Saturday, May 12, 2012
We recently did some repairs and changed the color of a Germantown Maryland deck and rails. We replaced all the rotten boards and put a couple coats of a premium Cabot's solid deck stain on it. Hallco Enterprises can take care of all your painting needs and light carpentry. Many clients call us to even do small remodeling jobs. If you'd like a free estimate, please call us at 301-831-3679 or email us.
Please view our Deck Painting Portfolio. when you click on the link, you'll see the before shots of the deck, then click to the right to see the after photos.
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
When planning an interior color scheme, stick to the rule of 60-30-10. This means 60% dominant color, 30% secondary color and 10% accent color. If you flip through a interior design magazine, this is usually how the best looking rooms are decorated. Perhaps it is the human tendency to see an overall unifying theme in a dominant color, while the 30 percent provides visual interest and the 10 percent adds some extra pizzazz.
This decorating model is not very different from a man in a business suit. 60% of his outfit is his slacks and jacket, 30% is the shirt, and 10% is the tie.
Translated into a room scheme: sixty percent would be the walls, thirty percent would be the furniture and ten percent would be the decorative elements. Of course there are other ways to achieve the 60-30-10 balance in a room. Another example would be to keep the walls and furniture a similar color and paint an accent wall as your secondary color, while still using the ten percent for bold decorative items.
This formula provides a well-balanced, harmonious color scheme. This rule applies exterior painting as well as interior. For example, about 60% of your exterior would be the siding, 30% would be trim, shudders, and window frames, and the 10% could be the front door. Following this model will especially distinguish your home and set it apart from surrounding houses.
Call Hallco Painting at 301-831-3679 if you have any questions or if you would like to set up a free estimate.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Whether you already have outdoor furniture or you’ve just returned from a yard sale with great vintage pieces in that oh-so-seventies orange, you can do a simple home improvement project by repainting and weatherproofing your outdoor furniture this spring. The process is slightly different depending on if your furniture is made of metal or wood, but overall it’s a simple step-by-step that just requires a little patience while the different coats of paint dry.
1. Prepare the surface
Don’t make the mistake of painting over old, chipping paint or rusty metal. For a metal piece of furniture, first remove any rust or old paint chips with a wire brush. Then, apply a product like naval jelly to the spots affected by rust. Let the jelly sit for the required time and then clean it off and sand the area with sandpaper or steel wool. For a wooden piece, use sandpaper to smooth out any peeling areas, and be sure to sand down even the smooth areas, as this will give your new coat of paint something to adhere to.
2. Wipe it down
Once your furniture is fully sanded and rust-free, use a dry rag or a tack rag, which is slightly adhesive, and wipe down the entire surface area, being sure to remove any dust or dirt that may have accumulated there. Allow the clean surface to dry completely.
3. Prime it
For a metal piece, be sure to use a spray-on metal primer, which will contain a rust-inhibitor to protect the metal from future rust. For a wooden piece, you can either choose to use primer or an exterior paint and primer in one. For wooden furniture with wooden legs, be sure to let your primer dry and then prime the bottom of the legs as well. This will help prevent future rot by keeping water out of the wood.
4. Apply 2-3 coats of paint
Once your primer has fully dried, you finally get to pick up that paintbrush, dip into your fresh new color and see your furniture transformed. Apply a thin layer of exterior paint, allow it to fully dry and then apply one or two more layers, depending on how it looks. For a metal piece, you may decide to use a spray-on paint. Again, don’t forget to paint the bottom of the legs of any wooden piece.
If you have any questions in the process, or if you decide you would like some help from professional painters, we would love to give you painting ideas or help you get your outdoor furniture looking fresh and clean for spring. Just give us a call at (301) 831-3679 and we'll gladly assist you in the process.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Spring has sprung, your landscaping is popping up and – ugg! – surely the house didn’t look that dingy last year. If it’s time for a new coat of exterior paint, don’t be intimidated by thoughts of snafus you’ve witnessed or experienced. Choosing a paint color for your home’s exterior can be one of the simplest, most rewarding ways to give your entire home a fresh new face. Consider these pointers when making your selection:
1. Choose your sheen
Before you ever start comparing shades and hues, you need to determine what sheen or finish you want your paint to have. For a more stain-resistant paint, you may want to go with a gloss, though it will more readily show uneven points or blemishes in your home’s surface. You can also choose from a selection of semi-gloss, satin or flat. The flatter the paint, the more difficult it can be to clean but the more forgiving it is with textures.
