
“Sunbursts… could be reflecting a love of England, or perhaps they were a commentary of the times. ‘The sunburst was a popular motif in the late 1800s,’ says Caitlin Harvey of Left Coast Architectural History. ‘People who lived during that time considered it a golden age—there was a lot of optimism and many people were doing well financially. But some historians think they represent the British Empire, and the notion that the sun never set on the British Empire.’ She notes that, on some houses, the sunburst appears as a setting sun, which could be interrupted as a comment on the waning power and influence of England.”
Dentil
Dentil — sounds like dental! The word is a noun with the Latin root “dens,” meaning “tooth.” This is one of the most common details we run across as we paint houses in these various architectural styles. You can see dentils on a Queen Anne, for example, and in the Classical Revival style of the McCreary-Greer House (pictured above) on Durant Street in Berkeley.
This beautiful building is an architectural asset owned by and under the protection and oversight of the Berkeley Architectural Historical Society (BAHA). Could dentils be a nod to giving the home a voice? Or are they a symbol of protection as the gargoyle is, running along the seams of a home, sealing it off and chewing up any unwanted energy before it has a chance to enter the home?
Wheat Imprint
Pictured here above, the imprint of braided wheat decorates the corner of the protruding window frame. This is such a tiny detail, but so impactful. Thus, our treatment of these details is necessarily respectful and frankly, reverential.
Some scholars say that wheat may connote productivity, the reaping of years, and long life. These aesthetically-pleasing details may also be a secret signaling.
Like Masonic groups whose symbolism hides in many places in plain sight in America (look at the dollar bill!), Victorian-era architects and designers delighted in adding both beauty and meaning to home facades. This home is on Prince Street in Berkeley and is known as the John A. Hasselbacher House, built c. 1907-08 in the Colonial Revival style.
Gingerbread
As seen on this home (pictured above), Gingerbread refers to the decorative detail along the gable. Classic Gingerbread is often placed on the outer edge of the fascia. This detail is considered almost an overindulgence and does get extremely elaborate.
Gingerbread feels to us like a giddy celebration by the architect and builder — most likely a reflection of the joy they felt while building this home. Located on Lincoln Street in Berkeley, this house is a late-Victorian-era cottage (c. 1902) and happens to be the second of three houses that were built by John Paul Moran on a single piece of land.
Want to geek out even more on architectural history? Be sure to visit the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association’s website and sign up for their newsletter to get updates on educational walks and talks they offer. You can also ask them about your home’s history (even if it isn’t in Berkeley).
To geek out IRL: Check out the Alameda Heritage Homes Tour — an annual opportunity to go inside of several thoughtfully-preserved Victorian-era vintage gems: alameda-preservation.org
A stunningly thorough document of building information for historical homes, originally printed by the City of Oakland planning department in 1976 is available online in PDF format: “Rehab Right: How to Rehabilitate Your Oakland House Without Sacrificing Architectural Assets”
What is the color of the year and why is it relevant? Is there just one? Under the heading of nothing is as simple as it sounds, there are multiple answers to these questions. Color of the Year, as announced by the Pantone company annually in December, is a relatively new phenomenon that began in the year 2000.
The Pantone announcement doesn’t just relate to house painting, but rather is an analysis of past color trends in industries including fashion, marketing, and business, as well as the mood of the culture, influences in the environment, for products and design, and a prediction (although some would say, this announcement drives the market) of what color will be relevant for the following year.
This annual event originated as a way to generate excitement about color. And the paint companies soon followed suit, announcing their own colors of the year. Basically, it’s all about marketing and P.R. But it’s also A LOT of fun to witness the reveals.
We also want to direct you to herein to projects in our portfolio that are similar to the selections being highlighted by Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore this year.
Note that the paint company colors tend to have almost no relation to Pantone’s announcement, visually, but rather are relevant to what has been trending in the design industry, specifically. Pantone’s color choice tends to have a direct bearing on consumer goods and fashion, including what colors the iPhone will be available in, for each year.
We like to use the annual announcements as an opportunity to reflect on the jobs in our portfolio where that color has been successful for us in the past.
Sherwin Williams selected a shade of teal (“Agean Teal”) that is somewhat similar to this very popular kitchen cabinet project, color specification and interior design by LMB Interiors: Hillsborough Kitchen Remodel
And Benjamin Moore’s “Urbane Bronze” is quite close to the colors famed designer John Wheatman selected for the exterior and basement of this august, North Berkeley home: Berkeley Basement Dig-Out
For our designer colleagues and for our homeowner clients, we see the annual announcement as a point of consideration — to explore the different feelings that the color might evoke, and a point of inspiration, an opportunity to make changes — as a professional retiring an old stand-by go-to color, or as a homeowner deciding to refresh a space.
