Matthew's Painting - Serving Warsaw, Syracuse, Columbia City and Fort Wayne Areas Blog

Choosing the Right Paint for your Commercial Painting Project

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:31:58 GMT

When providing an estimate for a commercial painting job in Warsaw recently, I recommended 5 different kinds of paint and preparation for a single business. That is because commercial establishments often have a wide-range of different needs and require a variety of painting applications depending on their use. As a commercial painting contractor, we understand that painting needs for businesses are far more complex than residential requirements and need a higher degree of expertise and professionalism.

There are many issues - such as how to complete a painting project while still continuing your business operations. Or perhaps you simply need some maintenance done with pressure washing or power washing. One of the most basic issues, however, is selecting the right paint or wall covering product. This is where the expertise and knowledge of a professional painting contractor can be so important.

First off, there is a huge range of types of business establishments in Northern Indiana from retail establishments with a high degree of direct customer interaction to industrial facilities that have few customers but may place a lot of wear and tear on a paint job. Depending on the use of your space, different types of paint will be needed. Business office buildings and multi -residential operations all have their own specific needs. Some of the specific types of commercial establishments we work with include but are not limited to:

Apartment Complexes/ Condominiums
Healthcare Establishments, laboratories and medical facilities
Restaurants, retail stores and shopping centers
Schools, government facilities and community centers
Storage, manufacturing and industrial facilities

Larger operations often have a property or facility manager for whom Matthews Painting becomes a trusted advisor. Such managers will have to balance budgetary issues with aesthetics and practical maintenance considerations. If your business does not have someone dedicated to this role, our commercial painting expertise will be even more important to you.

In general, commercial establishments require higher durability paints than residential, although certain multi-family complexes will need a highly durable paint for common areas. For the most part, the kind of durable paints used by businesses will typically be over-kill - and too expensive - for a single family residence.

It is also important for paint and wallpaper coverings in a commercial establishment to be easily maintained. Standing up to frequent washings and stain resistance will help make maintenance easier and less expensive over the long-term. In certain manufacturing and industrial settings, we will select a paint that can stand up to chemicals and other by-products of these kinds of businesses. Business establishments that have exposure to excessive moisture will also require paints adapted to such conditions.

Whether to use an epoxy, enamel, acrylic or latex based paint is one factor when selecting types of paint. The application method - brush, roll or spray - may also determine the kind of paint used. There are a huge range of paints that we can use depending on the needs of your business. An important service we offer as a commercial painting company is to review all the benefits, characteristics and costs of your choices for paint or wallpaper coverings.

Another important consideration for commercial paint projects is the wide variety of surfaces we encounter. Different paints work better on specific kinds of surfaces. Whether you are painting stucco or metal, it is important to have the right paint for the job. Also, when a business has exposed infrastructure such as ductwork, bar joists, or decking, using the right kind of paint will be critical.

Matthews painting understands the many complexities that come with painting your commercial establishment. Our expertise with the variety of paints available and which one to use for your specific business needs is reason enough to consult with us on your business painting needs.

Do it Right the First Time with a Professional Painting Contractor

Thu, 09 May 2013 15:14:34 GMT

Much of my time is spent visiting homes and businesses to give estimates and advice. As I travel throughout Northern Indiana to towns like Columbia City, Leesburg, Syracuse, North Webster, Warsaw and Winona Lake, I see a common pattern. Many of the jobs which I am asked to give a quote for were recently done by the owner or another amateur and failed due to peeling, chipping or blistering because of inadequate preparation or poor paint application.

One problem is that a new paint job almost always looks good. Shortcuts or unprofessional methods in prep work will often not show up for a year or two. That is why we offer more than the typical 1 year warranty. The simple truth is that there is a big difference between a professional residential and commercial painting contractor and a do-it-yourselfer or amateur ‘handy-man'. That is why Matthew's Painting places a premium on the experience and professionalism of our painting crews.

We are a registered painting contractor with the State of Indiana and all of our painting professionals are employees with over 100 years of combined experience rather than sub-contractors. I do this to instill in our painters a corporate culture that places a premium on customer service. Background checks and drug screenings are performed on our employees before and during their employment with the company. Our painters work in customers' homes and businesses, so it is critical that they be trustworthy and dependable.

Matthews Painting also provides on-going training and safety education to all our painters through our trade association, Painting and Decorating Contractors of America. We want to be sure they are safe, responsible and kept up to date on the latest advances in painting knowledge and skills. Whether they brush, roll or spray, our uniformed employees are skilled craftsmen and respectful workers who are trained to be neat, courteous and professional. We have restrictive policies on smoking, inappropriate language and loud music on job sites. The goal is to minimize disruption of household or business activities while we work.

Our crews typically start early so they can leave before the dinner hour. They are expected to tidy the work site upon completion each day. There will always be a crew leader on site to answer any questions or respond to any customer concerns.

These are just some of the measures that play a central role in training Matthew's Painting crews. Paint projects can be highly intrusive, limit access to parts of your home or business and often require temporary displacement of furnishings. Reducing our customers' inconvenience is part of what it takes to be recognized as an A+ rated Better Business Bureau Painting Contractor.

The other requirement to qualify as a Northern Indiana BBB painter is consistent, high-quality workmanship. At your request during interior work, we can remove dust and fumes generated by interior drywall prep or oil-based painting projects can be evacuated out a window by our turbine ducted fan and air control systems. Toward completion of each job and prior to leaving the premises, crew leaders will schedule a walk through to guarantee that terms of the bid and your expectations were met. The quality of our work is why Matthews Painting is comfortable offering a 3 year warranty on exterior applications and a 5 year warranty on interior applications.

When a project is completed, the remaining paint will be left in a convenient location of your choosing and clearly labeled to identify place of purchase, product used, color and sheen of finishes. This is important in the event that future touch up is needed or if you want to match your paint in another room. These are just some of the benefits of using a professional painting contractor for your next paint job. So, the next time you have a paint project, consider having it done right by a professional painting contractor and contact Matthews Painting.

Older Homes May Need Siding Repairs Before Painting

Thu, 02 May 2013 14:04:51 GMT

The warming weather has us thinking about exterior painting. First, it's important to get your house ready to paint. If you live in an older house, this may require some carpentry. Matthews Painting has a lot of experience painting historical homes in Kosciusko County towns like North Webster and Warsaw. Nothing matches the look of real wood, but Northern Indiana weather can take its toll on these old homes. Because it is wood, clapboard is vulnerable to insect infestations, wet and dry rot, algae, mold, mildew, cracking and bowing if not regularly maintained. The good news is that most of these issues can be prevented and even resolved with proper caulking and painting.

Though regular professional painting can help maintain the clapboard siding for years, you will sometimes have to replace some portions of the siding if maintenance has been inconsistent. Since historical homes have had generations of owners, chances are good that the exterior painting has not always been kept up to date. If this is so, you will have to make some repairs.

Our residential exterior painters always begin a project with a thorough inspection of the clapboard siding for loose or bad boards. Rotten clapboards need to be replaced and loose boards need to be re-nailed prior to any further work being performed. If you have deep gouges, they'll need to be filled with exterior-grade spackling. Spot-prime each gouge with high-quality exterior primer, which will adhere well to the wood and provide a good surface for the filler to adhere to. Once the primer dries, fill the gouge with spackling. Deeper holes may require two applications. After sanding it down, apply primer again to hide the spackling repairs.