2. Be a copycat
Don’t just walk into the hardware store and start comparing every tiny color swatch to every other. Looking at hundreds of 2-inch pieces of paper will have you sick of the process before it starts. First, take a drive in your neighborhood and note the colors you really like. If you can get away with snapping a quick photo, that’s even better.
3. Hit the Internet
Selecting paint colors for every area of the house is simplified by the Internet, where you can often search for photos of homes with colors you like and find out immediately the name, brand and sheen of the paint used.
4. Test your color
Once you’ve landed on that perfect shade, go ahead and apply it to a section of your home’s exterior with generous strokes. You don’t have to paint right on the front of your house, but don’t buy gallons of that perfect color until you’ve tested it on your home in your neighborhood with your lighting.
5. Watch the paint dry
Sure, it’s not a popular pastime, but you need to give your test patch of paint at least 24 hours to dry and settle before making up your mind about it. While you may think you love (or hate) a certain color when it’s first applied, paint often changes drastically as it fully dries.
Once you’ve selected your perfect color, we would love to help you with the painting process. See our work and contact Hallco for color recommendations and a clean, efficient and beautiful paint job to make your house look as fresh as the spring landscape that surrounds it.
Monday, April 09, 2012
A common question I get asked when dealing with kitchen cabinets is, "Should you spray the cabinets or brush them?" This is a tough question to answer because it really does vary and depend. Personally, I like the look of a sprayed cabinets. I've also seen a number of hand brushed cabinets that were stunning. So the decision really depends on what will make you most happy and last the longest.
Sprayed Cabinets May Take More Time
In order to spray cabinets, you really have a lot more work to do in preparation, masking and clean up. It can sometimes add a day or two to the entire project if you decide to spray your cabinets. Why? Because the best way to spray is to remove the doors, drawers and hardware and spray in a designated spray area. Then you have to mask off the area inside the house thoroughly to spray the cabinet boxes and paneling with several coats. Spraying with pre-catalyzed lacquers, acrylics or conversion varnishes creates a lot of dust, so a professional painting company has to take extra precautions to contain the dust and air quality. The end result by a company who knows what they are doing is beautiful, factory-like finished cabinets. I've seen sprayed kitchen cabinets last well over 8 years and still look almost new with the right products.
Brushed Cabinets
When brushing cabinets, some painters will save time by brushing the boxes, doors and drawers in place. The problem with this method is that it is hard to keep paint from getting on the existing hinges. Some consumers do like the old "brush look" and if so, then brushing is the way to go. If you do decide on a brushed finish, my suggestion is to go a step further and remove all the hardware just like you were going to have them sprayed. Then use a really good acrylic enamel such as Benjamin Moore Advantage. A professional brushman, as I like to call a painter who is a craftsman with a brush in his hand, can brush cabinets beautifully, especially if the doors and drawers are sitting on saw horses and can air dry. The brushman can then come into the house and hand brush all the cabinet panels and boxes/trim. Again, with the right product and an incredible brushman, hand brushed cabinets look fabulous. I typically recommend this method if you have an older home and live in areas like NW DC, Bethesda, Baker Park near Downtown Frederick and so on. The cost to brush cabinets from a professional might save you 20-25% vs spraying them as it requires a bit less masking and covering of the area (far less dust).
So in the end, it depends on what you like. I'd suggest asking the painter for a sample of both so you can make an informed decision. Beware of a company who will tell you the only way is brushing or spray. I've seen some pretty awful brushed and sprayed jobs!
