http://abpainting.com/blog/ en dchism@pioneerdesign.net Copyright 2010 2010-09-07T13:20:00+00:00 http://abpainting.com/blog/simple_kitchen_makeover_in_one_day/ http://abpainting.com/blog/simple_kitchen_makeover_in_one_day/#When:13:20:00Z A kitchen makeover is an enormous investment of time andmoney. So, the longer the "life" of the kitchen, the better for the homeowner. Whenthe kitchen begins to look drab, it is time for a one day makeover... one thatwill add pizzazz, color and "new" to the worn out look. Three or four simpletips will transform your kitchen and extend it's life until the next bigkitchen makeover.First,begin by cleaning the walls to remove dirt and build-up. Use warm water andlightly clean the walls in a circular motion. Clean the cabinets in the samemanner and consider replacing one set of cabinet doors with glass cabinetdoors. If you do replace the cabinet with glass, highlight the inside of thecabinets with a paint color that complements the colors of your kitchen. Thiscolor "inside" the cabinets will draw the eye to this cabinet and highlight thebeautiful china and glass items contained inside.Next,replace the hardware on the cabinets with something more modern oreye-catching. And, when you have finished with the hardware, change the lightswitch and electrical plate covers. Finally,completely clear the counters and evaluate placement of kitchen counterappliances.  Putting some of theseitems away in cabinets and highlighting the counters with a pretty lamp, vaseof colorful flowers or antique kitchen gadget can add just the pizzazz youneed. A few quick changes and a little "elbow grease" can create a "new"kitchen in an afternoon. Design Tips 2010-09-07T13:20:00+00:00 http://abpainting.com/blog/faux_wood_doors_in_beverly_hills/ http://abpainting.com/blog/faux_wood_doors_in_beverly_hills/#When:22:27:34Z 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.       News 2010-09-05T22:27:34+00:00 http://abpainting.com/blog/team_a.allbright/ http://abpainting.com/blog/team_a.allbright/#When:19:54:59Z At A.Allbright Painting we often talk about what it means to be a team member.  We use all kinds of analogies when referring to how we are a team.  My employees know that when it comes to being the best in anything whether it be in sports or business, you have to train, think and act like champions.  I let them know all the time that they are that championship team.  They're the home run hitters, the all star pitchers or whatever else you want to call them.  They understand their role and how important they are. It's always being reinforced by all the feedback we get from report cards that customers fill out.  We strive for all "A"s.  I let them know that it's because of them, from the first phone call to our follow up that we have the reputation we have.  They are the Allstars!  So, it was only fitting that we said, "YES" when several of my employees came to me and asked if I could sponsor an A.Allbright Soccer Team.  We couldn't be proud watching our guys (who like to work together as a team) score goal after goal on a Saturday afternoon.  News 2010-08-29T19:54:59+00:00 http://abpainting.com/blog/a.allbright_painting_parties/ http://abpainting.com/blog/a.allbright_painting_parties/#When:23:09:51Z Here is an example of how to have fun with A.Allbright. This is a picture of an actual client who hired us for a Painting Party. We usually have a lot of fun at these events! Perfect for newly weds, new home owners and people who have more friends than money.  Call us to find out more about our Painting Parties and how you can have the expertise of A.Allbright and save a lot of money. Model (and actual Painting Party client) Jessica Hoover. Photography by Mark Christensen. News 2010-08-28T23:09:51+00:00 http://abpainting.com/blog/a.allbright_painting_using_lead_safe_practices_in_los_angeles/ http://abpainting.com/blog/a.allbright_painting_using_lead_safe_practices_in_los_angeles/#When:21:43:39Z Per the new EPA regulations for all structures built prior to 1978, contractors are required to apply new preparation and containment procedures as well as new documentation of this type of work.  A. Allbright Painting has recently sent some it's employees to become certified trainers of this practice.  Our Crew Leader Brady just completed his training and is now leading his crew on this job located near the Los Angeles Airport (LAX) by La Tijera Blvd and the 405 Freeway.  All work will be performed & records kept per EPA Lead Safe Practices and will be inspected by a Certified Renovator and completed by Trained Non-Certified Renovation Workers.  A. Allbright, Inc. The pictures shown here give you a glimpse of the type of extra precautions it takes to prepare and paint this exterior of this 7 unit apartment building.  ...no those aren't little Ummpa Loompas standing in front of the A.Allbright van.   News 2010-08-26T21:43:39+00:00 http://abpainting.com/blog/painting_square_accents_on_your_walls/ http://abpainting.com/blog/painting_square_accents_on_your_walls/#When:14:09:10Z Some homeowners have a difficult time choosing colors once they have established a "short list" of possibilities. Or perhaps the home has an open feel with colors that flow from room to room and want a unique way to highlight all of the colors. If you are adventurous and are having a hard time with color choices, consider doing a wall that highlights all your color possibilities! A wall, blocked or squared out in various colors creates an accent wall like no other.This "blocked" or "squared" accent wall should be in a location that is easily seen. You will be painting large squares and will need 4-6 colors of paint. Consider using a hunter green, deep wine, navy blue or gray, a creamy vanilla color and a khaki color. Or if you are of the teenage persuasion, perhaps pink, orange, cream and sunshine yellow would be great colors to brighten your room. Since you will be painting one square at a time, plan for this activity to take several days. Choose the size of your squares and begin by penciling the grid onto your wall.Once you have created your grid, plan out the colors and paint a splotch in each square so that you keep the color scheme accurate. Next, use painter's tape to mark off your first square. Paint the first color and give sufficient dry time. Remove the tape when it is dry and then place the tape for the next color. You cannot tape all the squares at once, because there will be the width of the tape that will confuse the pattern.Recommended paint for this project is a satin finish paint. If you desire even more creativity, you can do "swirls" or geometric shapes in some of the squares. A little patience and fun colors will create a wall that everyone will love! Design Tips 2010-08-25T14:09:10+00:00 http://abpainting.com/blog/exterior_commercial_building_painting_in_santa_clarita_valley/ http://abpainting.com/blog/exterior_commercial_building_painting_in_santa_clarita_valley/#When:17:00:11Z Even the A.Allbright headquarters needs A.Allbright Painting.  We are painting all the metal awnings on our buildings which is located on Smyth Dr in Valencia, CA., right next to the local Home Depot and Walmart Super Store.  These buildings are governed by an HOA and managed by Premier Property Services www.premierpropertyservices.org.  A.Allbright Painting was selected for the project over 3 other contractors.  Our guys are doing a fantastic job organizing their day and equipment to maximize their efficiency.  News 2010-08-24T17:00:11+00:00 http://abpainting.com/blog/painting_high-rise_buildings_in_beverly_hills/ http://abpainting.com/blog/painting_high-rise_buildings_in_beverly_hills/#When:15:17:41Z 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.  News 2010-08-23T15:17:41+00:00 http://abpainting.com/blog/open_house_by_xten_architecture/ http://abpainting.com/blog/open_house_by_xten_architecture/#When:16:29:19Z 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  News 2010-08-22T16:29:19+00:00 http://abpainting.com/blog/simple_do_it_yourself_painting_tips_from_a_allbright_painting/ http://abpainting.com/blog/simple_do_it_yourself_painting_tips_from_a_allbright_painting/#When:17:37:41Z 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.    News 2010-08-16T17:37:41+00:00