Clinton Painting Services - Pro House Painters - Greensboro Painter's Blog

Important Ideas For Smooth Painting Projects

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 16:59:01 GMT

House painting is not only my profession, it is also one of my passions. With that being said, it's extremely important for a service provider and their clients to complete projects on time and in harmony with the home owner. That's why I decided to write this article.

Any time a home owner hires a service provider, there is an agreement made to perform a task or group of tasks at the home in exchange for compensation. Once the initial agreement of work and funds are reached, the project(s) usually begins shortly thereafter. That's the basics. Now, lets discuss some of the finer points.

In almost every project I handle, there is some aspect of the work the home owner insist upon taking on. Whether that's moving furniture, taking down pictures, or picking up their own paint, I've repeatedly found that the home owner's prefer to take part in this side of the project. That is wonderful, provided that the customer in question keeps their word. This is the point where things get tricky.

In situations where the home owner fails to perform their agreed upon part of the job, it makes it very difficult on the service provider. No one wants to pay additional funds for wasted time, and yet, when both parties don't act in accordance with the agreement it creates just that as well as some serious tension. Moral is and always has been paramount when performing laborious tasks, so please keep that in mind when you hire a painter or any other service provider. Good communication and proper attention to honoring the agreement keep all of that at bay, so I'd like to encourage all of you to do just that. Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to contact me with comments, questions, or to schedule your next project.

The Mold Must Go!

Tue, 12 Jul 2016 01:09:20 GMT

Home's are most people's largest investment in life, and there are many reason to paint each one of them. We are going to go over a few of those reasons in the post.

Two important reasons for repainting a home is the desire to beautify and preserve the property. Between the added curb appeal and the extended surface life of the substrate, the value of painting your home pays off in many ways over a long span of time when done correctly. Doing so also keeps up the value, protects against moisture infiltration, and even helps to deter pests.

However, there is another factor that is a really big deal when we are considering the right time to paint our home, mold and mildew. Unfortunately, simply repainting a home with mold on it will not eliminate it. Before any new coating can be applied, the surfaces must be cleaned thoroughly, whether the mold and mildew is visible or not. Attempting to paint over it without removing it first will lead to many problems down the road. It can prevent the paint from bonding and will grow through the new paint, which will shorten the life of the latest paint application significantly.

Mold and mildew grow mainly in and on the dampest, most humid areas of your home. It is very adaptable and can present itself in many different forms. Black mold, green mold, brown fuzzy mold, and more. It can even present itself in slimy patches and in a powder form.

Since mold is a parasitic fungus, its web-like body can eat through and into porous painted surfaces. Because mildew destroys the integrity of the paint film, moisture can enter the painted surface causing masonry to crumble and wood to rot.

Aside from its unsightly appearance, mold and mildew can make it impossible for paint to adhere properly. As you read in the beginning of this text, to achieve a smooth, even paint finish, the surface must be clean, dry and free of mildew. If even a small amount of mildew is left behind, it can grow underneath the paint and cause it to chip or peel. It is always better to call professionals for mold inspection and remediation to be safe and sound.

Use mildew resistant paint
Once the mildew is gone, you can paint the area. To prevent a recurrence, you may want to select paint with a mildew inhibitor. Mildew inhibitors such as the biocide, barium, and borate prevent the growth of new fungus. They are commonly found in popular brands of exterior paint, such as Sherwin Williams Duration. Each situation is different, so be sure to ask the your painter of the rep at your paint provider for the specifics on which paint is best to suit your needs.

Clinton Painting Services-The Company Story

Fri, 20 Feb 2015 14:19:25 GMT

House Painting is in my Genes

I painted my first home in 1997, when I was just a nineteen year old kid without a clue. My father co-owned and operated a painting company in Gainesville, FL named Bucket and Ladders, which I had the good fortune to be a part of. That company changed a lot of people's lives.

When they started out, my father and his partner were just two guys painting apartments for someone else. It did not take them long to figure out that it was more profitable to own the company, so the partners began to lay the ground work for Buckets and Ladders. After securing a contract with the apartment complex they lived in to handle all of the painting, the two of them took out a loan and purchased everything they needed to begin their company. Before long, my father and his partner were running one of the busiest painting companies in their region. They were both recovering alcoholics, and they used their company to reach out and help many people struggling with alcoholism. Many folks working a recovery program in the Gainesville area got a new lease on life through working at Buckets and Ladders.

