Is Priming Your Walls for Paint Necessary?

When it comes to achieving a flawless paint job, preparation is key. 

Whether you're refreshing a room or tackling a full home makeover, skipping essential steps can lead to uneven coverage and a shorter lifespan for your paint. One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: Do I really need to prime my walls before painting?

The answer depends on several factors, including the condition of your walls, the type of paint you're using, and the desired final look. But generally, here are the first steps you’ll want to take before picking up the brush:

Clean Your Walls Thoroughly

Dirt, dust, and grease can prevent paint from adhering properly. Use a mild detergent mixed with water 
to wipe down walls, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways. For stubborn stains, a degreaser may be necessary. Allow the walls to dry completely before moving to the next step.

Repair Any Wall Imperfections

Inspect your walls for cracks, holes, or dents. Fill small holes with spackle and use joint compound for larger imperfections. Once dry, sand the area smoothly to blend seamlessly with the rest of the wall. This step is essential for achieving a smooth finish.

Sand and Prime for a Smooth Surface

Lightly sanding walls helps remove rough patches and ensures even paint application. If your walls have glossy paint, sanding is even more crucial for proper adhesion. Applying a high-quality primer is also recommended, especially for dark-colored walls, stains, or new drywall. Primer creates an even base and enhances the longevity of your paint job.

Learn more about how to get a flawless finish in our latest article!  

Set Your Walls Up for Success with Residential Painters in Ann Arbor 

A stunning paint job starts long before the first coat of color touches the wall. By thoroughly cleaning, repairing, sanding, and priming, you ensure a smooth, even application that lasts for years. Skipping these steps might save time initially, but it often leads to peeling, uneven coverage, or frequent touch-ups.

Contact our residential painters in Ann Arbor to save yourself the stress of a lack-luster paint job! 

Colors to Avoid When Going for an Inviting Pallet

Does your current color scheme feel cold?

Want to warm up your space, but don’t know where to start? 

Color preferences are personal, but some colors tend to create a cooler or less inviting atmosphere.

Here are a few colors you might want to avoid:

• Cool Blues and Grays
• Bright Whites
  
• Stark Black
• Bright/Neon Colors
• Cool Toned Greens

Check out this article to see what colors can help you warm up your space! 

Residential Painters Ann Arbor Help to Warm Your Home 

Unsure which colors best suit your home? 

Residential painters in Ann Arbor eliminate the stress of painting your home and provide a hassle-free experience. Contact our team at (734)995-2646 to make your home feel warm and inviting today.

How to Pick the Right Color for Your Home

Ann Arbor is not a beach town and we don’t see a lot of bright turquois or coral houses. The colors that suit our architecture and environment are usually more traditional. But that doesn’t mean boring. Victorian houses can have palettes of four or more colors to really make that decorative style shine. Two-story houses often have different surface textures between stories, which is ideal for a two-toned look. What we’re seeing lately in colors is a lot of new, subtle hues because paint formulations are more stable than they used to be and don’t fade. Mussio Painting expects to see a lot more houses in fresh modern colors like grayish-green, or rose-lilac. Call Steve Mussio for residential painting in Ann Arbor at (734) 995-2646 and ask to see some contemporary color samples. 

Stand Out with Color Trends for Your Ann Arbor Home

Gray continues to be a hugely popular choice for both interior and exterior colors and there are a lot of gray paint options to choose from. We think of grays as simple tints of black and white; a lot of black with a little white or almost all white with a bit of black. But grays can also be made with combinations of complementary colors. A yellow and a purple can make a gray. Lots of indistinct colors will look gray in low light, too. Blue paint on a cloudy day will seem grayer than anything else. Mussio Painting can help you find the perfect gray, from Seagull at Dawn, to Granite Pearl. Boy, the people who name the paint colors have a lot of fun, don’t they? Call Steve Mussio for residential painting in Ann Arbor at (734) 995-2646. 

Protect Your Biggest Investment with a Fresh Paint Job

Michigan weather is hard on houses. Wind can blow off downspouts; heavy snow can collapse a porch roof. The contrast between heat and cold swells and contracts wood, causing paint to flake and chip. The team at Mussio Painting knows all about it. We’ve been in business in Ann Arbor since 1984. You might not know that most exterior paint jobs last about 15 years before they start to lose the ability to protect your home. Protect your biggest investment with a fresh paint job and give yourself the best-looking house on the block, too. For a consultation, call a professional painting company in Ann Arbor, Mussio Painting at (734) 995-2646. 

Be a Good Neighbor: Pick the Right Paint Color

If you’re repainting your home’s exterior, it’s a good rule of thumb to take a look around the neighborhood before picking a new color. Of course, you’re entitled to do whatever you want and show your individuality. However, if you’re painting your house to sell it, being the zany house on the block will probably not work in your favor.

The key is to pick a color that both enhances the features of your home and compliments the other homes on your block. A great paint job will elevate your home and make it stand out in a good way.

Contact Expert House Painters in Ann Arbor to Get the Job Done!

Contact Mussio Painting today! Our expert house painters in Ann Arbor provide many references who will confirm the excellent quality you’ll receive. You’ll be amazed how our work will transform your home!

