Category: Uncategorized

It is spring! The time for people to start moving has started. Phone calls are now ringing from customers about doing some painting at their homes to help it sell faster. One of the many calls we receive is about painting my house before I sell, But the top question is Is Will painting my house get me more money?.

Hey Everyone- David With Dfranco Painting and wallpaper here in Huntley, IL. We work to help home owners and businesses with their painting and wallpaper needs in Bartlett, South Elgin, St. Charles, Algonquin and Pingree Grove to name a few areas. As we discuss the issue of painting your house, and will painting help improve the value, you may have questions- let us know! You also may have a different view point- let us know! Your insights and questions may help other people dealing with painting their house.

Should I paint before selling my home?

While there is no best answer for this questions, there are some good themes or similarities we see and hear from realtors and people moving into a home. The top issues we see and hear are:

• look how dirty the walls are
• I hate these colors
• I don’t want to have to spend the money before moving in
• I don’t have time to paint
• how do I know what colors to paint

What do you want a potential home owner to think of when you see your house? Do want a buyer to think how much work it needs or I’m ready to move in? Paint is a cheap fix cheap and it is the most value in terms of appeal.

The wrong paint color is all a person will think about and the first thing a potential buyer will scoff at once they are back in their car.

Things to paint before selling a home

Lets keep this quick and simple- take a quick walk around your house and take a look at these areas:

• look at the doors and door frames- are they dirty or dinged up?
• Do you have a lot of holes from pictures on the walls?
• Are the walls banged up with nicks and dings?
• Does the mud room and closets have a lot of scuff marks on the walls?
• How are the kids bedrooms? No colors that will send people away angry?
• Bathroom walls- do they show signs of water, moisture etc

Best colors to use to help sell a home?

This is a very interesting question as there are no great answers, because to say neutral is not a safe answer any more. It used to be a neutral earth tone was great, not any more. There are people that love a solid white house, but not everyone. We do many homes in gray, but the gray’s have so many underlying tones of blue, green, etc. It can be hard to pick one that some may decide not to keep in the house because they hate the color! Crazy right?

This pic is from the house we bought (fixer upper) – deep red and water stains never painted over- don’t give a buyer a reason to say no, walk away or show a reason to pay less for your home.

That being said, for the most part we are picking neutral grays, such as Agreeable gray from Sherwin Williams is very popular right now, However!!!-2024 has shown white as a strong contender the the most common color we will be using in homes.

Can I just do touch ups?

I wouuld lover o tell you yes- but the answer is going to be no. Due to changes in paint, age of paint, age of existing wall finishes, differences in tints and colorations, it is almost impossible to touch up walls effectively (so no one see its) anymore.

So just bite the bullet, paint the whole wall.

Can painting a home before selling increase value?

This is a definite yes. You want the buyer excited about moving in, not stressed about having to find a painter before they can move in. Curb appeal matters, if it didn’t your brand new used car would not have been detailed before you bought it.

If you have questions about painting your house before you sell, let us know how we can help.

How Much will it cost to Restain Cherry Cabients?

If you have wood cabinets in your house and are ready for an update or refresh you have several options to consider. Should you replace cabinets, you could paint cabinets, refacing cabinets is an option, or maybe Restain the Cabients. Last week we started a project that is outside what we typically do- we started the task of cabinet staining! That has led to the question- What will it Cost to Restain Cherry Cabinets?

Can I Restain my Cabinets?

Before knowing cost – you should know if you can re stain cabinets. This video shows it best…

any type of water damage will make it almost impossible to re stain cabinets

So- you can stain! Now what?

We have been called, we have seen pics of your Cabinets and now it’s time to get an estimate. Here is where we get into the details that matter.

Cherry is a difficult wood to stain, so picking a stain color is the 1st step. Once you have a color, we will have to do a sample to make sure the stain is what your wanting.

Are you adding or getting rid of existing hardware? We ask this because if you have to fill holes- then matching the stain may be an issue- as not all wood fillers take the stain the same as the wood does.

Not all hinges are made the same

Knowing if you are going to replace any hinges- some hinges acannot be replaced. Older cabinet hinges or the style of the cabinet doors may result to not being able to get new hinges. If you are just swapping the same size and style of cabinet hinges for another then you should be good to go.

