Using The Color Brown For Your Home Decor

Brown has become a popular paint color for bedrooms, bathrooms and family rooms. “Chocolate” brown, when used with various pinks, blues or greens, creates a warmth and sophistication in any room. Homeowners are sometimes afraid of this dark color, thinking that the room will look dreary, but the right shade of brown with an aqua blue or light pink can be quite dramatic. A color coordinator will make recommendations or you can paint sample boards with the desired colors and place them in different parts of the room in order to see the color effect. Chism Brothers paint specialists can refer clients to a color analyst, who will assist with selecting the right colors for your home.

One hurdle facing the homeowner is how to best complement the brown color. If using a light cinnamon brown in a bathroom, the brown walls could be accented with a blue backsplash, shower stall or accessories. Painting the cabinets brown while using a blue tile backsplash can be quite dramatic as well. In a bedroom, the popular highlighting technique is to use stripes or polka dots in a pink, blue or green hue. Carpet or accessories can also add needed color.

Regardless of which room is receiving the makeover, consider breaking up some of the deep browns by painting the woodwork and trim in a sharp white color. The white will create a striking contrast to the browns and highlighting colors. To add a formal touch to the room, white crown molding against the brown will complete the stylish look.

Other Resources

For More Color Ideas and Information visit this excellent blog (picture above used from this blog post)

Painting and Colors for an Office

Home makeovers are popular in today’s culture. The latest TV line-ups offer decorating shows, makeover shows and even house-building shows. Redecorating the kitchen, the family room or the bedroom can consume our time as we spend many hours considering the right color to achieve just the right effect. But, since we spend just as much time at the office as we do in the bedroom, perhaps a professional paint job and makeover in the workplace would be a good summer project! 

Just as with any room in the home, the color choice for the office or workplace is the first order of business. The office walls should reflect the business. If the business is a design business, a dance studio or something similar, bright colors like orange, yellow, bright pink or lime can enhance the mood of the studio or office. However, if the business is a traditional office setting such as a law office, a doctor’s office or bank, neutral colors such as taupe, cream or a light blue or green would be more appropriate.  To create some pizzazz in any office setting, consider an accent wall or ceiling color with a variant shade of the wall color. If you are painting a conference room or central office space where ideas are shared, one area of the wall can be squared off and painted with chalkboard paint.  The wall then becomes functional for meetings, ideas and other office-wide messages.

As with any paint job, the professional paint team at Chism Brothers will assist you in choosing the best colors for the room size, lighting and office needs. Before beginning the actual painting, the walls will be professionally prepped to guarantee the best possible finish. 

With newly painted walls and coordinated accessories, the office will be an inviting, productive place where clients will enjoy doing business and you will enjoy working.

Curing Time of Paints in San Diego

Chism Brothers Painting Company is committed to excellent customer service and recently provided some paint “fixes” because adequate drying and curing times were not observed by subsequent contractors. Understanding the “curing” process and observing recommended wall care is crucial when undertaking home makeover projects, whether completing a “do it yourself” project, or hiring a professional contractor.

The first step in guaranteeing good coverage is to make sure the walls are prepared properly. Lightly wash, repair and sand the walls (as needed) and use only recommended painter’s tape to block out the sections to be painted. Careful preparation is a must with Chism Brothers and customers generally note the “cleanliness” and “orderliness” of these professionals. If completing the project yourself, note the drying times between coats and observe them as closely as possible. This information will be listed on the paint can and can be different for the sheen, color or brand. Latex paint usually feels dry to the touch very quickly, but can take up to a month to “cure.” This paint forms a “dry skin” on the surface, but the paint underneath is still wet or sticky. Over time, the liquids in the paint will evaporate through the dry skin. Re-coating too soon can affect the look and performance of the paint. The general recommendation for drying time is four hours for interior and exterior latex paint, but this will vary from area to area when temperature and humidity levels are taken into consideration. Oil-base paints will take longer to dry. Usually, it is recommended that a second coat of oil-base paint be applied after eight to twenty-four hours.

