5 Things To Know Before Starting A Painting Project

Although you may think painting is an easy, DIY yourself project, chances are you don't know what you're doing. Before doing any sort of painting, whether that be the painting of a room, a door or a piece of furniture, you must know these tips before starting.

Know the Weather Forecast

The ideal painting weather is dry, so make sure to skip rainy or humid days. Start your painting project on a day where the relative humidity is between 40% and 70%. If you are painting the interior of your home, simply open a window and let the paint dry completely before starting the next coat.

Know The Size Of Your Space

Not only will you spend way more money than expected but you will find yourself with not enough paint for the job. One gallon per 400 square feet is a great rule of thumb. If you are painting a surface with a rougher texture, you may need more.

Know How To Keep A Wet Edge

By painting over an area of the wall that begun to dry will leave you with lap marks all over your walls. Keeping a wet edge or having each stroke overlap the previous one will help you avoid lap marks altogether.

Know How To Properly Prep Your Surface

If the surface of your walls aren't properly prepped, it won't matter how expensive the paint is or how carefully you applied the paint, your work will result in bubbling, cracking and chipping. To prep your surface correctly, sand and scrape any areas of the existing surface that is flaking or peeling. Take soap to any greasy areas and wipe all the walls with a dust-free rag.

Know The Correct Tape Removal Techniques

Before yanking the tape off the trim and ruining your hard work, take a second and remove the tape correctly. You need to wait 24 hours minimum before removing the trim tape, should use a utility knife to cut through the film and pull the tape at a 45-degree angle as you cut the paint.

Not everyone is suited for the meticulous, cautious work that is painting, which is okay!  If you are reconsidering painting yourself, call Hensel Painting or reach us online.

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.

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.

Tips For Choosing A Color Palette You Wont Regret!

As a homeowner, choosing the color palette of your new home can be tough! Although this aspect of the painting process is important, it shouldn't drive you crazy.  In order to help ease any confusion over which color pallet may be best for your home, here are a few things to consider when it comes time to finalize the color scheme. 

Visualize the Whole Home

When choosing the palette, think about the entire home instead of a room by room basis. In order to keep the colors consistent throughout the home is to limit your palette to five colors:

• Neutral: Perhaps a gray, tan, or blue! Something that you know blends into staple furniture piece in your home.

• White: Use the exact same color that was used for the doors, ceilings, and moldings

• A Personal Favorite: Pick a color that you really like

• A Complementary Color: This would be a color that coordinates well with your personal favorite color

• Another Coordinating Color: The final color should go well with the personal favorite and the complementary color

Consider Your Surroundings

The most beautiful homes have owners and designers who take into consideration the color values of the outdoor surroundings when planning the color scheme. The landscape and environment surround your home should be brought into play. If you used this technique when choosing both the colors and the decorations, the room will look naturally put together. 

Consider Your Decorations

Is there a piece of furniture in your home that really makes a statement? How about a colorful rug that occupies a large area of your home? By taking the colors already present in your home and finding a way to complement them is a great way to create a pattern or a theme. A common color is a great way to effortlessly tie separate areas of the home together. 

Consider Balance

A great rule of thumb when discussing color is the 60:30:10 ratio. 60% of the room should be the dominant color found on your walls, 30% should be a secondary color, and 10% should be an accent color. 

If you are struggling to choose a color for your home, we can help! Our years of experience has enabled us to feel confident in our ability to assist you in every area of the home remodeling process. Call us today for more information about our services or for your free estimate. 

Painting Is More Than Just Applying Paint

There is nothing quite like the site of a beautifully painted home! Precise, clean lines, rich color and accentuated textures are achieved only through professional experience and quality prep work. Although painting a home may seem like a simple task, outstanding results require more than just applying paint to a given surface. Achieving the best results and the professional quality you are looking for requires knowing a thing or two about the painting process.

Before painting of any kind begins, there must be surface or wall preparation. Prepping the walls of your home, whether exterior or interior, is a process. In order to get the finish and final product, a certain rules of the prepping process must be abided by. Without it, there is no way to achieve the high quality look you desire.

Before breaking out the tools and paint, the space undergoing work must be clear and clean. After the removal of any electrical and HVAC covers, there should be an thorough inspection of the surface of your walls. Any imperfections, holes, or blemishes will be filled with spackling and a putty knife. After the spackling has dried, these areas will be sanded down and wiped clean in order to remove dust or other residue.

After the surfaces of your walls are made even, the masking process begins. In order to achieve clean and even lines, portions of your home will be lined with tape.  Tape will be added to areas where the wall meets the wooden baseboards lining your floor and between walls that will be painted different colors. The final step in the prepping process is the primer. Primer is just as important as the paint and should be treated accordingly.

Don't go it alone! A professional looking home requires professional painting experience. A fresh paint job can do so much for your home, but not if crucial steps are missed. Here at Hensel Painting we are dedicated to providing our customers with a quality final product and level of service. As seasoned painters, we are fully prepared to take on the most unique and difficult projects. Contact us for a free estimate today!

Painting Your Home: Where to Start?

If you are reading this, you are most likely considering having your home painted. The good news is, we are going to fill you in on the initial steps you should be taking when it comes to improving your home. 

Does your home need to be painted? 

First off, the big question...does your home really need to be painted? Usually, it is not difficult to tell if your residence could use a fresh coat of paint. A quality paint job usually lasts around 10 years. If your home has met the 10 year mark, it is due for a paint job. But, if you are unsure here are some key signs to look for. 

• Chipping and Peeling - If the paint on your home is peeling, that is an immediate sign that it's time to call in the the professionals. Not only is chipping paint unsightly to look at, but it also can be dangerous. 
• Dry Rot and Decay - If the paint on your home is chipping away, that is when rot and decay set in. Mold can work its way under the paint causing health issues for you and your family. 
• New Color for Aesthetic - Part of the re-designing process often involves new colors and fresh paint. If you want to give your home a new feel, a professional paint job is a great place to start. 

How to choose a professional painter. 

It is no secret that there are plenty of painting companies out there offering good service. Not every business offers quality service that they can stand by however. A great way to understand if a painting business is the best choice for your needs is to read previous customer reviews online. Speaking with a representative of the business is essential as well. Ask questions! A quality company should be able to clearly and effectively answer your questions. 

Here at Hensel Painting we offer professional painting services in Northern Colorado. Our team is ready to work with you to ensure that you home receives a quality paint job. When we are working in and around your home you can rest assured that we will respect your property like it is our own. 

Now is a great time to get the process started. Give us a call at (970) 215-9747 and let's talk about what you are looking to have done. If you would prefer to fill out a Free Estimate we will get back to you with how to proceed.