If your clapboard is badly damaged and the wood has lost its integrity, replacing those portions is critical in maintaining a weather resistant exterior envelope. Fortunately, our professional painters have the tools and experience needed to do this well, and keep your siding in good shape. Of course you will first need to remove the old, damaged clapboard. There are subtle techniques required to do this without damaging the sound clapboard around it since they are nailed together.

Once the damaged pieces are removed, you need to scrape off any caulk that may be on the remaining clapboard so those surfaces are well prepped. The wood quality of some old clapboard is worth preserving, but at times it is easier to remove whole sections so that the new siding will blend together well. It depends on how well your new siding resembles your old. This has to be determined on a case by case basis and we work closely with homeowners to determine which option will be best for you.

To extend the longevity of your new siding, prime it on all sides before installing. Give it plenty of time to dry. Once the new clapboard is secure, be sure to caulk it well. Wipe excess caulk away with a wet rag before it dries. Once the caulk has dried, you are ready to move forward on the paint job. Caulking is one of the great secrets of home maintenance. A quality caulk job - preventing moisture from getting into nooks and crannies - can add years to your exterior siding, trim, doors and windows. Our exterior painting professionals will check all your caulking as a part of painting prep. It is important to monitor your caulk on a regular basis and it may need to be refreshed between paint jobs.

Matthews Painting offers the carpentry expertise to repair damaged clapboard. So if you are considering an exterior paint job, be sure to contact us to do it right.

Indiana’s April Rains and Erratic Temperatures Make it Hard to Paint Exteriors

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:40:47 GMT

Northern Indiana has experienced some dramatic swings in temperature and a lot of rain in the past month, making it difficult to determine when the time is right to begin an exterior paint job. If you are considering new exterior paint for your residence or business, you need to know when conditions are suitable for a quality, long-lasting exterior application.

Adding to the confusion are the sometimes confusing product data guidelines provided on paint cans. For example, if your paint instructs you to apply only when temperature is above 50 degrees, is it talking about the ambient temperature or the surface temperature? How do you even measure surface temperature? A Better Business Bureau painting professional like Matthews Painting will not only be aware of the weather conditions but will also know the specifications of the paints being used. Because we will only paint in conditions that assure the longevity of the application, we provide a 3-year warranty on our paint jobs.

Our Northern Indiana climate makes this is a very challenging time to begin your exterior paint job, but after a long winter people want to get started and a few warm, sunny days offer encouragement to begin. The problem is that April in Indiana is characterized by wild fluctuations in temperature and frequent rain. In fact, with all the rain Lake Wawasee is beginning to rebound from record low levels and flooding has occurred in low lying areas of Winona Lake, Leesburg, Syracuse and other Kosciusko County towns. All this moisture and varying temperatures present a risk because painting your exterior in the wrong conditions will be detrimental for its long term viability.

Even if the air temperature and surface temperature are adequate, your paint job is still at risk if it drops below freezing at night before your paint job cures. The availability of paints that allow for application at lower temperature - some as low as 35 degrees - offers more flexibility. Oil paints tolerate lower temperature applications, but will require longer drying times when it's cooler. The problem with these new options is that they tempt one to push the limits. Painting can be done in late fall or early spring, but the risks to achieving a quality paint job increase in variable conditions. Humidity levels also matter and if you are painting in humid conditions, you need to be aware of the dew point at which applications are acceptable.

While it may now be possible to paint in colder temperatures with paints designed for it, other materials such as caulking, fillers and primers still need warm weather. Also, even if the conditions are right while painting, you need to consider drying time and the weather forecast. If it freezes before your paint dries, this can ruin the application. Since cooler temperatures slow drying time, you may have to wait longer between coats when painting in marginal conditions.

Another characteristic of early Northern Indiana spring is frequent rain - especially this year. There are now paints available that develop a moisture-resistant film in half the time as regular paint. Oil-paints are also less vulnerable to moisture. However, damp conditions and rain simply do not lend themselves to a quality paint job. Even if the temperatures are adequate, exterior house painting during spring in Indiana requires you to keep a close eye on the rain forecast and know whether your paint will cure before the next rainfall.

When it comes to moisture, the moisture content of the surface to which you are applying the paint is very important. In fact, this is such a critical factor in the long-term durability of your exterior paint job, I will address it separately in a future blog. For now the important thing to know is that you can't simply assume that conditions are acceptable if it is not raining. You'll need to be sure that your exterior has had time to dry and that it will not be exposed to moisture before the paint has cured.

Matthews Painting takes all these variables into account when determining the best time to apply paint to your exterior. As professional exterior painters, you can be assured that if the conditions are not suitable for a quality, long-lasting coat of paint, we will wait for the right conditions. Despite the erratic weather conditions of the past month, it is not too soon to discuss your exterior painting needs with us. Contact Matthews Painting today for a free estimate and consultation on when conditions will be right for painting your home or business.

Drywall Repairs: Hard Work for a Smooth Finish

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:00:32 GMT

The best quality paint and most skilled painter will be insufficient to paint a wall that is inadequately prepared. That is why I talk so much about prep work in my blog and why Matthew's Painting places such an emphasis on our interior painters' drywall repair skills.

Imperfections in drywall can be the most difficult to cover up with paint and if a patching job is not done right, it will stand out once painting is completed. Small holes, dings and dents are fairly easy to cover with spackling, so many people will take this on themselves, forgoing the advantages of a painting professional. What they fail to realize is that the true challenge is to smooth the surface - or match the texture - so that the patch job doesn't show up after painting. This is hard to do right and is always a messy job.

Almost any paint job will require touch-up work on the dry-wall. Many need a lot more than touch up. One of the more common problems is nails or screws that have popped out. These may need to be removed and replaced with new screws. It is important that the new screws are not applied in the same place where the old ones were. Once the dry-wall is secured, both the old hole and the new screws must be covered and smoothed over.

Smoothing the edges is very important because painting over a surface will amplify the smallest grooves. One of the most common mistakes I see amateurs make is to think they have sufficiently smoothed over a drywall patch, only to find their patch job glaring out at them because they failed to match the patch's texture to the existing surface or failed to spot prime the repair with the right primer.

Stress cracks and more serious damage such as a hole made by a slamming door knob will require reinforcement with fiberglass tape. We want to make sure the patch is solid and that it will not show through the paint job. That's why we may apply 2-3 thin coats of a quick set joint compound spread over a larger area than normal. This method ensures that even minor nicks are filled and makes it easier to achieve smoothly -sanded and feathered edges so that our drywall repairs don't have ridges, humps, and lines.

Sanding down spackling creates a lot of dust that will get into everything. This is why Matthews Painting sets up plastic sheeting ‘walls' to isolate the space we work in when sanding spackling compound. We have created an exclusive ventilation system using a turbine ducted fan and air control system to exhaust the dusty air out of your house right away. This is an example of small but important steps we take to make your interior re-decorating project the least intrusive as possible. If you've ever had a home covered in the fine white dust of sanded spackling compound, you understand the value in taking this extra pre-caution. And you and your family will, quite literally, breathe better.

Another important detail that sets our professional residential painting company apart is that, when repairing drywall or ceilings, we will re-texture them to closely match the original drywall texture: it's not always about making the surface smooth. This is hard to do by yourself. If your job requires retexture like stomp, spanish lace or popcorn, you should probably talk to us. If there is water damage and stains on your dry wall or ceilings, we will make sure it is well concealed by applying the right primer. There are a lot of small details that Matthews' professionals know how to do when you need to repair your dry wall in preparation for painting. Find out more by contacting us for a complimentary consultation today.

