It just so happened that I ran into one of my favorite people, Dennis Prager.  Of all the places to run into him, I never expected it to be in the men's restroom at the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, California.  I was on my way to a painting conference in Oakland, California and he was on his way to speak in Arizona to promote his new book, “Still the Best Hope, Why the World Needs American Values to Triumph."  We exchanged a few niceties and got caught up on family and some new changes at the radio station, AM 870 KRLA The Answer.  A.Allbright Painting has always been a proud sponsor of the Dennis Prager Show from the Happiness Hour to the Male/Female Hour.  It's especially rewarding to have someone you have looked up to for many years (all the way back to the Religion On The Line days) talk so highly about our little painting company.  He has taught me so much from listening to him on the radio, reading his other books, like “Think A Second Time” and getting to be with him at social events and even being invited into all three of his homes.  I'm grateful to call him a friend.  Thank you, Dennis, for all that you do.  I'm looking forward to reading your book, which I just downloaded from the iTunes Bookstore.

This past Thursday, my wife and I celebrated a great tradition with our good friends Darren and Danelle.  For the past 10 or 11 years, we have taken a day off work to  go support the Pasadena Showcase House of Design, raising over 18 million dollars for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and other non-profit organizations.  Then it's off to our favorite restaurant in Pasadena, Cafe Bizou.  It's funny, but we typically all order the same dish because it is THAT GOOD! Email me if you want to know which one it is.  

This year's 1927 Spanish sixteen-room villa, originally designed by architect John Winford Byers, (a self-taught practitioner of  Spanish Colonial Revival Style) was especially beautiful, mostly because the designers really kept the home close to its original state.  We commented on how well everything in the interior of the home worked together this year.  Typically, that's not the case.  Many designers all come together and take a room to infuse their style and influence on the home.   

A.Allbright Painting has participated in a few Pasadena Showcase homes with various designers over the years, like Piana Designs, Richard Herb Interiors, and Parker West Interiors.  A.Allbright Painting's first time participating in the showcase was with Piana Design, where we created a teenage retreat in the attic portion of the home.   Greg Parker of Parker West Interiors has been the biggest supporter of this orginization, always taking on the most challenging rooms, like the kitchens or living rooms.  This year was no exception with his beautiful interpretation of the kitchen and dining room, the crown jewel of the home.     

Our little tradition inside the larger tradition of the Pasadena Showcase House of Design has always been a lot of fun and has offered great inspiration - especially this year! 

Arriving at the SCV Food Pantry Saturday morning on April 25th, 2012 for this year’s 7th Annual Paint-It-Forward event, I was overwhelmed with a sense of pride as I watched the team of A.Allbright employees begin this worthy project.  Over 18 employees showed up, with smiles on their faces, and ready to donate their time and talents to updating and enhancing the building at the SCV Food Pantry, an organization which is dedicated to making sure that no child in the Santa Clarita Valley goes to bed hungry.   Food Pantry volunteers were also on-site to support our efforts and offer assistance.  The day was spent prepping the exterior building by moving necessary items, masking doors and windows, spraying the building, painting the trim and metal roll-up doors, cleaning up, and overall enjoying each other’s company.  We even had Sherwin Williams’ Paint Company supply their highest quality paint (A-100 and Duration products).  To top it all off, the store manager Lance from Sherwin Williams brought a BBQ and cooked up a mean hot dog and hamburger extravaganza.  Working with people with this kind of dedication makes a project like this so rewarding.  After lunch, we were able to stand back and admire the updated new look of the SCV Food Pantry.  Belinda Crawford, the SCV Food Pantry’s Executive Director, was so thrilled that they were finally getting their building painted that she gave each of us a Food Pantry Cookbook of volunteers’ homemade recipes and Certificate of Dedication to A. Allbright Painting.  We’re already looking forward to next year’s event.  I guess that’s one reason why we call it “Paint It Forward.”

A few weeks ago, I was asked to be a mentor for a day.  I was honored.   A young high school student who is a friend of my son Jake asked if he could "Job Shadow" me for a day and learn what a day looks like in the life of a painting contractor.   I guess this is something our public schools offer to every student in their English class.  My two boys decided they wanted to tag along and learn as well. 

Our day started out with answering a few questions that the student was required to ask, then we headed off to give an estimate at our local Mall for a commercial management company CB Richard Ellis that we have a great relationship with.  Our good client was more than willing to oblige and participate.  In fact, he went the extra mile during our job walk and talked with the boys about how economics work.  He explained why it's important to keep the mall looking its best and what that does for potential leases and the lessor.  It was interesting to see how the light bulb went off for the boys as they clearly saw the mall as a business and the importance of keeping it looking its best and not just a hangout for teens. 

After walking the project and getting our information, we headed to the office for an operations meeting.  They got to sit in on one of our weekly meetings where we discuss current and upcoming projects, weekly and monthly goals and upcoming employee meetings and training.  Overall, it was a great experience, not just for them, but also for the A.Allbright management team to be a part of this community service.   Job shadowing fits perfectly into what A.Allbright painting’s core values are.  In fact, we started a similar program a few years ago called Paint It S.M.A.R.T.  When asked by the high school student if I would do it again, I gladly said, “YES.”  When asked if I would do it again, I gladly said, “YES.”

I had no idea when i was choosing my life's work at the young age of 21 (25 years ago) that I was choosing a profession that would someday SAVE THE WORLD.  Did you know that there is an astroid on track to possbily hit earth in February 2013?  It's true according to the "Blast It or Paint It" article.  Asteroid DA14 is a 60-meter flaming ball of mass.  The trajectory of DA14 will bring it very close to earth.  Scientists have suggested confronting the menacing asteroid with paint.  That's right - the stuff we painting contractors use every day.  We at A.Allbright have been in training for years to deal with these types of catastrophes.  Our gas-powered sprayers don't need to be connected to a power source and they have been souped up with extra firepower.  NASA knows who to call when it comes to saving the earth.   They have our number on speed dial for just these types of emergencies.  

A.Allbright 1-800-PAINTING, the Superheros of painting contractors. 

Blogging Painters website is a cool place where painting contractors can learn from each other and our experiences.  We can read up on product reviews by other painting contractors and learn techniques from other craftsmen.  When we want an unbiased opinion on a particular tool or new product, we turn to online resources like Blogging Painters.  Thank you, Chris Haught, for your kind words and pointing me out in your "People of Interest" at the 2012 PDCA Expo.  Your review of my teaching is humbling, especially to be listed there with guys like Lynn Fife, an early mentor of mine.  It's an honor to be teaching with guys like him and others.  Being able to give back to the painting industry that has given me so much has been overwhelmingly rewarding.      

 

This month we where honored to have 3 of our painting videos in the APC's Top 10 Contractor Videos on the Web. There are so many other great contractor videos out there. We're humbled by this recognition. 

It was another great time again this year at the PDCA Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada.  We got to meet with old friends and even met some new ones.  After learning from Bob Cusumano about the PDCA Industry Standards, I was able teach an Emerging Leaders class with my good friend and fellow painting contractor Dave Scaturro with Alpine Painting in New Jersey.  We shared innovative marketing ideas and how technology is being used amongst the professional painting contractors.  The following day, I was able to teach a class on estimating, job costing and business planning to a standing room only class.  It is very rewarding to be able to give back to the trade organization that first gave to me. 

During our trade show, we were able to teach a lot of guys about the estimating software we developed back in 2005, called One Step Estimating

Today, we opened the voting to the public, to take part in giving someone $7500 worth of painting services for FREE.  Please take a moment to read the stories of these real people with real struggles and choose who you want to give it to.  It's so easy to pay it forward with our Paint-It-Forward charity give away.  Just go to our Paint It Forward page.  

In an uncertain world, where tragedy and hardship can change lives in an instant, community can make a huge difference. When everyone gives and serves in the ways they are able, we can brighten lives and ease suffering.

 

Here at A. Allbright Painting, we believe in community, and we are committed to using our own talents and resources for the betterment of our community and our world. That was our inspiration for Paint-It-Forward, our largest annual charity event.  Each year we select a family in need, and we donate up to $7,500 in labor and materials to complete a painting project on their home.

At our annual company Christmas party, we vote to select a family, and in the early spring we complete the charity project.  It is always an exciting and emotional event when our vans pull up and we start working to give a deserving family a top-of-the-line paint job and an unforgettable experience. 

As a professional painting contractor, we work to brighten the lives of those in need. While a new paint job cannot solve their problems, it can bring some joy and relief. 

Joshua Abramson has been invited to be Dunn Edwards Paint Company's featured guest speaker for their Dunn-Hub Contractor classes. He has been scheduled to speak as a 4-part series to help local painting contractors with their businesses.   Josh will be speaking on business planning, job costing and estimating software.  A.Allbright Painting and Dunn Edwards Paint have always approached their relationship as a partnership to success, that is why Joshua Abramson is glad to give of his time to help others.  

Come join us this Wednesday at Dunn Edwards Paint in Pasadena for 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and lunch will be provided if you RSVP.   So far 60 painting contractors have signed up.  

RSVP by calling 626-577-0880 

I really enjoy the opportunity I've been givien this year to speak to other painting contractors around the country on "how to" grow their business through business planning, estimating accurately and job costing.  It's been very rewarding to see them get inspired to be the best they can be.   Thank you to all the paint manufacturers that made it possible, for inviting their cleints to come and learn.   I remember when I was just starting out in business and feeling like there was so much i needed to learn.  I would soak up any advice, if someone in the industry was willing to share with me.   I know that I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for a few strong leaders who were willing to give back and teach another.  Thank you!

Thank you to

Sherwin Williams Paint

Glidden Professional Paints

PDCA  

Looking forward to doing it again next year.

My review on a new color app in the Apple store.  I came across a neat little app on my iPad this morning, called Color Uncovered.  It was created by the Exploratorium in San Francisco, California and it's FREE.  This app helps take some of the mystery out of color and why it does what it does.  So many times we don't understand why color does what it does and we are baffled at how we can think we like one color on a small paint chip to only find out we hate it once it is on all four walls.  

Color Uncovered features a wide spectrum of cool color-related topics to explore.  Learn when is yellow yellower than yellow.  Other fun facts about why friends don't let men buy bananas and don't let dogs drive.   This is a real fun and interactive app that allows you to learn while discovering new things through the science of color.  

A.Allbright 1-800-PAINTING has been a leader in the painting industry by developing tools to help homeowners and business owners select the perfect paint colors for their projects.   See A.Allbright's Color Consulting.  Our helpful system has been so popular that many other painting contractors aroiund the nation have purchased this system.  For more information on our revolutionary color assistance program called Colorchoice and other tools we have developed for our industry, visit Allbright Products

 

 

Today marks the day we start our 2011 Paint-It-Pink campaign to raise awarenes about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.  October is great month to paint your home either interior or exterior.  By preparing early before the holiday guests start arriving (just like early detection), you will not only save money (at least 5% off your project) but also support a great non-profit orginazation like Circle Of Hope (another 5% of your project costs will be donated).   And best of all, you get to enjoy your newly painted home.   Let's us help you through the process with free written estimates, color consultations and the best preparation proceedures to insure a long-lasting paint job.

 

For more info and a short video on why we have started the Paint-It-Pink campaign  For more info and a short video on why we have started the Paint-It-Pink campaign click here 

Earlier this month, A. Allbright 1-800-PAINTING was invited to speak to a group of professionals on such topics as: 

1. Painting near the ocean
2. What to look for in within a written estiamte
3. The Painting Curve - How to save money
4. EPA Lead Laws
5. How Color can Affect Your Mood

Farrow & Ball is a high-end paint store located at 8475 Melrose Ave. West Hollywood, CA that delivers unsurpassed quality along with the most beautiful color palette.  They use natural pigments instead of synthetic ones to gain a deep and rich color that is known as the Farrow & Ball look.  The group of professionals that we were invited to speak to is called D.E.M.A. (Domestic Estate Managers Association). These are people who manage large estates for the rich and famous, who come to learn from each other and others on best practices to care and maintain of the estates they manage.  

During our talk on Color we invited our Colorist Philippa Radon to speak about how color can change your mood.  Afterwards, many of the D.E.M.A. members came up to us and said they could listen to us speak for hours.  

Thank you Farrow & Ball and D.E.M.A. for the opportunity! 

