Most recent entries
- 3 Keys To A Successful Kitchen Remodel
- How to Use Metal Paint
- How To Successfully Touch-Up a Wall
- 4 Great Ways To Split Colors in a Room
- How Much Should I Spend On Paint?
- How to Get Rid of Extra Paint In your house
- Which Room Color Do I Choose First?
- Is painting a door or walls more expensive?
- Is Your Exterior Woodwork In Need Of Repair?
- Should I Replace or Repaint My Siding?
- Why Hire A New York Painting Company?
- Why Are My Walls Peeling?
- How To Make A Chalkboard Wall
- Repainting Kitchen Cabinets
- Paint Or Carpet First | NY Painter Advice
RSS FeedFriday, February 03, 2012
3 Keys To A Successful Kitchen Remodel
When you start thinking about doing a kitchen remodeling project, it is important to thoroughly plan ahead. Kitchen remodeling can take up to eight weeks to complete, so any neglected factors can contribute to a significant delay in the process. There are three key components that influence how smoothly a kitchen renovation project goes.
1. Design development.
- Remodeling design plans need to be carefully developed with each detail considered in order for the project to be started. Once the basic design is planned, everything else should fall into place.
2. Materials.
- As long as you plan ahead and allow time for materials to arrive, nothing should interfere with the kitchen remodeling. However, if you don’t consider the time it takes to order materials and schedule movers for the large items, it could setback the timing of the rest of the project.
3. Installation.
- Depending on how the first two components are handled, the installation phase can go either smoothly or arduously. If the project was planned well, everything should fall neatly into place.
When you work with our Carpentry Services department, HPM, we plan and arrange the project diligently so that the installation phase works seamlessly. We strive to ensure that each project is done efficiently by presenting each aspect to the homeowner promptly so that all critical decisions can be made prior to the installation stage.
By taking this approach, we not only influence the timing of the project, but also the end result – a beautiful project with careful attention to the proper execution of the design.
If you want your kitchen beautifully remodeled by early Spring, Contact us online or call us now for a free estimate at 845-878-3444.
How to Use Metal Paint
Using metal paint is different than other paints, but if you utilize the “Three P’s” of using metal paints your project will turn out great.
1. Prepare the area. If the surface of what you want to paint is peeling, the surface needs to be treated correctly. Prepare the surface with a solution of bleach and water. Remove any flaking or peeling paint with a scraper or wire brush.
2. Primer. It’s important to prime before applying metal paint to a surface. Primer safeguards surfaces from future corrosion, with multiple coats further reinforcing and protecting the surface.
3. Paint. Make sure the metal paint you have is a quality paint product. In this case, you get what you pay for. Applying coats of paint after the use of a primer will protect against future discoloration.
If this is your first time using metal paints, try priming and painting a practice object before taking on your main project. The more you can perfect the craft, the better your final project will end up.
If you have a big project involving metal paint, contact a professional or ask us for help from a trusted service provider. If it is a project we cannot help you with, we may be able to connect you with a trusted resource.
Friday, December 16, 2011
How To Successfully Touch-Up a Wall
It would seem that in order to "touch-up" a small spot on the wall, all you would need to do would be to paint over that spot. Although in actuality, it takes more than just painting over the small area to efficiently and successfully “touch it up".
Unfortunately there is no extraordinarily easy way to touch up a spot on a wall. To fully cover up a spot to be virtually indistinguishable, you have to paint the wall from corner to corner, with the closest match possible to the original wall color.
Sometimes if you have the same can of paint you originally painted the wall with, you can touch-up a spot with it being fairly indistinct. However, often no matter how hard you try, you can’t entirely disguise a “touched-up” spot.
There are various reasons for simple “touch-ups” to be nearly impossible:
- The new spot will be cleaner than the old paint.
- The old paint may be faded.
- There may be a sheen difference due to wear and tear on the wall.
- The paint from the can may have aged, and/or may not match the wall texture when dry.
If you have the original paint and still want to try to simply paint a small area, be sure to use a roller rather than a brush. Also, try to feather the paint out by gradually releasing pressure on the roller toward the edge of the stroke until you lift it off the wall.
If you want to ensure that your wall is successfully touched up, repaint the entire wall surface from end to end. Or if you would like a free estimate from the most trusted painting company serving Westchester, Dutchess, Putnam and Fairfield county, call George Apap Painting at (845) 878-3444. We would be happy to serve you.
Friday, November 04, 2011
4 Great Ways To Split Colors in a Room
While it is common to paint a room only one color, it can be tasteful to use multiple colors in a room for a unique appearance.
