Painting Contractor Blog Evans Painting

Hoover Al House Painting Projects

T.Evans — Mon, 14 May 2012 02:18:34 +0000

Evans Painting completed two painting projects this week, both in Hoover, Al. One of the painting jobs involved painting both the interior and exterior of the home, while the other involved painting only the exterior. The first homeowner has been a long time Evans Painting customer, having painted for this valued customer several times before in years past on various painting projects. Both jobs looked great and both customers were well pleased with the finished product. When painting both of the exteriors, proper preparation was completed before any painting began. Both homes were cleaned and pressure washed using a soft wash method. The soft wash does not involve using high pressure as a means to clean the home but only to apply the cleaning detergent to the house and then to rinse the cleaning agent off of the house. Applying paint to a well cleaned surface is vital in creating a proper bond between the paint and the surface. Next, all cracks, joints and seams were caulked using a premium latex/silicone blend exterior caulk. Once all of the prep work was completed, both houses were painted using premium exterior paint. Different paint brands were used on both houses because each customer preferred different brands of paint. While Evans Painting will recommend a specific paint brand that we believe to be superior, we will always use whatever paint brand the customer prefers. On the interior painting project, again the proper prep work was completed prior to any painting being conducted. All furniture was carefully moved and all of the flooring covered. There was some damaged drywall which was properly repaired along with repairing all cracks and nail holes in the drywall. The interior was painted using an egg-shell finish which will offer the homeowner better durability over a flat finish. The interior painting project looked great and the homeowner was very happy with the freshly painted interior. While Evans Painting offers both interior and exterior painting we also offer expert carpentry and repair services. If you are looking for a professional painting contractor for your next interior or exterior painting project, then call a trusted, fourth generation Hoover Al house painting professional to complete your work. Evans Painting offers fast, friendly service and where customer satisfaction is a number one priority.

Protect Your Investment By Properly Caulking Your Home

T.Evans — Thu, 10 May 2012 02:36:14 +0000

Proper maintenance to the exterior of your home is essential to maintaining your home’s value while also avoiding expensive repair bills. One of the most important things that any homeowner can do to ensure that their home is properly maintained is to check their caulking regularly. Proper caulking is a critical element in preventing paint failure, rotten wood and insect infestation, all of which will result in unwanted repair cost. Most homeowners can inspect their caulking themselves to make sure it is not cracked, split or missing and that it is in good repair. You will need to check the caulking around all of the doors, windows, board joints, eaves, fascia and corner boards. It is a good idea to check your caulking on a regular basis, at least semi-annually. If you find that your caulking is not in good condition it is very important to re-caulk these areas as soon as possible to prevent any damage. There are many types of caulk sold on the market today but the two most common are latex caulk and a latex/silicone blend caulk. I use and recommend a latex/silicone blend caulk whenever caulking on the exterior of any house. The latex/silicone blend is better to adapting to temperature changes and will offer better longevity over a latex caulk. Remember, caulking is one of your first lines of defense on the exterior of your home and it is vital that your home is caulked properly. If this is something that you would rather leave to a professional then call reliable, fourth generation Hoover Al house painting specialist today.

Birmingham Al Office Painting

T.Evans — Mon, 07 May 2012 22:38:18 +0000

Whenever you hire a painting company to paint your offices, keep in mind that it takes a unique type of painting contractor to complete this type of project. You should look for a painting contractor who understands the special needs of painting within a business setting. One who realizes the importance of making sure that the project is completed as efficiently as possible while causing no distraction or work disruption to the employees in that office. Evans Painting understands these needs and has built an outstanding reputation not only as a professional residential painting and repair service but also as a great commercial painting service. Our employees go to great lengths to ensure that you receive the absolute best service while causing no interruption to your day-to-day business operations. Evans Painting can also work special, after business hours if the customer chooses. Additionally, we also understand that some employees of your company may be sensitive to the odor of paint, which is why we also offer the option of using low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paint which has very little odor. If you have any other special needs, be assured that Evans Painting will work with you to complete the project to your satisfaction. If you would like a free estimate to have your offices professionally painted then call a reputable, fourth generation Birmingham Al office painting service today!

How To Repair A Water Stain

T.Evans — Sat, 05 May 2012 21:04:42 +0000

Most homeowners will probably encounter a water leak at some time. The leak could be caused from a number of different things such as a roof leak, a leak in a water pipe or even a window which was not sealed properly. If you do happen to have a leak then there is also a good possibility that you will develop a water stain on the surface of your drywall. Water stains appear brown or yellowish in color and leave a very unpleasing mark on your painted finish. If this happens, the first thing to do is to locate the cause of the leak and have that repaired before you repair the water stain. If the cause of the leak is not located and the leak remedied, then the water stain will return in a short period of time. After repairing the leak, make sure that the area where the stain is located is completely dry. If there is still any moisture present, allow it to dry before continuing. Next, you will need to apply an oil based, stain blocking primer on the water spot. Applying the primer is the most important step because if you simply paint over it, the stain will bleed back through the paint once the paint has dried. After applying the primer, allow the primer to dry and then paint the area. If the stain is on a ceiling then you will probably need to paint the entire ceiling in order for it to match. If the stain is on a wall, you may be able to touch up the area if you have any paint left over from when the wall was previously painted. If the touch up does not completely match, then you can paint the wall from corner to corner in lieu of painting the entire room. If this is a project that you do not want to undertake, then contact a local, professional Hoover Al house painting specialist who can assist you.

