Exterior Paint vs. Solid Stain: Understanding the differences

Homeowners are often faced with the decision of whether to use exterior paint or solid stain when it’s time to revamp their homes’ facades. Both exterior paint and solid stain are popular choices for exterior surfaces, yet they come with distinct characteristics. This article delves into the fundamental differences between these two options, helping homeowners make an informed decision.

1. Composition and Consistency:

Exterior Paint: Exterior paints are primarily made of pigment (for color), binder (to hold the pigment particles together and bond them to the surface), and solvents (to keep the paint in liquid form until application). They might also contain additives to enhance certain properties like resistance to mold or UV rays. Exterior paints come in various finishes, from matte to high gloss.

Solid Stain: Solid stains are similar in composition but usually have a higher ratio of pigment to binder. This gives them their distinctive opaque finish. They are thinner in consistency compared to paints, which makes them slightly easier to work with when you’re looking to penetrate the wood’s surface.

2. Appearance and Finish:

Exterior Paint: Paints offer a smooth, consistent finish and are excellent for achieving a particular color or aesthetic. Once dried, paints sit on the surface of the wood, creating a protective film.

Solid Stain: Unlike semi-transparent or transparent stains that allow wood’s natural grain to show through, solid stains are opaque. They color the wood but still allow its texture to be felt and seen, giving a more natural look than paint.

3. Durability and Protection:

Exterior Paint: Exterior paints are designed to withstand environmental stresses like UV rays, rain, and temperature fluctuations. When properly applied, they form a protective barrier against these elements, often lasting for several years before requiring a retouch.

Solid Stain: Solid stains penetrate the wood, which can offer protection from within. They’re generally more resistant to peeling or chipping than paint. However, they might fade faster than paint, especially under intense UV exposure.

4. Application Process:

Exterior Paint: Preparation is crucial. The surface should be clean, dry, and ideally primed. Paints are usually applied using brushes, rollers, or sprayers. Depending on the brand and type, you might need multiple coats to achieve the desired finish.

Solid Stain: Like paint, the surface needs to be clean and dry. However, priming isn’t typically required for solid stains. Their thinner consistency allows them to be absorbed by the wood more easily, reducing the need for multiple coats.

5. Maintenance:

Exterior Paint: Over time, paint can crack, peel, or chip, especially on wooden surfaces that expand and contract with changing temperatures. Maintenance might involve scraping off loose paint, sanding, priming, and repainting.

Solid Stain: Maintenance for solid stains involves cleaning and reapplying a fresh coat once it starts to fade or wear off. Since it’s less prone to peeling or chipping, the preparation work is often less intensive than with paint.

6. Cost:

While prices can vary based on brands like Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore, quality, and region, exterior paint generally tends to be a little bit more expensive than solid stain.

7. Best Use Cases:

Exterior Paint: Ideal for surfaces where a smooth, glossy finish is desired. It’s perfect for siding, doors, and trim. Paints can also be used on a variety of materials including wood, stucco, and masonry.

Solid Stain: Best for wooden structures where the owner wants to retain some of the wood’s natural texture. It’s a popular choice for decks, fences, and wooden sidings.

Conclusion:

Both exterior paint and solid stain offer unique advantages. Your choice between the two should be based on the look you’re aiming for, the type of surface you’re working on, and your willingness to maintain it. If a smooth, glossy finish with vibrant color is your goal, exterior paint might be the way to go. However, if you wish to showcase the natural texture of wood with an added layer of protection, solid stain would be a suitable pick. Regardless of your choice, proper preparation and application are crucial to ensure longevity and aesthetic appeal.

Store Front Painting Contractor in New Jersey

We know how important it is to keep your storefront looking good. We offer expert storefront painting in New Jersey to help you build an eye-catching exterior that will attract clients and boost your brand image.

Our expert painters have years of experience painting commercial storefronts, so we know how to make them stand out. To assure a flawless, long-lasting finish, we utilize only the best paints and supplies from surface prep to final coat.

Our storefront commercial painting services are perfect for your business because:

Professional Consultation:

We’ll discuss your shop goals and vision before starting any project. We’ll help you choose colors, finishes, and other elements for your business’s ideal look.

Professional Prep Work:

Good painting starts with good prep. We’ll clean and prepare the surface for a long-lasting finish.

High-Quality Materials:

We use only the best paints and supplies to ensure a long-lasting finish that resists the environment and retains its brilliant color.

Skilled Craftsmanship:

Our painters are highly trained and detail-oriented.

Quick, Efficient Service:

We know time is money, therefore we’ll finish your project swiftly and on budget.

We guarantee the best storefront painting service and results. Schedule a consultation today to see how we can make your storefront a work of beauty.

