7 Signs You Need New Exterior Paint on Your Home

By Mack.Painters | Painting

If you’re like most people, you don’t think too much about your home’s exterior paint – it’s just kind-of… there. What you may not realize is that the paint on your home’s exterior isn’t just there to make your house look nice. It’s also a layer of protection that seals your house against the harmful effects of UV rays, moisture and temperature changes, which means that you need to keep an eye on it.

Fortunately, there are seven signs that can let you know if you need a new exterior paint job on your home.

7 Signs You Need New Exterior Paint on Your Home

Peeling Paint

If paint is peeling off the surface in strips or flakes, you need to call an exterior paint expert immediately – especially if any of the underlying materials are exposed.

Wood Rot

Test for wood rot by gently pressing on the area where you suspect it is. If the wood moves or has any give to it, it’s likely to be rotten and needs to be replaced before you paint.

Rough Texture

Exterior paint that looks like alligator skin is starting to fail – and it means that moisture is starting to get in.

Caulk Problems

If caulk is separating from the surfaces, or if it’s already detached, you probably need to repaint your home’s exterior.

Mold or Mildew

You don’t always have to repaint if you see mold or mildew (or both) – you may just be able to clean it away. However, the cleaning process is rough on paint, so if you’ve repeated it multiple times, you could be wearing it down to a dangerous point.

Chalking

Paint that looks chalky, or that leaves a residue on your hand when you brush at it, has reached the end of its lifespan.

Fading

When paint starts to fade, it’s failing. Even if it fades in some spots and not others, it’s a sign that you need to call a professional painter.

Do You Need to Talk to a Painting Pro in Myrtle Beach, Pinehurst, Aberdeen or Southern Pines?

We can help keep the outside of your home looking its best, from Myrtle Beach to Southern Pines – call us at 910-725-3227 to find out how. We’ll be happy to give you a free painting estimate for any of our services, too, so call today!

 

What is the Best Way to Remove Old Wallpaper?

By Mack.Painters | Aberdeen , Myrtle Beach , Pinehurst , Southern Pines

Whether you just bought a house covered in wallpaper from top to bottom, you want to update your dining room or you’re ready to sell and need to start with a clean slate, you need to know the best way to remove old wallpaper – and there’s good news. You can hire a painting professional in Myrtle Beach, Pinehurst, Aberdeen or Southern Pines, or you can do it yourself.

What is the Best Way to Remove Old Wallpaper?

Before you try to remove old wallpaper, figure out what type of wall lies beneath it. Typically, you’ll be dealing with plaster or drywall.

Plaster is mostly in older homes, while drywall is only found in homes built within the last several decades. Knocking on the wall might give you some clues – plaster sounds solid and dull, while drywall sounds hollow (unless you’re knocking on a stud, so move your hand around while you’re knocking to be sure). You should also check to see if you have strippable wallpaper, which you can remove without water or chemicals. Do this by using a putty knife to pry at an edge at a corner or seam. If it pulls away easily, you have strippable wallpaper and you can just pull it all away using evenly applied pressure.

First things first: Take down all the décor and move out all the furniture. Cover the furniture you can’t remove to protect it. Put old towels and rags along the baseboards, and then put drop cloths over the towels; tape them down to protect your floors. Give yourself a full day to do an average-sized room, roll up your sleeves, and follow these steps.

Removing Wallpaper Using Water

If you want to strip wallpaper with water, you need a liquid stripper concentrate. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix, then apply the mixture to your walls with a broad brush. You can also use a sprayer if you have one.

Work from top to bottom, and only do one section at a time – you need the paper to stay wet while you work, but doing sections that are too large will allow the paper to dry.

Let the liquid soak for a few minutes, then scrape it away with a scraping tool.

Pro tip: If the paper won’t absorb water, scour its surface with coarse sandpaper. Soak it thoroughly with more liquid and let it soak for at least a half-hour.

Removing Wallpaper Using Steam

If you rent a steamer, which uses boiling water to heat up and soften the glue that holds the wallpaper to the wall, you’ll probably need to work in a team. Follow all the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the steamer, and wear eye protection and hand protection – steam burns can be serious.