Oh how a little note from a satisfied cleint can make us feel.   We love getting emails like this.  It's encouraging and it lets us know we are doing exactly what we promise.  

This week we received an email from a satisfied client in Santa Clarita after we painted the exterior of her home.  She sent this to us just becuase she wanted everyone to know about her experience with A. Allbright 1-800-PAINTING.  

Here is what she wrote:

Hello Josh,

"Just wanted to say thank you for such a positive experience while your painters worked on my home.  It is absolutely beautiful, so glad I chose your company (A.Allbright) to do the work.  I will definitely recommend you to everyone I know and when the time comes I will call to have the inside of my home painted.  Your painters are amazing, very professional, friendly and so polite.  I will complete the satisfaction sheet they gave me and mail it to your office.  My Granddaughter even called me at work yesterday, when she came home from school, just to tell me how much she loves the color of the house, how pretty it looked and she's my biggest critic." 

 

Thanks again, Kathy

 

 

This has been our goal since 1987:     Make every customer so happy that they will recommend and promote A.Allbright 1-800-PAINTING to a friend or colleague 100% of the time.

 

Expect Brilliance!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We just completed one of the most beautiful Master Bedroom suites in all of Los Angeles.  I'm so excited for our client to arrive home to see it.  She is coming home today after a long two week trip while we worked feverishly to complete this masterpeice.   It has been a long and involved procress to get it to this place but totally worth it.  From the skimcoating of the walls to receive the subtle metallic Venetian plaster to the silver leafed and metallic-glazed beautiful crown molding.  From the totally refinished maple and wood cabinets to the shimmery moody metallic ceiling.  This all came together with the homeonwer's vision and our color consultations and expertise.  I wish I was there to see her reaction.  Can't wait for her phone call or Facebook message.  

To view pictures of this work of art, go to our portfolio under recent projects.

Last week I was asked to speak to about 25 painting contractors on the topics of estimating and job costing for the PDCA and Sherwin Williams Paint Company.   I really enjoy getting the chance to give back to young guys who are out there like I once was.  I remember those early days (24 years ago) not having a clue on how to run a business, how to get work or even how to estimate a job correctly.  I'm grateful for those who had taken the time when I was a brand new contractor to give back and pass on their knowledge to me.  If it weren't for the PDCA and the people I have met through our trade assosiation, I would probably be out of business by now or struggling to make ends meet.  

Even though we are all busy and have all kinds of things we could be doing rather then giving back, I got to tell you, it is so rewarding when you do.  At the end of last week's event, I got a standing ovation.  That was totally unexpected, maybe because it was the first one I have ever received.  Guys came up to me afterwards and said thank you.  Much like I did 24 years ago after leaving one of these type meetings.  

To see more about these events, check out this earlier post of mine. 

Upcoming dates that I'll be speaking at:

November 2nd, 2011 in San Francisco for Glidden Professional Stores

November 30th, 2011 in Fresno for Sherwin Wiliams Paint Stores 

Our goal is to have our painting service remind you of your favorite cup of coffee in the morning.  The one where you sit back, relax and enjoy that first sip of frothy, tummy-warming goodness!

Thank you to Steve Burnett with Burnett 1 800 PAINTING who is a part of the professional group of 1 800 PAINTING contractors for sharing this video with us.  

Veiw the video

 

The Colors Blue & Green

By Joshua Abramson President of A.Allbright 1-800-PAINTING

 

This article will be the first in a series I plan on writing about color and how it has a lot of influence in our day-to-day lives.  Color gives us direction (red, yellow, green light), it warns us of possible dangers ahead (caution yellow), and it gives a sense of belonging (red, white & blue).  Color is important to us and it has an impact on the choices we make.

 

The Color Blue

Blue is seen as trustworthy, dependable and committed.  The color of sky and the ocean, blue is perceived as a constant in our lives.  Blue affects us physically and mentally
as a cooling color.  It invokes rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calming; however, not all blues are serene and sedate.  Blue is the most popular overall favorite color by both men and women.

 

Companies Identified Primarily With Blue

• Best Buy
• Blue Shield
• Ford
• The Gap
• Pepsi
• Tiffany & Co.

 

The Color Green

Green occupies more space in the spectrum visible to the human eye than most colors and is second only to blue as a favorite color.  Green is the pervasive color, making it an ideal backdrop in interior design because we are so used to seeing it everywhere. 

The natural greens, from forest to lime, are seen as tranquil and refreshing, with a natural balance of cool and warm (blue and yellow) undertones.  Green is considered the color of peace and ecology.  Green soothes and relaxes us both mentally and physically. 

 

Popular Phrases That Include the Color Green:   

• Got the green light
• Green thumb
• Greener pastures
• Green with envy
• Turning green
• Going green

 

Blue & Green Together Represents:

• Heaven and earth
• Where land meets sky
• One the most influential painting company in America located right here in the Santa Clarita Valley – haha  

 

Blue & Green Paint Colors For The Home can be energizing yet welcoming.  Re-invent the classics by using a leafy green for walls with touches of blue on soft furnishings.  A few touches of warm color, like an eau de nil green, with mostly neutral colors will enliven a room.  Try a different range of a blue you love...instead of turquoise, venture into sapphire or delphinium blue.

 

Blue and Green - How often do we see this combination? Make a point of noticing it today. 

   


What is Your Favorite Color?

A.Allbright Painting was just commissioned to select the color palette and specifications of paint materials for the Santa Monica Ocean Towers for their re-image project.  These iconic twin towers sit right on some of the most highly sought after real estate in the world.  They sit high upon a cliff right off of Pacific Coast Highway, at the corner of Ocean and San Vicente Blvd, overlooking the Santa Monica Pier.  The architectural design firm Perkins Eastman sought A.Allbright Painting for it's expertise in paint and color consulting.  The owners of this building understood that it's important to not only pick the right colors but also pick the right colors that will be relevant in 15 to 20 years.   If they don't pick the right colors for this premier location, it could be disastrous and costly.  Also, they wanted to be sure that the best paints will be used on this project, so that the paint looks as good as the color is going to last.  With this property being so close to the ocean, it's important to specify the right paints that will hold up to the harsh beach elements.  Not only that, but it's just as important as to which repair and sealant products will be used.  Another good reason to hire an accredited panting contractor, one who keeps up on the ever-changing rules and regulations on new paint products.   

We've been told that we set the standard pretty high when it comes to helping our client's select the right color(s).  We believe it's one of the most important aspects to our painting business.  That is why A.Allbright has developed it's own exclusive colors and color combinations to help our clients navigate the process of selecting colors.  Typically a homeowner or business owner will have a little trepidation about color, and who can blame them, color is a science. Along with the vast amounts of color choices out there, it gets a bit overwhelming.  Typically painting contractors are no different when it comes to paint colors.  They would rather not have to deal with color.  They wish they could just say to their clients, "please just pick a color and tell me where to paint it"   At A.llbright Painting, we encourage our clients to talk about color.  We get excited when color is important because that's another area in which we shine.  -Expect Brilliance! 

We think so.  This document is more than just some written words on a piece of paper.  To us, it's a living document, one that guides our actions, gives meaning to what we do and helps us know that we are doing what is right.  Most of us spend a lot of our time at work and the fact is, time is one of the most important gifts in life and we all want it to be spent well.  We want what we do to be meaningful and useful.  Maybe there are some companies that put out a mission statement to just check off a box of things needed to have a good business, and that's fine if that's all it is, but that's not the case here with A.Allbright Painting.  Our culture, since 1987, has always been one of progress, striving to be the best, and improving the way we do things, whether it be with customer service, employee training or painting, and never being okay with the standard way of doing things.  Since the beginning, we have pushed ourselves to learn the newest painting techniques and tools.  In fact, we have created some of the most innovative tools and techniques, like One Step Estimating and Colorchoice, to help our fellow painting contractors all across the nation. To see some of these tools we've created, go to Allbright Products.

We have divided our mission statement into what we consider the top 4 categories.  

We will seek the betterment of:

1. Our Customers
2. Our Employees
3. Our Community
4. Our Trade

  

 

Our Mission Statement

A. Allbright’s mission is to work for the betterment of:


• Our Customers


• By protecting & enhancing the beauty of their homes & businesses
• By serving their needs with attentiveness & integrity

 

• Our Employees

• By providing continual professional development and a positive, satisfying work environment

 

• Our Community

• By donating our time, skills, energy and resources to invest in our local families and charities

 

• Our Trade

• By serving and mentoring in a way that sets the standard for professionalism, innovation and teamwork

 

Betterment: The act or process of making better; improvement; progress.

 

Everything we do relates to one of the categories in our mission statement and we judge our actions against this.

 

With that said, we will continue to look for ways to even improve our mission statement.  If you have any suggestions, please let us know.  We will listen.   

 

A.Allbright Painting has won first place honors in the American Painting Contractor's Magazine for the interior painting work we completed at the Carlyle building located in Los Angeles, CA.  See More.  Not only was this a nation wide contest but we also received thousands of dollars in prizes like a Graco Ultra Max II 490 sprayer, paint materials from Modern Masters and a wallpaper pasting machine.  Thank you to the judges and sponsors for all the wonderful accolades.  

 

This is the second time our work has been published in this magazine.  Last time was back in 2004 for the exterior painting (using lime wash and instant rust paint products) on a home in the Hollywood Hills, CA.  

Check out the story in the Business section of the newspaper written by Jana Adkins.  Paint It S.M.A.R.T. is our new apprenticeship program which stands for Single Mothers Responsible Teens.   

 

 

We're proud to be the selected commercial painting contractor for The Signal Newspaper building as they prepare for the upcoming Streetscape Dedication Project on April 26th, 2011.  The community is excited to receive this update and the community leaders such as Mayor Marsha McLean, Mayor Pro Tem Laurie Ender, Council members Frank Ferry, Bob Kellar and Laurene Weste have worked hard to make this happen.    

Stay tuned for some updated before and after pictures.  

A.Allbright Painting is grateful for this update to our beautiful city. 

The SCV Signal Newspaper has been a great support of the community and when it comes to our local charity event, they shine brightly there too.  We invite you to read more on what they had to say about our Paint-It-Forward project completed a couple of weeks ago.

Oh, by the way, guess who The Santa Clarita Signal Newspaper hired to paint the outside of their building on Creekside Road?  Yep, you guessed it. :)

 

 by Jud Masters

As an estimator for A. Allbright Painting, I get asked all the time, “Does painting the walls in a room in a dark color make if feel smaller?”  Well, the answer is, “It depends, each person sees and feels things differently.”  How people see and feel things is entirely subjective.  There is no wrong answer, but I would guess that if you were to poll a lot of individuals, most of them would say yes, it would make the room feel smaller.

 At A. Allbright Painting, we are certainly big fans of using color to achieve the desired results of the homeowners or creating a unique color palette in a home.  We are known for our own custom boutique line of colors and for our custom color consulting services.  We are not afraid to go with dark colors in any room.   Having said that, since most people would say a dark color on the walls will make a room feel smaller, we would suggest that if you are going to paint the walls in a dark color, then try to paint the ceiling in the same dark color or half the strength of the wall color.  This will visually provide “lift” in the room and will keep the ceiling from feeling lower, which could make the room feel smaller.   

Here’s how it works.  If you paint the walls in a dark color and leave the ceiling in a light color, like the off white that most homes have, then you have a very clear contrast line at the ceiling and your eye tends to travel up the wall and then stop at that line and it can make you feel like you have a low ceiling.  For some people, this can create a “closed in” feeling, making the room feel smaller to them.  If you paint the ceiling the same color as the walls or even half the strength of the walls, then the contrast line is nonexistent or at least not as noticeable.  Your eye will travel up the wall and continue onto the ceiling without hitting an obvious stopping point.  This should create the visual lift and have the effect of making the room feel taller and not so closed in.   So we say, “go ahead, pick a dark color if you want to!”  Just remember to paint the ceiling in the same color if you are worried about making the room feel smaller.  If you need help with color selection, please feel free to give us a call at 1-800-PAINTING and we would be happy to help you.  We service all of greater Los Angeles from Santa Clarita Valley, Pasadena, Thousand Oaks, San Fernando Valley, Beverly Hills, Hancock Park, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades and many more areas.

