New Life Painting

Haha funny dog #Dog #jump (Taken with Cinemagram)

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 01:55:29 -0400

Haha funny dog #Dog #jump (Taken with Cinemagram)

5 Preparation Tips on Painting the Exterior of your Home

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:46:32 -0400

If your are a DIY’er and want to conquer painting the exterior of your home, I want to give you 5 crucial tips on how to do so. Now, doing the exterior is not for the faint of heart and if you don’t have time to do it during the weekday, you may be doing it over several weekends. A good paint job will last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. Having a paint job last this long depends on several factors: quality of the paint being applied, the substrate, but most importantly – PREPARATION PREPARATION PREPARATION! Proper preparation is the single most important part of any painting project. Any professional painter should be able to explain exactly what is going to take place during this process. Preparation is most of the labor on the job and the most important part to the outcome of the job! Here are 4 Tips when painting the exterior of the home:

1.) Power Wash/Clean your home: This is the first thing to do and one of the most important! The substrate has to be clean and if your home is still chalky and dirty, your job will fail.

2.) Scrape and Sand: Remove all loose paint and loose coatings. You can do this by scraping with a puddy knife and sand paper. If loose coats are present, your job will fail.

3.) Caulking: Caulk all joints, cracks, gaps, transitions with premium acrylic caulk. This prevents moisture from infiltrating the substrate.

4.) Prime: Priming all bare areas which include newly installed wood and the areas that you scraped and sanded.

5.) Cover and Mask: Mask all your landscape, your windows, doors, sidewalks, furniture, fixtures, and necessary areas that are appropriate from over-spray and paint drips.

These tips are crucial when painting the exterior of your home and remember, preparation is everything and if you are going to spend the time painting your home, spend the time prepping. If you have any questions, call the professional painters at New Life Painting at 805-937-9836.

New Life Painting serves Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, Nipomo, Orcutt, Los Osos, Los Alamos, Santa Ynez, Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, Oceano, Morro Bay, Grover Beach, 5 Cities, and all areas on the Central Coast.

4 Biggest Frustrations for Hiring a Contractor

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:57:35 -0500

As a painting contractor on the Central Coast, I hear a lot of frustrations and concerns that people have about hiring contractors. In this blog post I’m going to give you 4 frustrations that buyers have with contractors and I’ll give you some tips on how to avoid these frustrations when calling out your contractor.

1.) Cleanliness/Not Showing up on Time - I heard this last week from a potential customer that walked in our showroom, “The last 2 contractors I’ve dealt with, the crew never show up on time, and when they did show up, they were so messy.” I believe if this is one of your concerns or frustrations, just ask the contractor if they show up on time and ask them to prove it. Ask for some previous customers phone numbers, call them and ask how that contractor worked for them.

2.) Never Call Back - This is the biggest frustration as a consumer. When you have questions or concerns, you want them answered and in a timely matter, after all, you are spending your hard earned dollars to get not only a good job, but also good customer service. Ask your contractor, “Do you have a communication Policy?” Ours is, 1:00 PM for AM calls and 6:00 PM for PM calls.

3.) It Cost More to Use a Contractor - This is generally true. But, it is so crucial for whoever is working on your house to have a contractor’s license, to carry workers compensations, and to be insured. It cost more money to use someone’s services that carry these credentials because it cost the contractor more money to do business. If someone gets hurt on the job and the “business” isn’t carrying these credentials, you might be paying for that person’s medical bills the rest of your life.

4.) Sounds Great before they Start - Your contractor sells you the sizzle, that they are the best company, yet when they get to your home, the sizzle fades fast. This is such a concern for consumers and the best advice that I can give is, do your research. Spend a little more time on the Internet, calling past customers, and asking around about your potential contractor.

4 Reasons to Select a Quality Contractor

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:15:57 -0500

Being a painting contractor on the central coast, I have a lot of customers or potential customers that ask, “why should I go with New Life Painting?” or “why should I use a licensed contractor?” I’m going to give you 4 reasons why you should use us, or a licensed contractor because it will save you money and give you peace of mind.

