Let Colour Solutions Rejuvenate Your Cement Flooring!

September 12, 2013 By

Painted Cement FloorLet’s face it, no matter how much effort goes into achieving great curb appeal, the effect is lost when certain areas are not up to par. This is especially true of garage floors. Since many homes have entryways that are frequently accessed through the garage, it is important to keep those floors looking their best.

The cement and concrete surface areas in garages are prone to color irregularities and stains from oil leaks. The team at Colour Solutions knows just how to bring those floors back to life with pressure washing and a variety of coatings, paints and stains. Because there are so many products available for upgrading cement finishes, our painting pros can help you evaluate which ones would best suit your needs. In addition to completely freshening up a garage floor, painting or staining it also serves to hide flaws and tiny cracks.

We encourage you to visit our online gallery to see jobs we’ve completed in the Wilmington area. Along the Cape Fear coast, some of the most popular color choices for cement and concrete floors have been gray, terra cotta, green, white, and red. Regardless of which color you choose, rest assured that when we are done, it will look its best!

To learn more, schedule an appointment, or discuss paint and stain options, please call Colour Solutions at 910-686-3067.

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How Does Humidity Affect Your Home’s Painted Finishes?

August 8, 2013 By

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

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Replace Rotted Wood and Repaint Home’s Exterior

August 1, 2013 By
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

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6 Ways to Freshen Up Your Home’s Exterior

July 25, 2013 By

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.

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Classic Paint Colors Ideal for Wilmington NC

June 5, 2013 By

Historic Wilmington NC HomeOne of the greatest things about Wilmington is its colorful landscape – from the sandy browns and cool blues of the beach to the soft pinks and lush greens of downtown’s historic homes, Wilmington is a vibrant place with a great mix of color. If you’re thinking about giving your own home a classic Wilmington-inspired look, here are a few color ideas to consider:

Historic Colors
Some ideas: Confederate Grey, Honeysuckle Yellow, Soft Sky Blue, Candlewick Beige, Soft Rose

Locals and visitors alike are drawn to the beauty and charm of the Wilmington Historic District. The century-old buildings and old-fashioned homes make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, to the antebellum days of horse-drawn carriages and brick-paved streets. One of the coolest things about historic downtown is the abundance of beautifully restored homes. These homes are perfect examples of historic color. A quick stroll down any of the streets in the historic district, and you’ll see a variety of traditionally historic colors. From soft yellows to cool blues to hazy greys, Historic Wilmington’s color palette evokes the ambiance of the Old South while preserving the look of today.

Coastal Colors
Some ideas: Sea Foam Green, Sand Castle Beige, Driftwood Brown, Sea Glass Green

Coastal colors are typically soft, muted shades of green, blue and brown, but fortunately, you don’t have to be restricted too much when it comes to choosing a color that’s reminiscent of Coastal North Carolina. When you think about the colors of Wrightsville Beach, for example, you might also think about the brightly colored kayaks you’ve seen going through the channel or the bright blue roof of Bluewater Grill. You could even have the best of both worlds by choosing a lighter, more neutral color for your home’s exterior and complement it with some bolder, brighter color for the doors and shutters. Maybe a sandy beige exterior with turquoise shutters would help your coastal home “fit in.”

Bold Colors
Some ideas: Azalea Pink, Tomato Red, Wilmington Hammerheads Blue

Want to give your home a Wilmington-inspired color that will really catch people’s eye? Why not go bold? As most of you may know, Azaleas are a common sight here in Wilmington and are sort of a trademark for the area. The bright pink and vibrant purples of these shrubs’ flowers can evoke feelings of cheer, warmth and energy. (Just make sure your home owner’s association will approve such a dramatic color choice!) Likewise, bright reds are becoming a popular choice for homes, particularly for interior rooms and exterior accents like doors and window shutters. Choose a bright, hearty red – one that reminds you of a fresh summer tomato or bell pepper (common sights in many Wilmington residents’ gardens). If pinks and reds aren’t your favorites, why not go for the opposite end of the color wheel and pick out a bright, bold blue. A bright aqua blue would not only be pleasing to the eye, it would be a great nod to the local soccer team, the Wilmington Hammerheads!

Want more ideas for your home’s color makeover? Contact Colour Solutions today for a free consultation and project quote: (910) 686-3067.

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