What equipment do you need to paint high ceilings?

First, determine how big a space you have. Do you need a ladder or scaffolding? You need to be able to reach the edges of your ceiling with a paint brush for finishing touches.

You may want to consider a sprayer or a long handle for your roller to make it easier on yourself. If your space is exceptionally high and you want to make sure your room is painted professionally, consider hiring expert residential painters in Ann Arbor to help. Learn more!

Contact the Residential Painters in Ann Arbor to Get the Job Done!

Contact Mussio Painting today! Our residential painters in Ann Arbor provides many references who will confirm the excellent quality you’ll receive. You’ll be amazed how our work will transform your home!

“Steve and his crew were exceptional with a very difficult job - 3 colors, 2 structures, a large deck and a pergola. His suggestions on colors and trim enhancements were spot on. His crew's work ethic and attention to detail were outstanding. We are sure those who choose Mussio Painting will be as pleased as we are with the results.”

Rick & Patty Sherwood Google Review

How to Paint High Ceilings in Your Ann Arbor Home

Does the interior of your home need a refresh?

Do you have high ceilings?

Are you wondering how you can get smooth clean lines way up there near your high ceiling? 

Turn to the experts at Mussio Painting for all things painting! Before you start painting you should prep the room including moving out as much furniture as possible, covering larger pieces of furniture with plastic and spreading drop cloths across the floor. This will help prevent splatter over all your pretty furniture and avoid a mess to clean up when you’re done. Learn more!

For Great Results, Contact Residential Painting Experts in Ann Arbor to Get the Job Done!

Contact Mussio Painting today! Our residential painters in Ann Arbor can provide many references who will confirm the excellent quality you’ll receive. You’ll be amazed how our work will transform your home!

“Steve and his crew did an amazing job at my home! They answered all my questions and explained everything as they were working.”

Stacy Koos, Google Review

Make a Statement with Red!

Are you tired of your boring white walls?

Want to make a statement?

Red can be a great choice! It comes in various shades and is never boring. Red is symbolic of energy associated with energy, war, danger, power, as well as passion, desire and love. It holds true to many different meanings good and bad.

Learn more here!

Contact the Best Painting Company in Ann Arbor to Get the Job Done!

Contact Mussio Painting today! Our painting company in Ann Arbor provides many references who will confirm the excellent quality you’ll receive. You’ll be amazed how our work will transform your home!

Painting Colors for Different Lighting in Your Home

Having a hard time picking out a color for a room with a lot of light?

Are you hung up on the latest trendy color?

Are you having a hard time deciding on a color that suits your room because of a bright or dark room?

Let the trends of today speak to you and help you pick a color for your home that will last with the light contrast. At the very least, exploring trends can help you figure out what won’t work. Whatever color speaks to you, Mussio Painting brings your vision to life. Give us a call today to receive a quote for residential painting for your Ann Arbor home. We’d love to talk about how we can help you with your next paint project!

Professional Residential Painting in Ann Arbor and the Surrounding Areas

Light can make a huge difference in how a color can look in your room. The professionals at Mussio Painting can make recommendations based on the type of lighting you have in each room. 

1. Natural lighting 
2. North facing rooms 
3. South facing rooms 
4. West facing rooms 
5. East facing 
6. Artificial lighting 
7. Fluorescent lighting 
8. Halogen lighting 
9. Incandescent lighting

Contact Mussio Painting for Professional Residential Painting in Ann Arbor

Contact Mussio Painting today! We provide many references who will confirm the excellent quality you’ll receive from the best Ann Arbor painters in town. You’ll be amazed how our work will transform your home!

How to Increase Your Home Value

Are you a first-time homeowner?

Want to add value to your new investment?

According to Forbes, here are a few smart ways to increase your home value in the first year:

1. Update kitchens and bathrooms for the greatest return on investment.
2. Prioritize curb appeal with landscaping.
3. Modify the floor plan or add square footage.

Bonus Tip: Add a Fresh Coat of Paint!

Contact the Best Ann Arbor Painters

Contact Mussio Painting today! We provide many references who will confirm the excellent quality you’ll receive from the best Ann Arbor painters in town. You’ll be amazed how our work will transform your home!

What to Look for in a Paint Estimate!

Thinking about giving your home a new look?

Want to hire professional Ann Arbor painters?

Not sure what to look for in an estimate?

At Mussio Painting, we’re laser focused on incredible detail!  We recommend getting an estimate that details the following:

• Size of room or rooms
• Textured walls
• Speed
• Multiple rooms or your whole house 
• Carpentry

Learn more here!

We’ve been in business for 34 years, serving satisfied customers in Ann Arbor, Plymouth, Saline, Canton, Milan, Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester and Ypsilanti.

“Excellent does not properly describe the work Steve, Ron and the crew did for us. Superb? Fantastic? Perfection? Words do not do their work justice.” 

Josie, Ann Arbor

Contact the Best Ann Arbor Painters

Contact Mussio Painting today! We provide many references who will confirm the excellent quality you’ll receive from the best Ann Arbor painters in-town. You’ll be amazed how our work will transform your home!

What Do These Popular Paint Color Trends Say about You and Your Home?