Pro tip: If the wallpaper is coated in vinyl, you need to punch holes in the paper so the steam can get through.

Do You Need to Talk to a Painting Pro in Myrtle Beach, Pinehurst, Aberdeen or Southern Pines?

We can help keep the outside of your home looking its best, from Myrtle Beach to Southern Pines – call us at 910-725-3227 to find out how. We’ll be happy to give you a free painting estimate for any of our services, too, so call today!

 

The 3 Most Popular Dining Room Colors for 2018-2019

By Mack.Painters | Colors , Mack Painters , Myrtle Beach , Pinehurst , Southern Pines

 

Whether you’re a frequent entertainer or you prefer cozy family meals in your dining room, there are a few colors that go particularly well in that space – so here’s a quick list to give you some inspiration before you call a professional painter in Myrtle Beach.

The 3 Most Popular Dining Room Colors for 2018-2019

Repainting your dining room can transform the entire space, but if you’re like most homeowners, you’re afraid to try anything too bold. That’s normal – and the good news is that you don’t have to go crazy to really make an impact on your family and friends.

The three most popular dining room colors for 2018 and 2019 are, in no particular order:

• Inferno by BEHR®
• Spanish Brown by Benjamin Moore®
• Lupine by Sherwin-Williams®

Inferno by BEHR

Inferno is a super-warm coral color that falls between red and orange on the light end of the spectrum. The accents and décor that go with this shade are more neutral, although you can use teal and light green to create an amazing contrast. It looks spectacular with white molding, particularly around large windows, and silver or white fixtures can give you a smooth, seamless look.

Spanish Brown by Benjamin Moore

Spanish Brown is part of Benjamin Moore’s Classic Color Collection. It looks great as an accent wall, but you can do the whole room to create a warm, welcoming environment with a cozy ambiance. Spanish Brown pairs really well with cream and white, as well as modern silver fixtures – but it’s versatile enough to go with gold and bronze, too, if you’re going for an antiqued look.

Lupine by Sherwin-Williams

Lupine is a beautifully rich blue that goes exceptionally well with Sherwin-Williams’ Cool Avocado, Alabaster and Rarified Air. You can also pair it with white. This tranquil and calming color looks great with bronze fixtures to create a perfectly polished look.

Do You Need to Talk to a Paint Expert in Myrtle Beach?

We can repaint your dining room to create a whole new look, from Myrtle Beach to Pinehurst – call us at 910-725-3227 to find out how. We’ll be happy to give you a free painting estimate for any of our services, too, so call today!

 

 

How Often Should You Paint Your Home’s Exterior?

By Mack.Painters | Painter

If you’re like most homeowners, you’re wondering how often you should paint the outside of your house. While it’s common sense to repaint it when it starts to look shoddy, should you repaint before then?

Here’s what you need to know.

How Often Should You Paint Your Home’s Exterior?

Fresh paint can transform the look of your home, so it could be exactly what you need to do if you’re selling your house – but you can do it before then, too. Generally speaking, you should:

• Re-stain wood siding about every 4 years
• Repaint aluminum siding about every 5 years
• Repaint cement fiberboard siding about every 10 years
• Repaint brick about every 15 years

Some paint doesn’t stick around as well as other types do, and several factors can affect that. Sometimes it has to do with the previous paint job, the climate and how well you’ve maintained the outside of your house.

When Previous Paint Jobs Go Bad

The quality (and even the color) of the paint the last owners – or you – used last time the house was repainted has a major impact on how long your exterior paint job will last. The number of coats your painters used and whether they painted on a cloudy day has an effect, too.

Climate and Weather

Strong sun can cause paint to bubble and fade, and the effects are more prevalent with dark colors. Harsh winters, frequent storms and rain, and even extreme humidity can cause your paint to age more quickly – and so can ocean breezes.

How Well You Maintain Your Home’s Exterior

The better you care for your home’s exterior, the more likely your paint is to stay in good condition. If you treat issues (like dampness, chalkiness or pest infestation) quickly, you can extend your paint’s lifespan.

