As the vibrant colors and brisk air of autumn bring a fresh, new beauty to your community, it is only natural to want the same for your home. And what better way is there to celebrate that cozy fall feel than by freshening things up with a new coat of exterior paint? The only question is: “Should you paint in the fall or wait till another season?” 

Here are a few reasons why fall may not only be an acceptable season for exterior painting, but even a preferable one. We’ll also run through a few potential challenges to consider. 

Advantages of Painting in the Fall

• Consistent Temperatures: Exterior paint needs just the right temperature range in order to dry properly. If it’s too cold, the paint won’t dry. If it’s too hot, it will dry too quickly, resulting in a cracked finish that will likely chip away over time. That nice, moderate fall temperature does more than just feel good, it makes for perfect exterior paint conditions.  
• Less Insects:  When painting an exterior surface as big as a house, bugs crawling or flying into drying paint can present a real problem. Thankfully fall sees a dramatic decrease in these pesky paint-destroyers.  
• Low Humidity: Humidity can affect the drying time of paint and its ability to set properly. During fall, the humidity levels are usually moderate, which is ideal for paint to adhere and dry effectively.
• Increased protection: If you live in an area with a harsh winter, you have the extra incentive to ensure that your home is well prepped in the fall. Heading into the long winter months with a fresh coat of paint will do wonders towards preserving the materials beneath when exposed to ice, snow or sleet.

Challenges to Painting in the Fall

While there are many advantages to painting in the fall, it’s essential to be aware of some challenges that the season may present, too. Just keep in mind that as long as you take these things into account and plan ahead, you can dramatically decrease any risk of your paint job being adversely affected.

• Shorter Days: With the sun setting earlier, there’s less daylight to work with. It’s essential to plan ahead and start early in order to utilize natural light effectively and avoid needing to work into the night. Aside from keeping you or someone else from going to bed, the dramatic temperature drop could prevent your exterior paint from drying.
• More Debris: Both the dry air and the falling leaves makes for an increased risk of unwanted debris landing on wet exterior paint. Depending on where you live this might be inevitable, but staying close by while your paint is drying and carefully picking off any leaves/debris is a good way to prevent a permanent blemish. 

FAQs about Outdoor Painting in the Fall

Every homeowner keen on leveraging the beauty of fall for a fresh coat of paint will have questions. To make your painting endeavor more informed, here are some answers to frequently asked questions:

Q: How do I know if it’s too cold to paint outside?
A: Always check the paint can label. Most outdoor paints will specify a minimum temperature (often around 50°F or 10°C). It’s crucial to ensure that temperatures remain above this minimum for at least a few hours after painting.

Q: Can I paint if it’s forecasted to rain?
A: It’s advisable to avoid painting if rain is expected within 24 hours. Moisture can affect the paint’s adherence and drying process.

Q: Should I use a different kind of paint in the fall?
A: Not necessarily, but always choose high-quality exterior paints. They often have additives that make them more resilient to varying temperatures.

Q: How early in the morning can I start painting?
A: Wait until the dew has lifted and the surface is dry. Typically, late morning is a safe bet, but this can vary based on local conditions.

Q: What’s the latest in the day I should paint?
A: Aim to stop painting early enough that the paint can dry for several hours before temperatures drop in the evening.

Your best bet is to put your exterior painting project in the hands of a skilled, experienced painting company. We know how to navigate the weather and varying conditions, pairing just the right product with your needs to ensure a successful outcome. If you live here in New York or Connecticut, contact us at A.G. Williams Painting Company. We’d love to serve you and your home.

Choosing the Right Color for You

Don’t choose a color from a paint chip alone. The light in the hardware store is not the light you have in your home. You need a chance to see the paint on your wall in morning, afternoon, and evening light. You also want to keep your lamplight in mind.  What about your furnishings? How will they look with a particular color on the walls? There’s only one way to find out and that’s to ask for a few samples that you can take home and paint on the wall.  Just live with those paint splotches for a few days before you make your decision.

If you need inspiration, check out these blogs:

2023 Paint Colors of the Year Are Here!

How To Choose Interior Paint Colors

Bumping the Ceiling 

We’ve probably all done this a time or two. Bumping the ceiling causes an sightly mark and a time consuming correction. You can avoid this problem by “cutting in” or painting a strip with a brush along the top of the wall. You can also roll on a horizontal strip of paint parallel to the ceiling first. Then roll vertically up to the horizontal strip. This provides a buffer and will help you avoid a messy mistake.

