SGB Custom Painting

WHAT SHEEN WHERE?

2012-01-19T07:04:00.000-08:00

Choosing the right paint sheen for the job...

“I have a rental and I need to paint it for the next tenant and want it to hold up better than last time. What kind of paint should I use?”

Although there is no guarantee that a tenant will treat the walls with care, there are paints that will take the knocks better than others.

FLAT PAINT is the most commonly used throughout the construction world and is most often used in rental homes too. The reason for this is that it is the cheapest of the paint sheens and, shows less of the wall and ceiling imperfections than does a glossier sheen. It also has the advantage of being easier to touch up in spots rather than having to paint the entire wall.

It may be cheaper initially, but without the added protection that comes with a sheen, the flat paint remains absorptive and holds onto most stains and marks that occur. As they are rubbed and washed to clean, the paint takes on a glossier look and, now is dirty and glossy too! It does not form a protective barrier as the harder enamel and gloss paints do, so it can easily be knocked off the wall at the corners, exposing the underlying building material.

It is best to reserve flat paint for rooms that get little traffic or homes that have a gentle use. Ceilings are better in flat as it does not cause reflective issues and allows the eye to stay at the wall height instead of being drawn to the 'action' on the ceiling.

SATIN / EGGSHELL is the softest of the paints that provide a sheen. This means that it has a soft shine to it and has some of the hardening factors of a semi gloss. It is best used on walls that get moderate traffic as it can be wiped clean and endures the knocks if it has been applied correctly. This means that it has not just been lightly sprayed across the wall as it needs a good coat to ensure a full coverage.

SEMIGLOSS AND GLOSS paints contain the higher binder to pigment ratio and so, offer the greatest protection of the paints. These are often used on trim work, doors and window sills as well as in heavy traffic rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens. If the budget allows, it is also a good sheen for childrens play rooms and hall and stairways where the walls are close and are often knocked and dirtied.

Choosing what type of paint to use comes down to cost and function of the room. In some rental situations it doesn't matter how well you protect the walls with a good gloss paint, the use may be brutal enough that it will just prove to be an expensive experiment. Some renters are more gentle in their lifestyle and so, a good satin and semi gloss would allow a cleaner and more durable finish and be well worth the investment.

Use Low VOC Paint for a Healthier Baby Nursery

2011-03-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

As a result of the "green living" movement, Low or Zero VOC paints are becoming more mainstream. If you're gearing up to paint your baby's nursery, here's what you should know about these new paint alternatives.

Traditional Paints

If you've ever painted a room in the past with traditional paint, you probably had to open the windows because of the strong odor. Traditional paints contain volatile organic compounds also known as VOCs. VOCs are comprised of a variety of chemicals that can adversely affect your health. In fact, according to The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), VOCs can trigger eye, nose and throat irritations, headaches, nausea, and a loss of coordination. Significant exposure may even lead to problems with the kidney, liver and central nervous system.

Many people mistakenly believe that once their paint is dry and the smell is gone, the chemicals are too. However VOCs tend to concentrate indoors and may persist in the air long after painting is finished. To decrease this risk, consider choosing a non toxic paint for the nursery and other rooms in your home as well. There are many benefits to using non toxic paints including:

*Easier clean-up with soap and water
*Easier disposal options
*Less odor during application and usually no odor once the paint is dry
*A shorter waiting period to safely occupy the room
*Significant reduction in toxins released into the air

Non toxic or Natural Paints

These paints are produced by a variety of manufacturers and come in several options. Many of the paints are now available at mainstream home improvement stores as well as at local specialty paint stores. As with many eco-friendly products, there are no official federal guidelines regarding labeling, so VOC standards may vary by manufacturer. Consult the paint labels or ask your in-store paint specialist for clarification if you have questions. You can also look for paints that have Green Seal certifications.

Types of Non toxic Paints

Low VOC: These paints use water instead of petroleum to carry the paint. To be considered Low VOC, a paint may only contain 250 grams of VOC per liter. Likewise, varnishes are limited to 380 grams of VOC per liter. However, many reputable paint companies offer paints with even lower VOC levels. Look for Green Seal Certifications.

Zero VOC: These paints still contain VOCs but are limited to less than 5 grams of VOC per liter.

Natural Paints: These safe paints are made solely from natural ingredients, including substances like water, clay, chalk, plant dyes, natural latex and even milk and beeswax. You can search for natural paints online.

Decorating a baby nursery can be a loving way to prepare for your newborn's arrival. If your plans involve painting the walls , choosing non toxic or natural paints is great way to reduce potential household toxins and give your precious baby the gift of healthy indoor air.

