How to Paint Windows the Right Way With 8 Easy Steps!

Is there a proper way to paint your windows?

Want a smooth finish around your windows?

Do you have enough information to get the job done right?

Hire Professional Ann Arbor Painting Contractors

Call us if you want to get the job done right the first time. Our experts are laser focused on incredible detail! If you’re not completely satisfied with the job, the owner, Steve Mussio, will make sure they make it right. 

If you do decide to paint your windows yourself, follow these steps:

1. Give windows a deep cleaning first.
2. Scrape loose paint, caulk and glazing off window sill, and trim.
3. Sand the painted surfaces.
4. Repair damaged caulk and glazing.
5. Apply a coat of primer to the entire surface of the window trim. Allow it to completely dry.
6. Load your paintbrush to avoid drips for a nice even coat.
7. Use proper taping techniques to make sure the paint stays in-bounds.
8. Don’t paint the sashes shut. Move the sashes up and down, wait for them to dry, and when they’re done, move on to paint the window jambs.  

Contact the Best Professional Ann Arbor Painting Contractors

Contact Mussio Painting today! We provide many references who will confirm the excellent quality you’ll receive from one of Ann Arbor’s top painting contractors. You’ll be amazed how our work will transform your home!

Why Does Paint Peel?

Do you have a problem with paint peeling inside your home?

Do you think you may have used low grade, low quality paint?

Are you worried about spending a lot of money on a paint job that won’t last?

Ann Arbor Painting Contractors are Here to Help!

The friendly team at Mussio Painting is here to help you! Imagine if you knew how to eliminate the risk of peeling paint before it happened. How much time, money and aggravation could you save by knowing what to watch out for at the beginning?

Do you have a home ventilation system? Do you turn on an exhaust fan when you shower? Continue reading for other important factors that could save you additional time and frustration. 

Possible causes of peeling paint indoors include:

• Cooking
• Showering
• Humidifiers
• Basements
• Foundations

Sherwin Williams suggests possible solutions for peeling paint:

• “Proper ventilation can fix most interior moisture problems. High-moisture areas like bathrooms with showers should have exhaust fans installed.
• Proper ventilation in the walls and/or roof of the home may be necessary. Heavily insulated and sealed homes need a way for moisture to escape, like roof vents and wall vents.
• Allowing moisture to escape via open windows.
• If high levels of moisture exist in your basement, the cause must be determined and fixed.
• Once proper ventilation has been installed, peeling paint should be removed and the underlying surface cleaned and primed. 
• Test the coating in a 6" to 12" radius around any peeled areas to be sure its adhesion is adequate. Follow label and data page directions for proper surface preparation.”

Call Your Ann Arbor Painting Contractors Today!

Call your Ann Arbor painting contractors today at (734) 995-2646 to arrange an appointment with Steve Mussio. He’ll personally meet you on your property to discuss your project needs, expectations, and concerns, and give any suggestions at your request. He’ll also explain the project preparation, painting/staining options, and if necessary, any carpentry (wood replacement), along with answering any of your other questions before you receive a detailed bid. You’ll be amazed how our work will transform your home!

Why Does Paint Bubble?

Does your home get a lot of sunlight? 

Are you worried about paint bubbling?

Do you prep before you start to paint? 

Well you should! Preparing surfaces before you paint can really save you a ton of time and frustration. 

According to Sherwin Williams, possible reasons paint bubbles include:

• Direct sunlight on a surface that is too warm.
• Migration of water through an interior wall to the exterior, thus pushing the paint off of the surface.
• Application of oil-based or alkyd paint over a damp or wet surface.
• Exposure of latex paint film to dew, high humidity, moisture, or rain shortly after paint has dried, especially if there was inadequate surface preparation and/or poor ventilation in areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
• Damp basements.
• Moisture seeping into the home through the exterior walls.
• Insufficient surface preparation

What’s the Solution?

According to Sherwin Williams, “remove all loose paint by scraping and sand the surface to smooth out any rough edges. Next, determine and repair any cause of excess moisture before repainting. Then repair old or damaged caulking or install new caulking as needed. Also install vents or exhaust fans or siding wedges to allow the moisture a path to escape instead of going through the paint.” 

Want the job done right the first time? Contact a professional local painter in the Ann Arbor area to help you!

