Davinci's Blog and Painting Informationx

What is the Best Roller Cover to Use?

service@davincispainting.com — Sat, 30 Sep 2017 22:59:00 -0700

There are many different tools and methodologies available when it comes to applying paint. The most common tools include brushes, rollers, and sprayers. In some cases foam pads, rags, and sea sponges can be utilized for specialty applications such as faux painting. Paint rollers are the most distinguishable because of their relative ease of use for even non-professional painters. If operated properly, these rollers can produce an excellent finish for most large flat surfaces, such as drywall. Though a sprayer can deliver the most superior paint finish, often times it is not practical for small confined areas, or spaces that are occupied.

Professional paint results are produced by professional painters who employ the correct type of tools and materials for a particular project. That being said, people with limited painting experience frequently use the wrong type of roller cover and don’t know how to use it correctly. Most interior projects that we deal with have some type of issue with the paint finish that was the result of a Handyman or someone using the wrong roller cover for the paint type. We fix those problems that include roller mark lines and stripes, paint splotches, areas that were missed, and lint that was left behind after using a cheap roller cover.

Similar to choosing the right brush, selecting the correct type of paint roller makes all the difference in the finished result. Not only that, a high quality paint roller cover that is best suited for the job will reduce the actual time spent painting a specified area. Many Independent Paint Dealers like Benjamin Moore sell very high quality paint tools and materials. The cost is significantly higher in a lot of cases, however, your walls will look so much better and you will save yourself a lot of extra time in the application process and clean-up. Inexpensive discount packs of roller covers are generally not good and should be avoided.

There are a couple of things to consider when deciding upon the right type of roller cover that should be used for application. Determining the paint type and the surface that to which it will be applied are essential prior to deciding upon which type of roller cover to utilize. Differences in roller covers vary by size of the roller cover, its composition, and the length of the fibers otherwise known as the nap size. There are different roller covers designed for every type of application. Any experienced paint applicator should assess the project and closely analyze the substrate to ascertain the correct type of materials and tools to be used for the job.

Often times the big Home Stores will feature some roller covers that have packaging that indicate that they can be used with all paints, this is not necessarily accurate. That is like saying a separate prime application isn’t necessary because the paint is labeled “paint and primer in one”. We consider these gimmicks as more of a clever tactic to increase awareness amongst average Homeowners and drive more purchases for these products. They are indeed much less expensive than real quality roller covers. However, for professional results we recommend choosing a roller cover that is specifically designed for your application.

Roller covers that are made from synthetic nylon or polyester fibers are adequate for most latex paint applications. These synthetic roller covers are made with different blends of nylon, polyester, acrylic, and rayon composites. They would also suffice for most finishes as well, including flat, eggshell, and satin based finishes. If you prefer more professional-quality results, then a natural woven roller type cover would be recommended. Natural roller fabric such as lambs-wool have excellent capacity and provide a better finish than any other type of roller cover, and most museum quality painters in Washington DC use them on a daily basis.

An assessment of the surface that is going to be painted, as well as its size, should indicate the best nap length that would be the most practical for the job. The objective should be to select a roller cover that will hold as much paint as possible, provide average stipple, and release it onto the wall with minimal splattering. Most drywall surfaces, paneling, and metal would call for a short nap from 1/8” to 3/16”. For previously painted drywall surfaces, a nap from 3/8” to 5/16” would be most appropriate. The slightly longer nap will absorb more paint and yield minimal stipple. 1- ½” covers are best suited for heavily textured surfaces and concrete block.

As a leading paint application provider in the greater Washington DC area, we are constantly testing and evaluating newer types of natural and synthetic fibers used in roller covers in order to produce optimum painting results for our Customers. Needless to say, the natural fiber lambs-wool roller cover have continuously exceeded our expectations in terms of producing a faster, cleaner, and more efficient way to produce paint applications. With the new advanced coating materials that have appeared on the market, it is important for us to use the right tools and equipment to continue to deliver museum quality work.