In many ways, Clinton Painting Services

in an extension of Buckets and Ladders in many ways. At one point when I worked for them I had been promised that I would be part owner some day. Before that came to pass, the company had a meltdown. Someone at the company got hold of the company check book, and wrote bad checks to the tune of 250,000 or more. The fallout from that action ruined the company's credit, which in turn disrupted the flow of business. Soon after, Buckets and Ladders was a legal nightmare and had to be closed. My father painted a few homes over the next few years on his own, but never really recovered from the collapse of his company. Robert J Clinton Jr. fished mostly for the rest of his days, until he passed away in 2009 at the ripe old age of 52. God bless his soul.

Even though I never inherited the company, the skills and tools I collected through working for them gave me the confidence I needed to start my own painting company when the time came. It took me many years to find the motivation and courage to accept such a responsibility, but that all changed when my daughter was born. Having her has given me all the inspiration that I could have ever asked for and more.

At first, I painted for contractors in the area working as a sub. The pay was low and the work was hard, but I was working for myself so I was happy. However, it did not take long before one of those contractors didn't hold up his end of the arrangement, and I was left holding the bag on a painting project. And, it couldn't have come at a worse time. That project started in November and set me back quite a bit just before Christmas. Not only did I not get paid, I spent a considerable amount of my own money getting the job done. And even though it was a tough pill to swallow, that sequence taught me a valuable lesson. On that day I stopped working for contractors and began acquiring the rest of what I needed to open Clinton Painting Services.

Over the next two weeks I built the Clinton Painting Services website, purchased a van, designed flyers, ordered business cards, got insurance, and bought lettering for the van. It has been a labor of love, and other than my daughter, my greatest accomplishment.

These days, I get calls about painting houses all the time. Home owner's from all over Greensboro and the Triad contact me when they need someone they can depend on to paint their home. My crew and I handle a wide variety of painting related services, and we do so with pride. With that being said, I am also proud of the fact that we have brought every painting project that we have handled to successful completion on schedule and on budget. We even earned an A from the Greensboro BBB. It looks like we are headed in a beautiful direction. Follow me if you'd like to read more of my articles, or find us on Facebook, Google, or Linked In for tips, how-to's, and status updates from the company.

How To Paint Your Home - Part 3

Sun, 15 Feb 2015 14:53:51 GMT

How to use a paint roller on walls

    I promised more, so here we go. The last part of the paint application process should be to roll the walls, provided you are painting walls and not just trim. This is the easiest part of the operation if you have taken the appropriate steps to prepare.

   First, we gather our roller arm, roller pole, paint, and the roller pan/bucket and get to work. Once they have all been assembled into the desired tool for painting, the roller should be dipped carefully into the paint. When done correctly, the arm holding the roller does not get covered in paint, which helps prevent dripping and splatter while using the roller. You will also want to dip a fresh roller cover into paint repeatedly, and "condition" it in the rolling pan prior to applying the paint to the wall. Doing this will minimize the number of holidays, light paint coverage, and see through spots in your finish.

    Once your tool has been dipped and soaked through correctly, roll off the excess paint onto the pan, and move it to the surface you want to cover. Gently lay off the heavy paint load that has been soaked up about half way up the wall, this will keep the paint from running down the wall before you roll it out. Next, spread the fully wet paint into an N or V shape, creating a palette of wet paint on the wall.

    Now that that has been completed, start on the left side of the wet paint and roll the roller from floor to ceiling, stopping just over the edge of where your brush work stops. Repeat that motion across all of the fully wet paint until it is spread over the entire area consistently. Once your N or V shape is filled into a nice, evenly covered wall, dip the roller back into the paint and do it again, making certain to overlap the new shape with the edge of the one just completed. Generally, you'll start this procedure at the corner of a room, any corner will do. Use that point as a starting point, and work your way around the room until you get back to where you started.

    The idea here will be to evenly distribute the coverage, making sure there aren't any areas with too much paint. However, that is not all there is to it. Even though rolling paint is not too physically demanding, it is easy to make a mess of. You'll want to be on guard for runny roller edges, leaving too much paint on the wall, and dry rolling. Each of these application mistakes have their own consequences, but the thing they all have in common is that using them will ruin a great paint finish.

I recommend applying 2 coats of paint

If you are going for the best outcome, at least two coats is the way to go. This will require additional attention to ensure the best possible quality of finish, but is well worth the time. Use your sanding equipment to smooth out any defects that you can find after applying the first coat of paint. Give the whole area a light sanding, but give special attention to any areas that stand out. If you do this well, once you apply the second coat, you should have a beautifully painted wall.