How long will it take to Restain wood Cabients?

Once we figure out what stain color you want for your Cabinets, the next question is usually- how long will this take? Great question! Re staining is time consuming. We are hoping that the typical sander can remove the clear coat and the stain as well. With 2 passes of 220 and 400 grit sandpaper.

The last job we figured 70 hours to sand off old finishes, stain, glaze and clear coat the cabinet doors- it took us 95.  Not fun. Two things we under estimated was the clear coat and the old glaze. The cherry cabinets had a very thick layer of clear coat on the cabinets which took 80 grit sandpaper!! 80 grit is very rough and not typical- so we had to use 120, 180, 220, 340, then 400 to get rid of the sanding marks we made to get rid of the older finishes.

We assume that fort the most part it wil take 2 hours per door.

Ok, so how much will it cost to Restain Cherry cabinets?!

Yeah, so we waited a bit to get to it, but we had to set expectations on what you can expect in the process of restaining. When we paint cabinets, we average 120-150 per door opening. (That included the boxes) For this it is more money- and probable close to the cost of refacing. It willl be close to 225-250 per door and opening. The sanding is messy, and takes a long time.

Problems with staining cherry cabinets

Let’s keep this ones short and sweet as we covered most of this in the video

• cherry has Gannon in it- which turns wood yellow or orange
• as cherry is red- you need to know how to kill the red undertones in the wood
• you need to use oil stains for best finishes
• clear coats for oil or modified stains are typically oil.
• Working with oil stain and clear coats are usually very smelly!
• Staining takes a long time! Each pice needs 4-8 hours to dry then 4-8 hours for clear coat to dry

Repairs is a little longer than a bullet point- if there are water stains, cracks, dents, old glue or other defects in the surface- re staining could be very difficult to achieve.

How can we help you with your cabinet refinishing?

From painting, staining or touch ups, we are here to help as best we can- If you have questions regarding cabinet paint or stain- let us know- We look forward to seeing how we can help you love the space your in!

That time of year has arrived- spring has sprung, snow has left us, and you are getting outside to start working on yard and home projects. As you look at your house and deck you see you need to clean it up or this is the year to tackle decks staining or house painting. Well then we are here to help with 3 ways to power wash your house Elgin!

Hello everyone I am David with Dfranco Painting and Wallpaper here in Huntly, IL. We help people in Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Lakewood, Elgin, Gilberts, Hampshire, South Elgin, and St. Charles. These are some of the areas we serve. Today we are discussing power washing in relation to preparing the exterior of a house for painting.

What is the purpose of power washing your house?

the quick answer is to clean it. Your house is no different than your car- it gets dirty. Rain attracts dust, darker sides of the house can grow algae or mold. Power washing eliminates those issues.

Some power washing is just to clean the dirt off the house. In the 3 ways to power wash your house, we are reviwing what we do before painting the exterior of your house.

Cold wash power washing

A cold wash is a remarkably simple, fast way to get a house ready for painting. It can by done by almost anyone with a power washer. We are going to arrive, and use the power washer with low pressure to clean away.

• dirt
• griime
• cob webs
• loose paint
• bird droppings

An average house takes 2-3 hours to set up and clean. If the house is taller it may take longer. This process typically does not harm plants or vegetation.

Soft power washing of a house

Roofers actually use a soft wash to clean shingles. We use a soft wash to add water, light pressure and cleaning solutions to clean the exterior of your house. Soft power washing helps us remove:

• algae
• mold
• bacteria
• loose paint
• other organic matter

While we try to be careful, the extra pressure and soaps can affect plants around the house. We should cut back any overgrown trees or shrubs before we do our work to prevent them from rubbing on the house.

A soft power wash can take 3-6 hours depending on the size of the house.

Oxidation Power washing

Now we are into the more aggressive power washing for a house.

Oxidation washing can take more time than other forms of power washing. It also is typical of of aluminum and vinyl siding homes. Aluminum and Vinyl siding can get a white haze on it- we call oxidation. This needs to go away before exterior painting can happen.

You can easily remove it with higher pressure, soap, and pre-soaking. Since we are using higher pressure, you should protect any plants around your house from the high pressure.