Preparation is Important in Life – and Painting

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:44:39 GMT

In painting, as in life, some of the most important work is in the preparation. A good prep job is critical to the look and longevity of your paint job. As a professional painter, I know that techniques for surface prep are going to vary depending on many factors. For interior painting, glossy surfaces can be especially tricky; if you want your new coat of paint to adhere it is important to get this right. Glossier sheens such as semi-gloss and satin are especially common on doors, trims, windows and cabinetry. They are also preferred in kitchens, bathrooms and stairwells due to their ease in clean up and maintenance. If you are painting any of these areas, you need to be especially attentive to your preparation methods.

To do this right, you first need to know what kind of paint you are covering. If you live in an older house, built before 1978, it is critically important to know if you have any lead paint. Sanding lead paint is hazardous, and removal must be done professionally. So don't take this lightly. As a member of the Indiana Chapter of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America, Matthews Painting adheres to painting industry standards in dealing with lead paint. Coverage, as opposed to removal, is typically the best remedy, but each case must be determined individually. If you suspect you have lead-based paint, you need to consult a painting professional before proceeding.

Even if you don't have to deal with lead paint, you need to know what kind of paint you will be covering to determine the preferred preparation techniques. There are important differences between oil and latex-based paint. Fortunately, it is easy to tell the difference. Just take a cotton swab soaked with ammonia or alcohol and rub an inconspicuous spot. If paint comes off, it is not oil-based.

Glossy surfaces can be the most challenging to prep and the most important to do right. If you are doing your interior trims or cabinetry, surfaces that often have a glossy sheen, you will need to prep it properly so that the new coat adheres. There are several techniques, but the ultimate goal is the same: you want the surface to be clean, dull and dry. In short, you need to remove the gloss.

There are several methods for de-glossing, each with their own benefits and disadvantages. Sanding is a great method for smaller areas such as trim and can be used for all types of surfaces, but can become a difficult job if you need to do a large area.

With chemical de-glossers you can clean and de-gloss in one step. These work better on latex. In the right circumstances, chemical de-glossers can be much easier than sanding. The issue may come down to whether you'd rather deal with dust from sanding or harsh chemicals requiring protective gear and ventilation.

Scouring with abrasive pads and a cleaning solution is another option to clean and de-gloss in a single step without the harsh solvents found in chemical de-glossers. It presents an alternative to sanding for oil-based paints, but can be messier as it often results in a drippy, wet sludge that will need to be removed with paper towels.

Even after you have de-glossed a surface, a coat of primer is usually recommended when painting over the glossier sheens. This can depend on the type of paints you are working with. For example, if you are covering an oil-based paint with latex, you definitely want to use an oil-based primer first.

It is worth looking at primers that are specially formulated for your particular conditions. There are many variables to consider, but some rules of thumb do apply. Generally speaking, it's more important to use primer when dealing with glossier sheens. Primers are also crucial when you are covering old coats with a new type of paint (eg. oil to latex) or changing the sheen (eg. semi-gloss to flat).

Application methods - brush, roll or spray - may also influence the type of painting preparation work required. Whatever the particulars of your situation may be, Matthews Painting Company is always available to provide a complimentary consultation. Contact us anytime to assess what kind of prep work will be required to make your next interior paint job a success.

Wallpaper Removal – Taking a Giant Leap in Re-decorating.

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:12:40 GMT

I have found that the need to remove wall paper often presents a psychological obstacle to people's redecorating plans. Many find this task to be intimidating, and for good reason. I once had a customer in Warsaw who was a dedicated ‘do-it-yourselfer', but admitted that she decided to use a professional residential painting company because she didn't want to deal with layers of old wallpaper. If your old wallpaper is fading, peeling or simply boring, now is the time to deal with it.

A new wallcovering transforms a space from dull to brilliant. To get started, however, you need to determine what you are dealing with. This is where Matthews Painting can help because our house painters are experts at wallpaper removal and stripping & installation. There are a lot of variables to consider when removing old layers of wall paper. The approach taken will differ depending on the underlying surface material and the type of wallpaper adhesive. Most walls are either drywall (gypsum sandwiched between layers of paper) or plaster smoothed over lath (either strips of wood or metal mesh). If you don't already know what you have, the easiest way to tell is simply by feeling it or tapping it. Plaster is typically harder, smoother and colder than drywall and when tapped, drywall sounds more hollow than plaster. If you are still not sure, remove an outlet cover to see the exposed edges. It is important to know the wall's surface material depending on your removal technique. Drywall is at greater risk for water damage; so don't over-wet it. Also, when it comes time to scrape, drywall is more vulnerable to gouging.

Once you have determined your wall surface, you need to know what kind of wall paper you have. Hopefully, you are dealing with paper that is dry-strippable. Lift a corner and try peeling it off. If it all peels off, the removal job will be much easier. If it's not easily removed or only the decorative surface layer peels, then it is going to be a messier job. Depending on the kind of adhesive, you may just need to dampen it with warm water. More stubborn adhesives may require wallpaper remover solvents or steamers. Also, if your wall paper is non-porous or covered with a coat of paint, the job can get complicated.

If you are dealing with a non-porous wall covering such as foils, vinyl or acrylic finishes you'll have to perforate the surface by scratching or roughening it so that moisture can penetrate the nonporous surface and reach the adhesive. You can test for porosity by applying a small area with hot water. If the paper is porous, you should see the paper absorb the water immediately. After the paper is wetted, you can scrape it off. The scraping tool you use will also depend on the type of wall and wall covering you have. It can be very hard not to gouge the moistened dry-wall when using a sharp blade - so a putty knife will be preferable in these circumstances.

Removing wall paper without causing damage can be a delicate operation. Using methods such as wallpaper removal solvents and steamers can be downright hazardous. Indiana homeowners are well advised to speak with a professional to know what you are facing. When Matthews Painting conducts a complimentary consultation, we will let you know what you are up against. So don't hesitate to call us when you finally decide to get rid of that old wall paper and refresh your interior walls.

Prepare for the Spring Party Season with Interior Painting

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:28:26 GMT

Here in Indiana it is all too common a scenario: A homeowner is moving and re-painting their home's interior to prepare it for sale. As our painting crew wraps up the job, the homeowner admires the improvement and regrets they had not done the job sooner so they could have enjoyed it themselves.

The immediacy of a home sale often prompts people to finally get around to re-painting their interior and/or exterior. As a result, people miss out on enjoying the benefits of a new paint job while they live in their home. Why not use an upcoming event, such as a graduation party, to motivate you to upgrade your home's interior? Enjoy your new interior painting with your friends and family.

The simple fact is that a fresh interior paint job is one of the simplest and best ways to give your home a makeover or deal with water or smoke damage on ceilings and walls. That is why many people who want to refresh their interior space start with a paint job. And spring - with cleaning and parties - provides the perfect motivation to get you started.

Tellingly, each spring we get a rush on interior jobs for families planning graduation parties, Memorial Day and June weddings. If you are planning any such festivities, you better get on our schedule now - we're filling up fast.

