Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Ann Arbor Painter Suggests How to Test Your Deck’s Water Seal



Does your deck look worn or gray?

Does it soak up water instead of keeping it away?

Decks require maintenance if they are to retain their quality and appearance. Sealing your deck when you first put it in place is a no-brainer, and an extremely important decision. Over time, however, foot traffic, wear, and exposure to the elements will erode the seal and make your deck vulnerable to damage, breaking, and discoloration.

Advice on how often to reseal your deck can range from a few months to several years. The truth is, each deck is different. They’re affected by the area they’re in, shade, weather, sealant, and many other factors. No two decks are exactly alike, and waiting too long can cause irreparable damage. So … how do you know if your deck needs to be sealed again?

One way to help figure this out is the Water-Droplet Test.

How to do it:

1. Pour a small amount of water onto one of the boards of your deck

2. Watch it for a few moments

3. If the deck absorbs the water, chances are you need to reseal the wood to help protect it

4. If the deck repels the water and the water stays in beads on top of the surface, your deck is probably still protected

5. It is important to do this test on many different parts of your deck, as different areas will wear at different rates

This shouldn’t be the only way you test your deck, but it can give you a rough idea of how the seal on your deck is holding up. Consulting a professional Ann Arbor painter is always a good idea to make sure your deck is thoroughly inspected and getting the best care.

If you’re in the Ann Arbor area and would like a free evaluation and estimate for your deck, interior and exterior painting, drywall repair, or anything else your home might need, please contact Ann Arbor painters at 734-995-2646.

Friday, July 25, 2014

Ann Arbor Painters Guide to Paint Finishes



Ann Arbor Painters get a lot of questions about what kind of paint finish should be used on which projects. With so many options available, choosing the right paint finish can be difficult, and the differences can have a major effect on the look and feel of your home!

These are the main types you are likely to see, in order from least shiny to shiniest:

Flat/Matte - With little to no shine, the flat finish (also referred to as “matte”) is the softest looking finish available. This finish reflects the least light, which makes it the best option to cover up blemishes on your wall. Keep in mind, however, that flat paint is the most difficult finish to keep clean, so it’s advisable not to use it in areas that require frequent cleaning.
painters in Ann Arbor

Eggshell - One of the most common finishes for interior rooms, eggshell offers just a bit of shine, along with ease of cleaning. It also has more resistance to stains than flat finishes, and is a great choice for general use.

Semi-Gloss - With moderate shine, high durability and stain resistance, semi-gloss is great for walls that might get more water or marks on them, such as the kitchen, bathroom, or kids’ rooms.

Gloss - With the most shine, gloss or high-gloss is used less commonly on walls, and more often on accents, such as cabinets, trim and doors. It is the most durable and easiest to clean of all the paint finishes, making it perfect for furniture!

In the end, it’s your choice to pick the paint you want to match the look you want for your home. Free free to use your creativity! These guidelines are just that – guidelines – rather than rules!

If you have any questions or want any work done, feel free to contact our professional painters in Ann Arbor at www.AnnArbor-Painter.com or call at 734-995-2646. “Our work ethic is second to none!”

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

The Absolute Fastest Ways to Get Crayon and Marker Stains Off of Your Walls


Do you have little ones who love to color, but sometimes not on paper?

Those stubborn stains on your walls can be difficult to scrub off if you don’t know the tricks!

We’d like to offer you some easy tips that have been shared by TipNut.com. Here are 20 substances you can use that will almost always help remove those stubborn crayon and marker stains!
  1. Toothpaste (regular paste not gel)
    residential painters in Ann Arbor
  2. Artgum eraser
  3. Baking soda
  4. Baby oil
  5. Mayonnaise
  6. Shaving cream
  7. WD-40
  8. Turpentine
  9. Lighter fluid
  10. Ammonia
  11. Vinegar
  12. Heat
  13. Hand Lotion
  14. Powdered dishwasher detergent
  15. Powdered household cleaners
  16. Non-stick cooking spray
  17. Hairspray
  18. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
  19. Rubbing alcohol
  20. Moist baby wipe towelettes

A strong word of caution: be careful when you choose a particular method of cleaning, it may dull or damage your paint or wallpaper finishing. Try one method in a small inconspicuous location with good lighting to see how it will work first, then you can replicate the process you plan on using on the stain itself.

After your child grows out of the coloring-on-the-wall phase, you may want to re-paint a few rooms in your house. Call the best residential painters in Ann Arbor today at (734) 995-2646 to arrange an appointment with Steve Mussio. He will personally meet you on your property to discuss your project needs, expectations, and concerns and give any suggestions at your request. No job is too big or too small for the best residential painters in Ann Arbor!

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

What Everyone Ought To Know About the Science Behind Colors for Interior Painting

Think of your favorite room in your home.  Does the color of the walls make you feel excited or depressed? 

Does the color of a room affect how you feel?

If you answered, “Yes” you are correct!