Paint Ideas for a Child's Bedroom

service@davincispainting.com — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 15:42:00 -0700

Children are just as sensitive to color on the walls as we adults are and choosing just the right color can be a challenge. Including your child in the process of selecting their room colors would be helpful because even the youngest children respond positively to certain colors. Keep in mind however that extremely vibrant and bold colors that your kid might like will be fun for a period of time, but they are not necessarily a practical option for the long-term. Although selecting paint colors that both you and your child will love will not be easy, the importance of selecting the correct paint type and sheen cannot be over-stated. A child’s bedroom is probably an area of the house that will receive the most wear-and-tear so for that reason a highly durable paint that has some type of a sheen would be satisfactory for those walls that are challenged with sticky fingers and crayons. Finally, while modern paints are safe, always be sure paint with Low VOC or Zero VOC paint products that are safe for young children to be around.

We wanted to share a couple of ideas that can help you create the perfect environment for your child’s space.

Consider the Theme

The objective is to choose the right paint colors that correspond with the kid’s age in order to create the right mood for a child’s bedroom. Usually there are really no rules when it comes to painting a kid’s bedroom, so don’t be afraid to mix and match different colors that otherwise might seem odd together. Integrating other decorative features and an exciting theme with new paint colors will definitely create a wonderful living space in which a young person they can thrive, learn and play. For example, forest animals or a princess’ wagon, would probably bring about endless hours of joy for any child.

That being said, the overall character and paint color scheme of a child’s room will almost always deviate from the rest of the paint colors of the house. Unless you are planning on painting other adjoining bedrooms, it would be important to consider the paint tones that already exist in those other areas, to ensure that the overall theme of the home doesn’t change that much. Perhaps creating a forest jungle with polka dots painted everywhere may not be for every family, so sometimes a simple accent wall or really cool wallpaper can make a child’s room a fun place to play. Whichever new color you select should integrate well and flow with the rest of the colors in the house.

Cool Colors for Kids

Some studies have demonstrated that children often show improved perception skills after being exposed to a range of various colors at a young age. So it shouldn’t come as any surprise that bright vibrant colors appeal to kids. When deciding on room colors, it can be sometimes helpful to bring your kid into the process by possibly showing them images of finished rooms in magazines. Whichever colors you decide upon, it is important to create a calm and relaxed environment in a child’s space because colors do impact the mood and behavior of young children. After all this is the area where they sleep, study, and play.

The paint colors on the walls within our home sets the mood and tone for the environment in which we live. Vibrant wall colors can be exciting for a child, however, some colors can be jarring and clash with the rest of the room’s décor. One way to resolve the issue of color overload is to diffuse the vibrancy of a color by 50%. This way the child still gets their color, but at a much more subdued, calmer shade. We would recommend using scaled-down colors of blue, green, or yellow. There are also a myriad of neutral shade colors that are very relatable for young children.

Think Paint Durability

The likelihood that your child may have beaten-up their bedroom walls with knocks, scratches, and scrapes, doesn’t make the paint job any easier when it comes time to fix all of those imperfections prior to painting. Moreover, depending on your kid’s age, the walls may have even endured the little scribbles made with a pen or crayon. For those reasons it makes perfect sense to go with a durable paint when selecting the right paint product for a child’s room. When decorating your kid’s bedroom, we recommend a high-quality latex based paint with a certain level of sheen which makes it easier to wash off some of the blemishes.

Most conventional painters would argue that for children’s bedrooms, it’s best to apply flat paint on the ceiling, a satin or eggshell finish on the walls, and a semi-gloss finish for the trim and doors. An eggshell finish is often used for provides a low luster and it is often applied in common areas such as, hallways, stairwells, and recreation rooms. We would recommend this type of finish for a child’s bedroom, over other types of finishes. Depending on the actual paint brand, eggshell finishes have a much lower sheen than a satin finish but yet it is still easier to clean than any matte type finish. Latex satin and semi-gloss finishes are very tough, and hold up the best under constant cleaning.

Non-Toxic Paints

There was a time when painting the interior of your home meant turning on fans, opening all the windows, and then actually leaving the house in order to avoid inhaling the Volatile Organic Compounds found in paint. These compounds were primarily utilized in the paint formulations for oil based and lead based products. They were particularly harmful for the respiratory systems of small children and pregnant women. In those days, safer paint options were difficult to find and they also didn't perform as well as regular paint. Fortunately, EPA Laws that took effect about 10 years ago, forced major paint manufacturers to eliminate or reduce greatly the amount of VOC’s.