Professional Local Painters in Ann Arbor

If you’re worried about painting your home by on your own, call the experts – best local painters in Ann Arbor! We provide many references who will confirm the excellent quality you’ll receive from one of Ann Arbor’s top painting companies. Our path to success is based on being laser focused on incredible detail. If you’re not completely satisfied with the job, the owner, Steve Mussio, will make sure they make it right.

Call Mussio Painting in Ann Arbor today at (734) 995-2646. You’ll be amazed how our work will transform your home!

What Color Should You Paint Your Exterior Trim?

Are you having a hard time picking out the right shade for the trim on your exterior?

Are you second guessing what looks good?

Did you know that your sash color can be repeated on your front door and porch steps?

According to Better Homes & Gardens, “Choosing trim colors is tricky. These tips will come in handy, and they work well for most house styles:

• Paint all vertical and horizontal trim elements in the main trim color.
• Window and door frames look better painted in the principal body color. The same holds true for cornice brackets.
• As a general rule, window sashes and shutters are the darkest parts of the color scheme. As a result, the windows seem to recede into the facade.
• The sash color can be repeated on the front door and on the porch steps.
• Storm windows should be the same color as the sash.
• It's best if ceilings under the eaves are painted in the body color, while the entire cornice --the trim that faces outward -- is almost always painted in the trim color.
• If your house is two or three stories tall and you want more than one shade of the principal body color, it is tasteful to apply the darkest shade on the first floor, medium on the second floor, and the lightest on the third floor. 
• Gutters and downspouts should be painted to make them as inconspicuous as possible. On a frame house with olive trim and a light green body, for example, the gutters would probably be olive to disappear against the olive cornice, but the downspouts would be painted light green to correspond to the adjacent siding.”

Still need help deciding on a color for your trim’s exterior? We can help you make a decision that will transform the look of your home! Imagine how beautiful your house will look with the professional touch from our local painters in Ann Arbor.

Get the Job Done Right The First Time! Call Local Painters in Ann Arbor!

Call the best local 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 local painters in Ann Arbor!

How to Give New Life to Your Outdoor Furniture!

Is your outdoor furniture faded?

Does it look outdated?

Are you unable to invest in new furniture right now?

We want to help you save some cash this summer to go on that vacation you’ve dreamed of. Here are some summer saving tips that will help you give new life to your outdoor furniture:

1. Restore old wood
2. Paint faded metal or plastic lawn chairs
3. Reupholster lounge chairs
4. Update worn cushions 
5. Adapt pieces to fit the season’s needs

Following the above tips can help bring back the life of your outdoor furniture! Do you want more ideas? Try websites like Pinterest and Houzz.com for more ideas and inspiration.

If you decide you want to revamp your entire house this summer with a fresh coat of paint, we can help with that too! We’re the experts when it comes to interior and exterior painting services. "Our attention to detail" is one of our strongest qualities. 

Call the best local painters in Ann Arbor today at (734) 995-2646 to arrange an appointment with Steve Mussio. He will personally meet with 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!

Different Qualities of Paint: Premium Vs. Super Premium vs. Ultra Premium

Do you buy only paint of a certain quality?

Do you know why certain paints are better than others?

Are you wondering what each quality of paint is meant for?

Most can get the job done. However, there are different paints for different needs. You wouldn’t use the same paint outside as inside your home, would you? What you choose depends on your needs!

What’s the difference between premium, super premium and ultra-premium? Here’s the skinny on different advantages of certain paint from local painters in Ann Arbor:

1. Resistance to stains 
2. Scrub-able
3. Better coverage
4. Smoother finish
5. Mildew resistant

The higher you go on the premium scale, the more pronounced these advantages can be! 

Painting a kitchen? You’d want to go with one that is resistant to stains to help fight against the results of a food fight in the dining area. 

Painting your child’s room? You may want to go with a paint that is scrub-able, especially if you happen to be raising a future Picasso! Walls are not an ideal canvas, and it’s nice to know you can clean them after your little genius does his or her work.

Painting your bathrooms? You want to make sure you choose a paint that’s mildew resistant! Steamy showers can produce a growth of mold and bacteria on your walls and ceilings. By using certain cleaning materials on mold and mildew over time, your paint will fade if you use a lower quality paint. 

Can you imagine the possibilities of using paint created specifically for a certain part of your home? We can too! Make sure you choose the right paint for your appropriate needs.

Contact the best professional local painters in Ann Arbor, Mussio Painting! You’ll be amazed how our work will transform your home! (734) 995-2646

Protect Trim and Stairways from Your Pets

Is your home décor going to the dogs? Planning updates to your home around dogs or other pets? Wondering what will help new applications of paint hold up to your furry friends?