We were excited to welcome a 3M representative to our All-Employee meeting last year to help us fit our guys with new respirators. These respirators are particularly important when we are working on lead-safe jobs or anytime we are exposed to potentially harmful material. Consistent exposure to paint and lacquer can get pretty intense. Here is Moises looking like an Allbright astronaut!

Practicing safety is a culture here at A. Allbright that we take very seriously both for the protection of our employees and our customers!

Check out more on our Paint It Forward event - pictures put in a slide show.  Let us know what you think?

It's that time of year again.  Winter is almost over and it's time to think about getting outside to clean up those outdoor patio's and decks.

During the next couple of months we receive calls and questions concerning wood decks and patios.  We're frequently asked what's the best kind of deck stain to use or what brand is the best.   These are difficult questions to answer without knowing something about the condition or history of the surface.

But here are some important considerations for your wood deck:

1. Understand the Substrate- If it is wood, what species is it? 

2. Select a waterborne stain that penetrates the wood.

3. Washing and cleaning the wood are acceptable, but sanding may be worth the time if it can be practically accomplished.

4. Use less stain material and apply by brush to allow the material to soak or work into the wood.

5. Maintenance pays off- How long the material last will depend on many factors, but it starts with just keeping the deck clean.

Here's to enjoying your outdoor deck this spring!

Tomorrow morning I fly to Florida to receive one of the highest national awards a painting company can receive.  I'm so proud of our team for their hard work and dedication to being some of the best craftsmen in the industry.   We had won this award once before back in 2009 for a residential faux-finishing painting project we completed in Santa Clarita Valley.  To see more on that click here.  

On February 28th, 2011 the PDCA (Painting and Decorating Contractors of America) will announce to the painting contractors around the country who won the PDCA's Picture It Painted Professionally Award . This award is voted on by a panel of industry judges and is only given out once a year.  Stay tuned... because I can't announce the project just yet but check back on March 1st, 2011 to see the pictures of the project that won the coveted award.  

 

Expect "Extra" Brilliance! 

We take our painting profession seriously.  Especially when we focus on areas that can benefit everyone. Last week, we held a training session at our facility where we put together a focus group panel which consisted of our crew leaders, sales team and office manger, we even included our Sales Manager Jason Moorhouse by Skype in Utah.  Moe, our resource manager lead the discussion.  We did a case study on one large project we were completing in Hancock Park.  The crew leader on this particular project overcame several issues like, lead safe practices, 30 color paint samples from a specialty Farrow & Ball paint store, other trades working in the same area, etc…  He and his crew didn't allow these challenges become excuses but rather he and his crew were able to bring this project in on-time and on-budget and more importantly receive high praise from the client and his fellow co-workers.

 

That’s why the “A.Allbright Painting Experience” is so different from the rest.  It has to do with our training for continual improvement and consistency.   

 

Expect "Extra" Brilliance! 

This week we were asked to paint a portion of the new west campus of Crossroads Community Church where they have expanded their children's ministry because of the good growth they are having.  Late yesterday, I received these before and after pictures from my Crew Leader Mario informing that he gave the church what we call a "+1" A.Allbright Experience.  It's part of our customer service culture here at A.Allbright Painting where we look for areas or ways to do things for our clients that goes above and beyond their expectation.  Mario found this water stained ceiling tile in a back corner of the campus and just cleaned it up by spot priming and painting it without being asked.  He knew it would be appreciated by them and maybe even a higher authority.  

     

We recently spent some time talking about paint brushes. I was surprised by the interest we shared in our conference room while discussing the production rates and application benefits and drawbacks of the paint brushes on the market today.  I guess I shouldn't have been surprised, Painters spend literally years of their lifes with a brush in one hand.  And I know I've held a brush longer than another tool.  I'm very particular about the type and style of the brush I use, but it's not just one brush I perfer over another.  Every project will have a bristle, farell and style with benefits necessary for transfer, efficiency and quality. 

If you need help selecting the right brush consider the following:

Chisle- end taper of the bristles

Ferrule- the part of the brush that holds the hairs onto the handle.  Most often made of metal.

Taper- the direction of the filaments toward the toe of the brush.

Filament- the bristle.

Size- width of the brush

Flagging- End of the bristle

Solvent Retention- does the brush retain water or solvent while soaking in material.

A professional painter will need more than a dozen brushes to install the variety of products on the market today.

Want to talk about what brush is right for your project? 

 

Jason Moorhouse

 

Yesterday we had a prospective client call us to ask if we were familiar with wall tiles and whether or not we could install them in her home. She had asked other painting contractors but they didn't seem to know what she was referring to. But we do! We have worked with many designers over the years whose creative inspiration has exposed us to hundreds of new design techniques.

 This particular look is created using several sculpted 3-dimensional tiles that are adhered to the wall using a tacky wall adhesive. The tiles are then caulked to fill the cracks (a good painter will be able to smooth out the caulking very well to make it look like one large adhesive piece). Then the whole piece is primed and painted to finish the look....great for a focal point in the living room, backboard in the bedroom or anywhere you might want to break up a large wall.

Someone just asked me this morning if we have floor coatings for garage floors.  I was almost stupefied by the question.  Of course we have coatings and solutions for garage floors, I thought. How is it they don't know we can paint their garage floor?  But in all fairness it's been a while since we discussed the solutions available for garage floors and industrial areas. There are many products available for floor coating, but we only recommend and install a few systems.  Cost, condition of the concrete, durability, traffic and final look play an important role in the right floor coating system for you. Selecting the right system for the conditions of the space should be assessed by a professional. Jason Moorhouse

In case you missed it, we were very proud to come across this article on The Signal's website about our recent Paint it Forward campaign. Thanks to all the local media who helped get the word out this year. We'll be giving away more painting services next year to our neighbors who need it most.

This weekend and next, our crews are repairing damaged drywall, cleaning and painting the walls, safety bollards and guard rails of the Cardinal Health facility located in Valencia, CA.  They have over 100,000 square foot factory.  I was impressed with their operations and facilities managers and how strongly they felt that it was important to have a nice and clean workplace for the employees.  How that makes them like coming to work.  Some employers don't care about what the back half of the building looks like (only the front offices) but not at Cardinal Health.  They take pride in their employees and work environment.  It's a pleasure to work for them too.   

 

http://www.cardinal.com/

Check out the very nice article written by Michelle Sathe for The Signal Newspaper on our 6th annual Paint-It-Forward Charity Event.  This year we selected Keri Ross.  You can read more about her story here. http://www.the-signal.com/section/37/article/38407/  Thank you for all the support. 

 

As an estimator for Allbright Painting, I get asked all the time by homeowners whoare in the process of remodeling, “What should I do first, the floors or the painting?”  A lot of homeowners think that they should do the floors after the painting because they don’t want the painters to spill on their brand new floors or carpeting.  I can certainly understand their concern, but if you hire a professional painting company, you shouldn’t have that concern.  The answer to the question is,“do the floors first!”  And here’s why:

Removing and replacing flooring or carpeting is dirty work.  If you paint first, and then do floors, there is a good chance that a lot of dirt, dust, sawdust or tile/stone dust will end up on your freshly painted walls and trim.

·     There is a possibility that the walls or trim may be damaged by the installation of the flooring.  Scuffs, dings and nicks sometimes happen, then the surface has to be touched up by the painters. If there are a lot of touch ups, then there may be additional costs involved in have the painting contractor make a return trip.

·     Are you replacing the baseboard trim with the new floor?  Many times when putting in new hardwood floors or stone and tile floors, the baseboards need to be removed and then replaced with new baseboards that sit on top of the new floor.  The baseboards need to have the joints caulked and the nail holes filled and then they need to be painted.  If you paint the walls before the floors go in, then put the floors and baseboards in, you will need to have the painters make a return trip just to paint the baseboards.  A return trip is less efficient and could end up costing you more money since a painting contractor has to send a crew back out, move furniture, re-mask everything and then paint the baseboards.  If the painting is done after the flooring,then the baseboards can be prepped and painted with everything else saving time and money.

·     A good, professional painting company is used to having to do extensive masking to protect surfaces, including new finished floors.  If done properly, you should have no concerns about paint spills or damage to your new floor.  At A. Allbright Painting, we have done painting work over all types of flooring from brand new, extremely expensive marble floors to 90 year old hardwood floors original to some of the older homes in Los Angeles area like Hancock Park. We even have a system of covering a floor where no taping is ever done to the floor surface since it may damage the different sealers on stone or wood floors.  It’s literally a “floating” masking system that protects the floor without having to tape to it.

 

Bottom line, painting is a “finish trade” and should be one of the last things you do in your remodeling project.  As long as you hire the right company that knows how to protect properly, do those floors first!

 

By Jud Masters 

 We are so excited! Just yesterday, we received a call that our consistently high level of customer service has earned us the prestigious 2010 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the companies rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies. “Our Super Service Award winners are the cream of the crop when it comes to providing consistently high quality customer service, as judged by the customers who hired them,” said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List. Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their customers and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

We are so proud of our team here at A. Allbright for their commitment. We are always looking to make our client's "Allbright Experience" even better and this award certainly recognizes that! We are also so grateful to our loyal customers who are so supportive of the work we do. Thank you!

If you haven't already heard the hottest European name in paint, then let us be the one to share it with you! We are working on a job in Hancock Park for a family who was very intrigued by the richness of Farrow & Ball, a paint and wallpaper company out of the United Kingdom. When their designer cracked open a few sample pots while we were assessing the job, it was clear that the depth of the color is unmatched by other less expensive paint brands. Farrow & Ball uses actual pigment to color their paint and all-natural ingredients which eliminates VOCs naturally and leaves a superior look that the discriminating client won't deny. But beware! Although there is no denying the natural beauty of Farrow & Ball, it will set you back over $100 per gallon!

 Images by Farrow & Ball and apartmenttherapy.com

A. Allbright Painting has reviewed all the votes from our clients, friends and employees for the 2010 "Paint it Forward" charity giveaway, and we now are ready to announce this year's winner.

As in previous years, the final decision was not an easy one to make. I must say that your votes made it a very close race.

Learn more about this year's winner, watch our video below:

 

This week we were asked by CB Richard Ellis Commercial Property Management Company to paint this fire hose box.  First we had to clean the surface and remove the rust scale.  Apply a primer that incapsulates the rust then paint the metal using water / oil emulsion that dries to a very hard enamel for years of lasting protection. 

Another great use for our Paint-For-A-Day program.  This program includes materials and labor to have a professional painter come to your house or building and spend 8 hours on the projects of your choice.   

Do you have small painting projects that you need done?  Repainting faded walls?  Updating trim colors?  Repairing scuffed baseboards or doors?  A. Allbright’s Paint-For-A-Day™ is the perfect solution.  Hire a trained, certified, fully-insured house painter at a daily rate to complete those little projects that restore and extend the beauty of your home.

A. Allbright’s Paint-For-A-Day™ includes:

•  A professionally trained Allbright Paint Technician
•  A fully-equipped Allbright Painting vehicle with all necessary paint, tools and supplies
•  8 hours of efficient, high-quality labor on the projects of your choice

Our Professional Painter Can:

 

  If a friend or family member asks, "do you know a good local painting contractor?" Tell them what Google says "A.Allbright's #1"

As the holiday season approaches, we are introduced with color everywhere.  Wrapping paper, garland, Christmas lights, wreaths, greeting cards and much more are full of color. The one color that really stands out above them all during the holiday season is the color red. Red is full of life and is the perfect color to put just about anywhere around your home, including your walls. Lets take a moment to explore the benefits of this holiday color and how it can benefit you this season.

Red is a color that triggers attention and a reaction more than any other color. It is the most recognized color by the human eye. For this reason, advertising companies use red to grab your attention! During the holidays, redsare used because it stirs our emotions towards "tidings of goodcheer." Everyone seems to love seeing red. Because red is the color of choice this time of year, the use of it in your home decor will add the finishing touches before your guest arrive.

Typically reds are used as accents, not the primary decorating color. When installing garland around your home, use deep and warm red bows to your garland to draw the eye to your display. Purchase red and white candles to accent your coffee table or fireplace mantel. Also, the use of miniature apples, cranberries and other red accent decor can be used for center pieces and to give your entry wreath just the right amount of color.

Finally, when it comes to paint, you cannot go wrong painting your dining rooma shade of red. Deep reds, red wine, pomegranate or candy apple reds look fabulous with crown moulding, chair rail and large baseboards. Red dining rooms invite your guest to stay awhile and have good conversations. It adds a feeling of warmth and comfort, which is perfect for the Christmas season.

