All Posts by Mack.Painters

3 Paint Touch Ups That Can Make a Huge Difference in Your House

By Mack.Painters | Painting

If you’re like many people, you want to freshen up your home’s look but you’re not quite ready to invest in a full-house repainting job.

Fortunately, these three touch-ups (which you can do yourself) can make a huge difference.

3 Paint Touch Ups That Can Make a Huge Difference in Your House

These three paint touch-ups can make a huge difference in your home:

• Interior trim
• Doors
• Bathroom

Interior Trim

Touching up your interior trim can actually brighten any room. Like other painted surfaces, trim can fade over time – and when you repaint it, you’re restoring it to its original luster. It’ll add a bright vibrancy to the room that wasn’t there before.

Doors

You can paint interior doors, exterior doors or both – the point is freshening things up. If your goal is to create curb appeal, start with the outside of the front door. (Make sure you use the right paint, though – the front door gets sun, rain and other weather, and the paint needs to be able to meet those challenges.) If you’re doing interior doors, you don’t have to stick with standard white. Go ahead and get creative if you’re up for it!

Bathroom

The bathrooms in your home get pretty steady traffic, which means the surfaces could probably use some fresh paint. Humidity and fumes from cleaning chemicals can do a lot of damage to the walls, so updating the paint in your bathroom might be long-overdue.

Do You Need Painting Help?

We can repaint your kitchen, your dining room, or any other room in your house – just call us at 910-725-3227. We’ll be happy to give you a free painting estimate for any of our services. Aberdeen, Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Myrtle Beach painting pros are right here waiting to help.

 

 

Paint Finishes 101: The Basics

By Mack.Painters | Painting

 

If you’re ready to hire experts to repaint your home’s interior, you have thousands of options – and in addition to color, it’s up to you to choose the right finish.

But what’s the difference between satin and flat, or glossy and matte?

Here’s what you need to know about paint finishes.

Paint Finishes 101: The Basics

There are several paint finishes you can choose from to create the perfect look in your home. Most Pinehurst home owners choose:

• Flat enamel
• Semi-gloss
• Glossy
• Satin
• Matte

What is Flat Enamel?

Typically used in bathrooms and hallways, flat enamel has a lusterless, nonreflective and durable surface. This type of finish is common in rooms where the air is damp and the walls need to be cleaned more frequently.

What is Semi-Gloss Finish?

Semi-gloss is generally easy to clean. It reflects light, but not too much – it’s usually used on doors and cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms. Semi-gloss paint looks best on very carefully prepared walls and surfaces; imperfections in the surface beneath the paint really stand out on the finished product, so it’s best to hire professionals if you’re using this type of paint.

What is Glossy Finish Paint?

Glossy finish paint is highly reflective, and it’s shiny. Some people say it looks a little like plastic when it’s dry. Most often, glossy finish paint is used to create a dramatic effect (such as on trim or cabinets). Imperfect surfaces shouldn’t be painted with a glossy finish, because like its semi-gloss counterpart, it causes imperfections to stand out.

What is Satin Finish Paint?

Satin paint finish is moderately glossy, and it’s probably the most commonly used type. You’ll see it on interior wood trim, ceilings and window trim, kitchens and dining rooms, and in hallways. It can stand up to light washing, so it’s good for high-traffic rooms in the house.

What is Matte Finish Paint?

Matte finish is also referred to as “flat finish,” and it doesn’t reflect much light. Many homes feature matte finish paint because it’s great for hiding imperfections in the walls (like cracks and bumps). The downside to matte finish is that it’s difficult to clean. It’s usually best-suited for bedrooms and other rooms that don’t get a lot of through traffic.

How to Choose Which Paint is Right for Your Home

Many homes feature several types of paint – it just depends on which room you’re using it in. It’s common to find semi-gloss in the kitchens and bathrooms, satin paint in the kitchen, and matte finish on the ceilings.

When you’re choosing new paint for your home, your paint pros will help you weigh the benefits of each type so you can make the right decision. The idea is to create the longest-lasting, most durable and most attractive blend for each room, and Mack Painters can help you do that.

Do You Need to Talk to Pinehurst’s Painting Experts?

When you’re ready to talk about the colors and finishes you need in any room, we’re here to help. Call us at 910-725-3227 or get in touch with us online. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and give you a free painting estimate for any of our services.

 

3 Things You Need to Know About Interior Painting

By Mack.Painters | Painting

If you’re like most people, you haven’t thought much about interior painting until you realize your home needs to be freshened up – and that also means you’re not quite sure what you need to know about painting before you hire a professional painter.

Fortunately, we have you covered. These are three things you need to know about painting the interior of your home before you dive in with both feet.

3 Things You Need to Know About Interior Painting

When you’re ready to update your home by hiring a professional painter, knowing these three things can make the whole process easier.

