Paint Fading? It Might Be Time for a Fresh Coat!

In addition to looking nice, your paint is your house’s first line of protection against the elements. But those years of standing up to the heat, sun, rain, and wind take a toll eventually. Faded paint doesn’t just look bad—it’s also not protecting your home like it should. Repainting a faded house will not just provide a much-needed makeover, but also protect your home from weathering damage.

Keep reading about other signs it’s time!

Start Your Spring Painting Project Off Right!

Starting a spring painting project?

Do you know everything there is to know about picking the right tools?

Are you having trouble determining the right paint roller?

With so many options, the task of just picking out your tools can be overwhelming. 

Want to know which paint roller best suits your needs? Read our latest blog post here!

Contact Ann Arbor Painting Contractors Today! 

If you’re worried about painting your home on your own, call the best Ann Arbor painting contractors! 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!

5 Tips for Painting Over Dark Walls!

Do you need help painting over your dark walls?

Are you worried about the old color shining through?

Do you want to know good techniques to ensure your painting project goes smoothly?

According to Houzz, here’s what you need to know when painting over dark color walls:
1.    Test the color in natural light, artificial light and at night.
2.    Prep the wall accordingly. Fill nail holes, sand rough spots, etc.
3.    Spot prime any dark marks so the surface is even and ready to paint.
4.    Now it’s time to paint! Technique is important! Try to roll top to bottom from one side of the wall to the other end.
5.    Use two coats of paint!

Is painting your home yourself too large a task? If you need help from a professional local painting company in Ann Arbor, we can help you transform your home!

No matter what the job (or combination of jobs!), our professional, dedicated, and experienced team is with you from start to finish. No more bouncing from contractor to color consultant to window restorer to cleaner to painter. Mussio Painting’s team has worked together for over 12 years, and has experience in everything your home might need to make it as beautiful as you imagine.

Call us today at (734) 995-2646 to arrange an appointment with Steve Mussio. He’ll personally meet with you to discuss your project needs, expectations, and concerns. Steve has been in the painting business for 32 years and can offer you an experienced and professional recommendation. We treat every home as if it were our own. That’s how much we care!

How to Pick Authentic Colors For Your Historic Home

Do you want to faithfully represent the time period in which your historic home was built?

Do you want to paint your home in its original colors?

Our Ann Arbor exterior painting company recommends the following when trying to stay true to your historic homes’ identity:

1. Have a paint chip sampled at your local paint store! Paint stores can analyze the layers of paint for you to help determine the original color.
2. Do some online research to determine period appropriate colors! Most home styles like Cape Cod, Victorian, etc. used particular colors that you may be able to find with research.
3. Take a tour of local historic home in your area to draw inspiration! Many are preserved as museums.

If all else fails, choose a color scheme that best identifies with you! In the end, your home will be true to your personal style and needs. Your house will then actually feel like home!

Contact the best Ann Arbor exterior painting company in your area, 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!

Hire a Painting Company You Can Trust!

Shady painting companies can take advantage of you if you’re not careful.  You might find yourself with a painter who:

1.    Takes the money and runs
2.    Doesn’t finish the job
3.    Leaves a bad paint job behind

Don’t let that happen to you! Find out how to find the best painting companies in Ann Arbor by visiting our website for more information.

We provide many references that will confirm the excellent quality you’ll receive from one of Ann Arbor’s top painting companies. We’ve been in business for more than 30 years! Our path to success is based on being laser focused on incredible detail. If you’re not completely satisfied with the job, Steve Mussio, the owner 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!

Design Trends for 2016 to Follow!

Are you always looking to stay current on the latest trends?

We’ve done some research to find out what interior decorators are seeing as the trends for the upcoming year.

According to Elle Décor, these are the trends that will be HUGE for 2016:
1.    Black stainless steel
2.    Formal dining rooms
3.    Textured cabinets
4.    Heated entryway floors
5.    Statement bathroom mirrors
6.    Bidets
7.    Tech-less living rooms
8.    Fireplaces
9.    Bathrooms that feel like living spaces
10.  Mixed materials in kitchens


Thinking about painting your home this Spring/Summer as well? We’ve been in business for more than 30 years! Our path to success is based on being laser focused on incredible detail. If you’re not completely satisfied with the job, Steve Mussio, the owner, will make sure they make it right.

Why Hire an Expert Ann Arbor Painting Company?

If you’d rather not go to the trouble of painting your own house, consider hiring a professional. Imagine how you’ll feel when the job gets done right the first time! You won’t have to worry about a thing! We’ll do everything from drywall repair to caulking around the edges.

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

Choose The Right Paint Brush!

Are you thinking about painting your home?

Do you know how to pick out the right paint brush?

Don’t make the mistake of picking out whatever’s on sale. Research your options, then go to the store. Imagine a painless shopping trip to get all the supplies you need all at once!

