A. Allbright Painting Blog

What is Lime Wash Paint?

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.

A Well Painted Man Cave

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!

Paint It Forward - Update On Progress

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 Color Trends

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.

 
   

New EPA Lead Guidelines for Contractors Nationwide

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.

Why The Color Red Is Still A Strong Choice

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. 

Create Elegant Walls with a Venetian Plaster Finish

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!

Paint It Pink - A Sign of The Times

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...

The Color of Rain

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'.

Beyond Beige Paint Colors

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 Office Painting Makeover

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.

Color of the Month - January

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.

Painting in Beverly Hills with a Big Red Bow

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!

Response From The Charity Giveaway

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 

Exterior Painting of Commercial Building in Valencia CA, Fall 2009

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.