How to Choose Your Interior Paint Gloss

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Selecting the best paint color for your home interior can prove to be difficult. And to add to that headache, modern paints also come in a number of “sheens,” as well as colors. So how do you choose? Well, we’ve created a handy guide to help you to find the perfect sheen for your paint, once you select a color. As always, you can count on the pro painters here at Horner Painting to help you decide on the right paint gloss (and to apply the paint, of course!). We provide painting services and color consultations for our neighbors throughout Northern Colorado.

Understanding Gloss Level Terms

Paints come in a number of sheens, or “gloss levels.” The gloss level of a paint determines how reflective the dried paint surface will be. For example, high-gloss paints will be very reflective of any light sources, even if the paint color is dark. Meanwhile, low-sheen paints will reflect little light from light sources, even if the paint color is light. Low-sheen paints are often considered “matte” paints, as well. Here’s a brief overview of common paint sheen options:


Flat or matte paints: Flat paints (also known as matte paints) are paints which have very little sheen. All light sources that hit this paint sheen will diffuse, creating an even, soft-looking surface — which is why these paints are called “flat.” Flat paints have a gloss level of less than two percent.Low-sheen paints: A slightly higher sheen than matte paints, low-sheen paints have a gloss level ranging from three to 19 percent. You will begin to see some direct reflection of light sources, which can begin to show imperfections and texture in the wall.Satin paints: Satin paints are slightly more glossy, and have a 20 to 30 percent gloss level. These paints may be more resistant to staining than lower sheen paints, yet less resistant to staining than semi-gloss and gloss paints.Semi-gloss paints: Semi-gloss paints have a gloss level of 30 to 45 percent. These paints are fairly reflective of light sources, and they are quite easy to clean, since the paint surface will be smoother.Gloss paints: At the highest end of the spectrum, we have gloss paints. Gloss paints include any paints over 45 percent gloss level. These paints are highly reflective, and they will show far more texture and imperfections in a paint surface — which may be a desirable characteristic. Gloss paints are also the easiest to clean.

Tips to Choose Your Paint Sheen

When settling on a paint sheen, we recommend that folks ask themselves about three things: aesthetic, use, and light. Consider the light sources in the room you are painting, consider the use of the room, and consider the appearance that you desire.

esthetic

First things first, consider how your paint color will look, alongside its sheen. Bright, bold colors can look gaudy in high-sheen paints. And, some tans and neutral tones can look overly plain in matte. If you’re trying out different color/sheen combinations, get sample paints, and apply them on your surface to get a real feel for the sheen and color after the paint dries.

In addition, take note that if you’re painting walls that are textured, you may want to use a medium- to high-gloss paint to further accent the texture. On the other hand, if you’re painting a smooth surface, and you’d like to hide any minor imperfections, you should opt for a low-gloss paint.

Use

The utility of a room may affect your decision as well. For instance, you may want to use a high-gloss paint in your kitchen or bathroom to make cleaning surfaces in these rooms easier.


Higher gloss paints are also more resistant to damage and mold buildup that can be created in moist environments (like small bathrooms with showers, mud rooms, and kitchens). Be sure any bathroom or kitchen space is well ventilated if you’re considering low-gloss paints.

Light

Now it’s time to consider the light sources of your room. It’s best to avoid high-gloss paints in rooms with bright white lights, or rooms where sunlight floods in through windows. These paints can look overly reflective, which may be an eyesore — instead, opt for matte or low-sheen paints. If you’re working on a room with little lighting, or warm, yellow lighting, you can opt for high-sheen paints to make surfaces more textured and to give them more character. Take note, matte paints can still look great in low-light and warm-light rooms, giving them an intimate, cozy feel.

Call for a Consultation

Still undecided? Don’t sweat. At Horner, we’re here to help you find the perfect paint to fit your room, and your vision for your home. We can work with you to help you settle on the right paint colors to fit the lighting, aesthetic, and use for your rooms, and of course we’d be happy to apply the paint once you’ve selected the perfect hue and sheen. Again, Horner Painting proudly provides painting services throughout Northern Colorado — feel free to reach out to us today to get started!

