Colorful Insights

Lead is serious and needs to be treated that way!

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:59:00 GMT

Do you know how dangerous lead can be to you or someone you love? Most people know that lead is something that used to be in paint, but it is not that bad.... FAIL! Lead is serious business and it needs to be given the respect that it deserves.

Lead chips are harmful and should never be ingested, but they aren't the serious threat like most people think. Lead dust is the real deal! To give you perspective, if one sugar packet contained lead dust instead of sugar and that dust was released it would be enough to completely contaminate a 1,500 square foot home! So if you have an average size three bedroom home and start sanding away, please make sure you don't have lead paint. Lead dust is easily transferred from clothing, to car seats, to couches, to anything... Think about coming home from a hard days job and plopping down on the sofa. If you look closely you will see all this dust float up and away..... If you had been working around lead based paint all day that could pose a serious problem.

Lead poses the most serious threat to children under the age of six. Lead contamination has been linked to lower IQ's, learning difficulties, poor muscle coordination, hearing damage, and behavior issues. And young children are unable to get away from the lead dust that could be present in places where they lay or sit. Imagine a child strapped into a car seat - the same car seat that was strapped into the car where the parent was working around lead dust all day. Take a close look at the links below and view the case studies of a lead paint inspector from Dallas, TX.

If you own a home that was built prior to 1978 and would like a painting consultation please let us know - Custom Coatings Inc is RRP certified and we would love to help you with your lead remediation project!

http://networkedblogs.com/x2EdG

By Patrick Stilwell

Roof Coatings

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:08:00 GMT

Roof coatings are a major component of our business here at Custom Coatings inc. At times people have a hard time grasping how a painting company can fix a roof and provide a water tight warranty, but when you take time to think about roof coatings and how they work it becomes clear!

First, you have to know that the roof can be coated. We can generally coat any type of roof except one that has gravel on it. The simple fact is that you cannot get them clean enough to coat. Another factor to make sure of is that they are not too far gone. While coating roofs can help to extend the life of a good roof indefinitely, there is no cure for a roof that is already saturated or just plain bad. Over the many years of coating roofs we have become quite adept at inspecting roofs and before we coat we also have an infrared test performed. Proper testing is the only way to make sure a roof can be coated. For instance performing an adhesion test is incredibly important – you want to make sure that the coating you are going to apply is going to stick and not peel off in big sheet!

The other reason we are so good at installing roof coatings is because our crews understand coatings and how they work. Our crews know the ins and outs of applying liquid coatings (paint) because it is what they do every day. So if they know how to properly apply coatings on a 100’ tall building how much easier do you think it might be to apply coatings at your feet? Much more simple if you already have the proper knowledge and understanding of how coatings work!

Take a look at the full article on adhesion testing below and check out the videos of an actual adhesion pull test. And contact Custom Coatings for all your Roof Coating Needs!

http://bloggingpainters.com/adhesion-test-coating-epdm-roof/

http://youtu.be/JuZPfX0urnk

http://youtu.be/5Y_Ix_RgM1I

Painting can be challenging

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:09:00 GMT

Have you ever started something and after getting in a little too deep figured out you should have never gotten your hands dirty? That is often the sentiment we see from our clients. They started a project that looked easy from the outside, but once they got the paint all over the place they realized it was not going swimmingly.

Plantation shutters are something that is not quite as easy as it may seem. Painting them is something that a DIY’er should really think about before taking it on. They can be tricky enough to install correctly, much less put them back in the right spot after painting them. The louvers can slide as you are trying to paint and if you get too much paint on them they won’t operate correctly any longer. They may not close all the way, they may stick, etc… There are a lot of functional issues with painting plantation shutters.

Also, you want your paint job to look good, right??? If you brush shutters it will take a LONG time. And if you don’t spray them correctly you will cause yourself a great deal of frustration. The shutters are so small that it is quite easy to apply way too much product. Take a look at this article and associated video – then call Custom Coatings Inc when you are ready to let us help you paint your shutters!

http://bloggingpainters.com/2012/02/08/plantation-shutters-call-a-pro/

Patrick Stilwell

Caulking is more important than you realize!