Being Lead-Safe

2010-12-11T11:49:00.000-08:00

SGB Custom Painting is your Lead Certified Painting Contractor in Chico, California. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made it a priority to reduce the exposure to lead. On April 22, 2010, the federal law requires that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb more than six square feet of paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and trained to follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

These exposures can be very damaging to children whose nervous systems are still developing, and can also be a threat to a pregnanat woman with her unborn child. Childhood lead poisoning remains a major environmental health problem in the United States today.

SGB Custom Painting strives on ensuring that our customers are in the safest environment at all times when performing our painting projects. There are numerous steps to take to meet all the EPA regulations when performing work on lead paint in homes. Our professional staff is trained to effectively protect you, your home, and its surroundings while working with lead paint and dust that may accumulate during renovations.

Please be advised that the business or homeowner should ask any potential contractor their position of their EPA licensing. It is the law but because there is such a high cost and many steps to take to become EPA certified, some contractors may try to avoid such certification.

If you have not heard about lead based paint, now is the time to educate yourself on its dangers and what it means for you and your family. Please read some facts below and feel free to call us or visit our website http://sgbpainting.com/ with any questions or concerns you may have. We will be happy to send you a lead-safe certified guide. We look forward to hearing from you!

THE FACTS ABOUT LEAD:

FACT: Lead can affect children’s brains and developing nervous systems, causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Lead is also harmful to adults.

FACT: Lead in dust is the most common way people are exposed to lead. People can also get lead in their bodies from lead in soil or paint chips. Lead dust is often invisible.

FACT: Lead-based paint was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978.

FACT: Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family.

REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT LEAD BASED PAINT:

• Do you reside in a home built before 1978?

• Do you own or operate a child care facility, including preschools and kindergarten classrooms, built before 1978?

• Do you have a child under six years of age who attends a child care facility built before 1978?

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY FAMILY'S EXPOSURE TO LEAD:

• Call your local health department for advice on reducing and eliminating exposures to lead inside and outside your home, child care facility or school.

• Always use lead-safe work practices when renovation or repair will disturb painted surfaces.

• A blood test is the only way to find out if you or a family member already has lead poisoning. Call your doctor or local health department to arrange for a blood test. For more information about the health effects of exposure to lead, visit the EPA lead website at ww.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadinfo.htm or call 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).

IT IS THE LAW!

Federal law requires contractors that disturb painted surfaces in homes, child care facilities and schools, built before 1978 to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Always ask to see your contractor’s certification.

Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before renovating more than six square feet of painted surfaces in a room for interior projects or more than twenty square feet of painted surfaces for exterior projects or window replacement or demolition in housing, child care facilities and schools built before 1978.

• Homeowners and tenants: renovators must give you a pamphlet (from the EPA) before starting work.

• Child care facilities, including preschools and kindergarten classrooms, and the families of children under six years of age that attend those facilities: renovators must provide a copy of this pamphlet to child care facilities and general renovation information to families whose children attend those facilities.

Eco-Friendly Painting Tips

2010-11-04T13:21:00.000-07:00

There are several ways in which you can make your painting project into an eco-friendly painting project. From purchasing low VOC paint to careful cleanup, eco-friendly painting is simple. Here are tips to help you get started:

Purchase Low or No VOC Paint
VOCs are chemical compounds that have high enough vapor pressures to significantly vaporize and enter the atmosphere. Essentially, VOCs are the fumes in paint. With excessive exposure, they are known to cause harm to humans. Almost every quality paint manufacturer produces low VOC paints. Low VOC paints may cost a few more dollars per gallon. Low VOC paints are as good quality as other paint.

Purchase Paint Applicators Made from Recycled and Renewable Materials
There are many green painting applicators on the market. One of the best is the Purdy EcoPro product line. Their line includes brushes with recycled nylon bristles, a biodegradable, disposable pulp tray and recycled roller covers.

Carefully Measure to Determine How Much Paint You Need
In general, 1 gallon of paint will cover about 350 square feet. Carefully measuring will prevent leftover paint and will help to prevent waste.

Choose Latex or Acrylic Paints
Latex and acrylic paints are the best for the environment. Oil paints contain the highest level of chemicals and fumes. Low VOC paints are available for acrylic and latex paint.

Use Cloth Tarps
Cloth tarps are stronger than plastic and can be used more than once. Using cloth tarps helps prevent waste.

Skip the Washing
Instead of washing your applicators, wrap them in a plastic bag. If kept out of the sun, the applicators will last overnight or even a few days.

