BEHR Paint: How To Paint Interiors (Full Version)

Here are some great tips on painting and priming. Color choices and the right products to use.

We at 'Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.' recommend and use Behr products.

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Ken Rader Interiors Presents- Tips on how to paint.

Many good tips and solid training on how to paint. Ken Rader Interiors offers in home color consultation in Northwest Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas Best Painters "Painting Problems you should know about"

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Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.  is happy to offer information all about painting and decorating.  Check out our Blog and we are sure that you will find other articles that offer information on a wide array of painting subjects.
This article will offer you some insight into some paint problems that you may have to deal with.
Peeling Paint

Another common symptom of a failed paint coat is when the paint peels off from the surface. The paint may commonly appear to curl and flake from the work surface for a number of reasons. Most commonly, the peeling occurs because of poor paint adhesion, due to improper prep work or lack of primer.
Before any new paint is applied to the exterior of your home, the surface must have the necessary "roughness" for the paint to grip to. Sanding and/or applying a layer of primer is sufficient to provide this "roughness."
Efflorescence

This condition most commonly occurs on painted masonry surfaces, such as brick or concrete. Efflorescence appears as crusty white salt deposits emerging through the paint film. This situation transpires when salts in the brick or concrete become dissolved with water, and then attach to the surface as the water evaporates.
Some common causes of paint efflorescence include moisture emanating from indoors, inadequately waterproofed below-ground walls, and poor surface preparation. If basement walls are not adequately waterproofed, ground water may penetrate the paint and induce efflorescence. Cracks in walls and other water damage are also common causes. If the concrete or mortar was not entirely cured and dried out when the paint was applied, or if prior efflorescence was not entirely removed before the last paint job, the condition may materialize.
Mildew/Mold
Another common symptom of failed paint is the appearance of mildew and mold. Mildew is easily recognized as dark green, brown, or black splotches on the paint surface, and is usually found in damp, shaded areas. Mildew is actually a living fungus which feeds and grows on paint film.

Mold spores can float through the air and form new colonies where they land. Mold and mildew have been found to cause several health problems, such as sinus problems, respiration problems, sleep difficulty, and an impaired immune system.

Mildew and mold is most commonly caused by heavy moisture, poor ventilation, and lack of sunlight. A combination of these conditions will provide an ideal habitat for mold and mildew to thrive and grow. Some of the most common areas on the exterior of your home where mildew may grow include the underside of soffits, eaves, and similar shaded areas.
Chalking

Paint chalking occurs as a formation of fine powder on the surface of the paint film. Chalking paint will rub off of the surface and get on to skin, clothing, etc. Chalking paint can also have a fading effect on the paint coat. Chalking is actually a natural cleanses process of paint, however, excessive film erosion can result in heavy chalking.
This problem is typically caused by the use of a poor quality paint, or the use of an interior paint on the exterior of the building. Before applying a new coat of paint, be sure to fully remove any excess chalk from the surface. Primer may also be needed.

KEN RADER INTERIORS L.L.C. IS PROUD TO OFFER THIS INFORMATION.  WE OFFER ARTICLES ABOUT PAINTING AND DECORATING FOR YOUR EDUCATION AND ENJOYMENT.
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WE ARE PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND DECORATORS IN FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS.
WE OFFER PAINTING AND DECORATING SERVICES THROUGHOUT NORTHWEST ARKANSAS.

FOR ALL OF YOUR PAINTING NEEDS CALL US AT (479) 443-3686
EMAIL US AT kennethrader@att.net and be sure and visit our web page at http://www.kenraderinteriors.com
  AS ALWAYS “HAPPY PAINTING AND DECORATING

Ken Rader Interiors-Northwest Arkansas Best Painters talks about painting problems you can avoid