Several tips can help in the “curing process.” If possible, choose a day that is warm, but low in humidity. Use dehumidifiers, ceiling fans and open windows to create a flow of air. Do not apply a second coat until the recommended drying time has passed. Finally, when applying paint to furniture or bookshelves, the application and curing time will be different. In many cases, it is recommended that a high quality alkyd paint (a high quality oil-based paint) be used as it will dry to a hard, non-tacky surface. In addition, these surfaces should also be well-prepared and primed.

Chism Brothers is available to answer questions about wall care and curing times. Observing their recommendations will keep your newly painted walls looking fresh and beautiful.

How Long Should My Exterior Paint Job Last in the San Diego Area

Almost every homeowner we talk to when we discuss their exterior painting project wants to know the answer to this question, "How long should my paint job last?" It is a great question and we have an answer. It ultimately depends on a few things: where you live, what paint products you use and the type of home you have (Stucco or Wood Siding).

Below is a more broken down list of our answers:

Stucco Surfaces

Typically we've seen painted stucco last anywhere from 7-10 years. After about 7 years you will typically see signs of aging and what is known as "chalking." If you rub your fingers over the surfaces and you have a layer of "chalk" then it may be time to paint. Don't get chalk confused for dirt. If the chalk is not bad, a simple power-washing can typically help you get another year or two out of your painted stucco. 

Wood Surfaces Inland

A painted wood surface facing the sun most of the day will last anywhere from 3-5 years before needing a fresh coat of paint. Sometimes the entire house may not need repainting within this time period. If you keep up on it, a quick fresh coat will keep from your surfaces peeling and wood rot down the road. Chism Brothers Painting, for example, offers home maintenance programs to help keep your home looking its best. It is always cheaper in the long run to maintain your wood surfaces rather than calling a painter after 8-10 years when the paint is cracked and popped off. The less sanding and prep work the better!

Wood Surfaces Coastal

If you live in Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Del Mar or parts of Solana Beach, you home will really take a beating. The salt and moisture in the air does not help your paint job. If you are within a mile or two from the ocean, we'd strongly recommend an annual inspection of your property to avoid major repairs. Even with some of the best products available on the market, you can expect your wood surfaces to start showing their age in as little as just 1 year. Now again, this is all depending on how close your home is to the ocean and how much wood or stucco surfaces you have on your home. If the wood surfaces are facing North, and you live in La Jolla, the paint job will look pretty good but may attract some mildew. If the wood surfaces are facing West or South, a yearly touch up is best. The areas you will see the most wear and tear would be the window and door sills along with thresholds. We'd also recommend a premium house paint only: such as Sherwin Williams Duration or Benjamin Moore Aura.

Stucco Surfaces Coastal

Stucco is still one of the best products to have if you live on the coast. It is usually recommended to use a high quality elastomeric (waterproof) paint if you are right on the water, and if you are close a premium acrylic will do the job. Even with a good waterproof coating, stucco begins to showing its age within 1-2 years on the oceanfront properties and 3-4 years in other parts of the Coastal San Diego areas.  

Chism Brothers Painting is here to answer any questions you have about your home and the painted surfaces. We recommend using premium paints on most surfaces. We are here when you need us, and we will always give you an honest answer. 

Recent Reports from Happy Customers of Chism Brothers Painting

Chism Brothers Painting is a company built on excellence, and they continue to grow because satisfied customers faithfully refer them to friends and family. In order to be on the cutting edge of excellent customer service, Chism Brothers asks its customers to provide feedback through a “Report Card.” Two recent customers provided high marks for these professional San Diego-based painters.

One customer had recently purchased new kitchen cabinets and started painting the inside of the cabinets. However, she quickly began to feel she was “in over her head” and called the experts at Chism Brothers. They gladly completed the painting job in the kitchen and were also asked to complete a makeover in one of her bathrooms. The customer chose the paint color “Frazee Serenity” and the bathroom turned out to be quite a show place. The “report card” completed by this customer included comments like “dependable,” “prompt” and “skilled employees.”

