Category: Company News

We get a call once and a while on the exterior of a home looking chalky, pasty, or white streak marks down the siding. What is it, what is it from and how to fix it are great questions that I called out Sherwin Williams Representative Jason Leonard

David: Ok Jason, what is chaulking in a house?
Jason: Chaulking by definition is the Formation of fine powder on the surface of the paint film during weathering. It can cause color fading. Some degree of chalking is a normal, desirable way for a paint film to wear, but excessive film erosion can result in heavy chalking.

David: What will cause it?
Jason: there are several reasons and or causes
• the previous use of a low-grade, highly pigmented paint.
• Using an oil-based paint. (These tend to chalk more than latex formulations).
• Aluminum siding can develop an excessively thick chalk layer and will require power washing to ensure complete chalk removal.
• Use of an interior paint for an outdoor application.

David: So what is a good solution to get rid of it?
Jason: Remove chalk by washing siding with detergent and water or by having it professional power washed. If some chalk remains after first washing, then wash again for complete removal. Rinse well with clear water. Allow to dry thoroughly. For the best resistance to chalking, use a higher sheen such as satin or gloss. Brick areas that are stained by “chalk run-down” should be scrubbed with a stiff brush and detergent. Professional Cleaning may be required to remove this staining.

David: What would you use to paint over it once cleaned?
Jason: I would Recommend 2 Coats of a Premium grade Exterior Latex Paint such as our Duration paint line.

Thanks for the help Jason, if you have any questions about the full line of Sherwin Williams exterior stains or paints, Jason can be reached at 630-669-6523.

Normally when I think of using thumbtack I would think of a small push pin to post a note, picture or the like. This thumbtack we have been using to help advertise our business. Below is the link to our thumbtack posting where you can see and read more about us but you can do a search for other types of services you may need. Check it out!!

dfranco decorative painting on thumbtack

When we go into a customers house, we want the customer to be at ease and know they will be taken care of.  When we give the initial estimate, we want to make sure we explain why we cost more than our competition and why we are better.

Our Process

When we walk into a home to prepare for interior home painting, we find a entrance exit strategy. What is getting painted? We start at the farthest point and move to the exit point. Drop clothes are laid on the ground as we walk through to set up. Hardwood floors are covered for the areas of highest and most traffic. As we move through the house large pieces of furniture get moved to the center of the room. Each switch plate and outlet cover is removed and placed in a secure location. Each piece of trim is wiped down and taped off. Any type of light, thermostat, smoke detector, vent covers, towel bars,  or items mounted to the walls are either removed or loosed so we can paint.  The walls are sanded to remove burrs dirt or paint drips from a previous paint job. Nail pops are repaired and cracks are fixed.

When we are done painting, we remove the tape, replace outlet covers, look for any drips that may have happened, wipe the flooring down, sweep the floors and vacuum any debris.

The results speak for themselves.  There may be cheaper ways but that is not what we at D’franco Painting & Wallpaper do.

I was asked this question this week during an estimate walkthrough. Who are you, why should I hire you, why should I trust you, how do I know you will do what you say, are you gonna do what the last guy did?

We are D’franco Painting and Decorating. We have come from a part-time hobby to 2 friends working together for Dfranco Inc. We have Taken over A Painted wall. We have bought The Finishing Touches inc. We are still looking to expand. In an economy of payoffs, our customers are on a waiting list. We have grown every single year in business. We never stop to learn.

Are you getting estimates from painters that are insured?

Is the person you are considering an out of work painter from another company working for cash? If so who will pay for the paint on the carpet- replace the new sink he just cleaned is tools out it an ruined the finish off?

What kind of references did you get? Homeowner? Businesses? Other contractors? Decorators? Realtors? We give them all to you, it’s not Aunt Jenny giving you the thumbs up to us.

How much does the contract tell you? It should spell out everything, does it?

You may pay a bit more but you can’t expect a Lexus at a Chevy Dealer.

Every web site will give you a reason to sign up for their newsletter, free tips,  biggest mistakes, or top reasons. But how many companies tell you how we will give you money?

In an effort to reward our customers for their referrals we are willing to give money to them. On top of that, we are willing to give a bigger cash refund to them if any of these leads turn into customers.

Give us a call or better yet sign up for our newsletter to find out more!

After looking to other companies for some of their success, ways they are different etc, one thing that glared was the acceptance of credit cards. We took some surveys from customers and found they would more likely pay with a credit card than check.

It seems kind of silly on one hand but then again, I have reward programs on all of my business and personal cards so might as well take advantage of them!