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Tip of the Month: Classic Kitchen Colors

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Painting your kitchen can completely change the character of the space. And, done right, a new paint job can make your kitchen feel cozier, cleaner, and more welcoming. So, which colors work best for kitchen walls? And why? Let’s delve into some considerations to weigh when choosing the perfect color to coat your kitchen, and let’s take a look at a few classic colors that always seem to work.

As always, if you’re ready to update your kitchen (or any surface of your home — interior or exterior!), you can call on Horner Painting for our premier painting services. Horner Painting proudly provides painting services throughout Northern Colorado — feel free to  reach out to us today to get started!

Kitchen Painting Considerations


Take a fresh look at your kitchen. Look at the tile, countertops, cabinets, windows, and flooring, and ask yourself: Is there a theme? What character would I like to give this space? If you have a light, airy, open kitchen with clean, white cabinets, then you may want to stick with light, natural tones to match the theme.

Or, if you have a kitchen with warm wood cabinets, brass fixtures, dark wood floors, and a dark tile backsplash, then a bold red or slate color may work well to keep with the rich character or your kitchen.

Since it’s easiest to change the paint of your kitchen (versus the tile, flooring, countertops, etc.), it’s best to base your upcoming paint color on your kitchen as is — unless, of course, you’re planning a full kitchen remodel. Be sure to get plenty of paint color swatches, and compare all your options with the fixtures, furnishings, and surroundings of your kitchen to help you settle on the perfect pick for your paint.

Classic Paint Colors


For the most part, you’ll want to steer clear of gaudy colors in your kitchen. Instead, opt for natural colors, including colors that are reminiscent of plantlife, like avocado green, lime, or aquamarines. Lively earthy tones work great in kitchens, since food is often in view. These hues are perfect if you keep a few houseplants in the kitchen, too.

You can also go with dark neutral tones, such as slate, charcoal, or espresso brown. Consider these colors in kitchens with a richer character, and don’t overdo the dark tones, especially if you have a smaller kitchen (since dark paint colors can make a room appear smaller).

And on the other end of the scale, you can consider white, off-white, and ivory. These light, uplifting colors are ideal for smaller kitchens, and kitchens with a clean, airy appeal.

Update Your Kitchen Today

If you’ve settled on the perfect color to coat your kitchen walls, we’re here to help apply the paint. And, if you can’t decide on the right palette for your kitchen, we can help there too; we provide color consultation services on top of our traditional painting services! Again, Horner Painting proudly provides services throughout Northern Colorado, offering painting services for our neighbors in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Windsor, Johnstown, Wellington, Severance, and Timnath. If you’re ready to give your kitchen a fresh coat of paint, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today!

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Save Money on Your Next Paint Job With These Professional Tips

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If you have professional painters scheduled to paint your home, you can save some money and get a better paint job by prepping the space beforehand.

Painters work best in a room that’s clean, decluttered and covered to protect from paint spills. Doing this before they arrive takes some of the workload off of them so that all they have to do when they get there is drape, tape and paint.

Paint Job 101: Clear the Decks

As a homeowner, you can save them time and yourself money by prepping the room up front. First, remove anything hanging on the walls that you don’t want to be painted around, like art, hanging shelves or bulletin boards. Also remove anything breakable, including lamps (assuming they’re not your only light source) from the surfaces of the room, packing it away or moving it to another space to keep it safe during painting.

Once that’s done, move the furniture away from the area being painted. In some cases, you can move it to the middle of the room, but if the room is small, has a lot of furniture, or if the ceiling is being painted, you may want to take it to another room entirely. Not only do you want to make room for ladders and paint supplies, but the painters also need room to work safely. After you move the furniture, cover anything left in the room with a drop cloth, tarp or plastic to protect it from splatters and spills.