Enjoy Your Patio Or Deck More By Having It Screened

T.Evans — Tue, 01 May 2012 18:37:55 +0000

Many homeowners have an existing patio or deck on their home however few ever realize how much more enjoyment that a screened patio or deck could offer them. Having a screened porch allows homeowners to enjoy the great outdoors while providing a barrier from the elements such as insects, sun and rain. A screened porch also adds curb appeal and a great look to any patio or deck, which should be a consideration should you ever decide to sell your home. Another great benefit to having a screened porch is that is this project adds a lot value to your home for a very modest cost. If you are looking to upgrade your patio or deck for a minimal investment, consider having it screened. Evans Painting provides this service in addition to our painting and carpentry services. In the posted pictures is a recent patio that we screened and it made a huge difference in the appearance of the patio but more importantly the homeowner will enjoy this area for years. This project consisted of framing for the new screen, priming and painting the new framing, installing new fiberglass screen and then installing new trim on the exterior of the newly screened patio. This project was completed in one day and the customer loved the new space. If you have a patio or deck and would like a free estimate for having it screened, call a local, professional Birmingham Al painting contractor that provides this service.

Evans Painting Company Update For April 2012

T.Evans — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 22:24:14 +0000

April has been another busy month for us at Evans Painting. During the course of April we completed both exterior and interior painting projects in Hoover, Alabaster, Birmingham, Pelham, Trussville and Vestavia Hills. These projects varied in size and services performed but all turned out great with all of the customers being very happy with the finished product. Several of the exterior painting jobs that we completed also involved replacing rotten or damaged wood siding and trim prior to painting which is why Evans Painting also offers professional carpentry service in addition to both exterior and interior painting. In fact, the majority of the houses that we paint require some sort of carpentry service, which is of course completed before we ever begin painting. Offering professional carpentry services is a benefit to our customers, in that they do not have to contact multiple companies to complete their painting and repair projects. Evans Painting take great pride in each and every job that we do and we go to great lengths to make sure that every customer is completely satisfied and that they receive the absolute best job. If you are in need of a trusted, professional Birmingham Al painting contractor, then call Evans Painting today for a free, no obligation estimate. We also offer assistance with color selection and can also provide you with advice and guidance for your next project. Evans Painting has served all of Jefferson and Shelby Counties house painting needs for four generations and hopes to continue to do so for many more years to come.

Thinking Of Selling Your Home? Increase its Value By Painting

T.Evans — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:35:38 +0000

If you are thinking of selling your home, the first thing you should do is make the home more attractive to potential buyers. Doing this not only helps in a quicker sale but also increases your homes market value which will mean more money for your home when it sells. There are several things that you could do to drastically increase your home’s value and not spend a fortune doing it. On the interior of your home, having a fresh coat of paint on all of your walls will make the home more appealing to the perspective buyer. Neutral colors are a great choice because they tend to go best with a wide array of other colors. Also, neutral colors can make a room feel more open and spacious. Before painting your walls, you will want to make sure that all of your drywall is in good repair and patch any nail holes or cracks prior to painting. Some other inexpensive projects that you can do on the interior before putting your home on the market is upgrading the fixtures in your kitchen and bathrooms, painting kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, replacing the handles on your cabinetry and upgrading your appliances. The exterior of your home is the first thing that any potential home buyer will see. Curb appeal is essential in selling your home quickly and no other single project provides more return on your investment than a fresh coat of paint. A fresh coat of paint will make your house look clean, modern and more inviting to the potential home buyer. Most real estate agents will tell you that first impressions are everything when it comes to selling your home. In addition to painting, you will want to make sure that all of the wood on your home is in good repair. If you have any rotten or damaged wood, this should be repaired prior to painting. If you are considering selling your home and would like to increase its value by painting then call Evans Painting today for a free estimate. Evans Painting is trusted, professional Birmingham Al painting contractor and has served all of Jefferson County and Shelby County, Alabama for four generations.

A Few Things To Consider When Hiring A Painting Contractor

T.Evans — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 22:42:33 +0000

Every homeowner is interested in receiving a good value when they are having any work or repairs completed to their home. This is also true whenever a homeowner is looking to hire a painting contractor to paint their home. But oftentimes what seems like a “great deal” from some painting companies winds up being a nightmare. There are many considerations when choosing a painting contractor to complete any painting project at your home. Once you have determined what painting companies you are going to contact to receive a quote from, here are a few things that you should keep in mind.