We offer expert storefront painting services in New Jersey to help businesses create an attractive exterior that enhances their brand image.
Our team of skilled painters has years of experience working with commercial clients and uses only the highest quality paints and materials to ensure a flawless finish.
We provide expert consultation to help clients achieve their goals and vision for their storefront, including guidance on color selection, finish options, and other factors.
Proper prep work is crucial for a great paint job, and we take the time to carefully clean and prepare the surface for a smooth, even finish.
We use only high-quality materials to ensure a long-lasting finish that can withstand the elements and maintain its vibrant color over time.
Our team of painters is highly skilled and takes pride in their attention to detail and commitment to quality.
We understand that time is money, and we work quickly and efficiently to complete projects on time and on budget.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how we can transform your storefront into a beautiful, eye-catching work of art.

In conclusion, our New Jersey Store Front Painting Contractor services in New Jersey is the ideal way to enhance your business’s appearance and reflect your brand’s quality. Professional consultation, high-quality materials, skilled craftsmanship, and fast, efficient service ensures a flawless finish that lasts for years. Schedule a consultation to see how we can turn your storefront into a stunning work of art.

The Advantages of Continual Commercial Painting Upkeep

commercial painting company new jersey — Rutgers University Baseball & Softball Fields.

Keep your building in good shape as a commercial property owner to safeguard your investment and preserve its worth. Maintaining your property’s paint job on a regular basis will help to keep it looking good, prevent it from damage, and even raise its worth. The advantages of routine business painting maintenance will be covered in this article, along with advice on how frequently properties should be painted and what to look for when selecting a commercial painting firm.

The Value of Continual Commercial Painting Upkeep
Maintaining your commercial painting on a regular basis is essential for keeping your property safe from harm and wear and tear. Without routine painting care, the exterior of your building may be vulnerable to weather-related problems like fading, chalking, and peeling. When paint starts to flake or peel, the underlying substrate is revealed, which can cause worse issues like rust and corrosion.

Regular painting can also improve the curb appeal of your commercial property. For prospective consumers and clients, a well-maintained building with a fresh coat of paint can make a good first impression. A well-painted property can both draw in new renters and aid in keeping hold of current ones.

The value of your property might also rise with regular painting upkeep. You may increase your building’s worth and appeal to potential buyers or tenants by keeping it in good condition and making sure it looks nice.

How Often Should Your Commercial Property Be Painted?
The kind of building, the location, and the temperature all have an impact on how often you should paint your business property. Depending on how much use and abuse they receive, commercial buildings should typically be painted every five to seven years.

The kind of paint applied and the caliber of the paint job must both be taken into account. Professional painting services and high-quality paint can last longer and offer superior protection against deterioration and wear and tear. But, you might need to paint more frequently if your property is situated in a region with harsh weather or a lot of traffic.

A Business Painting Company to Consider
Choosing a trustworthy and skilled provider is essential when choosing a business painting company. When choosing a business painting firm, keep the following in mind:

Knowledge and Skills
Search for a business that specializes in commercial painting and has a lot of experience with it. To be sure they have the abilities and understanding required to deliver a high-quality paint job, ask for references and samples of their prior work.

Level of Work
Examine the structures they have painted to judge the caliber of their prior work. Pay attention to the little things, such neatness, smoothness, and overall finish.

Licensing and insurance
Be sure the business has the required insurance and permits before hiring them to do any commercial painting. This shields you from responsibility for any mishaps or damage that happen while painting.

Pricing
Find a company that offers competitive pricing while still offering high-quality services by comparing costs from several vendors. Beware businesses who offer incredibly low pricing since they might degrade the quality of their service.

Conclusion
To prevent wear and tear, improve the curb appeal of your property, and raise its value, regular commercial painting maintenance is essential. You can make sure that your building receives high-quality painting services that offer long-lasting protection and a professional finish by selecting a renowned and skilled commercial painting company.

FAQs
How often should businesses paint their buildings?
Depending on the type of building, location, and climate, commercial properties should be painted every five to seven years.

Does routine painting upkeep raise a commercial property’s value?
Certainly, by preventing damage and increasing curb appeal, routine painting upkeep can raise a commercial property’s value.

How do I pick a reliable business painting company?
Consider the experience and knowledge of the business painting firm, the caliber of their work, and overall reviews.

Basking Ridge, New Jersey-based Ridge Painting Company is a reputable painting business. With more than 20 years in the business, Ridge Painting Company has made a name for itself as one of the area’s top commercial painting businesses. The following are some justifications for choosing Ridge Painting Company as your top option for all your commercial painting requirements:

Skilled and Experienced Staff:

Ridge Painting Services has a staff of professional painters that are committed to giving their customers the best possible service. The group has the skills necessary to undertake any kind of painting project for a business, from modest offices to substantial commercial structures.

Superior Equipment and Materials:

Ridge Painting Company exclusively employs top-notch tools and supplies to guarantee that their clients get the ideal outcomes. They ensure that the end product is strong and long-lasting by using quality paints and varnishes created especially for commercial purposes.

Competitive Pricing:

Ridge Painting Company provides its services at a price that is affordable without sacrificing quality. So that there are no unforeseen costs, they give their clients thorough prices up front.

