A. Allbright Painting Blog

Painting Clean Up

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! 

Feeling Really Good About Your Paint Color Choice

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! 

Paint Gloss Level Guide

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.

How Light Changes Color

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. 

Deck Painting & Staining Maintenance

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.) 

Recent A. Allbright Testimonials on Facebook & YouTube

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. 

Another Successful “Painting Party” By The A.Allbright Painting Professionals

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." 

How To Remove or Deal with Old Wallpaper Before Painting

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.

Southwest Style Painting and Color Ideas from A. Allbright Painting

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.

How to Care for Newly Painted Walls

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. 

Murals Painted For Santa Clarita Elementary School

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.

How to Dispose of Extra House Paint in Los Angeles areas

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 Shimmer and Metallic Paints

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. 

Paint Square News Article on Paint It Forward Charity Project

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. 

The Signal: Paint it Forward Article

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.