How To Paint Your Home - Part 2

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 22:42:19 GMT

The next portion of this article will be geared toward the application process. We'll be going over the basics to prepare you to paint your home.

Installing a drop cloth is essential, unless you intend to replace your flooring. If that happens to be the case, have yourself a field-day. Otherwise, carefully cover the objects that you don't want paint on. More or less, that means everything. Afterwards, take the tape and plastic and cover any fixtures (make sure they are off). Once your home is protected from the mess you are about to make, remove any loose paint that is on the planned painting surface(s). You then take the mud and fill any holes on the walls. Now that the wall is filled and free from debris, sand the surface smooth to the touch. At this point you are safe to remove the outlet covers, and to clean the area thoroughly. Once you have a well prepared wall, go in and apply a bead of caulk to the corners if it is needed. Finally, you take the tape and secure it to any regions that are subject to transference. (That just means to get paint on places like the trim, that you want to keep the paint off of.) Our next capsule will be about the application process.

So, assuming you have gathered the suggested items and done your prep procedures, it is time for the fun part. The application of paint is an activity that a lot of people find therapeutic. It's a low impact exercise, that when coupled with the required repetitive motion, can really take your mind off of stressful matters. If you add the benefit of the worth of self worth gained from beautifying your home, this project can really lift your spirits.

Now that we are in a good state of mind for the detail to attention that it takes to do this well, let's begin painting. Depending on who you ask, you would either start cutting your first room in, or rolling it out. From my experience, the only time that this really matters is when you are using a glossy paint. The glossy paints are very finicky and will be saved for a different hub. For now, we will be focusing on primer, flat, and eggshell. Eggshell is somewhat glossy, but the paint performs and dries a lot like flat paint. So, you can begin either one, just do each task until it is done. One room at a time. For the sake of this hub, we'll start with brushing. Here are a few ideas

Make sure that you use a good quality of brush. The cheaper models will save you a few dollars, but lag far behind when it comes to performance. They do not hold paint well, and lose their shapes too easily. This will cost you a lot of time and energy in the long run. I highly suggest that you spend the extra money when it comes to your brushes. And that is coming form one of the most frugal men on earth.
Use a cut bucket that will allow you to hold 1 to 2 inches of paint in the bottom of the container. This will prevent you from getting paint all over the handle, thus preventing you from getting it everywhere else.
Once you have the cut bucket and brush ready, dip the brush in the paint. Put it in and swirl the paint a little. This will allow your brush to soak up some paint, and condition itself for the job it's about to do.
Now that your brush is ready, you can place it on your project space. The first motion is vital, in that you want to be able to paint the intended area, with having the paint run every where. Lay off the excess on the brush near the edge of your wall, but leave about 2-3 inches of dry area between you and the edge.
Once the wall is wet, take the edge flat of your brush, hold it at a slight angle and drag the paint from the initial stroke up/down/sideways to the corner. If done properly, there will be paint on the very tip of your brush, but not so much as to hit the opposing wall/ceiling/trim.
Repeat the motion until all of the paint is evenly distributed, and then wet the brush again with a dip of paint. Easy enough, right?

How To Paint Your Home

Fri, 02 Jan 2015 17:26:29 GMT

This will be a series of articles on how to paint your home. I am aware that this is a project that a lot of home owners embark on themselves, so I will try to offer some ideas on how to achieve a premium finish. Attempting this without a little working knowledge can be difficult at best. To get you started, here is a list of tools and materials that you will need. You should have the following items:

Paint
A paint brush
A roller cage with a roller cover
A rolling pole
A roller pan/bucket and screen
Drop cloths
Tape
Screw drivers (or drill)
Sanding tools
Wood putty/drywall mud
5-in-1/putty knife
A hammer/pry bar
A broom
And depending on what you are up against, plastic

Preparing to Paint

The first thing that is important after you secure the materials is preparation. Taking the time to prepare your project area properly will protect your home from potential damage. Doing so will also make the application of the paint go more smoothly. A general guideline for the order of this phase is:

Installing a drop cloth or protective paper on counters and floors
Covering any fixture that is attached or unmovable
Paint scraping/removal
Repairing nail holes and damaged drywall
Sanding
Removing power outlet/light switch cover plates
Cleaning and dusting the project area (this is extremely important and often overlooked)
Caulking
Applying tape if desired

This is where I will be ending the first installment. If you want to read more, bookmark this page so you can be the first to catch the rest of the series on how to paint your home.