Homeowners and Painting Companies in Northern Virginia have welcomed the less harmful paints that are available today. Today it is the standard and it’s easy to find Zero VOC, Low VOC and other varieties of "non-toxic" formulas made from natural raw ingredients like water, milk casein, and plant resins. We would highly suggest the use of Eco-friendly paints when painting a child’s bedroom. Despite the fact that they are formulated with safe materials, we have observed no issues in terms of longevity or the paint’s performance as long as they're applied correctly. They're available in a wide range of finishes for both interior and exterior applications, masonry paints and primers.

Chalkboard Paint

Kids are all full of imagination, and the spaces where they spend most of their time should be too. Painting your child’s room with chalkboard paint is one of the most innovative ways, to resolve issues regarding scribbling on the wall. Since it’s obvious that kids like to draw on walls, why not just let them decorate the walls the way they want? Chalkboard paint also mitigates damage to the painted wall because unlike standard paint, it is especially formulated to receive those scribbles. There is also a wide variety chalkboard paint colors that can be coordinated with the existing décor.

Drawing and handwriting are great ways to create a personal touch to a child’s bedroom, and when their preferences change in a few weeks or months, simply erase the chalkboard and start over. As a parent, chalkboard paint is also a good place to track school projects, keep lists of chores, and leave messages. Give your kid their own personal wall to express themselves and showcase their artistic skills! More like an interactive space on the wall that constantly evolves as times change. The chalkboard can also be whatever size you like and can placed wherever you and the child agree.

Please contact Davinci’s if you think you could use assistance with your project! We’re always available to help with painting ideas, and to give creative painting tips. As a fully equipped residential painting company, we guarantee that any work we do for you will meet the highest standards of both quality and safety.

Ladder Safety Information

service@davincispainting.com — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 17:04:00 -0700

Summer is here but don't look now, but fall is just around the corner! During late summer, many homeowners are in a rush to perform exterior painting before the snow falls, or perhaps clear out the gutters from the fallen leaves. More than likely a project like that will require the use of some type of step ladder or extension ladder. An extension ladder is an inherently dangerous piece of equipment that is utilized for all types of maintenance projects around the home. If they are not not set-up properly, a ladder can become unstable and any type of accident can result in serious injuries or property damage.

As a professional painting company, we are acutely aware about how important ladder safety really is. In fact, we exercise continuous safety training for our painters and we regularly maintain our ladders to ensure a safe work environment. People with less experience using a ladder should familiarize themselves with basic ladder safety in order to prevent accidents from happening. It may seem like a straightforward process to set-up and climb a ladder, but in reality there are several safety procedures that must be taken into consideration. We’ve put together some practical information on ladder safety in order to help keep you, your property, and those around you safe.

Use the Right Ladder!

Different types of ladders are designed for certain projects. Make sure that the ladder’s height corresponds to its job. Painting a house will most likely require the use of an extension ladder, however, some areas of the house should be able to be completed with a step ladder. The ladder you select should be able to reach several feet beyond the highest point at which doing your work. Attempting to complete section of work with a ladder that is too short will encourage inexperienced people to over-stretch, and this can be hazardous. An extension ladder greater than 16 feet will almost require someone with experience, or perhaps two people to set it up.

Don't Use a Broken Ladder!

It is best to avoid ladders if it has broken parts such a jammed rung locks or bent rungs. Only professionals should work with ladders that do not have a halyard or rope used to raise the second ladder section. If you’re buying a ladder, look for safe standards that are OSHA approved, and read the instructions before using it. It is also important to make sure that the ladder is rated for your weight. Ladders are designed and constructed to safely hold up to a certain amount of weight, that would include the person and their tools. A ladder's Duty Rating is determined as the maximum load that is safe for a specific ladder.

Climb the Ladder Correctly!

Climb the ladder slowly and carefully, and come down at the same rate that you went up. Without over-reaching, place one hand at a time on each rung, and climb 2 - 3 rungs with your feet and then stop, before reaching-up to the next 3 rungs. Maintain three points of contact on the ladder while climbing, for example, two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand. Never climb higher than the third rung from the very top of an extension ladder. If you are using both hands to perform work, utilize another part of your body to maintain balance and support, such as your thigh or shoulder.