Solutions That Are Tailored:

Recognizing the individuality of every commercial painting project, Ridge Painting Company collaborates closely with its customers to provide solutions That Are Tailored That Meet Their Specific Needs. They take the time to comprehend the aims and objectives of their clients before making suggestions on how best to reach them.

Minimal Disruption to Your Business:

Ridge Painting Services is aware of the value of causing as little disturbance as possible to their clients’ enterprises while painting. They put in a lot of time and effort to make sure the project is finished quickly and with little interference with routine business.

Completely Licensed and Insured:

Ridge Painting Company is fully licensed and insured, giving their clients the assurance that they are dealing with a respectable and reliable business.

Among the services provided by Ridge Painting Company are:

Interior Painting:

Ridge Painting Company provides interior painting services for office buildings, retail establishments, and other commercial buildings. To cause the least amount of disruption to your business activities, they can work around your timetable.

Exterior Painting:

Ridge Painting Services furthermore provides outside painting services for industrial structures, such as warehouses and storefronts. They apply top-notch paints and coatings that are made to withstand severe weather.

Specialty Coatings:

For commercial purposes, Ridge Painting Company offers a variety of specialized coatings, such as epoxy coatings and waterproof coatings. Surfaces’ lifespans can be increased and damage resistance provided by these coatings.

Wall Coverings:

In addition to painting, Ridge Painting Company also installs wall coverings in commercial buildings. To give a decorative touch to any room, they can install a variety of wall coverings, including wallpaper, vinyl, and fabric coverings.

In conclusion, Ridge Painting Company is an established and skilled commercial painting business that provides a variety of services to satisfy the demands of its customers. Ridge Painting Company is the best option for any commercial painting project thanks to its knowledgeable staff, top-notch supplies and tools, affordable pricing, individualized solutions, and dedication to causing the least amount of inconvenience to their client’s businesses.

Ridge Painting Company has you covered whether you’re trying to update the interior of your workplace or give your commercial property a new outside design. To find out more about their offerings and to get a comprehensive quote for your upcoming commercial painting project, get in touch with them right away.

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Simple Steps For How To Pick A Commercial Painting Contractor

Introduction

Painting is one of the most common ways to update a commercial space. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your office or makeover a restaurant, a commercial painting contractor will be able to help. But finding the right professional for your business can prove challenging if you don’t know where to start. Fortunately, this guide will show you how to pick the perfect commercial painting contractor for your project in no time at all!

First steps for finding the commercial painting contractor

Before you even start looking for a commercial painting contractor, it’s important to make sure you’re clear on the scope of work. This will help ensure that you get a final product that meets your needs. If you’re not sure what kind of work needs to be done, ask questions and research until you find out more about the project.

Once you have an idea of what kind of job this will be, it’s time to find out who can do it best. First, ask any potential contractors about their experience with projects like yours—this will help give an idea of how long they’ve been in business and how much experience they have working with similar projects.

Next, ask for references from past clients. This is especially important if there are any unusual aspects involved in the project such as special materials or pieces. Finally, ask each contractor if they are licensed and insured. This is essential not only for protecting yourself but also so that other contractors know who should be doing work on-site at any given time.

Take a look at the company’s website.

Take a look at the company’s website. It’s a great way to get a feel for their work and the type of project they specialize in. You should see examples of previous projects, testimonials from happy customers, and information on how they tackle various types of work.

Look for information about their process and what they can do for you. Do they have design expertise? Do you need to provide them with color palettes or images from magazines as inspiration? Can they walk you through every step of the process so that you understand what goes into creating your custom painting? Does it look like these guys know what they’re doing?

Ask your friends and family.

When you are looking for a commercial painting contractor, the first thing to do is ask your friends and family. Ask them to recommend contractors they have used in the past. These recommendations will allow you to narrow down your choices based on their experience of the person in question and how well they did the job.

If you know someone who has worked with one of these contractors before and had a good experience, ask them for references or referrals so that you can see if this person is right for what you need to be done at your place of business as well.

Check them out online

It’s always a good idea to check out the company you’re considering on social media. If they have a presence on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, then you’ll be able to get some insight into their business practices.

Another thing that’s worth checking out is whether they’re active on the online review site where people share their experiences with local businesses by writing reviews of products or services provided by those companies.

You should also look up whether your potential contractors have any blogs written about how long it takes them to complete different types of jobs, both small ones like interior walls but also larger jobs such as ceilings which could take longer depending on how much detail work needs to be done.

Make sure they have experience in your particular industry.

One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a commercial painter is their experience. If you are in the automotive industry and have been painting cars for years, it would be silly to do this work with someone who has never worked on a car before. Similarly, if you are in the residential real estate business, it would not be wise to hire someone who only paints homes as opposed to commercial properties.

When looking at commercial painting contractors make sure they have experience within your particular industry. Ask them if they have any portfolio photos or references from other businesses like yours that they can share with you.