Did you know? Arana puts together a book for interior designers each year about the paint companies’ announcements and the impact, which is available for download on our website in the resources section.
Surface preparation, power washing, and getting the right contractor on the job are all things that should be taken into consideration when you are planning to paint your home. Your exterior paint is an investment. We are not speaking solely on a financial level here either. New paint helps with the aesthetics of your home, but most importantly it protects your home. It protects the building from moisture, bug invasion, and prolongs the life of the siding. These are all very important jobs which is why finding the right paint and contractor is important.
While we might have gotten off topic a bit, we thought it was important for you to realize the importance of your paint choices. How long does exterior house paint last? Well, that depends on a few factors such as the environment the paint is enduring. Also, the products used are important as well as the age of the home. A general rule of thumb though is that your paint job should last at least 5 years before you are looking at painting again. Some paints last longer.
While you are thinking about getting your house painted you should keep in mind that there are many types of paints out there. You should educate yourself and ask a contractor what they recommend for your dwelling. Not all paint is made for the very surface that your siding is made of. In fact, there was a time when we couldn’t paint vinyl siding for example. However, the painting industry has come a long way and now it is very possible and less costly than putting on all new siding.
Be sure that you choose a very good quality or premium paint. Now, this will be more costly but this paint is made to last and endure the elements.
What type of siding you have will determine the type of paint you will need. Some of these paints are more expensive than others. Paint for a wood sided house would be around $65 per gallon.
Invest in a good painting company.
Not all painting companies are the same. Take your time to look around for reviews and recommendations online. Ask around on social media about who people might recommend. It is important that you find a licensed and insured painting contractor that will show up and complete the job as requested. Be careful out there, there are a lot of companies that don’t care about their reputation. They will paint your home and have it looking great but in 2 years you find it starting to peel and prematurely aged. This is because they didn’t put forth the effort to surface prep as they should have.
The exterior of your home should be pressure washed, re-caulked, sanded, and sealed before new paint goes on. This are important steps that aren’t always done by painting contractors. They should take the time to scrape and sand on the surfaces that need it. If board replacement is necessary, they should address that as well. Surface prep is the most important step in the painting process and needs the most attention to detail. Without it your painting job won’t last long and you’ll have to do it all over again.
Next to your living room, your home’s kitchen gets the most use. It’s also an area visitors tend to visit frequently and immediately upon entering your home. Being such an important part of your home, your kitchen should not only be spacious and well organized but should look great too. Part of making and keeping a kitchen looking good is its paint. Over time, a kitchen’s paint can dull and become stained by smoke. It can also hold onto the hundreds of different smells that have originated from your stove, oven, fridge, and even food and drink left out on the counter.
In order to remedy all of the aforementioned new paint is needed. Some homeowners elect to have their kitchens painted as part of a larger redesign project while others use only paint in order to revitalize their kitchens. No matter why a homeowner chooses to repaint their kitchen, they face a number of different options and hard choices. Everything from choosing the right shade, pattern, and brand will determine just how happy a homeowner is at the conclusion of their project.
Help From Professionals Making choices that carry the biggest benefits to a kitchen is no easy task and the sheer number of wildly different options can be confusing and maddening. When a homeowner hires a professional painting firm however a talented staff of artisans will take what a homeowner has envisioned and bring it to life. When first consulting with a professional, a homeowner will be presented with color charts, color placement counseling, and will work with test samples so that they can see their choices come to life. Moreover, professional painters will listen to and seriously consider the needs and demands of a homeowner when devising a plan of action.
Colors Galore There is virtually no color of paint that can not be created. While this may initially sound wonderful, having too many choices often breeds indecision and regret. While a homeowner can most certainly use any color they like when repainting their kitchen, many colors simply don’t work or fit in a kitchen environment. Conversely, there are a number of colors that work exceedingly well in kitchens; making them not only stand out but fit in as part of a home.
Harbor Gray Ac-25 – A great deal of homeowners love using white or some type of off-white in their kitchen. While this is certainly understandable, white shows everything as it becomes dirty and stained. To avoid the discoloring of white paint in a kitchen, this paint is often presented by professional painters to homeowners whom want to go as white as possible. This gray is considered a neutral that pairs tremendously with brass, marble, and many other colors.
Galápagos Green 475 – This green is a deliciously deep and rich shade of green. Kitchens with a large number of pantries and cupboards look fantastic with this green surrounding them. The savory look of this green can create a dramatic look in a kitchen and will look fantastic for long periods of time.
Moore Ice Blue 2052-70 – Ice blue paint makes a kitchen look and feel as crisp as a pre-sunrise September morning. The pale blue of this shade exudes warmth and freshness while it creates a soothing kitchen atmosphere. Those homeowners whom love a white kitchen but want a bit of added color will find that Moore Ice Blue satiates quite nicely.