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The biggest threat to a good paint job? The clock.
From choosing a great color that somehow turns hideously wrong to completing a paint job that looks gorgeous and then starts peeling, most painting mistakes trace back to a lack of prep work.
If you want to make sure your next paint job looks like something out of a home decorating show, here are the biggest mistakes pros see -- and how you can prevent them:
Dreaming up colors. Pulling your color selections out of thin air. "The best way to choose a color for your space is to start with an inspiration that is visual,"says Cathie Rader Interior Decorator with Ken Rader Interiors. It can be a rug or a photo from a magazine. In either case, you aren't left trying to describe your idea of a color. You can simply point to it. Best of all, since your example has already been created by professionals well-versed in color, it's an almost foolproof way to come up with other complementary colors to use in your room design.
Pursuing trends. Never mind what the "hot" colors are this year. You're living with your choices. Choose hues that make you happy. One good clue for you is to consider what solid colors you wear most often -- besides black and white.  Beware, the up to date colors will be most pleasing to you over your old stand by.
Ignoring warm and cool. Not acknowledging that color can change the perception of a room. Warm colors "are expansive," says Cathie Rader- Interior Decorator . Use them for social areas, like a great room or dining room. Cool colors are calming. They can be great for a home office or bedroom.
Forgetting the ceiling. "It's the fifth wall," says Cathie Rader. But even experts disagree on how it should be painted. If you expect to paint your ceiling a color, consider going a few shades lighter because ceilings tend to look darker. Some designers prefer a white ceiling. A decorator's white (not a stark white) will give you a sharp definitive line from painted walls and highlight whatever architecture you have. Others want the ceiling in the same color family as the walls. "If you paint the walls a rich color and leave the ceiling white, it will do the opposite of what you want" by calling attention to it, says Rader. Instead, she prefers a variation on the wall color. If your ceilings are above nine feet, go one shade darker than the wall color, he says. That will bring the ceiling "down" and make the room appear cozier. If the ceilings are nine feet or less, use a color a shade or two lighter than the walls.
Thinking all paint is the same. You have latex and oil. You have a variety of paint finishes from flat to eggshell (matte with just a hint of gloss), to semi-gloss and high-gloss. For a bedroom, you might choose flat or eggshell, while the adjoining bathroom gets the same paint shade in a more water resistant semi- or high-gloss.
Not using best tools. One example: a paint-edger kit. It's a mini-roller with a brush guard that lines up with woodwork and trim. It allows you to paint close to the trim without actually painting the trim. "It's so much easier and you don't have to go through taping," says Rader. Cost: around $26.
Not asking for help. This one time it really pays to patronize the small, specialty paint stores, says Rader. "You're buying more than paint, you're buying expertise," she says.
Buying insufficient paint. Get all your paint and tools at once. That way, once you start, you don't have to stop. To ensure you have enough paint, measure the room. Pad in a little extra, just in case. And read the label on can to determine how much you need for the space. When it doubt, ask questions at the paint store.
Not buying the right tools. Different paints, walls and wall textures will require different tools. To paint around trim and windows, use a brush. For large, open areas, use a roller. Textured walls will require a roller with more nap.

Not having a plan of attack. One pro trick: When you apply a coat of paint, go around the room with the brush and do all the edges and corners first, then go back with the roller and apply a coat of paint to the rest of the wall.
Not considering hiring a pro. Even with little or no experience, painting can be fun if you enjoy it. If you don't, it might pay to hire a pro. Or, if your spouse enjoys painting and you don't, have he or she tackle it with a friend while you contribute something else to the home fix-up project. Ken Rader Interiors often recommends best-friend painting teams over husband-wife ventures. "Very few couples can do this" and stay on great terms throughout the project, says Rader.
Not considering painter's tape. OK, this one is a matter of personal preference and experience. Some pros will tell you not to waste the time, while others swear it can make the results look really first rate. And you definitely don't want to be without it if you're doing any sort of striped or geometric look that involves painting a straight line.

There are several other tricks of the trade.  Most of them have been addressed in other blog posts by us.  Check them out
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As always " Happy Painting and Decorating

Neutral Warm Colors for 2013

By Ken Rader- Master Painter- Ken Rader Interiors, Arkansas Best Painters

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It is always difficult to define a certain family of colors.  This is because as time passes our likes and dislikes change.  What we like and call warm and neutral does change.

Warm Neutral Paint Colors of today are not the same as a year or two ago.
The reason is colors make a whole world of a difference to our mindset, our thoughts, and the way we feel. Among the various colors, warm neutral paint colors are known to comfort us, and help us unwind.   Let's  look into some great warm and neutral paint colors and the effect they create.

Warm colors are those that give us a feeling of coziness in a room. The room becomes inviting, comforting, and are perfect for rooms where you would like to sit back, relax, and send yourself into a comfortable nap. Such warm colors include shades of yellow, red, orange, and browns. Neutral colors are those that can easily combine with any other color without creating a big contrast or an unbearable difference in color choices. Thus, warm neutral colors are those that will embrace you with warmth without being overwhelming.