Do some digging into their business practices.

Ask the contractor what they do to ensure a high-quality job, and ask for examples of projects they’ve worked on. They should be able to point you toward a few examples of their work or at least recommend some local companies who have built a reputation for themselves in quality work.

Ask for references

A good painting contractor should have no problem providing you with a list of past clients who can speak to the company’s work, and how happy they were with the final result. Make sure you ask for contact information so that you can call these references, then ask about their experience with the contractor.

How were they treated on a personal level? Did the painting company take care of all their needs from start to finish from project design through completion? Would they recommend this company to others? You should also look up any complaints filed against companies in your area.

Check for licensing, bonding, and insurance

When checking for licensing, you want to ensure that a particular contractor is licensed by the state. This means that they have met certain standards and passed an exam relating to their industry. It also ensures that the license has not been revoked or suspended by the state in which it was issued. You may also want to check if any complaints have been filed against them with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Conclusion

Commercial painting contractors are a dime a dozen, but finding the right one for your business can make all the difference in the world. By following these simple steps and doing some research, you can find that perfect contractor to meet all of your needs.

The Ultimate Guide to Commercial Painting: Everything You Need to Know!

Whether your business is new, old, or somewhere in between, painting is one of the best ways to give it a fresh look. In fact, studies have shown that customers are up to 50% more likely to visit a store if it has been recently painted. If you’re ready to make yours stand out from the crowd, here’s everything you need to know about commercial painting.

Painting is a unique trade.

Painting is a unique trade and, with the proper tools and training, is achievable for any business owner. Painting can be learned as a skill and mastered as a craft. It’s also an industry that’s filled with opportunities to be had.

Painting has been around since humans began creating art on cave walls. This skill has been passed down through generations of craftsmen who have honed their techniques over time. Through years of practice, they became experts in their field—they mastered their trade!

Let’s cover the process in detail.

Before we get into the details of commercial painting services, let’s cover the process in detail. The process begins as soon as you make contact with a contractor, whether through an online booking form or by phone. From there, it may look like any other type of painting project: preparation, prep work and actual painting being done by your crew. However, there’s one main difference between a residential and commercial paint job: scale!

The first step involves preparing your space for painting by removing all furniture or equipment from rooms where you will be working so that no one gets hurt during application or cleanup! This also helps prevent damage to existing surfaces due to splashing or overspray from a paintbrush or roller brush getting too close while cleaning up excess residue when done applying new color coats over old ones (or vice versa).

Prepare your space appropriately.

The first step to ensure a smooth paint job is to prepare your space appropriately. If you are painting a large area, it may be wise to have a professional do the prep work for you. If you are painting a small area, however, this can usually be done by yourself in an hour or two.

Remove any equipment from the area that will be painted and cover them with plastic sheets (or old tablecloths) that are taped securely in place with masking tape. If necessary, remove light fixtures from ceilings and walls. Secure them carefully with masking tape so as not to leave any residue on their surfaces when removed later.

Tape up all electrical outlets as well as other wires coming through holes in walls or ceilings. Secure drywall seams using joint compound and make sure that there aren’t any nails sticking out of baseboards or other areas where they might cause damage once painted over.

Things to consider before you start painting your commercial property.

Before you begin, it’s important to consider a few things. First and foremost is how much time you have to get the job done. Depending on how long it usually takes for your contractor to paint a commercial building, the sooner you book an appointment with them and start planning, the more likely they are able to give you a firm estimate for their services.

Next comes what kind of paint job you want for your business: interior or exterior? Oil-based or latex? Do you want something temporary that will only last a few years before needing another coat? Or do you want something permanent that won’t need repainting again until after 20 years or more?

Finally, there are budget considerations. You’ll need money both upfront as well as during construction. For example, if hiring professional painters instead of doing it yourself but also after completion of work when maintenance costs come into play.

It’s time to find a commercial painter!

Finding a commercial painter is trickier than finding a residential painter. Commercial jobs are bigger and more complex, so it’s important to find someone who has plenty of experience in those areas. It also helps if they have a good reputation for doing quality work, as well as being licensed and insured and maybe even having references.

Narrow down your choices.

If you’ve found a few companies that meet your criteria, it’s time to narrow down your choices by asking the right questions. You can start by asking about their experience and portfolio. Do they have an established track record of success? What kinds of projects have they worked on in the past, and how satisfied were the customers?

You should also ask about their past clients’ experiences working with them. How do they work with their clients? Are they easy to communicate with? Do they follow through on their promises and timelines or at least make a good effort?

Ask each company how much extra time will be required during scheduling if these extra tasks need done during work hours instead of after hours. This could make a big difference in terms of cost per hour worked between firms vying for business from yours!

Next Steps

Now that you have a better understanding of how to choose the right commercial painter, it’s time to get started.

