Commercial Interior Painting

[singlepic id=31 w=320 h=240 float=right]Savvy business owners know how important first impressions are. That is why, along with all of the other components that shape a successful company, creating an impressive exterior and a lovely interior for the base of operations is essential. Whether a project involves a tiny office space or an expansive showroom, a fantastic paint job speaks volumes.

At Colour Solutions, we take great pride in assisting our commercial customers achieve the perfect atmosphere through the skillful application of paints and stains. It is no secret that colors convey and create a range of feelings and perceptions. The study of color psychology in business has revealed that certain pigments have a definite influence on how companies are received. For example, blues are often associated with honesty and dependability, oranges and reds are linked to creativity and enthusiasm, while muted grays and browns show strength and security.

Let the painting pros at Colour Solutions take care of your commercial painting needs and ensure that your business exudes a professional appearance that matches your business goals. We can echo the firm’s brand image and objectives by incorporating elements such as logos, shapes, words, or letters.

To learn more about the commercial painting services we provide, please give Colour Solutions a call at 910-686-3067.

How Does Humidity Affect Your Home’s Painted Finishes?

How Does Heat and Humidity Affect Your Home's Exterior?Most homeowners are aware that weather and changing temperatures can directly impact the wear and tear on their homes. However, the severe temperature dips and harsh precipitation associated with the winter months are what most homeowners focus on. Although in some parts of the country, the summers are warm and dry, there are many states in which high humidity and heavy amounts of rain wreak havoc on homes’ painted or stained finishes.

In the greater Wilmington area, the combination of high humidity and rain can wreak havoc on exterior materials such as wood, masonry, and metal.  Excessive moisture can result in mildew and algae. Check your exteriors for signs of these culprits and clean them a soon as possible. A solution of 2 parts water, one part bleach, and one part a mild detergent, such as Borax, is recommended.

If you live in or around Wilmington, NC, contact the experts at Colour Solutions to discuss which paints and stains are mildew-resistant and which ones are better suited for your application-oil-based or latex.  Colour Solutions will be able to match the best quality paint for your application for the ultimate protection and beauty of your home or business.

Be aware that moisture and humidity can creep inside and create problems for a home’s interior as well. Kitchens, bathrooms, and basements are the most susceptible. Rule out leaks or rotten wood to ensure that these issues do not get out of hand. For most homes that have a mild problem with interior humidity, a simple clean up and the ventilating with air conditioning, fans, or open windows, is all it takes.

If a DIY painting project is in your future, here are a few suggestions for success:

  • If it is not warm enough outside to dry laundry on a clothesline, it’s not warm enough to paint.
  • Wait before you paint if water splashed on cement does not dry quickly or in 15 minutes. You could also test this by brushing water on the area you want to paint or stain.
  • Light breezes are perfect, however, windy conditions can ruin your perfect application with tiny debris and cause the job to dry unevenly.
  • Do not paint outside in very hot weather or in direct sunlight. It can cause blistering. Painting “in front of the sun” is frequently suggested, which means painting in the direction the sun is moving, just ahead of its path.
  • Overcast, but warm days, with no chance of rain are ideal for exterior painting projects.
  • Before breaking out the brushes and drop cloth, call our team at Colour Solutions.  You may find that hiring the pros will be well worth the time and resources it saves you!  Plus, you’ll know that your home will look beautiful and the painting will done in a flash.

Call us today to request a quote or complete the form on the right side of this page: 910-686-3067

Replace Rotted Wood and Repaint Home’s Exterior

Say No to Wood Rot!

Don’t let this happen to your home!

Wood damage caused by rot can result in big headaches for homeowners. It is a tough issue to deal with because it can occur in so many areas, such as the structural timber, eaves, garage doors, entry doors, window casings, and anywhere else that wood was used in construction. Wood rot is most often attributed to pests, like termites or carpenter bees, and/or excessive exposure to moisture. Wood decay fungi, which are a common source of the problem, can only grow on wood with a high moisture content.  That’s why the key to prevention is to  use paints, primers, and stains with moisture barriers.

Homeowners faced with wood rot will want to have an experienced professional assess the situation before proceeding with a replacement project. The root of the problem must be determined before any work takes place to ensure the wood rot is eliminated once and for all. Ongoing leaks or the presence of wood-eating pests are usually the culprits.

After the cause has been eliminated, the replacement wood should be primed on all six sides before it is installed. Sealing all 6 sides with primer, or “back-priming,” is necessary to hopefully keep this from happening again. Our painting professionals at Colour Solutions would be happy to discuss which products are best suited to your job.

Ongoing and preventative maintenance are also vital in keeping wood rot at bay. Cleaning your home’s exterior, along with re-caulking and painting every three to seven years is a step in the right direction. Exterior paints and stains are like your home’s coat of armor against the elements. Failing to paint or stain the exterior and trim on a regular basis can set the stage for further damage. It is vital to apply a sealant regularly to the timber used on decks and porch flooring so moisture and rot will not set in.

Take control of your preventative home maintenance by getting on a schedule with Colour Solutions painting company based in Wilmington, NC.  Don’t let your house painting go by the wayside – contact Colour Solutions for a free quote today! 910-686-3067

6 Ways to Freshen Up Your Home’s Exterior

Freshen Up Your Home's ExteriorSummer is the perfect time of year for outdoor gatherings, and the perfect time to pay extra attention to your home’s exterior. Perhaps you went all out during the spring cleaning regime to get your home’s outside areas ready for family gatherings, barbeques, or lazy afternoons by the pool? By mid-summer, it’s often time to give it another go so everything will remain fresh and inviting through Labor Day. Here’s a handy checklist to ensure that your home is striding through summer, with its best foot forward:

1. Pressure Washing – Check exterior areas to see if a thorough pressure washing is in order. This is also a must-do activity prior to painting or staining.

