tlc-painting

Low VOC Paint

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 18:34:50 GMT

Ask TLC About Low VOC Paint For Your Next Project!

Low VOC content paint is the newest solution for those with paint related health issues.

One of the leading causes indoor air pollution and the relating health problems are the paints, varnishes and solvents containing VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) which we use in our homes and places of business. VOC’s are the chemicals that are released as paint dries. Paint bases may be free of VOC’s, but when pigment is added, the VOC level climbs. Other home furnishings can emit VOC’s also, such as carpet, plastic, furniture and cabinetry. Anything made from a petroleum-based product can emit VOC’s.

Breathing the VOC’s in paint can trigger asthma attacks, eye irritation, respiratory problems, nausea or dizziness. VOC’s have been a key component in the composition of oil based, and latex based paints. Given the rise of health issues and new government regulations, zero and low VOC paints are now more accessible and affordable than ever.

Voluntary standards for VOC content in paint have been established by an independent non-profit who sets standards for environmentally responsible or “green” products, Green Seal®. The certification for Standard GS-11 is based on VOC content, the absence of chemicals, durability and performance among other criteria.

The benefits of using low and non-VOC paint aren’t limited to a healthier home air quality.

- Low VOC paint reduces ozone depletion, groundwater contaminants, and reduces the waste that go into landfills.
- They cover flaws and previous paint and are durable and washable.
- As they have little or no hazardous fumes during application, there is no odor once dry. You can move into the freshly painted room with no off-gassing fumes.
- Since the paint has little to no toxins and is not hazardous waste, the paint is easy to clean up and dispose of. Low VOC products are easily cleaned up with soap and warm water.

What is low and non-VOC paint made from?

Instead of being full of chemicals, like regular paint, low VOC paints are made of natural ingredients like plant oils and resins, plant dyes, and essential oils. Natural minerals such as chalk or talcum, clay, milk casein, bees’ wax, naturally found latex and mineral dyes.

Oil-based low VOC paints made with natural ingredients usually have a nice, light citrus fragrance. The water-based natural paints have practically no smell at all. Allergic reactions to these paints are very rare.

In the past couple of years, our customers have requested zero VOC or low-VOC paints. We use these environment friendly paints on the interior of homes of people who have high sensitivity to allergies, newborn babies, elderly residents, or by request.

Hiring a Reliable Painting Contractor

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 18:28:37 GMT

With warm weather, our thoughts turn to fixing up our homes. Maybe you need to spruce up your home exterior with new colors or lighten up the interior with bright new paint. Whatever the reason, you’ll need to search through all the local house painting contractors to find one you can rely on to get the job done right.

Tip #1 — Hire a painting contractor that is experienced and insured

Check references, credentials and affiliations. Get a list of references from the contractor. Call them and get their experience of the painting contractor. Look at past work the painting contractor has done and how it’s held up. Use recent work to gauge their current skills.

Get a copy of the painter’s liability and worker’s compensation insurance certificates. Otherwise, you could be liable if someone gets hurt on the job.

TLC Painting has been around since 1989. The owner, John Mulvaney started TLC Painting 25 years ago because he loved business and painting.

He put together the best possible painters and office staff to serve to his customers. Most painters have been with TLC for 7 to 12 years. They wear a uniform so you’ll know right away who they work for and what they’re there to do. They’ll introduce themselves and talk about the specifics of the job when they start work. They’ll have all the colors with them ready to go. Every job we go on has a set team: a lead painter, who has been with TLC for at least 8 years and a crew of 2 to 3 full-time painters. Your team will get your job done correctly and on time. The lead painter will check in with you daily to address any concerns you may have.

TLC Painting is fully insured. They carry $2 million of liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. They’re a member of the Better Business Bureau.

Tip #2 — Get a written estimate

Clearly communicate your needs and expectations so that everything you want done will be covered in the estimate.

The estimate should include a breakdown of labor, material costs, the number of coats or primer and paint, the brand of paint and a detailed description of the surface preparation to be done.

When you call TLC Painting you’ll speak with the office manager. Once the estimate is scheduled, John be out within 24 to 48 hours to look at your project.

During the estimate, John will walk the property with you and evaluate what needs to be done. Based on his 25 years of experience painting homes he’ll offer suggestions as to what work should be completed, how it will be performed, and answer your questions. You’ll receive your estimate within 48 hours of the initial appointment.

Tip #3 — Get a complete contract and guarantee

The painting contract should include: The contractor’s information: name, address, phone numbers, license or certification numbers and the details of the estimate. Make sure what is included and not included in the job is clearly outlined. The contract should contain the payment arrangements for the deposit and final payment.

The guarantee should cover any chipping, peeling, blistering, flaking, fading or chalking that happens within 2 years after the job is complete. Make sure they warranty both the material and the workmanship.

TLC Painting fully guarantees all of their work. John Mulvaney enjoys bringing your vision to life, and creating exactly what you’re looking for in your paint project.

