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Tips for the exterior painting of the house

Gikas Painting Service in Montclair

Exterior painting of your house is a huge job. But the rewards are great too if you choose Gikas Painting Service in Montclair .

With a minimum investment of money you extend the life of your siding and trim and increase the value of your home. Best of all, you’ll make it look like new again.

A good paint job requires countless hours of careful exterior paint preparation. Plan to devote an entire summer to prepare and paint even a medium-size house.

In this article you will find tips from professionals for the exterior painting of your home!

Tips for the exterior painting of the house

Think of the time of year

It is good to plan long before painting and to have predicted the weather pattern that you will have at the time of painting .

Choose a dry and dry season of the year as well as with low humidity. The paint needs time to dry and will not be absorbed by the surface if it is not dry .

Appreciate quality over price

Better quality paint means you will paint fewer times over time and have better surface coverage when painting.

Color technology has improved dramatically in recent years with colors guaranteed to last longer than before.

You may be tempted to save money on paint for your home by choosing a cheaper brand but you may have a problem in the long run and end up paying more.

Preparing and cleaning the surface

The paint will not be absorbed on dirty or rough surfaces. For this reason, make sure that the surfaces you will paint are smooth and let them dry.

Before you start painting a house, create a single surface where the paint will be easily absorbed.

Avoid eaten or rotten surfaces

The paint will not be applied on half-eaten or loose surfaces as they will continue to fade. You have several options in this case such as covering wood glue or new material to cover these surfaces and be able to apply the paint on top.

Use primer

It is  a good idea to use a good primer before you start painting your house . Specifically, before painting the surfaces, we must prime them.

This is a good general rule of thumb although many colors combine primer with color in a product. These products are more expensive but may be comparatively advantageous than buying primer and paint separately.

Paint from top to bottom

Starting from the top and working down helps you to better control the “drips” as you will work with the help of gravity and not “against” it.

Seal it

Properly closing the paint cans will help you to keep the paint from drying out for the next day when you are done. Use a rubber mallet to tap the closed lid. You can also stick plastic tape on the opening to ensure a tight seal.

Prepare the ground

It is easy to forget how messy your home can be when painting the house, so make sure you cover the floor, the plants and the space around the wall you are going to paint.

Also, move or cover furniture, barbecue, etc. Use cloths or sheets to cover the things you want to protect from the paint.

6 ideas for painting exterior walls

Choosing a color to paint the exterior walls of your home or apartment building is not an easy task.

Below we give you six ideas for painting exterior walls that will help you, in general, to choose the right color to highlight your property.

1. Light shades

Definitely choosing a light cream shade on the exterior walls can give the house a sense of nobility. Light gives volume and size. A white house visually shows us bigger.

2. One or more colors?

Of course, the whole house does not need to be painted one color on the outside.

If you want to play with two colors, you need to know that the successful combination in the right places is what will make the difference. But it needs attention where each color will be placed.

In case of combining two colors, it is better to follow the following rule: Paint in a darker color the surface of the wall that is receding in the front, that is, further back.

For example, on a covered terrace or a covered balcony, the shaded wall can be painted a different color, darker or even more intense than the rest of the house.

In this way you achieve a more pleasant and harmonious result as the eye better understands the arrangement of the tumors without getting confused.

Also, a whole volume that stands out from the main body of the building can have a different color, such as the exterior of the staircase in an apartment building.

3. Architecture trends

The modern trend in Architecture in recent years is to use color not as a decorative element of the building but as an important element to highlight the architectural composition of the building.

Thus, certain building blocks, such as columns and beams, are painted in specific colors.

A typical example of this trend is the coloring we see today in apartment buildings of the 70’s and 80’s. The frame of the building is painted in shades of gray or green and the walls in shades of white.

Other modern trends in the painting of exterior walls highlight the details of the building, such as gutters, chimneys, etc. that stand out from the main body of the building, and are painted in a different shade giving an elegant result.

Painted windows and doors in olive green, cypress, gray or the natural shade of hot wood or even cold aluminum also create an interesting color change on the exterior wall facades.

Even the frames painted in different colors besides white are interesting in appearance.

4. How is the weather?

Another thing that we must take into account when choosing exterior wall colors is the bioclimatic factor.