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:33:00 GMT

Why Caulking Is Important

Caulking provides two beneficial purposes. The first is to cosmetically enhance the appearance of a project by closing gaps and creating a smoother transition; The second (and most important) is to provide a seal between two areas or surfaces to keep water from getting into the building or house.

Painters generally use caulking for aesthetic reasons. Uncaulked gaps between: exterior surfaces, between two surfaces, along the top of baseboards, in wood trim, along cabinets and counter-tops - will look unsightly and unprofessional. Caulking eliminates the gaps.

Water intrusion into a home or building can have devastating effects on the property. The water can rot wood, freeze inside masonry and cause defects or potentially create mildew. Caulking is just one basic step to help keep these and other problems from happening.

Like any skill, proper caulking requires practice. Here are some helpful hints to help with your next caulking project…

- Read the labels and buy the correct caulking for the job. When using caulking on the exterior of your home, be sure not to apply it in extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.

- Buy a good caulking gun that comes with a built-in cutting tool and wire attachment for piercing the tube's inner seal.

- Cut the tip at an angle and at the smallest opening you think you will need. Be sure to apply enough caulking to cover the entire gap properly so that the edges of the caulking can adhere to the surface and the caulk is thick enough to fill the gap. Most errors installing caulking are due to not installing a large enough bead in the gap. However, too much is not good either. It does take practice.

- Use a damp rag, usually followed by a wipe with your finger, to smooth out the bead of caulking. Do this right away, or it will start to skin over quickly and will get lumpy and hard to work with.

- Always leave ample time for the caulk to dry if you are going to paint over it, or it will shrink and crack the paint as it cures.

- When you are finished using the caulk make sure to push a nail into the end of the tube of caulk for storage, as this will prevent the caulk from drying out between uses.

If you follow these simple tips you too can caulk like a pro!

Joe Brindle

Taking the time to make it right!

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:55:00 GMT

How much time does it take to paint something? Anything? Walls, trim, ceilings, furniture, etc…. Time is probably the single most important thing to figure out when thinking of repainting something in your home. Clients we do estimates for are often shocked at how much time it takes to properly paint something. They think we should just slap up some paint on the walls and move on. What we actually do and what people “think” we do are two ENTIRELY different things. If you have ever done a little painting you know how rewarding it can be. You also know how frustrating it can be when it does not turn out just how you envisioned. I know that prior to working for a commercial coatings company I had NO idea how involved such a simple task could be. I also never knew how to make a wall look good or how to make trim pop! Painting is truly an art and the absolute biggest hurdle in getting it right is time. If you follow a few simple rules then you too can achieve the quality results you are looking for! You can have that “wow” factor! Take a look at the first article in a two part series on interior painting and go paint something! OR give Custom Coatings a call and allow us to help you out!

http://bloggingpainters.com/2011/10/27/homeowner-tips/

Patrick Stilwell

Business Development Manager

“Cool Wall” Exterior Paint Technology Can Save You Big Money

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:32:00 GMT

There is a new technology available to help homeowners hold down air conditioning costs without sacrificing comfort. It is called "COOL WALL™ ". COOL WALL™ coatings have been shown to reduce air-conditioning demand by nearly 22 percent, according to tests by the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

“The tests found that the COOL WALL™ exterior coating's revolutionary heat reflective finish significantly reduced exterior wall temperatures by as much as 40 degrees Fahrenheit when compared to traditional paints and coatings. More important, the tests showed the Cool Wall coating also lowered interior temperatures in both CBS and wood-frame homes,” said Jay Haines, president and chief executive officer of Textured Coatings of America Inc. His company's TEX•COTE® SUPER•COTE™ COOL WALL™ exterior coatings were the subject of a nearly two year-long series of DOE tests.

"Obviously, the savings vary depending on the home's location, as well as its construction type, its orientation to the sun, surrounding shade features and so forth," said Haines. "But the DOE tests confirmed a measurable and significant difference in the energy required to cool the home in all instances."

The most extensive DOE tests were conducted at the Oak Ridge test site in Tennessee, with additional tests conducted at actual homes in Jacksonville, Fla., and Phoenix, Ariz. The tests demonstrated that the COOL WALL™ coating could lower the costs of cooling a typical 1,100-square-foot ranch-style home by as much as 21.9 percent, Haines noted.