Why Choose Clinton Painting Services

Wed, 13 Aug 2014 15:32:13 GMT

If you are a home owner in the Triad, there are a ton of good reasons why you would want Clinton Painting Services to handle your painting and home improvement projects. Your home is your most valuable asset. It is an element of your life that affects you profoundly. When it's time to hire a house painter, most folks don't want a cut rate painting crew. They want a ......

team of skilled professionals who can achieve a smooth and even finish to bring out the best in your home. A team who takes the time to protect your assets the way they should be protected.
     That's where Clinton Painting Services comes in. We are not a high volume blow and go painting company. We are a small team of professionals that take the time to do all the little things that have a major impact on the finish when all the painting is done. From seamless patch work to using the right primers, we enhance the appearance of all surfaces before the first drop of paint is applied. We also hand paint everything to ensure the longest life possible for your investment.
     Why you should Choose Clinton Painting is not just about how we paint, though. It's also about our commitment to quality, our demand for excellence, and our refusal to split hairs with our customers. We value your business, and you can see that when we enter your home. From first contact to clean up, you can tell you are in the hands of professionals. Rest at ease as we make what ever idea you have envisioned to beautify your property become a reality. When we are done, you will be thrilled that you choose us to paint your home.
   In closing, we'll sum all of that up. If you are looking for the best quality painting services in the Triad, contact Robert Clinton at (336)215-4128 for a free estimate. We look forward to hearing from you.

5 Important Reasons For House Painting

Wed, 18 Jun 2014 15:58:12 GMT

House Painting is an extremely important part of maintaining a home. Whether it is the siding, the trim, the windows, or any other part of the exterior of your home, it is crucial that the surface is properly coated to protect it from the elements. The paint and other coatings that have been applied are your first line of defense when it comes to protecting your most valuable investment. Once they have lost their integrity, there are a host of potential problems that can arise. In the list below, we'll go over 5 of the most important reasons to keep a fresh coat of paint on any building that you want to stand the test of time.

Moisture collection : The first invader is water. Once the paint has failed, your home or business becomes subject to moisture collection and all of the well known problems that collecting moisture can cause. If not treated immediately, the problems can and usually do become more severe.
Mold and Mildew : Once water has infiltrated the walls of your home, the low light area with little to no air movement between the exterior siding and the interior walls becomes the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Once it gets in there, it is extremely difficult (and expensive) to get back out.
Rotted Siding and Structure : If you didn't get to it when it was at stage #2, then let me welcome you to #3. When moisture is allowed to continue to breach the exterior of your home over a period of time, wood rot occurs. The amount of time left untreated and the amount of moisture getting in will determine the rate of disintegration, but the last time I checked, disintegration is the last thing folks are looking for when it comes to their home. If the exposure to water continues over a long period of time, it can and will destroy a home's structural stability.
Depreciation : How many people do you think are out there looking to live in a freshly soaked sponge? Based on my experience, the answer is very few. Thus, with little to no demand for a home in such a condition, an incredible amount of depreciation occurs. Homes that were once worth hundreds of thousands of dollars end up being demolished, all because someone wasn't caring for the paint.
Health Issues : The house left unpainted may not fall down immediately, but the people living in it may. That mold and mildew mentioned in #2 has a wide range of hazardous effects on people's health. Asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia are a few of the most common conditions that are associated with being repeatedly exposed to mold and mildew.

I'd think you'd agree with me when I say that the average American is not interested in dealing with any of the results of not painting their home. All of them are negative, and most of them are not insignificant. If painting is not the single most important aspects of painting your home, it takes a close second to the roof itself, which protects the top of the structure in much the same way that paint protects the walls and trim. If you ever plan to do anything with your home other than burn it to the ground or bulldoze it, I highly recommend keeping a fresh coat of paint on it. Fortunately for you, Clinton Painting Services is on the job. Call the owner himself, Robert Clinton (336)215-4128 to schedule a free consultation. Don't take a chance with your biggest investment. Call a team of professionals to protect your home from the elements. Call Clinton Painting Services.

7 Traits Of Great House Painters

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:47:51 GMT

There are literally thousands of house painters in the United States alone. With that many people practicing the trade, how do you know which one is the right one for you? That, my friends, is a great question. Helping you find the answer is the purpose of this article. This should give you a good set of general rules to help you choose wisely. A careful review of your prospective painters.....

photographs of previous work should tell you a lot. You can also visit the local BBB and other online resources to check out any customer complaints. So, without further adieu, here are the 7 traits you should look for when you hire your next house painter.

