A fresh coat of house paint in the Fall may also be your last chance to protect your home from moisture and impending wood rot that often festers during winter months. Failing to take the necessary steps to protect your home can be very costly. If a home goes unpainted through the Winter, you could end up with extensive wood damage that may cost thousands to repair or replace. Where wood rots, moisture creeps inside your home and can cause even more interior damage.  The easiest way to prevent this is with a fresh coat of paint before Winter weather sets in. A good paint job can usually protect most surfaces of your home for 10 years.  On some surfaces, quality paint will last even longer.

Repairing any current wood rot, caulking any holes or gaps, and painting done prior to Winter will also help save on heating bills throughout the winter months. By protecting and sealing these surfaces, it helps to insulate the interior and prevents excess heat from escaping your home.

Another advantage to painting your home this time of year is less foliage that could get in the way of painting all the surfaces.  Think of the largest tree or bush around your home; are the leaves and branches near the siding of the house?  In the Fall, these leaves are bare and because it is easier to paint, this labor saving move reduces the cost of your painting quote.

Be sure to ask about our gutter cleaning option.  For a minimal fee, we can clean your gutters of any leaves or debris to help prevent clogging of the gutters and downspouts.  When painting, we are already on site with our ladders, why not have us clean out your gutters for you?  It is safer and more economical then you climbing around your home and roof areas yourself.  (Average home only costs around $75)

Contact Sharper Impressions Painting today to discuss protecting your home from wood rot and the types of paint we can use to paint your house into the Fall. We can schedule a free and quick painting quote for you this Fall season!

Sharper Impressions was contracted to paint the interior of Debbie B.’s home many years ago.  She was happy with the work and our service.  Years later, she decided to paint the exterior as well. She chose to hire an individual painter who would perform the work slightly cheaper than the other bids she had received from local, established painting firms.

She paid an $1100 deposit, and then the contractor completely disappeared.  His cell phone number was disconnected, his email address wasn’t valid and there was no way of contacting him.   She was out a lot of money with no other options, and an unpainted home.

Unfortunately, Debbie B learned the hard way; for that exact reason homeowners should only hire a professional painting company. No painting customer should have to pay a deposit, ever. Good painting companies offer a guarantee with their work. Established paint contractors also offer extended warranties and continued support for years after the project is complete. Knowing the company has been around for awhile, in Sharper’s case 20 years, allows the customer to have peace of mind that their painting contractor is not going to disappear.

Whether your project goes good or bad, Sharper Impressions Painting will be available to fix any issues or continue to help you finish a your new paint project.

Too many homeowners fall victim to a fly by night painter. You should never have to take a risk like paying a deposit.  The benefits of going with a professional company far outweigh the risks of hiring someone not established.

For more information and a complete list of painting services; visit www.SharperImpressionsPainting.com or call 877.665.5566.

Cracking and peeling starts small and spreads. Your exterior paint may have superficial cracks across the surface. Take a close look at the edges and the corners where two exterior walls meet. If paint is starting to chip and peel back from the edges, it’s time for a new paint job. Sharper Impressions will put two fresh coats of long-lasting paint on your home. You choose the color. We do the work.

Contact  Sharper Impressions Painting today to set up an appointment.

When preparing your home interior for Sharper Impressions Painting, there are a few things that you can do before we arrive to make things go more smoothly for us so that we can do a better job for you.

Remove any books, papers, wall hangings and furniture from the room or rooms to be painted. If possible, furniture that cannot be removed from the room should be moved to its center before Sharper Impressions painters arrive.

Make plans for children to be in another part of the house under a parent’s watchful eye, at school or at daycare while Sharper Impressions Painting contractors are in the house. Although we do like kids, children tend to be curious and want to explore wet paint and visit with house guests busy at work. While we’re prepping and painting, it is best for them to be in a place where our Sharper Impressions painters are not.

Sharper Impressions looks forward to making your home interior painting project a positive experience and something you will be satisfied with for years to come.