Clean and Scrape the Paint Cans
Scrape excess paint from cans, rollers and brushes. A stir stick or wall scraper works well. Scraping before washing will make the applicators easier to clean. Wash your applicators indoors and not in a drain on the street or outside in your yard with a hose. The paint could harm your soil. Storm drains generally drain to natural water sources, which you should not pollute with paint.

Do Not Pour Paint Thinner Down the Drain
Paint thinner and oil based paint contain toxic chemicals. Add kitty litter or shredded newspapers right into the paint can. This will absorb the liquid. You can then discard the can in regular waste. If your city has a hazardous waste drop- off center, then take the paint or thinner to the center.

Dispose Paint Properly
Convert extra latex and acrylic paint to a solid by removing the lid. This will allow the water or solvents to evaporate. Then discard in regular trash. If a recycling program exists in your area, then recycle the empty paint can.

Tightly Seal Paint Cans
Tightly sealed paint cans should be stored upside down. This will help elongate the life of the extra paint.

Donate Unused Paint
Consider donating your extra paint to organizations like Habitat for Humanity or to a local shelter.

Cabinet Painting, A Good Option

2010-10-06T11:58:00.000-07:00

Maintaining a house is not as easy as you think. In fact, if you try to check the different areas of your home, you can find a lot of things that need to be replaced or remodeled. The kitchen is a busy place and this is where you prepare food for your family every day. Kitchen cabinets are used frequently and so it is not surprising that they become old and dull as the years go by. Thinking about the possible expenses of disposing all the kitchen cabinets and purchasing new ones can be very frustrating.

This is where painting options come in. Purchasing brand new kitchen cabinets costs a lot especially if you go for custom designs. It will take some time before the cabinets are delivered and not only that, there are times when the cabinets are not the way you imagined them to be. During this tough time, what can you do?

Well, don’t lose hope yet because you can still save your kitchen cabinets. Check if the cabinets are still in good condition. Perhaps they only look old because the surfaces have faded already. What you need is good quality paint to change the look of your dull kitchen cabinets. In fact, you can paint every cabinet in the house that needs a new look.

Why is it that the beauty of kitchen cabinets fades easily? In the kitchen, there are usually accidents taking place like messy spills, cooking grease, and grimy hands. So as you can see, the cabinets are constantly beaten. If you’re short of money or simply want to save money in remodeling the kitchen, the easiest and cheapest solution is to paint the cabinets.

Old cabinets are usually made from high quality materials as compared to the new cabinets sold in the market at present, so it would be best to paint them a new look. Hiring a professional painter will insure the job is done right, without the headache of you having to worry about the details.

If your cabinets have structural problems like cuts, nicks, etc., your painting contractor can replace the defective parts. Painting can really make miracles and by choosing the right shades for your kitchen cabinets, the whole kitchen will look fresh once more. Now, you can again cook to your heart’s content and enjoy the new look and atmosphere in your kitchen.

The Importance of Home Painting: Getting it Right

2010-07-01T15:47:00.000-07:00

Finding an effective way of best accomplishing the home improvement tasks that face many homeowners is important in ensuring that everything goes as smoothly as possible. Not only will this lead to better results, but the more effective and efficient the job is done, the less stress and less headaches the homeowner will experience.

Ensuring that all parties are communicating well will help to make an important home improvement project such as exterior painting a success and a positive experience for all. Home painting does not have to be an abundantly negative experience.

It can actually be a positive and enjoyable experience for homeowners who go about it the right way. When everybody is clicking, the job will go much smoother and the final product will come out looking fabulous.

The finished product is of course the most important part of any remodeling or home painting job, so ensuring its success is a vital part of any project. When things are going smoothly, everybody is happy and the project is able to move forward nicely and without any interruptions or distractions that may arise.

Of course, if they do arise, having a professional handy to handle anything is always a plus. In some cases, in fact, professional contractors will know how to avoid problems before they present themselves, thus saving the homeowner a good deal of time and money. Their value is often underappreciated by those who have never had the pleasure of working with a contractor.

With home painting, it is always wise to hire a professional to help with the project. Their expertise and experience in the field will usually translate into an excellent final product. Homeowners that hire amateurs, believing them to provide as good of work as professionals are mislead.

No amateur will be able to provide the high level of satisfaction that these professionals deliver to their clients on a regular basis. They have not gone through the proper training and do not have the same experience that many contractors possess.

With their training, contractors are able to learn the best ways to deal with problems when they arise and how to avoid these problems if at all possible. These skills will ensure that the homeowner is left with an excellently painted house with as little problems as possible.

Making sure there are no delays is another responsibility that professionals do not take lightly. When things are done in a timely manner by the deadline set by either the homeowner or the contractor him or herself, everybody will be happy.