Great Preparation is a trait common to every house painter worth his salt. This is the stage of the project that will make or break the look of the wall when it is finished, and far too many painters skimp on time and effort when it comes to preparing the surfaces to be painted.
Precision Edging is another thing to look for when selecting a home painter. Wavy corners and unclean lines are tell tale signs of an inexperienced painter. Professionals have mastered their craft in a way that allows them to produce a finished look not achievable by untrained hands.
Even Coverage goes hand in hand with the precision edging topic. Great painters not only know how to keep a brush in a straight line, they also know how to spread the paint evenly across the surface to avoid flashing, roller marks, holidays, and the picture frame effect.
Completes Projects on Schedule is another tale tell sign of a quality house painter. It's widely known that many house painters enjoy a wide variety of beverages, and those guys aren't always the most dependable bunch. This one and the next one you have to do a bit of extra footwork for by calling previous clients or reading reviews, but it is time well spent. You can prevent yourself from hiring someone known to not keep their word.
Completes Projects on Budget falls into the same area as finishing on schedule, but it deserves it's own mention. There are a great number of painting companies that have reputations for bidding low to secure the project, only to use clever guises to push up the final total on the job. These guys are not rookies, but they are certainly not professionals, either.
Solving Problems is a trait you may not think about when it comes to hiring a house painter, but it is very important none the less. Almost every painting project has an unseen variable, possibly 2 or 3. A solid painter is going to avoid billing clients unnecessarily by finding solutions that don't require additional funding, or at the very least do their best to not gouge the customer in such situations. They are also much more pleasant to work with in terms of reaching a desirable outcome and finished look for your home.
Dependable, Trustworthy, and Accountable are the words a person might use to describe any company who exhibits the 6 other traits described above. If the painting company you are considering, or any other company for that matter, has customer reviews that repeatedly say words like those, you've likely found people that you want to do business with. There are exceptions to every rule though, so checking reviews at multiple sources is usually a good idea.

Choosing Paint Colors

Tue, 11 Feb 2014 00:38:16 GMT

Interior and Exterior Paint: How Bold Can You Go?

Choosing the paint color for your home can sometimes be terrifying! If you pick a color that is blah, you’re looking at a flat, featureless house. If you pick a color that is too bold, you could easily upset your neighbors or the homeowner’s association. The best color to paint your home is with colors that highlight the special features of your house and show some of your personality as well. Below are some ways you can find that perfect combination.

Take a Look Around

Take a look at your neighborhood to get some paint ideas, but don’t paint your house the same color as your neighbor. Select a color that sets your house apart from the neighbors without clashing.

Some of the colors are already established on your home. Take a look at your roof. Is it slate, metal, terra cotta or clay? The new paint doesn’t have to be the color of the roof, but it should blend well and harmonize.

Look to Nature

The world around your home is blooming with paint colors to choose from. Tall trees might

suggest a palette full of earthy greens and browns. If you live on the beach, coral colors, turquoises and some brilliant blues would look great. Even the flower garden in the front yard can give you some amazing color combination ideas.

What Color Expresses Your Personality?

Why not go with your favorite color to express your personality? What if your favorite color is purple? You can go with an atypical exterior color of violets, gray and navy which looks stunning when the right shade is used with a complementing supportive color. For example, for the body color, you can go with polished silver. This is a delicate color giving a nice, neutral background to the bold accent of the door and trim. For the trim highlight, use a silvery white paint to complement the body color and give a crisper detailing to the trim on windows and your porch posts. For the trim color on shutters, go with a shade of violet to warm up the cooler paint color on your house. Accent the front door color so that it stands out but also stays in line with your palette by using a deep violet or navy paint. This will look classy, fit your personality and won’t upset the neighbors.

If you like things that are big and grand, choose a light color of paint. White is a favorite color chosen for traditional classical architecture, and it makes a home look larger. Think about all the magnificent estates you see painted in white. In fact, the White House in Washington, DC shows that sense of dignity and size.

To the contrary, you can go darker for more drama. Dark siding and trims will make the home appear smaller, but the attention to detail is certainly eye-catching. Accent recesses in darker paint colors, and highlight the details with lighter paint colors.

Gather some inspiration from the inside of your house to transform to the outside colors. Some people are a lot more comfortable using colors that make a personal statement in their kitchen, bedroom or dining room. With good choices, the interior and exterior of your home will make its own statement about your design taste and personality. Clinton Painting Services can help you pick the perfect color for both your personality and the neighborhood you live in! Give them a call at (336)215-4128 today for more information.

