Most recent entries
- 4 Popular Trends in Interior Painting
- How to Paint Crown Molding
- Should I Paint or Stain My Deck?
- How To Paint a Door
- 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?
RSS FeedThursday, 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.
Did you know? George Apap Painting serves Patterson, New York and many other communities in New York.
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.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Fall Colors
The Fall is upon us once again. This time of year, visions of warm color are evoked by changing leaves, pumpkins and Thanksgiving Dinner. Warm tones of golds, oranges and reds are all around us. Bringing these colors into your home with bring those same homely feelings indoors. Our favorite colors this season are:
Firenze (AF 225) from Benjamin Moore’s Aura collection, has warm tones of caramel. A new Pottery Barn favorite this season, this color evokes confidence and style.
Hathaway Gold (194) a long time favorite in Benjamin Moore’s Class collection. This color works great with wood tones and leather in a living room.
Appalachian Brown (2115-10) has rich warm tones and looks great in lower areas in dining rooms or hallways and a great compliment to warm neutrals.
Spanish red (1031) is deep and warm and subtle. This color is wonderful as an accent wall on a fireplace or stairway and brings warmth and energy to any room.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Some of our Favorite Yellows
hay stack (317)
A clean, pure yellow that reminds us of a sun-drenched day at the beach. Pair it with a soft green for a sense of calmness or a deep blue for a striking effect.
hawthorne yellow (HC-4)
This historical color is reflective of traditional architecture, but also works beautifully in modern homes. The slight gray undertone makes it usable in any room.
straw (2154-50)
With its slightly orange undertone, straw brings a nice warm glow into a space, enveloping the room and making it instantly cozy.
vellum (207)
A vision of captured sunlight, vellum is a soft yellow with an illuminating quality that’s never overwhelming and always warm and welcoming.
honeymoon (AF-345)
A golden yellow with brownish undertones, honeymoon can give any room a snug, cozy feeling and, depending on the lighting, it can be used as a rich, deep neutral beige.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Lead Certified Painting Company in NY
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has put new regulations in place to guarantee the proper handling of lead based paint. These regulations are designed to protect you, the customer, and we have changed our paint removal methods to guarantee your safety while still producing the highest quality product. When we encounter old homes with dozens of layers of peeling paint (many with lead based paint), we begin with the “paint shaver” to do the bulk of the removal. We use this in conjunction with a “hepa shop vacuum” and are able to remove thick, multiple coats quickly and safely. After using the aggressive paint shaver, we follow with large, disc grinders to smooth the wood. Finally, we complete the process with a small, feather sander. Our customers are pleasantly surprised to see the wood returned to its original “new” luster. This removal process rids the homeowner of unwanted lead paint and provides a perfect surface for painting.
With new EPA lead paint regulation in effect we have changed our paint removal methods to meet the new regulations and still get the quality we need for our customers. When we encounter old homes with dozens of layers of paint of peeling ( many of them lead based paint) we start with the paint shaver to do the bulk of the paint removal. When used in conjunction with a hepa shop vacuum we are able to remove the thickest coatings quickly and safely. The paint shaver is only the first step in process, we follow with large disc grinders to smooth the wood after the aggressive paint shaver and finish the preparation with smaller feather sander. Often times the wood is prepared so well that it appears that it has been replaced with new wood and is now a perfect surface for painting.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Deck Advice | The Don’ts of Deck Refinishing in NY
We recently got a call from a customer asking our opinion on the condition of her deck. She proudly explained that she has been applying two coats to her deck every year for the last few years and it usually looks great. This year, however, was not so good. We inspected her deck and thought we would share one of the most common pitfalls when finishing a deck.
#1 on the list: OVERCOATING
Transparent, semi-transparent, and semi-solid alkyd stains are single coat systems that are designed to penetrate into the wood. Extra coats are often applied in the mistaken belief that they will add more durability, but what actually happens is that the stain just sits on the previously coated surface, leaving a slight sheen because the stain hasn’t fully soaked into the wood fibers. As this layer dries out, it will flake and peel away from the decking. So read and follow your stain manufacturer’s directions; most transparent, semi-transparent and semi-solid stains are ONE coat applications.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Relay For Life 2010 | Patterson NY
George Apap recently participated in the 2010 Relay for Life, which was held in Patterson, NY. Thank you to all of our customers and friends for your support and donations.
To view a few of our photos from the event, visit our Facebook Page.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Painting Stripes in a Bedroom or Bath
Thick, thin, up and down, or sideways -- stripes add style to walls. Paint them in a color that tugs at the heartstrings, and you have a room sure to make memories.The wide stripes contrast softly and create a feeling of movement in the space; in general, the wider the stripes, the larger a room appears. Horizontal lines lend a contemporary flair, while vertical stripes complement traditional decor.
Bathrooms are great places to try different wall painting ideas. The room is small and doesn’t take a lot of time or money to make a BIG statement.
Horizontal stripes are great for family rooms, bathrooms and bedrooms. The possibilities are endless: do them bold or subtle, metallic or glazed. large or small.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Painting Appointments Booked Online
George Apap Painting recently made scheduling an estimate easier than ever. Instead of calling our office or emailing us, you can book your estimate online. It takes just a minute. All you do is:
- Click on the "Schedule an Appointment" button on the top right corner of the website
- Select Which Type of Estimate you'd like: i.e. Interior, Exterior, Color Consultation, Deck Estimate etc.
- Select which estimator you'd like to meet with and/or choose the option "First Available"
- Choose the most convenient date and time
- Fill out your contact information and hit "Book Now"
- George Apap will show up on time and produce an estimate on the spot in most cases
Our goal is to make painting a pleasant experience. We hope to hear from you soon.