The oxidation washes will take 5-8 hours depending on the size of the house.

Top issues with power washing a house

overall power washng is pretty simple but there can be isses that happen. The most common problem is too much water or too high pressure.

Excessive pressure can lead to issues by forcing water into or behind the wood, which slows down the drying process of the surface. If wood is not dry before painting, it can cause problems like flaking or bubbles. Water evaporating can create condensation and bubbles.

How can we help with your exterior house painting?

Have a question about exterior painting or staining? Let us know. We are here to help in the process of this investment! 

Have you just bought a new home? Or have you been in your home for some time and ready for a refresher? This came from a customer in Algonquin, IL, but don’t let that stop you from reading. If you need your house painted, Then this article is for you, so lets dive into Repainting The Interior of My House Algonquin!

Hello everyone, I am David Cook With Dfranco Painting and Wallpaper in Huntley,IL. We are working hard to help home owners and busines owners improve the look and feel of the space they’re in with interior painting. (we also do exterior painting, wallpaper installations, cabinet painting) We work in the Pingree Grove, Elgin, Carpentersvillle, Bartlett, and St. Charles areas (to name a few towns).

Todays Blog post is coming from the fact we have been doing alot of estimates and getting alot of calls about house painting. Specifically, questions on Repainting the interior of my house. If you are buying the house, consider scheduling the painting of your house before moving in.

Can I just Paint Ceilings?

Usually, when we begin estimating a house painting job, the first question is whether or not to paint the ceilings. More frequently has been Can I only paint ceilings.

When painting only ceilings, we cover and protect all walls, furniture, and floors. Using drop cloths and plastic sheeting to cover everything. That takes the bulk of the time when we quote to only paint ceilings.

When we paint the walls, we don’t worry about getting paint on them. We will paint them after we finish the ceilings.

They also ask us if we can just touch up ceilings. The answer can be yes- if you have the same paint. I will say, some of the ceiling paint is not a true flat which can affect the sheen and ability to touch up.

Other occasions require painting all the ceilings. For instance, there are nail pops and cracks in the ceiling that need fixing. After repairs, you will have to paint the ceiling.

When ceilings are older, discoloration can start happening. This issue will typically require two coats of paint.

Another questions related to painting ceilings is “What color should I Paint ceilings?”. Color is extremely subjective. We typically use stock white, but there are alot of white colors you can choose from.

Repainting handrails in your home

When we get calls Repainting The interior of my House, one of the most popular things to do is refinish or repaint oak spindles and handrails. The number one color is black handrails and newel posts with white risers and spindles.

Here are traditional oak handrails

Here is the after of oak handrails being painted black

Repainting Handrails and or Spindles is extremely time consuming. You have to consider all the masking twith painters tape that will need to take place. You must clean all the wood trim. The wood must also be scuff sanded before we begin painting.

After cleaning and sanding the wood, apply a good primer to cover it and stop stains from showing through. Once the Primer is dry, then we can paint the wood. It may sound simple, but painting small round spiindles with a flat brushes and rollers talkes time.

Painting handrails and spindles can make your home look better when you repaint it. This will improve the overall appearance and atmosphere of your home.

Removing or stripping wallpaper in your home

If you have older Wallpaper in your home, you may want consider removing it. Removing or stripping wallpaper accounts for quite a bit of the work we do. Most of the time, we are removing the wallpaper to replace it with something new and modern.

Wallpaper is unique and personal. What worked for the past homeowner may not work for you. In this picture below, The colors and style are pretty outdated. As part of the house painting project, we stripped the wallpaper.

You can also remove outdated wallpaper and install somethng you like!

In this bathroom, we took off the wallpaper and had to smooth out the ceiling because it was hard to remove. The person who put up the wallpaper didn’t prepare the ceiling properly before installing it.

We will paint the ceiling this time. We also repainted the trim in the room, and the homeowner will repaint the vanity.

Repainting Both Ceilings and Walls in your home

For this home, we repainted walls, ceilings, and trim. The older color of an off brown, was about 15 years old. So we updated the trim to a new brighter white, painted the ceilings a flat pure white, then painted the walls Agreeable Grey. I think it was a huge transformation.