If you are planning a big event, painting can be one of the best ways to prepare. You are refreshing your walls and updating your color scheme. It is interesting how often, after a long Northern Indiana winter staring at the same walls, people are ready to try some new interior paint colors. We can fill you in on the latest color trends and give you new ideas to consider from a wide-range of Sherman-Williams' paint colors. We also have a color visualizer on our web site on our residential painting and staining page to help you determine the colors that will work best in your space. Just click on the picture that says "Choose Your Color" and get started.

One reason people put off re-painting their interior is the perception that the prep work will be difficult, time consuming and obtrusive. For example, removing wallpaper glue is intimidating and messy. Drywall repair can seem unending. The answer is simple: leave it to our professional painters who are experienced in wall paper removal and stripping and drywall repair and re-texturing.

Your paint job need not be extensive to make a difference. Sometimes a fresh coat for your trim, doors and windows is all you'll need to freshen up your home for the spring party season. Whatever the task, Matthews Painting makes it easy. We know that interior painting can seem daunting to many. That is why our professional painters are trained to be as unobtrusive as possible. We'll commit to a schedule, tell you exactly what to expect and communicate clearly with you during the process.

Our painters know that, as employees of a Better Business Bureau Residential Painting Company, their task is to minimize any inconvenience you might experience. They arrive and leave on schedule and they will stay on your job until it is completed. If you contact us soon, we can be sure to work within your party schedule and get the job done in ample time for your event. Call Matthews Painting today and plan to refresh your home's interior this spring.

A New Paint Job: The Most Cost –Effective Way to Enhance the Interior and Exterior of your Business

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:47:11 GMT

Property managers in Northern Indiana know that a new paint job is one of the most cost-effective ways to spruce up their commercial enterprise. As an experienced commercial painting contractor, Matthew's Painting specializes in commercial paint jobs and understands the unique needs that go with it. A professional painting job is often the easiest way to deal with your maintenance needs.

It is also possible that you do not need a new paint job, but maybe professional cleaning. We do that as well. We'll tell you if pressure washing will be your most cost effective solution. Of course, needs vary depending on the type of business. We have experience with a wide range of commercial enterprises including:

Residential complexes such as apartments and condominiums
Hospitals and other healthcare establishments
Restaurants and retail outlets
Schools and public facilities
Storage facilities and warehouses
Manufacturing and industrial facilities

There are a range of motivations and considerations for any commercial paint project, but durability is a common concern. A durable paint job is not only due to paint selection, though that is certainly important. Power washing and surface preparation can be keys to the longevity of your paint. As professional painters, we focus on making sure the surface is adequately prepped before applying a coat of paint.

To determine the scope of your project, it is important to determine your goal. What are you trying to accomplish in upgrading your commercial paint job? Is it customer focused, such as sprucing up a reception area? Are you concentrated on employee morale and upgrading your work space? What about an exterior paint job to improve your public image? A new paint job may be the best public relations step you can take.

Depending on your goal, the method of application is also important. Whether we brush, roll or spray will depend on the specific needs of your establishment. This is not simply a function of the quality of your paint job, but also of the operating needs of your business. Most businesses can't afford to stop all operations in order to re-paint. The specific capabilities of Better Business Bureau painters must include the ability to work within the constraints of your operations.

Matthews Painting has learned to be flexible in adapting to your business's operating environment. When selecting commercial painting companies, there are some important considerations:

Do they have the range of skills needed to prep a variety of surfaces like drywall, stucco and masonry?
Do they have a wide variety of choices in paint colors, finishes, interior wall coverings and exterior embellishments that will help your commercial enterprise stand out?
Are they able to accommodate your operating needs so that you maintain business hours and can they work without interrupting employee traffic during the painting process?
How conscientious are they about cleanliness and protecting your furnishings, equipment and merchandise?

Matthew's Painting understands that any interruption of operations can be bad for your customers and hinder your employees. That is why we place a premium on service while working with you to minimize intrusions on your business's routines. When we visit you for a free estimate, we will start with identifying and understanding the needs of your business operations. Then we will review all your options and recommend the most suitable solution. Consider an upgrade to your business by working with a reputable commercial painting company and contact Matthew's Painting today.

Is Your Log Home Protected from Spring Rains?

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:30:56 GMT

With melting snow and April rains approaching in Indiana, this is the wet season and heavy moisture is a big threat to your log home. So it's a good time to see how your log home protection is holding up. As a residential painting and staining company, Matthews Painting has expertise in log home staining, restoration, sealing and maintenance. One thing we have learned is that you can enjoy the benefits of a log home for years - if you attend to regular maintenance now. Wet weather poses a huge threat to your log home's exterior, but basic precautions and regular maintenance will protect the look - and value - of your home.

When it comes to log home maintenance, there are several issues to consider, but the most important is protection from the elements - moisture and UV damage. Wood preservatives are a vital treatment - repelling water and preventing algae, mold and mildew growth. Preservatives also keep insects away. Additionally, many choose to include chemicals called "biocides" in their wood treatments. These chemicals provide another preventative measure against harmful growth. It's important to apply these treatments every few years for maximum protection of the exterior, but be sure to use preservatives specifically designed for log homes.

Many wood preservatives contain biocides already, which I recommend. Additionally, wood preservatives contain sun block. This is advisable since your log home is exposed to UV rays all year. Over time, UV damage can alter the appearance and strength of your logs. For log home preservatives we mainly use Sikkens products and are one of only four Sikken certified contractors in Northern Indiana for complete log home restoration. Sikkens is one of the leaders in log home staining and sealing products. For water base options, we like to use Lifeline Ultra 2 from Permachink.

If you are due for a new coat of exterior log home stain, you have further options to enhance protection. Aside from rejuvenating the look of your home, this will create another layer of water-repellent protection and can even help reflect UV rays. Such preventative maintenance and upkeep is typically done every few years. But in the interim, there are other services such as cleaning and washing that are important to improve both the look and condition of your log home.

Regular inspections of your log home's exterior finish helps ensure the protection and desired look of your precious logs. As a professional painting company, we are also experts in log home maintenance. That means we can do periodic cleaning and pressure washing that is so important to your home's appearance and prevention of mold and algae growth. When cleaning exterior logs, however, it's important to do it in ways that cause the least harm to your finishes. Let us know if you would like a complimentary, professional inspection for your log home from a Better Business Bureau painting company.

All these actions not only protect your home, but ensure its beauty. In addition, regular maintenance results in lower costs to maintain your finish over the long haul. Regular care delays the need to completely remove old, deteriorated finishes. Most importantly, it helps maintain peace of mind that your home is protected. Log homes are in high demand and will continue to appreciate in value. We at Matthew's Painting are house painters with expertise in log homes. Contact us today to help you keep your log home solid, valuable, and beautiful.

Determine Now if You Need Exterior Painting this Year

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:08:15 GMT

As Spring approaches in Indiana, home and business owners need to begin planning their spring cleaning and property maintenance projects. Now is the time to determine the status of your exterior paint job to know if a house painter is needed to re-paint or to do some preventive maintenance to assure long term durability. At Matthews Painting we are already scheduled for exterior painting jobs several months out, so if you are going to need a residential or commercial painting company this Spring, you will need to get on the schedule soon.

Exterior painting is one of the biggest maintenance jobs for a home or commercial business owner - and one of the most important. Exterior painting is critical to the long term maintenance of any building. The deterioration that occurs when a paint job has degraded can happen quickly and be substantial.

