The Painter's Wife

Hire a Contractor or Do it Yourself?

2011-12-27T06:30:00.015-06:00

The immediate response is, “It’s cheaper to do it myself. I’ll go buy the materials and get
started this Saturday.”

And possibly, as even I have done in the past, “I’ll pocket the insurance money and come out ahead.”
This is a valid dilemma that many people face. It pays to take the time to do a more lengthy analysis of the situation.I will take a model from ethics and apply it to the situation. Be patient with the process and the cream will rise to the top!

1. Review the facts: There is a home improvement to be made that requires, labor, expertise, accurate materials, adequate tools, miscellaneous sundries and possibly a timeline for completion.

2. Estimate the Problem: Setting aside that a contractor will have more in depth knowledge of the best materials to purchase for the situation, and already own the tools; the main conflict is paying for the contractor’s labor versus spending one’s own time.

3. Solutions that could be possible: Do it myself, hire a contractor, or pay the unemployed neighbor/brother-in-law/uncle – cash.

4. Outcomes of each solution above:

a. Do it myself: The job gets done using my time in the denomination of labor. Any unexpected findings or mistakes took more time and money. My level of expertise shows in the outcome. Best case scenario: money was saved by my time and I am happy with the outcome.

b. Pay the unemployed neighbor/brother-in-law/uncle – cash: The job may or may not have the desired outcome. Either guilt or pleasure with the job outcome could have implications for the future of said relationship: awkward or friendly. Money may have been saved – with the reality pending on the quality of the job outcome. Risk of job outcome and risk with relationship were taken.

c. Hire a contractor: Two outcomes emerge depending on the quality of the contractor – which is why referrals are important. First and best outcome is that expectations were met and exceeded. There may be a realization during the job process that more detail and skill was required than originally thought. Your home was disrupted for less time. You spent your time doing profitable things (both for the soul and the wallet). Risk was very low because contractor carried insurances to guard you against any injuries occurring on your property, any job related mistakes with costly repairs and many other things that fall under liability and worker’s compensation insurance.

The second outcome is that you are disappointed with a shoddy job or the poor ethics of the contractor choice you made.

5. Likely impact of each outcome listed above:

a. Do it myself: If the job goes well, the impact is one of pride and though time was spent and unexpected issues arose, you felt you came out ahead by spending your extra time rather than cash, to do the job yourself.

b. Pay the unemployed neighbor/brother-in-law/uncle – cash: The cash helps said person through a tough time. You are happy or not so happy with the results. The relationship in the future with this person hinges on the job outcome. Want to take that risk?

c. Contractor: If you did your homework and hired a qualified contractor, you are happy with the outcome and no longer feel any sting of spending the money on hired labor because you realize the job has a professional appearance, the unexpected findings were remedied with more skill and ease than you would have been able to deal with, and the timeline allowed you to enjoy your home sooner than if you had tackled the project yourself. Invisible risk benefits like injury or damage liability were realized.

6. Value of each outcome: Without belaboring any point already mentioned, if one simply looks at the value that the money path followed, it speaks for itself.
In the do-it-yourself scenario, even if the lowest amount of money spent is the outcome, there is a risk that the quality of the job may not last as long as having it professionally done, which means the lower amount spent was not a good investment in the long run.
Cash payment to a friend in need will bring them a short term benefit but the relationship is at risk pending the outcome.

Payment to a contractor helps Main Street keep tradespeople employed and able to maintain health benefits. An employer stays in business and the employees spend their earnings on taxes and on consuming goods that create a strong economy. Notice how the money path in this scenario included insurance, safeguarding you against risk and putting money into that sector as well. The money also flowed to the manufacturer who had the best material solution for your project. For each additional maintenance free year you gain from the money paid to a contractor, the return on investment increases.

7. The next steps are to evaluate all of the above, make a decision and then defend your decision against its main weaknesses. This is called the RESOLVEDD (yes, two D’s) method (Pfeiffer & Forsberg, 2005).

I hope you enjoyed this lesson in Dilemma Solving 101 – and happy home improvements to you!

References:

1. Pfeiffer, Raymond F. and Forsberg, Ralph P. Ethics On The Job, 3^rd ed. ( Wadsworth, 2005).

Sometimes it Pays to be The Painter's Wife

2011-12-17T16:27:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas! We'll be back after the holidays.

The front entry gets a fresh coat in time for the holidays!

Homeowners Have Changed

2011-12-04T06:30:00.000-06:00

The PW Asks: How have homeowners changed over the last 30 years?

The Painter: The internet has made them dangerous. They have usually read just enough to ask a question that they think they know more about than you know. They “quiz” you. They research something that they’ve never had any experience working with and they will say, “It says to do it this way.” That doesn’t mean it’s the best way, because there’s a learning curve with every coatings product.

There are different driers in each coatings product and the chemical make-ups are different from one product to the next. Each paint or finishing product goes down differently. Thirty years ago, people trusted you because you were a professional.

PW: I think every profession has experienced this to some degree, from doctors and lawyers to painters! Long live the internet. I prefer it to those tan and brown encyclopedias we had when I was a kid.

Painting Changes Over 30 Years in Business

2011-12-02T06:30:00.000-06:00

The PW Asks: How have application procedures changed over the last 30 years?

The Painter Says: Thirty years ago there were no small sprayers with variable pressure. The airless sprayer came into being and brought all different sizes, pressure capabilities, and could handle everything from heavy bodied materials to lightweight materials. Reversible tips made it easy to clean tips.