Set-up the Ladder Correctly!

Ensure that the feet of the ladder are secured on level ground or pavement and that there is no chance of anything to slip. If the ground is uneven or sloped, the use of a ladder stabilizer could provide an artificial level surface. Sometimes secure blocks can be fastened and or nailed into asphalt or slippery deck surfaces to safeguard against the possibility of an accident. The feet bases of extension ladders should be between 3 to 6 feet away from the side of the house, depending upon the height. It's also important to be aware of the resting point at the top of of a ladder to make sure that it is placed on a secure part of the exterior.

Work Safely on the Ladder!

Always brace your body first, to ensure you have the correct support in order to free a hand to perform work. If you’re painting a house, hang your 1/4 full paint bucket from a hook on the side of your ladder, and place your brush handle inside the rung. Carry tools that are secured in a tool belt, and raise or lower larger tools or materials using a second ladder with another person. Never work on any type of ladder with second person on the ladder at the same time. Moreover, it's simply dangerous to try to tie or fasten ladders together to form a longer section.

Don’t Over-Extend Your Body!

Bouncing the ladder or leaning out far to extend the reach and maximize the ladder’s position is best left for a painting professional. Inexperienced people should take it slow, maintain their body position and shoulders within the width of the rails, and only reach out slightly farther than arms length. If you are on an extension ladder higher than 24 feet, it can be very time-consuming to go up and down the ladder and move it every five minutes. However, it is our advice to not stretch your body, keep your shoulders inside the ladder, and only paint safely that is within your normal reach.

Work in a Safe Environment

Never use an extension ladder during any kind of inclement weather, such as, the cold, rain, and wind. Strong wind can force a ladder to fall down and Mist and rain can cause a ladder to become slippery. It is not enough to simply not touch a power line with a ladder, because electricity can actually arc a fair distance from the wire and then make contact with the ladder. When moving a ladder around live wires, first completely collapse the ladder then move it horizontally, and set it up again, to the left or the right, beyond the wires. In some cases, it is even safer to completely skip a section, if it is not possible to safely set-up or work around electricity.

Maintain Mental Awareness!

If you are feeling weak, dizzy or you are prone to losing your balance, you should not attempt to do any kind of work involving a ladder. That being said, if you are not of sound mind and physical condition. the chances of getting seriously hurt are much greater. Moreover, individuals who use extension ladders should be physically capable to use the ladder on their own, or with help. People who are too old, too young, or have health or physical concerns should leave projects involving a ladder to a professional. It's not worth the risk, and there will always be another day to climb a ladder if you are not feeling well.

The most important thing to remember when using a ladder is to just use common sense. If you don't have years of experience working with a ladder, then take it slow and be careful and diligent about your safety and the safety of those around you. Moreover, ladders are not designed to be used as a platform for working. For complicated jobs such as painting high ceilings, think about using scaffolding or hiring Painters in Northern Virginia instead. No type of project involving crown molding installation, gutter cleaning, or painting is worth risking your life or hurting someone else. Please give us a call at Davinci's Painting, for any kind of painting or drywall need you have in your Home. We have decades and decades of experience working with ladders in very high places!

All Types of Drywall Repairs Inside the Home

service@davincispainting.com — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 19:41:00 -0700

Repainting the interior of your home with a fresh coat of paint is a relatively straightforward task for most Home Owners. The job is even easier if the drywall and previous layer of paint that you are painting over is in relatively good condition. More likely than not, your home has been lived in by adults, children, and pets, and your drywall has a multitude of imperfections, perhaps even holes. Whether from installing fixtures or furniture moving mistakes, drywall holes happen to even the most careful homeowners. If the drywall shows signs of damage or wear and tear, then repairing the issues first is important in order to get museum quality painting results.

If it’s a small repair, you should be able to repair your drywall quickly and then your new walls will be ready for painting in no time. You should first consider the size of the hole that needs to be repaired first before you grab a putty knife and start spackling. Extensive drywall damage will sometimes require knowledge and quite a lot of work to ensure the stability of the wall and affected area. On the other hand, a small crack or hole can usually be repaired in just a few minutes providing you prepare the surface and utilize the correct type of compound. We refinish drywall everyday and hopefully this blog post will give you some insight on the overall process of fixing the most common types of cracks.