#1: Sheen Matters

The finish of your paint – called its sheen – is very important when it comes to how it looks. Generally, high-traffic areas of your home will do better with gloss or satin finishes that stand up to touching and are easier to clean. However, these finishes can really make imperfections jump out. Matte finishes tend to look better, but they aren’t as tough as glosses and satins, so it’s best to weigh your options when we come out for your free painting estimate.

(Check out our guide to paint finishes to learn even more.)

#2: Check Out Lots of Samples Before Settling on a Color

Test out several samples in various light conditions before you pick a paint color. You can get samples easily, and you can wait for natural light to change over the course of a day – and check out how the colors look under your home lighting scheme – before you settle on a color. You might be surprised at how different times of day and your interior lights affect the colors you love.

#3: Work With Professionals You Trust

The painters you hire make all the difference in the world. You want to work with a company that’s experienced in prep work, which is vital to a good paint job, and whose painters pay close attention to detail. You also need painters that can protect your belongings from paint splatters, avoid streaks and lines, and save you money while getting the job done quickly.

Do You Need to Talk to a Professional Painter?

If you’re thinking about painting your home and would like an estimate from the Southern Pines painting experts, call us right away at 910-725-3227. We’ll evaluate your needs and give you a free painting estimate so you can make the best possible decision for your home.

 

Should You Paint Your Kitchen or Bathroom Cabinets?

By Mack.Painters | Painting

Painted cabinets can transform an ordinary kitchen or bathroom into an extraordinary one – but how do you know if they’re the right choice for you, and if they are, what colors should you choose?

Should You Paint Your Kitchen or Bathroom Cabinets?

Painted cabinets can define your space’s color palette, but how can you tell if it’s the right choice in your home? Have a look at the pros and cons.

Pros of Painting Your Cabinets

• Painting your cabinets in the kitchen or bathroom is much more cost-effective than replacing them entirely.
• A fresh coat of paint makes your cabinets look brand-new.
• You can create a look you love – and you can use just about any color you want, with the option to change it again in a few years.

Cons of Painting Your Cabinets

• Not all cabinets are good candidates for paint. If they’re warped, chipped or otherwise damaged, you may need to replace them instead.
• Painting them yourself is a time-intensive job – you have to take the doors off the hinges and clean them exceptionally well. You have to prime, paint, and put it all back, too.
• You have to paint carefully if you’re an amateur, or you’ll probably be unhappy with the results.

What Colors Should You Use to Paint Your Cabinets?

The colors you choose will set the tone for your kitchen. Check out:

• Greens can create a cozy, cottage-style look
• Dark grays can create spectacular contrast
• Blue – especially light blue – can create a crisp, clean look
• Yellows can add a soothing brightness

Pro Tip: You can paint only the interior of your cabinets to add depth, which is a great choice if you have windowed cabinets.

Lacquered cabinets reflect light and make your space appear larger, so you may want to gloss over your paint job when you’re done – especially if you live in a small space.

Do You Need Painting Help?

We can repaint your kitchen, your dining room, or any other room in your house – just call us at 910-725-3227. We’ll be happy to give you a free painting estimate for any of our services. Aberdeen, Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Myrtle Beach painting pros are right here waiting to help.

 

How to Estimate How Much Paint You Need

By Mack.Painters | Painting , Tips and Tricks

 

If you’re painting your home’s interior on your own, especially if it’s your first time through this, you need a solid way to figure out how much paint you’ll need.

Here’s what you need to know.

How to Estimate How Much Paint You Need

There’s a mathematical formula you can use to figure out how much paint you need – and it’ll work whether you’re painting a small bathroom, a big kitchen, or the entire house.

As a general rule, you can get about 400 square feet of painted surface from one gallon of paint. However, some paints provide more – and some provide less. It’s better to have more than you need than less than you need, so round up!

Pro Tip: Even if a can of paint says you only need one coat to completely cover another color, be leery – that’s a bold claim to make, and we haven’t found any that can actually live up to that promise.

The way to figure out how much paint you need is to add up the square feet you need painted, then divide it by 400. The resulting number is the number of gallons you need to buy… but don’t forget to round up.

If you have to paint 2,500 square feet, this is what your math will look like:

Pro Tip: If you know you’ll need 5 gallons, buy a 5-gallon bucket of paint – don’t buy five 1-gallon cans.

Other Things to Know Before You Paint

• Semi-gloss paints usually require more coats than flat paints do.
• If you buy 3 gallons of paint, mix them all together before you start painting – that way you can be sure the color is perfectly matched.
• Standard doors are 21 square feet.

Do You Need Painting Help?

We can handle all your interior painting for you – just call us at 910-725-3227. We’ll be happy to give you a free painting estimate for any of our services. Aberdeen, Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Myrtle Beach painting pros are right here waiting to help.