Lena Carson is an interior designer from Tucson, Arizona. She is experienced in both exterior and interior painting, as well as kitchen design and landscaping. The folks at Clinton Painting Services want to express our thanks to Lena, she took the time to write this guest blog post as a service for our customers.

How to choose the right house paint

Mon, 30 Dec 2013 14:42:17 GMT

Today I will doing a hub on interior paint selection for the DIY minded home owner. This information is designed to help home owners choose a paint product that is the most effective to suit their needs. There are many different types of paint sheen/finish and then 2 different types of base compounds (oil&latex) for making paint. The combination of this many variables leaves a lot of room for questions. Those questions are exactly why I am doing this hub. I will start this hub about choosing a paint by saying that oil based paint is becoming less and less popular, so for the purpose of this article, I will be referring to latex paint when I mention paint. The types and characteristics of paint that I will be focusing on in this article are flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. I intend to help you understand which paint applies to which rooms and what functions that they are designed to serve. Hopefully, armed with this knowledge, you will be able to chose your paint product well.

Types of Paint

Flat paint is a very easy to use paint when you paint your home. The materials in it lay down on the wall well, however, this product has virtually no durability on the wall. It scuffs easily and really leaves a mark if you try to clean it. It is great for adult bedrooms(older children, too), living rooms, and hallways.
Eggshell paint is slightly more durable than flat paint. It is really low luster paint, but it is supposed to add warmth to the look of a room. This paint dries hard, but it is a little testy to clean. It is also difficult to remove. Eggshell is also suitable for living room, dining rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
Satin paint is the other paint in the low luster category. It has a good deal more sheen than eggshell or flat paints, but it doesn't shine quite like the glossy paints. This material wipes clean well if you are dealing with grimy substances, but it doesn't take well to impact and scuff marks. The paint in question here is a good choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Satin dries much softer than most paints, so choose where it is used carefully.
Semi-Gloss paint is one of my favorites. This paint really shines well, and it has terrific capabilities when it comes to durability. Semi can be wiped well, it is scuff resistant, and you'll find it is more manageable than high gloss paints. IT can also be used in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. It may be too glossy for some home owners walls, but it's durability definitely makes it something to consider for areas that may get damp. I have also seen homes where this was the paint of choice for the doors and trim. It is not the usual product for trim painting, but it is a viable option there as well.
High-Gloss paint has the most shine of all of the latex paints. It dries super hard, and wipes clean the easiest. This is usually the door, window, and trim paint of choice. The durability of High-gloss paint is excellent, but this stuff is extremely difficult to remove.

This will get you ahead of the game when it comes time to paint your home. Making the right choices concerning your paint selection can allow it to last longer, look better, and be a better value to you as a home owner. Hopefully, sharing that information with you will improve the outcome of your next DIY painting project.

Paint Prices - What's the difference between $25 per gallon and $100 per gallon paint?

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 01:57:23 GMT

     Paint is an item that has a unusually wide amount of variety in price between one brand and another. The are a large number of factors that determine the costs and value of a gallon of paint. The material composition is one factor, as well as brand, finish, and life expectancy.
   Brand is probably the most influential factor. The best known brands charge premiums for their paints which include the scientific advances applied to the product through research undertaken by their labs.
   Material composition refers to the differences in the bases and mixtures in the paint. Common bases are oil, water (latex), and acrylic. Each performs differently and has a purpose that it is best suited for. There is also the amount and quality of the titanium-dioxide in the paint. That is the factor that contributes to how much of the paint evaporates, and how much stays on the painted surface as a solid after the paint dries.
      The finish/sheen also affects the costs of paint. In most cases, flat paint is the least expensive. A rule of thumb for latex paint is that the more shiny it is, the more it cost. Thus, high-gloss finishes command the most money.
       Life expectancy is the last and probably the most important factor that helps determine the price of a gallon of paint. An average gallon of paint has an average life span of 5-10 years. However, there are also products on the market guaranteed for 15, 20, and 25 years. Have you considered the life expectancy of the paint being applied to your home?
      These factors should all be considered when purchasing paint for your next project. Doing so will allow you choose the investment in paint that is best suited for your needs. For more information on painting or an estimate for your next project, contact Clinton Painting Services at (336)215-4128.