Start by checking references and getting a written estimate. If the company is willing to provide you with references, this is a good sign that they take pride in their work and are more likely to do an excellent job for you. The written estimate should include details about what they will be doing (painting) as well as how much it will cost and when they expect it to be done. Make sure that everything on your contract matches up with what was agreed upon before signing any paperwork!

Commercial painting is a great way to give any business a fresh new look, and can be done on any budget. The commercial painting cost depend on your business size and what color you choose.

Conclusion

Hopefully, we’ve helped you decide if painting your business is right for you. If so, go ahead and get started! Don’t forget to ask questions and make sure the company you hire has experience with commercial properties.

There are many fantastic reasons to consider painting the interior or exterior of your home. However, not everyone wants to tackle a job that size on their own. Fortunately, those who don’t enjoy do-it-yourself projects can hire residential or commercial painting contractors to get the job done. But when there’s a market for something, you can be sure there will be people who’ll try and take advantage.

Continue reading to learn how to identify the most common painting scams and what you can do to protect yourself the next time you hire a professional painter.

Self Proclaimed Professionals

It’s a tale as old as time; people hire individuals claiming to be professionals only to find out the person has no idea what they’re doing. Unfortunately, by the time they realize it, the damage is done.

You can avoid becoming the target of an incompetent painter by knowing what types of things to look for and what questions to ask. Before signing anything, ask for proof of licensing and insurance. Additionally, it’s a good idea to ask for references from previous clients. This is especially true when working with independent contractors. Finally, look for clues that the person you’re talking to has a legitimate business. For example, do they have business cards, a company car, or clothing bearing their logo?

It’s always a good idea to research a contractor or painting company before working with them, and a reputable company will usually understand your hesitation and go out of its way to ease any fears you might have.

Just Passing By

The following scam is also quite common. You hear a knock at your door only to find a contractor standing there, ready to explain why your house needs a new coat of paint. Oh, and lucky you, they happen to have leftover materials from another job and could do your home at a discounted price. Does this sound familiar?

Although it might be a tempting offer, you should know that a reputable painting company will not use leftover materials from one job to the next. Additionally, the cost of materials is typically included in the agreed upon price, so those materials have already been bought and paid for by the previous client.

Contracting Scams

Contracts are binding legal documents that outline an agreement between two parties and protect both sides in the event of a disagreement. Unfortunately, most people underestimate the importance of a contract, and shady contractors can take advantage of this by purposefully including or excluding information or using vague language that could be misinterpreted.

Painting contracts should include (but are not limited to) the following information:

Contact information for both the client and the contractor
A description of the work they will be doing
Completion date and time frame/schedule for the anticipated work
A list of supplies that they plan to use and an estimated cost for the supplies
The exact brand and type of paint they plan to use and the number of coats needed
A list of services and their estimated costs
A list of fees and discounts
A section describing payment arrangements, methods, and how they will handle payments
Any terms and conditions relevant to the company
An estimated price for the entire job, as well as a breakdown of what’s contributing to this estimate

Knowing what to look for in a contract will help you avoid contracting scams such as unexpected charges, add-on fees, and refusal to complete work.

Payment Upfront

Be wary of contractors who ask for full payment upfront. You should not exchange money before work is done for several reasons. For starters, you don’t know the quality of their work. Additionally, most reputable companies have supplies on hand, have accounts with local supply chains, or have the available credit to invest in supplies. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, nothing is stopping the individual from taking your money and not doing any work.

You may create payment milestones allowing you to pay for work in segments rather than all at once at the end of the job or in a lump-sum payment upfront. However, all of this should be outlined in the contract to ensure that you and the contractor are held legally responsible for your side of the bargain.

Cost Cutting Scams

Looking for ways to reduce costs is not a scam in itself, so long as those savings are passed on to you. However, it becomes a problem when contractors charge clients for supplies they are not using or services they did not complete.

There are several ways that painters might try to cut costs while working on a job. For example, they might charge you for an expensive paint brand but use a cheap brand instead. Another way that painters might try to cheat clients is by charging them for several coats of paint but only applying one coat. This allows them to buy fewer supplies than outlined in the estimate and pocket the extra money. Finally, some painters will water down or mix in cheap paint with more expensive paint to save money and increase their profits.

You can protect yourself by ensuring the contract outlines exactly what type of supplies the painters will use on the job. Additionally, while getting in the way of the contractors is not recommended, it is a good idea to take a quick look at the supplies they’re using to ensure they are the ones outlined in the contract. Finally, document the work done daily to avoid getting charged for services you did not receive.

Unnecessary Repairs

You may need to make repairs before a company can move forward with a painting job. For example, the contractor might find areas of wood rot along your exterior walls, signs of water damage to interior walls, or mold and mildew problems. In most cases, the contractor can repair these things for an additional fee. Sketchy contractors will often take advantage of a client’s lack of construction-related knowledge by pressuring them to make unnecessary and expensive repairs.