Do You Need to Talk to an Exterior Paint Expert in Myrtle Beach?

We can help keep the outside of your home looking its best, from Myrtle Beach to Pinehurst – call us at 910-725-3227 to find out how. We’ll be happy to give you a free painting estimate for any of our services, too, so call today!

 

What Colors Make a Room Look Bigger?

By Mack.Painters | Mack Painters

If you’re like many people, you know that the right paint colors can make a room appear larger than it really is – but what colors make a room look bigger, and how do you use them appropriately?

What Colors Make a Room Look Bigger?

Saturated colors can make a room look bigger, provided that the accents, accessories and furnishings you use are neutral (or at least varying shades of the wall color). Too much of one color can be pretty overwhelming.

Some of the best colors to use to make a room look larger are light and cool. Shades of blue, green and purple can trick the eye; they look like they’re farther away. (On the other hand, steer clear of darker, warmer colors. Those make a room seem smaller.)

Lighter and pale shades of these colors can make a room look bigger:

• Yellow
• Cool blue
• Green
• Gray
• Amethyst
• Eggshell or other almost-whites

Why Light Colors Make a Room Feel Larger

Generally, light and bright colors bounce light back around the room. That gives the room a more open, airy feel.

Tips for Painting to Make a Room Look Bigger

Even with the right colors, there’s only so much you can do – unless you:

• Paint the ceiling a lighter shade than the walls. Visually, the ceiling will appear higher and give the room a little extra perceived space.
• Using the same color on all the walls can make a room look bigger. What that means is that if you’re trying to make a small room appear larger, it’s probably best to save the accent wall you always wanted for a different room. When you have an accent wall, the eye naturally pauses at the change in color – and it creates a definite boundary.
• Paint adjoining rooms in the same color. This tricks the eye into envisioning the next room as a continuation of the first room so the space feels larger.
• Keep most of the colors in the room within the same color family, but paint trim and other details in a different shade than the walls.
• Use horizontal or vertical stripes to elongate or heighten a room’s appearance. Contrasting colors create the illusion of depth.

Do You Need to Talk to an Interior Paint Expert?

We may be able to help you make your rooms appear larger with the right paint colors and techniques – call us at 910-725-3227 to find out how. We’ll be happy to give you a free painting estimate for any of our services, too, so call today!

7 Questions to Ask a Painting Contractor Before You Make a Hiring Decision

By Mack.Painters | Painting

If you’re thinking about having the interior of your home repainted, it’s best to work with a professional painter in Pinehurst and the surrounding communities – but how do you find the right painting contractor for your needs?

Through an interview, of course.

Here’s what to ask.

7 Questions to Ask a Painting Contractor Before You Make a Hiring Decision

It’s okay to call several painting contractors before you make a hiring decision. A good contractor won’t mind answering all your questions – and by asking these, you’ll get a good idea of what you’re getting into.

1. Are you insured?

You don’t want to work with a painting contractor that doesn’t have insurance. You can ask to see an insurance certificate, too, if you’d like. A good contractor will have no problem showing it to you.

2. Who will be working in my home?

Ask your contractor if he or she is the one who will be working in your home. You should also ask if the contractor has run background checks on employees, as well as whether the workers are employees or subcontractors.

3. What paint brands will you use?

Contractors that use quality materials know that there are big differences between the paints and other materials they can use – and you should ask for details about the products the contractor plans to use on your project.

4. How will my project be managed?

Ask the contractor how he or she will manage the project; will the person who gives you the estimate be on the job, too, or is there a central management office that handles everything?

5. What organizations does your company belong to?

Membership to professional organizations can indicate that the company is a stable one, so don’t be afraid to ask if the business you’re calling is part of anything bigger than itself.

6. Do you have references?

It’s okay if a painting company doesn’t want to give you past clients’ personal information (would you want your personal information given out?) – but you should check the company’s reviews online. If they’ve had a tough time with a customer (or a several customers), there’s a pretty good chance they’ll have negative reviews. Just remember: One or two negative reviews that are mixed in with dozens of good ones could just be sour grapes.