Your exterior paint provides important protection to your building's structure. It protects from moisture and UV damage. Once this protection is compromised, the damage that occurs - in addition to contributing to the structure's degradation - also requires greater time and expense for the prep work. Power washing will not be sufficient once underlying damage sets in. Every day you put off repainting means more time doing prep work. Consequently, it is far preferable to re-paint too early than too late. Regular inspections of your exterior are essential to cost effective maintenance and upkeep.

There are three basic reasons to repaint your home or business. The first two, because you want to change the color or because you plan to sell, are up to you and do not require a special inspection. Since paint is one of the best ways to improve your home's curb appeal, it is well worth considering if you plan to sell. For a business, a new paint job is a great way to improve your company's public image.

The third reason to do exterior painting is for maintenance. Depending on the quality of your previous paint job, this can happen in as little as 5 years and as much as 20 years. A rule of thumb is that, 5-7 years after your previous paint job, you should begin an annual inspection and keep a close eye on some particular areas where you might notice your paint starting to deteriorate.

Obviously if your exterior is peeling or faded, it's time to call us. But if there are not overt signs of damage and decay, you will need someone with more expertise to inspect. When examining your property, we look for more subtle indicators of paint failure, caulk failure, and wood deterioration or rot. Specifically we look for fading, peeling or cracking of the paint. If the paint surface is chalky, this indicates that the paint is breaking down. Pushing on the surface will show if the wood is solid or has deteriorated.

Caulking is very important for protection against moisture. Has the wood shrunk and the caulk cracked? There are numerous things that can go wrong with caulk and if it is not holding up, bigger problems are inevitable. Algae, mildew and mold are sure indications of moisture problems and these have to be dealt with right away. Especially check your trim, doors and windows. If you wait too long, the work to repair rot will be more expensive and time consuming. Reputable, Better Business Bureau painters know the importance of the little things, like caulking, to prevent water damage.

When Matthews Painting comes to do a complimentary exterior inspection, we will look at more than just your paint job. We will examine your roof, shingles and decks to see if they are due for a low or high pressure cleaning. We also clean aluminum and vinyl siding, stucco, block, steel corrugated siding, decks, piers, shingles, and much more. Preventive maintenance can be one of the best investments you make in your home or commercial business, so contact Matthews Painting today to keep your property well maintained.

Paint Finishes Matter

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:22:44 GMT

I have previously discussed the importance of paint color for interior painting and redecorating. This is typically the prime motivator when seeking to upgrade one's paint scheme. Typically, however, homeowners are less aware of the impact and importance of the paint sheen they select. Also, businesses and commercial locations need to consider the impact of the type of paint finish on durability and maintenance as well as creating a relaxed but productive environment for their employees.

There are a wide range of paint finishes such as flat, matte and egg shell on the flatter end of the spectrum to satin, semi-gloss, and gloss for glossier finishes. There are benefits and disadvantages to each type of paint finish and they all have distinct applications. Your choice of paint sheen matters and we at Matthews painting have the knowledge and experience to help you figure it out.

One of the considerations is your lighting and the reflective qualities of each sheen. A shiny glossy paint has practical benefits for cleaning and maintenance, but can feel cool. Flatter paint finishes are less practical for maintenance, but can have a warmer feel in filtered light.

Look around your house and determine the areas that are heavily trafficked and require frequent cleaning. Durability and ease of cleaning is one of the main considerations in selecting a paint sheen. Though many contemporary manufacturers now make paint of all finish types with good cleaning qualities, a rule of thumb remains that the shinier the paint finish, the better it will stand up to washing and cleaning. This is a helpful consideration when painting areas that the kids use. That is why a satin paint may be appropriate for the walls of a kids room, whereas a flat or egg shell may be preferable for the master bedroom or accent wall.

Kitchens and bathrooms that have heavy usage, splashing and steam may require a semi-gloss paint. While this will be especially true of cabinetry, satin may suffice for some of the walls.

For textured walls or if you need to conceal surface imperfections, you will want to use the flatter finishes such as a flat or matte, which are less reflective of light. A corollary to this is that any surface in which you use a glossier finish needs to have the drywall well prepared because the gloss will highlight the slightest drywall imperfection.

The standard for interior walls is a satin finish, though a flat enamel or eggshell are good options as well. Satin finish has a smooth, velvety look and a bit more gloss. It is often used for doors, windows, trim, and walls where you anticipate frequent cleaning such as heavily trafficked hallways and the kid's play room.

Semi-gloss or gloss finishes have limited interior applications in a home, but some people will use this for a special accent on certain trims, cabinetry and doors or in certain commerical locations like a lobby or waiting room. Most ceilings are painted with a flat sheen, but an eggshell can work as long as the ceiling surface is flawless.

It is not unusual to use 2 or 3 different paint sheens for an interior paint job and sometimes a color that works well with an eggshell finish will be less appealing with a glossier finish. It simply is not enough to select your interior paint scheme based on color alone.

At Matthews Painting, our experience is that the choice of which sheen to use needs to be made on a room to room basis, and we will help you work it out. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation on which paint finishes will work best in your home or business.

Warming Colors for a Cold Indiana Winter

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:26:37 GMT

These latter stages of our Northern Indiana winter offer a chance to consider how your interior paint scheme can keep you cozy and warm. It is no secret that interior paint colors make a huge difference in the feel and comfort of your home. So perhaps an upgrade will help make our notorious winters pass more pleasantly.

But what paint colors to choose?

We at Matthews Painting have found that choosing a color combination is often the biggest obstacle to those who want to improve their interior space. This is understandable since color selection can powerfully and dramatically impact a space and everything in it.

Some are intimidated by the many theories around paint colors and their impact on mood. For example, though blue is considered to be calming, relaxing and serene, it can also be unpleasantly chilly depending on lighting and hue. Also, while yellow can be energizing and uplifting, some studies claim it results in shorter tempers. Neutral colors (black, gray, white, and brown) may seem dull and uninteresting, but they are basic ingredients in any interior design toolbox. Their virtue is in their flexibility, providing a foundation upon which other colors can add desired accents.

Though we tend to divide colors into warm (red, yellow, orange) and cool (green, blue, violet), it is not as simple as that. Nearly any color can ‘feel' warm or cool depending on factors such as hues, undertones and the lighting of a particular room. Also, the existing colors of your furnishing and accessories will influence how a specific paint impacts that room. Finishes, too, alter a color's ‘feel', with glossier finishes appearing cooler and flat finishes adding warmth.

There are really a number of factors to consider in selecting appropriate interior paints. But one thing is certain: re-painting your interior wall space is the most cost-effective way to make a huge impact on the comfort of your home's décor. And this matters when facing a long, cold Indiana winter.

Our winters tend to be overcast, so consider colors that look good in filtered light. Lighting variations - both direct and reflective - impact the appearance of a color. That is why this is a great time of year to examine your interior painting scheme. Many feel that the highly filtered light of overcast skies calls for muted tones. Others want brighter paint colors to counter the dull greys of the winter months.

What paint color do you think works best in your home?

Color preferences are highly subjective, so let us help you make the choice that works for your family. We have 15 years of experience in helping clients select a suitable paint color. We start by assessing objective factors. What is the context of each room? What kind of natural light and exposure does it have year round? What are the colors of the furnishing and accessories already in place? Also, how do you use that room and what kind of feel do you want to achieve? Relax and subdued? Cozy and warm? Active and productive? Once you've answered these questions, selecting paint colors becomes far easier.