One of the most typical ways to split colors in a room is to use natural breaks such as a ceiling or corner, but here are some additional ideas for using different colors in a room:
1. Create an Accent Wall.
- Painting an accent wall by using a color that either contrasts or coordinates with the main room color creates a nice focal point. If you use this method, make sure the wall you choose to paint differently is one you want to be accented (such as a wall with a mantle or fireplace).
2. Paint in Parallel.
- To paint a room in parallel means painting the alternate surfaces of a room the same color. In a standard four-wall room this would mean that the opposite walls are the same color and the adjacent walls are different colors. Some painting professionals and designers use this technique to create a sense of movement in smaller rooms, such as a bedroom or study.
3. Use Chair Rail.
- Using chair rail is a great way to split colors horizontally in a room. Generally you would use a darker color on the lower portion of the wall, and a neutral color on the top. This technique works best in the Dining Room or Kitchen.
4. Paint the Ceiling a Color Other than White.
There are three basic options for color choices on your ceiling:
- Paint the ceiling a lighter shade of the wall color. This technique is good for shorter rooms since it tends to heighten a room.
- Paint the ceiling a darker shade of the wall color. This method is good for tall rooms since it visually lowers the ceiling.
- Paint the ceiling a different, coordinating color, making the ceiling a focal point.
One caution with painting the ceiling a non-white color is that a house can feel disjointed from room to room if the ceilings are different from each other. Therefore, we recommend consulting with a professional before painting your ceilings.
George Apap Painting is the most trusted and dependable painting company in the counties of Westchester, Dutchess, Putnam and Fairfield. Schedule an estimate with us by calling 845-878-3444 or book an appointment online; it would be our pleasure to serve you.
Friday, September 30, 2011
How Much Should I Spend On Paint?
As the old saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” This statement especially holds true for buying paints. Professional house painters agree that the cost of paint is directly related to the quality of the paint. When buying paint, the most expensive paint is almost always the best quality.
Paint can range in price anywhere from $18 to $70 dollars per gallon. Someone might wonder, why would anyone pay for the premium products when they are more than triple the price? The answer is simple: the premium products perform far better than cheap products and last up to twice as long. Many of the premium paints also are more forgiving, meaning they are easier to keep clean.
When buying paint, it doesn’t save money long-term to buy the less expensive products. In the painting process, paint is only a small percentage of a whole project cost, (typically 10-15%) so it is definitely worth investing a little more in quality paint.
After considering these facts, essentially it is up to the buyer how much he wants to spend on paint. Although every buyer should know that the better quality the paint, the longer it will last.
George Apap Painting is located in Patterson NY and serves the Westchester, Fairfield, Dutchess and Putnam Counties. Yes, we will also work in NY City. Give us a call if you have any questions or if you would like to schedule a free estimate.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
How to Get Rid of Extra Paint In your house
Do you have some old paint you would like to get rid of? You can donate your unused cans of paint to a charity, such as Habitat for Humanity, or you can simply dry and throw away your Acrylic and Latex paints with your regular garbage. Oil or Alkyd-based paint must be disposed of at your local Hazardous Waste Disposal Day, which normally happens one or two times per year.
Now, drying out your Latex paints just by taking off the lids and letting it sit out is far too time-consuming, and potentially hazardous. Here are a couple of safe ways to dry out your paint:
- Add some kitty litter or sawdust into the paint and stir it around.
- Get some paint hardener and mix it into the can.
- Get out some of your old cardboard storage boxes, flatten them and then pour the paint onto the boxes and let them dry outside. After they’re dry, you can just throw away or recycle the flattened boxes.
If you have any other questions regarding paint disposal, or just about painting in general, any one of our staff would be happy to help you. Give us a call at 845-878-3444.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Which Room Color Do I Choose First?
When you are painting your entire house, the process of selecting colors can be a bit overwhelming. In order for all the colors to blend together nicely, it is vital that you put some thought into the layout of colors.
If possible, it is smart to pick the foyer and hallway colors first and then work from there. The color you choose for the hallways serves as a common thread that weaves the entire house color-scheme together. The color used for the foyer, stairway or hallway is called the foundation color, and it is typically a light or neutral color. After you pick the connecting-room colors, you can choose the main-room colors accordingly.
Of course, if you have your heart set on a certain color for a specific room, then by all means, use that color; but usually this method is more difficult to work with. If you pick the distinct room colors first (such as the Living Room or Dining room), it might be harder to come up with connecting colors that blend the rooms nicely together.
