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.

The Importance Of High-Quality Paint

Cheaper alternatives are always great. However, when it comes to choosing a paint for your home, this may not be the time to choose the cheapest option. Your wallet will be screaming at you when you cough up 30$ a gallon of paint instead of 10$, but try your best not to think short sighted. No matter the painting project, the high-quality paint will certainly be more expensive but it will be worth it.

Easier Application

If you plan on doing the painting yourself, it is in your best interest to choose a higher quality paint. High-quality paint requires less effort, which means you will have to spend less time rolling, brushing and retouching your work. A little fun fact: high-quality paint doesn't splatter as much doing the application. So, cleanup will be not only shorter but easier.

It Can Withstand Just About Anything

Expensive paint isn't expensive for no reason. Since it’s built to endure any environment, the test of time and the elements, it should cost a little more. Not to mention, the high-quality paint will show less wear, resist dirt, scuffs, and even fingerprints.

It Lasts Longer

Not only will high-quality paint last longer, but it will create a more uniform, smooth appearance. When we say high-quality paint lasts longer, we mean it lasts twice as long as a cheaper paint. In reality, you will be saving yourself money in the long run by going with a better quality paint. Not to mention, a few cans of high-quality paint last significantly longer than multiple cheap cans of paint.

How To Tell If Your Paint Is High Quality?

Typically, a high-quality paint contains a greater solids content, which allows it to be more durable and dry much thicker. To determine the quality of your paint, look for these two indicators:

1. The volume of Solids - A higher-quality paint will have a higher percentage of binders and pigments (solids) and a smaller percentage of liquids. For example, low-quality paint like latex paint will have 20-30% solids by volume and 70-80% water. Whereas, a high-quality paint will have 35-50% solids.

2. Titanium Dioxide - A large amount of titanium dioxide allows you to cover more surface with fewer coats. The ideal paint will contain roughly 20-25% of titanium dioxide.

Hensel Painting, we only use the best of the best. Our experience, professional techniques paired with quality materials mean you will get fantastic results. If you are looking to get started on your next home project, give us a call. For a free estimate click here.

When To Paint: Before or After You Move In?

Moving into a new house is never a simple task. Along with packing, organizing, and planning, you still have to decide what interior work will need to be done in the new place. Should you paint the walls now? Or should you wait until to move is complete? To help you determine which option makes sense for your situation, read along!

Pros of Painting Before Move In

For some, painting before the move in date is completely ideal. With so much on the to do list, adding one more task may seem trivial. Might as well get everything done while the energy is there, right?

1. Choosing to paint before moving in allows the painting process to go much smoother. Without furniture in the way, decorations on the wall, or worrying about protecting furniture from wet paint, your move may feel less stressful should you choose to paint beforehand.
2. And what about the paint smell? If you prolong the painting process until after the move, chances are you will be stuck in a home that gives you a headache.
3. Moving into a house that is ready for you is going to be a huge relief. This way you can unpack at your leisure and tackle the next project without feeling overwhelmed.

One of the best parts of moving into a new space is settling in and feeling comfortable with your surroundings, which is hard to do with a big paint job on the brain.

Pros of Painting After You Move in

Certain situations are better suited for prolonging the painting process.

1. If you decide to paint before your furniture and decorations are in the home, it may be a challenge to pick the right paint color. You don't want to choose a color that doesn't work well with your home decor. In fact, many home designers believe that painting before moving in is one of the greatest mistakes people can make.
2. You want to feel confident in your color choice for your home, and the only way to do that to see your color over a period time and in diverse lighting.
3. Paint a section of your wall and live with it for a few days to get a full understanding of the color. This way you can ultimately decide if the color works for you and your space. 

Whatever decision works best for your personality, schedule and lifestyle, ensure the job is done right. A paint job well done will set the tone for the whole home. Here at Hensel Painting, we are ready to paint your home before or after you’ve moved in. Call us today for more information, or contact us for your free estimate.

Reasons Your Interior Looks Outdated

Trends come and go, especially in the world of interior design! Before you know it, you're looking into a room that looks like the set of The Brady Bunch. But just as fast as trends die, new ones resurface! Forget about keeping up with what's trending and make your home your own. However, if it has been decades since you’ve changed things up, it's time to take a hard look at your space. These six interior elements are contributing to the dated aesthetic of your home.

Wood-Stained Cabinets

It's hard to believe that oak and maple stained cabinets were once trending. Since the kitchen is a high traffic, central room in your home, a simple update can transform the entire space. With a fresh coat of paint (consider white), your cabinets will bring a  modern feel to the home.

Old Paint

There is nothing like the look of a fresh coat of paint. This simple fix will keep the room looking modern and clean. When you notice the paint on your walls looking dingy and a little drab, refresh the room with a fresh coat.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is making a comeback! However, wallpaper borders from the 1980s and 90s have got to go. Say goodbye to that wallpaper border around the perimeter (top of the wall or the middle) of the room! This trend is the fastest way to make your home looked dated. If wallpaper is your thing, find a modern pattern to cover the whole wall and accent with paint!