Matthews Painting has learned a thing or two about color selection and we will share our experience with you. We have a huge list of color samples, which are larger than what you find at the paint stores, to help your choice. We can tell you what has worked well for other clients. Ultimately, your choice is very personnel because it's your family that will live with it. But we can help you get there.

For a complimentary consultation and advice on color selections that will warm your home through a long, cold Northern Indiana winter, contact Matthews Painting today.

Log Homes Grow in Popularity in Indiana

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:06:46 GMT

At Matthews Painting, we have seen a huge increase in the popularity of log homes. Once only sparingly used as seasonal homes, log homes have moved well beyond the log cabin days. Today, 85% of log homes are built as primary residences meant to be used year-round. The average size of a log home has increased as well, from 1,500 square feet 20 years ago to 2,400 square feet today. Quite simply, the concept of a log home as a rustic seasonal dwelling has shifted to that of a permanent, luxury dream home.

There are a lot of good reasons for this trend. Log homes have been shown to maintain and appreciate in value more than other construction styles. This is due not only to the high demand, but to their durability and energy efficiency. As they have entered the mainstream, it has become easier to mortgage and insure them. Their value is not simply in resale (people tend to hold onto their log homes, so they sell quickly when coming to market), but in savings and in energy costs due to insulation benefits as well.

Another reason Log Homes are so popular is that they look great. Of course, maintaining their aesthetics takes some special attention, which has become one of Matthews Painting's specialties. Requirements for the maintenance and upkeep of a log home are unique from other construction styles. It is important to know what you are doing and to use the right cleaning, staining and sealing materials.

There are many options for treating your log home both to protect against damage and maintain an attractive look. Cleaning is important both immediately after construction and for on-going maintenance. Also, there are a range of treatments to protect against mold, mildew, fungi and insects that can threaten your home's longevity. Of course, moisture is an ever-present threat as are ultraviolet (UV) rays. In addition to the application of wood preservatives, a wide variety of finishes can enhance water-repellence and improve protection against UV rays from the sun. Weathering and other hazards will be inconsistent depending on your home's exposure and conditions in your particular area, so regular inspections are critical to the upkeep and maintenance of your log home.

This is where Matthews Painting's expertise comes into play. We specialize in exterior maintenance and treatment of log homes, so I will be updating my blog to elaborate on the things you need to be informed about in every season. Of course, we are always available for a complimentary inspection of your log home. With the proper maintenance and upkeep, your log home will be solid and look great for years to come. Check back here for more useful and detailed information on the proper care of your log home.

Gutter Staining

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 07:14:18 GMT

ARE YOUR GUTTERS UGLY?
New Gutter Zap Chemical For Cleaning the Exterior of Gutters

Gutter Zap cleans black streaks off gutters caused by electrostatic bonding. Pressure washing alone will not remove these types of stains. We simply wet down the gutter, spray on the Gutter Zap chemical, agitate with a brush and rinse off with the pressure washer. Gutter Zap will clean gutters quickly and easily and it will not harm vegetation. Give Matthews' Painting a call at 574-834-3575 or contact us through or website for a free quote and watch those zebra stripes disappear! This gutter cleaner will remove black marks from your gutters and make them look brand new again!

Removing Black Mold, Mildew Stains and Streaks From Roof Shingles

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:53:42 GMT

After much research throughout the years on proper roof cleaning, Matthews' Painting Company from Warsaw, Indiana now has a "No Wash No Scrub" roof and shingle cleaning system which cleans and removes black mold and mildew stains and streaks off of roof shingles. This roof and shingle cleaning system also removes green mold and algae. It also works well on synthetic decking, such as Trex. This application is all performed without the use of harsh chemicals such as bleach and acids, so it is safe for your roof, landscaping, and family. Household bleach can damage asphalt shingle due to its high sodium content. Apparently, the sodium causes an electrochemical reaction that reduces the elasticity of the asphalt leading to stiffness, brittleness and curling of the shingles. Our process requires no pressure washing or scrubbing of the roof shingles.

Pressure washing roof shingles is not recommended. Pressure washing or aggressively scrubbing mold and mildew off of roof shingles or roof tops reduces the shingle life by nearly 50% because it removes some of the gravel coating. The gravel coating on an asphalt shingle serves as a UV inhibitor from the suns harmful rays, and serves as a fire retardant. Pressure washing or "shampooing" an asphalt roof shingle, which require high pressure and/or scrubbing, will cause shingle damage to some degree. Our roof cleaning system does not damage your shingles.

For more information or a free quote on removing black or green mildew, algae, or mold from your roof shingles, call Matthews Painting Company at 574-834-3575 or contact us on our website.

Professional Roof and Shingle Cleaning for Warsaw, IN, Winona Lake, IN, Leesburg, IN, Lake Tippecanoe, North Webster, Syracuse, IN, Lake Wawasee, Goshen, IN, Elkhart, IN, Columbia City, IN, Rochester, IN, Culver, IN, Plymouth, IN, North Manchester, IN, Fort Wayne, IN and surrounding Indiana cities.

Pressure Washing House Before Painting

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:08:37 GMT

It is important to have a clean surface before painting the exterior of any home or business. Pressure washing, the proper way, is the best solution to achieve a clean surface on your home prior to painting or staining . Many homeowners get nervous when they hear the word Power or Pressure Washing. This is usually due to the fact of a bad experience in the past. You may have hired the wrong Painting or Pressure Washing Contractor to pressure wash your home, or maybe had a horrible experience pressure washing yourself which resulted in damaged siding or an unclean surface. Whichever is the case, the below pressure washing tips will help ease your mind for Round #2.

It is true, pressure washing can cause damage to your siding or deck if you, or the person you hire, does not have the right pressure washing equipment or does know what they are doing. At Matthews' Painting Company, we pressure wash around 50 homes a year. We know that with the right pressure washing equipment, right tip size, and proper pressure washing methods, that pressure washing can be a successful means of cleaning your homes exterior prior to exterior painting or staining. Here are a few tips to follow before attempting to pressure wash the exterior of your home or business:

1. Combine Bleach and a product like Jomax in a 1-2 gallon garden sprayer according to label directions.

2. Take a garden hose and wet down any bushes or foliage that are near the home so that the solution does not harm them.

3. Apply the cleaning solution (working from bottom to top if you are not painting) to one side of your home at a time. For example, you could start out with a 10' x 30' area.

4. Allow the cleaning solution to remain on the wood siding for approximately 5 minutes.(Do not allow the solution to dry if you are not painting) Rinse off the bushes and foliage again with water from the garden hose.

5. Start pressure washing your house working from top to bottom keeping the below points in mind:

Make sure your tip size or setting on the pressure washing wand allows the widest fan possible. The spray should be as wide as your 4 fingers spread wide open when it actually hits your house
Usually, you want the pressure washing wand to be at a distance of 6-12" from the house depending on the size of your pressure washer
Pull the trigger on the pressure washing wand while you are out away from the house, then bring it in closer to start the pressure washing
Make sure you work horizontally and try to pressure wash an entire piece of siding rather than stopping and going on the same piece. If you have to stop in the middle of a piece of siding, pull the wand back before letting go of the trigger
Try to overlap each horizontal pass of the spray by 50% so that you know you are pressure washing 100% of the surface
Try to remove any gray wood, which is UV damage from the sun
Make sure you are not veining the siding(leaving deeper grooves or texture between the growth rings on the siding) If you are doing this, you are too close and need to back up a bit, speed up your passes, or lower the pressure some
Make sure you are not striping the wood(leaving vertical lines on the siding) This is caused by pulling the trigger on the pressure washing wand while too close to the siding or letting go of the trigger before pulling the pressure washing wand away from the house.