Picking the foundation color first is always a good first move for choosing colors for the adjacent rooms. You can always choose more than one color for the hallway areas, but just make sure you choose colors tactfully if you decide to do multiple foundation colors.
If you follow these suggestions, your home will look spectacular. If you would like an estimate or if you would like help with your project give George Apap Painting a call at 845-878-3444.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Is painting a door or walls more expensive?
A common question asked is: “Is it more expensive to paint a wall or a new, unfinished door?” This is a great question. Although the door surface area is typically less than the surface area of a wall, a door is usually more difficult and expensive to paint. The process of painting a door is a more complicated than that of painting a wall. It requires more skill, and usually takes longer.
Here is a quick summary of steps required for the door-painting process:
A new door requires a complete prime coat. Once the primer dries, it raises the woodgrain making it more rough. The door then needs to be sanded and dusted before applying two finish coats. When beginning to brush the door, the painter must use a systematic pattern to avoid obvious brush strokes and overlaps in the woodgrain.
Walls, whether new or existing, are easier because they require less preperation work. Also, wall paint can be applied with a roller which is more forgiving than a paint-brush (with lines and strokes). Handling a brush takes years to master; a good brushman can hand-brush a door and make it appear almost sprayed.
It is almost always more time-consuming and expensive to paint a door and wood trim than a wall. But of course it depends on how big the projects are and how intricate the detail is on the walls, door or trim. A good way to save money and also get a quality job is to paint the walls yourself and then hire a professional and experienced paint company to paint your door and trim. It's incredible how great your home can look with quality painted trim.
Friday, June 03, 2011
Is Your Exterior Woodwork In Need Of Repair?
June seems to kick-off the season for hosting guests. Whether you’re grilling, hosting garden parties or graduation parties, summer is the time to use and display your exterior woodwork.
Do you have sagging siding, warping deck-boards, or wobbly railings? What about insects? Early summer is also when you may notice wood-boring insects, such as carpenter bees and termites, trying to make their homes inside of your decks or fences.
George Apap Painting serves the Westchester, Dutchess, and Putnam counties of New York, as well as Farfield, CT. We are ready to help you with your exterior woodwork. Are your decks or fences in need of repair? Give us a call at (845) 878-3444, or schedule online so we can help replace or repair damaged wood and treat worn surfaces to beautify and protect your home for many more seasons.
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Should I Replace or Repaint My Siding?
What should I do when my siding begins to look dingy?
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not necessary to replace the siding of your home when it begins to deteriorate. Siding can look unrepairable when Ultra-Violet rays break down the the enamel finish and cause a chalky film to form; but with a thorough power-washing and a good paint-job, your siding can look as good as new. Aluminum siding doesn’t require much maintenance and can usually last for 30 to 40 years depending on the surrounding weather conditions. In areas with more exposure to sunlight or harsh wind and rain, the lifespan isn’t quite as long.
How to deal with the affects from elements
Over time, the UV rays can break down all of the enamel finish on aluminum siding. At this point, although most people think it’s crucial that you replace the siding, you can give your home a good power-washing and paint the aluminum with some good 100% acrylic paint to transform your home’s exterior.
Wind and rain shouldn’t be overly hard on the siding, but when your home suffers severe wind and hail damage, you may have to consider replacing the damaged siding.
How do I paint siding?
- Thoroughly clean the siding to get rid of any dirt, debris, pollen, mold, mildew and chalk film. (I’d recommend hiring a contractor who can do a thorough power-washing to the home exterior, since it is of utmost importance to have clean surface area.)
- Once the siding is clean and dry, you can paint. (Paint is most easily applied by spraying. You can also paint with a brush or roller, but spraying will result in a smooth, even finish.)
What type of paint should I use?
You should use a water based latex or acrylic paint, but the top coat should be an 100% acrylic exterior paint. Most of these paints are self-priming on aluminum, but if you still wish to apply a full primer coat, you should use a primer that is ½ tinted to the shade of the finish color, to minimize the number of top coats.
When painting vinyl siding, you typically shouldn’t use a color darker than the original vinyl color. However, modern paints are available in “vinyl safe colors” that allow darker colors to be applied over lighter colored siding; so just be sure to research the paint you choose.
If your siding is showing wear, or if you are interested in changing the color of your siding, consult a painting company to learn more. For those in the Dutchess, Putnam, Westchester and Fairfield Counties, George Apap Painting would be delighted to discuss your needs and the best solutions with you.
Monday, April 04, 2011
Why Hire A New York Painting Company?
For those who like art and design, painting a home can be a enjoyable and relaxing task. For those whose strengths are not artistically inclined, the task of painting your home can be arduous and burdensome.
