Decorating With Paint Colors

Interior Painting Tips

By Nicolas Hantge

If you are thinking about painting your interior walls, get ready for a big project! It's not as easy as one might think and it always takes longer than planned! Here are a few tips to save you a headache and some of your valuable time.

1.) Set Aside a Separate Time for Preparation.
When you are planning your interior painting project, make sure to set aside a separate time for preparation. By doing this, it will help you stay focused on your project. The last thing you want to do is rush a painting project. Another reason you want to prepare for your painting project at an earlier time is it will allow your patchwork time to dry. You cannot paint a wall that has recently applied putty. I like to go with a 24 hour rule of thumb on this one. At the bare minimum, make sure you let it dry 8-12 hours.

2.) Remove as Much Furniture as Possible.
If you are going to be painting a room, you do not want to worry about dripping or spraying paint on your furniture. It is much easier to lay your equipment where you want and have a free reign of the room. If it's possible, remove all of the furniture and lay down drop clothes on the floor. Removing furniture might take a little of your time but will be sure to speed up the process of interior painting. PLUS it will ensure you will not ruin it as well! (If you cannot remove your furniture from the room you are painting, push it all together in the middle.

3.) Removal All Fixtures/Hardware.
I know, it may seem easier to just paint around your light fixtures, door knobs and other w but in the end you are bound to drip or smudge some paint at sometime. Also, it is much quicker to paint a complete wall that you do not have to paint around objects. Even if you think you are an excellent painter, removing wall fixtures and hangers will save you time in the long run.

4.) Don't Paint over a Problem
Please do not be the home owner that puts a fresh coat of paint over a crack or holes in the wall. It's not worth all of the time, energy and money to paint a wall without at first fixing the blemishes. If you are tackling your own paint job chances are you have the ability and skills needed to spackle small holes and cracks. The important thing when spackling, be heavy with putty and sand everything very well.

If you would like more painting tips [http://denverpainters.blogspot.com] like these, make sure to check out some of my other Ezine articles. If you are looking for Denver painters a good source would be Calco East, Ltd. (303) 594-8295

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Decorative Concrete

Floor Stencils - Ideas For Decorative Concrete Floors

By Debra T Conrad

Faux painting techniques are an economical and innovative way to transform any surface and can complement any decorating style. Dull concrete floors, both indoors and out, can be brought dramatically to life with paint.

In theory, almost any look can be replicated, by introducing color, pattern and texture. The ideal design will vary according to the room or space you are making over. You may want a color scheme or theme to complement the décor style and/or function of a room or outdoor area.

Planning and Preparation

Before choosing a design, look carefully at your surface and space. Some designs are useful for disguising flaws in a floor. For other designs you may need to patch and smooth flawed surfaces thoroughly first.

You will also need to think about the traffic in the area you are painting. Is it worth doing an elaborate, time-consuming pattern in a high traffic area? If you don't like the distressed look that will result, you may want to rethink. Designs also need matching to the surface area. Large, bold patterns may be out of scale for a small room. Equally, small, detailed patterns may get lost in large spaces. If you are using stencils, note that some manufacturers can resize stencils for you.

Inspirations for Faux Painted Floors

Brick and Stone

Brick (or 'block') and stone finishes can add texture and/or color and can be effective indoors or outdoors. Patterned brickwork is easily simulated using reusable stencils. They are available in a wide range of designs and are an easy option for beginners.

Simulating the effect of stone may require more expertise (and time) and so may be more suitable for smaller spaces. Many types of stone can be reproduced using paint. You could create a luxurious marble floor for your bathroom. Faux slate paving or flagstones will suit patios and indoor spaces, such as kitchens or hallways.

Tiles and Mosaics

Faux terracotta tiles are a versatile option for kitchens, patios and dining rooms. Their warm, earthy appearance goes well with the rustic Tuscan look and can add warmth in a modern home. Again, stenciling can be used to reproduce a tiled appearance. You could use paint to create a faux mosaic floor worthy of a Roman villa.

Patterned and Textured Finishes

For a finish that isn't too busy, you can use paint to create subtle texture. The color washing technique used to create a mottled or cloudy effect on walls can also be used on floors. Distressed and antique finishes that simulate wear and age may be suitable in some décor schemes.

With pattern, your choice is endless. Covering an entire surface is one option. Alternatively you could paint a faux rug, perhaps with patterns inspired by oriental carpets and kelims. You might prefer clean lines and geometric patterns. Stencils are always useful and can be used for patterned borders for a more understated look.