Are you painting your home but aren’t sure which color trends speak to you? Worried a trendy color you love won’t send the right message about you and your home? Want some advice about choosing a paint color for your home from expert Ann Arbor Painters?

While trends come and go, looking to them as a source of inspiration for an update to your home is a wise choice. You probably don’t want to paint your home the Pantone color of the year, but exploring color trends and the message these colors project could lead you to the ideal color for your home. Read on to learn what two current color trends, neutral and jewel tones can do for your home and what they say about you!

Neutral

If you automatically associate the neutral color palette with boring, you’re really missing out! Done without much thought, choosing neutral colors can end up feeling a little lackluster, but it doesn’t take much to help neutral colors stand out. Easily create some visual interest with contrasting neutrals and variations in texture. A few expert touches and neutral color choices for your home exterior send the message of timeless elegance.

Neutral tones send the message of permanence like marble and stone. As the resident of the home, these colors suggest you’re practical, relaxed, classic, and earthy. You can also create a more fun vibe by keeping neutral colors as your backdrop while going bold with accents and décor that you can easily change as often as you want. 

Jewel

It can feel like a risk going with bright and bold jewel tones for your home. Colors like ruby, sapphire, and emerald don’t blend in; they stand out like a beacon of light. But with a professional touch and the right tone, your house will not stick out like a sore thumb. Pair your color with simple neutrals and minimal or very well maintained landscaping to let the jewel tone shine without being overbearing. 

Send the message of creativity and confidence with your choice in a jewel tone for your home. These colors can be as elegant and classic as any neutral tone, with the added benefit of incredible depth and instant visual interest. You’ll feel inspired every time you park in your driveway with a jewel tone adorning your house. 

Let the trends of today speak to you and help you pick a color for your home that will last. At the very least, exploring trends can help you figure out what you don’t want! Whatever color speaks to you, the master Ann Arbor painters at Mussio Painting can bring your vision to life. Give us a call today to talk about how we can help you with your next paint project!

The Psychology of Color

Does seeing a certain color lift your spirit, boost your energy, or make you feel at home?

Color can evoke many different emotions. Color can make us feel happy, sad, and energized, or they can evoke mystery or calmness.

According to Benjamin Moore, when you “imagine (or reimagine) a room, remember the influence color will have on the mood of the space. The effect may be subtle or dramatic. It can encourage tranquility or boost energy, even make you feel optimistic or more introspective.

To begin to understand color's emotional impact, start with these color groups:

Pales - Their light, airy qualities make pale hues feel uplifting.

Neutrals - It's no surprise that earthy, nuanced colors keep you grounded.

Whites - Pure and pristine, these timeless colors offer a blank canvas to express your style.

Deeps - Bring drama to a room with colors that are rich and mysterious.”

With so many choices and trends, it can be hard to perfect what you want out of the space you’re redecorating. There are lots of resources to get ideas, including websites like Pinterest and Houzz.com. Show us your favorite paint color ideas, and we can help make them a reality!

Experience the Difference: Get the Mussio Painting Advantage Today!

Call local painters in Ann Arbor today at (734) 995-2646. 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!

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!

Why You Should Paint Before You Move In!

Did you recently buy a new home?

Are you debating about whether to paint before or after you move in?

Do you want your move to go smoothly?

Then you should paint before you move in. Relieve the stress! If you paint first, you won’t have to worry about moving furniture during the process.

According to the Paint Quality Institute, there are many other reasons why you should paint before you move in, including these:

1. It’s easy now. You can move freely within a room to get the job done!
2. It saves time. Painting can take a lot longer if you have to move heavy furniture.
3. It can save you money! Many professional contractors can complete the work in half the time, which may lower your costs.
4. It safeguards your furnishings. There’s always that chance of a paint spill on one of your prized possessions, so protect your belongings.
5. It can simplify interior decorating. A fresh coat of paint can help you choose the right accents.
6. It feels good. A fresh coat of paint can make your home seem cleaner, fresher, more welcoming, and best of all…more “yours.”  

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.

It’s True That Money Can’t Buy Happiness, But It Can Buy You A New Front Door, and That’s Kind of the Same Thing!

Do you need a new colorful front door for your home?

Do you want to add value to your investment?

Does your front door look warm and inviting?

A beautiful new front door could make a big difference to the curb appeal of your home. Lots of people tell us that they like feeling a sense of pride pulling in their driveway. Do you feel the same sense of pride? If not, try making some home improvements that may improve your attitude ... like painting your front door!

Here are some ways you can make your front door look like new:
1.    Match your front door to the siding color.
2.    Paint your front door a bright vibrant color.
3.    Think about the mood you want your front door to create.
4.    Use white paint if you’re going for a clean fresh look.
5.    Make elegant changes by updating your door handle, adding a window, etc.

Imagine how great your home will look when your front door matches perfectly! It may even boost the pride you feel in caring for your home and family.

If you need help from a professional residential painter in Ann Arbor, we can help you decide what colors may work to make your front door look more inviting. We provide many references that will confirm the excellent quality you’ll receive from one of Ann Arbor’s top residential painting businesses. 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 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!