|
|
|
|
Tips & Tricks | |
|
 |
• Planning a Bathroom Makeover • Closet Makeover • Choosing a Faux Finish • Color Tricks • Different Types of Paint Finishes and Where to Use • A Quick Room Make-Over • Removal Of Textured Surfaces • The Desert Sun and Its Effect on Color • Premium vs. Builder Grade Paint • What You Should Expect  Planning a Bathroom Makeover Before starting a renovation project of this size, make a list of what is important to you such as countertop space, larger sinks or mirrors, better lighting, shower/tub doors, full or half tiled surfaces and what type of tile. After determining what you want and need, browsing in showrooms, magazines and the internet is an excellent way of visualizing a completed project. Knowing what you would like will give your contractor the ability to present a complete proposal to you. It will also minimize questions that inevitably pop up during the completion of your project. ^ TopCloset Makeover Gaining space for storage is at the top of most peoples' lists. Maximizing closet space is best done with computer design. This allows changes to be made quickly and different designs can be compared side by side. One of the biggest space savers is double hanging. This allows two bars to be placed in half the existing space which frees up space for drawers or shelving to be added. ^ TopChoosing a Faux Finish Enhancing a room or creating a focal point is an interesting and exciting challenge. Most pre-made samples are too small and do not look the same in different lighting conditions. Having several samples made in various shades of your intended color and design will allow you to see how the colors will appear in your actual environment. Have your artist make samples for you at least one foot by one foot in size. In this way you can tape your sample to the wall or hold it next to your fabric or furniture to see how well your choice coordinates with your existing furnishings. These larger samples will also give you a better idea of how a particular color, finish or pattern will look on a larger surface. ^ TopColor Tricks Tired of white walls and trim? Does your house seem bland as you walk from room to room? If you are considering repainting - how about a fresh perspective. Consider a change from typical white ceilings; paint your ceiling a lighter shade of the color chosen for your walls. This will remove the harshness of a stark white color, and produce a warmer, softer feeling in your personal living environment. If your home has an open floor plan, you can reverse these two colors at a break point. By placing the deeper shade on the ceiling, you will create an intimate, yet dramatic look. You can coordinate your trim by using one of the same colors from these rooms. By using just two colors in different ways, you can evoke different emotions and feelings within your home. ^ TopDifferent Types of Paint Finishes and Where to Use There are several types of paint finishes available today. This selection will differentiate flat, eggshell (satin), semi-gloss and gloss finishes most commonly used for your home interior. Flat A general-purpose paint finish used where the ability to clean the finished surface is not a primary concern. Due to the lack of gloss composition within this type of paint product, it does not wear well in high traffic areas. This finish is best suited for ceilings and low traffic areas. Eggshell (Satin) An excellent all purpose finish because it cleans much better than flat and holds up to light abrasion. This finish is a good selection for a child's room and non-moisture areas. Eggshell has a low sheen that provides an indirect shine to the painted surface. Semi-gloss A durable, abrasion resistant and moisture resistant paint finish. This finish is the predominant choice for bath and most kitchen areas. Premium paint grades will provide an even shine and color fastness. Semi-gloss is an excellent choice for doors, frames and baseboard trim. This paint finish will highlight any flaws underneath the painted surface due to its light reflection properties. Therefore, all surfaces should be properly prepped and checked for any visible tape seams or nail/screw heads protruding above the surface. Gloss This is generally considered architectural grade paint. It has a higher shine than its semi-gloss counterpart. This finish is used strictly on woodwork, cabinets, doors and trim. It provides a finish closest to traditional oil-based products without a heavy paint build-up. ^ TopA Quick Room Make-Over Are you in love with your furniture and window treatments, but are growing tired of looking at the same room? Would you like to create a fresh look without going through the entire expense of redecorating? How about creating a focal point with one wall. Any type of decorative paint finish from venetian plaster, sponging or ragging, just to name a few - will provide an immediate and dramatic effect in a room. If you are really feeling adventurous, choose a rich color. This will provide an instant contrast against your furnishings, window treatments and artwork. ^ TopRemoval Of Textured Surfaces