Farrow & Ball Pegnoir No. 286 – Homeowners looking to add a bit of fun to their kitchen will adore this color. Its delicate lavender and slight gray mix makes kitchens look modern and warm. This color can be used on ceilings and matches well with cupboards and pantries no matter their finish.
Farrow & Ball All White No. 2005 – This shade of white is perfect for homeowners whom want to go all white but don’t want a glaring white that comes off as too bright. Professional painters can use this shade of slightly muted white to create both modern and retro kitchen vibes. This white is a wonderful companion to marble counter tops too.
Benjamin Moore Raccoon Fur 2126-20 – Kitchens with elevated ceilings and plentiful wood will benefit greatly from this color. This color doesn’t scratch or bite as its name might suggest but it will bring kitchens to life with its rustic, homey outdoorsy, and slightly chalky look.
Farrow & Ball Mizzle No. 266 – This dusty grey green color is extremely versatile and can be used to create a multitude of different atmospheres within a kitchen. Being a “flexible” color means it sits well with different types of wood finishes and counter tops. Homeowners that desire a timeless look can use this color all throughout their kitchen to satisfy that need.
Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter Hc-172 – Homeowners that have kitchens full of brass and marble will find this shade of pewter to be exactly what their kitchen needs to be reinvigorated. Being a popular alternative to plain white paint, this pewter is a muted albeit bright color that manages to make kitchens feel fresh.
Benjamin Moore Lucerne Af-530 – When white paint or some variant of it isn’t enough for a homeowner, they’ll want something with much more color. Blue is always a comforting color and one that can really bring a kitchen to life. It is also a stark and joyfully jarring change to kitchens that where previously white. This blue pairs exceptionally well with black and brass accents as well.
Farrow & Ball Breakfast Room Green No. 81 – In order to liven up and make a kitchen vivacious, homeowners will want to add some real color to the walls of their galley. This particular shade of green is colorful enough to add vibrancy to any kitchen without being so overwhelming that it detracts from counter tops, cupboards, and the like. Additionally, this green works in tandem with various browns to create something truly special.
Endless Colors And Choices The aforementioned are but a few of the choices homeowners have when they set out to redecorate, repaint, and/or re-imagine their kitchens. Depending on the kitchen, a homeowner’s personal likes/dislikes, the needs of their home, their budgets, and a whole host of other variables, professional painters might recommend reds, browns, purples, pinks, and other colors that aren’t traditionally associated with kitchens. Professionals can also create custom colors for homeowners allowing them to concoct a customer’s favorite color or something that they can only see in their mind but can’t verbally describe. The choices are virtually endless when it comes to repainting a kitchen so it behooves homeowners to take their time and work closely with the professionals they have hired in order to create the perfect color for their kitchen.
Arana Craftsman Philosophy
Loving care of your home is your first and most economical line of defense for your family’s biggest investment.
Our mission is to serve homeowners by preserving the structure that provides warmth and sustenance for their families.
We believe that Bay Area families deserve the finest work at a fair price. We work with you to protect and extend the life of your home. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.
There are a great many things to consider once you’ve decided to repaint the interior of your home. All of these considerations and ultimately, you choices, will factor into the “final product” so to speak. Because painting a home is considered an investment and meant to breathe new life into your home, you’ll want to make the most informed and sound choices possible.
The first and perhaps most important consideration you will face when moving forward with an interior paint job is the hiring of professional painter. There are normally many professionals operating in a given location and the internet makes it easier than ever to find and contact these firms. It has often been stated that too few choices isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially when you’re facing too many. While the validity and weight of that statement may be up for debate, there is no arguing that having so many professional painters vying for your business can make it difficult to determine which ones are best. The following tips come directly from professionals in the painting industry and will help you navigate the seemingly endless sea of experts. They will also help the process move along smoothly and complete in a timely fashion.
Checking For Lead – Homes built before 1978 often contain lead paint, or at least traces of it. While a home that old will likely have been repainted at least a few times, it’s a good bet that some of its original lead based remains. In such scenarios, you will need to hire a professional interior painter that knows how to deal with lead paint. Lead paints are extremely hazardous so this step of the process (if applicable) should never be overlooked.
Preparing For New Paint – The repainting of your home’s interior is likely part of a greater renovation project. As such you will want all repairs, upgrades, and cleaning projects completed before the professional you’ve hired arrives. Ensuring the completion of other projects and that the areas to be repainted are clean allows professional painters to do their best work. Be extra vigilant in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens as grease and soap deposits are problematic for new paint.