Thursday, April 05, 2012
In a typical year, Maryland gets a full range of weather conditions, so it is important to understand how the weather and elements affect exterior painting. Spring is usually the best time to work on exterior painting projects in Maryland, as the days become increasingly warmer but are not yet too hot or humid. However, since weather isn’t always predictable, consider how these weather conditions can affect painting:
Ideally, temperature for painting should be about 70 degrees with humidity around 50%. Try to avoid painting in weather that is too hot, humid, windy or rainy. If you paint in mild weather and pay attention to the weather, you will end up with a beautiful finished product.
To add longevity and durability to your exterior paint job, use the highest quality 100% acrylic latex paint. High quality paint can last up to 5 years longer than regular paint; the extra cost of good paint is a small price to pay for the time and money it will save you long-term.
For a free estimate, call Hallco Painting at 301-831-3679 or contact us online. We serve Montgomery, Howard and Frederick County.
The exterior of brick homes can vary, but most brick homes are built with red brick. Today, more and more people are choosing to paint the exterior of their brick homes to give it a fresh new look. Whether you’re painting brick on the inside or outside of your home, these few pointers will help make your project turn out looking great.
Clean. With many surfaces, you do not want to paint over it until it has been scrubbed and cleaned; brick is no different. Pressure washing is the best way to clean brick, but be careful not to use too much pressure as it could create mortar damage. Let the brick fully dry after pressure washing.
Removal. Remove any loose mortar between the brick. If the brick has been painted over before, you will also want to remove any loose paint. Use sandpaper to sand down brick, or you can use a circular sander if one is available. If you find there is a need for mortar repair, you will want to fix the mortar before proceeding further in the painting project.
Primer. Look for masonry primer to use on the brick. Remember to use primer on both the mortar and the brick itself, as you will be painting over both. Let the primer completely dry before proceeding.
Paint. For the best results, it is recommended to use two coats of paint. Since brick is naturally an uneven surface, keep a watchful eye for any areas that may not get fully covered by paint.
If this is your first painting project with a brick home, try painting an area of the house that is least visible. The better you master the procedure, the better your home will look.
If painting your brick home turns out to be quite the challenge, we’re here to offer you advice and set up an appointment to discuss your painting project needs. See our work and call (301) 831-2679 to set up a free consultation.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Sometimes you need a bright pop of color in your home or office but don’t want to repaint an entire room. For the quickest, most effective results, you can paint an accent wall, which is just one wall that’s painted a different color to make it stand out and accent the rest of a room. If you’ve never set out to paint just one wall, here are a few helpful steps to simplify the process:
1. Choose your color.
The best accent walls are usually painted with a brighter or bolder color than the rest of the room. Select the hue that you think best compliments your entire space. It’s good to find something that pulls out colors you already have somewhere is your decorating scheme.
2. Test your color.
While you may be excited about that bright daffodil yellow, be sure to test it before you go to town painting an entire wall. Buy a poster board, paint the poster with a sample of your desired color, stick it to the wall for a day or so and see if you still want to move forward with that hue. If not, try another.
3. Get to work.
Unless you’re a professional painter, use paint tape to tape the ceiling, as well as the adjoining walls before beginning on your accent wall. You want to be sure to make clean lines so your wall looks crisp and fresh. Don’t forget to lay down a drop cloth as well. Most paints will just need two coats, while some colors in the red family require three for the most even results.
If this is your first time painting an accent wall, you may want to forgo the entryway and start first in a smaller space like the laundry room or a hallway. Once you’re confident in your accenting abilities, you can tackle that main room or your office lobby.
Some accent walls can be quite difficult to paint due to their height, dimensions and accessibility. If you have questions or need help from one of our professional painters for a tricky project, we’d love to be of service. See our work and give us a call to set up an appointment today!
Friday, March 16, 2012
As the springtime weather shifts from messy to mild, every homeowner's attention turns to the out of doors. It's time to clean things up, tend to the garden, and make needed repairs to both the home and its surroundings. Where to start? Assuming that your exterior paint is failing, it's best to focus on that first. And, there are plenty of good reasons to start spring chores with exterior painting.