To be clear, you should know that facades that are “seen” more by the sun, eg south or west that are not shaded in the summer months, should be painted in light colors.

And this is necessary in order for the exterior walls to reflect and not absorb heat, heating the interior of the house even more.

5. Architecture style

If the property is old and has the architecture of an older era, then it is worth spending some time to highlight its elements with colors that match the houses of that time.

Also, if you like your neighbourhood and want to support a common style, then you can get ideas from the neighbouring houses and choose a color for the facade of your house that will enhance the image of your area.

6. Nature color palette

If your house is close to green, you can even get ideas from the color palette of nature by choosing shades of green, tile, ocher and generally earthy colors.

If your house is a country house or is located near the sea then you can turn to the countless shades of blue.

It is known that the eye loves natural colors, the colors that are found in nature. Earthy colors in shades of beige, brown, gray, but also the deep shades of red and yellow, blue and green.

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Colors and mood – How to feel beautiful in your personal space

Gikas painting in Montclair

Painters often come across many clients and friends who have noticed that their mood changes when they spend a lot of time in a room, it is likely that this is due to the predominant colors of that particular room.

As interior decoration becomes more and more popular and people become more interested in decorations and furniture, and colors have started to play a very important role in this equation.

“Colors, like facial features, follow the alternation of emotions,” Pablo Picasso once said. Even though there is not much research in this area, the field of color psychology has come to the fore in many areas, including interior design.

If you want to know what colors it is good to choose when decorating your home to always have a good mood, read below . You may discover a new hobby with the help of our professional painters of Gikas Painting in Montclair.

A subjective perspective on colors

Even though each of us perceives colors differently, there are some general rules about the influence they have on people’s moods. Initially, there is a clear and well-known difference between warm colors (red, yellow, orange, etc.) and cold colors (blue, green, violet, etc.).

Most people feel this difference the same way. The idea is that usually, warm colors encourage a sense of euphoria, warmth, and comfort.

On the other hand, cool colors promote feelings of nervousness, annoyance or even indifference. However, most people agree that a wall painted in a light shade of blue encourages calm and quiet.

Therefore, it is important to set some general rules when it comes to the emotions caused by certain colors (and non-colors as well), and how you can maintain a balance thanks to the various decorations and furniture in your home.

Black: mystery and flexibility

Even if it is essentially a non-color, black can have a very interesting effect if you choose to use it in the decoration of your home. For example, even a single black wall in your office can increase your creativity and calm.

If you do not want to go that far, you can always choose small black accessories and place them in central parts of the room.

For example vases, frames, and other small decorative items (trinkets, holiday souvenirs, even knobs or other details) that can offer a sense of elegance, boldness and mystery.

Also, black is very versatile and can be combined with almost all colors, depending on your preferences.

White: brightness and cleanliness

It is no secret that white creates the illusion of space in every room. It is also the secret weapon of decorators whenever they have small or dark rooms.

It is also a non-color and the most popular choice for walls in bedrooms, living rooms, offices or meeting rooms, as it offers a sense of cleanliness and freshness.

There is a reason that the ceilings are almost always white, as well as the curtains. Keep these ideas in mind when you decide to decorate the house and especially if you want to feel all of the above in the comfort of your personal space.

Red: intense emotions and passion

Most of us associate red with passion, desire, love, warmth, and comfort. These are all strong emotions that you can incorporate into your home with small details.

A red or burgundy curtain, a rug, a vase , some decorative pillows, a bed linen or even a fire-colored sofa can warm the whole house.

Because it is so intense, it is not easy to match the red in the interior decoration. However, some details can make the difference.

Usually, people choose this color for the bedroom or even the bathroom, where sandstone and faience are the main elements for building these strong emotions.

Blue: calm and order

It seems that blue is the favorite color of men and this may be due to the feelings of calm and order it evokes.

Indeed, many people choose to paint the walls or decorate their rooms in shades of blue because they can encourage a sense of moderation, security, and even honesty.

So, if you belong to these people, you can choose blue in all its shades without fear. It is easy to match furniture, decorations and walls thanks to this beautiful and serene color.

Green: refreshing and relaxing 

What do you usually associate green with? Trees, grass, leaves, or simply, with nature. Thanks to this correlation, green is considered by many to be the color of freshness and serenity.