1.) A Good Track Record - Always ask how long the contractor has been in business. We have been in business for over 30 years and have thousands of projects complete. You can also ask who their suppliers are and get more information about how the company works from their suppliers.

2.) A Good Reputation - A reputable business is built one job at a time; we are aware that a job well done will bring credit to our reputation. A contractor should do every job right because their future work depends on pleasing you.

3.) Quality Quality Quality - We give our customers a new, clean, and well-ordered job site along with a quiet, efficient, well-equipped and courteous crew. It is important for a contractor to carefully choose a crew that is honest and reliable with technical expertise and that are all pre-employed drug screened. Ask that contractor if they have a permanent staff so they can voucher for their crew and don’t sub-contract any work out (which happens more often then not).

4.) Giving You Peace of Mind - Make sure the contractor is LICENSED, BONDED, and INSURED! You can look this all up at the California State License Board website www.cslb.ca.gov. You don’t want anyone on the job getting hurt, and accidents do happen and if they do, you want that contractor to be insured so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.

Here are just 4 reasons why you should use a licensed contractor who has a good track record, has a good reputation, and uses quality product with quality people. All this will give you peace of mind.

Ingredients of Paint

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:47:08 -0500

This week I’m going to talk about some of the ingredients of paint and it’s important to note that all brands of paint have these components, where they differ is how they are blended and cooked.

Here are the key componets:
1.) Liquid: Which is the water and solvent. The water evaporates and it becomes latex and pigemnt.

Solvent: VOC
Water

2.) Pigment: This provides whitemness, color, hiding, and bulk. Deep base has no pigment - no white and light base has a lot of pigment - which has more white.

Titanium Dioxide
Extenders and Fillers
Color Pigment
Opaque Polymeter

3.) Additives: this distigueshes the paint manufactures and is this gives the paint stability and functionality.

Rheology Modifiers which controles the thinkcness and smoothness.
Dispersant which helps mix and keps products from conforming and ruining the paint.
Defoamer so the paint doesn’t bubble.
Biocide which kills the bugs and gives the paint shelf durability
Surfacent
Coalescent which makes the paint hard. It softens when applied and hard when it dries.

4.) Binders: This binds the pigment, provides adhesion, durability & film integrity. Oil base is a solution. Water base binders dries when the water dissolves.

Alkyd
Acrylic

What Are Some Characteristics of a Quality Paint?

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:13:00 -0500

Hey everyone, I have a lot customers here on the Central Coast that ask me about what makes good paint, good paint. As a painting contractor here on the central coast, I make sure that all of the material that we do use is quality. Take a look at these characteristics and you’ll see, if one of those start to show, the customer will be unhappy.

Right product + Right Knowledge + Right tools + Right Conditions + Right People = Total Quality package

1.) Quality paints – Exterior

Mildew resistance
Fade resistance
Chalk resistance
Hides Well
Good Adhesion
Greater dry film thickness

2.) Quality Paints – Interior

Spatter resistance
Holding
Touch up ability
Resistance to blocking
Resistance to burnishing
Flow and Leveling

Questions to ask a Painting Contractor on the Central Coast

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:31:40 -0400

Going out and meeting with customers on a daily basis, I get to learn a lot about other contractors and problems that customers have with them. One common theme that comes up when I am talking to homeowners is that they went with the lowest bid and ended up paying more in the end and not getting the job they wanted. Here are a couple of tips when getting estimates from painting contractors:

Good communication on the first visit. This is so important and it is like an interview process, you want to be a good fit for both you and the contractor. If you feel comfortable, invite them in, sit them down, and ask questions. If you are going to give this person hundreds or thousands of your dollars to do painting work on your home, don’t you want to feel comfortable about it? Here are a few sample questions to ask a contractor.