Painting Over Glossy Finishes

When you paint over any surface that already has a coat of varnish or glossy paint, the paint won’t properly stick and you’ll be left with a terrible-looking finish. Make sure you prepare the surface by thoroughly sanding or wiping the surface with a liquid deglosser (the cleaner and more effective method, leaving no dust or paint particles). In fact, using a deglosser is a secret painting tip from the pros. 

Painting in Low Light

Avoid painting interior surfaces in dim light. While the painted surface may look fine at first, when you uncover the windows or turn on bright lights you’ll likely see thin patches and other imperfections. The best light to paint in is daylight.

Painting Without A Primer

It may add a little time to your project, but painting without a primer is never a good idea. Woods like red cedar, redwood and cypress all have tannins that bleed through most latex paint. Fix the problem by priming these types of wood with a stain-blocking primer. Look for “tannin blocking” on the label. Primers are also important for walls because prepare the surface to adhere to your new paint color and ensure you get the truest shade.

Have more questions about interior painting in NY or CT?

Contact us at A.G. Williams Painting! We’d love to help. And, working with a professional painting company is the BEST way to ensure a job done right without any hassle or stress.

The heart of your home is now clean, fresh, and looking like new. So…how do you keep it that way? 

You may be used to using some pretty heavy duty cleaners in your house, especially on floors and tile and soap scum covered glass. Even though the kitchen cabinets may have grease splashes and coffee stains, you don’t want to use cleaners that will strip the finish or scratch and dull the paint.

What not to do…

It might be best to start with what not to use when you are cleaning your wood cabinets.  Stay away from the following:

1. Magic Eraser or similar sponges
2. Cleaners with abrasive particles
3. Petroleum products
4. Spray polishes containing silicone
5. Abrasive powder or scrubbing pads
6. Intense detergents
7. Wax citrus/orange cleaner

What to do…

Here is some general advice for regular upkeep:

1. Clean as you go while cooking.
2. Don’t let spills sit on the finish.
3. Don’t hang damp towels over cabinet doors or drawers.
4. Deep clean the exterior and interior every three to six months.

How to do it…

If you’re not supposed to use caustic cleaners, what are you supposed to use? Follow these simple recipes:

1. 1 tablespoon of baking soda, one cup vinegar, 2 cups warm water
2. 1 part water, 2 parts baking soda for scrubbing
3. 50/50 solution of water and vinegar in a spray bottle
4. Warm water and degreasing dish soap
5. Gentle, all natural cleaners 

Remember to use a microfiber cloth or super soft sponges while you work.

Keep these things in mind when you clean your kitchen and your cabinets will stay fresh and bright longer. You won’t have to repaint for years! And, if you have further questions about cabinet painting, contact us today. We’d love to hear from you.

What’s new from Sherwin-Williams?

The Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year is Redend Point, a twist on beige that will make your heart go pitter-pat. “It’s if beige could blush,” says Sue Wadden, the color marketing director at Sherwin-Williams. “It’s a pink-undertone neutral that is warm and earthy, and it has a certain softness and soothing quality to it that is really unique.” Try this color in your living room. Like a tender suede shoe, this color will add a soft spice in the room you like to lounge in–and you’ll look good doing it!

Craving something bolder? 

You might want to try: 

• Blue Peacock, a deep sultry teal that looks fantastic anywhere from kitchen island cabinets to a bold splash in the bathroom.
• Peppery, a twist on a spice with a kick, this color would look amazing as an accent wall in a family room.

Benjamin Moore makes a wild statement!

Benjamin Moore’s take on blush will ring a bell in any room. “Never a backdrop, Raspberry Blush is the definition of charismatic color,” says Andrea Magno, the paint company’s director of color marketing and development. “This unapologetic shade of red-orange had us thinking: bold, bolder, boldest.” This color is reminiscent of a fabulous new pair of heels or a bling of a new lipstick.  Take your style out for a spin!

Prefer a slow stroll in nature this year?

If you’re leaning a bit to the soft side, Benjamin Moore has something for everyone.  Check out: 

• Savannah Green, is a rich golden ochre that Benjamin Moore says brings “whimsy and drama.” Try it in a powder room or on an accent wall in the bedroom.
• New Age is a “light purple with a drop of gray” that will sooth you to sleep in a bedroom or add subtle calm in a meditation room.