Since it’s not uncommon for a legitimate painting company to suggest repairs, it can be challenging to know when a repair is needed or when you’re being scammed. A good rule of thumb is to watch for scare tactics. A professional company will explain the repair that must be made, show you the damage, explain why the repair is necessary, and give you a complete overview of the job. In comparison, a sketchy contractor will go out of their way to avoid showing you where or why the repair is needed and will often overemphasize the consequences of not repairing the problem.

If you question whether or not a service is necessary, ask for a second opinion. It might require you to bring in an additional contractor, but following your intuition could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Wrapping Up

It’s important to understand the various ways that sketchy contractors might take advantage of clients so that you can avoid becoming the target of a contracting scam. You can protect yourself from scams by researching the contractor/company before working with them, asking for credentials, having a comprehensive and detailed contract, not exchanging money upfront and keeping a detailed log of the work and supplies being done and used.

A well-maintained deck can increase your living space and add value to your home, but preserving a deck can be challenging. When not maintained correctly, decks can develop wood rot and become unsafe. One of the best ways to protect your patio’s wood is to paint or stain it, but which is the better option?

Continue reading to learn more about the pros and cons of each choice and whether paint or stain is the best choice for you.

What’s the Difference Between Paint and Stain?

In many ways, paint and stain serve the same essential function—both can be used to change the color and appearance of a surface. However, it’s helpful to understand the differences between the two if you hope to make a well-informed decision.

The most apparent difference between paint and stain is how each one interacts with a surface. Stain (as the name suggests) soaks into a surface and stains it, while paint is applied on top of a surface and doesn’t stain the wood beneath. However, this limits stain to absorbent materials.

Another big difference is coverage. When you use stain, the material beneath is still visible. For example, if you stain a wooden surface, you can still see the natural grain underneath. Alternatively, paint covers the material and shields it from view.

Now that you understand the difference between paint and stain let’s talk about which one you should use on your deck.

Is Stain the Better Choice?

There are times when staining your deck is the better choice. This is especially true if you want to preserve the natural beauty of the wood or plan to sell your home soon. Despite the limited color options, staining is a fantastic way to enhance your deck’s natural beauty. Stain is also easy to paint over, allowing future homeowners to change the color easily, which prevents buyers from getting hung up on paint colors.

Although residential painting companies handle both, staining is often the cheaper option. The price difference can be steep, especially if you have a large deck. Of course, this also depends on the type and brand of paint/stain you use and the painting company you employ to do the work.

Although there are times when staining is the better choice, it’s always a good idea to understand both the pros and cons of any decision.

Pros:

Stained surfaces are often more slip-resistant than painted surfaces.
In addition to highlighting the beauty of wood, staining gives decks a natural, rustic appearance.
In most cases, only one coat of stain is needed, but if you want a darker look, you can add more.
Primer is not necessary before staining a deck.
The easy-to-work-with properties of stain make it a good choice for people with little or no experience. It won’t pool, drip, streak, or smudge as easily as paint.
In contrast to paint, stains rarely chip, peel, or flake.
Certain types of stains can protect wood against moisture, weather, and sunlight.
Stain allows you to control how dark or light the color will appear.
Stains can be painted over with minimal effort if you decide to paint in the future.
Staining is often cheaper than paint, whether you do the project yourself or hire a residential painting company.
Stain tends to hold up better in high-traffic areas.

Cons

The life of a stain might not be as long as that of a high-quality paint job.
It may be necessary to refinish it every two to three years, depending on the type of stain you use.
Small pores or tight grains prevent wood from absorbing stains well. You may need to use more expensive stains on exotic wood species.
Alternatively, woods that are highly absorbent may require more stain to get the desired look.
Compared to paint, there aren’t as many color options available.
You cannot find glossy stains, and extra steps are needed to get a sheen finish.
Stains cannot be applied over painted surfaces.
In contrast to paint, stains don’t cover up imperfections or seal gaps and cracks.

Is Paint the Better Choice?

Like staining, there are times when painting your deck is the better choice. This is especially true if the surface you’re staining is flawed or if you want more variety with color options. Unlike stain, paint offers a more thorough coverage, making painting the better choice when working with worn or damaged wood. Additionally, because you can apply it over existing coats of paint, it’s the easier choice for previously painted decks.

Again, it’s good to be aware of both the advantages and disadvantages before deciding whether painting is the best option for you.

Pros:

While stains are often limited to wood, you can find paints for almost any surface.
You can apply paint to both stained and painted surfaces with ease.
Exterior paint is created to withstand the elements, and a quality paint job can last up to ten years before needing touch-ups.
Paint provides better coverage, making it the better choice for aged or damaged surfaces.
Unlike stain, paint comes in every color imaginable, and it’s possible to get custom colors mixed.
Most painted surfaces are easier to clean than stained ones.

