October 2023 – S1PERFORMANCE

Catchlight Painting and Historic Restoration

For anyone who has undergone restoration work on their home, you’ll know that it’s seldom a “quick fix” situation; this is especially true of historic homes. Hiring a contractor for kitchen painting can quickly become much more involved than originally anticipated. Yes, it’s highly likely for a job to be done correctly, but issues underneath the surface must be attended to before finish work can be completed. There’s an element of opening “Pandora’s box” that comes with the undertaking. When one problem/issue is fixed, it can reveal another waiting behind it – it’s simply the way things go.

For Catchlight, it is quite common to be brought on to a historic home restoration project for interior or exterior painting services, but it’s quickly discovered that the home will need work performed that may not strictly be in our painting wheelhouse. But wait!

Historic Restoration Capabilities

In historic homes, a simple painting project can quickly become more involved – we have our own resources in-house for light carpentry, which includes matching existing molding profiles, shaping wood shingles to match originals, rot repair, masonry repair and sealing, window repair, glass replacement – all issues are within our skilled carpenters’ capabilities. However, when there’s an issue that our team is not equipped to handle, that’s when we’ll recommend someone who can.

Rare Restoration

Many of our clients own historic homes; Colonials, Victorians, and mid-century architectural marvels are found in many Bostonian townships. In these homes, if antique furniture needs repair or a 19th-century French chandelier needs rewiring, you can’t run down to Home Depot or Target and source the parts and expertise needed to restore them properly. We have a great working relationship with RARE Restoration in Brookline Village for these scenarios.

Working with RARE Restoration

RARE’s reputation extends throughout Boston and Greater New England. If we have a client in need of restoration work for items ranging from 1930s art deco floor lamps to antique door locks, RARE has seen and repaired it all; trust us, there are some interesting and esoteric items out there in need of restoration work, chances are RARE can get the job done with beautiful results, exceeding expectations.

Woodwork restoration, metal work/polishing, glass repair, and rewiring vintage lighting, all the while using conservation-grade materials to ensure authenticity and longevity, are at the heart of what RARE does, and we’re proud to work with them to bring our clients the same reference-level results that they would expect from Catchlight.

Historic Restoration – Embracing Our Community

Being entrusted to work within our clients’ homes and bring new life to cherished spaces is not something lost upon us. Whenever we’re committed to painting, restoring, and rejuvenating a home, the entire team is dedicated to crafting results that everyone can be proud of.

Over the decades of working in the Greater Boston area, we’ve curated a network of historic restoration professionals, such as RARE, who are just as obsessed with beautiful results as we are.

To learn more about our services, please contact us today.

Can You Paint in The Winter? Interior Projects for Cold Weather

New England winter, love or hate them, they’re a part of life if you live in Greater Boston. Sometimes, they’re unexpectedly gentle, and other times, they’re weekly blizzards, time perfectly with the Monday commute (2015, anyone?) It’s a flip of a coin in our lovely city, and unless you and yours are committed to the snowbird lifestyle each year, you mentally prepare for whatever mother nature brings us.

A question we often hear from clients is whether or not it’s advisable to undergo painting projects in the wintertime. While the short answer is a resounding yes for most painting projects in the winter, let’s discuss some of the projects that are not advisable in the winter and why. Also, we’ll provide some insights as to why there are reasons to actively pursue painting projects in the winter.

Can You Paint Outside in The Winter?

In a word, no. Do not even think about this, no matter the weather. Fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and precipitation are guaranteed, and paint requires predictable conditions to cure properly, providing proper protection and durability.

Some Benefits of Interior Winter Projects

At Catchlight, we’ve perfected the art of non-disruptive interior painting! Odor-free paints, carefully protected surfaces, dust walls separating the workspace from your living space, considerate, quiet, courteous painters – did we mention we background check every hire, drug test, and train to EPA and MA RRP certifications to ensure we never create a lead paint risk in older homes? Google reviews typically speak to the caliber of our staff, not just our painted finishes.