The color red can also be used for a negative reaction, so always be careful when using too much red. If you just are unclear about how to effectively usethis amazing color, ask A Allbright Painting. Their professional colorist willhelp you add the perfect amount to your home.

 

Give us a call ifyou are considering making any changes to your home interior.  We'd love to share more ideas withyou!  Or for morepictures of this project, go to our fan page at www.facebook.com/ALLBRIGHTPAINTING.

Studies have shown that over 40% of consumers put off painting their homes or businesses because they are concerned and confused with choosing the right color(s). There has always been a disconnect with the way color is presented in overwhelming choices.  How do you choose the right color while staring at a wall of full of little 2 inch square color chips?  Do you wish their was professional help (that didn't cost money) to guide you through the color decision process? Did you know that A.Allbright Painting has developed a highly sought-after system that personalizes color and renders perfect results. No more confusion, anxiety or compromise! A free service from the most trusted name in painting and color... A.Allbright -Expect Brilliance

A.Allbright Painting has been asked once again to work their magic to turn these painted front doors into deep, rich, wood stained doors.  This beautiful home is located on a very famous street in well-known area - Rodeo Dr. in Beverly Hills, CA 90210.  We knew we had to make it look perfect.  After several samples, the client liked what our Brazilian faux artist Carla had created.  That's why we call it our Brazilian Wood look.  We start off with prepping, priming and painting the doors base coat in a ochre color and then apply several layers of tinted glaze using brushes and wood graining tools.  Once we get the clients approval, we apply several more coats of protective clear coat finish to give it a nice luster.      

Most people think of us as a residential house painting company.  Well that's true, we do do that, but we also paint a lot of commercial buildings as well.  Check out this project we completed in '08.  It is the gateway to Beverly Hills and serves as a marker for all who enter this popular city.  This beautiful, iconic, 12-story building is located at 9777 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA.  It's home to some of the most well-known entertainment clientele as well as some of the areas most respected attorneys.  Our prep work and painting was mostly done at night under high-powered lights to illuminate our work spaces.  You can image how hard it is to light up the night sky 12 stories up.  The reason we did the work at night was so that the the occupants of the building would not be inconvenienced and the traffic through that section of town would not be impacted.  You can count on A.Allbright Painting to always make it easy.    

The employees of A.Allbright Painting, inc. (www.aallbright.com) are experienced in all phases of painting and waterproofing including brush, roll, and various spray techniques. We are experienced and familiar with 100% acrylic, oil-base, elastomeric, urethanes, lacquers, waterproofing and roof coatings.  We have experience with the use of swing stages, scissor lifts and 30 to 150 foot man lifts.

We are continual students of the trade and hold a current accreditation certificate at the National level with the Paint and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) (www.pdca.org) in various painting techniques.

 

I came across this home that was featured in a magazine that I was reading on my iPad (one of Apples' greatest little gadgets).  I was so impressed with the design of this house that I had to share it you. I was surprised to find that it was designed by a local Los Angeles architectural firm and the home is located in Hollywood Hills, CA - right in our neighborhood! I love the way they designed this home to take advantage of our beautiful California weather by blurring the lines between inside and outside environments. The panoramic views of LA are spectacular and so inviting.  The home was designed for an famous fashion designer.  I even like that they kept the wall paint colors to a minimum. :) 

 

For more on this project and the Xten firm go to http://www.xtenarchitecture.com

 

If finances, time restraints or just the motivation to "do it yourself" sends you to the paint store for paint and supplies, here are some tips to help you create beautiful walls.

First, clear out the room as much as possible. The more room to work, the better. Cover any leftover furniture so that paint drops don't leave a new, undesired effect on your furniture. Next, carefully examine your walls and look for cracks, holes and dents. Use painter's putty or a lightweight spackle for minor patch work and carefully cover these indentations. Allow the spackle sufficient time to dry. Once dry, carefully sand the walls and reinspect for any leftover marks on the wall.  If the holes you patched are larger than the size of a nail hole, a little primer over the patch is a good idea. One step that is almost always forgotten by the homeowner is to carefully wash the walls with a mild cleaner to remove the dust and stains. This is not always necessary but is a good suggestion if the walls have not been painted in quite a while. 

Finally, if you are going to tape, use the painter's blue tape* because it is easier to remove. For extra delicate surfaces, like cabinets, murals or faux finishes, invest in the 3M orange-core blue tape. If using tape, make sure to remove the tape soon after painting because once it dries, it could create peeling when lifting tape from dry paint. Most professionals recommend "cutting" in the paint where the wall meets the ceiling or wood trim instead of using tape.

Once you have followed the above tips, you are ready to create your masterpiece. Use clean rollers and brushes and always have soap and water near to remove unwanted paint from carpet or surfaces. One final word of advice, if you live in the Los Angeles area and need extra assistance, you should check out A. Allbright's Painting Parties.   

One big challenge for parents when choosing a theme for a child's bedroom is how to pick a theme that is appropriate for many years and not just for the baby or toddler years. Room décor companies, painting manufacturers and furniture/accessory stores have made it easy to use winning color combinations and to be able to easily change the theme and feel of a room.

To begin, choose color combinations that will work for a young or older child. If you are having difficulty deciding on colors, choose a piece of artwork, wall border or even favorite stuffed animals as the focal point. Most colors can be easily matched at the home improvement or paint store.  Look for subtle and bold colors in the artwork or border that will complement each other well.  For example, a light frosty mint green and deep grape purple sound odd together, but are quite stunning when set next to each other. Paint the green on top and purple on the bottom and do a "Tinkerbell" or butterfly wall border. For an older girl, use chair railing and crown molding for a formal effect. Planning ahead can mean an easy transition from the wall border to the chair railing when your daughter has grown up a little.

Wallpeel-off stickers have made a parent's job so easy.  They are easy to apply and easy to remove. A large "Tinkerbell" can be peeled off and replaced with polka dots as your daughter grows! The color combinations are endless and can help to create that magical room for your daughter!

           

 

This beautiful home is located in the quite neighborhood of Northbridge, Valencia.  The community has an HOA that governs what colors are acceptable to paint on the exterior.  I just received this unsolicited email from the client and it's particularly special because Miguel just moved up into a lead painter position after much hard work and lots of training hours. This is the second email I have received on Miguel and his work in the last two weeks.  He is our new superstar.  

 ____________

Hi Josh,
Just wanted to thank you again for taking care of the front door.  Miguel re-painted it on Tuesday and I really like the new color.  Very very happy with the way it turned out.

You and your staff/crew have been so great since day one!  Thanks for everything.

Sincerely,
Nicole

Below is an recent article written by the Circle of Hope foundation about A. Allbright's Paint it Pink campaign that took place earlier in 2010.

_____________ 

Paint It Pink

Twenty-two years ago, as a young man with an entrepreneurial spirit, Josh Abramson established his company A.Allbright Painting. Over the years his company grew, and so did his commitment to playing an active role in Santa Clarita.

Seven years ago when his beloved grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer, this disease came into the forefront of his life. At 84 years old, she was the matriarch of his family, and he couldn't imagine life without her. Gratefully,Grandma Millie is now 91 years old and cancer free, but the experience prompted in Josh a need to help the community. "So many people are affected by breast cancer," says Josh. "I knew there was something we could do."

Josh wanted to use his business to make a difference in Santa Clarita. He contacted Jackie MacDougall from SCVmomsblog.com about his idea, the "Paint it Pink"campaign, and she supported his venture by participating in a promotional video and posting online discussion groups. She also suggested donating to Circle ofHope, and Josh was impressed that the nonprofit assists breast cancer patients living, working, or receiving treatment in Santa Clarita. "It was a perfect match for us," says Josh. "Circle of Hope is exactly what I was looking for."

The "Paint it Pink" campaign ran from February through April, 2010, and for every exterior or interior painting job scheduled, A.Allbright Painting donated 5% (up to $500) to Circle of Hope in honor or in memory of an individual of the client's choice. It was very successful, and Josh presented COH founder Colleen Shaffer a check for $2,000 at a ceremony held in his office. Colleen comments, "We are so grateful for this company's generous efforts to help Circleof Hope's clients."

When asked why he embarked upon this project, Josh said that he is committed to doing the right thing. "I truly care about Santa Clarita Valley residents, and I look for ways that I can support the community. I believe that all businesses, whether large or small, can contribute their talents to a worthy cause. Once you do, it's so rewarding that your efforts have made a difference in the lives of local community members. It benefits all of us. "

Circle of Hope thanks Josh for his passion and generosity. He is an inspiration to businesses throughout the community. Josh says, "We're hoping to expand the campaign next year and make it an annual event." For more information visit www.aallbright.com.

 

 

Almost done painting this beautiful home on Rodeo Dr. in Beverly Hills, CA. We are spending a lot of extra time on the prep work because the old paint was in such bad shape.  Some of the paint on the old windows had to be completely stripped off.  Where the paint is in good shape and sound, we are using a special advance technology primer and finish coating it with Benjamin Moore's Aura Paint.  Our colorist, Philippa Radon has created a nice color balance for our client.  The colors are subtle and soft which really accentuates the dramatic architectural details of this home. 

The clients are some of the nicest people we have worked for. Here is an excerpt from an email I just received from them, "…both my wife and I think very highly of you and your work. Your guys at the job are very polite and professional, and your work is impeccable. It is clear to us that you are not there to cut corners and get out quickly. You take pride in your work and it shows. I was talking to my wife tonight about all the subcontractors that have worked on this job (and there are quite a few), and we both agreed that you are at the top of the list."

Stay tuned… to see what we do to the front door and what we do to all the precast columns for the final A.Allbright touch! 

"Where's Allbright?" Contest
We decided it was time to have a little fun during the month of August. I'm sure most of you have grown up with a "Where's Waldo?" puzzle or book in your home. We thought August would be fun to do something a little similar with our vehicles. One of the things we hear a lot from our clients is that they saw us working in their neighborhood.  We love to hear that and it seems everyone gets a kick out of telling us.  So let's have some fun with it!

How It Works:
Currently, A. Allbright has several Ford Vans, 1 Toyota Prius, 1 Trailer and 1 Toyota Scion driving around the Santa Clarita Valley and Los Angeles areas. It is your job to discover a citing of any one of our vehicles during the month of August.
 
 

1. Become a fan of Allbright on Facebook and be automatically entered to win
2. Search: Look for an Allbright vehicle and snap a picture
3. Post the picture on our Facebook  <http://www.facebook.com/allbrightpainting> Fanpage  
   

Points

• Become a fan = 1 Point*
• Post a picture of an Allbright Van on our FB fan page = 1 Point  
• Post a picture of a Prius or Scion = 3 Points
• Refer a friend and let us know that they've joined = 5 points
  

*Each Point = 1 Name Entered into Drawing
 
Tell your friends to join in the FUN and they too will be automatically entered to win our August Facebook Drawing - A day at the spa, Glen Ivy! A $100 value.

 
Sincerely,
Joshua Abramson
President

Painting can be a messy endeavor. Clothes, carpet and paint equipment can all become soiled with paint drops and dust. Often, when completing a "do it yourself" project, the homeowner may neglect the final stage...properly cleaning the equipment. However, the professionals at A.Allbright provide an ordered, clean experience for the homeowner, carefully preparing the work surfaces before painting and returning all rooms to their"pre-paint," clean appearance after the work is complete.

If you are completing a "do it yourself" project, it is important to thoroughly clean all brushes, buckets, and rollers when you have finished with a particular color. If oil-base paint was used, clean equipment with paint thinner. Soak first and then clean with the paint thinner. Make sure you dispose of the paint thinner properly (recycling centers). Rinse with water to get rid of the chemical smell. For water-based paints, clean with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly. Once everything is dry, store supplies in a cool dry cabinet or move to your next color. It is wise to use drop cloths and to clean up paint drops or spills immediately as they occur. Removing paint from your clothing can be a difficult task, so use clothing you don't mind getting paint on at times.

Before touching up the paint or scraping paint from windows, allow the paint to dry thoroughly. Overnight is best and then carefully tend to the surfaces. Painters tape should be removed before paint is dry to avoid pulling the paint off the wall.

Using these tips will make your paint experience more enjoyable. If you would rather avoid the mess, preparation and clean up, call the experts at A. Allbright Painting. 

