http://www.georgeapapinc.com/blog/ en domains@pioneerdesign.net Copyright 2012 2012-02-11T01:54:13+00:00 http://www.georgeapapinc.com/blog/how_to_paint_a_door http://www.georgeapapinc.com/blog/how_to_paint_a_door#When:01:54:13Z When it comes to painting your home, painting doors can seem like a tricky task. But, no matter the door, these basic steps below will have you on your way to painting your door quickly and easily. Tape It is ideal to remove the doorknobs and to take a door off its hinges before painting.  In the event that you don’t have that option, you will want to tape any hardware you don’t remove such as the doorknob or hinges. The blue painter’s tape that is found in home improvement stores is what you will want to use to make sure you don’t accidentally get paint on your door hardware. Sand If this is a new door, or even a previously painted door, you will want to lightly sand the surface of the door. The light abrasion caused by the sand paper will allow the new paint to adhere to the door better. Sandpaper around 220 grit is sufficient. After you have sanded, be sure to wipe down your door and remove any excess dust with a tack cloth.  Avoid using a damp cloth as it could raise the grain of the wood. Paint The typical recommended order for painting a door is to paint the top and inside edges of the door first.  Be mindful not to overload your brush with paint. Tapping, or lightly slapping your brush against the side of your paint container will help get rid of excess paint and prevent dripping. If you weren’t able to remove the door from the hinges or remove the doorknob, move to painting around your taped doorknobs and hinges next. With the difficult parts out of the way, you can now focus on painting the front surface of the door.  If this is a paneled door, after painting the top and inside edges of your door focus on the panels. Paint the inside panels first and then work your way out painting the remainder of the door. For best results, paint with the grain of the wood for a nice even coating. NOTE: If this is a brand new door you will want to make sure to prime and seal the tops and bottoms of the door and paint it off the hinges for the best possible results. If this is your first time painting a door, paint the side of the door that faces the interior of the room first. By doing this, you’ll be able to practice on an area that is seen less frequently by guests. Once you are comfortable with the process, move on to the other side of the door. If you need assistance with such a project, or want that professional perfect finish, we are always glad to share our professional opinion and expertise.  Contact one of our paint contractors at George Apap Painting for advice or a consultation. 2012-02-11T01:54:13+00:00 http://www.georgeapapinc.com/blog/3_keys_to_a_successful_kitchen_remodel http://www.georgeapapinc.com/blog/3_keys_to_a_successful_kitchen_remodel#When:20:07:37Z 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. Blogging, 2012-02-03T20:07:37+00:00 http://www.georgeapapinc.com/blog/how_to_use_metal_paint http://www.georgeapapinc.com/blog/how_to_use_metal_paint#When:20:04:33Z 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. 2012-02-03T20:04:33+00:00 http://www.georgeapapinc.com/blog/how_to_successfully_touch_up_a_wall http://www.georgeapapinc.com/blog/how_to_successfully_touch_up_a_wall#When:19:26:27Z 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.  Painting Tips and Advice, 2011-12-16T19:26:27+00:00 http://www.georgeapapinc.com/blog/4_great_ways_to_split_colors_in_a_room http://www.georgeapapinc.com/blog/4_great_ways_to_split_colors_in_a_room#When:23:02:19Z 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. Color and Design, 2011-11-04T23:02:19+00:00 http://www.georgeapapinc.com/blog/how_much_should_i_spend_on_paint http://www.georgeapapinc.com/blog/how_much_should_i_spend_on_paint#When:21:52:59Z 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.   2011-09-30T21:52:59+00:00 http://www.georgeapapinc.com/blog/how_to_get_rid_of_extra_paint_in_your_house http://www.georgeapapinc.com/blog/how_to_get_rid_of_extra_paint_in_your_house#When:23:07:28Z 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.  Painting Tips and Advice, 2011-08-23T23:07:28+00:00 http://www.georgeapapinc.com/blog/which_room_color_do_i_choose_first http://www.georgeapapinc.com/blog/which_room_color_do_i_choose_first#When:23:22:27Z 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.   Color and Design, 2011-07-22T23:22:27+00:00 http://www.georgeapapinc.com/blog/is_painting_a_door_or_walls_more_expensive http://www.georgeapapinc.com/blog/is_painting_a_door_or_walls_more_expensive#When:19:37:11Z 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.   Painting Tips and Advice, 2011-06-24T19:37:11+00:00 http://www.georgeapapinc.com/blog/is_your_exterior_woodwork_in_need_of_repair http://www.georgeapapinc.com/blog/is_your_exterior_woodwork_in_need_of_repair#When:23:45:20Z 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. Painting Tips and Advice, 2011-06-03T23:45:20+00:00