Winter promotions – As exterior work does not happen in the winter, interior painting contractors often provide extra incentives to get projects going while their crews are less busy. Catchlight offers a fantastic winter promotion; if you schedule your interior project between Thanksgiving and March, we’ll supply up to $500 in free paint!

Can You Paint in The Winter? Get Interior Work Done Before the Spring!

Once spring rolls around, and the birds and bees of April and May start buzzing and chirping, many people realize in a last-minute panic that they need work done on their home, and by that time, contractors are often booked up! While the winter is a time to be cozy and hibernate to some degree, don’t forget it’s a fine time of year to have interior work completed on your home, avoiding the rush of spring demand.

Please contact us today to learn more about our interior painting services and winter promotions.

How To Keep Your Property’s Floors and Entryways Clean

As autumn begins to settle in, we continue to get closer to the time of year when we hurry out of our cars and into buildings to avoid the cold, rain, and snow. You wipe your shoes on the floor before stepping further into the building, or you try to tap off leaves, debris, or bits of snow stuck in your boots. Hopefully, the building has a floor mat that can hold up to the wet and dirt – but often, it is already soaked through or nonexistent, and then you’re hoping you won’t slip and fall in your wet shoes.

This scenario may seem slightly inconvenient, but business owners know the value of first impressions for visitors and customers. If your floor is dirty, stained, void of entrance mats, or a tripping hazard, that first impression can quickly go by the wayside. As we transition into colder weather, let’s examine how business owners can keep their floors and entryways clean, attractive, and safe.

Maintain a Regular Cleaning Schedule

First and foremost, implementing a regular cleaning schedule is the foundation of maintaining clean floors and entryways. Dirt and moisture can accumulate without consistent cleaning, leading to damage and safety hazards. Regular cleaning enhances your property’s appearance and extends the flooring materials’ lifespan.

Consider Commercial Floor Painting

Commercial floor painting is a highly effective way to protect and visually enhance your floors. This service adds a fresh and appealing look to your space and provides a durable, easy-to-clean surface. Commercial floor paints are designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, making them an excellent choice for highly walked areas like entryways and hallways.

Polish Concrete Floors

Concrete floors have become increasingly popular in commercial spaces due to their durability and modern aesthetic. However, keeping them clean can be challenging, especially in wet conditions. Concrete floor polishing is a solution that creates a sleek and low-maintenance surface. Polished concrete is highly resistant to stains and dirt, making it ideal for areas that experience frequent foot traffic.

Keep Mats and Rugs Inside the Building

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep your entryways clean is by strategically placing heavy-duty mats and rugs. These mats act as the first line of defense against dirt, moisture, and debris brought in on shoes. Invest in high-quality, absorbent mats with rubber backing to keep them in place to trap dirt and water effectively.

Encourage Shoe Booties

To prevent dirt and moisture from entering your commercial space, encourage employees and visitors to use disposable shoe booties or covers. Provide a convenient dispenser near entrances to make it easy for everyone to protect your floors during wet or snowy weather.

Perform Regular Sweeping and Mopping

Regular sweeping and mopping are essential maintenance tasks that prevent dirt from being ground into the floor’s surface. Invest in commercial-grade vacuum cleaners and mops to ensure thorough cleaning. Consider increasing the frequency of these tasks for high-traffic areas, especially during the fall and winter.

Remove Snow and Ice

With snow and ice accumulation, outdoor entryways can quickly become hazardous during winter. Removing snow and ice is crucial to prevent melting and tracking indoors. Use salt or de-icing agents to maintain safety and avoid accidents.

Apply Floor Sealants

Floor sealants are valuable for protecting your floors from moisture infiltration, particularly important for concrete floors. Sealants create a protective barrier that keeps moisture and stains at bay, prolonging the life of your flooring materials.

Invest in Quality Outdoor Doormats

In addition to the mats and rugs placed inside your entryways, invest in quality doormats for the outdoor areas. These mats should be highly absorbent and have a rubber backing to prevent slippage. Properly maintained doormats can capture a significant amount of dirt and moisture, keeping it from spreading indoors.