If you need help, try A. Allbright's Painting Party! 

We really like to help our clients pick the perfect colors for their home or working environments.  We know that we've succeeded when they first see the finished product and we hear that long soft exhale - you know the sound.  The one you make when you arrive at paradise! 

My good friends at Dunn Edwards Paint Company have put together a very good guide for homeowners to assist them in selecting the correct sheen or gloss level for their home.  Here is an example from that guide: The gloss level specified for a paint project can have a significant impact on both appearance and serviceablity.  For example, increasing gloss improves resistance properties of paints (scrub resistance, stain resistance, moisture resistance,etc.).  However, higher gloss levels tend to highlight defects and imperfections on a surface.  The gloss level also affects color perception.  The same color with a different gloss will appear as a different color.  A color in a higher gloss level will appear brighter and richer than the same color in a lower gloss level.  This difference becomes even more pronounced when the comparison is made between a high gloss paint and a flat paint.  If you need further assistance, please consult a professional.

Light has a dramatic effect on color.  Have you ever gone to the paint store and picked a color that you thought would be perfect for your home and found out it didn't look right when you got home?  Or even worse, painted the room and loved the color during the day only to hate it at night?  This picture clearly shows us how color changes in different lighting, even from hour to hour.  Notice the dramatic color shifts from morning to dusk.  This is the number one reason why most of our clients are usually concerned about picking the right color.  We love to help with color.  It does take an expert who has studied color to skillfully navigate through the different light sources and reflections and how it changes color. 

Summer days have grown long and hot, and whether you are lounging around thepool deck or using the deck for a summer cookout, proper care and maintenance of thedeck will keep it in pristine condition for years to come. And, just because the wood looksdingy, you do not have to invest in a new deck. Proper cleaning, some basic maintenanceand some fresh stain may restore the luster of your outdoor haven.

Unfortunately, the ravages of nature will wear down the new shiny surfaces of your wood deck and it may even begin to look gray or black in color. Properly inspecting and cleaning the deck on a regular basis is a must for the life of the deck. As you begin your inspection, first look for dry rot, which is a fungus that forms in moist wood, generally those areas shaded from sunlight. If left untreated, it will spread and could destroy entire timbers, causing some structural failure. Be diligent in your search, looking between timbers, and where the timbers and boards meet. Using a screwdriver, jab lightly at the wood. If there is little resistance to your efforts, or if the wood feels like cardboard, there may be some dry rot. If there are badly damaged boards or timbers, these should be replaced. However, if damage is minimal, slightly chipping the damaged wood and applying a fungicide may solve your problem.

Once the initial inspection of the deck is complete, the deck surface should be properly cleaned. Many are tempted to pull out the power washer, but you must use caution if using a power washer, as the power can damage the soft fibers of the wood.  Instead, use a wood cleaner that will soak into the wood, cleaning away the algae, mildew and dirt. Scrubbing the surface thoroughly and spraying the surface with a garden hosewill remove most of the ugly dirt that has built up. Once the deck has dried, a deck sealer or stain can be applied. This should be applied only to a deck that is not already sealed or stained and should be done on a clear day when there is no rain. The best choices for sealants are "pigmented" sealants as the pigments absorb UV rays and diminish the discoloration so often seen on wood decks.

A beautiful deck can be enjoyed most of the year, but should be properly maintained. The professionals at A.Allbright Painting have the expertise to inspect, repair, clean and stain your deck, which will certainly extend the life of the deck and add to the enjoyment of your outdoor haven.

(Power Wash note: A. Allbright Painting is trained in how to use a power-washer to clean a deck, which is the best way for a thorough cleaning.) 

A. Allbright Painting, located in Valencia CA recently received 3 amazing testimonials from happy clients. We are thrilled that our clients would take the time to talk about their experience with A. Allbright. 

We've included these testimonials on our Facebook Fan page and hope you'll take a moment to check them out. Thanks for visiting.

View our Facebook Video Page. 

Here is another testimonial from a client who called me for an estimate to paint their new home. They had just purchased in the Old Orchard Village area of Santa Clarita, CA. Upon seeing the empty home and the work that he and his wife wanted to accomplish and knowing they were on a tight budget, I suggested they might want to consider our Painting Party option.  We had developed this service for exactly their type of needs.  Newly weds and new homeowners who want to paint their home on a budget yet get all the professional supervision, advice and tools to help them and their friends through the process.  Paul and Jessica are on a tight budget.  She is a school teacher and Paul is the worship leader at Crossroads Community Church.  Paul wrote to me after his experience and said, "The painting party went amazingly well! We painted three full rooms, each with an accent wall, and one additional accent wall in one day with only three people. Hector, your supervisor was so helpful and courteous, and he is a whiz on the corners and lines. The setup/cleanup was pretty quick and easy, and the rooms look great now; so glad we did it." 

Wallpaper trends of the 80's and 90's have changed in the 21st century. Stripes and flowers are no longer in great demand and customers buying used homes or updating older homes are left with the dilemma of aging wallpaper and whether to remove it or paint over it! While there are pros and cons to both sides of the issue, many experts agree that removing the wallpaper is the better choice. However, walls with layers of wallpaper, or walls that have "painted over" paper, should contact the experts at A. Allbright Painting.

While not recommended, it is possible to paint over wallpaper, but there are several things to consider before painting. The seams should be covered with a coat of wallboard compound to hide them. Next, an oil-based primer may be needed to seal the paper, as latex paint could soften the paste on the wallpaper, which would cause it to bubble. In addition, the wallpapers sometimes have a slight texture that would be more noticeable when painted. Finally, if you paint over wallpaper and then decide to remove it later, the process could be more tedious as the paper may become stiffer over time. If you are not sure what needs to be done, talk to us.

Removing the wallpaper before painting may be time consuming and messy, but starting with fresh walls will create a finish that may not be possible with wallpaper underneath. Removing the wallpaper without damaging the walls is a slow, painstaking process and should be approached with great patience. There are several options available. While steamers were once popular to remove wallpaper, many professionals prefer concentrated remover solutions that are mixed with water. The solutions dissolve the adhesive backing, making it easier to peel. Before beginning, remove outlet/light switch covers and gather necessary tools (scoring tool, sprayers and 6-inch broad knives for lifting corners of the paper). Mix the solution with hot water and begin by testing a small section of the paper. Work carefully, in small sections and do not force the paper off. If it will not come off easily, spray the solution on the area and allow it to soak into the wallpaper. Once the paper is removed, wash the wall with warm water and allow to dry. Repair the walls and sand before painting.

If the process seems daunting, the professional painters at A. Allbright are available to examine your walls and recommend the best procedures for each situation.

A funny thing often happens when we consider how to decorate our homes. Even with the modern technology available, and the sophisticated equipment now used by professional contractors and painters, we often desire an "old" look in our homes when decorating and painting. In addition, "distressing" wood furnishings and shopping for antique furniture are popular pastimes. In the 1700 and 1800's, modern painting materials were not available and the finish on the walls often appeared uneven. The old paint or finish would "peek" through the new finish. Homeowners today often desire decorating styles that give the walls and furniture an "old" look and the southwestern styles are desirable to homeowners and decorators, alike. Professional painters and homeowners are using techniques such as color washing and faux painting to create these old world styles.

The popular colors for a "southwest" look include earthy tones like terra cotta, chocolate, beige, turquoise, yellows, oranges, pinks and blendings of some of these colors. Colors are very important in the Mexican and Central American cultures. Many Mayan and Aztec buildings are painted with bright colors like red, yellow and orange and while these choices may sometimes be too bold for the average homeowner, some of these colors can be muted. Also, consider applying one of these bright colors in an accent capacity. Regardless of the color or desired effect, the experts at A. Allbright are able to use various mediums to create an old world adobe style look. Often, paper or plastic bags are crumbled and used to apply paint. In addition, terry cloth, whiskbrooms and other items can be used to create various textured effects.

To create these southwestern style rooms, a lighter color base coat is often applied followed by a darker, richer color or glaze coat. The darker accent wall stands out beautifully as the lighter color shows through. However, for a different effect, the darker color can be applied as the base coat and the lighter color applied over that. Either way, the effect is an antiqued, uneven look, one that our ancestors excelled at unintentionally.

As with any freshly painted room, the décor should complement the walls. A cactus in a terra cotta pot, or hand painted terra cotta tiles complement the earthy tones of the wall. In addition, authentic masks and hand woven rugs could serve as focal points in any room. So, if a trip south-of-the-border is out of the question, consider a home makeover that will feel like a vacation all year long. Talk to the professional painters at A. Allbright for color ideas to enhance your southwestern theme.

Room makeovers have become a popular option for homeowners. "How to" decorating shows are receiving high ratings and hardware stores are seeing greater traffic in the paint and wallpaper departments. Homeowners spend hours choosing just the right colors and designing the perfect room. But after the professional painters at A. Allbright have completed their work and have moved the last piece of furniture back into place, the homeowner's job is just beginning. In order for those walls to stay in their perfect, pristine state, you must be vigilant in taking care of them. Several easy steps will guarantee their fresh look for years to come.

The first step should actually already be done. When selecting paint, carefully consider the type of paint for the room (high-traffic room vs. low-traffic room). Gloss and semi-gloss are easier to clean, but matte and satin finishes are often preferred in bedrooms and living spaces. A. Allbright Painting can help you choose the right paint for the room. The second step is to try to prevent marks and dirt from staining the walls. Chair railing, wainscoting and baseboards can all help to hide marks or prevent future marks. When hanging artwork, affix a small piece of rolled painters tape to the back of the frame. It will keep the frame from shifting and creating scratch marks. Third, keep touch up paint on hand. Mark the paint can well and place in a cool dry environment. Also, keep small, clean paint brushes on hand so they are available when needed. Remember that over time, paint color can change slightly and the touch up might be slightly different than the original color. To minimize the color difference, slightly dab a minimal amount of paint onto the wall (an artist brush works great too). The fourth step involves learning how to carefully wash those beautiful walls! Use some warm water with a sponge and gently wipe over the walls, rinsing well. Start at the bottom of the walls, and thoroughly wring out the cloth. Water running down walls can create marks, so carefully wash and dry the walls. For tough marks, use a small amount of baking soda, but rub gently over the stain. Most marks will disappear with a little cleaning and the walls will have a fresh look! And finally, remember that starting with premium paint on your walls will give you a better value for your money. Premium paint allows for easier cleaning and better touch up! Keeping your walls clean and mark free will create a beautiful backdrop to that beautiful room!

If touching up your walls does not work or you feel it is time for a paint job, A Allbright has a special program called a "Painter For a Day" in which they send a professional Allbright painter to your home for up to 8 hours. Our efficient painter can get quite a bit done in 1 day. So keep this program in mind. To learn more, visit our Painter For a Day page. 

A. Allbright Painting, Inc. recently completed a makeover that included several wall murals at Santa Clarita Elementary School, home of the Bulldogs! Santa Clarita is the oldest of the sixteen elementary schools in the Saugus Union School District in Santa Clarita, California. The school opened its doors in 1960 and will celebrate 50 years of educating children next school year. Before the celebrations begin, A.Allbright Painting completed some much-needed repair and provided a beautiful face-lift to the multi-purpose/auditorium room.

A portion of the funds raised for this project came directly from the sixth grade students themselves. The students raised the money by doing bake sales at the school awards presentations and other school events. They also held car washes, sold coupon books, sold See's candy for Easter and sold food at the school carnival last year.  The remaining portion was donated by A.Allbright Painting, Inc. and after seeing the hard work and dedication by the students in their fundraising efforts, A.Allbright is excited to be able to complete this project for the school.

                  The project began with some basic wall repair and preparation, and included a basecoat in a similar shade to the existing color. Once dry, the wall mural preparation began. The “Pillars of Character” were sketched onto the freshly painted walls. These Roman-looking pillars each display a character word painted down the center. Words like “responsibility,” “caring” and “respect” now shine brightly. In addition, because “Bulldog pride” is important to every student and staff member, the Bulldog mascot, school name and the Magic Mountain Tower were also sketched and masterfully painted by the A.Allbright staff. The mural itself was painted in a “watercolor” fashion to provide a light, pastel look. 