Sharper Impressions just needs a picture of the area to be painted and the color swatch(s) you are interested in previewing. Within a week we will send you before and after pictures showing the color change you requested. It’s a great way to see the colors on your house before we actually begin painting.

Changing the colors on the entire exterior can get complicated; trying to decide between Navy Blue or Black shutters can be a lot simpler by utilizing our new service. Trying to decide between a modern beige or a tried and true grey on your siding?  See both colors on your actual home in pictures before we even get a brush wet.

Thinking of having some interior painting done? We can make sure your new living room furniture still looks great, even after a color change, by putting together a digital before and after of the walls and trim in your favorite room.

Sharper Impressions Painting offers this valuable service at no cost because we understand the importance of being comfortable with the color choices for your home. We want to help make sure that the colors you chose are perfect. With free digitally painting from Sharper you are sure to be happy with your new color…that is important to us because it is going to last a long time!  Call or email today to get a free, quick painting quote.

For more information and a complete list of painting services; visit www.SharperImpressionsPainting.com or call 877.665.5566.

Whether it’s an exterior painting project or interior, Sharper Impressions Painting can help quickly transform the space into an updated, maintained area. In a matter of days, Dad’s to do list can be cut in half, without him ever having to use a power washer, caulking gun or paint brush. That kind of peace of mind is a well-appreciated Father’s Day gift for the man who always does so much.

Sharper Impressions Painting is currently offering 25% to anyone who wants to give the gift of time this Father’s Day. Forget the tie or golf accessories, get Dad something he is going to appreciate and enjoy for years to come; a beautifully painted home and more time with his family!

For more information and a complete list of painting services; visit www.SharperImpressionsPainting.com or call 877.665.5566.

Happy Father's Day from Sharper

1. A GREAT Paint Contractor NEVER Asks for a Deposit

Well-established, successful painting professionals have sufficient operating income and can easily afford to purchase materials and make payroll. BE WARY of a contractor who asks for a deposit! Every year, too many homeowners fall victim to contractors who walk off the job – and out of town – with the deposit in their pockets.

If you agree to advance payment of any kind, be sure materials have been purchased and are on your property, leaving you some kind of leverage should the contractor default on the contract. Bottom Line: GREAT painting contractors NEVER request a deposit.

2. A GREAT Paint Contractor Presents Proof of Insurance

A great painting contractor will present you with a copy of his insurance policy, proving both the amount of coverage he carries for property damage and bodily injury. By nature, paint materials and the painting process can cause damages to unpainted home surfaces, like your roof, so should something happen, you need to know your contractor is insured and you and your home are protected.

3. A GREAT Paint Contractor Offers Clear and Written Warranties

There are two types of warranties. Labor and material warranties. Labor is usually the most costly to provide.

A well respected and established painting contractor will offer a warranty on labor performed. Don’t be fooled by new companies offering warranties that are longer than they have been in business. The truth is, more than half of painting contractors fail and simply go away within five years. Also, some local competitors have misleading warranty policies that have so called pro-rated warranties.  This makes you the customer, buy the replacement paint and material, or even have you pay for the labor in the later years of the warranty period.

Material warranties are usually offered by paint vendors to reputable painting contractors that have been buying their products and have a history of providing good quality work. These paint vendors will warranty their product if they know that painting contractor has a history of applying their products properly.

4. GREAT Paint Contractors Go the Extra Mile

Professional paint contractors will often provide extra services to perfect the final paint job for you. Check to see if your contractor offers the following:

• Professional color consulting
• FREE new or color match paint color cans to try on your walls to make sure you like the color before your painter arrives to start your project
• Detailed and local past customer references
• FREE power washing and extensive preparation work
• Two coats of paint – as a standard offering!

