Paint The Town A San Diego Painters Blog

Psychology Of Color Works When Choosing Interior Paint Schemes

Thu, 17 May 2012 18:09:00 GMT

Skillful interior design is largely a creative endeavor, however, there is some science involved, and none more essential than the psychology of color.

Color psychology may help you choose paint colors that induce the proper mood in the room, affecting not only your individual feelings, but those of everyone who enters it. The truth is, paint color is really powerful that it can influence our frame of mind, and in many cases our physiology.

The ancient Egyptians, Native Americans, and lots of other bands used color to heal. By doing so, they often times favored the blues and greens present in nature, colors that have an emotional connection to peace, harmony, and tranquility. In these trying economic times, paint colors during these same hues may help calm our nerves in the home.

And remember, no one will spend more time in your home than you will so it's important to choose colors that you love and you won't fail.

Blue, which regularly ranks on top of surveys exploring "favorite" colors, is shown to slow pulse rate reducing body's temperature. The implications for interior painting: blue can be a terrific color choice for bedrooms, but less so for dining rooms.

Green, also just about the most popular colors, is a little handier. Although it, too, includes a soothing effect, it also represents renewal, youth, and vigor. Because it's calming, green paint is a good color option for bedrooms, and also, since it does not take color of many appetizing fruits and vegetables, it can be employed in dining rooms, too.

There is no equivocation with red. It bespeaks energy and excitement, actually raising the blood pressure and making one's heart beat faster. Because it is linked to desire and passion, it is a perfect paint color for dining rooms and bedrooms. Yet, ironically, pink a very light tint of red is amongst the most calming colors, and is a good selection for a baby's room.

Yellow is an incredible interior paint color. Like sunshine, it imparts happiness, hope, and optimism. Studies have shown the brain actually releases more seratonin if the eye consumes yellow creating positive psychological vibes. Yellow can also stir our creative juices. What better color to utilize inside a master bath or dinette to acquire your entire day off on the right foot?

Orange is a happy color, too. More attention-getting than yellow, orange comes with an energy and warmth over it. Muddy shades are helpful in lots of parts of the house, but vivid tones can happen raw and flamboyant. Orange is clearly not the colour of calm, so it is best to bypass it when painting a bedroom or another area where you want to relax.

Purple is a troublesome paint color wherever it's used, but it the overwhelming favorite of adolescent girls. Reserve use of this color for the daughter's room to make a win-win situation. Its likely that, she'll like it and you will take comfort in purple's proven capability to stimulate brain activity!

No discussion of paint color could be complete point out the "non-colors" black (the lack of light, and so, color) and white (the confluence of all colors in the spectrum).

Black is a great accent color indoors or out, imparting elegance, formality, and sophistication with a paint color scheme. But don't get overly enthusiastic from it. A lot of black may be depressing.

White, on the other hand, conveys peace, simplicity, and spaciousness. It might give you a crisp finish to just about any paint with the addition of sharp contrast towards the wall color. Used within a room, it could give the illusion that the space is bigger than its physical dimensions.

Color psychology should be taken into account when selecting an interior paint scheme, however it's only one factor to consider. Personal color preference needs to be given just as much thought.

Break out the Brushes! Great Exterior Paint Jobs Start With Great Painting Tips

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:16:00 GMT

Homeowners are starting to think about their homes exterior appearance. Decks, doors, and siding may benefit from the fresh coat of paint to update the look of them and protect the outer lining. And, no matter what materials are on the outside people home, a dash of color provides added punch and protection!

Whether your house is a regular colonial, an antique cottage or contemporary ranch style, a brightly painted door will welcome both relatives and buddies. This coming year, move from drab to dramatic, by just sprucing up your entrance way. Try paint colors in cherry red, bright yellow or spectacular black to focus on and define top door.

Moreover, while painting, don't ignore the wooden shutters. Shutters might be painted a similar hue because your door or is definitely an exciting complementary color. Set against a neutral palette home, a little color on your own doors and shutters will make an announcement.

Another exterior area that can benefit from a dose of color is your outdoor entertainment spot, whether porch, deck and patio. Will include a multi-hued palette rather than more commonly used monochromatic scheme. This bold usage of color can enhance and increase your home's overall charm of the entrance.

And don't forget those railings, light posts and mailbox. A new coat of paint on these exterior surfaces doesn't only boost your homes overall look but offer protection too.

Wherever you could paint this spring, remember to follow these simple but important steps:

1. Prepare and clean the outer lining ahead of painting

2. Purchase a top quality 100% acrylic latex exterior paint

3. Use quality hair brushes and rollers

4. Paint within the appropriate climatic conditions

5. Most importantly, if you would rather trust this to a professional and you want a high quality paint job you can afford then call Brad Stoner Painting for a free estimate!