PW: Have you changed how you paint a wall?

Painter: Roller skin technology has changed from polyester to lamb’s wool to a blend of the two to carry paint. The paints require the wall to be painted differently based on “open” time of the paint. Some you have to cut the room in and let that dry before rolling the wall. Other paints require a wet edge. Depending on the sheen of the paint, it will require different applications to get a uniform looking wall. For example, flat paint is not as critical to keep a wet edge as eggshell or semi-gloss sheens. Imperfections in the sheen will be seen when the paint dries down if a wet edge was not maintained.

PW: So painting is not a fool proof process?

Painter: You've got to know what you’re doing to get it to look right.

New Trim - Old Windows?

2011-11-30T06:30:00.000-06:00

The Painter Says: Getting new window trim to blend with old windows is a challenge that most people are not qualified to tackle.

We recently encountered windows that were stained too dark, like a mahogany and the maple trim around them was done with a lighter stain. We were able to prime and enamel the old part of the window to match the natural color of the maple. Then we took a gel stain and created a natural grain look to match the maple. You would have thought it was all maple.

PW: So what you are saying is that you "painted" the window itself and then cleverly created a "wood" look that matched the new window trim.

Painter: One of our areas of expertise is make existing windows match new wood trim. For example, pine is used in many windows. We can take new cherry wood trim that surrounds the window and blend the pine windows into the cherry trim. From a five foot distance you wouldn’t know it’s not all new finishing.

PW: I'm impressed, but then again, - you had me at hello. (Oh, that was cheesy! My kids are going to groan!)

Now show me the money!

Holiday Season Kitchen

2011-11-28T06:30:00.000-06:00

The PW Asks: How can people prepare for the holidays?

The Painter Says: Holiday season is freshen-up time. Now is the time to paint the kitchen because everyone likes to stand around and enjoy that room as well as the dining room.

Lead Based Paint Concerns

2011-11-25T06:30:00.000-06:00

The PW Asks: What have you learned about precautions and issues surrounding the contamination from lead-based paint?

The Painter Says: The easiest way to deal with it is to encapsulate it. There are special encapsulation primers that have a thick mil to go over the top of oil based paint which is what lead-based paint was made of. The primer will seal it right in.

PW: FYI to our readers - Signet Painting is a Lead-Safe EPA Certified Firm.

Thanksgiving Thoughts from the Painter

2011-11-23T06:30:00.001-06:00

The Painter Says:

I’m thankful for family and work. If you've got work, you've got work. It isn’t always about how much you get it’s about who you spend it with.

Go Vikings!

Home Interior Design Changes Over 30 Years

2011-11-21T06:30:00.003-06:00

The PW Asks: What have you seen change the most since you began in the painting business?

The Painter Says: Styles have come full circle in the past 30 years from dark woodwork which used to be mainly oak, to the current design statement of accenting rooms with different wood species and different finishes. Rooms are individually accented with wood trim and cabinetry in different shades the way pieces of clothing are accessorized. We see a variety of woods being used in homes such as Cherry, Alder, Maple and Walnut. We also see a paintable grade of wood trim used such as Poplar, Maple, Birch or pre-primed substrates. And wood tones are mixed, for example, a light crown piece around a darker cabinet.

Married 28 Years Ago Today

2011-11-18T06:30:00.002-06:00

Happy Anniversary to Us!

1983 - 2011

Got "Ugly" Window Sills? Stained from Moisture?

2011-11-16T06:30:00.001-06:00

The PW Asks: What can you do when the wood under your window gets gray or blackish?

The Painter Says:

Condensation occurs in the winter from the glass sweating and then freezing on the window sash and jamb. It then breaks down and lifts the finish, causing wood to mold and deteriorate.

Remedy: We remove the old deteriorated finish from the window and the sash and where the moisture has begun to lift the finish. We apply wood bleach if it has turned black from mold or mildew. Then we apply a light stain to blend with the existing finish and a couple of coats of an oil polyurethane brushed up a little onto the glass to bond with the glass so that moisture can’t penetrate from the back side of the window sash again, and rot the bottom of the window.

This is not a do-it-yourself task, it requires a skilled craftsman.

PW: Have you had “Ugly” Window Success?

Painter: Very good! Very good success. We help people catch the window sash rotting situation before they go bad and the finish is peeling and the wood is graying. Maintaining the bottoms of windows gives people more longevity out of the windows rather than replacing them.

PW: Do a lot of people replace their windows from not catching the situation in time?

Painter: Replacing happens a lot so it is worth having them protected.

PW: Besides the condensation on the glass, are there other issues involved with decaying window sash?

Painter: Yes. The windows were probably sprayed with a cellulose lacquer. Think of a sponge. That is the chemical make-up of a cellulose lacquer which is very common on the market to be used in new construction because it is cheap. We always use a vinyl undercoat and a post-catalyzed lacquer. It costs more and makes all the difference. The new construction homes finished by Signet Painting over the past twenty years do not have this "ugly" stained window sash problem.

Smelly Paint and Paint History

2011-11-14T06:30:00.005-06:00

The PW Asks: What changes have you seen in paint since you began in the business?

The Painter Says: Paint has improved a lot in the last ten years. It has improved in ability to give coverage and to be a low VOC (volatile organic compound, non-smelly) product. Acrylic based products have really improved, whether it be wood finishes or wall.

