How To Make Your Paint Last Longer

It is fascinating how our beautifully painted walls become dirty and worn looking so quickly. Whether your children or your pets are the culprits, it is inevitable that scuff marks will appear on the walls of our homes. However, there is a way to clean your painted walls in order to keep them looking freshly-painted all year long.

Basic Wall Paint Maintenance

There is a little preventative maintenance you can do to keep your walls free from dust. Most vacuums come with a soft brush attachment which works well on your walls. After, spray your walls with a dusting agent and wipe them down with a mop or cloth.

How to Clean Walls Painted with Latex Paint

Always start by cleaning walls painted with a latex paint with the above dusting method. Next, dip a sponge in warm water that contains a non-abrasive cleaner. With the sponge, wash the wall! For tough spots that just won't come out, make a mixture of water and baking soda and wipe the area.

How to Wash Walls Painted with Oil-Based Paint

White vinegar is all you need to successfully clean a wall painted with oil-based paint. Dampen (don’t soak) the cloth or sponge with the mixture and rub the wall gently.

How To Clean Flat Painted Walls

There is no harder wall to clean than on that is painted in flat paint. The porous texture allows dirt to set into the surface of your wall and stay there. However, the longer you leave dirt or stains on the surface of your walls, the harder it is to remove. It is best to begin with the gentlest solutions first and then work your way up:

• First, try cleaning the smudges with a soft rag soaked in warm water.
• Next, try a  melamine-foam-based product, like the Magic Eraser. If your wall is a dark color, this may leave a white residue behind. If it does, blot the area with a white towel.
• If this job is requiring something a little more intense, try a mixture of 1 tablespoon of laundry soap mixed with a gallon of warm water. This method can be too harsh for many paints, so proceed carefully or test the solution on a hidden part of your wall (behind the couch) before taking it to an exposed area.
• If none of these cleaning methods work, you may need to repaint your wall.

Keep your house feeling and looking in tip-top shape as long as possible. Clean walls are a great way to do this. If your home is in need of a fresh start, give us a call at Hensel Painting. We are offering 15% off all interior painting jobs booked before December 31st. Feel free to contact us online or give us call for a free estimate.

A Guide To Choosing the Best Colors For Your Bedroom

Out of all the rooms in your home, your bedroom should be a place to relax, unplug and unwind from life’s stressors. It should also be an environment designed for optimal sleep! The influence of many factors is needed in order to create the perfect bedroom space. Although decor and furnishings are important, the colors of your walls and ceiling will make all the difference. Part of choosing the best paint color for your bedroom starts with understanding how colors influence mood.

Colors and Their Effects

Although this process is hardly scientific, studies show that certain colors affect our mood and how well we sleep. The results showed that bedrooms painted hues of blue are optimal for sleep. Shades of yellow came in at second best for sleep and green and silver took third and fourth. the study revealed that individuals with bedrooms painted gray, brown and purple received the least amount of sleep.

Neutral Colors

Not only are neutral colors a safe choice, they are also calming! Beige, cream, and tan are subtle and mind easing, perfect for a relaxing bedroom. Although neutral tones aren't the most fun, they go perfectly with a variety of decor, furniture pieces, and linens.

Cool Colors

Cool colors are optimal for a sleepy and calming bedroom setting. Also, the cool colors spectrum offers a lot of variation! Experiment with hues of blue, violet, blue-green and gray!

Pastel Colors

Pastels don’t look childish when done right. A pastel colored room with bright accessories and dark wood accents is both grown-up and soothing. Consider soft greens or blues, lavender, or even light pink.

Tips to Try

1. Consider the overall effect you are going for. Relaxed, intimate, cozy, or something else? Gather inspiration from magazines or interior design websites!

2. Take your surroundings into consideration. What goes well with your furniture? Does natural light effect your space?

3. Test out potential colors on portions of your wall. See how the colors change throughout the day.

Bring in the Professionals

Whatever color you choose, you will get the best results if you hire professionals. Here at Hensel Painting, we are confident in our ability to transform your home with our professional painting services and appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. Contact us today and request a free estimate for your next painting project.

Your Home Can Be the Best On the Block!

Have you ever wondered what type of impression your home gives to visitors and neighbors? Is your home inviting, well-kept and cozy? Or is it visibly in need of upkeep? First impressions do matter and curb appeal is important, so make sure all the aspects of your home are in quality shape. Here are a few ways your home can reach its potential and be one of the best on the block.

It All Starts With the Front Door

Since the front door is one of the first features to catch the eye, it is a very important place to start. As the entrance of your home, the front door should be in quality shape! Whether you like the idea of a bold colored door or the look of a rustic, wooden finish, the front door always sets the tone for the aesthetic of the home. 

Light It Up

A poorly lit home can be ominous and uninviting! Not to mention, that homes with insufficient lighting are at a higher risk for break-ins and vandalism. That being said, it is always a good idea to leave a light source on in your home at all times, especially if you aren't there. Aside from safety, good lighting (interior, exterior or landscape) brings a certain poise and elegance to your home that is pleasing to the eye. 

Fresh Paint

Although a combination of small improvements can make a large impact on the look of your home, a fresh paint job can bring your home back to life in a big way. A fresh coat of paint for the shutters, damaged or faded areas of your home will make a bigger difference that you may anticipate. However, before you break out the ladders and paint, speak to a professional about what exactly your exterior needs. Chance are you will need their help to achieve the look you are hoping for. 

Exterior Accessories

There is nothing more beautiful than a home with beautiful plants and flowers adorning the exterior. If you don’t consider yourself to be much of a gardener, a window box is a simple and colorful way to increase the curb appeal of your home. Another easy way to update the exterior of your home is with a new mailbox! Mailboxes tend to be forgotten, so if yours is old and in need of a touch-up, purchase a new one for as little as 20$.

It is easy to grow accustomed to the appearance of your home. If you care about the look and overall appeal of your residence, consider calling in the help of Hensel Painting. We have had the pleasure of transforming homes in Colorado for decades and would love to help you with your next home improvement project. Contact us today for a free estimate on your home.