Monday, October 26, 2009

Painting Tip: Painting Baseboards

It's a little tricky painting baseboards. Generally the baseboard is a different color from the walls, so there's all that cutting in to do. Use heavy cardboard or stiff, thick paper on the carpet or floor so you can paint a nice clean bottom edge and keep your floor clean. Be sure to leave the cardboard there until the paint is completely dry.
You can paint the top of the baseboard without taping if you want, but you have to have a really steady hand to avoid getting paint on the wall. Your best bet is to buy a high quality painters tape and make sure it's evenly applied so the edge is nice and clean. I recommend the tape, especially for DIY'ers - much less aggravation.
Of course you're painting your baseboard with a brush (as opposed to a roller) and you want to make sure you're not leaving streaks. So the brush you use is really important. Don't buy a cheap paint brush - your baseboard will look like that's what you used. Expect to spend around $15 for a 3" brush.
Once you've done the prep work you can go ahead and paint. If you follow these tips and take your time you'll have fabulous, professional-looking baseboards. Have fun! And if it doesn't sound like fun, call me. I think it's a blast! 312.420.2367.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Painting Tip: Updating Your Space

Here, an out-dated bedroom turns into a glorious, modern space. The original bedroom (far left) was sponge-painted in shades of yellows and green, a nice look about ten years ago but now a bit drab and dated. My client was ready for a more current, exciting look and picked a beautiful shade of red, a notoriously difficult color to paint. It has so much pigment that it's hard to get it evenly distributed so a crucial step is to use a tinted primer (2nd picture - it looks blue but it's actually a medium-gray). With a good base coat your chances of success improve dramatically.


When you're ready to begin the color coat don't skimp on the paint, and when cutting-in (right) try to do it in one stroke. Don't brush back and forth, keep it smooth and even.

Use plenty of paint when you roll the rest of the wall; roll from floor to ceiling, then go on to the next strip and finally, go over it once lightly to blend the edges. Move on to the next strip and repeat until you've completed the wall. You'll need a second coat so just do it once again and, voila! You have a beautiful, professional job.
Easy, right?
If you don't think so call us! 312.420.2367.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Painting Tips: Five Prep Steps

The more attention you pay to the prep work the easier and more professional your paint job will be. Don't hurry. Take your time and do it right.
Before you begin painting follow these five steps:
1. Remove all hardware, switch plates, outlet covers. Put the screws and hardware in plastic bags so you don't lose anything.
2. Move the furniture into the middle of the room so you have space to move.
3. Patch holes or small cracks with spackling compound and sand smooth.
4. Use blue painter's tape around windows, doors, ceiling.
5. Gather your materials; paint, brushes, rollers, drop cloths, etc.
Now that you've done the pain-in-the-neck stuff it's time for the fun part, making your room beautiful.
Enjoy! And if you don't think that's the fun part call us. We do! 312.420.2367.

Friday, October 2, 2009

What's Your Color Personality?

Take this quiz and find out: Color Personality Quiz.

A quiz isn't really going to pinpoint the best color for your walls but it's a fun way to begin, and interesting to think about how your personality influences your environment.
We can help you discover your color personality with a color consultation. We'll help you pick the perfect color(s) to reflect who you are, and then we'll meticulously paint your interior. It'll be gorgeous!
Call us at 312.420.2367.