It sounds easy here, but I can assure it is not. You have to consider which room to paint in addition to moving furniture. If there are a lot of people in the house, people must be able to move where we are painting. That means we have to move the furniture as well.

I thnk if you painting your house, doing both makes the most sense and is a better value for your dollar and our time.

Before we started painting…

Repainted walls, ceilings, and trim

Rooms being prepped for paint

Painting Kitchen Walls

Kitchen before we painted

Kitchen after we painted

Painting a Living Room or Family Room

Family room before we painted

Family room with ceiling, walls, and trim all repainted

Repainting your entire home is never without drywall repairs

As in any repainting job, this home was not without the drywall repairs. Many of them were as simple as filling in holes from older pics. But some were a little more. When you move into a new home, you willl have reapir to make.

Walls damaged from fish tank water

Walls damaged from wallpaper removal

How do I pick colors for my home?

Belive it or not, selcting colors when repainting the interior of your home is the easy part. We help by offering free color consultations. We can have a designer come to your home, with color samples to help you selct the paint colors you want. The interior Designer can also help with selction what sheen of paint to use.

Are you ready to repaint your home?

Not a lot of words in today’s post. Sometimes, pictures just do the work for us.

The one question you may ask is how much it will cost to repaint my home. I would love to say here is the cost, but we can’t. We are a painting company, but each Contractor uses several factors to develop estimates on painting homes.

• Are we painting walls?
• Are we painting before moving in
• Will someone paint the ceilings?
• Do you want the doors painted?
• Would you like windows or window trim painted?
• Does the trim or doors require any repairs?
• Changing colors can require three coats to cover older colors.
• The type of sheen you want will affect the cost of materials.
• Do we need to make some, a lot, or no drywall repairs?

These are most, but not all, considerations considered when we are doing a painting estimate for you.

When you want to repaint your home, contact us for a free estimate. We can often provide a virtual estimate using online listings of your home. Either way, let us know how we can help you love the space you’re in! 

You have a basement. Your basement has an exposed ceiling of wood rafters and metal duct work. The basement also has unfinished walls of bare concrete. If you are ready like this customer to update the look and feel of your basement with out spending a ton of money on construction here is an option for you. Painting Exposed Ceilings and Painting concrete Walls!

Hello Everyone- David Cook with Dfranco Painting and Wallpaper here in Huntley, IL. Last weeks we painted our 4th basement ceiling for 2024! Painting your Exposed Basement Ceiling Black continues to be popular. This time we took a different step by painting the concrete walls white! Many of the homes we serve in the Chicagoland North West Suburbs such as Crystal Lake, Elgin, Gilberts, Pingree Grove and South Elgin have similar building materials so we can help you with something similar!

Issues with painting exposed ceilings

Depending on the age and materials used to build the house you can have several issues to deal with before painting your exposed ceiling.

• Cleaning dust, dirt, cobwebs,
• if you have a basement full of stuff- your gonna need to move it out of the area being painted
• you will have to cover water pipes with insulation
• new HVAC vents will need to be cleaned before painting
• IF you have alot of loose wires, cables etc- the more that is cleaned up neatly the better things look when they are painted black

What color can I paint my exposed ceiling

Right now black is popular. In using a stock black product such as Black Aqualock Primer, or Black dryfall you gain an advantage in 100% coverage as there is no tinted, it is pre colored – HUGE difference for coverage.

But you are not limited to just black – with solid body primers you can pick pretty much any color you want! I cant wait to paint a fun color or white!

A picture is worth 1,000 words….

Painting concrete walls in your basement

So again we painted the walls in this basement as well! We had to do a quick clean of the dust, but overall walls were clean and ready to paint.

After masking the walls, we used a mason primer to go over the concrete- yes you have to prime concrete before painting it. Once the mason primer is dry then you can pick what ever paint or color you want and paint it white!

How much does it cost to paint wood rafters in my basement

The biggest issues with painting these areas is prep work. The more stuff you have in the basement the harder it is for us to prep and cover, which means more money. So please keep in mind that prep work will affect final cost. On average the cost to spray paint an exposed ceiling will cost from $2.50 to $4.00 per foot.