Are you licensed, bonded and insured? Do you carry workers compensation?
Do you drug test you employees?
Do you or your guys show up on time? Will you pull off the job to do another job? What happens if the job does take longer than your quoted time?
Are your guys qualified to do the work?
What type of materials do you use? Do I have to order the materials?
What type of warranty do you offer?

When you ask some of these questions, you might find out why this certain contractor is less expensive than others. I heard this quote the other day: “All people are created equal, but not every contractor is.” That is so true.

2.) Check up on every contractor that gives you a bid. Ask for references and check up on those references and make sure it’s not their grandmother or spouse on the other end. You want testimonies from real customers. Check the California State License Board if they have workers compensation and liability insurance. When I say that going with the low bid might cost more at the end, I’m not kidding. If your contractor falls on your property and he or she doesn’t have a license or doesn’t carry workers compensation, the one who will be liable and paying for medical bills is the customer. Check up on your contractor, it will save you money if anything were to happen.

3.) Carefully review the contract. Check to see if everything that you wanted to be done is in the contract. Because guess what, if it’s not in the contract, it’s not going to be done. Change orders are a big part of the “cheapest bid” routine. All the things that were not in the contract suddenly add up to be a bigger bill in the end. Remember to check who is paying for the materials? Customers that are going with a low bid sometimes don’t understand that they will be buying the materials, which could cost a lot of money and a lot of their time.

These series of questions and research are very important if you need to call out a contractor. The bottom line is that people sometimes hire the “cheapest bid.” Sometimes it works out, sometimes it does not. Based on what I’ve heard, people who hire the “cheapest contractor” typically will spend more money and time buying materials, making punch-list, following up on the jobs, managing the jobs, and having the job take much more time than expected. A small, less expensive contractor just cannot provide the value of a more established painting company. Call a couple of your local professional contractors; it could save you money.

New Life Painting is a full-service painting contractor serving Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo and other Central Coast communities.

Exterior Palettes - Suburban Modern

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:45:57 -0400

Exterior Palettes - Suburban Modern:

Continuing with our monthly color ideas from Sherwin Williams, here is the forecast called “Suburban Modern”. Enjoy

The optimism that followed WWII is reflected in the colors of the era. Bright, clear colors made a strong and upbeat statement that went hand in hand with the clean, simple lines of the mid-century modern homes springing up in suburbs throughout the nation. Offset the rich ambers, avocado greens and inky blues of the Suburban Modern Palette with neutral tones and aluminum or stainless steel accents for a sleek, contemporary style.

Exterior Palettes - Southern Shores and Beaches

Mon, 23 May 2011 17:50:18 -0400

Exterior Palettes - Southern Shores and Beaches:

Here are some great color ideas from Sherwin William’s!

Southern style can range from a beachfront hideaway in the Carolina low country to a grand, historic plantation on the Mississippi. At each end of the spectrum, unmistakable Southern charm is clearly evident. Throughout the Southern Shores & Beaches Palette, look for sun-washed tones that are as hospitable and accommodating on a breezy ocean side veranda as they are in a formal parlor served up with sweet tea.

Is it a good idea to paint kitchen cabinets? (pros/cons)

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:58:19 -0400

Painting cabinets can add beauty to your cabinets and spruce up a possible tired kitchen. Having the right preparation and using the right materials are essential. When preparing previously stained and clear finished wood cabinets, sanding and cleaning the surface is the most important step to a job well done. We always recommend removing the cabinet doors and finishing them off site or in the garage. When you have applied multiple coats and the finish looks great you are ready to hang your newly painted doors and we always recommend putting on new hinges. Painting cabinets can add beauty to your kitchen, without spending a lot of money, although most previous cabinets are made of oak or birch. The wood is generally pretty grainy, which after the painting you will still see some grain. Painting the cabinets give the cabinets a new look, but with a lot of use over time the paint will sometimes chip in spots which will require touching up.