Employee and Customer Education

Educating your employees and customers about the importance of maintaining clean entryways is crucial. Encourage everyone to wipe their feet thoroughly on mats, and provide clear signage or messages about your cleanliness expectations. By fostering a culture of cleanliness, you can reduce the impact of winter weather on your floors.

Work With SmithPro Commercial Painting

Maintaining clean floors and entryways in commercial properties is vital year-round, but it becomes incredibly challenging during the fall and winter. Our SmithPro Commercial Painting team can help with services like commercial floor painting, concrete floor polishing, and other commercial painting needs. With our decades of experience serving the Greater St. Louis area, we are ready to take on your project. Let’s connect today!

The post How To Keep Your Property’s Floors and Entryways Clean appeared first on SmithPro Commercial Painting.

Mastering the Art of Paint Finishes: Pick Your Project’s Perfect Match!

Hey there, creative souls of Kansas City! Are you ready to transform your living spaces from drab to fab with a fresh coat of paint? We know you’re bursting with ideas for your dream home or interior design project, but hold your paintbrushes for a moment! Choosing the right paint finish is like picking the right spice for your favorite dish – it can make or break the whole experience!

So, let’s dive into the colorful world of paint finishes and find the perfect match for your project.

Now, before we begin our journey, let’s give a shout-out to the fantastic Residential Interior Design Companies in Kansas City. These talented folks have mastered the art of creating stunning interior spaces that are sure to steal your heart. Pair their expertise with top-notch Residential Interior Paint Companies in Kansas City (like Unique Painting KC), and you’ve got a dream team ready to take on any painting challenge.

So, without further ado, let’s explore the world of paint finishes and discover which one is destined to be the star of your custom home painting project!

Note: Sheen doesn’t always equal durability. Consult with your paint professional about product options best suited for your needs.

1.The Classic Charm of Matte: If you’re all about subtlety and elegance, then matte finishes are your best friends. With their smooth, non-reflective surface, they create a sophisticated look that’s perfect for covering imperfections on your walls. Matte finishes are like the master of disguise, hiding any blemishes with finesse. Go ahead and choose this timeless finish for your cozy living room or study and get ready to feel the calming aura it brings.

2.Embrace the Shine with Satin: Are you the type who loves a little bit of glamour without going overboard? Satin finishes are here to add a subtle sheen to your walls while still maintaining a touch of understated elegance. They’re incredibly versatile and work wonderfully in high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways. Plus, they’re a breeze to clean, making them a favorite among families with kids and pets.

3.Glamorous Gloss: If you’re feeling adventurous and want your walls to make a bold statement, glossy finishes are ready to steal the show! These finishes offer an intense shine that reflects light beautifully, adding a touch of drama to any room. But beware, glossy finishes are not for the faint of heart; they highlight every imperfection, so make sure your walls are flawlessly prepped before diving into the world of gloss.

4.The Midway Magic of Eggshell: Ah, the sweet spot between matte and satin! Eggshell finishes strike a perfect balance, giving your walls a soft, velvety texture with a slight hint of shine. This finish is incredibly popular for bedrooms and living rooms, as it provides an inviting touch while still being durable enough to withstand everyday wear and tear.

5.Be Adventurous with Metallic: Looking to add a touch of luxury and drama to

your space? Metallic finishes are your golden ticket! These sparkling wonders can turn your walls into shimmering masterpieces. Use them strategically as accent walls or in small doses to create a unique and opulent atmosphere.

Remember, dear Kansas City painting enthusiasts, the key to selecting the right paint finish lies in understanding your project’s needs and your own personality. Whether you opt for the sleekness of matte, the sophistication of satin, the audacity of gloss, the harmony of eggshell, or the grandeur of metallic, trust your instincts and let your creativity flow.

So, embrace your paintbrush and let the magic of paint finishes transform your home into a canvas of wonder! With the perfect paint finish in hand, your interior design dreams will blossom into reality, and your walls will sing with joy.

And hey, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t forget that you can work with the top-notch Custom Home Painting experts in Kansas City at Unique Painting KC to bring your vision to life. These professionals know all the tips and tricks to ensure a flawless and breathtaking finish that will leave you in awe.

Happy painting, Kansas City!