tips and tricks

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.


 

 

What Hot Weather Means For Your Next Home Painting Project

It is not uncommon to assume that warmer weather means improved outdoor painting conditions. Although this is true, there are some complications that come along with painting in warmer weather. Since Colorado weather tends to be on the dry side, humidity is one less factor that we as painters have to take into consideration. When taking on any residential painting project during the spring and summer months, we consider a few factors before the painting begins.

Hot Weather Painting Techniques & Tricks:

  • The health and safety of our crew and the residents in the home is our number one priority! In order to cut down on the diffusion of fumes or unwanted smells, we like to begin all painting projects as early in the morning as possible. 

  • As the day heats up, paint fumes have a tendency to linger or find their way throughout the home. With the help of fans, we can better manage air circulation and control the dispersion of any fumes from freshly painted areas of the home.

  • We always work from east to west! By staying with the natural pattern of the sun we can avoid direct sunlight from blasting the fresh paint. It is in the project's best interest to apply paint in the shade.

The Positive Aspects Of Painting In Warm Weather

  • Warm weather allows the primer, spackling and joint compound to dry at the same rate! This significantly cuts down on the time we have to spend on prep!
  • Heat causes the paint to warm up, which is great for application

  • The paint dries more quickly

Each season presents its own benefits and challenges to the painting process! However, no matter the season, Hensel Painting is prepared for and ready to handle whatever the may job bring. Contact us for a free estimate on your next project today.