Reviews And Interviews – In order to ascertain which professional painters are reputable and to weed out those that are less than such, it behooves you to spend some time doing a bit of homework in the early going. Using the internet, read reviews, be thorough when visiting a painters website, and whenever possible…try speaking with others who have worked with a painter or painting firm that strikes your fancy. Word of mouth is often the best type of review as it comes from actual real world experience and isn’t born of an online damage control campaign.
When you do finally contact a professional painter, have a list of questions and concerns at your side. Begin by asking for a company’s licensing and insurance information. Include questions pertaining to the types/brands of paints they use, how big a team they utilize, how long the job might take, and even if they are adept at working with other interior design contractors. The more questions and concerns addressed at this time, the better your experience and results will be.
Additional Costs – There are many instances where a professional painter will be forced to include surcharges in their final bill. If you have heavy furniture that you are unable to move for example, the painters you hire may do it for you albeit at an additional cost. When speaking with a painter be sure to ask about additional fees and where they may be applicable so that there are no surprises down the line. Even better, look for painters that include these charges in their quote.
Picking Colors – Choosing a color that satisfies you and does right by your home isn’t always an easy task. More often than not the sheer amount of colors available lead to confusion and frustration when you go it alone. This is why nearly all professional painters will work closely with you in the early stages of a project. Both you and the painter you’ve hired will sit down and not only bounce around ideas but will look at color charts, discuss placement options, and then apply test samples of your choices so that you can see what they look like in real life. Make certain that the painter you are thinking of working with will repeat this process until you are satisfied and at no additional cost.
Doing It Right The First Time As is the case with everything related to home improvement projects, doing it right the first time is always the most sound way to move towards a conclusion. Hiring a less than reputable painter simply to save a few nickels and dimes rarely ends well and can double and triple costs when you are forced to hire a second team to fix the problems such individuals create. When hiring a professional painter to refresh the interior of your home don’t be hasty, don’t become parsimonious, and don’t settle for anything but the best.
When homeowners begin discussing the sale of their home there are many conversations that come up and even more ideas that get passed around. Homeowners will begin looking at ways to improve their home. They will look at flooring, the health of their yards, and a multitude of other things that they believe will boost the value of their home.
One of the most popular and sensible ways to improve the value of a home is to have it repainted. Homeowners can elect to have the exteriors and/or the interiors of their homes repainted but often find themselves stuck at an impasse when the subject of colors is broached. Of course, homeowners know which colors they like but they often wrestle with trying to figure out what colors buyers might be interested in and which colors will give their home more market value.
The Right Colors Potential home buyers don’t want to walk into a home that feels worn nor one that looks dim, dull, or faded. Home buyers will be spending a great deal of money on the home they ultimately buy and thus will shy away from any home that utilizes colors which look and feel drab and uninteresting.
In order to entice buyers and impress those whom are handling the sale of a home, homeowners are encouraged to select neutral colors. Colors such as tans, beige’s, golds, grays or a blend of gray and beige all make a home feel fresh and warm. While white is a popular color with homeowners, its often seen as too stark and plain and can turn people away from a home. In addition to the aforementioned colors, shades of taupe, olive, and other natural looking colors often boost the value of a home a great deal.
Painting Priorities Homeowners looking to boost the value of their homes often turn a blind eye to several important aspects of repainting a home. First and foremost, not every room in a home will necessarily need to be repainted. Sometimes a room has a unique type of charm that buyers and property assessors find irresistible. Secondly, homeowners will want to talk with the professionals they’ve hired about gloss versus matte and even brand of paint. Not all brands of paint work well in all settings and the wrong one can adversely affect both end results and the value of a home. Homeowners with modest budgets will also need to discuss which rooms are most important to buyers in order to determine which rooms will receive new paint. A sound strategy will help homeowners get the most out of their new paint and greater boost the value of their home. To their surprise, many homeowners are often asked to use no more than 3 colors for both the exterior and interiors of their homes. Using too many or too few colors can devalue a home and turn buyers away. Professionals often urge homeowners to select 3 colors that will have the greatest impact.
Here To Help Because choosing the right colors for your home and knowing which colors are popular at the moment can be difficult, Arana Craftsman Painters is here to help. Our staff is made up of not only expert painters but we are also artists with a keen eye for detail. Our passion and expertise allow us to work closely with homeowners and develop an approach that is unique to the specific needs of the home they intend to sell.
During the initial consultation we have with homeowners, Arana provides color charts, consulting for placement, and our team will apply test samples of the colors our customers select. This allows them to see what their choices will actually look like in the real world and will give them an opportunity to make alternative choices before painting begins. We want our customers to love the choices they make.
Arana Craftman Painters offers professional painting services in Oakland, Piedmont, San Leandro, Alameda, Berkeley, Albany, Kensington, San Francisco, Orinda, Lafayette, Danville, Hillsborough and Marin.