 

5 Creative Kitchen Painting Ideas

By Mack.Painters | Colors , Painting , Tips and Tricks

If you’re remodeling your kitchen, or if you just want to freshen up its appearance, a new paint job is in order – but what if you don’t want run-of-the-mill, plain walls? Check out these five creative kitchen painting ideas.

5 Creative Kitchen Painting Ideas

How can you turn your kitchen into a dream space with paint? Check out these five creative kitchen painting ideas.

Ceiling Paint

When you choose a new color for your kitchen, it can be pretty overwhelming – but if you limit yourself to just the ceiling (or even an accent wall), you can create a fresh, amazing look.

 

Chalkboard Wall

Paint a whole section of a wall – maybe the one that juts out on the side of your refrigerator – as a chalkboard. You can also add a colored border for added effect.

Color Blocking

Choose colors that sit beside each other on the color wheel and remember that warm colors look great with cool colors, and create a blocked look by painting upper cabinets one color and lower cabinets the other.

Paint Inside Cabinets

Painting the inside of your cabinets – particularly if your cabinet doors have windows – can create a wonderful look. It can also give you time to adjust to a new color.

Pro Tip: Glossy paint reflects light, and it can brighten and open up your kitchen.

Pantry Paint

Paint your pantry to try out a new shade or design. It’s also a great way to add color that’s too bold to use elsewhere.

Want to Spruce Up Your Kitchen With Paint?

We can repaint your kitchen for you and make it look amazing – just call us at 910-725-3227. We’ll be happy to give you a free painting estimate for any of our services. Aberdeen, Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Myrtle Beach painting pros are right here waiting to help.

 

How to Fix Latex Drips on Walls, Trim and Floors

By Mack.Painters | Tips and Tricks

If you’re like most DIY home painters, you know that latex drips running down the wall and paint splatters on the carpet are almost inevitable – but how do you fix them?

How to Fix Latex Drips on Walls, Trim and Floors

Seeing dried latex paint drips that ran down the wall before you could catch them is definitely one of those moments you think about how you should’ve hired a professional painter, but don’t worry too much. You can fix them without causing too much damage to all your hard work!

Here’s how to remove drips from walls and trim:

1. Sand down the drip or spill until its surface is smooth.
2. Clean off the area with a damp cloth.
3. Repaint over the spot, if necessary.

To remove drips from floors, use a razor blade – just run it beneath the drip carefully and peel it away.

Pro Tip: Use drop cloths and painter’s tape next time. Also, cover door knobs with plastic bags and tape them in place, and remove outlet covers and tape over the outlets.

How to Clean Latex Paint Splatters From Carpet

Whether you splattered a little paint on the carpet while you were working on the corners or your ladder tipped over with your roller and tray, you may be able to make things right – but you have to act fast.

Here’s how to clean latex paint splatters from carpet:

1. Use a scraper to pick up as much of the wet paint as you can. Don’t spread it on clean areas of the carpet!
2. Use a thick, dry sponge to soak up paint you can’t get with the scraper. You might have to go through several clean sponges.
3. Place a clean, dry cloth over the spot. Leave it there until it picks up the stain, then change it out for another clean, dry cloth.
4. Clean the area with warm water and dish soap once the stain is gone. Allow it to dry completely.

If the stain is already dry, you can buy a paint remover solution – but be careful. Test it in an inconspicuous area before you use it out in the open.

Do You Need Painting Help?

We can help you avoid these issues – just call us at 910-725-3227. We’ll be happy to give you a free painting estimate for any of our services. Aberdeen, Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Myrtle Beach painting pros are right here waiting to help.

 

4 Reasons to Paint Your Garage Floor

By Mack.Painters | Painting

For many people, it’s a great question – should you paint your garage floor?

How do you know if it’s right for you?

4 Reasons to Paint Your Garage Floor

While painting the garage floor doesn’t make sense for some people, it’s worth noting that a painted floor can be easier to maintain (not to mention it looks better). Here are four reasons you might want to break out the paint and rollers.

#1. Painting Can Minimize Dust

A lot of the dust in your garage actually comes from the concrete on the floor. Over time, it breaks down – and the problem is exacerbated each time you pull in, walk on it, or slide boxes from one side to the other. The dust produced by the breakdown goes airborne and gets all over everything.

#2. Painting Can Protect Your Floor

Some paints help resist oil stains, chemical breakdowns, water and mold. Provided you clean up when something hits the floor, you won’t have to look at spotted concrete any longer.

#3. Paint Can Reflect Light

Forget being stuck in a dimly lit garage – paint reflects light, whereas bare concrete absorbs it. The result: a brighter environment.

#4. Paint Lets You Personalize Your Garage

You can create a look you actually like in the garage (what a great way to welcome yourself home after a long day, right?). Paints that are suitable for garage floors come in a huge variety of colors, which means you can completely personalize the space.