7. What if we go over budget?

A good contractor will give you a pretty accurate estimate, and he or she will let you know as soon as possible if it looks like you’re going to go over. You want a contractor who’s going to give you a heads-up before it happens!

Need to Talk to a Painting Pro?

We may be able to help you refresh your home’s interior – call us at 910-725-3227 to ask us any of these questions or anything else. We’ll be happy to give you a free painting estimate for any of our services, too, so call today!

5 Paint Colors That Can Help You Sell Your Home

By Mack.Painters | Colors , Painting

The numbers don’t lie: Some paint colors can help you sell your home faster and for more money than you’d get if you left things as-is. While not everyone should spring for a full-house repainting job before listing the home with a real estate agent, most people should repaint at least a few rooms. (Fresh paint can help you sell your home, period.)

So what are those colors?

5 Paint Colors That Can Help You Sell Your Home

Not all colors are created equal in homebuyers’ eyes, but the colors listed here really make a positive impact on buyers. While every market is different and you should talk to your real estate agent about what works well in your neighborhood, we can definitely help you update your home’s look with fresh paint before you sell.

#1: Navy Blue on a Front Door

Zillow says that navy blue doors can net you an extra $1,500 when you close. It doesn’t hurt that a freshly painted door adds to curb appeal, too, which is the first impression buyers get of your house; make the first impression a good one and they’ll be primed to enjoy the inside, too.

#2: Warm Brown, Beige, Oatmeal or Taupe in the Living Room

Brown colors are specifically known for evoking emotions of strength and reliability, so it’s no wonder that people like them associated with areas where families gather. These colors are also attached to connotations of dependability, security and safety. The best part? Zillow says that homes with warm brown living room and family room walls sell for up to $1,900 more than those without.

#3: Cerulean Blue Bedrooms

Lively but serene (have a look at the color – you’ll see what we mean!), cerulean blue bedrooms in a home can help bring in up to $1,856 more at the closing table, according to Zillow.

#4: Pale Blue Bathrooms

Pale blue, which is more soothing than cerulean, looks great in a bathroom. Maybe that’s why Zillow reports that homes with light blue bathrooms sell for a shocking $5,000 more than expected – but with numbers like that, does it really matter why?

#5: Slate Blue Dining Rooms

Slate blue is sophisticated, and it evokes serenity and a sense of calm. It doesn’t do a lot for your appetite, like purple is reported to do, but it is a sign of stability and reliability… and Zillow says that houses featuring a slate blue dining room sell for just under $2,000 more than homes with white dining rooms do.

Want to Talk to a Painting Expert Before You Sell Your Home?

Whether you’re repainting your home because it’s time for a change or you’re ready to put it on the market and sell it, Mack Painters can 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.

 

 

Does New Paint Help Sell a Home?

By Mack.Painters | Painting

If you’re selling your home, you’re probably wondering whether you should repaint it before you put it on the market – and for most people, the answer is yes. Thinking about repainting your entire home? Talk to your Realtor® about it first, to make sure it’s a good investment; otherwise, fixing up a few rooms or repainting the outside of your house is generally a great idea.

Pro tip: If your walls are stark white, you definitely need to repaint in another color. Go for neutrals, which appeal to the widest range of potential buyers.

Does New Paint Help Sell a Home?

Buyers like to see things that look new, and a fresh coat of paint is the best way to create that look in your home. Fresh paint makes the home look better-maintained (even if you’ve done a great job keeping up with it), but even more than that, it gives buyers a better first impression than they would’ve had ordinarily. You can capitalize on that good first impression by highlighting other great areas of your home during the staging process, which can help you sell it faster and at a higher price.

Fresh paint photographs well, too, and the better your home’s photos are, the more attention it’ll get when people see it online.

Finally, most buyers want a home that’s move-in ready. They don’t want to have to repaint over scuffs in the walls or update to a more modern color.

What Are Your Repainting Options?