Stress Cracks and Nail Pops
These are common occurrences for both ceiling and wall drywall surfaces, and are caused by a slight shifting framing of the house which is related to the weather and changes of the seasons. For minor nail pops the solution can be as simple as recessing the nail head and applying at least two layers of compound over the surface. In some cases, nail pops that occur in ceilings may require the removal of the existing screw and then the re-installation of several new fasteners around the affected area. Although most small cracks in walls are innocuous, certain stress cracks can be a recurring problem are most commonly repaired with a nylon mesh tape and multiple layers of compound. More aggressive cracks can sometimes necessitate the application of a fiberglass mesh or a high performance bonding material like Plaster Weld.

Small Holes & Hairline Cracks
Hairline cracks in drywall can be caused by normal house expansion and contraction, misplaced drywall joints, or the application of joint compound during inclement weather conditions. It is most common to see hairline cracks in older homes, however, these types of cracks can also develop in houses that are less than 3 years old. Most small holes are caused by people living within the Home and are the result of staples and picture hooks placed in the walls. Luckily, hairline cracks and small holes in the walls can be fixed without much effort. The important step to be aware of is to be sure that the hole and crack are at least one millimeter below the rest of the wall surface. The hole may need to be pounded in slightly to avoid the buildup of compound and a resulting bump or bulged out look on the wall.

Medium Holes & Indentations
These problems can come about for any number of reasons, including the installation of a new fixture, or simply bumping a doorknob or chair against the wall. Depending upon the severity of the damage, the repair could require up to three drywall refinish stages which is codified as a level four type of refinish application. Under most normal circumstances, two or three skim applications of fast drying drywall compound which provides excellent bonding and resistance to cracking. Even though it is impossible to repair drywall without some sanding sanding, the goal is to do as little sanding as possible. We recommend Easy Sand 45 Compound as it is easier to sand if applied properly, and enables several applications to be distributed over a short period of time.

Large Holes with Replacement
Large drywall holes that require drywall replacement are often the result of some accidental or deliberate break in the drywall. Typical drywall damage that is large includes water damage caused by a leak, bathroom fixtures that are removed or replaced, and electrical wiring that has been redone behind the wall. If the damage was caused by water, it is important to find and fix the source of the leak before beginning the drywall repair job. Frequently the solution involves more than one drywall tape application or perhaps even the replacement of a drywall section. The replacement would be followed-up with a single block application, sanding, and two skim coat applications utilizing ProForm Taping Joint Compound. Needless to say, this type of repair job can take days to complete because of the drying stages, and it definitely requires a good deal of craftsmanship and experience.

Performing drywall repairs correctly and then preparing the walls prior to painting is critically important for a professional-looking paint job. We encourage you to research the methods described above further. The Internet is full of resources but please be aware that a lot of advice online comes from a handyman's perspective. Our Drywall Mechanics have over sixty years combined experience, and we specialize in the installation and refinishing of all types of drywall surfaces and textures. Davinci’s Painting Team of professional painters and drywall mechanics would love to consult with you on repairing your walls and covering them in fresh new paint. If you’ve never taken part in a drywall repair project and don’t feel comfortable about tackling the project yourself, give us a call at 571-314-7288

Some Color Options to Consider for 2017

service@davincispainting.com — Mon, 01 May 2017 22:14:00 -0700

Decorative trends and new color styles tend to change year after year. This is especially true when you are dealing with interior residential spaces. It is the job of Color Consultant to research these trends and have their eyes peeled for some of the new colors that are in vogue.

If you are looking for some inspiration, you have come to the right place. We have put together a list of five of the most popular paint color trends as the 2017 painting season gets busy!

Sherwin Williams "Show Stopper"

There are a myriad of different shades of red that can flow with with most decorative styles and color pallets. The challenge is finding a red paint color that has the right undertones for the decor of your home. If you're thinking about a vibrant red option, Sherwin-Williams Show Stopper would be the right choice for 2017. This pure red is a bold choice for any space, and is definitely has been a common theme for many front doors accent walls. As has always been the case, this type of color has always worked well indoors for a room that needs some drama like a living or dining room.