Interior Painting Estimates in Greensboro

Mon, 13 May 2013 21:04:03 GMT

If you are reading this, Clinton Painting Services needs your help. We are in business to serve our community with the best residential painting services available anywhere. Even though we specialize in interior painting, our team is skilled in all aspects of home improvement. Would you help us spread the word? Will you think of us when you or someone you know has a tough project you don't want to take on yourself, such as painting your home? We are happy to tackle those tough home improvement projects for you. Most home owners are far too busy to invest the amount of time and energy it takes to paint a home. Why hassle with the frustrations of doing it yourself? Call on the professional painters at Clinton Painting Services. It is easy to trust our ability, determination, and fairness. You can feel secure knowing you put your faith in a team with an A rated reputation for outstanding painting services by the BBB in Greensboro, NC. So, when you need an exterior or interior painting estimate, contact Clinton Painting Services at (336)215-4128 for a free consultation.

Stop doing the same things, and expecting different results!

“How I wish that somewhere there existed an island for those who are wise and of good will.”

-Albert Einstein

Graffiti Removal in Greensboro, NC

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:16:08 GMT

Graffiti is at an all time high. Many areas of town are being "decorated" by local youth, much to the dismay of the adult population here in Greensboro, and all across the country. Even though graffiti could be considered artistic in nature, the placement of such "art" is usually undesirable and being sprayed in inappropriate places makes this type of painting more of a hazard than a creative beauty. If you have been an unwilling participant in the local youth's art program, Clinton Painting Services is here to help you with our graffiti removal painting services.
We are a local painting company that is well versed in the removal of graffiti. Our painters are trained in coating all types of surfaces, and covering all sorts of blemishes, including graffiti. We have the tools and knowledge to make that eyesore disappear and turn into a freshly painted surface that looks great. You don't have to stare at it for another second. Call us at (336)215-4128 and we'll solve that problem for you.

The Importance of Primer When Painting A Home

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:53:52 GMT

Many home owners do not understand the importance of primer when they want to paint their home. At least once a week a home owner calls me and request that I apply "just one coat" of paint to their home. Although there are remote instances where this is an acceptable way to paint a home, it is very rarely the case. Paint is a fickle material that will only bond properly under optimal conditions. And that, my friend, is why primer is so important. A good painting company (such as Clinton Painting Services...hint, hint) wants to provide you with a finished product that will stand the test of time. Thus, we believe it is important to use the right amount and combination of paint and primer on any surface we paint.

     Paint bonds to a surface in 3 ways,by absorption, chemically bonding, and mechanically bonding. The surface in question and the type of paint/coating used will determine how well each type of bond will work, along with how well that surface is prepared. Any painter worth his salt will sand a wall or trim board before painting it, but many individuals and companies skimp when it comes to priming. This only serves to lessen the paint's ability to protect your home against the elements. Any paint will fade with age, however, failing to prime will increase that aging process exponentially. The primer job is to form a strong bond with the surfaces being painted,and in turn allows the paint to gain maximum adhesion to what ever it is applied to. Failing to prime is asking for early paint failure.

      Primer is also extremely important when it comes to changing colors when painting. Primer blocks in the pigment of rooms that have been painted bright, dark, or vibrant colors. If you were attempting to cover a red wall with white paint and no primer, you could easily apply 5 coats of paint and still be able to see red. However. add a single coat of primer, and that will allow two coats of paint to cover beautifully. The primer can even be tinted in many cases in order to minimize the amount of finish paint needed even further. Beyond that, primer is essential when you want to seal in and block out the smell of smoke, pets, or other strong odors that have absorbed into a wall. Primer is your friend.

       In closing,I'd like to suggest that you ponder a thought. Is it better to save 20-30% on the current cost of painting your home and have to repaint in 1-3 years? Or would you be wiser to spend the extra 20-30% in order to secure a coating that will last for 5-15? Your opinion matters. I welcome you to share it in the comments. Aside from that, thank you for reading. Be sure to call Clinton Painting Services the next time you need a painting related home improvement. Have a wonderful day.

The Dangers of VOC's in Paint

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 18:50:02 GMT

AKA Volatile Organic Compounds

What are Volatile Organic Compounds? From Wiki "Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at ordinary, room-temperature conditions." In layman's terms, they are the gasses released when organic matter evaporates. There are many of those gasses present in our atmosphere at all times. Most of the scents that you smell everyday come from this process. Should you be afraid of all of them? No. Should you understand more about this subject? The answer is a resounding yes.