PW: Why do people like non-smelly paint?

Painter: A lot of people are sensitive to odor. It bothers them and they get stuffed up or sick. Most of those sensitive to paint already have issues so it bothers them (and they’re just wimps) – kidding! It’s been a plus now that the low VOC products have become comparable to the more standard paints. You have to realize that chemicals are what make paint products work so well, and when the manufacturers started stripping those chemicals out, they didn’t work so well. But now I believe we'll see new VOC-free paints and finishes that will be able to outperform some of the old, more chemical laden products.

PW: For the "chemistry" wonks - here's an interesting study: link to regulations and VOC study

The Painter's Favorite Kitchen

2011-11-11T06:30:00.003-06:00

The PW Asks: What does your favorite kitchen look like?

The Painter Says: One of my favorite combinations for new kitchens is alder wood cabinetry stained a golden earthy brown. This wood species tends to hold brown tones very well. And then I like a painted enamel trim coming up against it. For example, a center island in alder with a painted base trim going around it.

PW: Unfortunately, the Painter's fave kitchen is so cutting edge that I can't find a photo to accurately represent it. But here's a shot of an alder kitchen with a painted center island:

Kitchen Design Idea - Tin Ceiling

2011-11-09T06:30:00.004-06:00

The PW Asks: Have you done anything interesting in a kitchen lately?

The Painter Says: Yes, we painted a newly installed tin ceiling with a light enamel color. The cabinets were a natural cherry wood.

Opining on the Vikings

2011-11-06T18:57:00.000-06:00

The Painter Says: Its a pathetic season.

It's a good year to rebuild. Get those rookies out there. Let them learn something.

And P.S. - They should be thankful they have a dome!

Kids Jungle Bedroom Idea

2011-10-29T16:58:00.000-05:00

Kid Room Idea: Age 3 – 7 Jungle Theme:

Wallpaper Border: At chair rail height, border paper with jungle animals

Below Border: Sand colored paint

Above Border: Pale blue to represent sky

Décor: Artificial tree plant with stuffed monkey hanging from limb or other stuffed exotic birds, snakes, etc. Large black framed prints of animals on walls.

Bed Covering: Black comforter with leopard and tiger print throw pillows

Halloween Story Deficit Disorder

2011-10-21T06:30:00.002-05:00

The PW Asks: Have you ever painted a haunted house?

The Painter Says: No.

PW: Not even a creepy room or an animal jumped out or something moved that should not have done so?

Painter: No.

PW: Any pumpkins or ghosts or anything I can put in the blog for a good Halloween scare?

Painter: No.

PW: Boring.

NOT the Painter, but a close relative!

Bedroom Idea: Girl Age 14-18

2011-10-19T06:30:00.003-05:00

Kid Room Idea: Girl Age 14 – 18

Walls and Ceiling: Paint walls and ceiling black. Then hand paint white shapes and patterns randomly placed; similar to paisley shapes. The white shapes bend from walls up onto ceiling. (Note: ceiling must be smooth or paintable. No popcorn texture.)

Wood Trim: White or Natural Wood Tone.

Bedding: Black and white.

Lighting: Chandelier with crystal droplets.

This idea came from a black and white patterned napkin and turned out exquisite. Dare to paint the ceiling black to get the right effect!

Advice on Exterior Home Painting in Freezing Temperatures

2011-10-17T06:30:00.005-05:00

The PW Asks: How do you prepare for a day of exterior home painting in freezing temps?

The Painter Says: In freezing temps you can only use a semi-transparent product or an oil product and you must add isopropanol to the product which is gas line anti-freeze. There is water based colorant, even in oil based paint. This tiny amount of water helps suspend the colorant. In freezing temperatures, this moisture will crystallize unless the isopropanol is added. Next, the paint pump must stay indoors so the product does not freeze while the hose is snaked out the window.

PW: Why would anyone paint a house at below freezing temps?

Painter: Because the builder of the home may not want the bank to hold money in escrow. If the exterior is not painted by the time of closing, money will be held back.

PW: What do you wear to prepare for this kind of arctic feat?

Painter: A union suit, insulated gloves and good boots.

PW: Brrrrrr

Girl's Room Idea: 10-12yrs

2011-10-14T06:00:00.001-05:00

Kid Room Idea: Girl 10-12yrs

Walls: Teal Blue

Ceiling: White

Wood trim: White (This is all window trim, base trim, jambs and doors)

Furniture: Light/Medium stain color

Floor: Hardwood floors with large throw rug in light color with gold diamond geometric pattern

Scary Cold Weather Painting Tale

2011-10-12T06:30:00.002-05:00

The PW Asks: Do you have any scary cold weather painting stories?

The Painter Says: One time we were painting a cedar sided house exterior and it started to snow. Our biggest fear was that the snow was sticking to the stain and we worried about how it was going to look. It was only 10 degrees. Everything turned out and we never had a problem.

PW: Does painting home exteriors in cold temperatures have benefits?

Painter: Yes, because surfaces are dried out and as tight as they will ever be. Every inch of that surface is getting coated. When temperatures rise again and the surface expands you will see no lap lines. That’s Minnesota climate!

Kids Bedroom Hockey Theme

2011-10-05T06:30:00.001-05:00

Kid Room Idea: Hockey Theme

Walls: Orange

Painted Border: Dark blue 6” band around room

Wood Trim: Stained

Décor: Hockey Jersey/ Hockey Sticks

How Cold Is Too Cold to Paint?