For more inspiration check out these articles:

5 Popular Kitchen Cabinet Trends

How To Choose Interior Paint Colors

For more info or a consultation contact us today.  We would love to hear from you.

4 powder room paint color trends

Black

You’ve heard of the little black dress, right?  No wardrobe is complete without one. It’s possible your home isn’t complete without a little, black powder room. Did you know painting a small room a dark color can actually make it look larger? Black can be used for an elegant, dramatic look or for a more casual modern farmhouse vibe. Try Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams, Limousine Leather by Behr, or Noir by Valspar.

Green

While sea-water tones of green may be a safe choice, the newest trends in green are deeper and darker, like a shady, mossy forest. Try Rainforest by Behr, Rock Garden by Valspar, or

Dreamy Teal Valspar.

Pink

Who knew finding your new, bolder powder room paint color would be like finding the perfect shade of lipstick? This isn’t your mother’s baby pink.  These pinks will make it feel like a little party in your powder room every time you use it! Try Peony Benjamin Moore, Radicchio Farrow and Ball, or for a more romantic choice, try this velvety Deep Mauve by Benjamin Moore.

Blue

We all love those sweet watery blues–maybe for a bedroom or a livingroom. But for the biggest bang in your smallest room, try a darker, bolder, or brighter shade. We like Marine Blue by Benjamin Moore, Frank Blue by Sherman Williams, or for a twist on navy, Salty Dog by Sherman WIlliams.

We are excited to work with you to liven up one of the most used spaces in your home.  To get started on your powder room, contact us for an estimate.  Have questions?  We are waiting to hear from you.

Here’s why wintertime interior painting is such a good idea

1. Painting is easier to schedule in the winter because painting companies are less busy. Their schedules are also more flexible because they don’t have to wait for daylight or good weather. They can paint indoors anytime. 
2. It’s also possible you will get a better deal on the work because some companies lower their prices in the colder months. Spreading out your home improvement jobs over the year makes it easier on your budget than trying to accomplish everything in the summer. 
3. As the days grow shorter and darker, it may help to have the walls painted a light, calming color. Even if you just repaint the walls the same color, they will be clean and fresh for all the comfy times you spend keeping warm indoors. Real Simple magazine recommends high-impact home improvement jobs, like painting, as well as setting an easy-to-achieve goal and completing it to make winter a little more bearable. What could be easier than scheduling a painter?  In a few hours, you have a whole new look in your space!
4. The less humidity, the faster the drying times which is why painting in the cooler, drier air of winter is more efficient.  The faster the paint dries, the quicker you can get your art back on the wall and your furniture back in place so you can go back to getting cozy.
5. If you have plans to sell your home in the spring, painting in the winter will ensure that you are ready to put your home on the market the week of March 31-April 6 when realtors say you can list your home for more money and catch the eager buyers. Planning ahead makes all the difference when it’s time to sell your home.

Interior painting in NY and CT: we’re ready to help!

Whether you are ready for a big color change or just want to refresh what you already love, wintertime is the best time to schedule a painting company.  If you have questions or want an estimate, contact us.  We would love to hear from you!

Do epoxy floor coatings smell bad?

Epoxy is a popular floor coating because it is economical and aesthetically pleasing. There are some aspects of epoxy, though, that may give you pause. 

If you’re considering coating your concrete basement floor, keep in mind that epoxy floor systems have a strong, lingering odor. making the application less comfortable while also posing a danger to your health. And, because the cure time can be up to 72 hours, the smells tend to linger and make everyday living in your home unpleasant. Even construction workers and installers have to wear protective gear while using epoxy floor coatings.

Are polyurea floor coatings better?

Polyurea floor coating has very little odor because it is low on volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. If anything, a floor that has recently been coated with polyurea smells a bit like a freshly painted room. This coating has a quicker drying time, as little as 24 hours, which makes the minimal smell dissipate sooner than epoxy, even in the winter when there is less ventilation. Not only that, polyurea is slip resistant thanks to vinyl chips that add texture to your floor, chemical and UV resistant, and backed by a 10-year residential warranty. Clean up is a breeze too. Just use a soft broom or cloth to dust and a wet sponge or spray mop to clean.

Have more questions about concrete floor coatings?