Prep the Walls

When the decks are cleared, it’s time to prep the walls. First, *fill nail holes and small dings with spackling compound. Then lightly sand the area to smooth it out. When the repairs are done, vacuum the walls using your extension hose and a wide brush too, or wipe down the walls with a sponge and damp water. If the walls are greasy or extra dirty, wash them with a solution made of grease-cutting detergent and water. Then rinse with clean water to remove any remaining detergent. Let the walls dry completely (24 hours) before painting.*

If possible, schedule your paint job during a time when the humidity is low, and the temperature is 60-80 degrees. Not only does this let you keep the windows open to air the space, it also is the best temperature range for paint to dry.* If the weather doesn’t cooperate, keep the house cool and dry by running the fan. This will help paint dry and keep odors down.*

Clean Up Spills

What if you find paint splatters somewhere after the painters are gone? Most professional painters take care not to splatter and clean up any spilled paint. But if some misses inspection, it’s easy enough to clean.

Wipe up as much of the paint as you can with a cloth or putty knife. Then mix one-half teaspoon of dish soap and a cup of warm water in a spray bottle. Squirt the stain over the spill and then wipe until it’s gone. If it’s a serious spill, wet vac it away, then squirt with soapy water and wipe the rest up.

Find out how easy it is to schedule a paint job with us. Explore our painting services and get a free quote today.

*Please refer to the manufacturer’s product label, Technical Data Sheet (TDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for safety and detailed application instructions

The post Save Money on Your Next Paint Job With These Professional Tips appeared first on Paintzen.

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Wall Textures: How to Choose the Right Ones for the Right Rooms

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While color is one of the first things we think of when we’re refreshing décor, it shouldn’t the only thing. Wall textures are just as effective as paint – and maybe even more so – for livening up a room. When you add texture, you don’t just add color, you add dimension and depth. Even those who prefer neutrals can add some oomph with an interior wall texture. Dress up your home office with grasscloth, your bathroom with Venetian plaster or your bedroom with textured wallpaper and give your home an instant décor boost.

Venetian Plaster in Bathrooms and Kitchens

Lime-plastered walls – known today as Venetian plaster – has graced walls since ancient times. This mix of limestone putty and water is applied to walls to create a deep, velvety look and feel. This wall texture is a low-maintenance, durable material. Thanks to advances in technology, it can be easily patched, and most minor dings can be removed with soap and water or a light sanding.

Makes a good application for areas that are regularly exposed to water, like bathrooms and kitchens. The downside, if there is one, is that it takes a pro to apply it correctly, so it can require a bigger cost outlay up front than paint. But the benefits come as a result of its durability – unlike paint, which needs touchups every two to 10 years, plaster can last decades and even centuries when well cared for.

Textured Wallpaper: Wall Textures in Bedrooms and Living Rooms

Textured wallpaper comes in a dizzying array of options, emulating wood panels, exposed brick, fabric – anything you can imagine. And since you can now get it in peel-and-stick varieties (no more permanent applications required), even apartment dwellers can fearlessly update their décor.

Wallpaper can mask imperfections on walls, the texture distracting the eye from flaws. Because they’re made of vinyl or other resilient materials, wallcoverings are typically more durable than paint (yes, even the peel-and-stick kind).

Use an exposed-brick wall texture or transform your living room into a loft. Or try a flocked floral or subtle metallic in place of a headboard in the bedroom. Easy to install, easy to clean, and easy to love, textured wallpaper is perfect for bedrooms and living spaces

Grasscloth in Dining Rooms and Home Offices

Like Venetian plaster, grasscloth has been around for millennia. Originating in China more than 2000 years ago, grasscloth came into being when natural fibers were woven to rice paper and then applied to walls to insulate and provide beauty. In the 1960s and 70s it regained popularity and now its approval rating is surging again.

Grasscloth is used as an umbrella term to encompass wallcoverings made from hand-woven natural fibers on unpasted rice paper backing. The fibers range from hemp to jute to bamboo to sea grass.