We hope this helps give you an idea of ways you can improve your home with paint. Painting Exposed Ceilings and concrete walls is an affordable way to get big lift for your home.

It doesn’t matter what your painting in your home, we can help. Give us call and let us know what we can do to help you love the space your in with painting, wallpaper, cabinet refinishinng- and exterior painting as well!!

Wallpaper, Wallpaper, Wallpaper! Is it cooming back, Do people still use Wallpaper, IS wallpaper even a thing? Yes to all. Today we share a a recent installation we Wallpapered Stairwells in Elgin, IL.

Hey Everyone, David With Dfranco Wallpaper, here in Huntley, IL. Today’s post is also in response to a question “Can you install wallpaper in my Stairwell?” Yes we can! It doesn’t have to be just in Elgin, as serve our surrounding areas of Algonquin, St. Charles, Barrington and Schaumburg to name a few.

Where to begin to Wallpaper a stairwell?

For this Wallpaper job in Elgin, the customer made it easy for us. The customer had already removed previous wallpaper from the walls. We had to do some repairs to the old plaster but in general it was pretty easy for us.

The walls were pole sanded, wiped down and then Primed with Roman 977 white primer.

The hardest part is always wallpaper selection. We had our customer go to JC licht in Geneva, and the had Renae help them with their paper selction. Once they selceted the paper we came out to engineeer the walls for how much paper they needed to order

How do I know how much wallpaper to order?

This is a loaded question! Wallpaper is tricky to order as each paper is unique. Each company can print the colors, widths, lenghts, type of materials as they see fit. There are no set standards with wallppaer printing. I call it the WA WA West of paper. Anything goes.

So for us to know how much wallpaper to order, we will measure each wall. We then need the wallpaper information:

• How long is each roll
• the Width of each roll
• If there is a pattern repeat for the wallpaper
• type of paper it is printed on
• special instructions for booking time and adhesive used
• pattern number

With this information, we determine:

• how many strips/panels are needed by the width of the paper.
• based on the height of each panel we determine how long each piece needs to be
• we add for the sixe of the repeat pattern and find how long each panel must be with the over laps for the patterns. A 24 in pattern repeat will in affect means that 24 in of every piece is trash.
• we determine how many panels we can get per roll
• then provide how many rolls you need

How long does it take to install wallpaper in a stairwell?

When we are installing wallpaper in stairwells, the time to install can vary. When we Wallpapered Stairwell in Elgin, The overall time to install depends on the height of the staircase, the dry time of the paper play a roll in the time needed. Additionally if we have to trim the the paper before install, or if we have to allow longer booking times it will affect the time needed to install wallpaper.

In the staircase from the photos in this post, it was 1 man for 2.5 days.

How much will it cost to wallpaper a stairwell?

This is another tricky question as it depends on the paper you select, the prep work needed, and the height of the staircase, to name a few items. In a ideal world, yuo can figure at least $650.00 for a smaller area.

The project above had 8 hours of plaster repairs, we painted trim, ceilings, and primed walls, then installed, and we were over $2,000.00. (plus the cost of the wallpaper)

One of the top questions we are asked outside of how much something will cost is Where we work. So here is a short list that we will update with the towns as well as some of the things we like most about each town and where we go when we are there!

Hello Everyone- yesterdays call- “What towns do Dfranco Painting work in” is todays blog post. As our office is in Huntley, IL, we would love to have all of our workers in the Huntley area. That being said, we will just go through a short list of places we go, keep checking back as this list will grow!

Dfranco Painting in Elgin, IL

belive it or not there are quite a few Elgin’s! Our shop was located here for 3 years and Daphne and Iived there for almost 10 years, (she lived there a bit longer than I)

Elgin

The cool thing about Elgin is the Diversity! from large homes to historic older homes- it is such a fun city to be able to work in. Not a fan of the trains dividing the town in half, but it is what it is. We look forward to helping all of you as we expand in to exterior painting in 2024!

Top rated Painter and Wallpaper in Huntley, IL

It has been so great to grow in our own town! We love being able to drive less than 10 min to stores and job sites. Aside from working in Dell Webb, the other Huntley communities have been so awesome to work with. Make sure you keep watch out for the Dell webb showcase home shows!! And the Lifestyle magazine if you are a Dell webb resident for ads, specials or events.