Cons:

Because wood doesn’t absorb the paint, water can enter places where the paint chips or flakes away.
High-traffic areas can wear quickly and become faded or damaged.
Since you cannot apply stain over paint without first sanding the entire deck, the decision to paint is often a permanent one.
Painted surfaces are often more slippery than stained surfaces because of the glossy finish.
Light-colored paint might become stained.
Deck furniture can cause paint to chip or flake away, exposing the wood underneath to the elements.
Paint hides the natural appearance of wood because it’s not as transparent as stain.
Multiple coats of paint may be needed to get the desired look.
It can be difficult to paint a deck yourself because paint can pool, drip, streak, and smudge.
Painting is often the more expensive choice.
You’ll need to prepare and prime your deck before painting to preserve the wood.

Should I Paint or Stain My Deck?

People frequently choose to stain their deck because it accentuates the natural appearance of the wood. Additionally, it provides exceptional protection against the elements, is easier to apply, and typically costs less than paint. Contrarily, those who choose to paint their deck often do so because they appreciate a more customized appearance. Plus, paint comes in various colors, lasts longer, and provides exceptional coverage for weather-beaten decks.

Selecting either paint or stain can be challenging because both options have unique advantages and drawbacks. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your personal preferences, the structure’s condition, and your reasons for finishing/refinishing your deck.

When people sell their homes, they want to get the best price possible. Maintaining the property is an excellent way to do this. But, home repairs can be expensive, and investing in a property can be risky. Painting is a perfect way to spruce up your house and give it a more modern feel, but should you paint your home before selling?

Painting both the interior and exterior of your home is a good idea if the cost outweighs the risk. Painting can increase the value of your home by adding curb appeal, brightening up dark rooms, and giving your home a clean, modern feel.

Pro: Painting Is a Relatively Inexpensive Upgrade

When it comes to home repairs, painting is one of the least expensive options. If you have an older house, painting can be a way to make the house appear more modern without having to spend a small fortune replacing fixtures, replacing kitchen cabinets, remodeling bathrooms, replacing flooring etc.

For example, replacing kitchen cabinets could cost anywhere from $100 to $1,200 a linear foot. Alternatively, painting the same cabinets might cost you $30 to $60 a linear foot or $75 to $150 per cupboard. The room gets the face-lift it needs, and you save a hefty sum of money.

You can use paint to liven up any room in the house, not just the kitchen, by painting things such as:

Shelving units
Radiators
Corner cabinets
Bookcases
Shelves in pantries and closets
Old fireplace surrounds
Mantles
Vanity cabinets

Con: People Might Not like Overly Customized Spaces

While painting can be a great way to give your home a more modern feel, be careful not to over-customize the space. Everyone has their likes and dislikes, and what looks nice to you might be a point of contention for a potential buyer.

Avoid bright or bold colors, especially ones not often seen in a room, such as bright pink, orange, green, purple, or red. Instead, stick with neutral colors like white, beige, cream, or gray. If the interior design begs for color, use light shades that are easy to cover in the future should a new owner want to.

Pro: Painting Gives Buyers a Blank Canvas

As mentioned, overly customized rooms can sometimes make or break a sale. When potential buyers walk into a house, they want to see themselves living in that space. If that space has bright pink walls, and they don’t care for pink, it will be difficult for the buyer to see themselves living in that room.

By painting the walls a neutral color, you give potential buyers a blank canvas. It will be much easier for them to imagine themselves cooking in the kitchen or snuggling up with their significant other in the living room. Plus, neutral colors can often brighten up a room, making it look larger and compensating for the lack of natural sunlight.

Your choice of color will depend on your home and the surrounding environment. Residential painting companies can offer ideas for each room based on the room’s characteristics. Additionally, you can ask your real estate agent which colors tend to sell best in your area.

Pro: Painting Can Increase Your Homes Curb Appeal

Curb appeal might not seem like a big deal, but it’s vital when trying to sell a house. Your home’s exterior sets the tone for the rest of the place, and buyers often make judgments about a house before ever having stepped inside.

In addition to attracting interested buyers, curb appeal can increase the value of your property. In fact, according to a study by Michigan State University, putting significant effort into the exterior condition of your home and lawn can increase the value of your house by up to 5-11%.

Chipped, cracked, or peeling paint and areas where the wood has begun to rot might signal a lack of maintenance to buyers. These signs of neglect might cause them to wonder if other things will also need work.

Luckily, depending on the size of your home, you can increase the curb appeal of your property in a week or less. Additionally, many professional residential painters can replace areas where wood rot has occurred. It will cost a bit more but can prevent severe structural damage in the future.

If you don’t have the money to invest in re-painting your entire home, there are still some inexpensive ways to increase your home’s value with exterior paint. You can spruce up the exterior of your home by painting:

Exterior doors
Fences
Stairs and porches
Shutters or window boxes
Exterior trim
Mailbox posts
Light fixtures
Garage doors

Pro: Painting Gives Homes a New, Clean Feeling

Whether shopping for furniture, a car, or a new home, people tend to favor things that look new and clean. Painting is a cost-effective way to give your home that “like-new” vibe.