Another customer had the kitchen, dining room, storage area and master bathroom painted in various shades of beige and white. After the jobs were complete, the customer commented, “I explained to Dave (Chism staff) that I’m really picky and Dave commented back: ‘that’s what we do…picky.’ Dave didn’t make me feel like I was being absurd about my pickiness and special requests. That explains it all about your company.” Both of these customers provided highest marks in ‘promptness,’ ‘neatness’ and ‘overall quality” for the superb painting jobs done by Chism Brothers.

The Chism promise is simple, "We will do what it takes to make your painting experience wonderful."

Domestic Estate Managers Association Comes to San Diego

Chism Brothers Painting became the second San Diego member of an elite association for house and estate managers. The organization is called the Domestic Estate Managers Association (DEMA) and will be starting a San Diego chapter later this month. DEMA provides a network where "Household Managers and Domestic Professionals from around the world can collaborate with colleagues, learn new and valuable skills and obtain assistance with challenging or unfamiliar projects and repairs" ( DEMA website).

Estate managers who are members of DEMA can also take advanced of hiring elite service providers of DEMA. A DEMA service professional goes through a careful membership screening process to make sure they meet the Associations high standards of excellence. They then receive a "star" rating (5 stars being the highest) based on their current business practices (background checks, drug test, insured, etc). Chism Brothers has completed the screening and is now a proud member of DEMA. Our company has worked for a number of Estimate professionals and managers over the years, so we believe DEMA is a perfect fit. We really want to set ourselves up for being true professionals willing to service our customers. Working in upscale homes means a company truly must have integrity and high standards. An estate manager has to trust you. This is why we joined DEMA and hope that local Estate managers will discover and join this association.

Paint Cure Issues in La Jolla

Chism Brothers Painting seeks to gain and hold the trust of its customers and guarantees the quality of the completed work. And while most jobs are completed without incident, occasionally a paint product will not “cure” properly and the professionals at Chism brothers promise quick response and repair should this happen.

Recently, a kitchen makeover was completed by Chism Brothers, after which a private faux painter was hired to apply an accent color faux finish to the recessed molding on the cabinets. As the faux painting specialist was close to finishing, the customer noticed that the paint was peeling in certain areas. Chism Brothers responded quickly by sending a representative to assess the situation. Unfortunately, a tape with a moderately strong adhesive had been used and had pulled off some of the existing coating. Only a small portion of the drawers, doors and panels had minor damage. The experts at Chism Brothers removed the damaged pieces and completely repainted the cabinets, free of charge.

In a similar bathroom makeover, a gloss paint was used on the cabinetry. Once the painting was complete, a paperhanger was hired to hang wallpaper. During the course of the job, the cabinets were scraped and some paint chipped. Again, Chism Brothers sent a representative, who determined that the paint had not completed the curing process. The resin based product, which had a large amount of colorant mixed in, required a longer curing time than had been given. The cabinetry was removed, stripped and then repainted. Chism Brothers also contacted the paint vendor to let them know the problem they had with the cabinet finish. 

While the above situations are rare, the professionals at Chism Brothers stand behind their work and will promptly respond should there be problems with a paint finish. Consider the Chism experience like shopping at Nordstrom. The Chism Brothers want you to always have a pleasant experience.

Once a job is complete, it is important to ask the painter several questions:

• Is there anything special about the paint or cure time that I (the customer) need to know?
• If I am having additional work done (wallpaper, faux or mural finishes), what adhesive products are acceptable to use when taping the freshly painted surfaces and how long should I wait before beginning those projects?
• How should I properly care for my newly painted walls and cabinets? Are there cleaning products that will harm my walls?

Even with the most careful painters and cautious homeowners, sometimes paint will chip or a newly painted wall surface will not cure properly. In these cases, Chism Brothers is happy to quickly respond to its costumers and do what is necessary to rectify the situation.

Lead Certified Painting Contractor in San Diego

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has long made it a priority to reduce exposure to lead, especially for young children. Exposure to high levels of lead can be particularly damaging to children whose nervous systems are still developing and to pregnant women, whose unborn children are growing. Children with these high lead levels can suffer from nervous system damage, behavioral problems, learning problems, slowed growth, headaches and other debilitating conditions. The Environmental Protection Agency has been working for three decades to reduce exposure to lead in lead paint, and on April 22, 2010, new federal laws will require all contractors “performing renovation, repair or painting projects that disturb lead based paint…to be certified and to follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.” The professionals at Chism Brothers have taken the necessary steps to become certified within the new EPA regulations.

