Your deck is exposed to extreme elements all year long. Intense sunlight and UV rays, especially here in Jacksonville, Florida, fade wood and break down the lignin, or natural substance that holds together wood fibers. Humidity and heavy rains overwhelm wood with moisture, causing it to warp and crack as it then expands and contracts with changing temperatures. Wood that is unprotected or neglected is highly susceptible to these dangers, and will turn gray and eventually rot. The solution is to protect the wood with paint or stain, but which is better for your own deck?

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For every surface to be painted, there is a method that suits it best. The traditional paint brush and roller are still the best option for many painting projects, but there are some areas of the home for which a paint sprayer will do the best work. In most cases, a combination of methods will be used for your project to create the best possible final product. Great painting contractors know how to make each part of your house look its best, and will know when to brush, when to roll, and when to spray. As a homeowner, it can be intimidating to think of paint being sprayed onto any area of your home, but there are actually many cases in which the paint spray gun is safe and effective and will give the best results.

Caulk is an important element in nearly every painting project, and indeed, in countless home improvement jobs in general. Caulking is a great way to seal your home from moisture, close drafty cracks or joints, and block dust, debris, and even insects from entering your house. A neat bead of caulk is also the perfect solution for closing unsightly gaps between pieces of trim, around baseboards or door frames, and many other areas around your home. Caulk is the solution to many problems, but before your grab your caulk gun and buy the first tube of sealant you find, do some research to make sure you are making the best decisions for your caulking project.

Gray is one of the most versatile colors on the spectrum. Color enthusiasts love to play with the vast array of gray shades to create the perfect pairing or palette for a room. Many homeowners choose to incorporate gray because of the modern or contemporary feel it creates. Still others are drawn to gray tones because of the calming effect they can give. Whatever your reason for choosing gray, we have tips for finding the perfect hue for you.

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A fresh coat of paint is a great way to protect your home’s exterior from harsh weather and keep it sealed from moisture, but beyond that it’s a fun way to express yourself with color. Do you want your house to make a statement? There’s a bold color palette for that. Would you rather your home blended inconspicuously into the scenery? There’s a color palette to perfectly match the surrounding nature. Are you getting ready to put your house on the market? The right color scheme can create a stunning first impression and boost your home’s the curb appeal. The colors of your home’s exterior set the tone for your entire property, and color selection is a big decision. However, instead of getting overwhelmed by the color selection process, use our tips and let it be fun!

You found the perfect paint color for your kitchen and are ready to get started on the transformation.Or perhaps you finally decided on the right sheen for the master bedroom, and can’t wait to begin. A painting projects always begins as a dream, but without adequate planning it can turn into a nightmare. Follow our tips to make the process go smoothly from start to finish.

Faux painting is an artisan technique used to give your walls a unique look and feel. Homeowners love to incorporate faux finishing in their homes for several reasons. First and foremost, faux finish techniques can imitate the look of aged or distressed walls, and therefore give your home the same old-world character of a Tuscan villa or French mansion of the distant past. Secondly, faux finishing can be used to disguise one surface as another, thus turning a plaster pillar in your home into one that looks like it is made of pure marble or granite. Lastly, many homeowners like faux finish application for its ability to incorporate multiple hues and tones to create a completely customized color for their favorite room. If you are dreaming of a unique and artisan look for a room or wall or architectural feature in your home, faux painting can help that dream come true!

Selecting the right color for painting a room is a big task, and considering the sheen and finish makes the job even bigger. It can be hard to make sense of the painting terminology, so The Painting Craftsmen has compiled a list of the best sheens and finishes to use on each area of your house, for both interior and exterior painting projects. Follow our tips as you plan your painting project, and you’ll love the results.

Painting the exterior of your house is a big project, and there are many steps to follow to ensure you give your home a high quality paint job. Prep work is no exception, but the good news is that proper preparation will pay off. Follow these tips and your home will be easier to paint, the job will go more quickly, and the finished product will look great.

Step 1: Clear the area

Remove everything you can from the area to be painted. This includes shutters, light fixtures, your house number, your mailbox, and anything else that can be easily removed. By simplifying the surface, you’ll be able to complete the job in less time.

The exterior of your house needs a new coat of paint every so often to protect it from the elements. Direct sunlight, driving rain, and our warm and wet climate all greatly affect the siding and trim of your house. Having your house painted regularly is the best way to protect it and extend its life. At the same time, neglecting this project can cause expensive and irreparable damage to your home’s exterior. The best thing to do for your house is to begin planning a full exterior painting project now!