Why now? First, spring is a very comfortable time to do outdoor painting. Second, it's smart to paint before putting down mulch, which along with your plants, will just get trampled if you paint later on. Third, why not get your painting done before more pleasant ‘distractions' like gardening, sports, and barbecues begin?
If your house paint is near the end of its life expectancy, you're taking a chance by postponing repainting. It doesn't take long for exposed wood to begin to rot, and other types of exteriors also suffer when the paint wears off. Wait too long and you may have to make repairs before starting to paint.
Another reason to get to your painting first: Exterior latex paint forms the most durable, protective finish when the weather is mild. It's always best to do exterior painting when the temperature is above 50 degrees F., but not too hot. Very hot days can cause the paint to dry too quickly and impair good paint film formation. By painting in moderate weather, you'll likely get a longer-lasting paint job.
Once you've finished your exterior painting, you can turn your attention to the other things on your to-do list. What's more, you'll have peace of mind knowing that you've "invested" in your biggest investment – your home.
Thursday, March 01, 2012
What is the best way to get rid of smoked walls from a fireplace?
1. Assess the situation. If the smoke damage is severe enough, it may be impossible to clean smoke from the walls (especially flat-painted walls). However, if the walls are painted with satin or semi-gloss paint, it should be possible to clean them.
2. Put on rubber gloves (since TSP can be harsh on skin), and mix about 1 tablespoonful of TSP cleaner** with a gallon of warm water. Starting at the bottom of the damaged wall portion, apply and wipe on the TSP cleaner with a large sponge. Continue to work in sections up the wall, and repeat the process if necessary.
While working on step 2, be sure not to soak the wall with water since it could damage the drywall. Also,avoid letting water run down between the baseboard and the wall since it could promote mildew growth and damage the baseboard. Put a towel down if necessary, but try not to use too much water in this process.
3. Rinse the wall with a clean damp sponge, working from the bottom up. (It may take several rinses to get the wall clean).
4. Next, dry the walls completely (or let air-dry) and tape around the wall to prepare for one coat of paint.
5. Finally, apply one coat of paint.
If you have any questions, call Hallco Painting at 301-831-3679. We serve Howard, Montgomery and Frederick County.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Painting your home can seem like a burdensome project. Once you’ve chosen your color and brushes, how can you be sure to get an even paint stroke every time you put your brush to the wall? Here are some tips for choosing, breaking in your new paintbrush so you get an even coat each time you dip it into the paint, and how to store the brush once you’re finished.
First, get a good brush. Purdy and Wooster are two of the best brands on the market that are easy to find in stores. They are made so the bristles will not fall out into the paint. A good brush is usually about $15-25 and will last for many years.
Before you start painting, slap the bristles of the brush against your hand a couple times to loosen the bristles. Follow that by slapping only the bristles against the table to really loosen them up – you want them to be loose so the paint will be applied evenly on the wall. Finally, place the end of the brush handle between your palms and spin it back and forth; this will release any final bristles that have stuck together.
Next, dip the bottom 1/3 of the bristles into the paint and draw an X on newspaper (be sure it’s several sheets thick so it doesn’t bleed through). Be sure to up on one leg of the X and down on the other to really relax the bristles.
Now look at the brush to check for loose bristles and those that are cockeyed and remove them (small scissors and nail clippers work best!).
Painting tip: Only place the bottom 1/3 of the bristles into the paint while you paint, it will help increase the lifespan of your brush!
If you’re going to use the brush again within a few hours (or overnight), rinse it out fully so paint can’t harden into globules on the bristles. Grab a plastic bag (that fits the whole brush, not just the bristles) or plastic wrap (just for the bristles) to create an airtight seal.
When your paint job is over, clean the brush. You can rub the extra paint off on the side of the paint can. To get the rest off, use the newspaper again and paint another X until no more paint comes off. There will still be some paint left on your brush. For this, you will need to get the correct solvent. If using a latex paint, water will work just fine. If it’s oil-based paint, you will need paint thinner.