2. Exterior Paint – Whether you decide to paint the entire exterior or just the trim, the summer is an excellent time for these projects. Warm mornings and more light in the evenings make it easy to work these projects into your summer agenda. Just read the labels of the products carefully to ensure that you are using them under ideal conditions. Or, better yet, call the experts at Colour Solutions and let them take care of your house painting projects!

3. Windows and Entryways – Pay attention to the windows and entrances. Have summer showers splashed dirt and grime on these areas? In spite of any spring-cleaning that was done, by mid-summer it’s likely time for an encore. Sparkling windows and clean entryways equal (almost) instant gratification.

4. Outdoor Furniture – The previous point holds true for outdoor furniture, grills, and outdoor kitchens. Give them all a good scrub down and see if any touch-up jobs are called for. There are innovative paints for both metal and plastic that can breathe new life into tired finishes. Protecting those surfaces by sealing them with paint also prevents rust, mold, and mildew. And…you may be ready for a little pizzaz-wouldn’t that old chaise look amazing with a coat of flamingo pink paint?

5. Deck Sealing – Is it time to reseal, paint or stain your porch or deck? The warm summer sun can speed up the curing process, which is vital to preserving the wood and keeping it looking great.

6. Decorations and Extras– Could your home’s exterior use a few extras? After the 4th of July, lots of “summer living” items are on sale big time. Surely you could use a few things such as: a new doormat, pretty pillows or cushions for outdoor furniture, solar walkway lights, wind chimes, a hurricane candle for your picnic table, or fresh blooms for your front porch containers?

Remember that the additional TLC you give your home’s exterior has big payoffs. Along with improving curb appeal, freshening things up also gives your home extra protection against the harsh moisture and humidity of summer.

Add to or Improve Your Outdoor Living Space This Summer

Outdoor Living SpaceWhether you’re planning a big Fourth of July barbecue, want to enjoy the outdoors in the comfort and privacy of your home, or you need to make your place look great before putting it on the market, giving your home’s outdoor space some TLC can really improve its appearance and value. From refinishing your back deck to adding a cozy outdoor sitting area, Colour Solutions can provide a range of home improvement services to help transform your outdoor area into the perfect summer sanctuary.

Here are a few ideas for adding to or improving your outdoor living space:

1. Deck remodeling/painting/staining

Whether you want to completely remodel the design, or simply add a nice coat of paint or stain, enhancing the look of your deck can add a tremendous amount of personal appeal – not to mention boost its market value. During the summer, people tend to spend more time outdoors, so it makes sense to make these outdoor living spaces as comfortable and attractive as possible. Deck improvement projects can range from large-scale remodeling to simple paint and stain jobs, but whichever you decide to do, you’ll be glad you did it when you’re showing your home to guests or potential buyers. And even if you’re not the type to entertain and you aren’t planning on moving any time soon, you can still benefit from these improvements. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as lounging on your own private, newly improved deck!

Wood deck staining is relatively inexpensive, but can make an enormous difference in appearance. Not only that, but the right stain product can prolong your deck’s life and keep it protected from the harsh heat and UV rays of the summer atmosphere. Painting can have similar benefits, allowing you to further personalize the look of your home’s exterior and protect the material from damage.

Colour Solutions is proud to offer high quality painting, staining and refinishing services for your home’s deck structure. Give us a call today to learn more and to schedule a free consultation: (910) 686-3067

2. Outdoor fireplace or fire pit

Summer nights are perfect for sitting around a cozy fire. Why not create your own private sitting area, complete with a built-in fireplace or fire pit? Whether you want a large, opulent stone fireplace to complement your covered back patio, or you just want a simple fire pit in your backyard that you can surround with comfy outdoor chairs, you can add an element of warmth and hospitality to your outdoor space with one of these fireplace features.

Just remember, if you’re doing the project yourself, you need to keep safety the top priority. Make sure your fire pit is deep enough so that embers and tall flames can’t “jump” or spread to your lawn. And make sure, if you’re making a fireplace, that you allow for proper ventilation of the smoke. If you’ve never constructed an outdoor fireplace before, it may be wise to leave it to professionals and hire a contractor.

3. Sunroom/screened porch

One of the drawbacks to summertime (at least here in the South) is the presence of insects. Mosquitos, bees, junebugs, cicadas, dragonflies, and other small pests are more prevalent in the summer so having an outdoor space you can enjoy without the annoyance of these bugs can be really nice. If you’ve already got an outdoor patio, consider enclosing it to create a sunroom. You can add glass panels, sliding doors, windows, etc. to customize the design. While sunrooms tend to be a bit on the expensive side, they add a great deal of value to your home and can be enjoyed in any weather.

A more budget-friendly option would be to add a ceiling, some support posts and some durable screening material. Screened porches are nice because they allow the fresh air to circulate through the area and are less complicated to construct. You can also customize the design of your screened porch by adding some medium-density fiberboard (MDF) panels to the bottom. This can further aid in keeping bugs, dirt and debris from getting through the screen and it gives the space a nice, finished look.

Be sure to contact the experts at Colour-Solutions in Wilmington for any of your painting, pressure washing, staining, or even carpentry needs this summer: (910) 686-3067