Contractors today must jump through numerous hurdles to guarantee that they are meeting these rigorous safety standards when working with lead paint in homes, businesses and other child related facilities. Thousands of workers performing renovations will have to be trained and certified as “Renovators” by EPA-accredited trainers. Paint professionals and other home improvement professionals will be trained in how to effectively protect household items and how to seal floor coverings from potential contamination while work is in progress. In addition, training will be given in how to use high-powered equipment while working with lead paint and how to contain the dust that accumulates during renovations.

The business or homeowner should ask prospective contractors the status of their EPA licensing. The staff at Chism Brothers Painting can answer questions about the licensing procedures and the effects of lead paint. Also, because there is a high cost to become certified, some painting and service contractors may try to avoid the EPA regulations. Before hiring a paint contractor, do your homework. 

Waterproof Elastomeric Painting Projects in La Jolla

Even with the best building products and the finest construction contractors, a well-built stucco home will often succumb to the frightful effects of the weather, and such was the case of two residence in La Jolla. After the recent heavy winds and rains in the San Diego area, it appeared that homeowners were scrambling to schedule various exterior and interior repairs. Chism Brothers Painting professionals received a couple of calls requesting water damage repairs too. They recently complete two of these projects and recommend a process using elastomeric coating to help with water issues.

In La Jolla, a homeowner experienced problems with leaking around replacement windows during the past year. The heavy rains revealed additional leaks. Chism Brothers suggested using the waterproof coating (elastomeric) on the wall. Elastomerics have been around for more than 30 years and have excellent protection against water intrusion. The Chism used created a water-tight seal on the stucco surface outside. The entire process involves cutting around the openings and filling the openings with urethane caulk (which provides a strong bond between unlike materials). A bonding primer was then used and two heavy coats of the Elastomeric were applied to complete the repair process. In most cases, an elastomeric coating can be applied as a finish coat. However, these coatings sometimes attract a lot of dirt, making it difficult to clean. Therefore, a final coat of quality exterior paint was applied.

The homeowner at La Jolla's Wind n Sea experienced flooding during the heavy rains. The repair work was extensive and required the expert knowledge of a restoration contractor. However, the homeowner requested that Chism Brothers complete the painting work to highlight the newly restored basement. They first painted the house in 1990 and have painted the entire house inside and out several times. During one of these paint jobs, the elastomeric process was used, and the exterior paint on this home (which is directly across from the beach) is holding up quite nicely.

When nature has taken a toll on your home, contact Chism Brothers Painting. The Elastomeric coating process may be the answer to leaking and waterproofing issues. If it is not the right product, trust Chism Brothers to use the select and use the right product for your project.

Mission Hills Office Restoration and Painting in 1 Week

A great paint job often begins with wall repairs, color analyzing, and removal of old wood finishes and peeling paint. An elegant Mission Hills home, built in 1930, recently received a makeover. The upstairs office needed repairs, new lighting, and retexturing of the ceiling and walls. New paint and wood stain would complete the job.

Working under a time constraint of just one week, several trade professionals were involved along side Chism Brothers Painting to provide the quality repairs and painting needed to create a beautiful office setting. Benjamin Teeter, a highly skilled contractor with knowledge of older and Craftsmen era homes, completed the groundwork and necessary repairs to this home on Sunset Boulevard. Once ceiling light installation was complete and the walls were expertly retextured, the owners turned to Becky Jesson, color consultant for Chism Brothers. She provided a thorough assessment of the lighting and design issues and made recommendations for the perfect color combinations that would enhance the room’s size and unique character. 

Chism Brothers Painting then used chemical strippers to remove failing finishes on the door casings. In addition, some windows and window frames underwent extensive preparation and the shutters were removed and sprayed outside the room for more accurate paint coverage. Finally, the priming and painting were completed by Chism Brothers with time to spare before the homeowner returned to the new home office.