2011-10-03T06:30:00.001-05:00

The PW Asks: Can you paint outside in cold temps?

The Painter Says: Some acrylic exterior home products will allow you to paint as low as 35 degrees; but that must be the surface temperature – not the air temperature. In other words, the surface could be colder than the outside temp and that is a recipe for disaster.

PW: I don't think our insurance company would appreciate a recipe for disaster. But they might like your recipe for apple crisp. We need to post that one of these days.

Painters Picking Apples

2011-09-30T06:30:00.001-05:00

The Painter’s Favorite Dessert: Apple Crisp

The PW Asks: Do you have any stories about cows, corn, pumpkins, ghosts, spooks or scary people?

The Painter Says: No.

PW: How about apples?

Painter: One time we painted a house in the country and we stopped along the roadside and picked apples off trees. They were good, we ate them and I think we made an apple pie.

PW: Was I married to you then? Because I don't remember no apple pie!

Bedroom Design for Kids with Allergies

2011-09-28T06:30:00.001-05:00

PW: The Painter talks about painting in homes with kids with severe allergies.

The Painter: We have painted several homes where kids rooms are being refurbished by pulling all the carpet out and installing hardwood floors to create a more dust and mildew free environment. We then paint the walls and woodwork with volatile organic compounds (VOC) free acrylic products so no allergens are sent out into the air. No hot chemicals can be used. This has worked out well.

Party Season Prep

2011-09-26T06:30:00.003-05:00

The PW Asks: What are some key things to do in the fall to prepare for the holidays and guests?

The Painter Says: Three things come to mind.

Freshen up the paint on the walls.
Refinish wood table tops.
Paint the front door, before it gets too cold. If it’s wood, it may need to be stripped and refinished. If not, some clean-up and touch –up or a fresh coat on the whole surface.

Girls Bedroom Idea Age 13-18

2011-09-21T06:30:00.006-05:00

Kid Room Idea: Girl 13 – 18yrs

Walls: Eggplant Purple

Ceiling: Eggplant purple (NOTE: ceiling should be smooth or paintable surface – not popcorn texture)

Wood Trim: White (This is all window trim, base trim, jambs and doors)

Window Covering: White shutters

Furniture: White

Bed Covering: Patterned spread with eggplant, white and green.

Floor: Light toned carpet

How to Stop Bees: Do Not Try This at Home

2011-09-19T06:30:00.002-05:00

The Painter has another story about bees:

There was a garage with a soffit made up of the stringers coming across. There were five or so wasp nests. We didn’t have any spray and we needed to paint where they were. So we sucked them into a shop-vac directly out of the nests or even in the air as they flew around. We had 100 to 150 bees so we also sucked up some powdered sheet rock compound so it caked them up so they couldn’t fly.

PW: Nice touch with the sheet rock compound. Makes their limp chalked up bodies easier to dispose of. I think we could launch a new ad campaign for Shop-Vac. Show a painter waving a vacuum wand wildly in the air sucking down wasps. Sooo not OSHA approved.

This is not from the Painter's story but wow - somebody had some bees in a shop vac.

The Problem with Paint and Air Conditioning

2011-09-16T06:30:00.002-05:00

The PW Asks: As people switch in the fall from running air conditioners to throwing open the windows, are there any effects on painting surfaces?

The Painter Says: There is no problem with throwing the windows open, rather, the problem is with air conditioned homes that are cooled to 65 degrees. A home can take an extra day or more to paint because the air conditioner must pull the moisture out of the air for the paint to dry. In the winter, paint dries well because the furnace blows dry heat into the home.

Kids Bedroom Weekly Kick Off

2011-09-14T06:30:00.001-05:00

Each week this fall, the Painter will share one kids bedroom painting and decorating idea.

The PW Asks: Give us some ideas for kids rooms. What are you seeing out there?

The Painter Says: We see a lot of accent walls using a solid purple, blue or green. The headboard wall is a popular place to do an accent color. We still see border paper used related to interests such as sports.

"Fall" Into Some Garage Floor Logic

2011-09-12T06:00:00.001-05:00

The PW Asks: Tell us about garage floor coatings.

The Painter Says: In order to coat a garage floor there needs to be an air temperature of at least 55 degrees. There are a variety of ways to handle a garage floor, from simple to complex.

1. A simple clear coat on a garage floor creates a dust barrier and the concrete is not “dry” looking.

2. A 2-part epoxy is another option which can add color. Next, taking it a step further is a 2-part epoxy plus clear urethane layers with colored chips added. The surface can be smooth with chips suspended in the urethane for a sleek look. Or the chips can actually protrude from the urethane for a skid proof surface. An epoxy garage floor can serve many different purposes and will last the longest if the floor is professionally prepared and coated.

Early fall is an ideal time to coat a garage floor.

Fall Changes Everything

2011-09-05T00:07:00.000-05:00

Once Labor Day weekend rolls around we start thinking about getting the kids back in school and assessing the fallout of a wonderful summer season. Smudged walls and dirty carpet can be tidied up just in time for throwing the windows open and taking in the fresh, crisp air. This fall, kids will be our focus and the Painter will be giving us ideas for kids bedrooms and even for kids with allergies. Be watching for our weekly "Kids Room" painting and decorating ideas.