According to research, color is a “powerful communication tool and can be used to signal action, influence mood, and cause physiological reactions.” 
interior painters ann arbor

We’d like to enlighten you on what feelings are associated with colors, according to researchers.

White – Generates feelings of emptiness and unfriendliness, while also representing innocence.

Red – Generates feelings of excitement and intensity.

Pink – Generates feelings of love and romance.

Orange – Generates feelings of excitement, enthusiasm, and warmth.  

Blue – Generates feelings of calmness and serenity.

Green – Generates feelings of jealously, while also representing good luck and tranquility.

Yellow – Generates feelings of frustration and anger.

Purple – Generates feelings of power, and ambition.

Brown – Generates a sense of strength and reliability.

Black – Generates feelings of mourning, unhappiness, and sophistication.

Are you having trouble deciding on a paint color? Perhaps, you’re wanting to create a relaxing retreat, and now you know that blue or green may be the best color. However, there is an abundant array of blue and green color shades to choose from. There are lots of resources to get ideas, including websites like Pinterest and Houzz.com. Show us your favorite interior design paint color ideas, and we can help make them a reality!


Call the best interior painters in Ann Arbor today at (734) 995-2646 to arrange an appointment with Steve Mussio. He will personally meet you on your property to discuss your project needs, expectations, and concerns and give any suggestions at your request. No job is too big or too small for the best interior painters in Ann Arbor!

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Simple Ways to Play with Paint Color & It’s Effect on Room Size

Want your room to feel bigger?

Are there unattractive items that are difficult to disguise or hide?

Does the room have a high ceiling?

There are simple ways to play with paint color that will trick the way your mind see your rooms’ shape and size. Research has shown that lighter and cooler colors tend to expand the perceived size of the room, while darker colors and warmer colors make things seem closer.
painting company in Ann Arbor


We would like to let you in on a few of our color tricks that will help transform your house, including:
  1. Alter a room’s height – paint the ceiling a dark color
  2. Modify a small space – paint the walls and the ceiling the same color
  3. Change narrow spaces – paint the shorter walls a warmer color than the other walls, so, the end walls feel the closest to you
  4. Hide architectural features- paint all surfaces the same color

Are you looking for the best professional painting company to help you choose colors to accentuate your rooms’ size and atmosphere? Call the best painting company in Ann Arbor today at (734) 995-2646 to arrange an appointment with Steve Mussio. He will personally meet you on your property to discuss your project needs, expectations, and concerns and give any suggestions at your request. No job is too big or too small for the best painting company in Ann Arbor!

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Ann Arbor Painters Suggest the Best Ways to Choose a Color Scheme

What kind of mood do you want for your room?

Do you want your living room to feel more sociable?

Do you want your dining room to appear formal and quiet?

Choosing the color red for example, encourages appetite and raises the energy level of a room, which is great for a living room or dining room. In comparison, the color blue is considered calming, which is recommended for bedrooms and bathrooms.
Painters in Ann Arbor


With the abundant choice of colors at our fingertips, choosing a paint color for a room can be an exciting challenge.

There are many things to consider, including:
  • Researching interior design trends
  • Envisioning what activity will be in each room, and what energy level is appropriate. Thinking about the warm colors (yellows, orange), and cool color (blue, green) options.
  • Thinking about transitions from one room to the next
  • Considering what furniture and window treatments you have and what will complement them

Are you having trouble deciding on a color scheme? There are a few resources to get ideas including Pinterest and Houzz.com. Show us your favorite interior design pictures with ideas for your home, and we can help make it a reality!


Call the best painters in Ann Arbor today at (734) 995-2646 to arrange an appointment with Steve Mussio. He will personally meet you on your property to discuss your project needs, expectations, and concerns and give any suggestions at your request. No job is too big or too small for the best painters in Ann Arbor!

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

What You Don’t Know About Lead Paint That Could Harm Someone You Love

Did you know lead poisoning is a major health concern in the US?
painting contractor in Ann Arbor

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), lead can be found in many parts of our environment – like the air, soil, water, and even inside our homes. Lead and lead compounds are used in a wide variety of products found in and around our homes, including paint, ceramics, pipes and plumbing materials, gasoline, batteries, ammunition, and cosmetics.

Lead paint is commonly found in homes built before 1978, unless it has been removed. A lead-based paint inspection can show you whether or not the leaded pain is still there. Lead exposure is especially dangerous for pregnant women and for children six years and younger.

According to the EPA, if you own an older home in Ann Arbor or in its surrounding areas, you may be at an increased risk of health problems, including:

Children
1.      Behavior and learning problems
2.      Lower IQ and Hyperactivity
3.      Slowed growth
4.      Hearing Problems
5.      Anemia

Pregnant Women
1.      Reduced growth of the fetus
2.      Premature birth

Other Adults
1.      Cardiovascular effects, increased blood pressure and incidence of hypertension
2.      Decreased kidney function
3.      Reproductive problems (in both men and women)

If you own an older home, you should find a painting contractor in Ann Arbor that is lead- abatement certified to perform a no lead paint renovation. According to federal law, contractors and owners of rental properties are required to inform occupants about the risk of lead-based-paint before non-emergency repair, maintenance, and home renovation work. By doing so, they demonstrate to the owners/renters that they understand the risks and show that they take specific precautions to protect against lead-based paint hazards.