Bold or subtle, bright or neutral, faux painting techniques can give your floor an expensive-looking makeover that won't break the bank.

Find more concrete floor stencil ideas from That Painter Lady. Then claim your free "Insider's Guide to Faux Painting" and avoid all the common mistakes, get success tips, find the right products for the job and more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debra_T_Conrad

Paint Your House

Hiring Interior Painting Contractors: A Few Tips to Prevent Future Headaches

By Scott Madara

With the approaching winter, it is about time to look inward, particularly as it pertains to your home's renovation projects. One of the easiest and most effective ways to spruce up any room in your house is to pursue an interior painting project. However, to achieve an immaculate look its best to hire a professional painting contractor who has the expertise to fully bring your home's interior rooms to life. But with a number of painting contractors available, choosing the right one can be a bit of a headache. By following a couple simple tips, though, one can be relatively sure the contractor they go with is reputable and will achieve the desired look.

There are a couple of things to take note of when considering a professional interior painting contractor. One of the first things you should consider is the longevity of the company you are looking at by asking how long they have been in business. Those painting contractors who have years, if not decades, of experience are really who you should pursue because they have proven themselves as dedicated professionals and hire skilled painters within their organization.

Another important thing to consider is whether or not the potential painting contractor(s) are licensed by your State's regulartory board, such as Oregon's Contractors Construction Board (CCB). If the potential company does not have such licensing, you effectively put yourself at risk in the event of mistakes, damage, and subsequent legal procedures. In terms of interior painting, which you will see everyday, it is important to make sure the individual or company you hire is fully licensed which indicates another measure of professionalism.

While price will always be a factor in determining who you hire, what's more important is whether or not your contractor can accomplish the interior painting that you desire. Ask for references or examples of previous work similar to your proposed painting project and make sure that they can do exactly what you are offering.

Lastly, it is particularly important to take note of how your potential painting contractor conducts themselves in terms of their customer relations. Any reputable contractor will be transparent with the breakdown of costs, will have some measure of guarantee in meeting time deadlines, and will treat you with a considerable amount of respect.

By just following these simple steps, you ensure that the contractor you select for your project meets your requirements. Just a little time researching can save you future headaches with your painting project.

Posten Painting | Portland Painting Contractors | Portland Interior Painting
http://postenpainting.com/interior-painting-contractors-a-few-tips-to-prevent-future-headaches

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Decorating With Paint Ideas

Interior Painting - A Great Way to Brighten Your Room

By Andrew Stratton

There are many ways to freshen up the look of your home. Redecorating is an option that many people choose in order to give their house a new appearance. While this is certainly a wonderful way to change things up, it can lead to huge expenses due to the cost of new furniture, carpeting and window treatments.

Add in the price of decorative pieces such as pictures, vases and lamps, and suddenly your expenses have shot through the roof. Another way to go about changing the atmosphere in your home is to simply do some interior painting. You could even hire a professional company to come in and do the work for much less than you would spend to redecorate.

Interior painting can give new life to a room that otherwise looks dull or is taking on a boring feel. With all of the color choices available today, you can create virtually any look that you want. A contractor can help you with color choices, as well as recommending the correct sheen for your project.

The contractor will first go over all of the steps necessary to complete your interior painting job. Typically, the crew will begin by covering the floors with drop cloths, tarps or a special covering called red rosin paper. This will protect your floors from damage and spills. Next, your windows, doors, cabinets and fixtures will be masked or covered.

The crew will then remove all switch plate and electrical outlet covers. Now all of the window and door casings will be sealed with caulk and any holes and cracks will be filled. If larger repair work needs to be done, the crew will take care of it. Most contractors will do small dry wall repairs themselves, while larger repairs or plasterwork will need to be hired out.

Finally, the interior painting will begin. Walls will be coated with a primer. This helps mask any irregularities on the wall as well as covering patchwork so that it will not show through the paint. When the primer is dry, the crew will apply two coats of the color you have chosen, allowing the first coat to dry prior to applying the second coat. This can be sprayed or rolled on.

Smaller areas and cut-ins at the ceiling will be done by hand with a brush. When the work is complete, all masking will be removed. At this time, you should do a walk though with the contractor. If you notice any areas that need a touch up, you should point them out immediately. This is a great way to bring a new feeling into a room, or even your entire house!

In Los Angeles interior painting is taken care of by specialty artists who make sure that you get the exact look that you want, quickly, efficiently and economically. They also use the finest brands to match any custom color you desire. To know more, visit http://www.morrowpainting.com/

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