The PW Asks: What changes in the painting world in the fall?

The Painter Says: We leave humidity behind and temps become cooler. This means we may switch products, especially in wood finishing that are compatible with the colder weather. Sometimes we add additives so products dry correctly and do not flash.

Painting and Storms Don't Mix - Part 2

2011-09-02T07:00:00.004-05:00

The Painter: (Regarding the farmhouse that was primed 3 hours before an unexpected storm): When we came back the next day, we found that on the south side of the house, water got behind the paint and formed softball sized pockets that were still full of water.

PW Comments: Take me out to the ballpark, take me out with the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,,,, (yum, I love Cracker Jack - remember when you used to get a real toy - a real ring!) Hmmm hummm hmmm hmmm hummmmm..........

Painting and Storms Don't Mix - A Great Story

2011-08-31T20:33:00.000-05:00

The PW Asks: Any interesting windy day or inclement weather stories?

The Painter Says: Priming a farm house with oil primer and a storm came out of nowhere. It was sunny then blue, thunder & lightning. The primer had been on the house 3 hours and then a down pour.The next day on the west side of the house there was a line of paint on the ground. It took the oil primer right off the wall. Now that’s tough – taking oil off the wall.

PW Comments: stay tuned for Part 2 - it gets even better (slash worse) when they inspect the south side of this farm house.

Negotiating With Spiders

2011-08-29T08:00:00.001-05:00

The PW Asks: Have you ever painted over a critter?

The Painter Says: Oh yeah. I told them to go and they wouldn’t so I rolled them into the wall.

(The Painter pauses to ponder) Basically those Daddy Long Legs. They become part of the wall.

Big Bad Spiders - Badder Than A Junkyard Dog

2011-08-26T08:00:00.001-05:00

The Painter Says: If you paint a house on a lake you better prepare yourself for the biggest baddest spiders you’ve ever seen. You can power wash them off one day and they’ll be back the next.

PW: Have you ever been bit by a spider?

The Painter: Not that I know of.

Biggest Baddest Minnesota "Lake" Spider

Interesting Critter Sightings While Painting

2011-08-24T08:00:00.001-05:00

The PW Asks: What is the most interesting critter you’ve run into painting outside?

The Painter Says: Not like they were in the way but I’ve seen deer, turkey, badgers and the BIG “lake” spiders.

Never seen on a jobsite - honest.

What The Painter Refuses To Paint

2011-08-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

The PW Asks: Is there any job you would refuse?

The Painter Says: Intricate screened porches. By the time you protect and paint around the screen it’s more cost effective to remove it and replace with new screen.

Bonus Information: If you try to wipe a drip of paint, off a screen, it’s gonna smear.

Can You Paint a Concrete Stairway?

2011-08-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

The PW Asks: Can you paint an ugly concrete stairway?

The Painter Says: Yep, you have to clean and prep them right and then use an epoxy - or an exterior urethane but it won’t hold up forever – it’ll look good for a while.

Bonus Information from The Painter: You can use concrete stains for a patio. It wears off eventually but you can re-stain it.

The Painter can also "paint" a concrete staircase - cuz he's an artist too.

Can You Paint a Sidewalk?

2011-08-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

The PW Asks: Can you paint a sidewalk?

The Painter Says: Yep

PW: Stay tuned for Friday, when The Painter answers the question you've been sitting on the edge of your seat to know: Can you paint a concrete stairway?

The Trouble with Bees: Part 3

2011-08-15T08:30:00.002-05:00

The Painter can tell you stories - about bees:

"I've been bit a few times. Just put my hand in the wrong place at the wrong time – grabbing the edge of a roof and the first bee that came down the pipeline bit me. They are in and out. They are busy!"

The PW Asks: Do you have a remedy for bee stings?

The Painter Says: I don’t do anything. I just make sure the stinger is out if they left one.

PW: So - no need for an ambulance, then.

The Trouble with Bees: Part 2

2011-08-12T08:50:00.000-05:00

The Painter Tells a Story: There was a house in St. Peter, MN that had a high peak with a big wasps nest. The circumference was 2 ft. At the crack of dawn we shot it with wasp spray – soaked it.

Then we knocked down the wasp nest and it hit the porch roof below and split open. 1000’s of wasps were laying and crawling on the roof.

We were standing on the porch roof and we started stomping the bees. We took ‘em out. Didn’t have any problems – we got ‘em.

The Trouble with Bees

2011-08-10T09:00:00.003-05:00

The PW Asks: What can you do if you have bee’s nests in your eaves?

The Painter Says: Get up early in the morning, like the crack of dawn – 5am – and spray them before they wake up. Of course, it depends on your fear of bees. I’m not afraid of them so they leave me alone. For some reason, they go after people who are afraid... because they swing at them.

Wow - This is a Florida beehive - Get Professional help with this one!

How to re-use cabinetry. See this kitchen makeover!

2011-08-09T14:27:00.010-05:00

"I was extremely pleased with Signet Painting, Larry and the entire staff. The process was easy and the results fantastic! We did a full kitchen remodel - new floors, granite, appliances and of course, the cabinet refinish. By far I think the cabinet refinish was the most dramatic change and provided the greatest bang for our buck!"