You see, even though mother nature makes a large selection of VOC's, most of them are not dangerous. However, man has harnessed the worst of them for use in paint and cleaning agents. Paint and other chemical agents that are used for home building and cleaning are generally packed with volatile organic compounds. These compounds are known to cause a number of skin and soft tissue irritating effects and have been linked to causing cancer. Any chemical with a strong odor is likely pumping out a ton of VOC's. Try to avoid exposure when possible, and be sure to ventilate properly any time you have to use one.
Now, for paint specifically, nearly every person in America will be forced into being exposed to VOC's from paint just by living here. That being said, there are a few things that you should know. Paint releases most of it's volatile compounds as it dries. The average gallon of paint will continue to release more VOC's over time, however, the rate that it is released at drops significantly. The other important factor you should know is that many manufacturers now offer at least one line of paint that contain either low or no VOC's. One such product is "Harmony", from Sherwin-Williams that has no VOC's. This line of paint and others like it are a bit more expensive. So I guess the question here is, what is your health worth to you?

Clinton Painting Services: Advice on Saving On Heating Cost During Winter

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 20:36:10 GMT

This article was written in response to a question on inexpensive methods of saving money on energy cost during the winter. The answer would be relative to the type of heating system that you have available. If you have the ability to burn wood, you could save $100-200 per month in heating costs. It requires work, but if you are severely financially burdened, it becomes a viable option. If not, a small electric heater, as the other hub poster suggested would be helpful. Used minimally, it could save you from $40-100 per month. From there, you need to make sure that your insulation is at it's premium density and thickness.There is a certain level that relates to the type of structure that you live in and where you reside. Find out what the R-Value is for you locale and make sure you have enough to provide adequate protection. On the note of sealing things up, you may also check the gaskets on your refrigerator and freezer. Once they reach a certain age, the seals tend to give way and begin to leak. Replacing them is another inexpensive money saving technique. Another method of saving money is get a powerful fan and check your home for places where you have air leaks. Set the fan up in a door way pulling air out of your house. Walk around while the air is circulating to inspect and find the places that are leaking and repair/fill them. There are products at your local paint store made for doing this. One such device is a door sweep, which will prevent air from entering your home through the bottom of the doors in your home. All in all, there is not really one single inexpensive way to save a considerable amount of cash. However, if you use the ideas described above along with other efficiency optimizing techniques, you could save some significant cash. I will post more specific optimizing suggestions in future posts. I hope this information is useful to you and the rest of the readers.

Top 10 Reasons To Use a Professional House Painter

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 19:06:42 GMT

In time, almost every house in the world has to get painted in some way or another. Whether interior or exterior, some aspect of any dwelling will need the protection offered by a fresh coat of paint from time to time. The benefits of this service are wonderful, from the protection that I mentioned to the added beauty and value that is instilled in your home. I highly suggest that you check the integrity of your home’s paint regularly, especially since the amount of moisture damage that can result from a failure can be catastrophic. So, without further adieu, here are the top 10 reasons to pay a professional to do it for you:

#10) The Paint Will Last Longer. The methods used by professionals ensure a proper bond is secured from coating to surface.

#9) Avoid The Mess. Painting can be a messy prospect, why not let some one else get covered in it?

#8) Better Surface Preparation. Good painters know how to prepare a surface for painting properly, ensuring a better quality end result.

#7) Helps The Local Economy. 90% or more of painting companies are owned and operated by local business owners who live in your community.

#6) Time. Not only will the project get done faster, you can spend your time doing the things you enjoy instead.

#5) Better Craftsmanship. An experienced painter has the attention to detail needed to provide a superior final product.

#4) Enhanced Property Preservation. That same attention to detail allows a good painter to find the damaged areas that hide behind the paint.

#3) Guaranteed Labor. Almost every painting company “worth it’s salt” offers a guarantee from defects of labor.

#2) Security in Project Completion. You can carry on with your daily routine without reservations about the improvement of your home.

And Finally #1)…..Less Stress. Enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that your project is being carried out by the best man for the job.

Beware, ServiceMagic Is Now Home Advisor

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 20:02:13 GMT

I was contacted today by a young woman who told me she had plenty of house painting work for me. I was very excited at the prospect, until I found out who I was dealing with. The lady I spoke with told me she was from "HomeAdvisor", a company that I had never heard of. Only when I returned home and done a bit of research did I find out that this is actually a company named Servicemagic, a construction and painting lead generation website. As it happens, they have so many negative reviews that they are trying to change their name to hide from their former customer's wrath. This is not the first time they have contacted me. They attempted to sell me before under the old name. I wanted nothing to do with them once I found out what their customers had to say, and if you want my opinion, I would stay away from them. Follow the RSS Feed to be the first to read my future post.