Have you ever wondered where those crazy, compelling paint color names come from?

C2 Paint is introducing 50+ new colors that all need great names!!! Come to our “Cupcakes & Color” event to try your hand at the naming game and share in some great design tips and treats, too! Robin Daly and designer Christian Ursino will share fun fall design tips, then everyone gets to name colors.

All the fun happens on Saturday, October 1 from 11am-1pm at Modele’s Furnishings. Limited seating, so please RSVP 206.287.9942 to attend.

If your home was built before 1978, you may be concerned about that old paint. Does it contain lead? What are the best ways to handle old paint chips and dust if you do?

Shearer Painting has made an excellent video demonstrating what kind of training their professional painters received and how they took that knowledge into the field. If you are interested in seeing what happens, CLICK HERE.

Removing Paint? Does it Contain Lead?

13 Must-Use Tips for Hiring the Right Painter!

By Robin Daly of Daly’s Paint & Decorating

You’ve visited the paint store; tried, tested and sampled your way to the perfect shade – now it’s time to hire the painter. Whether it’s the entire exterior or your petite powder room, how do you know what to look for when receiving bids? Or even how to start the process?

You can get references from different sources (at Daly’s Paint we actually publish a Reference List of independent painters for you to use) ranging from the paint store, your neighbor or even a mailer. But, buyer beware! You still need to do your due diligence – and the following tips will help you sort through the process to find the right painter for your job.

Here are the basic qualifications EVERY painter should be able to provide:

1. An up-to-date contractor’s license
2. Proof of insurance
3. References

That is only the beginning; you’ll also want to learn:

4.    How long have they been in business?

5.    How do they price their work? Some bid by the project, others charge time and materials.

6.    What is the payment schedule?

7.   Who is going to be working on your project?

8.   How long will it take?

9.  What quality of paint do they plan to use? Labor costs stay the same regardless, but the quality of the paint can make a big difference in the lifespan of the job.

10.  Does the painter focus more on residential or commercial work? You do not want to hire a ‘blow-and-go’ painter or someone who does not understand the requirements of residential painting.

When you receive your bid:

11.  It should include all the steps they are planning for prepping, priming, painting and clean-up. Everything should be clearly defined in the bid.

12.  Compare apples to apples. When reviewing a number of bids make sure you understand the scope of work defined in each bid – don’t hesitate to ask questions!

Execute a contract:

13.  You contract should include the scope of work, total anticipated cost, payment schedule, start date and estimated end date. It should also call out each paint color, sheen and brand – specifying location of each color and sheen, plus the number of coats. Don’t forget to specify clean-up responsibilities and guarantees on work. Finally, your contract should define what the steps are if there are any changes to the bid.

 By following the steps listed above you will find yourself in a much better position to compare and evaluate the individual bids you receive and make an informed selection for the right painter.

 Surprise Bonus Tip!

14.  Make sure to collect at least three different bids for your job. Every painter runs their business differently, some may be busier than others, and some are more organized. They are all different, and by getting three bids you are ensuring you are the best educated consumer you can be.

Remember, your home is valuable, care for it well.

I recently heard from someone who’s dealing with hollow core doors in her home and no budget to replace them at this time. Her question is this: “Am I stuck forever with those ugly doors? Can I do anything on a budget to make them look better?”

WIth the right primer and paint from Daly's, you'll be on your way!

Yes, you can paint those doors!

 Just because they are made from wood does not make them worthy of writing home about. It is perfectly okay to paint them and improve your look.

 At Daly’s Paint & Decorating, these are the steps we suggest to people set on getting rid of that hollow (core) feeling and getting a new look for the cost of a few gallons of paint and some elbow grease.

 Step 1) Remove doors from hinges. If you paint doors while still hanging in the frame, you might get unsightly drips. Tip: It’s best to create a sheltered work space where you can work to protect from moisture and dirt.

Step 2) Scuff sand the existing finish to give the surface some ‘tooth’ – try not to sand all the way down to bare wood, sand on the surface. Dust off sanding residue. Use a tack cloth for final dust removal.

Step 3) Prime with C2 One Primer, let dry. My favorite trick is to roll on the paint with a roller and then follow up with a brush to smooth out the wet paint and avoid leaving stippled roller marks. You can do this for both the primer and paint coats. 

Step 4) Paint the primed doors in a Satin or Semi Gloss finish.

If you want the doors to visually disappear, try matching the door color to the wall color. This way the doors will blend into the overall scheme.

If you are painting both the wall trim and the doors, going a shade deeper than the walls is another great trick, too. Avoid whites and creams in these cases, because this tends to HIGHLIGHT the doors and trim and makes it more of an architectural feature. Save that for when you replace everything with gorgeous new doors and trim!