Cathy B. - Woodbury MN

From the PW: This customer did some really neat things with their kitchen. First you will notice they removed the center island and re-used it to create a dining peninsula. We love the "reuse/recycle" concept - but they took it a step further by refinishing their kitchen cabinets rather than throwing them out for the landfill and (buying IKEA); (nothing against IKEA - it's just that people see the low number on the IKEA kitchens but don't take into account all the hidden costs).

Next - they turned their "desk" into a wine bar with just a little carpentry. This kitchen is adorable. Thanks for letting me share it with the world Cathy.

Before

After

Weirdest Thing The Painter Painted

2011-08-08T09:41:00.002-05:00

The PW Asks: What’s the weirdest thing anyone ever asked you to paint?

The Painter Says: The shelves in a wine refrigerator were trimmed in wood and we stained them to match the dark cherry cabinets in the kitchen.

Make sure that Pinot comes from the color coordinated wine frig and not the plain one.

"Hottest" House Color Ever!

2011-08-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

The PW Asks: What is the wildest house exterior color you ever painted?

The Painter says: Fire engine red in semi-gloss.

The PW Asks: Why did they want that?

The Painter Says: They liked the color.

Rockin' Those Colors in the Wild Wild....South!

2011-08-03T08:30:00.000-05:00

The PW Asks: What is the wildest color you ever painted?

The Painter Says: A gal from the south had us paint all the Easter egg pastel colors on her walls and ceilings and they changed from room to room.

Could I have a side of chocolate bunny with those jelly bean drapes?

Best Compliment a Painter Can Receive

2011-08-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

The PW Asks: What’s the nicest thing a homeowner ever said?

The Painter Says: “The house looks brand new and your guys were great.”

Nick

Most Fun Thing to Paint

2011-07-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

PW Asks: What is the most fun thing you’ve painted on a house exterior?

Painter says: An ornate railing system on a Painted Lady that had different colors on the sections of the spindles.

PW: Ok, the Painter never painted the original seven painted ladies in San Francisco, but the PW saw them in person from a trolley bus. The PW LOVES San Francisco! (And talking about herself in the third person).

House Painting Hazards

2011-07-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

PW Asks: What is the top hazard you’ve encountered when painting house exteriors?

Painter says: Nice shrubs and trees up against the home. You don’t want to damage them and must be very careful when you paint around them.

Number One Reason to Not Paint-It-Yourself

2011-07-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

PW Asks: What is the top reason to hire a professional painting contractor and refrain from a do-it-yourself exterior paint job on your home?

Painter says: So the prep gets done accordingly which ensures that the warranty on the paint is honored. A professional paint job lasts.

Should Painting Decks Be Outlawed? (In Minnesota's Climate)?

2011-07-22T07:23:00.000-05:00

PW Asks: Should deck rail be painted?

Painter says: Not unless it’s already been painted. Flat surfaces will build up ice and snow and crack if moisture gets beneath them and then peel. Vertical surfaces should be okay. Otherwise – if it’s been stained, stay with a semi-transparent stain to protect the wood – typically needs to be done every couple years depending on how it ages and how you want it to look.

PW replies: I see what you mean. For more information - this expert looks like he knows what he's talking about when it comes to decks maintenance.

Will annual power-washing wear the paint off your home?

2011-07-20T08:38:00.000-05:00

PW Asks: Should you power wash your home or will that wear down the paint?

Painter says: Use the power washer to remove dust, dirt, cob webs and critter debris, not to remove the paint. Once a year a spring cleanup is enough.

PW replies: So this is okay (see photo):

And this is too much pressure for a spring "clean-up" effect:

PW continues: And I'm just gonna say it - for you amateur "power washers" - you can become ill from bird debris when it gets wet, re-activated and airborne by the power washing. Another thing I'm concerned about is if your home has pre-1978 coatings that could contain lead. This is a very dangerous situation in terms of exposure, especially for children. Then you need to have a professional painting contractor evaluate the situation. Bottom line: consider hiring a professional.

How to Extend the Paint on Your Home's Exterior

2011-07-18T08:23:00.000-05:00

PW Asks: Is there anything you can do to extend the life of the paint job on a house?

Painter says: Not really.

PW comments: I know - it was a gotcha title! (ooh, that sounded Palin-esque)
But the Painter is just being an honest guy.

Cedar Siding Can Be Thirsty

2011-07-15T12:52:00.000-05:00

PW Asks: How often should a cedar sided house be coated?

Painter says: 5 yrs. or with a top quality acrylic product, 6-8 yrs., but be watchful, every house will be different.

The Best House Siding

2011-07-13T07:59:00.000-05:00

PW Asks: Which siding type holds its finishes the longest?

Painter says: James Hardie siding. With other types of siding, light colors don’t absorb the sun and fade like darker colors.

My Suburban My Self

2011-07-11T21:04:00.000-05:00

I have a '92 Suburban that we got in 1997. It doesn't see much road time anymore but it always makes the trek up to the lake cabin once a year, towing the boat. A few summers ago it started blowing tranny fluid out the rear end and all over the boat when it was towing, but we finally got that fixed. There is nothing like that Suburban. Besides a bit of Minnesota rust, it is the most comfortable vehicle to ride in. It has a "bench" front seat. That alone, makes it a collector's item. I can sit cheek to cheek with the Painter - that just doesn't happen in today's models.
I think I might make the Suburban my retirement home. I could put a mattress in the back, and a mini-frig and microwave in the middle, and I could take visitors in the front.
Did I just say "take visitors"? Oh my gosh, that sounds like an old lady.
I may be closer to retirement than I realize.