5. GREAT Paint Contractors Give Professional, Detailed Quotes

A GREAT painting quote includes a written and detailed list of ALL aspects of work to be done:

• Power and pressure washing
• Caulking, scraping and priming
• Wood repair or replacement – GREAT contractors will know what needs to be done
• Details of products and application – GREAT contractors know the right products for every job
• Touch-ups and clean-up

In addition to the quote’s content and accuracy, is it presented professionally?

• Is the quote printed on company letterhead with all contact information?
• Does he use a local land line phone number? (beware if only a cell phone number is listed)
• Clear, concise and accurate final, turnkey price quote (NOT an estimate…estimates can go up and cost you more..you should only pay more if the contract changes)
• Work guarantee and product warranties?

Inexperienced contractors, using standard business forms purchased at office supply or hardware stores suggests they haven’t invested much in their business and may not be your best painter.

6. GREAT Paint Contractors Have an A ranking with the Better Business Bureau

The The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a trusted consumer rating body that grades businesses based on collective criteria. In addition to finding their grade, be sure to check how long the paint contractor has been a member. Also confirm that any complaints have been resolved. BBB will still afford a good rating if a business has addressed issues in a timely manner.  Problems arise in contracting, you just want a painter that resolves those issues.

7. GREAT Paint Contractors Provide References in Your Area – Both Old and New

Paint Contractors should provide multiple references from both recent and past work. References from a year ago or longer show the paint job’s durability and confirm that any necessary follow-up or billing issues were handled correctly.

8. GREAT Paint Contractors Have a Professional Website

While it is certainly possible to be a good paint contactor and not own a Website, GREAT contractors are also successful business people who understand that today’s consumer is looking for instant information so they can make a thorough decision. A GREAT contractor’s Website will include all the details homeowners are looking for – references, before & after photos, details of services, contact information and history of the company and its owner and staff.

We hope this information helps you find a GREAT painting contractor!

Happy Painting!

Sincerely,

Your dedicated Sharper Impressions Painting Staff!

“making paint stick since 1992”

These are all signs that it could be time to paint and avoid future costly wood and siding repairs.

Chipping and Peeling

There are two signs you need to spruce up your exterior paint; obvious mass coating failures, or small amounts of chipping and peeling, about the size of a dime, which expose the wood underneath. These are both signs your top coat of paint isn’t protecting the wood from rain, wind and sun. Paint protects your wood the same way that skin protects your body.

There are several other ways to tell if your home needs to be painted and renewed; the color is fading and is noticeably lighter, there are water streak lines, the white colors are turning grey, and/or deep colors are losing their base and depth. Also, if you find chalking on the surface of the paint, it may mean you need to get your home power washed and painted.

To test for chalking, touch the paint surface with your finger; if it leaves a chalky paint residue on your hands this is a sign the paint is breaking down.  It is time to repaint; new paint will never leave any film on your hand.

Paint Chipping

Paint Peeling

Chalking of Paint

Mildew

Contrary to popular belief, mildew does grow in cold weather. It lays dormant throughout the winter and springs to life with the moisture and warmth of the spring season. Mildew will look like little spores and/or dark spots on the paint. Mildew is a sign that your slick, glossy paint surface needs refreshed; it allows spores to grow in the nooks and crannies of the paint surface.

Often, honest and established painters will let you know if a simple and cost efficient power washing is enough maintenance for that particular year. Mildew can easily be removed with a professional pressure wash, although sometimes it will require a new coat of paint to keep your home protected.

Caulking

Caulking failure can be extremely dangerous for your home. The caulk can pop-out or split open leaving you with these potential problems:

1.       Lose of energy efficiency from the inside of your home to the outside.

2.       Weather, like rain and wind can enter your home where caulk has failed.

3.       Insects and critters can enter where caulking failure occurred.

4.       Moisture can get behind the wood and paint, which leads to peeling of paint, rotting of wood and mildew growth on the surface and inside  the home.

Caulking is also important cosmetically; if it is done properly, it will look seamless with your paint color.  It will make the exterior of your home tight and secure. The look will be more complete and your home will instantly benefit from a solid and thorough caulking application.