                  The entire project was completed during spring break and the 550 students and 75 faculty members at Santa Clarita will be delighted at the beautiful artwork that awaits them upon their return. All this wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for Kathy Kipfstuhl the Chairperson for the Legacy Gift Committee and her team, Lisa Barton and Carolina Hernandez.  Kathy was very instrumental in making sure that the outgoing class of 2010 students were able to see the fruits of their hard work payoff.  Thank you Kathy for your dedication to these students and the education process of Santa Clarita Valley.

Once the A. Allbright painters have completed your paint project, they will undoubtedly leave some excess paint behind. Most home and business owners are often in a quandary as to how to store fresh paint and how to dispose of old paint that is no longer useable.

The life of fresh paint can be extended with several good storage practices. First, paint should be stored in a dry location where temperatures are above freezing. A garage may seem like a logical choice, but if the temperature fluctuates greatly throughout the year, an interior room would be a better option. A second suggestion is to avoid storing paint cans directly on cement floors as the bottom of the can will rust faster on cement than other surfaces. Placing cans in a cabinet or on a wooden slab would protect the can and thus, extend the paint life. Third, once the painting project is complete, the rim of the can should be cleaned thoroughly before the lid is placed onto the can. Once the lid is firmly secured, store the paint can upside down to prevent air from entering the container. When you are ready to use the paint again, mix it thoroughly and test to see if it can be spread smoothly.

Many homeowners have an average of three gallons of paint stored in their homes. Most of the paint is old and unusable. Before the paint becomes unusable, homeowners should consider several options. First, excess paint can be used to paint a closet, garage, basement or some other out-of-the-way spot that could use a coat of paint. Or consider offering it to a neighbor or a newly married couple who may be able to paint a bathroom or other small room. Local theatre groups, churches, missions, community centers and other non-profit groups also accept donations of paint. If your paint has become old and is no longer useable, contact your local solid waste management district to properly dispose of the paint. Do not dispose of your paint through regular trash or recycling collections. For further information, contact the professionals at A. Allbright Painting.

Spring is in the air and the homeowner's thoughts often turn to cleaning, fixing, repairing and updating. This is always an excellent time of the year to consider repainting, and to add a special shimmer in any room, metallic paint could be the right choice. Today's metallic paints are available from various manufacturers and offer a durability while creating beautiful, shiny finishes. Metallic paint offers a shimmer and softness to the normally dull, flat wall surfaces, and with the right kind of lighting, the walls appear to have a translucent glow.

The application of the metallic paint can be tricky and the professional painters at A. Allbright should be contacted in order to guarantee the best coverage. Metallic paints are semi-translucent paints and do not cover the walls the same as other latex and oil-base paint products. There is a lack of "opacity," (degree of transparency) in the metallic paints, which allows the metal flakes and pearl articles in the paint to be visible, but this can cause uneven coverage if not applied correctly. Some paint manufacturers even recommend special equipment and rollers in order to help the novice painter in their home makeover.

Before beginning the paint application, the A. Allbright painters will inspect the walls for defects, as metallic paint will show every imperfection in the surface of the walls. They will repair and sand, as necessary, to guarantee the cleanest surface possible. The paint application should include a basecoat and, if the homeowner desires a "bold" look to the walls, a colored metallic paint can serve as the basecoat and will provide a dramatic look. However, for a softer, more subtle look, the experts at A.Allbright may apply a single, non-metallic latex base-coat and then finish with the translucent metallic paint. Once the basecoat and topcoats have been applied, a faux finish such as combing, ragging, or the "hammered" look could complete the wall transformation.

For information about metallic paints and other paint products, faux finishes and color choices, call the paint professionals at A. Allbright Painting.

 A. Allbright Painting is located in Valencia CA and provides complete interior and exterior house painting services to Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Valencia and the Santa Clarita Valley areas. 

Check out the national attention that this story is getting.  We are all so blessed by the outpouring of help and goodwill by these generous companies in Santa Clarita Valley.  That must be why they call it "Awesome Town."

http://www.paintsquare.com/news/article_news.cfm?id=3659&nl_versionid=413&trackid=6694386 

 

On another note:  I owe a big apology to Dominic with Fine Faucets.  They had donated the hardware fixtures to the bathroom remodel and they weren’t mentioned in any of the write-ups or the updated press release.  Even though Dominic’s first and foremost intention was to help the Allans, it would have been nice for their company to have been recognized. 

A Allbright Painting, along with a number of other professional contractors from Just SCV's Best finished the 5th annual "Paint it Forward" charity project for the Allan family last Saturday, March 20th. The Signal, Santa Clarita Valley's community newspaper wrote up a summary of the event with a few photos, and the article can be found by visiting this Paint it Forward Link.

  

Repeat clients and referrals are the "bread and butter" for A. Allbright Painting. A recent kitchen makeover for a repeat client in Hancock Park made an already beautiful, museum-like home even more stunning. Before the makeover, the dark cabinet finish, white walls and ceiling made the room seem small and uninviting. Once the transformation was completed by Allbright's exceptional painters, the room was truly breathtaking with beautiful white cabinets, ceiling beams and a Venetian Plaster.

This project involved two parts: work on the walls/ceiling and work on the cabinets and molding. The walls and ceilings were repaired and primed as necessary and then received a Venetian Plaster (American Clay) in a matte finish. The existing wall texture "peeked" through the new finish and added to the elegant "aged" look. Finally, a custom colored glaze completed the wall finishing and provided some resilience for the walls.

The cabinetry and molding work involved covering and protecting surfaces not scheduled for work. The doors and drawers of all cabinets were marked and removed for painting elsewhere. Two sprayed coats of lacquer primer/undercoater (tinted to finish color) were applied to all cabinet surfaces, with a sanding process between coats. The open shelves and cabinet areas received the same treatment and were finished to match the doors and drawers. Two coats of solid pigmented satin lacquer in finish color was then applied to the doors, drawers, shelves and cabinet areas. Finally, two wall cabinet units, that are inset into the walls, received a variant shade of the cabinet color so that they would appear more as a piece of furniture instead of looking as if they were part of the cabinet structure. The moldings, baseboards and windows were primed and finished to match the cabinet finishes.

The added ceiling beams received a custom glaze finish and the contrast of the beam color to the ceiling color causes the eye to look up, creating the illusion that the ceilings are higher and thus, the room appears larger.

Mural painting, new countertops and decorating now highlight the stunning kitchen. Josh Abramson, owner of A. Allbright Painting, upon seeing the completed kitchen, was reminded "of how painting can transform a room."

In this highly technological society where the "newest" and "latest" innovations are heartily sought after, the homeowner seems to be returning to an "old world" look and feel when considering room makeovers. The use of paint techniques along with room accents, antiques and classic artwork can create a comfortable, classic feel. While faux finishes have been popular for some time, the handcrafted look of "Old World" stucco with lime wash paint is gaining popularity with professional painters and contractors. Lime wash paint allows the painter or the homeowner to create a velvety, antiqued look on walls and while the walls seem to have texture, they feel smooth to the touch.

Lime paint, a mineral based paint made from slaked lime and inorganic stable pigments, originated in ancient Rome in the 7th Century BC when the paint was used to embellish the outside of the home. Greeks and Romans also used lime paint in creating their famous fresco artwork, where they mixed earth colors with the lime plaster. Michelangelo and Raphael also used lime paint in their timeless creations, but in the 19th century, lime paint lost its appeal as new, fade-resistant paints were developed. However, today, lime paint is making a come back because of the beautiful faux effects and the classic look it gives a room. The lime paints of today are much more durable and are a desirable paint choice with paint professionals and the homeowner.

There are various methods to applying lime paint and each method will achieve a different effect. A more weathered-wall look is achieved by changing the direction of the brush so that it moves up and down in an inconsistent manner. On textured walls, small areas of the wall can receive a lighter covering of the paint so that some of the white peeks lightly through. And the paint can be diluted to create various color variations. One word of caution...whatever the particular painting style with lime paint, make sure your painter has studied and practiced the technique. In addition, the same technique must be used on all walls in the room to create a consistent look throughout.

While we forge ahead in the use of modern conveniences, we continue to look back to times past where there is a classic, comfortable beauty -- one that can be replicated through the use of lime paint and some particular brush stroke techniques. The paint professionals at A. Allbright are able to answer questions about various paint choices and techniques available to the you.

Most homeowners spend hours contemplating room makeovers for the kitchen, bathrooms and living areas. Unfortunately, the garage or "extra room" makeover, which was intended to create space for "him" is low on the priority list. However, with March Madness looming on the horizon and spring training well underway, it is time to move the "man cave" makeover to the top of the list and create a room where the man of the house is truly king of the world. Because of the year round availability of college and professional sports, the "man cave" or the "sports viewing room" is becoming a popular addition to many homes and the professionals at A. Allbright Painting are available to help in this makeover process.

The paint color choices in these rooms are endless and many men (and women) will choose the colors of their favorite teams. Sports lovers in the Los Angeles area will have no trouble deciding on winning color combinations for this room. Whether choosing a bold blue paint with white trim to honor the Dodgers or an edgy purple and gold combination for the Lakers, there will be no mistaking the favored team! Of course, there are those who have multiple favorite teams and may want to choose rugged, neutral colors like forest green or brown (both of which are associated with the environment and nature), navy blue (a calming color), or a dark red shade (which evokes intensity and power). Whatever the color choice, the A. Allbright professionals will work with the homeowner to carefully coordinate each color combination.

The A. Allbright team will then properly prepare the walls before beginning the priming and painting process. Once the wall color of choice has been applied, consider creating a focal point. The large screen, wall-mounted television could be bordered by an accent color, or sports memorabilia could be encased in a cabinet painted in a striking complementary color or carefully stained in a dark wood stain.

Once the painting is complete, overstuffed chairs, pillows, game tables, sports jerseys and photos can provide the finishing touches. The owner of this "man cave" will feel quite at home as he cheers on his favorite teams during March Madness or as the "boys of summer" take the field!

A.Allbright Painting, Inc. is proud to announce its 5th Annual Charity Paint It Forward recipient Dan Allen.  Dan has been a resident of Santa Clarita Valley for 45 years, along with his wife and son. In June of 2006, he suffered a T2 spinal cord injury in a freak accident and has been paralyzed from the chest down ever since. He has been unable to work since the accident, and the medical bills have piled up. His wife Karen took on the role of full-time caretaker and currently she isn’t in good enough health to be able to move him. He is confined to his bed most of the time and getting him into his wheelchair requires a lot of time, strength and extra hands.  He is unable to do any home improvements or repairs himself anymore. Before his paralysis, he was very active in the community, volunteering his time and talents to helping the youth with Parks & Recbasketball and ARC basketball. He redid the air conditioning system at his church and spent many days packing food for the Feed the Children foundation. Dan is now unable to get up and paint the inside of his house. The room he is in at home still has the nursery border and paint from when their son was a baby. Their son is now 22. To see us announce the winner and for more information, go to our website www.abpainting.com/site/charityaward.

Upon seeing Dan’s home and the realizing needs he has - like not being able to take a shower or bath since his accident because of his bathroom access, we called in our areas most trusted group of contractor’s with Just SCV’s Best. We have been blown away by the outpouring of their help.  Surfaces USA is going to completely remodel Dan’s bathroom so he can wheel right into a shower.  Elite Flooring is donating some much needed area rugs to help with the hard tile flooring and Brodie Electric is going to add lighting to a much needed dark living room and Anaya’s Window Coverings is going to add some final touches with window treatment. A.Allbright is providing all the premium paint materials and Sherwin William's Paint is donating all of the sundry items like tape and plastic.  I’m so proud of these amazing local contractors stepping up to help.  This speaks volumes to our community’s values — when most contractors are scaling back their businesses, these contractors are focusing on giving back to their home town.  

We are honored to have the opportunity once again to “Paint It Forward” to those who are working through difficult hardships by providing them with painting services to hopefully add some brightness to their lives.  We will be going back to complete the painting project on March 6th, 2010.  Stay tuned... for some "after" stories and pictures

2010 is already off to an exciting start. New fresh ideas and concepts are flowing everywhere, but with remembrance of the past. From the most primitive form of vegetable dyes, cochineal and minerals, we have always created color with limited resources. This feeling of creative resourcefulness is all around. Here are a few strong trend elements that have been gaining ground in the world of color and design and the A. Allbright colors that work with them:  

 

* Macaroons  -  sweet coconut biscuits or little french delights, now in small sizes of all colours. A. Allbright Chandelier, a warm yellow, and Dawn Pink, a pale peachy tone recall these treats.