Not My Suburban - But Funny

What color schema do you recommend for exterior window trim?

2011-07-11T09:53:00.000-05:00

The Painter says: For most houses, a color that is found in the roof or brick. If the structure of a house has its own aesthetic appeal then you don’t want to make it too busy by accenting the window trim.

The Painter's Wife Asks: The Painter Answers: Exterior Home Colors

2011-07-08T22:23:00.000-05:00

The Painter’s Wife Asks: What are your suggestions for color on the exterior of a home?

Painter says: The front door is a focal point so use an accent color. I suggest blending the garage doors with the body color; otherwise they become the focal point (unless you have wood stained garage doors).

Weathering the Storms Together

2011-06-22T15:57:00.000-05:00

Rarely are two days alike during the four distinct seasons we have in Minnesota. Everyone speaks fluent weather. We must know our cardinal directions to distinguish the wall cloud in the West from the harmless cumulonimbus in the East. Knowing the temperature in January doesn’t help us dress appropriately unless we also know the wind chill factor. Going green does not mean eating a healthy diet, recycling the beer cans or using the VOC free paint. It also does not mean “we’re in the money!” It means the sky says to hit the basement before that wall cloud crushes the beer cans.

All of this potential for severe weather and change means that our kids start to cry if they see raindrops. Hail is a scary thing to grow up with. The first time a child sees it bouncing off the sidewalk while peering out the window and hears it ” tinking” off the roof like marbles, they think the house is crumbling, or worse, that the sky is falling.

It’s an unpredictable world and with storm sirens wailing in the background, it doesn’t feel safe. The business climate for many painting contractors has been volatile for several years. We rarely see two days alike. We’ve developed new vocabulary unheard of before the storms. Terms like price sensitivity and cash discount.

Here at Signet Painting we understand these concerns of our customer and we have developed a cash discount program to help out. We do this without compromising our integrity as a tax paying employer of insured and trained professional painters. We hope to give more of our customers an opportunity to ‘hit the basement’ with some fresh paint while the storms of the economy blow over. Together, we can all emerge better.

What Popular Minnesota Wood Species Is This Door?

2011-02-11T14:44:00.000-06:00

Did you guess oak?

You would probably be correct except that it is a trick question. This is a metal door - like the kind of service door commonly leading out to one's garage. It started out plain and white. This graining technique was applied by one of our craftsmen in our shop in Eagan - ready to be delivered to a delighted homeowner.

Anyone can paint?

Maybe, but this is one example of the professional difference. The painting trade assocation likes to put it this way, "Picture it Painted Professionally!"

Can you spy the Painter's Wife?

2010-12-20T15:36:00.000-06:00

Table Refinishing for the Holidays

2010-10-05T11:05:00.000-05:00

Now is a great time to think about getting the kitchen or dining room table freshened up for the holidays. Check out this recent refinish:

During refinishing

Table Base Before

Is It Time for a Cool Change?

2010-08-11T17:12:00.000-05:00

Does anyone else remember that song by the Little River Band? "Well I was born in the sign of water/ And it's there that I feel my best..." If you don't know the song, you're probably just so wonderfully young. You probably don't remember Gilligan's Island at 4p.m. and then The Flintstones, just after supper (eat your peas!).

But for the rest of us, alas, our life is "so pre-arranged" and we know that it's time...for a groovy change. See this before and after shot from one of Signet Painting's kitchen makeovers for a client with great taste, in Maple Grove:

Before the Signet Painting Makeover

And the song continues, "There's lots of those friendly people, showing me ways to go, and I never want to lose that inspiration:

After

One more beautiful, sturdy set of oak cabinets saved from the landfill.

Voile!

Minnesota Monthly Factoid Edited

2010-05-17T15:55:00.000-05:00

http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/

If you spend $$$ on a kitchen FACELIFT - cabinets, countertops etc. you will recoup 83% of your costs in a sale. Average cost: 20,000.00
However, if you spend $$$$$ on a kitchen REMODEL - you will only recoup 62% of your costs. Average cost 123,000.00. But originally, they reported an 8% recoup - then they printed a correction the following month which makes a bit more sense. Nevertheless, think about that facelift:

Here's an idea: http://www.refinishyourcabinets.com/

Painting Mother's Day with only 135 Calories

2010-05-09T11:25:00.000-05:00

This is a deviation from gorgeously painted rooms and I confess there are shades of the Pioneer Woman (but why should she have the corner on the 'famous blogger' market?) The Painter made this blueberry blintz for me. Ok, we made it together - and after only two tries! Take a look:

I can't take credit for the recipe, that would be the Slimgenics cookbook. But here it is:

1/4 C. blueberries (I used frozen/unsweetened)
2 oz. 1% cottage cheese (that's relatively a 1/4 cup)
1 large egg (whisked) Don't put it in with the cottage cheese, don't do it...
1 packet Equal
1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Wash blueberries and sweeten them with 1/2 packet Equal. Whip cottage cheese and the other 1/2 pack Equal in blender with a few drops of skim milk, set aside. Heat a non-stick fry pan with PAM. Pour the whipped egg in the pan to make a nice round pancake. Cook for 1 minute, medium heat. Then pour the blueberries in a line down the center of the egg circle. Cover and cook 2 minutes or until egg is set. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Slide the pancake on a plate. Fill with sweetened whipped cottage cheese, reserving about a tablespoon. Fold over both edges. Top with remaining cottage cheese and a few berries.