No two rolls of grasscloth are alike. This wall texture will never line up like other wallpaper and the striations give walls a paneled effect. Grasscloth can be delicate and difficult to clean, and its kryptonite is water – which makes it patently unsuited to bathrooms and kitchens. It also can’t be cleaned the way you’d clean other wallpapers, by wiping with soap and water. Instead, you can gently vacuum it to maintain it.

Its subtle, natural, elegant vibe makes it worth the trouble, especially in low traffic, “adult” rooms like home offices or formal dining areas. If you’re concerned about its finicky nature, seek out vinyl grasscloth. It doesn’t have the same random patterns as the original, but you can get the look in a more durable, easier-to-care-for material.

Interested in upping your style with interesting wall textures? Learn more about our wallpaper installation services today.

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What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Paint at Home?

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It’s easy to overestimate how much paint you need for a job – and to find yourself with a partial can left over. So, what do you do with leftover paint? Are there any tips for storing paint?

First, why bother keeping paint – especially since paint cans can quickly clutter your storage space? The first reason is that you might need it for touch ups. The second is that you might be able to use it for another project and save yourself the time and money of buying new paint.

The good news is, paint is durable if it’s stored properly. Here are the best ways to store paint.

Store it in a Climate-Controlled Area

Most people naturally gravitate toward storing paint in a garage or shed. And while those spots work for most things, they don’t for paint. That’s because paint becomes unstable at extreme temperatures. Instead, store it in a climate-controlled area, like a closet or cabinet. The darker, dryer and cooler the storage space is, the better. That way, the paint stays fresh and ready to use.

Move Leftover Paint to Smaller Cans or Jars

Gallon buckets are great for transporting paint from the paint store to your house. But storing used paint in them can shorten your paint’s lifespan, not to mention leaving you with a pile of half-empty paint cans.

To preserve the paint, transfer it to a smaller container. Storing it in clear, labeled jars can help you easily find the paint you want.

Then, make sure the new container is properly sealed to keep out any extra air, so the paint doesn’t dry out too quickly. If there’s more than an inch gap between the paint and the top of the jar, you can create an airtight seal by putting plastic wrap between the paint and the lid. You can also store the paint upside down, which also creates an airtight seal.

And don’t forget to label the containers. Even if they’re clear and you can see the paint, you’ll want to know the color and paint company, in case you need to reuse the paint or get more later.

How Long Will Paint Last?

When stored properly, leftover paint will last for years. Here are typical the shelf lives of certain paints:

Chalk paint – One to 5 yearsLatex paint – Between two and 10 yearsMilk paint – Up to a weekOil-based acrylic – Up to 15 years

Properly Dispose of Leftover Paint

If paint turns lumpy, smelly or chunky, you know it’s gone bad. Then it’s time to get rid of your leftover paint. But don’t just dump the containers in the trash, because that can be hard on the environment. Instead, pour cat litter or sand into the can to soak up the paint, then take it to your town’s waste collection center.

Learn more about our interior painting services or contact us for free 8” by 8” color samples today.

The post What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Paint at Home? appeared first on Paintzen.

How Durable is Interior Paint? Our Experts Tell All

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Interior paint doesn’t cost a lot, it’s an instant décor boost and it can last up to 10 years, depending on the paint quality and the technique used to apply it, meaning it’s a good bang for your interior-design buck. But can you make it even more durable? Our experts share their interior painting tips.

How Long Does Interior Paint Last, Anyway?

Most interior paint jobs last for several years. If you don’t have kids or busy pets, you might be able to stretch that to 10 years. However, if you’re updating your décor, you have a room with lots of wear and tear, or a room that gets loads of sunlight, you may need to repaint more often.

As a rule of thumb, here are the rooms you should repaint every five to seven years:

Living roomsDining roomsAdults’ bedrooms

Redo these every three to four years:

BathroomKitchenLaundry roomTrim and baseboards

Repaint these every two to three years:

HallwaysKids’ bedrooms

And finally, look up: Ceilings can last up to 10 years between paint jobs.

What Makes Paint Last Longer?

While no paint will last forever, there are some things that can help make it more durable.