Huntley

Interior painting in Pingree Grove, IL

As we have some of our friends and family living in Pingree Grove we want to make sure this is a another town where we plant our flag! So we cant forget to add Pingree Grove to what towns do Dfranco painting work in

Pingree Grove

We look forward to being in the Pingree grove community flyers and the home show in 2024!

Wallpaper installation as well as painting in South Elgin, IL

As we have family, church members and friends in several areas of South Elgin, we dont wat to miss the opportunity to help with commmercial and residential opportunities in this town

South Elgin

It has been great being able to work in some of the commercial properties in town, installing commerical wallpaper and murals in stores such as Walmart and Mcalisters.

Helping other in St.charles with Cabinet Painting

St. charles has been one of the top cities where we are doing cabient re painting!

St. Charles

St. charles is another one of those cities we look forward to doing some exterior painting in 2024. I have yet to see the Walhbergs- but they make pretty decent burger!

Selecting the Best paint for Ceilings is a matter of matching the paint properties to the type of ceiling and the effect you desire. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the best choice:

What sheen should I use to paint my ceilings?

Most Designers, Painters, Builders and indusrty experts will agree that flat latex paint is the Best paint for painting the ceilings in your home (in general). Yes there are exeptions which I’ll get to in a bit, but a non-reflective finish is preferred in almost all situtations.

Why should I use Flat Paint for ceilings?

We could send a ton of time on this, but at the end of the day, for your interior painting, you want a flat paint to be applied to your ceilings because:

• it hides issues such as imperfections of the drywall
• there will be minimun glare
• there will be no shine- flat paints in general are the most accurate depiction of the color selected
• flat paint is easy to touch up- if you have water damage, lighting replaced you will apprecaite touching up a ceiling vs reppainting the whole thing

Types of paint to use for Ceilings

There are several brands of paint- how to choose? Here is a list of ceiling paints we have used, and what we like or dislike about them that is best for interior painting in your home.

1. Benjamin Moore Waterborne Ceiling Paint – This product is specifically formulated for ceilings and features an ultra-matte finish. It’s known for its slow drying time, which reduces spatter, and its ability to conceal blemishes well​​. We have found that it leaves marks, and didnt really touch up that well, (an electrician added a light, we touch up around it and it left a sheen different from the paintinng we did the previou day) It is also the most exensive.
2. Harmony Interior Acrylic Latex – If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, Harmony is UL Greenguard Indoor Air Quality and Gold certified. It includes mold and mildew inhibitors and is particularly effective for kitchen ceilings where you might encounter smoke stains or cooking odors​​. We used this product in a day care, funeral home and senior care facility. We had no issues with it, seemed ok- we only used it because thaat was what we were told to use.
3. BEHR Ultra Pure – Home Depot says, “this paint is versatile for various ceiling textures, offers stain-blocking capabilities, and is low-odor, though it may require more than one coat for optimal coverage​​”. We say NOT. Great marketing, poor deliverance- from our experience. I thought price was high, and as you can see in this video- I would not call this a flat paint.

4. Sherwin Williams Eminence Ceiling Paint –

This paint is newer to the market. We have only used it twice and that was due to the color selected. The can said that “This paint has no sheen and is a true flat”, and overall i think it was. Since it comes in a base color of Bright White, it an excellent choice for bright whites competeting with Behr.

OUR Top pick- Sherwin Williams CHB

This paint is a powerhouse and workhorse. If your in the Chicago market your painters will know it well. It is said to outsell all their other paints. We have been using it since 2005. It has never changed, (that we have seen) the label is the same, smells the same, and works the same. In fact!.. we have gone back to do touch ups on ceilings 5 yrs later! We used the same paint, with a new gallon and you could not see where it was re painted! The Cost is amazing. We personally will only use this stuff unless told otherwise- it is that good. So hands down we feel that is is the BEST Inteior PAINT FOR CEILINGS

6. JC LICHT MHB. this product is meant to compete with Sherwin Williams CHB. We have used it once, and that was over 8 years ago, so I cant really give much information about it, except to say it is an option.