Whether or not you hire a painting contractor is a matter of preference. Some are gifted with the capability to repaint their home with pleasing quality, and others are completely satisfied to put the undertaking into other capable hands. Regardless of whether you are one to hire a contractor or tackle the project yourself, we would like to know what would be most important to you in choosing a company to paint your home.
We know there are hundreds of NYC painting companies to choose from, so your decision isn't a simple one. Your response to even just a few of these questions will help us to offer even better service, pricing, and quality.
- What do you primarily look for in hiring a painting contractor?
- What is most important to you in a painting company?
- How can a painting company make you delighted?
- Great prices? and Special offers?
- Punctual? Doing as promised?
- Excellent communication?
- Helpful with colors?
- Do you base your decision typically on the total price, quality, or reputation of a paint company?
- Would you hire a paint company if their bid was the highest price if they had the best reputation?
- How would you determine if a paint company has a good reputation?
- What things about a company might hinder you from hiring or working with a painting contractor or service company?
- If you had your wish of hiring the “perfect” paint company, what might that look like to you?
Leave a comment to tell us what is most important to you in a painting company, or post your comment on our facebook page.
George Apap Painting is pleased to serve the Westchester, Fairfield, Dutchess, and Putnam Counties, including the communities of Amenia, New York, Bedford, New York, Brewster, New York, Brookfield, Connecticut, Carmel, New York, Cold Spring, New York, Danbury, Connecticut, Hopewell Junction, New York, Katonah, New York, Lagrange, New York, Mahopac, New York, Millbrook, New York, Mt. Kisco, New York, New Fairfield, Connecticut, New Milford, Connecticut, Patterson, New York, Pawling, New York, Sleepy Hollow, New York, Somers, New York, and Tarrytown, New York.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Why Are My Walls Peeling?
Have you ever experienced that feeling of chagrin from seeing a wall of your home beginning to peel or blister? It can be frustrating not to know why the paint peels, or how to repair it. The most common reason for peeling paint is moisture. Proper house ventilation is vital to prevent damage from excessive moisture. Other effects, such as discoloration or fungal growth can also be caused by exposure to moisture.
In the winter, moisture can more easily accumulate in a home while it is closed to retain heat. The higher the room temperature, the more moisture the air will hold. Some of the main sources of moisture are leaky water lines, and the use of faucets and showers; dryers can also contribute if they are not adequately vented through to outside the house. Moisture gravitates to areas of low vapor pressure, such as cold wall gaps, which makes it important that walls be properly protected with vapor barriers. Other contributors to moisture entering walls are faulty caulking around entryways, leaky roofs or rain gutters, and loose metal flashing at base foundations.
Houses built after 1978 are less likely to have ventilation problems because contractors are now required to take precautions. These precautions include using double felt barriers in walls and FHA weep hole metal flashing at the base of a foundation so that moisture can escape properly and the house can breath. Homes built before 1978 are more subject to problems since builders did not need to follow the new requirements.
Whether your house was built before or after 1978, there are a few simple things you can do to ensure that your house is free from any problems:
1. Have a roofer check for leaks in your roof, and if necessary, add roof vents and rain gutters.
2. Keep your home properly ventilated; keep the kitchen and bathroom windows open when in use.
3. Check for decay in old stucco, wood siding, vapor barriers and check for rust in metal flashing.
If you have any questions, or would like one of our specialists to come and check out your home, call us at: (845) 878-3444.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
How To Make A Chalkboard Wall
Ever need a handy, accessible notepad? You can maximize space and create your own fun, reusable notepad to jot down reminders by turning part of your home or office wall into a notepad.
Any surface of your home or office can be turned into a blackboard with chalkboard paint. All you have to do is apply it just like any other paint, invest in a box of chalk and an eraser and you have your own, eco-friendly list maker, drawing surface, calender –- you name it!
George Apap Painting, located in Patterson, NY, has the creative painters in house to do this project for you. If you are interested, call us at: 845-878-3444. Or if you would like to tackle this project on your own:
After buying some chalkboard paint from Krylon (which can be found at Sherwin WIlliams or Home Depot) or from Benjamin Moore, follow these simple steps:
1. Thoroughly clean and dry the surface area you would like to turn into a chalkboard.
2. Make sure the wall surface is very smooth. If if isn't, you may need to apply some lightweight spackle. Once it is dry, use 280-300 grit sandpaper to sand the spackle patches. (If we do this for you, we'd typically use drywall mud, which is a little more difficult to work with for most homeowners since it requires more tools and practice).