Testimonial from Mission Hills Heritage

"The coffee service you provided at our lecture was delicious and much appreciated! It was truly a very special touch. - Betty Hauck, Mission Hills Heritage 

Chism Brothers Painting sponsors and is involved heavily in the Mission Hills Heritage, a historical society for the residence of Mission Hills. We also provide coffee and refreshments for some of their lectures and tours. If you have a community event or non-profit group you'd like us to consider sponsoring, please email us. 

La Jolla Cabinet & Kitchen Makeover Project

Exhibiting superior artisanship and skill, Chism Brothers recently completed a kitchen and “Butler’s Pantry” makeover on Hillside Drive in La Jolla. The owners have been relying on the paint professionals at Chism Brothers since 1989 when they purchased their home and needed some updating throughout. Twenty-one years later, these delighted homeowners still trust Chism Brothers to complete their difficult projects.

One challenge to this recent project was that it needed to be completed while the owners were away and, because the homeowners have come to trust Chism Brothers staff like family, they were given access to the home throughout the weeklong project. The Chism Brothers professionals began the update by removing old shelf liner, contact paper and then sanded and primed the kitchen cabinets in preparation for the acrylic water borne paint product used to repaint the cabinets. This paint looks and performs like the traditional oil base paint. However, the odor and overspray drift problems are minimized with this paint. The cabinets, doors, windows, crown and base all received a coat of primer and a finishing coat of semi gloss. The wall and ceiling each received a finishing coat of low sheen paint.

Upon their return home, the owners were thrilled with the completed kitchen. The look and feel were just as they had anticipated when they contracted Chism Brothers for this project. Chism Brothers will now move outside the Hillside Drive home to begin work on structures that have received on-going sun and rain damage. Wood rot on several structures will be repaired, and shutters, door thresholds and wood planters will receive maintenance paint work.

Quick Tip On Maintaining Your Vinyl Fencing or Windows

Vinyl replacement windows, doors, fencing and gates have become quite popular the last 10 years. In fact, almost all new homes communities come standard with vinyl products. It appears that vinyl, overall, has done quite a good job withstanding the California sun, but it still is showing signs of weathering. Typically, vinyl products show their age by changing color, chipping, or cracking. This all depends on the exposure the vinyl gets from elements such as mildew, mold, water, salt and sun. 

To help prolong the life of your vinyl windows, doors or fencing, Chism Brothers Painting suggest that you clean the surfaces at least once a year. Sometimes a simple pressure-wash with just water will do the trick. If you live in the coastal communities, we'd suggest using a biodegradable (green-friendly) detergent or a mixture of bleach and water. The bleach kills mildew and some mold. If you decide to use bleach, make sure you protect your landscape, as bleach will burn your plants very quickly. To avoid the burning of your landscape, quickly spray down the area with water. Finally, if using bleach or a mild soap, you may need to use a sponge to wipe down the surfaces to help remove harmful elements. 

In some cases, a clear sealer can be applied to vinyl surfaces. However, keeping them clean will avoid having to use a sealer.

If you don't want to tackle this job yourself, Chism Brothers can accomplish this project through our Painter For a Day program. 

Quality Paint Warranties in San Diego and La Jolla

If you are on the look out for a quality painting company in San Diego, Mission Hills, Del Mar or La Jolla, Chism Brothers Painting has one of the best guarantees in town. Most painters in San Diego will warranty their work for 1-3 years. Some of the more well known companies we have seen offer a two-year warranty. When our clients with with Chism Brothers, they get two things: 1) A 5 year warranty on our workmanship and 2) a No Questions Asked Guarantee. The no questions asked guarantee means that we will do the right thing. We won't make you feel terrible if you call us with a warranty question. We like to consider ourselves the "Nordstrom" of painting contractors. You will always feel comfortable with our painters, our service and the quality.

La Jolla Historical Society Dedication of Cottage House

The La Jolla Historical Society will be having an open house this Saturday, February 6th to dedicate the newly restored Cottage House. Chism Brothers Painting was one of the main volunteers in the restoration of this historical property. There is expected to be a large turnout. Please join the Historical Society to see the changes that have been made.

For more information, visit the La Jolla Historical website.