1. Insist On A Detailed Proposal.
You should require that any painting contractor that you are considering hiring furnish you with a detailed proposal outlining all work that will be completed. Additionally, what time of paint and materials will be used and who will provide the materials for the job. Having a signed, detailed proposal affords you the protection from additional cost should the painter not complete the work that you believed he was going to do.

2. How Long Has The Company Been In Business?
Whenever you hire anyone to complete any project on your home, you want someone who has experience and knows what they are doing. If a company is established and reputable, they can provide you with a list of previous clients. Another great way to find out about any company is on the internet. The internet can provide you with very valuable information about a painting company including reviews, years that the company has had a web site, services that they offer and photos of previous jobs.

3. Who will be working on your job?
Whenever you have anyone working inside or outside your home, it is important to know who they are and how long they have been employed with the company. Make certain whatever company that you hire has full-time employees of that company. Also, make sure that the company you hire is not going to “sub out” the job to someone else.

4. How Long The Job Will Take
You should find out a projected start and completion date. Make sure that once works begins on your home that the company will stay on your job until all work is completed.

There are other things to consider as well but these are a few of the most crucial points to keep in mind when hiring any painting company. If you are looking for an established, trusted Birmingham Al painting contractor to complete your next painting project then call Evans Painting today for a free estimate. Evans Painting has been serving Birmingham, Hoover Al and all surrounding areas for four generations.

Exterior Painting Of Older Homes

T.Evans — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 04:09:56 +0000

Painting an older home presents a different challenge as opposed to painting a newer house. Most importantly, there is a greater likelihood of the presence of lead paint. Proper precautions will need to be taken to prevent exposure of lead paint to the homeowner as well as the painting contractor. Most often, older homes will have several layers of paint on its surface which means a greater chance of peeling paint. Hand scraping the loose and flaking paint prior to priming and painting is a must. There are safety precautions that must be taken prior to scraping the loose paint from the surface. The safest way to complete this task on an older home, where there is a danger of lead paint is to use a “wet scrape” method, which means lightly misting the surface area with water prior to scraping off any paint in order to keep any lead dust to a minimum. Additionally, all paint chips and scrapings must be collected and properly disposed of. It is never recommended to sand any area where there is a possibility of the presence of lead paint, unless properly trained and additional safety precautions have been taken. It is usually a good idea to hire a professional painting contractor to complete any painting job if you believe there is a presence of lead paint.

Evans Painting just completed an exterior painting project located in the Crestwood area of Birmingham, Al. This was an older home, having been built in 1926 which means the presence of lead paint is highly probable. All of the proper steps were taken to ensure a safe removal of all peeling paint. The home was properly prepared and painted with a beautiful finish and will offer the homeowner years of service. If you have an older home in need of painting and where lead paint may be present, call a professional Birmingham Al house painting contractor to complete the job. Evans Painting has years of experience in painting both older and newer homes which affords you the peace of mind that your home will be properly prepared and painted resulting in a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

Proper Preparation For Exterior Painting

T.Evans — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 01:44:37 +0000

Proper preparation is the most essential element to a long-lasting paint job. Regardless of the type of paint that you use, if you fail to properly prepare the surface before applying paint then the paint will fail prematurely resulting in additional cost to re-paint your house long before you should actually have to. There are several steps in the preparation process that are critical to achieve a long-lasting finish.

First, if there is any rotten wood on your siding or trim, that will need to be replaced before any painting is completed.

Next, the surface must be clean and free from all dirt, mildew or mineral deposit that may be on your house. If the surface is not properly cleaned then the paint will not bond properly to the surface. I suggest a mixture of TSP, which is a cleaning detergent, mixed with bleach. The TSP will help in cleaning and removing dirt and grime and the bleach will neutralize any mildew that may be present. Using a pressure washer to apply the cleaning mixture to the house and also to rinse the house off is the best and most efficient cleaning method. High pressure is not required or recommended. Pressure washing should never be used as a method for removing loose paint because it can easily damage your wood.

After the house has been thoroughly cleaned, any flaking or peeling paint should be hand scrapped. Never paint over any loose paint. Once all loose paint has been removed, an exterior oil based primer should be applied to any bare wood. This is a very important step to ensure that the paint adheres properly.

Also, all cracks and joints need to be caulked using quality exterior caulking. Be sure to caulk any opening where water might penetrate behind the wood, including around all doors and windows.

Finally, if you have windows stiles which have window glazing in them and the glazing has become loose or is missing, then you will need to remove all of the loose glazing and re-putty the windows prior to painting them.

While there are oftentimes other steps involved to exterior painting preparation, depending on the project, these are the most common and most important.

In the before and after photo is a recently finished exterior painting job that Evans Painting completed in Hoover, Al. All of the proper steps were taken to assure the very best paint job, including replacing rotten wood, thoroughly cleaning the surface of the home, scraping all loose paint, priming any bare wood using an exterior oil based primer and caulking all cracks, joints or any area where water may enter.

If you want to get the most out of your next exterior paint job, then these steps that I have mentioned are critical. If you need any further tips or suggestions for your next painting project, then call a local a trusted, local Hoover Al house painting contractor.