Spring is right around the corner! Now is the perfect time to take a look at your home and see what winter weather has done to your house’s exterior. There are several things you may notice: chipping and peeling of the paint, grey spores and mildew growth, caulking popping out of the seams, gutter leaks, and worn stain on decks, fences, pergolas and trellises.

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 the 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.

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 year. Mildew can sometimes be easily 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 quickly.

The snow, ice and cold weather can also be a detriment to the stain 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.

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 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.

Sharper Impressions Painting wants to help you protect your home for the winter season. Thanks to a 6 year old paint technology, we are now able to apply most exterior paints and stains in temperatures as low as 35°F, allowing homes to be painted safely much further into the cooler Fall months.

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 Painting has warned homeowners for years to hire a reputable, sustained painting company when hiring a paint contractor. The decision not to, haunts many homeowners and their wallets.  Take into consideration, the unfortunate case of Debbie B.

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.

Sharper Impressions Painting knows that changing paint colors can sometimes be a very daunting task. As a solution, we now offer to digitally paint our customers homes for FREE. This service allows you to see what your new color choices will look like on your home prior to painting. Having confidence in your color choices eliminates any worry or doubt during the painting process.

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.

Sharper Impressions Painting knows that Dads work hard all year round, and now that the weather is nice, his household to do list has grown. This year for Father’s Day, show Dad you really care and take some of the load off his shoulders. Hiring a professional paint contractor will not only guarantee great workmanship, but will save Dad days or weeks of sweating and cursing.

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

Some homeowners have a hard time finding a GREAT painter at a GREAT price. Eliminate the risk by learning the secrets to finding a GREAT painting contractor. Just follow these eight simple guidelines and you’ll hit get a long lasting and great looking paint job at a fair price.

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”

Flowers starting to sprout above our wet soil, the sun shining as we wash our cars, and people taking leisurely bike rides are all signs that spring is finally here! Outside you now see what Mr. Winter Weather did to your home’s exterior. There are several things you may notice: chipping and peeling of the paint, grey spores and mildew growth, caulking popping out of the seams, gutter leaks, and worn stain on decks, fences, pergolas, swing-sets and trellises.

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!

Sharper Impressions Painting traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana for their annual Paint the Brain conference. This week long trip inspires and trains staff for the upcoming busy season; as the motto for this year’s meeting says it best, it’s all about “shaking the rust off!”

“Last year was the first time we held the conference in New Orleans,” said Founder Geoff Sharp. “There is something about the city that motivates and drives people. The people were great, and you’re surrounded by amazing food and music; it was a no brainer to come back in 2011.”

All Managers and Owners were in attendance to review the 2010 year, and plan for growth in 2011. As warmer weather approaches, February is the perfect time to make sure new policies and procedures are implemented to make the painting process as easy as possible for customers.

“Paint the Brain is more than an annual meeting – it’s a time to celebrate success and plan for the future,” says Sharp.

For more information about exterior, interior, or other services we offer, please visit: www.sharperimpressionspainting.com. While there, check out our Current Promotions or Book a quote online.

Around the holidays, people are scrambling around trying to decorate the house and get everything ready for invited (and uninvited) guests. One of our latest projects had the homeowner panicked her home wouldn’t be ready by the time her in-laws got to town for Thanksgiving.

Most parents know that a three year old with permanent markers is a dangerous situation. This homeowner found out the hard way when she got home from work to find four walls covered with various squiggles. With less a week before her visitors were to arrive she had to get the two child-vandalized rooms repainted.

Since this was a newer home, the homeowner wanted to take advantage of the free color consultation to help pick a new, updated color. Sharper had to hustle and get the consultant out to the house the same day as the actual quote! Once the paint colors were selected, our painters had only 2 days to get everything prepped and painted.

The customer was relieved when she saw her in-laws pull up to the house just as our painters were leaving. The painters even used a No-VOC paint so there were minimal fumes, the guests had no idea the room was finished just minutes prior to their arrival.

The Sharper Impressions Painting customer was elated that her home was able to be completed before the holidays. The new color put a great finish to the rooms and most importantly, covered up all of the permanent marker kid art.

Sharper Impressions Painting delivers two truck beds full of collected goods to the local food bank. A local food drive resulted in records amount of food being donated by Sharper staff and other community members to help those in need.

“During the winter months and especially around the holidays, it’s important to remember and help those less fortunate,” explained Sharper Impressions Founder Geoff Sharp. “I like to get all the staff to work together for such a vital cause.”

For every one pound of food donated, one meal is given to someone who needs it. Through the local food drive, 2,240 pounds of food were donated, creating an incredible 2,240 meals. With the help of Sharper Impressions and the local community, the food bank is able to feed over two thousand people.

Sharper Impressions Painting finds new ways every year to expand their community outreach. As a proud member of the local community, Sharper Impressions accepts the responsibility to help others and stay involved around town.