What is the difference between flat and other sheen levels

Sheen Levels determined how much shine or refelction a paint has. Flat paints, such as the ones mentioned, have the lowest sheen level. Which why it is ideal for ceilings as they diffuse light and reduce reflections. This quality makes imperfections less noticeable.

For wallls we tell people to use a low sheen/matte/ or eggshell. Sheen levels can get confusing!! It can drive us mad as well. Each paint line from each brand has their own sheen level, whichmakes it hard to match paint or do touch ups. The added tint also affects sheen, but alll lof these issues are best for another day.

Where can I look at the Flat paint types or sheen?

Images of Flat Paint Brands– For visual reference, images can be very helpful. However, for specific images of flat paint brands mentioned, it would be best to visit the manufacturers’ website. Maybe stop in at a home improvement store to see the color swatches and finishes. On line or digital images may not always accurately reflect the true colors. Which is also true of different cell phone cameras and image viewers.

When considering paint for your ceiling, remember to take into account the color and finish. Then the paint’s ability to cover imperfections, its resistance to mold and mildew, and the room’s specific conditions and usage. This will ensure you choose a paint that is both aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting.

If you are thinking of painting your cabiets- then one of the buzz words is Advance Urathane paint. Advance is a Urethane based product that is a great product. The other cabient paint- not often seen or heard but used for cabients is called waterborne lacquer. These two paints are two different types of paint with distinct characteristics and applications.

Hi, I’m David Cook, owner of Dfranco Painitng and Wallpaper in Huntley, IL. We are asked about trim paint, So lets dive into Advance urethane VS Waterborne Laquer.

A quick difference Advance Urethane VS Waterborne Laquer

Here’s a breakdown of each:

1. Advance Urethane Trim Paint:
   • Urethane trim paint is a type of paint that is known for its durability, chemical resistance, and overall toughness. It is commonly used for painting surfaces that require a high level of protection, such as automotive parts, industrial equipment, and outdoor furniture.
   • This type of paint provides a glossy finish and is often used for surfaces that need to withstand harsh weather conditions and frequent use. It typically provides excellent adhesion and is resistant to chipping, fading, and abrasions.
   • Urethane trim paint usually requires a longer drying time compared to other types of paint, and it often requires the use of a primer to ensure proper adhesion to the surface.
   • in the case of Advance products- 16 hours in order to recoat- Emerald is about 3-4. That in iteslf makes huge differene in how you price, and stage a project using these materials.

1. Waterborne Lacquer Paint:
   • Waterborne lacquer paint is a type of paint that uses water as a carrier instead of traditional solvents. It is known for its quick drying time and low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional lacquer paints.
   • Waterborne lacquer paint provides a smooth, clear finish and is often used for interior surfaces such as furniture, cabinets, and trim. It is popular among those who want a clear and crisp finish that enhances the natural appearance of wood and other materials.
   • This type of paint requires careful application to ensure an even and smooth finish. It also typically requires several coats for adequate coverage and durability.

Choosing between the two paints

When choosing between urethane trim paint and waterborne lacquer paint, consider the specific requirements of your project.

If you need a highly durable and protective finish for surfaces exposed to harsh conditions, urethane trim paint might be the better choice. To my knowledge Urathanes do not have the approvals from the Kitchen and design standards to resist stains, or kitchen food borne virus that come from raw food.

On the other hand, if you’re working on interior surfaces and are looking for a more environmentally friendly option with a smooth and clear finish, waterborne lacquer paint could be the way to go.

Somplace you can look for kitchen paint standards is here…KCMA . great location of materials that have been tested for kitchen use,

if you are just painting doors, trim etc, then Advance urethane or Emerald Urethane products will be great option!

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results with either type of paint.

So which paint is better?

there really isnt a better, it is they are different.What are you using the paint for and where yo are located really matters when deciding what to use.

For example, Nick May, walls by design in Denver, CO, uses Advance Urethane paints for cabinets- why? Location. Due to the climate there he needs something that will be able to be sprayed and lay flat, where a laquer there dries too fast.
For us, we want to be efficient with our time. So i can paint sand and repaint 2 coats in a day! That gets us more productive and your kitchen back to normal much faster.

just in case you want to know, here is the cost to paint a room in yourhome!

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