Pick a high-quality interior paint – Choosing cheap interior paint is a false economy. You’ll save money up front, but the paint won’t wear as well or last as long, meaning you’ll be repainting sooner and touching up more often. Look for higher-quality paints with a high level of acrylic resin. Resin makes paint more washable and durable. If it’s in the budget, consider a super-premium paint. They contain more than twice as many pigments (the finely ground minerals that make up the paint’s color), meaning you’ll get brighter hues in fewer coats, and the paint will wear longer.

Paint professionally – In this case, painting professionally refers to technique, not to the person doing it. Almost anyone can learn how to paint interior walls. Doing the job right, including prepping, priming and painting two to three coats, gives your paint job a leg up.

Choose the right sheen – Sheen is the level of gloss in a paint. Sheens range from flat (the least amount of gloss) to gloss (the highest amount of shine). Low-luster paints create a more even coat, hiding surface flaws, but they can be hard to clean. Shinier paints create a more durable surface, but they show imperfections. Most painters use high-gloss on doors and trim, reserving satin or eggshell – the middle-of-the-road sheen – for walls.

Keep up the maintenance – Cleaning your paint regularly, especially high-traffic areas, can make your paint job last longer. Pay attention to high-touch areas, like light switches, kid-height spots, and spaces near the tub and cooking surfaces. And while you’re dusting the house, don’t forget the walls and trim. Use a microfiber duster or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to suck up dirt and debris. And finally, notice where the walls are peeling or chipped. Touch up the damage regularly so walls look their freshest.

Hold on to leftover paint – Always keep some leftover paint in storage so, when your interior paint job inevitably gets dinged, it’s quick and easy to touch up. Transfer leftover paint to smaller containers, then label the containers by paint name, room and date to make them quick and easy to find.

Having a house painter add a new coat of interior paint is the easiest way to transform your home. Whether you’re looking for free paint swatches, you need your whole house painted or just want to freshen up the living room with this year’s PPG paint color of the year, Paintzen interior house painting services are equipped for all of your painting needs.

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Let Austin Inspire Your Curb Appeal For a Look That’s All You

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Everything’s bigger in Texas, including curb appeal, and Austin – with its penchant for bringing the weird – is one of Texas’s brightest curb-appeal stars. To bring the flavor of Austin to your home, we scoured the streets of Bat City to find the paint colors that are hotter than a Texas summer.

Take Your Cue From Old Austin

Gypsum-PPG1006-1

Frosty Glade PPG1146-4

Frosty Glade-PPG1146-4

Austin is filled with beautiful, old neighborhoods, like Travis Heights and North University, populated by sprawling bungalows, stately brick homes and graceful Tudors. While Austin is known for keeping it weird, these neighborhoods tend to rely on classic colors to tell their homes’ stories.

One of the most popular colors in this area is farmhouse white, paired with a light blue or aqua door. Match the shutters to the door for a traditional look or try white shutters on white paint for a fun twist. Gypsum by PPG Paints is a grayish white with a classic style. Bring the curb appeal with a cooled-down aqua like Frosty Glade.

If You Love Bungalows, Try This

Sweater Weather PPG0999-5

Sweater Weather-PPG0999-5

Faith PPG1221-4

Faith-PPG1221-4

Rum Punch PPG1190-7

Rum Punch-PPG1190-7

Bungalows are at their best when painted a whimsical mix of natural hues, like a mix of brown, green and red. Paint walls a saturated greige like Sweater Weather, then add a honeydew hue like Faith for the trim. With a red door in Rum Punch, you’ve got an instant charmer.

re You a Fan of Blue? You’ll Love This

Kingston Aqua PPG1150-4

Kingstone Aqua-PPG1150-4

Delicate White PPG1001-1

Delicate White-PPG1001-1

Burgundy Wine PPG1053-7

Burgundy Wine-PPG1053-7

If blue is your hue, you’ll love this Austin-inspired color scheme, which pairs a bluebell blue with rust and white for a crisp, happy look. Roll Kingston Aqua on the walls, Delicate White on the trim and deep, rich rust like Burgundy Wine for the door.