Finally, slap the brush against the palm of your hand again to reshape it then put it back in it’s original packaging or hang it on a wall to avoid bending bristles so it’s ready to use for your next painting project!
Call us at 301-831-3679if you have any questions or if you would like an estimate for your project. Hallco Enterprises is dedicated to bringing quality service to homeowners in the Maryland and Washington, DC area.
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
These days, creativity is everything in the corporate world. Fresh and new ideas will deliver when acted upon. So, we believe that creativity should be encouraged and accommodated. One of the best ways to do this is by using white-board paint. Paper is a limited resource for exploring ideas, but dry-erase walls are inexpensive, resourceful and promote artistry and imagination.
Allowing creativity to be virtually limitless, white-board paint is great for offices, kitchen walls, bedrooms and kids rooms!
To get started, you will need:
After you purchase or find all the necessary materials, here’s what to do:
If you prefer black walls to white, but still want a wall for creativity, try using chalkboard paint!
Call us at 301-831-3679 if you have any questions or if you would like an estimate for your project. Hallco Enterprises is dedicated to bringing quality service to homeowners in the Maryland/DC area.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
When you walk into a room you will always get a vibe from the room, whether it is a kitchen, living room or bathroom. Primarily this vibe (or feeling) comes from the room decor, especially color. When a color is off in a room, you can tell; it might not be terribly unsightly, but when something doesn’t feel right in a room, usually you can attribute it to the color scheme.
As a painting company, we don’t want any homeowners to end up with a room that “just doesn’t feel right;” which is why we think it is important to get a second opinion on paint colors for your home.
With over 2,000 color options for paint, the choosing process can be a bit overwhelming; so not only is getting a second opinion smart, it also lightens the load of the decision by 50%. When you ask someone to help you with paint colors, make sure it is someone who knows you and your house well enough to know which colors will fit the personality of your family and your home.
Here are some additional reasons why you should get a second opinion on paint:
Since we don't usually aim to do major painting projects every year, it is worth it to get a second opinion on color and end up with a completed project you will be happy with for several years.
If you are uncertain about color, let us know. Our color consultants at Hallco are experts at suggesting soothing comfortable colors, individual to each home; give us a call at 301-831-3679 to schedule a consultation.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Homeowners commonly ask us what type of paint should be used for a ceiling. Our answer is: flat paint.
Flat, matte acrylic paint:
Since ceilings don’t receive much wear and tear, durable or glossy paint is not necessary.
Some painters might tell you to use semi-gloss paint for bathrooms and kitchens since glossy paint has high moisture-resistance; however, the improved flat paint on the market today looks nicer, and holds up nearly as well as glossy paints in humid conditions.
If you are unsure of what color to paint your ceiling, read our blog about fresh ideas for painting your ceiling.
Hallco Painting has been serving Mongomery, Howard, and Frederick County for over 15 years. Call us today for a free estimate at: 301-831-3679.
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
The new year is all about starting fresh and accomplishing the tasks you have at hand. The best way to completely “begin again” is to freshen each aspect of your life that has become dull over the past year. Updating and refreshing your surroundings and atmosphere helps to rejuvenate your mind and your resolve to get things done.
Think about a room in your home where you work the most. Whether it is your office, your bedroom, the kitchen or your sitting room, it is important that room is aiding to motivate you rather than distract you.
Color is both inspirational and influential. Stimulating hues can affect us physically and emotionally. Here are some some great colors to rejuvenate and motivate:
High contrast painting and decorating is a popular trend for 2012. According to Benjamin Moore, colors that promote enlightenment are:
Repainting your home can be a great way to stimulate creativity and productivity. If you enjoy tackling new projects, we recommend that you dedicate this week to thoroughly refreshing a room. However, don’t let the thought of repainting overwhelm you. If you think you are too busy to start painting, turn the project over to us. Hallco Enterprises is dedicated to bringing our customers dependable and exceptional service. Call us for a free estimate at 301-831-3679.
© 2012 Hallco Enterprises, Professional House Painters | 2220 Regina Dr, Clarksburg, MD 20871 | (301) 831-3679