3. Once the walls are cleaned and sanded, mark off the space you would like to paint with painter's masking tape. (I would suggest the blue-core from 3M).
4. Apply one prime coat of Zinsser Cover Stain or a similar primer (ask your paint store for a good drywall primer).
5. Apply at least two coats of chalkboard paint evenly to the whole area, allowing the proper drying time between coats.
6. Let it dry for at least two days, then carefully remove the painters tape.
If you would like to make your chalk board magnetic. You can do this by using magnetic latex primer (which can be purchased at your local Home Depot).
Just insert these steps in-between steps 4 and 5 of the previous directions:
I. Paint 2 to 3 coats of magnetic paint on the desired wall space. Allow the paint to dry completely in-between coats, (follow the manufacturers directions for the proper length of drying time).
II. Test the magnetic strength of the wall by placing a few magnets of various sizes onto the surface. If the strength isn't what you want, then add another coat and repeat the test after the paint is dry.
III. Let the paint dry completely, then pick up at step 6 of the previous set of steps.
Note: We've heard reports that sometimes magnetic paint does not work when used with chalkboard paint. So if you would like to ensure successful results with your magnetic chalkboard, we would suggest following the suggestions on this blog: Less Than Perfect Life of Bliss.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Repainting Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets typically began to show their age in 8-10 years depending on how much the kitchen gets used. Kitchens then began to get outdated after 10 years. Most of us are not in the position to do a major kitchen remodel every 10 years, so another option is to either refinish or paint your kitchen cabinets. As long as your kitchen cabinets are in decent shape painting them can make them look brand new if done properly.
Painting Cabinets
Painting the cabinets a certain color and updating the hardware is the least expensive option in most cases. Typically what we recommend is updating the hinges and hardware at the same time. Sometimes updating the hinges requires a little bit of extra work from our carpenter, but it is still a fraction of the cost compared to getting all new cabinets. We also spray our cabinets with a very durable finish that will last for at least 10 years.
Refinishing or Staining Cabinets
If your current cabinets are already stained but you are tired of the stain color selected, you can have us strip and refinish the cabinets too. Once the old stain has been removed, and depending on the type of cabinets you have (Maple, Oak, Walnut etc) you can decide on a new and updated stain that will work well with your current design taste. Stripping cabinets involves more labor than just painting the cabinets. However, even stripping cabinets is still more cost effective than doing a full kitchen remodel.
George Apap Painting owns HPM, a full-service remodeling and carpentry company in Patterson, NY. We can fully remodel your kitchen. However, if you are looking for a more cost-effective approach, our painters would be more than happy to repaint or refinish your kitchen anytime.
Monday, November 08, 2010
Paint Or Carpet First | NY Painter Advice
George Apap Painting gets asked the following question often, "Should I paint or carpet first?" We typically respond with, "it depends on whom you hire to do your painting. Each company is different. Some like to have the new carpet installed, promising to keep the new carpet covered and extra protected. Others like to paint first and then come back after the baseboards and carpet are installed to do any final touch up. From our experience, a painting company in the NY area who has an excellent reputation will definitely protect the carpet if you decide to install it before the painting is complete. We've done countless jobs this way. We will use clean, interior drop cloths and thick plastic to carefully protect any new carpet.
BUT, What is our personal preference or advise? We'd suggest painting first, then install the carpet. It is typically a less expensive option as there is not as much careful covering to do. We still will use tape, plastic and clean drops but don't have to be as thorough with protection. If the carpet company you hire is willing, we'd suggest having them remove the old carpet complete, then begin the painting.
The only downside to painting before carpet is installed is that the painter may have to come back after the carpet is installed to touch up or repaint your baseboards and repaint a few scuff marks on the walls. This is because the carpet installers can sometimes scratch the surfaces with their sharp tools or tool belt.
We hope this answers your question. Feel free to ask any question you have related to painting or home repair. We'll do our best to answer each question. We are located in Paterson, NY but service a wide area of our State and select areas of CT.
George Apap Painting is pleased to serve the Westchester, Fairfield, Dutchess, and Putnam Counties, including the communities of Amenia, New York, Bedford, New York, Brewster, New York, Brookfield, Connecticut, Carmel, New York, Cold Spring, New York, Danbury, Connecticut, Hopewell Junction, New York, Katonah, New York, Lagrange, New York, Mahopac, New York, Millbrook, New York, Mt. Kisco, New York, New Fairfield, Connecticut, New Milford, Connecticut, Patterson, New York, Pawling, New York, Sleepy Hollow, New York, Somers, New York, and Tarrytown, New York.