Sherwin Williams "Poised Taupe"

Sherwin Williams announced Poised Taupe to be their color of the year for 2017, and it has been a popular choice for many homeowners. Although they consider it more along the lines of a grayish brown color, some people have described it to have a mix of mauve, pink, with purple undertones. There has been definitely been a lot of opinions posted about this color on various Blogs, including Instagram and Pinterest. Most people have considered it to be the perfect mix of a neutral cool gray with a woodsy neutral brown color. If the previous five years have been any indication about the tendency towards grayish brown hues, then we are confident something similar to this color will still be popular in 2017.

Glidden "Byzantine Blue"

Byzantine Blue was Glidden's 2017 Color of the Year, and it is another type of soothing blue paint color that can work in any room. This color has a contemporary feel and it has a combination of shades of aqua, deep blue and light green. To contrast the wood trim, a plain white or bright white color is always a must. This is traditionally a great hue for holiday and seaside homes. The faint violet undertone definitely gives it an unexpected glow that would be dramatic in a special area of the home. Although this color would look good in any room, it could also serve as a nice color for an exterior front door.

Valspar "Crushed Oregano"

Valspar's 2017 Color of the Year is Crushed Oregano and it's a bold subdued color in a time of neutral paint color popularity. It is more of an olive green type of color with a very slight yellow undertone, which would be a good option for a family room or study. Obviously, the rest of the room's decor should be well thought out, so that it looks the part and doesn't appear out of place. For example, white kitchen cabinets would offset this type of bold color, and would be a fashionable design idea. You will want to sample this dynamic paint color before you commit to paint all of the walls to be sure that it's right for your space.

Sherwin Williams HGTV "Natural Wonder"

Another popular Sherwin-Williams paint color is called Natural Wonder, and it's part of a palette of only twenty colors. This type of smaller paint color palette helps people make color decisions more quickly and confidently. Natural Wonder is an earth tone, and is formulated with a combination of several neutral paint colors. Earth tones like this are particularly versatile, and it can be combined with other colors in multiple ways which should flow well with any type of decor. Often times it is imperative to balance out earth tones with softer neutrals so that the space is not overwhelming, but in this case Natural Wonder would provide a warm and cozy feeling for any bedroom.

Important to be Licensed and Insured?

service@davincispainting.com — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 20:46:00 -0700

Here are the things to look for when considering hiring a painting company in Northern Virginia.

Have a valid painting company in Northern Virginia State Contractor License.
Have General Liability Insurance for the homeowner.
Have Workman’s Compensation Insurance for the employees.
Have an established local business address.
Can be located easily on the Internet.
Demonstrate overall good business practices

Hiring an unlicensed and uninsured contractor is a serious risk for your home and property, and certainly an unnecessary financial risk. Here are some things that you should consider when you are looking to hire a painter or handyman to do work on your home.

Hiring a Class A Licensed and insured painting company provides assurances and peace-of-mind. The licensing provides consumer protection. The State Contractor’s Board who licenses Contractors have set up rules, regulations and laws to protect the health, welfare and safety of the general public. The Construction Recovery Fund is also there to protect consumers in case of a financial loss incurred as a result of project abandonment, negligence or fraud caused by a licensed only residential contractor.

Workers compensation insurance is required by law and is regulated by the state. It provides coverage for an employee in case of an accident and injury that occurred on the job. Its main purpose is to ensure that in the event of a workplace accident, an injured worker can receive medical care at no expense to them. Moreover, Workers Compensation protects our company as an employer, as well as our clients, the homeowners, from any lawsuit that could potentially occur because of an accident.

We have been extremely fortunate and have not had anyone injured on our jobs. Needless to say, we all know accidents do happen, so that is why our company ensures that everyone is protected with Workman’s Compensation Insurance.

General Liability Insurance provides protection for homeowners for property damage that can occur due to an accident on the job. Painting can be a potentially hazardous activity around your home. Inexperienced people dealing with ladders, furniture, and solvents can sometimes have accidents. If a painting contractor does not have General Liability Insurance, then you the homeowner could end up paying for these issues out of your own pocket if your homeowner’s Insurance Policy does not cover it.

As a Museum Quality Painters, we have over 30 years of experience in dealing with many different types of painting and renovation projects. We are cautious and careful, and we never rush a job or cut-corners to compromise safety or quality. Yes, we carry General Liability Insurance for our Clients.