Sponge Pattern

The sponge wall trend of the 90s will never be forgotten, but it shouldn't have a place in your home. The interior trends of today are bold and mod, which means no sponging necessary.

Particular Wall Colors

Not all colors can be classics, for example, peach, hunter green, and plum. Switching to neutral colors are always a good choice. Not only are they a safe choice but they work well with a variety of style adjustments.

 Old-Fashioned Cabinet Pulls

Sometimes it's the little details that make the largest impact! Cabinet knobs, hinges, and even faucets have a large impact on the look and vibe of your interior. By swapping the old ones with new pulls, your home will look refurbished and renovated!

 Although fads and popular trends are fun to follow, they don’t last forever. A trick to keeping your space looking great no matter what, is letting your personal style be the guide! Here at Hensel Painting we are here to help you achieve the look you’ve always wanted. With some fresh new paint and a few fixes, your home will look better than ever. Contact Hensel Painting today 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.

5 Home Maintenance Tips You Shouldn’t Skip

We love our homes! They are the places where memories are made, a space of comfort and peace for our families, and where our everyday lives happen. However, in order to keep our homes healthy, minor maintenance is necessary. The summertime is a great time to check on the condition of your home. If you are unsure of where to begin, here are 5 places to start with this summer.

Tune Up the A/C

The status of your air conditioning is the most important and often the most forgotten maintenance tip on our checklist. Just as your car needs the occasional tune-up to prevent mechanical damage and malfunction, so does your A/C. This tune-up should consist of an inspection of the refrigerant levels, which ensures that your A/C is running cool and your electricity bill stays low. Check to see if the fan is functioning properly, that the coils are cleaned and the wiring is intact. We advise you to change your air filter at least once a month if your unit is being used frequently.

A Roof Check-Up

Although the roof of your home should be inspected annually, the summer months are the perfect time to get up there. Seeing the condition of the roof yourself (you or a professional) is the most effective way to catch potential problems or minor issues that can be fixed before further damage ensues.

A Gutter Cleanse

We recommend cleaning the gutters of your home twice a year, especially after the fall and spring seasons. Cleaning the gutters frequently will prevent leaking and clogging!

Don’t Forget the Windows

While the A/C is cooling the inside of your home, check the sealants and the condition of your windows to prevent the heat from getting in. If you stumble upon open areas, caulking is a simple way to seal up cracks. Also, check the weather-stripping! If there is damage, replace it immediately.

Even the House Needs a Bath

A routine cleaning is great for the exterior of your home. The easiest and most effective way to do this by pressure wash. Pressure washing is the best way to remove mildew, dirt or stains that have built up over the year. Be sure to cover any electrical outlets, plants, and open windows before the washing gets started. 

Do what it takes to keep one your most valuable possessions looking great! In order to ensure the longevity of your home, pay attention to the little things. After your home has received its summertime check up, consider a fresh paint job! For more information about Hensel Painting and our services, contact us today.

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.

The 411 On Painting With A Roller

Contrary to popular belief, painting with a standard paint brush and painting with a roller do not produce the same results. If your newest home project requires the work of a roller, but you are unfamiliar or new to using one, there are a few things you should know before the painting begins.

The Proper Tools For The Job

Quality work comes from working with good quality tools. In order to tackle your next painting job with a roller you will need:

• Extended Handle

• Roller Cover

• 5-gallon bucket

• Bucket screen or a Painting tray

• Paint Roller Frame

Refrain from purchasing the paint roller kit sold at most hardware stores. This seems like a great purchase (and an affordable one), however cutting corners on this type of equipment will end badly. A high-quality roller cover and frame will give you the best results. Purchase a shed-resistant roller cover with a plastic core instead of cardboard. The cardboard will absorb the paint and eventually break down.

Rolling Paint Onto Your Walls

Before you get to painting, remove any loose fibers from your roller, even if you bought a shed-resistant roller. With a little bit of tape, you can easily remove any loose fibers. Next, roll the cover into the paint which is either in a bucket or a tray. Do this multiple time to ensure the roller is completely covered. In order to ensure full coverage, work in a “W” pattern when rolling the paint onto the wall. It is also a good idea to paint in two to three-foot length sections. Move your pattern to fill in any unpainted areas until the wall is covered.

Extra Tips

• Start at the top of your wall and work down.

• Avoid applying pressure to the roller when painting. If you find yourself pressing hard just to get the paint to stick, it's time to add more paint to the roller.

DIY home projects are fun but the final product may not end how you envisioned. If you are looking for some assistance on your next home improvement project, call Hensel Painting. We are here to help! Call us today for your free estimate.