Did I scare you? Pressure washing is not an easy task for a novice. If you would rather hire a professional to perform your pressure washing or exterior painting, give Mathews' Painting Company a call at 574-834-3575 or Contact us right here. Jason Matthews, the owner, will give you the quote the day he comes out. He can also give you ball park pricing on the phone prior to coming out.

Professional Pressure Washing and Power Washing services for Warsaw, IN, Lake Tippecanoe, Lake Wawasee, Syracuse, IN, Winona lake, IN, North Webster, IN, Leesburg, IN, Goshen, IN, Elkhart, IN, Columbia City, IN, Rochester, IN, Culver, IN, Plymouth, IN, North Manchester, IN, Ft. Wayne, IN, and surrounding Indiana cities. If your area is not listed, please contact us.

Professional Pressure Washing and Power Washing services for Kosciusko County and parts of Allen, Elkhart, Fulton, Huntington, Lagrange, Marshall, Miami, Noble, Wabash, and Whitley Counties.

Remove Wallpaper Successfully

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:30:34 GMT

I am sure many of you have tried to remove wallpaper and called it quits after too many failed attempts or it it just taking too much of your time. Matthews Painting Company, from Warsaw, Indiana has been removing wallpaper for over 13 years. Try following some of our wallpaper removal procedures and techniques as mentioned below:

Supplies you will need:

1 gallon of DIF Concentrate, NOT Gel!
Garden pump sprayer, any size
Absorbent paper drop cloths with plastic back
6 wide drywall knife, which you might call a large putty knife
5 gallon bucket and sponge
Screwdriver for removing outlet and switch covers
Stanley knife or smaller razor blade knife
Drywall Pan
A fan
Guardz sealer and primer from Zinnser (If drywall gets damaged)

1. First we recommend moving all the furniture to the middle of the room and covering with plastic. Lay down absorbent paper drop cloths with a plastic back to catch and absorb wallpaper removal solution. Take off all the outlet and light switch covers and cover with tape and plastic to keep moisture out. Tape and plastic any phone jacks as well.

2. Next, find a seam on the wallpaper. Using a putty knife, start to pry up the wallpaper seam. If you can start a wallpaper seam and remove the top layer off in its entirety, or at least in large pieces, then continue to do this throughout the entire room before applying any solution. What will remain at this point is a fuzzy paper called backing. It will be white or off white. If you cannot get the top layer of wallpaper off or if the wallpaper just comes off in little pieces, stop. (In some cases the wallpaper was hung before the trim was installed. If you find this to be the case, you will need to carefully use your razor blade knife at a 45 degree angle and cut the wallpaper from around the trim. This works best prior to applying the solution. Another option is to remove your trim, but you would have to have an experienced carpenter handy to reinstall it back for you.)

3. Fill half of a 5 gallon bucket with hot water; you will use this later to remove wallpaper glue. Now mix the DIF solution in your garden sprayer with 1 gallon of hot water according to label directions. Spray down 2-3 sections of the wallpaper or the fuzzy wallpaper backing using a fine mist. Start at the top of the wall and work downward overlapping your spray. Continue to repeat this on the same 2-3 sections until the wallpaper or wallpaper backing will not take anymore solution. You may have to wet these same sections up to 4-6 times to have success in removal. Here is a test; touch the wallpaper or wallpaper backing a couple of minutes after your last application. If your fingers are soaked, then you do not need to re-apply the solution.

4. At this point try to peel off the wallpaper or wallpaper backing. If the wallpaper or wallpaper backing starts to tear, or does not come off at all, repeat the application procedure in #3 above. If it still is difficult to get off, use your 6" drywall knife to scrape and lift the wallpaper or wallpaper backing away. If the backing remains after removing the top layer of wallpaper, or if you have multiple layers of wallpaper, repeat the solution application procedure in #3 above as well.

5. Once the wallpaper and wallpaper backing are off, mist the area of the wall where you just removed the wallpaper from. This step will assist you in removing the glue that is still on the wall. Starting at the top of your wall, start scraping the glue downward with your 6" drywall knife while holding your drywall pan on the wall underneath, so that it is catching any heavy residue of glue. After you have removed most of the glue this way, use your sponge and hot water to remove the remaining residue of glue off of the wall. If you touch your wall, and it still feels tacky, then you need to keep sponging until the tacky feel is gone. Change water often in your 5 gallon bucket and wring out your sponge often. Pay close attention removing glue in the corners and along trim since these places are often missed.

6. Turn on a fan and dry out the room for 1 day. If there is any torn drywall area that expose the brown drywall paper, cut out the loose areas with your razor blade. Next, seal your walls with Guardz primer. This you will brush and roll on. It is a thin product that goes on milky, but dries clear. Now you are ready for drywall repairs and spot priming your repairs with the Guardz. Now you are ready to paint your walls. If you are re-hanging new wallpaper, use wallpaper sizing prior to hanging.

7. If this seems all to overwhelming, call us or contact us on our website and we can give you a quote. We service the Warsaw, Syracuse, Leesburg, Fort Wayne, Columbia City, Goshen, Elkhart, Winona Lake, Rochester, Plymouth, North Manchester, and the surrounding areas.

Professional Wallpaper Stripping,Removal, and Hanging services for Warsaw, Winona Lake, Leesburg, Lake Tippecanoe, North Webster, Syracuse, Lake Wawasee, Goshen, Elkhart, Columbia City, Rochester, Plymouth, Culver, North Manchester, Ft. Wayne, and surrounding Indiana cities. If your area is not listed, please contact us.

Professional Wallpaper Stripping, Removal, and Hanging services for Kosciusko County and parts of Allen, Elkhart, Fulton, Huntington, Lagrange, Marshall, Miami, Noble, Wabash, and Whitley Counties.

Deck Maintenance by Matthews' Painting

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 17:24:18 GMT

With the number of decks Matthews Painting has pressure washed and stained over the years, many of our clients are unaware of these 4 simple deck maintenance procedures that they can perform themselves to prolong the look and protection of their porch floor or deck.

1. Using a product like Simple Green and Hot water, simply mop your deck floor, stairs, and top of the railing each Spring and Fall, then rinse gently with your garden hose. If you notice black mildew forming on your deck, use 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of hot water, and use a pump garden sprayer to mist the deck down. Work small sections at a time and rinse after the bleach solution has remained on the surface 5 minutes. Do not allow the bleach solution to dry on the deck. It is best to apply the bleach solution on a shady or cool day. (If black mildew does not go away, increase the bleach concentrate or leave the solution on a few minutes longer)

2. Do not slide your deck furniture, table, grill, pots or any other heavy items on your deck. If you have to slide deck furniture, adhere plastic knobs or feet onto the bottom of the legs using a 2 part epoxy.