One of the most important, but frequently overlooked steps in the beginning of a faux finishing project is the removal of the textured surface. These surfaces should be skim coated, sanded and primed to provide a suitable base for the final decorative finish. Even though textured surfaces work well with some faux effects, don't limit yourself to those effects that are enhanced by an existing textured surface. Finishes that require subtle blending such as color washing or marbleizing will yield a more desirable appearance over a smooth surface. Other faux effects require the addition of elements to a surface such as gold or silver foil sheets for leafing, glass or silicone beads to achieve a suede look or finely ground sand for a light, multi-colored textured effect. Since most faux surface become focal points of that particular space, these finishes should provide lasting durability. In many cases, clear coating a faux finish is recommended to protect the faux surface, while providing an even sheen that enhances the beauty of the finished effect. Applying a clear coat over various builder-grade, "knock-down" textures may provide an unappealing finish by highlighting tape seams. If you are going to create a living environment from the subtle to the dramatic, give yourself the proper foundation on which to produce the results that will be cherished for years. ^ TopThe Desert Sun and Its Effect on Color We all know the harsh effects of the desert sun and how it can alter color hues in your home depending on the season or your home's exposure. To ensure that the appropriate color selection is made, I am an advocate of applying paint samples to your wall surfaces. Color chips and fan decks are a good place to start, but are not sufficient to show the sun's effect on the color as a whole within your home. Light colors can be bleached out, and deep, rich colors can appear muddy depending on the room's exposure to the sun. So remember: a sample quart of paint is a worthwhile investment to ensure the colors chosen for your home remain true from the morning hours through the day. ^ TopPremium vs. Builder Grade Paint In today's market, national manufacturers produce several grades of paint that vary by quality. A premium paint grade offers several key benefits over production grade, commonly referred to as builder's grade paint. Premium paints have a much higher solids content and better quality binder ingredients. These components lend themselves to producing longer lasting paint projects. Premium grade paints seal a surface better and provide even color sheen across the painted surface. When the inevitable dirt mark or abrasion occurs that requires cleaning or touch-up, premium paints are superior. In high traffic areas of your home or office, these paints will pay for themselves in the long run. Premium paints can be cleaned of light soil and offer more durability against abrasion than builder grade paint. ^ TopWhat You Should Expect Hiring a trade contractor can be a tedious and nerve-racking experience. After checking to be sure a contractor is properly licensed through the Nevada State website or by calling the State Contractor's Board, what other factors should play a part in making an educated decision? As we all know, you can pick the finest cabinets, highest quality tile or the top of the line paint to enhance the beauty of your home, but if the installation or application is not done properly, the final product will be inadequate. First of all, appearance should be key when your project is driven by quality and not by low bid. The tradesperson working in your home should take pride in his/her appearance as a professional, as this is a significant factor in developing a good first impression. Secondly, a written estimate on company letterhead should outline the entire scope of work, which party (contractor or client) is responsible for the purchase of materials as well as any exclusions for the project. As jobs progress, previous unwritten verbal discussions and agreements may be forgotten or overlooked. A professional written proposal will also confirm payment terms. Beware of any contractor who asks for a large deposit prior to delivering any materials to the project location. Lastly, standard working procedures separate a true professional from his competitors. Keeping a job site clean at the end of each workday and a thorough final cleanup upon project completion can make all the difference for a future recommendation. All jobsite debris should be disposed of properly and not be left for you. Professional craftsmen take pride in their work and care about customer satisfaction; as a result, a good portion of future work comes through word of mouth. If important issues like spaying versus brush/roller application are not specified in a written proposal, make sure you ask and then have the contractor add it to the official agreement. Protect yourself and your investment by asking questions, having a clear scope of work, understanding payment terms and getting a project schedule, including proposed start and completion dates. ^ Top |
|
|
  |