 

* Felt  -  Organic looking foliage and applique on pillows and accent pieces in soft earthly colors.

 

* Haberdashery  -  Buttons, grosgrain, and all sorts of trims in all manner of uses, with vintage button jewelry. A great turquoise to use is Make Believe.

 

* British Influences  -  These are still going strong, with design elements and motifs heading more this way. Add a little pomp and circumstance to design… A. Allbright Late July is a good red for this.

 

* Rethink & Reuse  -  Mixing vintage with contemporary, repainting, reupholstering. Recycling in a modern way.

 

* Rural Chic  -  This is not cutesy country, but rather a return back to the land with an emphasis on a higher level of self-sufficiency. Think growing your own herb or victory gardens, raising chickens in the city and when heading to your local farmers market, getting your wellies out in a modern way. Try using a warm, minky brown like Iced Coffee.

 
   

The Environmental Protection Agency has been working for three decades to reduce exposure to lead in lead paint, and on April 22, 2010, new federal laws will require all contractors "performing renovation, repair or painting projects that disturb lead based paint...to be certified and to follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination."

The lead paint controversy began in the early 70's and in 1978, the federal government banned lead-based paint from being used in homes. Additional laws became effective in 1996, requiring that individuals receive information concerning a property before renting, buying or renovating pre-1978 housing. Exposure to high levels of lead can be particularly damaging to children whose nervous systems are still developing and to pregnant women, whose unborn children are growing. One out of eleven children in the United States has a high and/or dangerous level of lead in the bloodstream and in 1991, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services called lead the "number one environmental threat to the health of children in the United States." Children with these high lead levels can suffer from nervous system damage, behavioral problems, learning problems, slowed growth, headaches and other debilitating conditions.

Contractors today must jump through numerous hurdles to guarantee that they are meeting these rigorous safety standards when working with lead paint in homes, businesses and other child related facilities. Thousands of workers performing renovations will have to be trained and certified as "Renovators" by EPA-accredited trainers. Paint professionals and other home improvement professionals will be trained in how to effectively protect household items and how to seal floor coverings from potential contamination while work is in progress. In addition, training will be given in how to use high-powered equipment while working with lead paint and how to contain the dust that accumulates during renovations.

Homeowners who have concerns or questions about lead-based paint and its effects, or how to safely perform home renovations should contact the paint professionals at A. Allbright Painting, who have received the EPA certification well ahead of the April deadline. They can provide further information about the new certification requirements and lead paint testing.

Color is vital and despite the revolving color trends RED is still a great choice.  Of all the spectrum of colors, red represents most strongly passion and strength.  Its embracing richness seems to hold on forever.  Rich red colors are engrained in our psyche as a color we always need in our interior palette.  Despite reds powerful impact in a room when it stands alone, it is refreshing and summery when teamed with white.  Think checker picnic table cloths.   Add a literal splash of turquoise in with that or mimosa yellow, both hot trend pics for 2010, and you will be supreme on the color catwalk. 

The basic white wall is a thing of the past. Many home and business owners are choosing rich color to highlight a room or office. But another possibility to consider is the use of faux finishing or Venetian plastering to give an eye-catching effect within the room. Venetian plaster finishes can create an “old world” elegance, especially in a room with interesting artwork, antiques or unique furniture. The techniques used by professional painters may vary. Venetian plasters come in different finishes, colors and sheens. Some plaster application techniques can produce a porous, open-texture, flat in sheen finish that looks like tumbled marble or stone. Other plaster techniques are really smooth, translucent and glossy.  Applying Venetian plaster finishes are usually more time consuming than painting, especially when using these techniques on high walls or ceilings. When the plastering is complete and done well, the walls often look as if they have marble on them.

Talk to A Allbright Painting about your next painting project. We can do just about anything with colors, paint and faux techniques!

Signs are starting to go up around the Santa Clarita Valley area as we get ready to announce our Paint It Pink campaign to the public.  Stay tuned...

With all this rain lately, one place I've noticed a lot of color lately is on people's feet!

Lately I've been noticing the great colors and vibrant patterns on wellie boots. Made popular by the First Duke of Wellington in the 19th century, they became a key fashionable item for British aristocracy of the time. Today they are worn all over the globe, known by many names and endless color combinations to suit young and old, city dwellers and country folk alike. Who would have thought a "mud boot" would have become so stylin'.

"Goliath" roller coaster opened in 2000 at Six Flags Magic Mountain in the Santa Clarita Valley and was designed and built by Giovanola of Switzerland. The coaster is 235 feet at the highest point and offers speeds up to 85 mph. The ride twists and turns for approximately 4,500 feet but lasts only 3 minutes for thrill seekers! The monumental drops, the twisting 120-foot tunnel and the sheer enormity of "Goliath" offered several challenges to A.Allbright Painting, whose painters worked tirelessly in a joint venture with Baynum Painting Inc to finish this paint project before 2010.

The main challenge to be addressed in this project was the height, and we had to use special large equipment that extended 120 feet into the air. All workers wore safety harnesses that provided an extra measure of safety while the painting was being done. To insure the best possible paint coverage, the roller coaster was painted with a waterborne polyurethane, using A & B components. Since the project needed to be completed before January 1, 2010, the painting was done from sun up to sun down. "Goliath" is now ready for daredevils to ride its newly painted twists, turns and tunnels!  Next time you venture out to ride Goliath, check out its brilliant shine.

A.Allbright Painting can handle any painting project, so please visit our website to schedule your free consultation. 

Check out the Allbright Paint Colors in the February 2010 Better Homes & Garden Magazine.  The article is called Beyond Beige.  We are so excited that the Allbright Paint Colors have been getting national attention lately.  We can now say that we can put our name up there against the best in the industry.  We were featured along side of Benjamin Moore and C2 paint colors.  It's nice to see all our hard work paying off.  Give us a call if you want to come in and see our unique color palettes.  While you're there you can take our exclusive personalized color consultation survey to help you find your perfect color.

New Year's resolution lists often include many personal enrichment goals, but with the up-swing in the economy, business owners are considering updating offices and business centers in order to create better work environments for employees and friendly atmospheres for customers. Just as with any room in the home, the color choice for the office or workplace will be of utmost importance. The office walls should reflect the particular type of business. If the business is a design business, a dance or gymnastics studio or a children's exclusive boutique, bright colors like orange, yellow or bright pink would be appropriate and would create energy. A background color, with stripes or polka dots as highlights, creates an atmosphere of fun and excitement. If the business is a traditional office setting such as a law office, a doctor's office or bank, neutral colors such as taupe, cream or a light blue or green would be more professional, but still provide a clean, fresh feeling in the workplace.

Business owners may want to create some pizzazz in the professional office setting and may consider an accent wall or ceiling color with a variant shade of the wall color. Green and brown shades give an earthly, comfortable feel as clients visit the workplace. When painting a conference room or central office space, where ideas are shared, one area of the wall can be squared off and painted with chalkboard paint. The wall then becomes functional for meetings, ideas and other office-wide messages.

As with any paint job, A Allbright Painting can assist in choosing the best colors for the room size, lighting and office needs. Some office spaces are small, and lighter shades of paint, such as light taupe or a pastel green may be needed to create the illusion of a larger workspace. Because offices and workplaces are high traffic areas, the walls can become quite damaged from normal day to day use. They will need careful repair before the actual painting begins. A Allbright's professional preparation and the use of a high quality A Allbright Paint will guarantee the best possible finish.

Allbright Color of the Month: Celestine - from Mineral Collection

Though it appears cold, it is actually a warm color. Calming, neutral, sophisticated.

 

Compliments best with: grey browns, natural wood tones, coral for a more upbeat setting or soft whites/creams for a simpler, cleaner space.

 

We enter into a new decade of this still most youthful millenium, and like most new beginnings, of which this is, many of us have taken a moment to reflect on new ideas, goals and tackling challenges that have fallen upon us.

Creating the space to work within, that really resonates for us, is a vital part of nuturing oneself. As within so without, so we need an environment that harmonizes with us, as there is immens power in color and how it feeds us with positive energy when we resonate with it. Tests have proven that people are far more creative and productive with simple positive changes to the color and light in their environments.

So many of us spend most of our day away from our homes that it is important to think about where we work as well. We all need light and colors that appeal to us.

Even on a limited budget it is possible to acheive some change, even if it is just a large panel of color painted onto the wall you face. With that in mind, Allbright surely has a color for every one of us. 

 

Afterall, we want to love the colors we live with.

The holiday season is full of beautiful decorations and packages topped with bright red and green bows. One place you would not expect to see a big red bow is wrapped around a 14-story building, but that is precisely what you will see at the corner of Santa Monica and Wilshire Boulevards. The Gateway Building is truly the "gateway" to Beverly Hills, California and is a stunning testimonial to the excellence in painting that A. Allbright offers to its customers! The building owners have added the bow during the holidays, creating an amazing spectacle for all to see.
This project offered us several challenges. As in any painting job, preparing the surface for paint is of utmost importance. All loose paint on the Gateway Building was removed with careful hand sanding and scraping. We couldn't remove all the dirt and grim the usual way using power washers due where the build was situated. So we used brooms and dust brushes to remove what we could. Once the clean up was completed, the colors were chosen (by Philippa Radon, color consultant extraordinaire) and the cracks in the surface properly patched. A special coat of primer was used to encapsulate whatever contaminates were left on the surface. Next came two coats of the finishing paint. We used a paint that was from Italy called "Quarzo Silossanico." This new technology paint is a very "green," environmentally friendly product made with silicon resin, quartz powder (silica), and titanium dioxide. This paint is washable and has high waterproofing capabilities. I'm told it's the first time this paint has been used in the United States.
The amazing part of this project is that my crews completed most of the work at night in order to not disrupt daily traffic patterns at this busy intersection. Large generators and enormous lamps were used to light up the night skies around the Gateway Building. And, as the lights shone brightly, the guys could be seen hanging from the side of the building on a "swing stage" moveable scaffolding devices.
The Gateway Building, which houses the offices of many lawyers and entertainment professionals, is a testimony to the excellent painting services offered by my A. Allbright painting professionals. And the big red bow is an amazing final touch, shining brightly for the entire Beverly Hills community to see!

Below is a brief email we received from the person who nominated the "winner" of our 2009 Charity Giveaway, "Paint it Forward." 

 

Dear Josh:

I just had to write to fill you in on the reaction of Dan and Karen.  

I am sure you all heard part of it, but there is more.

Your singing Happy Birthday to Dan was AMAZING,  he had a smile from ear to ear.
He had just arrived home at 2 p.m. from a 10 day stay in the hospital, and to hear this news was over the top.  Dan did not know about this, we were keeping it a surprise. It took him a little while to fully understand what was happening (not because of confusion) but because we were making so much noise.

As we were all jumping with excitement, Karen went into her room and brought out her prayer box, shaped in a heart with PRAYER  inscribed on the top lid.  She pulled out the folded A.Allbright advertisement regarding the painting give away that she had seen in the Santa Clarita Magazine, and said she had been praying over this.  We are all just blown away.

Their son Chad just arrived home from college for the Christmas holidays last night, and he was sitting in his father's room talking to him when you called.  He was able to witness the joy and excitement, and experience the blessing of God providing for his mother and father !!!!

I am convinced that God works through people, and through your kindness and generosity you will also be blessed.  

God colors the lillies of the field with beautiful color, and he will take care of his children. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much.

Love and Wonder ~   Ellen 

When a professional painter completes an interior job, few people have the opportunity to see the completed makeover. However, when an exterior project is complete, the building stands ready to advertise the expertise and talent of the painting professionals to the entire community. A large scale repair and painting project in Valencia, California was recently completed by the professionals at A Allbright Painting and the stunning building is a testimony to the beauty of a professional facelift. However, this job required extensive planning, safety considerations and patience before its completion.