Also, the color of the forest helps to relax and rejuvenate the spirit, something that makes it perfect for the bedroom, for example.

But if you do not want to turn your home into a forest, you can put some details that will make the difference and give you the mood you need.

Curtains, walls, bedding , decorative pillows or rugs can help. Freshness and optimism, perfect for a welcoming home!

Yellow: energy and happiness

Yellow is a color traditionally associated with the feeling of jealousy. It is a warm color that has gathered many contradictions around it.

Some prefer it for its energy, happiness, and warmth. Others hate it and say it bothers the eyes and the senses and spoils the mood.

Usually, this color is used in kitchens because, according to research, it activates the appetite.

So do not hesitate to use some yellow details (or orange if you want balance) when looking for a bright and warm result. But be careful not to overdo it because your guests may feel annoyed with all the yellow in your home.

Conclusion

Ultimately, it seems that even if each person is influenced by colors in a certain way, all the common characteristics we have mentioned can encourage similar feelings.

So, if you want to decorate your home and you are interested in the so-called psychology of colors, it would be good to consider these ideas.

This way, by using small color details or even central elements of the decoration, you can achieve the desired result when it comes to the mood of your home. This applies to you and those who visit you.

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5 Creative ideas for painting the house

Montclair painting

The painting colors on the walls of the house are one of the most basic elements, as they give it character. They function as the main core, which will determine the entire decoration of each space. Painting the interior of the house requires brainstorming, in order to make the right color choices in Montclair.

Also, if you decide to make this change, you need to choose colors and styles depending on the space, their size and of course, consequently to suit your personal style. After all, every house is the imprint of our character.

Below is a guide to the 5 color categories and a list of ideas for painting of each room.

1. Basic colors

The given colors are important, as they are the basis for other colors. These include: red, green, yellow and blue. They are also the colors associated with modern styles, such as the Pop art style. You can apply them on small walls, to give more color.

2. Bright colors

Bright colors come from the spectrum of light. They are important as they have the ability to enlarge the spaces, to give the visual impression of brightness and to create an illusion of depth. They are suitable for all rooms, but especially for those that are smaller, so that they look more spacious and comfortable.

Also, white is a bright background color, it matches everything and is ideal for walls where you want to place paintings. Coffee and green, which are ideal for the library or office, also belong to this category.

3. Natural colors

This category is directly related to the colors of nature. They are ideal for bedrooms, as they provide warmth, comfort and relaxation. All earthy shades can give the space a sense of intimacy.

4. Intense colors

Intense colors include mainly the darkest tones, such as blue and orange. They are ideal if you want to give more warmth. They are also shades that highlight the house and give it personality.

However, it would be good to use them as the basic colors, i.e in small areas or alternatively in large rooms, so that the space does not seem limited.

5. Painting styles

If you want a more modern or alternative effect on the walls, you can choose a painting style. One idea is to turn a wall, for example, into a blackboard or paint it with a sponge to create vague shapes. Wallpaper installation is also another option.

Different painting ideas for each room

Living room

The living room is usually the largest space in the house. This fact, therefore, automatically gives you more freedom in choosing colors. One choice may be beige or white. Colors that are neutral, give prestige, make the space more chic and can be very easily combined with accessories and furniture.

Also, white can be used, if you like the minimal classic style. Chocolate, in addition, is easily combined with accessories and gives warmth and elegance. If on the other hand you want something more modern, choose shades such as green and turquoise, for a more playful style.

Kitchen

The shades that suit the kitchen are light gray and off-white. They are ideal if you have stone benches and cabinets. In fact, gray does not get dirty easily, while off-white gives more depth than white. If you want a more retro style, prefer bright green or petrol, bright colors that give character to your kitchen.

Dinning room

The dining room is the place where friends or family usually gather. Coffee – mink is the right color, as it conveys the warmth and the feeling of hospitality, which are important for this room.

Another option may be the blue-raff, which offers the balance between relaxation and luxury, with a more dramatic style. Also, burgundy, although heavier, can offer more warmth to the dining room.

Bathroom

The bathroom is usually one of the smallest rooms. Choose shades that will be discreet and will not narrow the space further.

