Before the painters arrive, you should decide on a color. Browse the paint chip section at a local store and take home several different selections in the colors that appeal to you. When you get back home with your paint chips, tape them to the wall (or the outside of your house for exterior work) and observe the different colors at different times of the day as the light varies. By doing this, you will ensure that the color you end up choosing is the one you really want.

What kind of paint will the painters use? Our Columbus Ohio painting services can advise you once we see your house. But in general, trim is most commonly painted white; however it can be any color you choose. Trim paint in generally semi-gloss or gloss, both of which form a hard shell when dry that holds up to a lot of wear and tear. Walls are generally painted with a flat or satin finish. Paint with a flat finish helps hide flaws; however, it does not wash as well as paint with more shine. Paint with a satin finish is a great multi-purpose paint. It doesn’t expose flaws as much as higher gloss paint, and it cleans easily. Satin is generally the paint of choice in all room except the kitchen and bathroom where semi-gloss paints are generally used for their water resistant and high cleanability factors.

Next, you need to take a hard look at your walls. Remove all decorations, curtain rods, nails, screws, and any other non-permanent miscellaneous items. Fill in any obvious holes with hard-drying spackle and sand smooth. Pull furniture away from the walls, and remove from the room entirely if possible. If the furniture is going to stay in the room, make sure it’s covered. The painters will bring drop cloths, but you can never be too careful. Once the walls are bare remove any obvious dust, cobwebs or other debris. In the kitchen, you will want to wash the walls with warm soapy water to strip away the grime. Last, but not least, ensure that your pets will be out of the way of the painters on the day of service.

A little preparation will make the entire painting process easier and less stressful.

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During warm weather rain is the main problem. Sagging or deep depressions can be the result if it rains just a couple of hours after painting.

Another effect of rain is the lifting of the colorant from the paint or an uneven sheen. This looks like streaks of color on the surface or flat and shiny areas across a surface.

Applying paint in cold weather can have a similar effect and will drastically reduce the life of all paints. Typical effects of cold weather painting are sags, bubbling and cracks in the paint film as it freezes.

Most paint manufactures recommend 50 F degrees and rising but low temperature acrylic paints can be used down to 35 F degrees.

For interiors there are no such restrictions, provided the home is kept at a moderate temperature, any type of paint can be applied. However, in cooler temperatures, excessive condensation on windows and slow dry times can be a problem.

The best times to paint for all types of house painting are from the spring to late fall. A general rule is that if it is comfortable for you, then it is good for the paint.

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Tuscan style evolved through layers of history – taking cues from traditional metal craft and pottery, and of course, from the sumptuous world of the Italian Renaissance. In Tuscany one finds frescoes, cracked and worn by time, yet vibrant with original pigment. Mosaic tiles, wrought iron gates and portals, and distinctive bridges and architecture all reinforce the unique Tuscan identity.

Luckily, Tuscan style is fairly easy to recreate. Tuscan rooms typically are proportioned on classical lines. Ceiling height, the size and scale of features such as the fireplace, windows and door, and the furniture all play an important role in creating balance and harmony within the room.

Lime paint is an easy way to create the Tuscan wall appearance. With a skillful painter, you can create effects such as cera fresco, lime washing, travertine tile, and many others. Lime paint is becoming a common medium for painters, faux finishers, and plaster and stucco finishers.

Aged and worn textured wall effects can be created easily with treatments using traditional plaster effects. Smooth, polished and textured surfaces can be easily achieved for interior and exterior surfaces.

The wall treatments of the Italian home act as support for the rest of the interior – from wall painting to frescoes to murals. Plaster walls, stucco, and marmino walls also evoke a classical Italian feeling. A skilled painter can also apply gold leaf and other detailing to give your home an authentic feel.

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If you can’t change your outlook by changing locations, a splash of color and some local, organic fresh flowers can turn your room from gloom to great in just an afternoon.

Yellow will be hotter and brighter than ever. It has an amazing impact on our moods and shades continue to brighten from the toned-down hues that had been favored in the past. Watch for yellows with subtle green influence, while gold tones will also rise in popularity.

Some of the other hot paint colors expected to emerge on the scene in 2010:

• Green will blend with yellow to finally move away from the sage greens that have dominated home décor for years.
• Lavender will be the hands-down winner in the bedroom. It portrays luxury and elegance and evokes warmth and comfort
• Slate and charcoal gray will be the hot new neutrals, taking over from the browns and beiges that had been so popular. Cool gray can be paired with almost any color for a winning combination.
• Aqua has been a recommended color for a couple of years and will continue to be strong next year.
• Blue will make a comeback.
• Shades of red will be darkened with purple and blue tones. Red and white pairings will also be popular.

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As you’re receiving estimates from painters, be sure to ask the following questions:

1. How long has the contractor been in business? You’ll want to sure to hire someone who has been operating for at least two years.

2. Are employees experienced painters? What training or qualifications do they have?

3. Is the contractor licensed and insured? It is crucial that they have the necessary insurance, as it protects them, any workers they have on site, as well as you.

4. What kind of preparation does the contractor do? A cheaper job will cut corners by skimping on prep work, but a good contractor will take the time to do it right the first time. The thoroughness of the painter’s work will show in the end.

5. Can they provide a list of references? Once you have the list in hand, call them.

6. Can the painting contractor recommend what materials will work best for your project? A professional is up-to-date on the latest products and techniques, suggests colors and finishes, and is aware of the latest trends. Experience is crucial. However, remember that a painter is not an interior decorator.

7. Everything needs to be put in writing. A professional provides customers with written contracts and specifications.

8. Will they offer a maintenance program? Not all painters do, but you won’t know unless you ask.

9. How much do they charge? The worst thing you can do is to hire a painter, based solely on price. You want to go with someone with skill, experience, insurance, awareness of safety issues and a good crew. That will not likely be the guy with the lowest bid, but is also doesn’t need to be the highest bid either. Look at the whole picture. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Also, pay attention to the quality of products that will be used – not all paints are created equally and you should not assume that a painter will automatically use the best products available. If you don’t know much about paints, call a paint store and ask about the quality and durability of proposed paint products.

While looking at estimates, make sure a date of completion is included, and consider the contractor’s proposed timeframe. If you receive a lower offer but have to wait an unreasonable amount of time for completion, it might be worth the extra expense to go with the higher bid.

Once you have selected a painter and the work has been done, make sure you’ve done a final inspection of the work before you make the final payment. Hiring a contractor is an investment in your home and you should be completely satisfied with the work. Your home may not look exactly as you originally envisioned it, but you should still expect a clean, professional looking paint job.

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