Stress Also Affects the Paint on our Homes

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:30:00 GMT

Who in our midst hasn't complained at one time or another concerning the stress we're under? Yet our homes suffer silently facing constant stress.

It is not work, deadlines, or family finances that induce difficulties for our homes. Rather, it's the weather as well as the environment. Even common conditions like strong San Diego sunlight, rain, and fluctuating temperatures place force on our abodes and on the outside paint that protects them. Read on for a lot of timely tips on how even ordinary San Diego weather can put force on your paint and cause it to suffer.

Sun. While many people are happiest when it's sunny, these bright conditions can ruin paint. Ultraviolet rays usually deteriorate the binder in exterior paint in much the same way that the rays can break the skin on our bodies. Since the paint's binder breaks down, pigment is released in the form of a powder that will wash away over the next time it rains. When paint erodes, it feels right faded color and diminished protection for your home.

Moisture. San Diego weather such as rain, high humidity, or an occasional frost, can also be hazardous for exterior paint. The truth is, any kind of moisture may cause paint to melt and swell, eventually leading to blistering, cracking, peeling or flaking. In addition, moist conditions support the increase of mildew, which could mar the appearance of any paint job.

Temperature Fluctuation. Changing temperatures cause wood and lots of other exterior surfaces to be expanded and contract, sometimes dramatically. In the event the paint into the surface isn't flexible enough, this movement may cause the paint to hack and slough off.

Even though San Diego weather is very moderate we still simply cannot control the elements, we should instead make a plan to guard our homes from nature's climatic stressors. Knowing that means addressing small problems before they become major issues, properly preparing exterior surfaces before painting them, and applying the highest quality paint which, for most circumstances, means using a high-quality 100% acrylic latex coating.

High quality 100% acrylic latex paints resist weather stressors in a number of ways:

Compared to ordinary paints, high quality coatings suffer less from ultraviolet rays, so that they usually resist the sun's bleaching effects.They adhere well on the painted surface, so there is certainly less chance of blistering, during very moist conditions.They contain more mildewcide than ordinary paint, which helps prevent mildew from forming on the outside surface.These are tough and versatile, which permits them to expand and contract with temperature swings, instead of cracking and flaking.

Yes, there is definitely hope for homes which might be victims of stress... in the form of preventative medicine. Make timely repairs, do good surface preparation and try to apply two coats of high quality 100% acrylic latex house paint, plus your home will be able to handle whatever the morning brings!

If you would like Brad Stoner Painting to come out and give you a free estimate to reduce the stress on your home call us today and book an appointment.

Very last minute home improvement deduction tax tips

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:47:00 GMT

Spring signifies the start of both the income tax submitting season and home improvement time, but proximity on the calendar isn’t the only point the two have in common.

This blog post is either just in time or really early for following year's tax season. I believe some of you could either use this now or file it away for the following year. You can never have too much good information.

Certain home improvements can reduce your tax bill, or produce a bigger refund to help finance other home projects. Below are some examples, but a word of caution: If you believe you meet the criteria for any of these benefits, be sure to talk with your tax advisor prior to filing your return.

Residential energy credit. The cost of putting in particular energy-preserving items in your main home – including energy-efficient home windows and skylights, exterior doors, insulation systems, a furnace, or hot water heater — may meet the requirements for a special tax credit. Improvements necessary for

Medical care. If you itemize, you may be ready to take a deduction for improvements to your household that are made for health-related causes – widening doorways, adding handrails, sometimes even putting in a swimming pool or spa if the main objective is health-related.

Lead-based paint removal. The cost of eliminating lead-based paint in the course of upgrading or repainting may be tax-deductible. Points paid for a home improvement loan. You can deduct the cost of points paid on a loan to improve your main home. The deduction can be taken immediately or spread out over the time period of the loan.

Capital improvements. Improvements that raise the value of house, lengthen its useful life, or adapt it to a different use (building an addition, converting a basement to a recreation room, or even re-wiring a home, for example) raise the “basis” of the property and can save on taxes at the time of sale.

Home office deductions. Assuming that you operate a business out of your home, direct expenses for things done to the home office such as interior painting, paneling, or carpeting are fully deductible. You may even be able to deduct a part of the expense for home improvements that improve your entire home, such as exterior painting or installing a new roof.

Rental property. If you make improvements to apartment property that you own, you can recover the price of the expense over the course of time through depreciation. Easy fixes (including such projects as repainting or fixing broken plaster) can typically be taken right away as deductions against rental income.

As you can see, there are many associations between your home improvements and your tax liability, so don’t forget about these projects when you file your taxes. Keep careful information, share them with your tax preparer, and get all the tax relief that you should have!