Go Big and Go Home

Tropical Splash PPG1233-5

Tropical Splash-PPG1233-5

Pacific Pearl PPG1011-1

Pacific Pearl-PPG1011-1

Stunning Sapphire PPG1158-7

Stunning Sapphire-PPG1158-7

Funkier vibes create memorable curb appeal, and Austin is, after all, known for being funky. Bring a taste of the coast to the Hill Country with a bright aqua wall color like Tropical Splash. Pair it with trim in a true white like Pacific Pearl, and blink it out with a bold, blue front door in Stunning Sapphire.

While we’re talking Austin and all things Texas, did you know that September is state-fair month? The State Fair of Texas has been drawing Texas fans since 1886. It’s the longest-running fair in the nation – as well as (no surprise here) one of the largest. If you’re in the neighborhood in September, join our friends from Austin, Dallas, Houston and every other town in the state for some all-American fun!

Interested in creating your own little piece of Texas at home? Let our color consultants help you find exactly the right color scheme for your casa.

The post Let Austin Inspire Your Curb Appeal For a Look That’s All You appeared first on Paintzen.

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The Different Painting Techniques Used By Painters

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painters

Painters are skilled craftsmen who paint rooms and other interior spaces. While many people think of painters as carpenters who paint porches and furniture, there are many differences between the two professions. Painters primarily work for construction or for building finishing companies in the commercial sector. Unlike carpenters, painters do not build structures and frameworks; they just apply coatings, paint, and stain to them. However, painters have a lot in common with carpenters in that both create beautiful objects by hand.

When you think of famous painters, one name that comes to mind is Rembrandt. Some of the greatest painters in history are Rembrandt, Degas, gas, and Schiele. One similarity between many painters is that they all have a love of fine art. Some of the finest examples of this fine art come from the collections of clothing of painters such as Van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, and Pablo Picasso.

Many people assume that a painter paints what he sees. That may be true in some cases but it’s also not always the case. To illustrate this point, a painter who paints with a thick brush may not necessarily be painting what he sees. He may be applying paint to a canvas that has been taped to the wall. In this case, the painter’s work would be called abstract and he wouldn’t be using a technique that is specific to the painting a wall.

Another example of where abstract and realistic painting differs is in color selection. Most professional painters use warm colors to create a sense of depth in their paintings. However, many artists choose to paint with cool colors that create a feeling of distance. This allows painters the freedom to choose the colors they want in each particular painting. No one else can determine how much of a depth to paint or how far away from the viewer the painting should be.

One other important consideration is that painters should only paint on exterior surfaces. While this sounds like common sense, it is surprising how many painters choose to paint on interior surfaces. The reason is that if the paint doesn’t stick to an exterior surface it won’t stick to the next surface. Therefore, by only painting on exterior surfaces and creating a consistent color palette, painters can ensure that their paintings will have the same look no matter what location they are displayed in.

Professional painters must have training in how to mix colors together as well as know-how to blend the paint into the surrounding environment. Creating such a skilled painting takes time and practice. This is one of the most important elements of becoming a successful forger. As a result, many painters who do forgery work on their own in their spare time in order to make some extra money.

A successful painter also knows how to prep the surface on which he will paint. Preparing the exterior surfaces of a home for painting requires some degree of skill. Many painters mistakenly paint areas that are meant to be painted white. In addition, many painters mistakenly spray paint on the wrong color. This mistake can be easily corrected if the painter takes a little time to practice on the exterior surfaces of homes he is going to paint. It is important that the painter thoroughly cleans the surfaces prior to beginning the painting job.

The technique that most painters use when the painting is called dry-brushing. This method requires that the painter apply paint to a smooth, dry bristle brush. Once the brush is wet with paint, the painters use a quick circular motion to rub the paint in smoothly and evenly all over the surface. Once the brush has been applied with enough paint to cover the area, the painters gently brush off the excess paint.

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