You can repaint your entire house, inside and out, or you can focus on rooms that really need it. In some cases, when you’re selling, it pays to work with a professional painting company that can come in and address problem spots rather than repainting the entire thing. (Psst… we happen know the best painters in Pinehurst and the surrounding communities.)

Naturally, your cost will vary based on how much work needs to be done. You can talk to your real estate agent to find out what other sellers are doing (and what’s working or what isn’t working) on the market to figure out just how far you need to go.

When You Should Repaint

In some cases, there isn’t any question about whether you should repaint your home before you sell it. Here’s when you absolutely need to repaint:

• Walls are heavily soiled
• You removed wallpaper
• Walls have a lot of nail holes
• Paint is chipping, cracked or scuffed
• Walls were damaged and repaired
• You have non-neutral colors

Want to Talk to a Painting Expert Before You Sell Your Home?

Whether you’re repainting your home because it’s time for a change or you’re ready to put it on the market and sell it, Mack Painters can 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 Colors That Work in (Almost) Any Home

By Mack.Painters | Colors

When you’re repainting the interior of your home, picking the right colors can be tough. For most people, that requires going to the paint store, picking up samples, and checking them out in different light levels – but what if there were a few colors you could choose from that look great no matter what?

These three colors, with only a few exceptions, work exceptionally well in almost any home.

3 Colors That Work in (Almost) Any Home

Your painting professional will be able to help you make the right decision for your home, but three exceptionally versatile colors really stand out this summer as worth taking a look at:

• Casa Blanca by Sherwin Williams
• Blue Hydrangea by Benjamin Moore
• Quiet Time by Behr

Casa Blanca by Sherwin Williams

Casa Blanca is a rich, neutral color that pairs well with Black Bean and Mélange Green as part of a gorgeous palette.

Blue Hydrangea by Benjamin Moore

Blue Hydrangea is a vibrant shade that looks great in well-trafficked living spaces.

Quiet Time by Behr

Quiet Time by Behr is a soothing gray color that’s ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms and dining areas.

Want to Talk to a Painting Expert About Adding Color to Your Home?

Whether you’re repainting your home because it’s time for a change or you’re ready to put it on the market and sell it, Mack Painters can 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.

 

5 Great Ways to Use Ultra Violet – Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year – in Your Home

By Mack.Painters | Colors , Painter , Painting

Pantone’s 2018 color of the year is Ultra Violet, which paint authority says is “a dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade” that “communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.”

While purple is definitely a great color to use in a meditation room or bedroom, can you use it in the rest of your home and pull it off?

5 Great Ways to Use Ultra Violet – Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year – in Your Home

Here are five great ways to let purple reign in some areas of your house.

#1: Use purple as an accent wall.

Purple generally makes rooms look bigger because it has cool tones, so it makes a wonderful color for an accent wall. It’s known for promoting relaxation and having a calming effect, so purple might be the right choice for your bedroom, dining room or reading nook.

#2: Paint the inside of your cabinets.

You can create a great – and very unique – look by painting the inside of your cabinets like this. It’s not overwhelming or over-done, which means it’s a fantastic way to add a little panache to the kitchen pantry or dining room cupboards.

#3: Add pizzazz to your kitchen island.

By painting only the walls of your kitchen island purple, like this, you can add a splash of color in a white or neutral kitchen. Try plenty of samples, though, to make sure it’s the right one for an accent in the kitchen – it can be tricky to get purple right in this type of space.

#4: Paint your whole bedroom purple.

Lavender generally looks great in bedrooms (and again, it makes them look bigger). You can go for a variety of shades with your door or keep it all pretty close for a monochromatic look, but it’s best to break things up so it doesn’t become overwhelming.

#5: Use small decorative accents in purple.

Small decorative accents can make a big impact, like this. Lamps and lighting, throw pillows or even a chair in your favorite shade of purple can serve as a focal point in a room and add a pop of color where you really need it.

Want to Talk to a Painting Expert About Adding Color to Your Home?

Whether you’re repainting your home because it’s time for a change or you’re ready to put it on the market and sell it, Mack Painters can 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.