The SUPER•COTE™ finish can last for decades without fading, flaking, peeling or chipping," said Haines. Because of this durability, the SUPER•COTE™ finish virtually eliminates the need short repainting cycles that costs the homeowner loads of money.

The long-term savings in maintenance expense, coupled with the annual savings in air-conditioning costs, have resulted in a dramatic increase in interest in the "COOL WALL™" coatings in recent months, Haines said.

Start down your own road to savings by considering Cool Wall for your home or building. Give our professionals at Custom Coatings a call at 828-326-0953 and let us provide you with a free estimate on your project.

For more information, visit http://www.azobuild.com/news.asp?newsID=3798

What Kind Of Preparation Work Will We Do On Your House?

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 20:00:00 GMT

Our experts get asked this question a lot.

A paint job is only as good as the steps you took to prepare for it. Thorough and proper paint preparation is the key to a professional-looking paint job that will last.

What we’re saying is that before you do anything else, you need to make sure you're intended surfaces are prepared correctly to ensure a beautiful, long-lasting finish. We’ve seen many attempts at painting that were performed with very little or no paint preparation at all and the results were disappointing.

We’ve heard it said that once you apply a coat of paint onto a surface, it's like a magnifying glass was put over it. That statement is very accurate. The smallest imperfections and mistakes, dirt, grime, whatever, come shining out at you like a spotlight! Careless paint preparation can result in a dirty surface, and peeling or bubbling paint.

Things a good contractor should do in order to ensure your area is ready for a proper prep and paint job include:

Clear intended work space of furniture, and other stuff
Remove all wall (receptacle) and switch plates, and any hardware
Scrape/Sand peeling paint and dirt spots on surfaces
Fill and caulk all holes and small cracks
Thorough cleaning (basic paint preparation!)
Tape off surface areas you don't want paint on
Prime any newly repaired surface (especially new drywall or bare wood)

Without preparation like pressure cleaning, scraping, sanding to a tightly adherent feathered edge, etc…. no matter how expensive the paint is, it is not going to last!

We know proper paint preparation is not fun. It’s dirty, and it can be time consuming. Let us do it for you!

Give Custom Coatings a call at 828-482-0618 when you’re ready for your next paint project. Our trained paint professionals know all the right steps to take in order to ensure the finest quality and longest lasting paint job possible. We’ll be happy to provide you with a free estimate and set up a time to complete your project.

My Deck Paint Is Peeling. What Can I do?

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 20:02:00 GMT

There is no easy solution or one-size-fits-all for this problem. Treated deck boards weather and crack. People have been misinformed that painting a deck will stop the weathering process and help it to hold up well for a long time. That’s just simply not the case.

If you apply a solid stain, paint, or other film-building product to your deck, it will almost always peel. This happens because water gets inside the cracked wood, and then releases, causing damage to the coating.

In over 20 years of business, we’ve never seen a deck that has not weathered and peeled, to some degree. >But there is a way for you to keep your deck from peeling, and it involves regular maintenance.

The proper way to seal a deck is to stick to sealer-type products, and re-apply the sealer every two to three years as needed. You will know when it’s time to reseal because water will no longer bead up on your deck. That’s a sign that your sealer has lost its effectiveness and needs to be redone.

Custom Coatings is an industry leader with more than two decades of experience in commercial, industrial, and residential painting and coatings projects. We know what types of deck sealer are the best and we take pride in the quality of our work.

Our mission is to educate you on the most cost effective way to achieve your desired results. We will take the time needed to help you understand all of your options through a detailed consultation and written proposals with specifications - not just a price.

85 percent of our business is repeat business. We take pride in that. Our customers routinely refer us to the family, friends, and neighbors when the opportunity arises.

Just call us at 828-482-0168 and let us provide you with a free estimate on your next project.

How Long Will My Deck Coating Last?

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 20:03:00 GMT

Deck Coatings deal with direct surface hits from all of the weather’s most harmful elements. Sun, snow, water, and ice all combine to cause your deck coating to deteriorate and fail.

Typically, we tell our customers that deck coating, when done properly, will last about two to three years, depending on the elements it endures. You will know when it is time to redo your deck coating, because you will notice that water stops beading up on it. This means the coating is no longer working.