3. Occasionally move flower pots or rugs to a different area of the deck so that the deck area underneath can dry out.

4. When there is heavy snow fall, use a PLASTIC shovel only to remove most of the snow off of the deck. This will reduce the amount of weight on the deck and the snow will melt quicker allowing the deck to dry out. Do not attempt to remove all the snow, or you will start to scrape away the finish on the deck. Never use a metal shovel.

For more information contact us or call 574-834-3575

Professional Deck Staining and Sealing Contractor for Warsaw, Indiana, Lake Tippecanoe, Lake Wawasee, Syracuse, Indiana, Winona Lake, Indiana, Leesburg, Indiana, Goshen, Indiana, Columbia City, Indiana, Rochester, Indiana, Plymouth, Indiana, Culver, Indiana, North Manchester, Indiana, Elkart, Indiana, Fort Wayne, Indiana and surrounding Indiana cities. If your area is not listed, please contact us.

Professional Deck Maintenance and Staining Contractor for Kosciusko County and parts of Allen, Elkhart, Fulton, Huntington, Lagrange, Marshall, Miami, Noble, Wabash, and Whitley Counties.

Ladder Recommendation by Matthews'™ Painting Company

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:37:00 GMT

The Original Multi-Purpose Ladders

Little Giant is the world's finest ladder, combining the strengths of traditional A-frame ladders, extension ladders, stepladders and even scaffolding, all in one convenient package. Matthews' Painting Company, LLC, who services the Warsaw, Syracuse, Columbia City, Goshen, Elkhart, North Manchester, Fort Wayne, Rochester, and Plymouth Indiana areas has three of these ladders and we stand behind them and recommend them to all of our painting clients.

Safety

The Little Giant is designed for safety. Since it's adjustable, the Little Giant can be used safely on stairs, ramps, curbs, piers or other uneven surfaces. And, with the triple-locking hinge, the Little Giant Ladder is sturdier than ever in the extended position while painting up high in or outside your house or business.

Strength

The Little Giant is made of heavy-wall, 6005-T5 aluminum, the very same material used in aerospace construction. So it's ultra-strong while remaining light and portable.

In fact, The Little Giant Type 1A is government-rated to hold up to 300 pounds, but has survived brutal stress testing of up to 1200 pounds with absolutely no structural failure. No, we do not have 1200 pound painters!

Versatility

No other ladder gives you the versatility of a Little Giant. Independent tests prove the Little Giant will replace 60-70% of all portable ladders currently being manufactured. If you are going to paint your home, this is the last ladder you will ever purchase.

Visit their website at http://www.littlegiantladder.com/

Professional Residential Painting and Staining Contractor for Warsaw, Indiana, Lake Tippecanoe, Lake Wawasee, Syracuse, Indiana, Winona Lake, Indiana, Leesburg, Indiana, Goshen, Indiana, Columbia City, Indiana, Rochester, Indiana, Plymouth, Indiana, Culver, Indiana, North Manchester, Indiana, Elkart, Indiana, Fort Wayne, Indiana and surrounding Indiana cities. If your area is not listed, please contact us.

Professional Residential Painting and Staining Contractor for Kosciusko County and parts of Allen, Elkhart, Fulton, Huntington, Lagrange, Marshall, Miami, Noble, Wabash, and Whitley Counties.

Hints On Wall touch up

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:34:03 GMT

Touch-ups on walls and ceilings painted long ago can sometimes create a more unsightly finish than the old paint itself. To avoid this it's important to use the original paint only that Matthews' Painting or your other painter left for you for retouching existing finishes.

It's also important to realize that any white will not match any white. There are hundreds of shades of white paint available from dozens of manufacturers. And what about semi-gloss, eggshell, high-gloss, oil-based, etc. Can these finishes be retouched successfully? As a general rule, flat paint can be retouched the best without "flashing". The other sheens may require you hiring a professional painting company.

What is Flashing?

Flashing is a term used by professionals to describe the obvious difference in finish that will occur when retouching old or shiny paints. Flashing is most obvious when viewing a surface from the side. Look down a wall while standing at one corner of a room. You will see all the imperfections in the surface when light is reflected off it. Any difference in the overall finish is called flashing.

Flashing will also occur when a shiny finish is applied over bare wall patches. Wall repair mud and spackle must be primed with a latex primer before finishing with a shiny paint.

If you suspect that the irregular appearance of your walls is caused by failure to prime wall repairs before applying a shiny finish, coat the spots with flat and then touch up the shiny finish.

Choosing Paint for Touching Up

If possible, always use the original paint. That is, the can leftover from the original job. If the original paint is not available and it is a stock color (a premixed color made at the factory, not mixed at the store) then a new can of the same color may be attempted.

Custom mixed colors will usually not match the original paint. The problem is the accuracy with which the color is mixed at your local store. Different people, operating the same machine, will use slightly different amounts of tint. All it takes is a tiny change in the amount of tint to change the color enough to show on the old finish. Even computerized machines can produce enough of a difference in the mixed color to cause a mismatch. If you must get a new batch of paint, check the color for matching before proceeding with your retouch job.

Fixing Flashing

When you have a flashing problem with your touch-up job, the best solution is to paint a whole wall from one break to another. This "Paint from Break to Break" method will diminish the noticeable difference in the new finish if the color is not exactly right.

A break in a wall is usually the corner but can also occur when trim molding stretches from baseboard to crown molding. The molding breaks up the wall into isolated sections. An isolated section like this can be repainted with a closely matching color and the minor color difference will not be noticeable. Wall corners work well as breaks because the two wall surfaces reflect light differently, making it hard to see varying shades.

Touching Up Flat Paint

Make sure your paint is mixed well before putting it on your walls. Shake the can or stir just before using it. Retouch using a brush on previously brushed areas and a roller on previously rolled areas.

Check to be sure the touch-up is blending well with the original finish. Touch up a small area and wait for it to dry completely. Use a hairdryer if you're pressed for time. When it is completely dry, examine the finish while looking down the wall. If you can see the spot where you applied the new paint, then your touch-up job will not look very good. If this is the case, use the "break to break" method described above to touch up.

Touching Up Shiny Paint

Shiny paints can be the most difficult to touch up. This includes eggshell, semi-gloss and high-gloss, as well as any oil or alkyd-based paints. Even flat oil and alkyd will flash if you try to touch up in the middle of a wall or ceiling. For all these finishes use the "break to break" method to freshen the finish. Original paint or not, the only way to avoid a flashing problem is to do a whole wall.

Touching Up Trim Molding

Trim should be treated in the same way as shiny finishes, painting from one break point to another. Break points for trim are the points where two separate pieces of molding come together as at the corners of a door or window frame. The corners of an individual piece of trim molding can also form a break point between the edge and the face of the molding.

To touch up on a door casing, for example, do the case molding on one side, from where it meets the floor to where it meets the top of the frame. Don't touch the edge of the casing where it meets the wall, just do the face. The touch-up will not be noticeable because the edge is seen at a different angle than the face of the molding.

Dealing with Stains

Touching up the paint is one thing, but stains present another problem. Some stains will bleed through the new coating if they aren't sealed first. Water, ink, cigarette smoke and grease stains will all ruin your touch up job. Use a shellac-based or a stain blocking oil primer or sealer to block these stains before touching up. It may be necessary to do from one break to another when treating stains like this.

Professional Residential Painting and Staining Contractor for Kosciusko County and parts of Allen, Elkhart, Fulton, Huntington, Lagrange, Marshall, Miami, Noble, Wabash, and Whitley Counties.