Thinking About Painting Your Garage Floor?

While you can take a DIY approach to painting your garage floor, remember that Aberdeen, Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Myrtle Beach painting pros are right here waiting to help.

Call us at 910-725-3227. We’ll be happy to give you a free painting estimate for any of our services, too, so call today!

What to Do if You Think You Have Lead Paint in Your House

By Mack.Painters | Painting

 

In 1978, lead paint was banned for home use – but many houses in Aberdeen, Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Myrtle Beach are older than that.

And some of them still have lead paint on their interior walls.

So what should you do if you think you have lead paint in your home?

What to Do if You Think You Have Lead Paint in Your Home

Lead paint can have serious health hazards, but you might not know it’s there. According to the EPA, lead paint is still in millions of homes across the U.S. – and sometimes it’s under several layers of new paint. As long as the paint covering it is in good shape, it’s usually not a problem.

If it is cracked, peeled or chipped, or if it’s on window sills, doors and door frames, or stairs, railings, banisters or porches, you’re at risk. You may want to have your home tested.

Should You Have Your Home Tested for Lead Paint?

If you can answer yes to either of these questions, you should have your home tested:

• Was the home built before 1978?
• Do walls, window sills or other surfaces in your home have chipped or peeling paint?

In some cases, it’s essential to call out a lead abatement contractor. It’s usually a bad idea to try to remove it yourself, because even the dust left behind can be hazardous to your family’s health. If you do have lead paint in your home:

• Pick up any paint chips you find anywhere.
• Clean the dust off window sills and other surfaces often.
• Take off your shoes when you go inside so you don’t bring in lead from the soil outside

You can contact the National Lead Information Center at 800-424-LEAD for help finding a professional near you.

Once all the lead paint is safely removed, you can call in an interior painting expert to give your home a fresh coat of paint. Call us at 910-725-3227. We’ll be happy to give you a free painting estimate for any of our services, too, so call today!

How to Fix a Hole in Drywall

By Mack.Painters | Tips and Tricks

 

If you’re like many people, you’ve seen how bad a hole in drywall looks – and if you need to paint over one, you know that it’s tough to get it just right.

Here’s how to fix a hole in drywall so you can paint over it. (Remember, if you need help, we can repair the holes in your drywall and give your whole home a fresh coat of paint!)

How to Fix a Hole in Drywall

There are basically three categories of holes in drywall: Small, Medium and Large. The size of the hole will dictate how you fix it.

How to Fix Small Holes in Drywall (Under 3 or 4 Inches)

You can use a drywall patch kit for small holes in drywall, like the ones a doorknob would cause. Follow this step-by-step guide:

1. Place a self-adhesive mesh patch over the hole.
2. Use a drywall knife to cover the patch with joint compound. Feather the edges so it blends into the wall.
3. Apply a second coat of compound if necessary, but wait until the first patch dries.
4. Sand the patch down so it’s smooth.

How to Fix Medium Holes in Drywall (Under About 6 Inches)

For holes that are about 6 inches across (or smaller), you can cut drywall to fit inside. Follow these steps:

1. Cut a piece of drywall into a square that’s about 2 inches larger than the hole.
2. Score the back of the drywall about 1 inch inside its borders. Make the cuts close for a perforated effect.
3. Break off the gypsum without tearing the paper backing.
4. Hold the cut drywall over the hole and trace its outline. Don’t outline the paper – just the drywall.
5. Cut out the traced square with a drywall knife.
6. Spread joint compound on the back of the paper.
7. Put the cut drywall in the hole and smooth the paper edges over the wall.
8. Cover the whole patch with joint compound and feather the edges.
9. Apply a second coat of compound when the first is dry.
10. Sand the patch down so it’s smooth.

How to Fix Large Holes in Drywall (Over 6 Inches)

You can use drywall to patch a large hole, but it might require a different method. Follow these steps:

1. Cut a piece of drywall into a square that’s larger than the hole.
2. Hold the square over the drywall and trace around its edges.
3. Cut a hole in the drywall that matches your patch using a drywall knife.
4. Add a small, thin piece of wood to each side of the hole from the inside, using screws on the outside. Sink the screws beneath the drywall’s surface so you can patch them later.
5. Put the drywall patch in place and screw it to the wooden strips inside the hole.
6. Affix joint tape all around the patch.
7. Cover the patch and the joint tape with joint compound. Feather the edges.
8. Apply a second coat of compound when the first is dry.
9. Sand the patch down so it’s smooth.

Want to Skip All This Hassle?

We can handle this for you and repaint your wall so it looks like there was never a hole there in the first place. We work in Aberdeen, Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Myrtle Beach. Call us at 910-725-3227 to get a free painting estimate for any of our services today!