The exterior makeover of these three large buildings began with the necessary removal of peeling paint. This process involved tedious hand scraping, sanding and pressure washing. Once the old, peeling paint was thoroughly removed, the actual repair work was able to begin. As with any project, it is necessary to repair fissures and cracks within the surface and this job was no exception. All cracks were repaired with flexible patch and caulk materials to ensure a quality paint surface. Once the patching and caulking were completed to the satisfaction of our A Allbright management team, the painters then applied a special primer used to bridge the paint to the substrate. This process creates a desirable paint surface for the final step of the project. Once all the removal, repair and reconstruction were complete, the paint, an  A Allbright premium exterior paint was applied. Up to two coats of these various paint colors were needed to provide excellent coverage. The color combination is stunning, catching the eye of all those passing by. This complicated exterior paint makeover makes a daily advertising statement to all who see it!

 A Allbright Painting provides professional house painting and commercial painting services to Valencia and the Los Angeles areas.  

We are all guilty...guilty of neglecting one fifth of the total paintable space in a room. We spend hours collecting paint samples. We examine the color wheel closely to consider the perfect color for our room makeover. And when our paint professional asks our preference for the ceiling paint, we answer in one word: "White." But consider, for a moment, the dramatic effect of the room if there was a color contrast, even a subtle contrast, between those beautiful walls and the ceiling. Or, if you are nervous about an "accent wall," consider using the ceiling to provide the accent for the room.

White walls are a thing of the past. Homeowners carefully consider the perfect shade and hue of a color and examine it as sunlight overtakes a room during the day, but also carefully consider how the color dances in the light of candles at night. Color on the ceiling is the next bold step for the homeowner. Consider the large room, with high ceilings. A darker, complementary color choice next to a lighter wall color creates a more personal living space and allows for a cozier feel to the room. One nice option is to paint the walls in a calming ivory or taupe color and to accent by painting the ceiling in a rich cocoa.

Alternatively, perhaps the room is small and has a lower ceiling. A lighter ceiling color or a slight color contrast between walls and ceiling creates a nice effect in the room. With such a contrast, your eyes will move upward slightly, giving equal attention to the walls and the ceiling. This contrast also gives the illusion of a higher ceiling. A wall color such as burnt orange, wheat or ginger, all of which are popular choices for homeowners today, could be nicely complemented by a pale yellow or ivory color for the ceiling.

One additional option is having your paint professional use glazes on the ceiling. A metallic or pearlescent effect can also provide that eye-catching result that will shift your gaze from the walls upward.

Contemplate the possibilities! There is now a fifth surface in your room calling for equal attention. Create illusions and accent all available surfaces with a color contrast to complete your room makeover. Ceilings are the new accent wall so look up!

Chestnuts roasting in the fire, Charlie Brown Chrsitmas special, stockings hanging, trees lit up with celebration...
Colors to envelope you in warmth and the comforts of the season festive gatherings, spirit of the season to be remembered and shared.

Silver and white wrapping papers with rich velvet burgundy bows, or gold foil papers with green wire ribbon make for beautiful color combinations when wrapping presents or leaving them under the tree.

Allbright has beautifully rich colors such to help you celebrate, such as: Park Avenue from our Metropolis collection, rich and opulent, Evergreen from Botanical and Tuxedo from In Vogue. 

This is a great time to be redecorating your home with paint.  There usually is a lot of motivation to complete those painting projects you have been dreaming about for your home. The biggest motivator is the fact that most of us have lots of family and friends coming over to visit and we want that experience to be warm and welcoming.

Did you know that hiring a professional painting contractor can help remove a lot of stress and effort from the process?  Not hiring a professional can actually add to your stress and sometimes even ruin your holiday experience.  Hiring a professional painting contractor like A.Allbright Painting will not only give you amazing results that you will be proud to show off, but we will also ensure that the job gets done before the big day.  You will be able to focus on your meal preparations, getting all your shopping done, and putting all those holiday cards in the mail.  We will even help you find the perfect color(s) that will add exquisite beauty and enhanced value to your home using our trained colorist and color choice program.  This is just another added value (free service) by hiring A.Allbright Painting.  

If you have family and friends coming over, we will make sure that everyone on our team knows your deadline so you can plan accordingly.    

We invite you to check out our "12 Weeks Before Christmas Special."  When hiring A.Allbright Painting, you will receive a gift card from Macy's, Apple or Best Buy (up to $500).  Your friends and family will appreciate your new look and all the gifts you will be able to give. 

Call 1-800-PAINTING!

So for a last break before the cold weather really hits, you can still venture out to Sky Meadows Ranch in the Antelope Valley to pick apples. The Black Arkansas apples are the best, with a skin that is so deep and rich, unlike any I have seen before. It seemed such a festive color for this season, and the apples are crisp and honey flavored.  For seasonal fun and color inspiration, it is definitely worth the trip.

Though I do not see a color in the Allbright collection quite like this yet, it would be great color, especially for a glossy front door.  Perhaps we should add this to the collection... 

Happy Thanksgiving to all,

Philippa

A Allbright Painting still has a few openings left to get your home painted before Thanksgiving. If you are not ready for a complete repaint, we love small projects too. We have a special program called the Painter For a Day where we send out a highly trained A Allbright painter to your home to do just about anything related to paint for you. Our professional painter can change the color of a bathroom, repaint your baseboards, freshen up your entry door system, get your exterior ready for the short winter we have, and much more.

Contact our office today for a free quote on painting or to learn more about or popular Painter For a Day program. Our customers love it, and we know you will too! 

Did you know that A.Allbright Painting got it's start in wallpaper removal and installation before painting?  It's true.  We have installed some really beautiful wallpapers over the last 22 years.  We have installed wallpaper in hotels, offices, homes and even some private yachts.  Some of the types of materials have been exotic, natural grass cloth, some hand-painted and some made out of glass beads.  Wallpaper has really changed over the years.  I have really seen an increase in it's popularity of late.  Most of the designers we work with spec out a room or two for wallpaper installation.  The materials these days aren't little blue and white flowers or some small repeating pattern.  Today you might not even realize that the walls you are admiring is a wallcovering.  There are so many unique styles and materials being use these days that wallcovering should be a part of your next remodel.   The attached picture is of a bathroom we installed for a well known designer in the Wilshire Corridor of West LA.   

For many people, the part of painting that is the most troublesome is brushing a straight line.  Many people try to get around this by taping off any place they don’t want to get paint on.  Sometimes this does work if there is a clean smooth line being taped.  However, when trying this method on a textured or uneven surface, it is a waste of time, for the most part.  Rarely do professional painters tape off what they are painting next to.  With experience comes the ability to brush a clean straight line.  You can do the same with a few tips and a little practice.

The first step in brushing a straight line, of course, is the brush.  It is difficult, if not impossible, to paint a straight line with a $2.00 brush.  While a beginner doesn’t need an expensive brush, they should buy a quality 2-inch angle sash brush to start out with.  Take the brush out of its cover, and without any material, draw the brush lengthwise leading with the short end of the angle and following with the tip across a smooth surface.  Watch the edge of the brush as you change the amount of pressure you apply to see how this and the angle of the brush affects the line of bristles and what creates the straightest line.  You can even practice with some water on a surface that shows the results (such as masking paper) as a way to practice your technique.  

Now it’s time to try some paint.  Ideally, you should have something you can briefly practice on.  A board or piece of drywall with a strip of tape is good for practicing a straight line.  One mistake beginners tend to make is wiping most of the paint off their brush after they have dipped it in the paint.  This prevents you from creating flow at the edge of the brush.  I recommend dipping to 1/3 the length of the bristles, then tapping the brush against the inside of the paint container to gently flip off the excess, leaving sufficient paint for proper flow on each brush stroke.  Now you place the brush on the edge heel to tip and draw the brush along your line, and when the flow of paint stops, you turn the brush flat.  With a little practice, brush the remaining paint below your line out evenly.  This process will have you making straight lines in no time at all. 

A Allbright Painting is one of the most respected painting contractors in the Hollywood area and select communities of Los Angeles. If you are looking for a quality painting contractor who has been around for over 20 years and understands the unique styles of Southern California homes, we hope to have the opportunity to meet you to discuss your painting needs. 

What is different about A Allbright is that we are a full-service painting company. In other words, we don't just paint houses. We make our own paint and color system too. Therefore, when you contact A Allbright for a painting quote, we can help you establish a reasonable painting budget, provide special color ideas with our colorist, make and apply premium A Allbright Paint and provide a great guarantee on our work. We've created a great list of very satisfied clients in the Hollywood area, so do not hesitate to ask for references.

If you wish to discuss your painting project, we’d love to talk to you. Take some time to browse our website and then send us an email.

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1-800-PAINTING

Mulled wines, fall leaves, the aroma of spices cooking and holiday gatherings with women wearing little black dresses in rich red dining rooms...

November is a month of richness and warmth.

Red is a color we looked at earlier in the year, when the temperatureswere much warmer, but in a different season we can explore its depth and the different feelings red can bring.  Now it is around us in nature and the decor many of us bring into our homes, with berries or pomegranates, to celebrate the festive season. A.Allbright's Rebel Red is a wonderful shade of red to bring into the home for a more lasting effect. A red room can reflect this feeling of luxury and warmth that we enjoy in November, or for some a single accent wall or front door may be just the right touch.  

A Allbright Painting enters the November month with excitement as we help our clients prepare for the holiday season. We started October off with our 12 Weeks of Christmas sale for existing clients and are now just 9 weeks away from Christmas. Our clients are receiving a special gift card from companies such as Best Buy, Apple and Nordstrom when they invite A Allbright Painting back to do some final fall painting for them. Freshening up a bedroom, the living areas or kitchen before guest arrive can make a wonderful gift idea for your spouse too! We make painting easy.

If you are a new client looking for a quality painting company, we'd love to extend this client special to you! All you have to do is schedule A Allbright to paint a minimum of 3 rooms to quality for a $250 gift card. If we end up painting 5 rooms, you will receive a $500 gift card. 

If you'd rather do the painting yourself, we have another solution for you. We make our own premium house paint. Therefore, we'd suggest you give our popular Painting Paries a try! You can save up to 75% using our paint and equipment while doing the painting with family and friends! Learn More

 

In the 2000 hit movie "Pay It Forward," a young boy was given a social studies assignment to come up with an idea that will improve mankind and to put his idea into action. He came up with the notion of instead of paying favors back, we should"pay favors forward" by doing three good deeds for someone who would in turn"pay it forward" and so forth. His idea resulted in creating positive changes in his life and the lives of an ever-widening circle of people completely unknown to him.

In that same spirit, A. Allbright Painting, Inc. is proud to announce its 5th Annual Charity Paint Giveaway Event and is now accepting nominations for deserving families or nonprofit organizations in need of painting services. We will select one recipient, based on need, to receive $7,500 in free painting services,including all labor and materials.

A.Allbright Painting employees and founder Joshua Abramson first started the Charity Paint Giveaway Event in 2005. In last year's selection process, A. Allbright staffers were at an impasse due to a virtual tie.  They ultimately selected not one but two recipients.

One of last year's recipients is the mother of two sons, Luis and A.J of the Contreras family.  Luis (18 years old), after two years of missed diagnoses, was discovered to have a brain tumor after an MRI. Luis's tumor was surgically removed and he began chemotherapy.  Today he continues to fight his battle with cancer. To see their full story and to also view the second recipient's story, go to our website blog.

We are honored to have the opportunity once again to "Paint It Forward" to those who are working through difficult hardships by providing them with painting services to add some brightness to their lives. Do you know of a family that is struggling due to medical problems or financial problems, or perhaps of a nonprofit organization that is doing fantastic things to help others but is struggling to make ends meet?  We want to know!

Please help us "Paint It Forward" by sending in your stories, pictures and supporting materials no later than November 20th to A. Allbright Painting at 27903 Smyth Drive, Valencia, CA, 91355. Additional information may be obtained by visiting our website www.aallbright.com or contacting Joshua Abramson at josh@aallbright.com or calling (661) 294-1159. 

Painting parties are a great way for families or businesses to save a substantial amount of money while still accomplishing their painting needs. It also allows family and friends to spend some enjoyable constructive time together or coworkers to build camaraderie and bond in a relaxed setting. A.Allbright Painting is able to do this by organizing your group, handling the various details and supplying you with the equipment and expertise necessary for a successful painting project. We equip each volunteer with the basic tools required for painting. We organize the volunteers and teach the proper sequence of tasks for a successful paint job. And finally we give individual instruction on the do’s and don’t’s of each task as we work side by side with you making it possible for you and your volunteers to efficiently accomplish your painting needs at a greatly reduced cost. We even order the pizza!