If you’re concerned about the possibility of having lead-based paint in your home, call an experienced painting contractor in Ann Arbor. Mussio Painting will make sure your house is free of lead paint, so you don’t have to worry about risking your family’s health. Call (734) 995-2646 to receive a detailed bid. We treat every home as our own! 

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Master Painters in Ann Arbor Suggest the Easiest Way to Remove Wallpaper

Master Painters in Ann ArborCan I remove wallpaper without frustration?

How do I remove wallpaper without destroying my walls?

Does it matter which wallpaper solution I use?

We’ll do our best to answer all your unanswered questions because we’re Ann Arbor’s master painters!

We’d like to offer you our suggestions for removing unwanted wallpaper in your house (almost) pain free. Some of the steps you can take are:
  1. Use a concentrated remover solution (like vinegar and water). This should help dissolve the wallpaper glue.
  2. If the wallpaper doesn't peel off effortlessly, spray the vinegar and water remover solution on the wall and let it penetrate.
  3. After the solution has soaked through, try peeling the wallpaper, starting with the bottom corner.
  4. Scrape the leftover backing with a putty knife using light pressure.
  5. When you think the wallpaper and glue are removed, spray the wall with the vinegar and water solution one more time and scrape off any missed spots.
  6. Lastly, wipe down the walls with a damp cloth.

When the removal process is over, there may be a little damage to your walls depending on your previous wallpaper installation technique. If proper preliminary steps were taken, like sealing the walls with a primer, your walls should be damage free after the removal process.


If you’re concerned about the amount of time and effort it might take to remove your wallpaper, no worries! Mussio Ann Arbor Master Painters will get the job done, so you don’t have to worry about the headache. The #1 easiest way to remove wallpaper is to hire us to do it! Call (734) 995-2646 to receive a detailed bid. We treat every home as our own! 

Monday, April 21, 2014

Mussio Painting Warns “Don’t Paint in Cold Weather Before You Read This!”

We’ve been though a tough winter and spring is finally here! People are itching to get their home improvement projects started, but it’s still chilly out. Have you found yourself wondering, “can I still paint outdoors?”

Here’s the answer you need ... maybe!

You can paint in cold temperatures to a point, but it will take longer for your paint to dry. Keep in mind, however, that cold weather can also affect the quality, appearance, and performance of your paint.

According to our research, the following problems can occur if you paint in temperatures of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below, including:

1.      Paint can coalesce or merge together, which can cause it to crack
2.      Poor touch up quality
3.      Inadequate stain resistance
4.      Issues with color uniformity
5.      Heavy film might lengthen the drying period
6.      Your paint will require more mixing time
7.      Improper film formation may cause a powdery residue
8.      Your touch up coat may look lighter than your base coat
9.      The cold may shorten the durability of your paint


If you’d like to start a painting project, but don’t want to deal with the problems that occur in cold weather painting, Mussio Ann Arbor Painters will take on your project! Our Ann Arbor painters are skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced servicing satisfied customers since 1984.   Call (734) 995-2646 to receive a detailed bid. We treat every home as our own! 

Monday, April 7, 2014

See How Easily You Can Make Paint Last

Have you ever painted your home or had a contractor paint it for you?

Perhaps, afterward, you were stuck with buckets of extra paint?

If so, you may be wondering how long the leftover paint lasts after the job is done. 

Ann Arbor Painting CompanyMany people save it for touch ups and future home improvements. But, you may have some questions on how to preserve the paint, so it lasts until you need it.

Are you aware that with proper care, paint can last more than 10 years? 

Mussio Painting Company in Ann Arbor answers the top 3 commonly asked questions about paint storage below:

1. Is all leftover paint good for reuse?

It depends on how much time the paint has been exposed to air, which causes it to harden. To minimize exposure, you can pour the paint you actually use into a roller pan until you need more. Keep the rest of the new paint in a closed bucket as much of the time as possible.

2. How do I seal the paint can?

There are many ways to ensure you have a good seal on a paint can. First, you should clean the cover of excess paint to ensure there is no room for air pockets. Secondly, lay a piece of plastic wrap atop the paint before pressing the lid down. Thirdly, to ensure no air escapes, use a rubber mallet to tap the lid down firmly.

3. Where should I store it?

People will tell you different things. However, storing paint in a climate-controlled environment is best. In addition, leaving paint cans on a concrete, stone or tile floor can produce moisture that will cause rust over time, possibly resulting in distortion of the original paint color.


If you’re concerned about the amount of leftover paint, a painting project can leave when the job is through, no worries! Mussio Painting Company in Ann Arbor will take the leftover paint, so you don’t have to worry about where to store it, or how much space it will take up. Call (734) 995-2646 to receive a detailed bid. We treat every home as our own!