In addition to working with a licensed, and insured contractor, there are several other things that you should do to ensure that your home improvement project goes smoothly. The painting contractor should have a good understanding of the project requirements and be able to provide a comprehensive estimate and scope of work. This is especially important when you want to make an accurate comparison when receiving multiple estimates. Finally, make sure your painter has a written warranty, which shows that they will guarantee their work once the job has been completed.

ur painting estimates are probably the most detailed that you will find in the Washington DC area. We scope out every area, as well as, the preparation and application phase processes. Also, we offer our clients a warranty for 5 years. This warranty is accessible on our homepage.

In this day and age, any unlicensed painter should raise concern for the homeowner. Even though it costs money and may be difficult to acquire, working without a license or insurance is breaking the law. Moreover, you the homeowner can be held responsible if the un-thinkable happens on your property. That being said, you homeowners should be really suspicious of anyone who is not licensed and insured. Keep in mind that you are hiring a company for a service that could be hazardous, so you should not base a hiring decision on price alone. Hiring a licensed and insured painting contractor will give you the peace of mind that the business owner is responsible and thoughtful enough for their business and the people that they are working with.

Museum Quality Interior Preparation

service@davincispainting.com — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 20:55:00 -0700

When painting indoors, our initial activity will always consist of implementing protective procedures. Our biggest responsibility is to protect your home and everything within it. As a Customer, you are inviting us into your home to help you, and we recognize that we need to pay careful attention for the work activities that we do. We treat your home as if it were our own and take extra care when moving your furniture and belongings.

As a painting company in Northern Virginia, we are often praised on our professionalism and extensive prep work that we undertake to ensure the highest level of protection. Some Customers ask us why we go to such great lengths using so much tape and plastic. My answer is simple. It ensures 99%protection of surfaces, and helps us complete the application much faster. By completely taping and putting plastic over cabinets, counters, bathrooms, and floors, we do not need to cut-in these areas.

Following the plastic seal protection, we layout clean, interior painting-only drop cloths throughout the floor space of where we will be working.If we are working over hardwood floors and stairs, we take even more precautions by laying out durable rosin sheathing that protects the hardwood from impacts and scratches. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and we think that this is a very important component of protection and containment for any kind of paint or drywall application.

Our skilled mechanics will also move the furniture to the center of the room and cover it with protective plastic. Additionally, we will remove items from the walls, including electrical plates and bathroom fixtures, and store them for safekeeping.Curtains and blinds are temporarily removed from the walls and protected. We will then inspect the area one final time to see if anything else needs to be removed or if anything requires additional protection.

When we are done, everything gets put back to its proper place, we sweep and vacuum all your floors, and wipe down your counters where wherever we have been working. Our jobs always end-up cleaner than when we first started the work, and there is never any trace that we were even there. Except for the fact that now you have beautiful new colors on the walls throughout.

How to Touch-up Paint your Walls

service@davincispainting.com — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 21:26:00 -0700

Sometimes marks and scruffs on interior walls can diminish the look of a well-designed room. Depending upon how much time has passed since the walls were last painted, sometimes you can hide unsightly blemishes by covering them with touch-up paint that matches the existing wall color. Even if you don't know what the original color is, there are other ways that you can accurately match your current wall color.

The best way to match the paint from an existing wall is to bring the original can of paint to any reputable paint store. Usually most paint stores can easily re-create the hue if paint label is still visible with the formula. In some cases, the store can still match the paint and create a new paint formula by utilizing a computer matching system. This type of system can analyze the color and create the match that usually turns out to be very close to the original. Many chain paint stores also maintain records of other paint manufacturers, and they should be able to determine the color. Always make sure that the match is correct by applying paint to a sample.

Sometimes finding the original can of paint from a specific wall color can be impossible. If that’s the case, your local paint store can create a paint match if you are able to bring them a color sample from the wall itself.. By using a putty knife, simply cut a two-inch square in the drywall from a less noticeable area, such as a closet, above a framed door, or inside an electrical outlet. Gently press the knife blade into the drywall without damaging it in order to remove the top layer of paint. Most chain paint stores have a computerized paint-matching system that has a spectrophotometer that can create a new formula based from the scan.