Buying a Home

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 16:04:03 GMT

Painting Makeovers for Home Buyers and Sellers

“Painting is the most cost-effective way to prepare your home for sale. Buyers want to see homes in move-in condition—they don’t have the time or desire to undertake the work themselves. Almost always, homes sell much faster and the seller is able to protect the home’s value.”
Tom Matthews and Joanne Taranto, Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty

Buying or selling a home is an ideal time to consider the effect that sprucing up a home can make. From selling a home faster to customizing your space to your own taste, a freshly painted home adds value to real estate transactions. TLC Painting will work with your realtor

During the process of buying a home, if it hasn’t been freshly painted it’s an ideal time to think about repainting and personalizing the space before you move in. With professional painters, many projects can be finished quickly and have minimal effect on your timeline.

Selling a Home in Massachusetts

Painting is truly a miracle-worker when it comes to selling a home, especially if it’s been a while since you last painted. These are just some of the advantages:

Less time on the market . A freshly painted home tends to sell much faster. Prospective buyers may not be able to see your home’s true appeal if it looks dingy from old paint. If you need a quick turnaround or if your home has been on the market for a while, painting is the most cost-effective way to speed up the transaction process.

Protected value . Your Realtor will tell you that fresh paint makes a dramatic difference to the number of offers received on a home, as well as helps to maintain the home’s value. Especially with fine homes, painting provides a substantial return on your investment.

Increased curb appeal . A professionally painted home makes a striking impact when prospective buyers pull up to the curb, as does a bright entryway. A great first impression helps buyers see the rest of your home in a more positive light.

Truly “move-in condition .” Most buyers look for homes in move-in condition, and trying to sell a home that isn’t can put you at a disadvantage. This is especially true with fine homes, and for buyers relocating from other areas.

Broader appeal . If your home has lively décor and dramatic colors, it may appeal to only a small pool of potential buyers. Fresh paint in neutral color palettes help buyers picture themselves moving in, pronto!

If you think your home would benefit from a makeover, contact TLC Painting for a free estimate. We can advise you on which areas of your home need repainting before putting it on the market.

Buying a Home

Efficient project management . You’ll save yourself some effort if you schedule a painting project to occur after the closing but before you begin to move in. An empty home allows the painters to work most efficiently and get finished quickly.

A brand-new look . Painting before you move in will give your new place a fresh, bright look and will replace worn with wonderful. It will be a great start to your new life in your new home.

Personalized to your taste . Whatever your style—be it elegant, bold, classic, or understated—personalizing your new space will help to turn it from a “house” to your “home.” Talk to a friend with a great sense of color, or work with TLC Painting because we have amazing color expertise!

Expand your options . If you haven’t found a home you like within your price range, you can expand your options by considering homes that could become ideal with just the right makeover. By allocating some of your budget to personalization, painting, repairs, etc., you can create a home that’s perfect for you.

And one other thing:

Cost-Effective “New” Cabinets

Sometimes a house can look really great, except for the cabinets. Whether they’re in the kitchen or bathroom, cabinets usually grab our eyes first when we walk into a room. And if they’re dull or worn or otherwise unappealing, they can drag down a whole room.

Now, there’s a method to apply paint with a sprayer that leaves cabinets looking like they’re fresh from the factory! And, just as great, it costs a fraction of the cost of replacing them.

So whether you’re buying or selling, keep this alternative in mind to give your cabinets a dramatic face-lift if they need it.

TLC Painting has more than a quarter-century’s experience in helping home-buyers and sellers with their painting needs. We’d be happy to provide a free estimate for your painting project—just give us a call.

Painting For The Holidays

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 18:50:19 GMT

TLC can help ready your house for the holidays

A big part of the holidays is inviting guest over and spending time with friends and family. This creates a lot of pressure to make your house holiday ready, so TLC has come up with some simple suggestions and tips to help ready you for this holiday season.

Wall Paint

Whether you want to change or stick with the same wall color, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way. It covers any scuff marks, and provides an opportune time to fix any wall damage caused by an opening door or a accidental bump. It is also a great opportunity to utilize the fall color options that will keep your house comfortable and warm during the cold winter months. Not only will TLC patch and paint your walls, we will also help you select the ideal color to welcome your guests during the upcoming holidays.

Trim Paint

Painting the trim of your home is an excellent way to make a room pop without having to worry about painting the entire thing. White trim gives a room a nice clean look, but it is also a good time to tranisition to a creamy beige color to give your house a warm, welcoming feel. If you have a project you would like us to take a look at, give us a call for your free estimate.

Other Tips

- Door Painting - Painting your front door is a quick an easy way to set the tone before people enter your house. The front door is your first impression, and a clean, sharp looking front door with a welcoming color is a nice way to invite guests into your home. This is a fairly quick project that you can do yourself.

- Natural Wood Trim Painting - Transitioning from natural wood trim to painted trim is a great way to brighten your home without actually remodeling or renovating. Finished wood, like most things, wears out over time and loses the sheen that attracts people to it in the first place. This holiday, restore your trim to its original sheen by transitioning to painted trim, or refinishing it with a natural stain.

- Ceiling Painting - Ceilings are often neglected because people rarely look up. The condition of a ceiling dictates the brightness of a room because the whiter it is, the more light it will reflect. Avoid those dark winter months by putting a fresh coat of ceiling white on your ceiling this winter.