5 Easy Tips for Exterior Painting this Spring

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:45:00 GMT

Are you preparing to spruce up your home’s exterior this spring? Or, are you contemplating placing your home on the market? No matter what the motive, a fresh coat of paint can instantly bring back the overall look of your greatest investment, your home.

When it comes to exterior painting, many people opt for repainting using the similar colors that already exist on the home. But choosing a new color scheme can be exciting and provide a new and updated look. In addition,refreshing your home with a new paint job is one of the most cost effective projects that adds value and long lasting charm. Deciding upon a new color scheme might seem overwhelming at first but these recommendations just might help you through the color choice procedure.

#1 Look at the architecture of the home. Some architectural styles, such as Victorian, lend themselves to elaborate four and even five color schemes. Others, like Georgian or Colonial styles, are better suited to two or 3 colors. Usually this contains a main body color and one or two accent colors for trim, shutters, and doors.

#2 Note the material of construction. If your home is made of brick, wood, aluminum siding or masonry you can paint it practically any color. However if it has vinyl siding, it might be best to paint it a similar hue to the original, although newer paints on the market have been formulated to allow for a wider selection on this surface.

3.Take into account fixed colors. Take into account the colors on and close to the house that either cannot, or will not, be painted. This includes the roof color, and wood, masonry, or stone that will be left unpainted.

#4 Consider the surroundingsLook at the hues of neighboring homes and buildings – particularly those that are right next door.You would not want acolor that is exactly the same as that on your neighbor’s home, and conversely, you don’t want to clash with it either.Also, be sure to take into account any plantings that are in your yard or landscaping.

#5. Check for restrictions. Some newer developments, townhome, condominium communities, and historical districts have limitations on what paint colors or color combinations may be used.To avoid challenges, it’s best to find out about these restrictions before deciding on and applying your new hues.

Why Exterior Painting Should be First on your own Spring To-Do List

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:46:00 GMT

As the springtime weather shifts, every homeowner's interest shifts to the outside . It's time to clean things up, tend to the garden, and make needed repairs to both the home and its surroundings. Where to begin?

Assuming that your exterior paint is is ready for some attention, it's probably best to focus on that initially. And, there are plenty of great factors to start your spring chores with exterior painting. So, why put it off?

Read the recommendations beneath and get started on your own exterior paint job or call Brad Stoner Painting in San Diego Right now!

If your house paint has just about run it's life course, you're taking a chance by procrastinating repainting. It doesn't take much time at all for exposed wood to begin to fall apart. Wait to long and repairs will have to be made before painting can begin.

Another good reason to get to your painting first: Gentle weather is the best time to generate the most durable protective finish using latex paint. It's always best to do exterior painting when the temperature is above 50 degrees F., but not too hot.

If a day starts off mild, but turns sizzling hot, try to prevent painting in direct sunshine, since sunlit surfaces can be 10 to 20 degrees hotter than the air temperature. Make your way around the dwelling so that you are always painting in the shade.

When painting, pick a day that isn't too windy. Like the heat of the sun, wind can lead to latex paint to dry too quickly and prevent optimal paint film development. Plus, wind can stir up dust and other contaminants that can imbed in the paint to create an inviting surface for mildew.

You should also try to steer clear of "weather events" that could affect the paint, waiting for another day if it has rained within the last 24 hours, or delaying the job if several days of rain are anticipated right after you finish painting.

Once you've finished your exterior painting, you can turn your attention to the other things on your to-do list such as the interior painting. What's more, you'll have peace of mind knowing that you've "invested" in your biggest investment – your home.

If you would rather hire a proessional painter rather then do it yourself, call Brad Stoner Painting Right now for a free estimate. (888)-614-2415

Tips on Painting Maintenance Free Materials

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 22:57:00 GMT

We very often hear how certain exterior building materials are "maintenance-free". Once they are attached to your house, you no longer have to worry about them forever, or so the the ads say. Vinyl siding, composite decking, fiberglass trim, and factory-finished aluminum are just a few of the types of materials that fit the "maintenance free" description.

But what about painting them - to improve the color, freshen the looks, or simply provide an extra layer of protection against the elements?

Is it possible to paint something that doesn't require painting?

More often than not, it is possible to paint these materials but it's important that you follow the right procedures when doing so. Here are some handy tips improve upon your maintenance-free materials this spring!

As with all exterior paint jobs, you must first make any repairs which might be necessary, then cleanse and rinse the surface before using any sort of coating. Remove any mildew found, using a 3:1 water/bleach solution, followed by an intensive rinsing. Its always smart to apply a coat of high quality acrylic latex primer when painting maintenance-free materials. A primer can help the paint get a better grip on the surface, and present the finished paint more uniform color and sheen.