Nobody likes working under stress, so the contractor will do all that is possible to make sure things go smoothly and they are not stressing towards the end. This not only helps to save their sanity, but it ensures that the job is not rushed and sloppy.

These are only a few of the differences homeowners will notice between an amateur painter and a professional contractor. With home painting, it is always wise to go with the most experienced and expertly trained individuals possible.

This is almost always professional contractors. They are able to provide a level of service unlike any amateur. Sometimes, homeowners try to tackle these projects themselves, believing that painting is a skill that anybody can pick up in a few minutes.

Just picking up a paintbrush does not qualify them as painters, however, and they quickly realize the error of their thought process. Being able to realize their abilities may not allow them to effectively paint the house alone is usually a good money saver.

Having to go back and buy supplies to fix a problem is not a welcome prospect to homeowners. Hiring a professional from the start can help to save a good deal of time and money for the homeowner. Not to mention the headaches they will avoid by not doing this themselves.

Repainting to Sell Your Home

2010-06-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

When you've lived in a house for a while you tend to truly make that space your own. You have likely decorated your home in such a way that it works with your furnishing and reflects your personal taste. Unfortunately, as fabulous as those tastes are, prospective buyers are likely to not share them.

It is easy, on a weekly basis, to search the internet for new "home for sale" postings that show just how dissimilar some peoples' taste in decorating can be to your own. Ever consider living in a home decorated exclusively in red and orange velour? Well, someone has and I've seen the photo evidence. Most people would balk at that kind of decorating, even in the era that particular home was decorated in; someone at the time thought it was a fabulous idea though.

In general, if you have sponge painting, faux finishes, wall paper, murals, or colored paint on your walls, you will need to remove it or paint over it. There are of course some exceptions to this but not many. I've seen bathrooms done in a very subtle parchment finish on the walls that looked beautiful and very unobtrusive; even more importantly, the finish on the walls worked with the fixtures in the room which wouldn't likely be changed because it was in a bathroom.

Wallpaper is one of the worst offenders of bad decorating left for potential buyers. Not only is it almost guaranteed to not work with their style and furnishing, but it's also a pain in the proverbial butt to remove or paint over. Buyers are factoring in things like how much extra work they'd have to do if they bought your house and wallpaper is almost always something they're going to want gone when they move in.

Faux finishes are another thing that homeowners add to their walls that often makes buyers cringe with dismay. While a scarlet faux-leather finish in your dining room might look stunning with your dining suite it's very unlikely that anyone else's dining room furnishings will look anything less than utterly surreal in that space. It is generally the case that a faux finish is added to a room to complete a particular look that you have designed to go with your furniture ... furniture that other people will not have!

Sponge painting is another monstrosity for buyers to have to deal with. Sponge painting hit its height of popularity during the 1980s and 90s but seems to be resisting dying off completely. The main problem with it is, like faux finishes, that the color schemes are almost exclusively some combination that wouldn't go with anyone else's furniture. However, the secondary issue with this finish is that it leaves a texture of dried paint that is hard to cover up.

Finally, the last issue that I have seen time and time again in homes for sale is the incidence of children's rooms painted with bright candy colored murals in them. While a mural is fun for a child, not everyone buying a house has a child and if they do, it's entirely likely that it's not the same age or gender as the one that you have. If you're really into wall murals there are some great wall stickers out there that are mural size but are completely removable (and reusable).

When you're putting your home up for sale, take the time to remove the wallpaper and paint your walls a neutral color. To paint over a faux finish, murals or sponge painted walls you need to sand it smooth, prime it, and then repaint. The less YOU a house is, the more easily other people can see themselves living in that space.

Prepare Your Rooms for Interior House Painting

2010-06-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

Being a homeowner is a huge responsibility as the house that you live in is not only the foundation where your nearest and dearest are, but it is your biggest asset in terms of your financial outlook. Many homeowners view this responsibility from both the investment and the family perspectives and as a result, are continually making improvements to their home. Consistent renovations to your home are a way of making your home a happier and more pleasant place to live, as well as to increase the value of your investment should you ever decide to sell your house.

The easiest and least expensive way of increasing both intrinsic and extrinsic value to your home is through interior painting. House painting is a very common means of home renovation that can give your room or set of rooms an instant facelift and is very easy to do on your own. If you decide to add house painting to your list of things to do this year, here are a few tips you should keep in mind before you get that first roller wet.

Painting your home's interiors requires a great deal of preparation and calculation. After you have selected the themes and colors for the room or rooms you are painting, you will need to ensure your rooms are adequately prepared before you begin painting. Even the cleanest rooms and walls will need the surfaces to be prepared before you begin the painting stage.