There are many different types of deck coating products available, and it can be difficult to figure out exactly which products are best for your project. That’s why we always advise utilizing the services of an expert in the field with experience in a variety of different types of decks.

Custom Coatings is an industry leader with more than two decades of experience in commercial, industrial, and residential painting and coatings projects. Our business is built on expert knowledge, outstanding customer service and the highest quality work for each client we serve.

We rely on a knowledgeable team, excellent supply chain partners and continually educate our employees on the latest methods and equipment to maximize efficiency, durability and energy savings. We are fully licensed and insured and lead the industry in safety.

85 percent of our business is repeat business. We take pride in that. Our customers routinely refer us to the family, friends, and neighbors when the opportunity arises.

Just call us at 828-482-0168 and let us provide you with a free estimate on your next project.

How Long Will My Paint Job Last?

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 20:04:00 GMT

This question is one of the most commonly asked questions our Custom Coatings experts are asked when we are talking to homeowners about their projects.

Typically, we tell our customers that a well-planned, well thought-out exterior paint job with the right preparation work and a premium acrylic paint should last 8 to 10 years. This is not to say that your paint job will still look brand new in that time, but it should surely last.

Exterior exposures play a large part in determining how long paint will last. The sunny sides of the house will tend to start to deteriorate first, before the sides which may see more shade or be sheltered by trees.

Darker colors will also tend to start to fade faster than lighter colors, so this is another very important consideration when you start thinking about your home painting project.

This is why we encourage our customers to choose the right quality of paint the first time. Many people think that they can save money by choosing a lower grade of paint, but in reality, that paint will not last as long and you will have to repaint your house more times over the life of the house.

That will end up costing you more than if you use a higher quality of paint that lets you wait longer between paint jobs. At Custom Coatings, our experts have decades of experience in understanding the difference between paint manufactures, the types of paint that are available, and how to make sure they match the quality of paint to the application it is being used for.

85 percent of our business is repeat business. We take pride in that. Our customers routinely refer us to the family, friends, and neighbors when the opportunity arises.

Just call us at 828-482-0168 and let us provide you with a free estimate on your next project.

Should I Ask For A Warranty From My Painter?

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 20:06:00 GMT

Some companies will offer warranties for their paint jobs, and others won’t. There are some considerations to take into account when you are ready to ask that question of the contractor you’re talking to about your project.

First, keep in mind that paint will not last forever. With that said, a high quality paint job with the right type of paint for your situation is well worth a warranty.

Second, the longer the term of the warranty you seek, the more costly the job is going to be. Form definitely follows function here. If you get an extended warranty on your new car, that is going to add to the cost of the vehicle. The same is true for things such as electronic appliances and other types of machinery.

You should expect to pay more for the value of a long-term warranty. You should also expect that if the contractor you’re hiring is concerned with the quality and workmanship of his efforts, he will provide that warranty to you. If he hesitates to stand behind his work, you should question whether or not he is the right contractor for the job.

At Custom Coatings, our experts have decades of not just experience, but certified success. 85 percent of our business is repeat business. We take pride in that. Our customers routinely refer us to the family, friends, and neighbors when the opportunity arises.

Our business is built on expert knowledge, outstanding customer service and the highest quality work for each client we serve. We rely on a knowledgeable team, excellent supply chain partners and continually educate our employees on the latest methods and equipment to maximize efficiency, durability and energy savings. We are fully licensed and insured and lead the industry in safety.

We offer worry-free projects with dedicated, background checked employees who are reliable, prompt and trustworthy. Simply select your paint color and we will handle the rest.

Just call us at 828-482-0168 and let us provide you with a free estimate on your next project.

Do I Have To Move Out Of My House While You Paint?

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 20:07:00 GMT

In many cases, homeowners are concerned about whether or not they will have to move out while their house is being painted. Typically, the answer is no.

While there will likely be some moving around of furniture, closets will have to be cleaned out, and things will have to be taken down off the walls, for example, the residents of the home can often remain in the home during the project.

Now, most contractors are happy to help with all of the moving and such, but this may cost you some time and therefore, some money. We suggest that you take the responsibility for the smaller items and cleaning out of closets, and leave the major furniture for the painter to move as needed.