Your pets are loved and lovable parts of the family, but there’s no question they can cause more than their fair share of wear and tear on your house. Flooring, trim, and stairs are some of the more susceptible areas of your home prone to scuffs and scratches. You might not even think an upgrade or new coat of paint is worth it. 

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make your efforts pay off. 

Oil

Oil-based paints aren’t as easy to work with, and may not be the best choice for very inexperienced painters, but they offer a very clean finish and stand up great to typical wear from pets. 

Gloss

Selecting a finish in the glossy category for your trim or stairs will do a lot for durability and clean-ability. The sleek look adds considerable slipperiness to the painted surface, however. 

Additives

Available wherever paint is sold, paint additives are purchased separately and mixed into paint producing varying effects. Additives which add non-slip texture to your painted surface are a great choice to make your stairs safer for pets and people. 

Poly

It’s an extra step you might not be excited about taking, but adding a layer or two of polyurethane to your stairs or other high traffic areas will save you from extra work or unsightly wear long term.  

Following these tips as you choose paint and other materials to improve your home will help your painted surfaces last longer under the pressure of paws and will likely be safer for your pets and family. 

If you have more questions about pet-friendly painting practices, give us a call at Mussio Painting, your local painters in Ann Arbor. With us, your satisfaction is guaranteed as we treat your home like ours!

How to Eliminate Stubborn Smoke Odors with Paint

Moving to a house previously owned by smokers? Trying to get old smoke odors and stains out of your walls? Wondering if paint will help with smoke odors?

The smells and stains left behind by years of moderate to heavy smoking are among the biggest turnoffs to guests and homeowners. The remains of a tobacco habit left in a house aren’t easy to get rid of, either. But it’s possible with a little elbow grease and the right supplies. 

Follow these 4 steps for effective results in your home!

1. Dry Clean

Using a tool referred to as a dry cleaning, chemical, or soot sponge, you’ll be able to buff away some of the staining and lingering odors on walls and ceilings. The dry cleaning sponge is a go-to cleanups after a fire and is surprisingly effective. 

2. Wet Clean

If staining remains after dry cleaning, take to your walls with a wet cleaning solution. For moderate staining, you’ll be served well by a warm vinegar and water solution, equal parts water and vinegar. For heavy stains, you might want to resort to TSP for cleaning. 

3. Prime

If you don’t usually prime before painting, this is not the time to skip it! Applying two coats of odor-eliminating or stain-blocking primer will help assure your stains and odors don’t creep back into the house. Make sure you give each coat ample time to dry!

4. Paint

After adequately priming the walls, it’s time to paint! Choose high-quality paint and apply two coats as you would normally paint a room in your house. 

It might be tempting to skip right to step 3 or 4, thinking several coats of paint and primer will hide the stains. But smoke stains and odors have a tendency to bleed through new coats of paint when they aren’t properly cleaned first. Following all 4 steps above will give you the best chance of success. 

If you have major smoke stain to deal with, or would rather leave this important job to the pros, give your local painters in Ann Arbor a call. At Mussio Painting we treat every home as our own and your satisfaction is guaranteed. 

Zero VOC Technology-Emit Zero Volatile Organic Compounds

Are you concerned about the indoor air quality in your home?

Are you planning a spring painting project?

Are you worried about your health due to the toxic fumes paint releases into your home?

Paint can potentially expose you to toxic fumes, however, new technology emits zero volatile organic compounds! Now you don’t have to worry about potential health hazards and your family can be kept safe. 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands.”

Benjamin Moore now offers the greenest paint on the market called Natura Waterborne paint! Check out some of the features:

• Now Certified asthma & allergy friendly
• Zero VOC
• Zero Emissions (measured at 4 hours after application)
• 100% Acrylic
• Provides a durable, washable film
• Spatter-resistant
• Unlimited color selection
• One hour recoat for quick return to service
• Self-priming on most surfaces
• Voted 2015 Product of the Year

Professional Local Painters in Ann Arbor

Contact the best local painters in Ann Arbor, Mussio Painting! We provide many references who will confirm the excellent quality you’ll receive from one of Ann Arbor’s top painting companies. Our path to success is based on being laser focused on incredible detail. If you’re not completely satisfied with the job, the owner, Steve Mussio, will make sure they make it right.

Call Mussio Painting in Ann Arbor today at (734) 995-2646. You’ll be amazed how our work will transform your home!