Staining of cabinets over existing stain can bring your cabinets back to life. Generally speaking, you can always go the same color or darker but if you want to go lighter on the cabinets, that would require stripping of the cabinets. It is labor intensive and you might want to look at re-facing your cabinet doors and frames. Again preparation is the most important step for a job well done. Re-staining is the most inexpensive way to beautify your cabinets. There are many materials to choose from and using the right one is essential. New Life Bath & Kitchen and New Life Painting is available to answer any of your questions, or concerns.Is it a good idea to paint kitchen cabinets? (pros/cons)

Painting or Replacing Kitchen Cabinets – When do you know it’s time?

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:43:00 -0400

At New Life Painting and New Life Bath and Kitchen in Santa Maria, we have seen many kitchens throughout the Central Coast that are in desperate need of a full kitchen remodel. Full meaning everything. But more often than not, updating the cabinets seems to be the number one request. Whether it’s painting or staining the existing cabinets, or refacing or replacing, homeowners are doing something to freshen up their kitchen cabinetry.

There is a time though when replacing the cabinets becomes necessary. When cabinetry is literally falling apart and when the drawer boxes and glides are no longer functional, all signs point to replacing the cabinets as soon as possible. But some homes are built with custom cabinets that seem to hold up greatthrough the years, and when it seems time for a face lift, the options of refacing or painting or staining come into play. It’s one thing to have the appearance of a beautiful kitchen, but it’s all the more important to have a well functioning and structurally sound kitchen. Other homes are built with builder grade cabinets of poor quality and don’t last very long. If the cabinets don’t have a backing (the drywall is visible from the inside of the cabinet), that is usually a sign that the quality is no good. In that case, replace those cabinets! So to conclude, when you find that your cabinets are no longer serving you well or are a burden to open and close, it is time to replace those old cabinets with new, better quality kitchen cabinets.

Visit our showroom at 1111 S. Broadway, Suite 101 in Santa Maria, California to check out our kitchen cabinet selections, or visit our websites at www.newlifepainting.comor www.newlifehi.com.

"We were impressed by the attention to detail and of course, the high skill level. Also, everyone was..."

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:05:23 -0400

“We were impressed by the attention to detail and of course, the high skill level. Also, everyone was very cordial.”

- Tim and Yolanda T. - Santa Maria

Colors that Gredsa from Chic Interiors picked out for our...

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 14:24:49 -0400

Colors that Gredsa from Chic Interiors picked out for our customer, it turned out great!

Exterior House Painting in Santa Maria

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 14:19:00 -0400

We have the honor to paint a beautiful home’s Exterior in Satna Maria starting next week! The home is getting a total makeover from a kitchen and bath remodel, to new stone on the front of the home, to now a new coat of paint. We are working with Tosh from Pacific Coast Drywall, and his modifications to both the interior and exterior has turned out so good!

Check out our specials this month and request for your Free Estimate on our website!

Exterior Palettes - Northern Shores and Seaports

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 14:17:00 -0400

Exterior Palettes - Northern Shores and Seaports:

Check out these great colors from Sherwin Williams!

From the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest to the misty harbors of Maine, cool weather and gentle waters create a perfect environment for relaxation and rejuvenation.

In the Northern Shores & Seaports Palette, you’ll find softened shades of traditional colors found throughout nature. Slate blue, dusty red and subdued gray-green tones offer a calming serenity reflective of a vast, pristine landscape.

Exterior Palettes - Desert and Southwest Styles

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:35:00 -0400

Exterior Palettes - Desert and Southwest Styles:

Just in time for Spring and Summer. We will be featuring and introducing some Exterior Colors from Sherwin Williams for the next month! Here are their Desert and Southwest Styles.

Warm and inviting. Casual and rustic. Like a handcrafted Navajo blanket, Southwestern décor features a bounty of rich colors influenced by the culture of its native people and by the land itself.