It's important that you use the right product. A superior quality 100% acrylic latex paint is a superb choice for almost any type of exterior painting, but it's essential when painting surfaces that can be maintenance-free. High quality 100% acrylic latex paint provides the best adhesion to just about any material, it produces an incredibly durable paint film, and possesses very consistent color and gloss.

As it is true with all painting, its a good idea to apply the primer and paint with quality brushes and rollers. They will make it easier to put down thicker, more protective layers of the coatings, and enable you to get the best appearance for your new paint job.

. So, the next time you are wondering whether a material which is touted as maintenance-free can be painted, wonder no more: The answer then is most likely "yes".

If you are interested in having a professional San Diego painter add new life or further improve upon your maintenance free materials. Please call our office to schedule a free estimate at 888-614-2415.

Enjoy Yourself! Part V

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:32:00 GMT

If you are reading this blog, then I would guess that you’re probably someone who loves color and decorating. Then you should get out and play with color, and develop your own signature color scheme. This is a great time to play with color and discover your likes and dislikes with color.

Find Your Color! Part IV

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:34:00 GMT

If you’re still living with the colors that were there when you moved into your home then you haven’t thought much about your wall colors. Ask yourself why not find your dream colors in 2012? Here's an idea; keep an interior house painting portfolio at home and fill it with magazines and catalog images that you love. They don't just have to be pictures of rooms and interior design photos but anything that has colors that you vibe with. They could be a flower arrangement, colors in a dress, or an outfit. Go into your closet and see the clothes that you buy and the colors that you gravitate towards. Take pictures and add them to your portfolio. You should start to see a pattern emerging of colors that are your color palette. It’s never too late to start building a favorite colors portfolio and since the new year just began now is as good of a time as ever

Never give up on a Room! Part III

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:49:00 GMT

Remember when you painted the guest room in that color you hoped would be blue, but instead turned out gray? I think all of the DIYers have done something very similar. We start painting in earnest, and then slowly start doubting the color choice. We press on, hoping that it will dry “darker, lighter, richer, better.” Only it doesn’t. But we’ve already committed all that time and money on a color we don’t love. So we leave it up. It’s time to admit the mistake and fix it. It’s okay; and you’ll feel better right away.

Change it up! Part II

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:48:00 GMT

Have you ever found yourself repainting a room inside your home or office the same color as before? Maybe the color scheme hasn’t changed for the past five years; it may be time to make a change. Are you ready to change that orange kitchen? If you love orange, maybe you can find a new shade that you love even more. Start with calling Brad Stoner Painting out we will bring out some paint samples and give you a free estimate and you can start having some fun changing things up around the house.

House Painting Resolutions for the New Year

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:35:00 GMT

Be Bold! I know that every design magazine seems to be focused on Beige for the past few years. Beige has some wonderful uses for interior painting, but who exactly is painting everything in Beige ? Our clients continue to want color and bold colors; interior paint and exterior painting color that reflects their personal style.

Color Resolutions Intro Blog

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:51:00 GMT

Like every year we all make resolutions to lose weight, read more, or gain a raise. Unlike personal resolutions that only leave open parking spaces in March and disappointment. Let’s make some resolutions that would actual stick. I would like to introduce Color Resolutions for 2012. I created a small 5 part blog with bite size pieces to help you with these resolutions. So in 2012, let’s be bold; choose colors we love and call Brad Stoner Painting to make it happen.

Welcome to the New Brad Stoner Painting Website

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:24:00 GMT

Welcome to the new Brad Stoner Painting website. Our new website has our all new blog, frequently asked questions about painting and our company as well as new interior, exterior,

residential, and commercial painting photo galleries of previous jobs as well as additional pictures to help you with ideas, colors, patterns, and various techniques that we use. We hope to be able to serve you soon.

Thank you,

Brad Stoner

Latest Painting Information From Paint the Town

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:21:00 GMT

Paint the Town keeps you up to date on any additions or changes made to bradstonerpainting.com, your San Diego destination for information about everything to do with painting; house painting, commercial painting, picking the right contractor, the latest painting trends and much, much more.

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Subscribing to our blog doesn't require an e-mail address. By clicking on the orange RSS icon you can get the latest from “Paint the Town” delivered straight to your inbox or you can easily add the latest house paint information to your home page. What's an RSS Feed? (link) It's a great way to receive information when you need it or receive the latest postings from bradstonerpainting.com. Within this blog is the latest information you need to know for your painting project to be a success! These house painting tips and techniques will help you achieve the beautiful results you desire.

Regards,

Brad Stoner