What Causes Paint to Fade?

Are you not satisfied with the look of your paint?

Are you not satisfied with the look of your paint?

Is your paint starting to fade?

Are you wondering what could cause paint to fade in your home?

According to Sherwin-Williams, there are many possible causes for fading paint, including:

• Sunlight. As the coating ages, the fading can become more noticeable. Slight fading is acceptable, provided it is gradual and uniform so as not to be noticeable. Excessive chalking of the paint film will cause colors to appear lighter.
• Interior-grade colorants used outside will fade.
• Adding more tint to the coating than is recommended.
• Significant sunlight exposure. Interior coatings may also fade if exposure to sunlight is prolonged.

Solutions

• Clean your walls as needed and repaint the surface using paint that’s fade-resistant!
• Use curtains, shades or blinds to block the sunlight beating on your walls.
• Prepare the surface! Spackle, sand, and prime!

If you’re considering having your house painted, our local painters in Ann Arbor can help you! Our reputation is “second to none” in business! Steve, the owner, is intense about perfection. He is consistently on site, making sure the job gets done to ensure that you’re 100-percent satisfied.

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

6 Step Spring Maintenance Checklist for Your Home

Want your home to be in tip-top shape this summer?

Do you want your home to shine from its location on your block?

Are you looking for some spring projects to do around the house?

Now that the weather is warming up, you may be itching to do a little spring cleaning! Ensure that the exterior of your home is in good shape for the summer months. A new paint job may be necessary. If you carefully examine the exterior of your home, you’ll be more aware of potential future repairs. Don’t wait for a problem to arise like chipping paint, wood rot or stained siding.

Here’s a checklist of things you should do to inspect your home’s exterior:

1. Power wash your home to get rid of dirt, mold, and mildew for a clean fresh shine.
2. Examine your shutters and front door for peeling and chipped paint. Patch, repair, and repaint these surfaces.
3. Wood, vinyl and aluminum siding can wear over time. Power wash, repaint or stain your siding to maintain a healthy appearance.
4. Stucco can crack, deteriorate, and carry mold. It may be time to clean and repair your stucco wall covering.
5. Inspect your home for wood rot damage. You may need to hire an expert carpenter to make the necessary repairs.
6. Clean, repair, and repair your outdoor patio furniture.

Not only will inspecting the exterior of your home for repairs save you money, it also makes you a smarter homeowner. Why wouldn’t you want to inspect the exterior of your home? Everyone wants to save time and money, and you can too!

If you want to paint your house and ensure that it gets done right the first time, hire one of the expert Ann Arbor exterior painting companies, like Mussio Painting. We provide many references that will confirm the excellent quality you’ll receive from our expert Ann Arbor exterior painting contractors. We’ve been in business for 33 years! Our path to success is based on being laser focused on incredible detail.

“Mussio Painting did a wonderful job on the outside of our two family condo building with attention to detail and quality work. Steve did everything we expected and more! Steve and his crew made our condos look like new again, from rotten wood replacement to painting. Steve Mussio and his crew of workers are the best! We’ll use them for painting our interior in the near future.”
Ruth, Ann Arbor

Steve, the owner, is intense about perfection. He is consistently onsite, making sure the job gets done to ensure you’re 100-percent satisfied. We take a special interest in each job and often develop personal friendships along the way. We take pride in our customer’s home, much like our own. That’s how much we care! Call 734-995-2646 today!

Stay Trendy in 2017!

Are you looking to do some spring painting?

Do you want to stay on trend?

Are you having a hard time finding a palette that suits your style?

Every year there’s something new! A new trend. A new color. Read further to see what 2017 has in store for interior decorating!

Benjamin Moore’s color of the year is “allusive and enigmatic — a master of ambiance.” “It ebbs and flows with its surroundings, and light brings it to life. Rich, royal amethyst can fade into the soft lilac-grey of distant mountains or morph into lustrous coal. Indulge your mysterious side. Let Shadow set the mood,” says Ellen O’Neill, Creative Director of Benjamin Moore.

Learn more about Benjamin Moore’s color trends for this year at http://bit.ly/2n0kUSC

Everyone has different taste. One of these color combinations is sure to take your living room from drab to fab in no time!

If you don’t like these trends for 2017, there are lots of resources to get more ideas! Try websites like Pinterest and Houzz.com for inspiration. Show us your favorite interior design paint color ideas, and we can help make them a reality!

Call the best Ann Arbor painters 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 Ann Arbor painters!