Don’t live with tired, dirty, and cracked concrete in your garage or basement. Contact us at Floor Coatings by A.G. Williams for more information and a free consultation!

This is why our Floor Coatings by A.G. Williams team uses polyurea concrete coatings.  Not only will you have experienced professionals coating your floors, but you’ll also avoid the problems you face with other coatings.  

What are the benefits of a polyurea basement floor coating? 

Here’s a closer look:

1. The installers take your concrete down to a clean, smooth finish before they begin, allowing the coating to fully adhere to the concrete.  
2. Polyurea won’t fill your house with an unbearable odor because it smells more like a freshly painted room than a toxic chemical.  Because of this, you can even have your floors coated in the winter when the windows are closed.  
3. Polyurea is slip resistant thanks to vinyl chips that add texture to your floor.  
4. Want to keep your floor clean?  Simply use a broom or a microfiber dust mop.  For liquid spills use a paper towel or soft cloth.  
5. Polyurea is also heat and chemical resistant and lasts 10 years or more. 
6. Perhaps one of the most convenient aspects of this coating is that it is dry in about 24 hours allowing you back into your space quicker.

Have more questions about basement floor coatings?

We look forward to giving you an estimate.  Contact us at AG Williams Painting for more information.

Entryway

The first space that invites you in is the entryway. First and foremost, choose a color that makes you feel at home and your guests feel welcome. When choosing a color, keep in mind the color scheme of the other rooms in your home so that you can create a continuous look. Then, choose a classic color that will last a while. For a bit of romance, choose a dusty rose.  For a more traditional feel, try navy or a dark teal. Soft, greenish blues invoke the sights and sounds of the ocean offering a calm, relaxing atmosphere. Like your favorite song, the entryway paint color sets a tone for your guests’ experience in your home.

Kitchen

No matter how large your home or how many rooms you have ready, everyone gathers around the island in the kitchen, glasses of wine in hand and stimulating conversation filling the space.  It’s almost as if the island is the new dining room table!  Balance the space with either a bold paint color on the walls and white cabinets or a warming neutral on the walls and a deep color on the cabinets that adds texture and interest. This holiday season you can decorate and display a trendy look by painting your kitchen cabinets, or maybe just the island cabinets with a moody green. Try Peale Green or Caldwell Green by Benjamin Moore or Pewter Green by Sherman-Wiliams. You will not only be choosing one of the most popular holiday colors, but you will be bringing a modern touch to your kitchen as well.

Living Room 

If your guests ever leave the kitchen, they’ll head to the cozy couch in your living room to watch A Christmas Carol. When choosing a paint color for your living room, you will want the perfect backdrop for your furniture.  Not many of us want to spend their holiday gift money on all new furniture! Think also of your wall art and accessories.  Maybe the best living room paint color is one that looks beautiful in the glow of candlelight or the light from your wood-burning fireplace.

No matter where you entertain this holiday season, the most-used spaces of your home will benefit from a fresh, new paint color. Call AG Williams Paints for your estimate today.

But what about concrete floor coatings? Maybe you have some questions, and you’re not the only one!

We get all kinds of inquiries about how our coatings work and what installation looks like. Whether you’re considering a floor coating or have already decided to get it done, these FAQs will give you a better idea of our process!

Q. How long does it take to coat?

Typically 2 days, especially if your surface calls for a moisture block.

Q. Are there lingering fumes?

No. The process creates about as much smell as painting a room, and clears out quickly. Another benefit of using our polyurea system rather than standard epoxy!

Q. Can you coat basement floors?

Yes!

Q. Is this the same as the kits you can buy at a home improvement store?

No. Those are typically epoxy or concrete paints. Neither perform as well as our polyurea system.

Q. Is hot-tire pickup an issue?

With epoxy, yes. With our polyurea system, no. 

Q. Can I choose any color I want?

We have solid colors and chip blends available for you to choose from. Custom chip blends are also an option (match to your favorite brand, sports team, university, etc.). 

Q. Is it slippery?

No, it’s not. We can, however, include a slip-resistant additive that provides extra traction, if needed.

Q. Is it expensive?

It certainly costs more than do-it-yourself epoxy kits, but the value is drastically better. This is the last concrete coating you’ll ever need, backed by a 15-year residential warranty. 

Have more questions about our concrete coatings? Please let us know – we are here to help!