A good idea is the beige – gray, soft and comfortable color, which is easily combined with white as well as with pastel shades in the bathroom accessories. If you want a more vintage effect, choose the shade of mint.

Bedroom

The bedroom is characterized mainly by its more earthy shades. You can choose between olive, khaki or beige. These colors give warmth, comfort and convey the aura of the “classic”.

Also, ice white and sugar white are shades, which are characterized by their elegance. Finally, you can choose the gray – light blue, for a more intimate and bright room.

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Is it time to change your floors?

is-it-time-to-change-your-floors

Is it time to change your floors?

Are you fed up with the creaky noises that are coming from your floors – carpentry? Is it time to change your floors? Do not worry as it also happens in the… best families. There comes a time when time leaves its indelible marks on the floors and that is when we have to replace them with new ones. If you are in this situation, be sure to find out everything about their renovation.

It also happens in the… best houses. There comes a time when time leaves its indelible marks on the floors and that is when we have to replace them with new ones. If you are in this situation, be sure to find out everything about their renovation.

What parameters determine the time when the floors of a house should be replaced? It is a question that concerns many, since their participation in the general aesthetics and functionality of the personal space is important. The image of a wooden floor that has suffered from a lot of use, as well as a tile floor or fish floor, is not pleasant not only visually, but also practically.

There are also cases in which the floors are worn or open so much that they allow the sounds of the adjacent compartments to be transferred to your own. In these cases, their renovation is imperative. Before we begin, we must consider the cost of this work.

Why would you need to replace your floors?

The truth is that once you have installed wooden floors, you will not have to face problems any time soon. These types of floors could really last forever if they are looked after properly. You could just polish them once every five years and that could be it. The only occasions that could lead you to change them is if you experience a flood, termites, high levels of humidity or a hole due to extra weight or heavy furniture.

Last but not least, you could simply replace your floors if you want to renovate your house and have a fresh new start. Do not forget, that wooden floors are a timeless feature of your house and they will add value to it too.

Cost of the new floors

Most cases where the final cost is more than double the original budget are due to a change in the original design and modification of the original options. However, before you decide, it is good to take into account that the prices of the products differ and can range from 14 euros per sq.m. up to 100 euros per sq.m. Careful market research is indicated to see the full range of materials. You can choose wooden floors or tiled floors, granite, fish or terracotta. You can still install carpet or rubber overlays.

Wooden floors

The wooden floors are a classic proposal, with a long life and suit all interior decoration styles. In the case of renovation, there are alternatives, such as ready-made parquet from pressed veneer and laminate, instead of solid wood, which has peculiarities in the installation. It is easy to maintain and clean. Depending on how they are placed, you will find them on the market in four basic types, which cover absolutely all your needs.

Nailed parquet

Glued parquets can be glued easily and quickly on any floor made of fish, mosaic or concrete. They are a perfect solution where no nail can be installed, both for new buildings and for home renovations. It is made of solid wood, which means that they can be sanded and varnished as many times as the classic nailed parquet. Due to their dimensions and cut, they are suitable for cases where there is underfloor heating, as well as for the creation of designs.

Glued parquet

Glued parquets can be glued easily and quickly on any floor made of fish, mosaic or concrete. They are a perfect solution where no nail can be installed, both for new buildings and for home renovations. It is made of solid wood, which means that they can be sanded and varnished as many times as the classic nailed parquet. Due to their dimensions and cut, they are suitable for cases where there is underfloor heating, as well as for the creation of designs.

Pre-polished durable floor

It is a ready-made pre-varnished parquet of high strength. It is made of three layers of wood, which are pressed under special conditions of pressure and temperature, and six layers of ecological varnishes, passed to high-tech automatic machines. Its incomparable advantages make its choice unsurpassed for any space: easy, quick installation, even and arbitrary, without the need for sanding and polishing. They have a long shelf life as they can be sanded and varnished.

Carpentry experts

So, if you have decided to make a major change and get rid of your old floors, then we might have the best crew to suggest to you. The professionals of Gikas Contracting are located in New Jersey. You can book an appointment and let them show you around and design your new floors. You can also browse through their work

Put your trust on the experts of carpentry, floor, roofing, painting and flooring , and watch them transform your house. Your new floors will for sure amaze you and they will come to stay for a long long time!

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