Mold and Mildew

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 18:39:11 GMT

Mold and Mildew can Lead to Structure and Health Problems

Mold, mildew, moss and algae can cause a home to rot and do a lot of damage to property. They can also grow in areas inside a home which are constantly damp and moist from leaks. Mold and mildew may not be visible if the damp areas are behind a wall. Mold and mildew are unsightly and will reduce the value of a property and lead to health problems for the residents of the affected property.

Molds are living fungi and develop in organic settings. They create tiny cellular material, which are called spores, and these are so small that they are easily dispersed in the air, by bugs or moving water. These spores will exist in all buildings and mildewed material. It is when they are allowed to flourish further by damp and humid conditions that they become a health hazard, and can also cause a home to rot and cause damage to a property.

People living in homes that have mold and mildew will show signs of respiratory problems, such as blocked nasal passages, coughs, throat irritation and skin breakouts. Some people, especially children and the elderly may develop a high temperature and find it difficult to breathe.

Mold and mildew will only grow when they find the right environment. Inspecting your home regularly can prevent such conditions from developing and prevent further damage to a property. Damage can be avoided if gutters and roofs are constantly cleaned, so that there is never any build up that is conducive to growing conditions for the mildew and moss. Trees close to roofs can help moss to grow and must be constantly trimmed to keep them away from roof surfaces. If the general weather conditions in the area where you live are damp, you must use roofing and siding materials that resists the growth of these fungi. Proper ventilation inside a home and roof can reduce the chances of this development. Roof ventilation can be in the form of ridge vents, which will allow the air to circulate. Within a home, dampness and leaks must be attended to quickly, and care must be taken to see that areas behind drywall are not damp.

Regular inspection of homes that have a susceptibility to mold and mildew must be carried out by experts who have the right equipment. They will take samples of air to determine spores, and also inspect all visible and hard to reach areas, using sophisticated techniques like infrared or spectroscopy that helps to determine the presence of mold. Roofs containing tar material serve as food material for mold, and when they attack them, they can cause the material to deteriorate and damage it. Any excess mold growth can lead not only to allergies, but also lead to a sick building syndrome, which points to structural problems, especially in roofs. Neglect can be dangerous and expensive in the long run.

The prevention of mold and mildew is as important as eradicating it after its presence is detected. A roof that permits rain to come into a home is a definite indicator of damage that does need to be repaired. Carpets and rugs in a home can harbor mold if they are not properly dried out, especially if they have been steam cleaned. Constantly be on the lookout for leaking pipes, humid spots, especially in bathroom floors and walls. Get any flooding removed by experts who can restore your property to its original dry condition.

5 Reasons To Pressure Wash

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 17:54:30 GMT

Painting Makeovers for Home Buyers and Sellers

Those of us that live in New England know what it’s like to deal with crummy weather. It gets really hot, really cold, really wet, really dry, and really humid depending on the time of year.

Let’s face it, the weather is unpredictable!

Power washing your home is the best way to get rid of mold, mildew, and natural stains from your home, deck, or fence. Check out our top 5 reasons to power wash your home:

1. Pressure Washing Saves Money

First and foremost, power washing is smart preventative maintenance. Getting a deep clean for all your home’s exterior surfaces and can prevent costly repairs to your property.

Also, power washing is one of the more price effective services you can get for large surfaces such as siding, deck/patio area, fencing, and outdoor walkways.

2.Pressure Washing Prevents Permanent Damage

Winter grime can cause serious damage and permanent staining to your home and exterior surfaces if not properly taken care of and removed. Mold that has settled near air ducts can also cause allergies and illness.

Did you know that letting stain and grime sit on your home or office for too long can actually result in permanent damage? TLC Painting’s power washing removes the grime quickly and easily with very little impact on the environment, especially when you compare it with traditional cleaning solutions.

3. Pressure Washing Saves Time

Compared to regular cleaning methods, the power and speed of pressure washing also saves valuable time. Hand washing home exteriors does not have the same power as professional pressure washing machinery, and it could take hours to get a fraction of the results.

When you put your trust into our team at TLC Painting, you don’t have to worry about any of the complications associated with a big cleaning project. No mixing cleaning solutions, no climbing ladders, no strenuous activity, and no endless scrubbing.

When you choose to have your home exteriors professionally cleaned, the filth and grime that has attached to your outdoor surfaces throughout the winter will be cleaned away within a day.

4. Pressure Washing Removes Allergens

With the arrival of warmer weather in New England, allergen levels begin to elevate. Homeowners can reduce the level of allergens in and around their home by having a professional pressure washing the exterior of their home.

This will help lower the allergen levels and can help you and your family live a bit more peacefully without coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes.

5. Pressure Washing Prepares Surfaces

Our winters can be long and cold, and many homeowners use spring-cleaning as the perfect time to tackle that do-it-yourself project that’s been put off throughout the winter.

Pressure washing is also the perfect way to prepare surfaces for summertime painting or refinishing. Whether you’re thinking about re-staining your deck, painting your home, or refinishing your pool, pressure washing will prepare the surface better than any other cleaning process.