Even clean homes accumulate dirt and grime, which becomes more apparent when the house is empty. There may be outlines left behind where pictures once hung or scuff marks where furniture rubbed. High-traffic areas become more noticeable when a home is vacant as well.

Interior paint can cover these marks and give a blotchy wall a more uniform look—giving the room a fresh, clean feeling.

In addition to giving your home an overall clean feeling, painting can help mask unpleasant smells. Since buyers may be sensitive to the smell of pets or smoke, pet owners and smokers should consider painting the interior of their homes to help mask any residual or lingering odors.

Con: Painting Cannot Fix Other Property Downfalls

Although painting is a great way to increase the value of your home without spending a ton of money, it might not offset other significant problems with the property.

When significant problems exist (such as a property located in a bad neighborhood or sandwiched between two busy highways), investing money becomes risky because you may not get it back. If you believe your property might be challenging to sell, speak with your real estate agent before investing in home repairs.

Should I Paint My Home Before Selling?

There are many fantastic reasons to consider painting your home’s interior and exterior before listing it on the market. Painting can increase the curb appeal of your property, brighten up dingy or dark rooms, modernize outdated design trends, and give your home a cleaner feel.

However, there may be times when investing money into a property isn’t a good idea. Before infusing cash into your home, speak with your real estate agent. They can assist you in determining if you will get a return on your investment or if repairs will help increase the value of your home.

References

Behe, B., Hardy, J., Barton, S., Brooker, J., Fernandez, T., Hall, C., … & Schutzki, R. (2005). Landscape plant material, size, and design sophistication increase perceived home value. Journal of Environmental Horticulture, 23(3), 127-133.

Interior Paint Colors for Your Office Space

Colors are known to impact our mood, and can instantly make us feel happy or sad, lively or tired, inspired or unmotivated, the list goes on and on. Because of this, it is very important to choose your interior paint colors strategically and according to the mood you are trying to create, especially in spaces where you will be working and needing to focus. By picking a great color choice for your office space or commercial painting project, you are able to increase productivity, find emotional stability, and create a stress-free ambiance.

The culture of the workplace has become a huge factor of happiness with people’s jobs, and with their overall life. Creating a workspace where employees feel happy, comfortable, and inspired helps to build a substantial foundation within the company. Color has a large impact on these factors, and can create an inviting and motivating place for everyone to collaborate and work. Here are some of the best interior paint colors to use in your office, to gain positive effects on you and your employees.

Off-White

Bright white walls can be overwhelming and unpleasant, which can create a stressful work environment. If you still want your interior paint color to be light and neutral, off-white shades are a great option for your office space. Eggshell and cream are neutral colors, that are warm enough to form an inviting and calming environment for your employees. White walls also reflect light naturally, which makes the room itself look brighter and more airy. With off-white shades, you can also utilize any office decor colors you’d like to add vibrance and character, because the walls are not overpowering.

Light Gray

If you want to steer away from white walls completely, but are still looking for a neutral look, light grays are a great option. The color gray relates to the feeling of strength and power, which creates a positive and motivating work environment for your employees. It is important to choose a soft gray instead of a dark grey for an office space though, to maintain a workspace that is soothing while also motivating.

Pastel Yellow

Looking for a vibrant interior paint color to illuminate your office space? Yellow is the right choice. The color yellow has a sunny and fun feel to it, which can lead to a more positive and uplifting work area. It can help stimulate the brain, allowing more productivity to take place with your employees. The hues within the yellow can bring a boost of creativity and energy to the people in the room. If used in moderation and in a proper tone to match the size of the room, yellow can be a great interior paint option.

Coral

If you want your walls to pop, coral is the right color for you. Beautiful, bright colors such as soft coral and peach help to boost creativity and focus in the workplace. These colors are fun and playful, which brings inspiration and livelihood to the atmosphere of the room. It can also stimulate happiness.

Green

If you are looking for a wall color that will bring your employees back to nature, then green is calling your name. Soft greens provide a feeling of peace, tranquility, and composure to the people in the room. Deep greens administer a very earthy feel, and bring warmth. The color green in general is also known to be more gentle on your eyes than other color options, which is beneficial in a work space where long hours are more common than not.

Dark Blue

A comparably safe and undramatic color option for your office is a warm blue. If you are used to neutral colors and don’t want to get too crazy, blue is a wonderful option. Deep shades of blue can also be cozy and inviting, creating a less stressful environment that still looks professional. The soothing color can also stimulate creativity and inspiration within your employees, and it will help to keep them focused throughout each day.

Brown

Interior paint colors such as brown, tan, and beige provide a natural and earthy feel to your work space, while still maintaining professionalism and respectability. Especially if it is paired with rich office furniture, brown walls can make your space feel powerful and determined to get their work done well. Brown shades are also known to increase productivity levels and to create a sense of emotional stability within your employees.