Utah Color Trends 2009
Color trends change over time, however there are few color variations that have withstood the test of time and tend to be best used to satisfy the wides range of consumer wants. Topping the list are the simple natural colors that sooth our minds and hearts in these tough economic times. Those colors that give us comfort and seem to create a calm and conferting feeling in the air.
Leading manufacturers such as Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore have always had a number of good quality colors that are deep and inviting, both of which have created a number of new colors in the neutral color scheme for 2009. You can get a basic idea of color from visiting their websites, however, you will never know how a color is going to look and feel in your home or office unless you put it on the wall. All paint stores sale sample colors and some will even give you a few to take home if they know you will be buying the paint for your project from them once you've decided on color.
Whether you are working with a professional like myself, or painting yourself it is always best to put samples on the wall. The best location to put these samples are up against the door casing and baseboard. Always put the sample on at least in a two foot by two foot square. It is also important to view the sample in the daytime and night time both will yield a different color.
A good professional paint contractor will take the time to work with you to pick the color you want in your home. Do not ask your contractor to pick the color for you. Ask for suggestions and other questions that are important to you such as the following:
1. What are the most popular colors you have put in homes?
2. I am looking at a neutral brown tone what colors have you found that look the best to you?
The questions are endless, but remember that this is your project and your decision. Keep in mind things such as what color your furniture and carpet are and ask your painter to explain how a red couch may cause your wall color to look a different shade.
Happy Hunting!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Furniture Refinishing Peck's Painting has been refinishing furniture for many years. Over time we have developed a system that can restore almost any piece of wood to its original beauty.
First, I work on removing the existing coating on the piece of furniture by applying a thick coat of heavy duty thick stripper. As soon as the thick stripper starts to bubble up I apply an additional stripper that is thin like water. This stripper is used to help penetrate under the first stripper and keep it wet letting it work for a longer period of time. After approximately 15 minutes or so I will remove some of the bubbled coating with a broad putty knife, if it all comes off with light pressure I continue removing all of the coating. If it does all come off I will apply an additional coat of the thin stripper and let it sit for another 15 minutes. Repeat until the coating comes off very easily. HINT: Let the stripper do the work. This is not the time for elbow grease.
Second, after all the coating is removed use steel wool soaked in lacquer thinner and wash the entire piece. This will leave the piece slightly dirty and will need to be wash with a clean rag soaked in lacquer thinner. This process is an important step for three reasons. 1. It dries the wood out so it can be sanded the next day without gumming up on you. 2. It lightens the old stain up so you can stain the piece after sanding. 3. When you stain the new piece there will be a uniform deep penetration.
Third, wait a day so the wood is plenty dry to sand and stain. Let the stain dry for a few hours and then you can varnish with a high quality polyurethane varnish. I prefer using Pratt & Lambert stain and varnish products, but there are many great products available. On furniture that will be well used such as a dinner or coffee table make sure you put at least 4 coats of varnish on the top surface.
First, I work on removing the existing coating on the piece of furniture by applying a thick coat of heavy duty thick stripper. As soon as the thick stripper starts to bubble up I apply an additional stripper that is thin like water. This stripper is used to help penetrate under the first stripper and keep it wet letting it work for a longer period of time. After approximately 15 minutes or so I will remove some of the bubbled coating with a broad putty knife, if it all comes off with light pressure I continue removing all of the coating. If it does all come off I will apply an additional coat of the thin stripper and let it sit for another 15 minutes. Repeat until the coating comes off very easily. HINT: Let the stripper do the work. This is not the time for elbow grease.
Second, after all the coating is removed use steel wool soaked in lacquer thinner and wash the entire piece. This will leave the piece slightly dirty and will need to be wash with a clean rag soaked in lacquer thinner. This process is an important step for three reasons. 1. It dries the wood out so it can be sanded the next day without gumming up on you. 2. It lightens the old stain up so you can stain the piece after sanding. 3. When you stain the new piece there will be a uniform deep penetration.
Third, wait a day so the wood is plenty dry to sand and stain. Let the stain dry for a few hours and then you can varnish with a high quality polyurethane varnish. I prefer using Pratt & Lambert stain and varnish products, but there are many great products available. On furniture that will be well used such as a dinner or coffee table make sure you put at least 4 coats of varnish on the top surface.
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