Other Problem Areas

During the winter months, snow and ice settle into your home’s gutters; this means moisture often gets behind the fascia and paint. A few ways to tell if your gutters need a new paint job are: water stains, peeling and blistering of the paint, and bowing of the wood. If you notice these warning signs, it is best to have someone come out and fix problem areas very quickly.

The snow, ice and cold weather can also be a detriment to the staining on decks, fences and trellises. Seeing exposed wood means its time to protect the wood for spring; you may see heavy wood graining or see fibers in the wood, but they both require the same maintenance.  Bottom line, if water does not bead up on your deck surfaces, that water and sun UV rays are probably penetrating and harming the surface below.

Walkway surfaces and aggregate stone also need some help after the long, cold winter. One way to tell if your walkway or aggregate stone needs attention is when the spring rain hits; if the rain water doesn’t bead up, it means the water can penetrate the surface and cause decay and unforeseen underlying problems. The cure to this is to get the surfaces power washed and coated so that the next time it rains, the water will bead up preventing saturation of the surface of your walkways.

Final Recommendations

The tips outlined above are a good guideline to use when determining what type of work your home may need after a harsh winter.

-A new paint job with fresh colors that protects for years to come.

-A cleaning and staining of a deck to get it ready for months of grilling outside with friends.

-Or simply getting your home power washed to eliminate mildew, each improvement you make will help your home stay beautiful… longer.

A good painting contractor, like Sharper Impressions Painting, will provide an honest and detailed quote for what painting and preparation your home may or may not need.  Quotes should be free and you should always meet your contractor to walk around your home, this ensures that you and the contractor can point out and explain issues and solutions for your Spring painting project.

Enjoy the sun…we missed you this winter!

A fresh coat of house paint in the fall may also be your last chance to protect your home from moisture and impending wood rot that often takes place during winter months. Failing to take the necessary steps to protect your home can be very costly. If a home goes unpainted through the winter, you may end up with extensive wood damage that could cost thousands to repair or replace. The easiest way to prevent this is with a fresh coat of paint before winter weather sets in. A good paint job in the fall could protect your home for ten years or longer.

Getting any current wood rot fixed, caulking to fill holes and gaps, and painting done prior to winter will also help save on heating bills throughout the season. By protecting and sealing these surfaces, it helps insulate the interior and prevents excess heat from escaping.

Another advantage to painting your home this time of year is less foliage that could get in the way of painting all the surfaces.  Think of your largest tree or bush around your home, are the leaves and branches near the siding of the house?  In the fall, these leaves are bare and because it is easier to paint, this saves you money.   Also, for a minimal fee, we can clean your gutters of any leaves or debris to help prevent clogging of your gutters and downspouts.  We are already on site, with our ladders, why have us clean out your gutters for you.  It is safer and economical.

Contact Sharper Impressions Painting today to discuss protecting your home from wood rot and the types of paint we can use to paint your house into the fall. We can schedule a free and quick painting quote for you this fall season!

We know it’s a busy time of year with back to school shopping for new school supplies and clothing, so when you are finished spoiling the youngsters why don’t you spoil yourself with a fresh coat of paint!

During the summer months, homes can be like a battlefield with kids running around and playing outside in the dirt; now that the kids are back in school we would love to transform your home into a mom sanctuary. If you are looking to revitalize the look of your interior or exterior, now is the perfect time of year to get the fresh colors on your walls. Summer is starting to wind down and the temperatures are getting cooler. With the kids back in school, fall is the perfect time to paint your home.

With all the last minute shopping and driving the kids around to sports and activities, we understand it may not be easy to schedule time to get a free estimate… which is why we offer free evening and weekend appointments for busy moms. Our quotes are computer generated and printed for you at the time of your estimate, no need to wait for a price.

We even offer free color consultations to make the whole color section process fun and hassle-free for stressed out moms.