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!

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.” 

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!