When you have a contractor come into your home to provide you with an estimate, it’s always good to ask about what would need to be moved, how long the job is going to take, and whether or not they will clean up after each day’s work so that you can live and function in the house during the job.

We offer worry-free projects with dedicated, background checked employees who are reliable, prompt and trustworthy. Simply select your paint color and we will handle the rest.

Just call us at 828-482-0168 and let’s talk about your project!

Drug Testing Is An Important Issue When Hiring A Contractor.

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:58:00 GMT

One of the questions that should always be asked when you are hiring a contractor, but most often is not, is whether or not they drug test their employees.

You shouldn’t trust something as expensive as your house to just any contractor, and often times we get scared when hiring someone to work in our home because we don’t’ really know anything about them. At Custom Coatings, we help you to feel better about letting us work in and around your home in several ways.

First, all of our employees are drug tested before they are hired, after any accidents, and randomly throughout their time with us. We hold all of our experts to a high standard when it comes to doing their jobs and dealing with the customers, and we believe our customers should hold us to high standards as well.

Second, we make sure they pass a strict background check, and that they are fully insured in compliance with all local and regional laws. This helps you, the customer, to take comfort in the fact that the quality of the individuals we have on staff will match the quality of the work that they do.

We offer worry-free projects with dedicated, background checked employees who are reliable, prompt and trustworthy. Simply select your paint color and we will handle the rest.

Trust us to make you our next satisfied client! Just call us at 828-482-0168 and let’s talk about your project!

When It Comes To Contractors, Experience Definitely Counts!

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 20:09:00 GMT

If you knew you needed a heart operation, would you trust that project to an inexperienced physician who is on a break from Med School? We would guess that your answer would be no.

You shouldn’t trust something as expensive as your house to an inexperienced contractor either. Let’s face it; any type of home improvement project is going to come with a price tag. Shouldn’t you be concerned with the type of quality and skill that you’re getting for that price?

At Custom Coatings, our experts have decades of not just experience, but certified success. 85 percent of our business is repeat business. We take pride in that. Our customers routinely refer us to the family, friends, and neighbors when the opportunity arises.

It is very important for a contractor to listen and understand the needs and wants of his clients. Your contractor should show enthusiasm for your project and suggest ideas that can make your project stand out. A good contractor can help relieve any stress or concerns you have about your project.

Our business is built on expert knowledge, outstanding customer service and the highest quality work for each client we serve. We rely on a knowledgeable team, excellent supply chain partners and continually educate our employees on the latest methods and equipment to maximize efficiency, durability and energy savings. We are fully licensed and insured and lead the industry in safety.

Custom Coatings isn't strictly a "big box" company. We bring our expertise and passion for quality work directly to you - where you live. Whether it's a new coat of paint, wallpaper or pressure washing, put the Custom Coatings team to work at your home. We offer worry-free projects with dedicated, background checked employees who are reliable, prompt and trustworthy. Simply select your paint color and we will handle the rest.

Trust us to make you our next satisfied client! Just call us at 828-482-0168 and let’s talk about your project!

Exterior Painting Tips

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:52:00 GMT

A house is typically the largest investment a family will ever make. So it makes since that you would want to keep your largest investment in tip top condition. One simple, but extremely important part of home maintenance is exterior painting. You can make an important statement about yourself with the design and color of your home. Most people are only concerned with how their home looks, but often don’t think about the quality of the paint they are applying. People seldom realize the importance paint plays in protecting your home against Mother Nature’s elements. Paint is your first line defense against: sun, rain, cold, heat, wind, ice, etc… Paint protects wood from rotting and windows from deteriorating. Part of a good paint job is caulking gaps and transitions that allow moisture and wind to get into your home. A good painting company can explain how important proper maintenance is to the exterior of your home. A great painting company can break down exactly what they are going to do and what they are going to apply to protect your single most important investment.

The link below is to an article on exterior painting advice. It explains steps that should be part of the painting process and the value of using quality coating material. Custom Coatings Inc is a premium painting company and we always include these steps and more in our work. Something we are extremely proud of is our quality, and with 85% of our business coming from repeat customers and referrals – we must be doing something right!

http://bloggingpainters.com/2011/10/04/exterior-house-painting-advice/

Patrick Stilwell