Buon appetito! (I'm giving the Italians credit; I have no idea why.) With a great cup of coffee, of course. Dang that was good!

Can You Say Extreme Kitchen Makeover?

2010-03-23T16:02:00.000-05:00

Actually, it is kind of difficult to say it quickly - extreme kitchen makeover, after about three of them I get to "A Ku chA Kuch A Kee".

These homeowners had honey stained, oak cabinetry. Here's a cool thing - they had us fill the holes from the old handle pulls on the top cabinets and then they could switch to swanky knobs. Then we did our magic and turned their oak into their dream kitchen. I know I'm impressed and I do this for a living.

A Picture Paints a Thousand Words

2010-03-11T23:30:00.000-06:00

One early morning, way too early for normal people to be awake, the Painter took our camera. There was no one to stop him, we were all sleeping. He decided to try his hand as, “Mr. Freelance Photographer.” We were at the cabin and he found a pasture/junk yard. So now we have an entire folder on the pc filled with his junkyard “art”. The funny thing is; I kinda like it.
For a writer, these photos are great fodder. For example:

“Honey! Where is the spare mattress?”

“I think it’s leaning against the station wagon.”

“What are you talking about? I thought it was in the garage.”

“No, when the chimney blew off the roof last month after the furnace ignited your pantyhose hanging on a line between it and the copper pipes above the washing machine and the flaming ashes fell into a can of lacquer thinner which threw flames and caused that explosion in the furnace, I used the mattress to extinguish the fire and it burned up, leaving only the bedspring which I put out by the station wagon so I can drive all that stuff to the dump tomorrow.”

“Oh.”

Mom & Pop & Baby

2010-03-08T15:28:00.000-06:00

I never thought my status as a small business owner with my husband would become a symbol plied in national politics, however disingenuous, by the politicians touting their concern for the “mom & pops”. But hey, fame is hard to come by these days, it's just that the term, mom & pop, makes me cringe; it makes me feel old.

When the Painter decided to “invest” in his new business back in 1983, the first thing on the list was a dependable and large vehicle to carry supplies. Thus, the 1973 Custom Cruiser was just the ticket. My eldest child is proud to have among her baby book photos, a picture of her on the day she was driven home from the hospital in the paint mobile. Notice the buckets and can of Glidden paint just behind her car seat. Nice ride! Who could want more?

A New Year

2010-02-15T16:46:00.000-06:00

What’s next?

I trust many of us in the trades asked ourselves this question as we peered across the blackjack table of a new year. The dealer is showing a 2. Do you play your chips or do you double down?

This is a heady analogy coming from one who just approached the first blackjack table of my life while on a recent road trip to move my son to California. For my son, an 18 year old, it is deemed a rite of passage in Minnesota to partake in some gambling at the Native American owned casinos. It was truly an afterthought when he and I realized that my lesson in blackjack, during our overnight stay in Nevada, may have been illegal for him since their casinos are not owned by a sovereign nation and may have different age laws.

Suffice to say, neither of us is wanted in Nevada. Next, we managed to cross the finish line into California on expired license plate tabs, where to our relief, we noticed the California plates did not have extra stickers attached and maybe no one would notice yet another misdemeanor.

You see, there was a minor list of things he forgot to take care of during his home stay that were revealed during the trip. One never really knows what’s next; when in the company of a teenager or when owning a business, and certainly not in blackjack. I would venture a guess that the old rules will not apply to the game we now face. Price sensitivity is not going away soon. We will be challenged to persuade our potential customers of our value.

On the up side, the longer people wait to do maintenance on their homes, the more they are suppressing their appetite for such maintenance and improvements. Perhaps we can hope for a deluge of pent up need to spend at some point. In the meantime, it’s critical to keep fresh ideas rolling as we face these times together.

It’s a new game baby! Signet Painting is here for you as you look around your space and ask, “What’s next?”

The Art and Science of Residential Painting

2010-02-15T16:41:00.000-06:00

The customer of a residential contractor is a general contractor, an interior designer, a cabinet maker or a homeowner and on any given day, at any given moment, these customers expect us to have answers for questions like these:

Can you make it look like vintage wallpaper? Can my brick home be painted? Why did the paint peel on the walls in my stairwell? Do you know which wood finishing product to use for cabinetry my clients chose to have laminated with an exotic wood veneer for their pool house?

Does an accountant know the answers? A chef or a veterinarian? No, because the answers come with years of learning a trade that involves chemistry, physics, geometry, meteorology and by the way, an artistic eye for color theory and a natural talent for application. And yet, residential painting is often an undervalued service in our country.

One of my favorite Dilbert cartoons underscores how we can contribute to our own flagging worth by illustrating a wood chuck posing as a contractor who has just submitted an estimate. Dilbert reads the estimate back to the contractor by reiterating that it says he’ll do the work for a chance to gnaw on wood. To which the contractor replies, “Too high?”

We painting contractors often compete in a chance-to-gnaw-on-wood market, when the truth is that we represent a trade requiring knowledge in art and science, a trade whose work is most visible to the eye, a fact that sets us apart from all other building trades. And that deserves recognition.

On this 125th anniversary of the oldest painting trade association in the country, congratulations PDCA (Painting and Decorating Contractors of America) Painting Contractors! We are the best.