If you plan on painting yourself, it’s important to know what paint brush to use for what purpose. According to Sherwin-Williams here’s how you know:

• “Natural-bristle brushes made with animal hairs are used for applying oil base paints, varnishes, shellac, polyurethane and other oil base finishes. The natural ‘flagging’ (splitting or fuzzy tips) of these brushes creates split ends in the bristles that hold more paint and help assure a smooth paint release and finish.
• Blended nylon/polyester brushes are easy to clean and work well with all types of latex paints. The combination of nylon's durability and polyester's shape retention is the mark of a high-quality brush - one that also produces a high-quality paint finish. What's more, these durable brushes are built to handle numerous projects. So, with proper care, nylon / polyester brushes should last for years.
• Polyester brushes are best for latex paints. These brushes hold their shape and stiffness in any paint and apply paint smoothly and evenly.”

Why Hire a Professional Ann Arbor Exterior Painting Experts?

If you’d rather not go to the trouble of painting your own house, consider hiring a professional. Imagine how you’ll feel when the job gets done right the first time! You won’t have to worry about a thing! We’ll do everything from drywall repair to caulking around the edges.

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

5 Ways to Protect Your Ann Arbor Interior Painting Investment in Bathrooms

Are you worried about making the wrong paint decision for your bathroom remodel?

Do you want paint that is easy to clean, but that also looks phenomenal in your newly redecorated bathroom?

It can be a challenge to find the right paint formula that works best for your needs unless you know what to look for. Whether you’re looking for the best formula, color or trend, there’s a style paint that will work for everyone! If you enjoy steamy showers, you’ll need a formula that can be easily cleaned and maintained. Imagine never having to worry about frantically scrubbing your walls down because of grime and mildew. Pick the right paint and the job can be easy!

According to Consumer Reports, there are a few things you may want to consider when you paint your bathroom, including:

1.    Picking the right finish
2.    Washing the walls before painting
3.    Use self-priming paint
4.    Protect areas you don’t want to paint
5.    Allow at least 24 hours before using your shower

If You Want Great Results Call Ann Arbor Interior Painting Experts at Mussio Painting

Call us today at (734) 995-2646 to arrange an appointment with Steve Mussio. He’ll personally meet you on your property to discuss your Ann Arbor interior painting needs, expectations, and concerns, and give suggestions for how to best complete your painting job. He will also explain the project preparation, painting options, and if necessary, any carpentry (wood replacement), along with answering any of your other questions before you receive a detailed bid. We treat every home as if it were our own. That’s how much we care!

The Importance of Cleaning Interior Surfaces Before Painting

Did you have your house painted recently?

Are you happy with the job your painting professional did?

Would you recommend them again?

It can be frustrating trying to find the right painter because there are so many to choose from in Ann Arbor. With so many options, how can you be sure you’re getting the best quality for your money?

There are certain things you should be looking for in a painter if they’re a real professional. This includes whether they check the walls and advise you about what’s included in the quote and what may be expected of you. For example, Mussio Painting advises you to clean the surfaces before the painting contractors start the job. This includes:

You:

1.    Moving your furniture to the center of the room and covering it
2.    Removing your window treatments and any pictures hanging on your walls
3.    Washing the dirt and grime off walls with soft soap
4.    Scrubbing all the walls and surfaces
5.    Drying the walls thoroughly

The Professional:

1.    Filling all of the holes and cracks
2.    Taping off appropriate areas
3.    Painting the walls
4.    Applying a second coat if needed
5.    Caulking around your windows and molding

Why would you want to clean the surface before you paint? Well, there can be plenty of grime on your walls. If you paint over it, it will most likely stay there forever.

When you ensure the surface is clean before you paint, the paint will last longer, bring out the color better, and the texture of your paint job will be smoother.

Why Hire a Professional Interior Painting Expert in Ann Arbor?

Imagine how you’ll feel when the job gets done right the first time! You won’t have to worry about a thing! We will do everything from drywall repair to caulking around the edges.

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

Why Use an Accent Wall?

Are you afraid of color?

Do you have an eye for design?

Do you have a favorite piece of artwork or architectural feature in your home?

According to Benjamin Moore, “accent walls are a great way to add color to a space and experiment with smaller doses of brighter, bolder hues.” Many people are afraid to take a chance with bold colors. However, adding a bold accent wall is a great way to add a unique design.

Photo Credit: Petr Kratochvil

Our interior painting experts in Ann Arbor recommend using accent walls when you want to:

1.    Define a large space
2.    Highlight a focal point
3.    Enlarge the room
4.    Shrink the room
5.    Provide a backdrop
6.    Make a bold statement

Still unsure if you want to go with a bold accent wall? Steve Mussio, the owner, will personally meet you on your property to discuss your project needs, expectations, and concerns, and give any suggestions at your request. Our business relationships are extremely important to us because they create comfort and confidence for YOU the customer.

Imagine how you’ll feel when the job gets done right the first time? You won’t have to worry about a thing! We will do everything from drywall repair to caulking around the edges.

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

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.

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!”

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)
   
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!

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.

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!

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?

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! 

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

Can 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!