A sample paint card from the original paint manufacturer with the paint formula printed on it, is even better! If that particular color name and color formula is still in existence then the match process should take only minutes. On the other hand, if a sample paint card was not kept on file for 10 years, don’t fret, simply travel to your local paint store and ask them for a paint fan deck. These fan decks contain all of the colors that they make. Many homes in Reston Virginia are part of a Homeowners Association, and it is the Association that dictates what colors are to be applied to the exterior of those homes that are within the community.

Needless to say, you may have trouble finding an exact paint match for an existing wall that is moderately faded due to age. A lot of times simply cleaning the walls with a mild dish detergent and warm water to remove dirt will reveal the true paint hue. Something else to consider is how the previous paint was applied. If it was sprayed, touching-up that wall will make matters worse. In those cases, it would be necessary to brush and roll complete walls. After touching-up a wall section, allow it to dry completely before deciding to try a different touch-up color. Davinci's Painters are experts at matching colors for touch-up purposes, so give us a call!

How to handle Lead in your Northern VA Home

service@davincispainting.com — Thu, 08 May 2014 21:31:00 -0700

Question: I recently purchased a home in Vienna and it hasn’t been upgraded or renovated for 30 years. How do I know if there is lead based paint on the inside? What should I do if lead paint is found?

Answer: The Environmental Protection Agency has very strict regulations to ensure that occupants of the home, and the paint contractors working there are kept safe. If your home was built prior to 1978, there is a possibility that lead based paint may be in your home. Research has shown that children are the most affected by lead paint and the main idea is to prevent exposure before it happens.

Safety is the most important factor and a meticulous containment and set-up process is required prior to lead paint abatement. The Davinci's Painting team is EPA Lead Certified, and we are experienced to deal with even the most extreme lead removal projects. We provide an efficient and safe system for lead removal.

We professionally remove lead paint, lead dust, and lead contaminated soil within the Washington DC area. We utilize lead removal methodologies that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Some of these processes include conventional techniques like sand blasting, sponge blasting, ice blasting, and even intensive hand scraping for the more complicated lead abatement projects.

Zero VOC Paints Keep Washington DC Green!

service@davincispainting.com — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 21:34:00 -0700

Are you planning on re-painting the interior of your home but concerned about the toxins released through paint fumes?

Before beginning the process of painting the interior of your home and choosing paint, an important aspect to consider is the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds that are contained within the paint material. VOC’s are known carcinogens. Some VOC paints can also contain chemicals that have been linked to cancer. In addition, these hazardous chemicals that are released into the air of your home can put you or someone in your family at a greater risk of developing asthma or allergies.

Some studies have shown that the presence of these pollutants can be extremely concentrated following the application of interior paints. In fact, elevated VOC levels can persist long after the paint has dried in the room. Although lacquer and oil-based paints are more dangerous than water-based latex paints, many latex paints still contain some dangerous solvents.

The Ozone Transport Commission is a multi-state organization that was created as a result of the Clean Air Act. The Commission represents all of the Mid-Atlantic States in order to advise the EPA about ground-level ozone situations and possible solutions. In 2005, they implemented a series of VOC Regulations regarding paints, varnishes, lacquers, and paint solvents. These rules have been applied to all of the counties and cities within Northern Virginia, as well as, Washington DC implemented regulations

As a result of these new regulations, major paint manufacturers have responded and have re-formulated their paint products to be Zero VOC or Low VOC compliant. According to industry studies, these new Zero VOC paints perform better than the previous formulation latex paint that had high levels of VOC’s. They reportedly last longer, dry more quickly, and are safer to clean up than previously formulated paints.

The major paint companies like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, Behr, and Glidden have made great strides by offering paint products in every color and finish that are completely free of VOC’s. However, the downside is that a more complex energy-intensive manufacturing process is required to produce Zero VOC paint. Furthermore, even Zero VOC paints must always be disposed of properly at a hazardous material collection center in your community to prevent environmental contamination.

Davinci's Painting is excited that paint is now safer and becoming more safer for homeowners and painters in to consumers and painters in Northern Virginia. So do your family and the environment a favor, and ask us how we can use Low VOC or Zero VOC paints for your home!