The Desert & Southwest Style Palette highlights the warm, earthy tones of sun-baked adobe homes, terra-cotta roof tiles and desert sands with just enough contrasting hues of green and gray to cool you off.

Exterior House Painting in Orcutt

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 12:57:26 -0400

Exterior House Painting in Orcutt:

A new project will begin for us on Monday, where we will be painting the exterior of a beautiful home in Orcutt. The home is in Elkhorn Estates where we have been working a lot in the past years and we are very familiar with the style of homes.

Here is last testimonial we have received from a customer in Elkhorn where we both painted the interior and the exterior along with remodeling their kitchen and bathroom: “Quality and craftsmanship were excellent. Staff was great to work with. They ensure the client is informed when next phase of work is set to begin.” Check out our testimonial page to read more entries just like this one.

New Life Painting provides interior and exterior painting services to homeowners and local businesses throughout the Orcutt and Santa Maria area. Our shop and office are located on South Broadway in Santa Maria. Call us at: 937-9836 or visit us at our contact page.

Time Management Tips

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:13:00 -0400

Time Management Tips:

A couple of weeks ago Summit did a webinar on time management. I came across a great list of time management tips Kevin wrote up. It’s worth reviewing!

Some thoughts from Kevin Nolan on managing time:

· Spend time planning- annually, quarterly, monthly, daily.

· Use a planning device - So many people try to remember it all. I have a great memory but I also write things down in a place I can review it all. I use a day timer and ACT software on my computer.

· Set goals - I know what the primary aim in my life is. All use of time should come from that.

· Prioritize - when I see it listed I can rank it. Some things have to get taken off the list. Some of the things that are definitely included in the list are dinner with family and my kid’s athletic events.

· Use a daily to do list- I write it down, cross it off and throw it away.

· Stay organized- I try to stay organized in the office, shop, house and my garage. I clean my office once a week.

· Be flexible- things don’t always go as planned. I tell myself to relax. Tomorrow is a new day, I will start over.

· Consider your biological time clock- morning is best for me; after that I can’t stop being interrupted.

· Learn to delegate - I teach others what I do and give them that job.

· Avoid being a perfectionist- My favorite saying is “A good job today is better than a perfect job tomorrow”

· Conquer procrastination - enough said

· Learn to say No – Then teach me how.

· Lead a balanced life (yea right) - but I try

· Job descriptions- I have one for myself and everyone else in our organization.

These are a few of my touch points for my seminar and my life. Like everyone else I still struggle with time and energy. I am constantly trying to apply the right amount of each, to each opportunity and task, that I have each day. These guidelines help me.

2011 Colors by Sherwin Williams - Gentle Medley

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 11:30:31 -0400

2011 Colors by Sherwin Williams - Gentle Medley:

Hard times call for soft colors: the hint of green in a spring leaf bud; the chalky blush of a seashell; the time-etched beauty of a vintage fabric or photograph. Fashion has turned a romantic, nostalgic corner, bringing pastels and parchment-pale neutrals back into the palette. The hues are innocent without being sweet — flirty, yet not feminine. They reflect not just a yearning for youthful innocence and gentler times, but also a refreshing honesty and lack of pretension that are thoroughly modern.

"Cruz, painting crew supervisor - Always knew what he was doing. Kept me informed of any issues...."

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:39:56 -0500

““Cruz, painting crew supervisor - Always knew what he was doing. Kept me informed of any issues. Along with his partner he was neat, detailed and tidy. David, finish carpenter - Took what could have been throwaway stairs to patio and cleaned up its appearance and fixed it better than new. Raised and braced our 3 hole kitchen sink as it should have been done 20 years ago. As with Cruz, David explained issues and was extremely neat and tidy. Mr. Winkles and the staff people I have encountered are a credit to their trade. People who not only do good work but are willing to stand behind that work are becoming rare. I believe that New Life in good economic times and bad would always be eager to do the quality work they completed for me.””

- Timothy M. - Nipomo