You first want to take off all of the switch plates from the walls and conduct a thorough dusting of your room. Use a feather duster or broom to sweep out every corner from ceiling to floor and then vacuum the room thoroughly.

Look for any holes or cracks in the wall surfaces and patch them up with spackling paste or wall plaster. Once you have patched any holes, you will then need to sand over the patching or spackling to ensure the patch you have created is flush with the wall. This will ensure a flat even coat of paint on your wall.

Once you have done this, you will have to dust and vacuum again as sanding will create a large amount of dust. Ensure you dust and vacuum not only your floors, but the walls as well. Sanding will leave dust particles that may not be visible to the naked eye, and your paint will find those dust particles if you don't leaving unsightly bumps on your walls.

Your next step before you begin interior house painting will be to wash your walls thoroughly. You can use a mop to reach the corners and higher areas, but you need to wash and rinse your walls of any cleaning residue. Once your walls have dried from the washing, you are ready to begin your interior house painting. Use painters tape to mark off door ways, baseboards, and ceilings so that your paint applications are smooth and even.

If you follow these steps you will find your interior house painting experience to be one that is not only simple, but rewarding. The preparation in interior house painting is often a more arduous task than the actual painting itself. However if you prepare your walls and your rooms properly, you will find the hard work will pay off in beautiful interiors for your home.

BE JUST A TINY BIT DARING!

2009-09-25T13:37:00.000-07:00

In general, the easiest colors to live with are soft, muted, and easy on the eyes. However, a successful paint job is not dependent on always using whites and pastels. Strategic splashes of color can change a room's dynamics and add interest. A good rule of thumb is to limit loud or bright colors to very small spaces, such as a backsplash. Or consider using the louder colors in a palette only in the decorations of the room. Darker colors work well in smaller rooms to create intimacy, but keep in mind they will make any room appear smaller. Consider using slightly bolder colors on one or two walls with a neutral shade everywhere else, or painted on the lower half of the wall throughout.

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ASK FOR HELP

2009-09-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

If your painting project is a big one, consider hiring an interior designer. Someone with experience will have made a fair share of mistakes, and will already know what color combinations work. In lieu of a designer, talk with the clerks behind the paint counter at home improvement stores, or to the paint store employees. Even if they don't have interior design experience, they have mixed many a can of paint. Those who have worked long enough with paint will know the colors well enough that they can predict whether the computer will be successful at matching it or not in another line of paint. That kind of professional can be invaluable to your project.

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COMPUTER MATCH WITH CARE

2009-09-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

Technology now allows you to take a scrap of fabric, a magazine ad, or a paint chip from another line of paint to any store where the clerk will, with the help of a computer, mix up that color in a the brand and sheen of paint of your choice. It is a handy tool, but proceed with caution if you take advantage of it. Most of the time you will walk away very happy with the results, but if you want that exact shade with no deviation, it doesn't always work out. Even slight differences can look all wrong. If you are just trying to save a few dollars by matching a color you want from a more expensive line of paint, it is not worth it. Either spring for the more expensive paint, or find a color you are happy with from another line. If you can't find the shade you want from any line of paint, go for the color matching feature, and cross your fingers.

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EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO BE PICKY!

2009-09-25T13:24:00.001-07:00

It's okay to take your time deciding on the right color. Most paint stores will allow you to reject a mixed color if you are disappointed with the results, but they will not appreciate mixing gallon after gallon of paint that just isn't quite right. Have the paint mixed only after you are certain you have the perfect color. Then, if you are disappointed, you can refuse it. Once you walk out the door with specially mixed, purchased paint, it cannot be returned.

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BUY PAINT SAMPLES

2009-09-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

Unless you are going with pure white, a sample paint spot is the best step you can take to avoid a poor paint choice. Paint a large section of wall, at least 4x4 feet, to judge the effect. Choose a section where natural light will illuminate the paint so you can see how the paint looks in all types of light. If you have the slightest doubt, choose another shade. Be sure to paint primer over your test spot if you decide not to use that color.

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GO LIGHTER THAN YOU THINK

2009-09-25T12:57:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed by now that the paint on the wall is slightly darker than the paint chip you picked up from the store. Richer shades with medium or darker intensities can also look darker if the room is dimly lit. A brochure showing your chosen paint color featured in a model room can help you see how that shade will probably look in your home, but keep in mind that the photographer used professional lighting. The amount of sunshine present in the room you are painting, as well as the nmber of light fixtures and type of light bulbs you use, will have different effects on how the color looks on the walls.

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