There are some individuals who are not comfortable among very cool colors such as blue, purple, gray, or even white for that matter. These colors, while perfect for a place where you would like to calm yourself down, may usually not produce the desired comfort in bedrooms, living rooms, and the like. They seem to give out a kind of cool feeling. This of course is my personal opinion, and a lot of you may beg to differ. In any case, warm neutral paint colors work wonderfully to suit all the aforementioned purposes you wish to achieve from them. Here, we give you a list of these colors along with methods of enhancing their effects.The Best Warm Neutral Paint Colors
Neutral doesn't necessarily have to mean dull. In fact, such colors when used in warmer tones can be used brilliantly to spice up the appearance of a room! Irrespective of the kind of room you are trying to bring alive, these colors will do their bit and leave you feeling warm and cozy.

It may seem to you that off white as a room color is overdone, but there is a reason why it is so popular and continues to remain so till date. It is because of the beauty with which it can offset almost any color, without appearing cold like pure white. This color can be combined with darker warm and neutral colors to give any room a rich, elegant appeal.
This soothing and neutral, but warm pale yellow works wonders when used in any room. Not only does it generate the coziness that is expected of a warm color, it also enlivens a room particularly if the room has a lot of natural light, thereby serving a dual purpose. To enhance its warmth with artificial lighting, use yellow lights, floor lamps, and hanging lamps. Watch the effect it then creates.
Similar to the yellow color, this shade of peach can be warm yet refreshing at the same time. Combine it with cream colored furniture and other colorful accessories, that include colors such as green, blue, yellow, brown, golden, and gray. This beautiful color embraces almost all other colors lovingly to create a gorgeous, unified space with a unique identity.
Another great color, sandy beige shade will bring out the ultimate warmth in a room. This color can also be used to generate a regal feel by using furniture with a golden colored trim on it. The same also goes for accessories. In essence, a splash of a dull gold shade with this color would simply look divine.

Next is Tan that is indicative of an alluring tan color is slightly darker, though still neutral. Use it to highlight a wall against which you may place a beautiful wall fixture, a painting, or a collection of wall artifacts. While this will make your accent wall, use an off-white (such as the one indicated above) or a very light beige color for the remaining walls to give your room the warmth you desire.

Another very dark shade that should be used only to accentuate the warmth in a room and not define it is Chocolate Brown. It is highly popular as a warm neutral paint color. This color would work superbly when used of course with dull gold, but also with a bright or light orange to further enhance the warmth in your room. While ideal for a master bedroom, you should be careful with this color as it can also overpower the entire room and make it unbearable to sit in; so use it sparingly. Again, this rich color can be combined with any of the other indicated colors in this list.There are several more warm yet neutral paint colors that you will find when you go to finally select a color at a paint store. However, they are all variations of the colors provided here. The idea that you should keep in mind when choosing these colors is the purpose of your room, the kind of colors you want to combine with them, and the ultimate effect that you desire. Choose wisely and bring alive your room by using an elegant combination of paint colors, furniture colors, and the colors of the accessories you use. Enjoy creating a charming little den for yourself with these colors!

KEN RADER INTERIORS L.L.C. IS PROUD TO OFFER THIS INFORMATION.  WE OFFER ARTICLES ABOUT PAINTING AND DECORATING FOR YOUR EDUCATION AND ENJOYMENT.

WE ARE PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND DECORATORS IN FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS.
WE OFFER PAINTING AND DECORATING SERVICES THROUGHOUT NORTHWEST ARKANSAS.

FOR ALL OF YOUR PAINTING NEEDS CALL US AT (479) 443-3686
EMAIL US AT kennethrader@att.net and be sure and visit our web page at http://www.kenraderinteriors.com
  AS ALWAYS “HAPPY PAINTING AND DECORATING!”

Ken Rader Interiors | Fayetteville, AR | 479-443-3686

Ken Rader Interiors | Fayetteville, AR | 479-443-3686
Painters in Northwest Arkansas and servicing Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville and Bella Vista.
We offer several winter specials.  Call and make and appointment for a free estimate.
As Always,"Free color consultation with every job".Click here and visit our site

Ken Rader tells you how to repair sheetrock

Some Basics that you will find helpful
By:  Ken Rader, Professional Painter in Fayetteville Arkansas

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It wouldn't be at all uncommon for you to find a need to repair drywall in your home that has been damaged or you may find an occasional protruding drywall nail head or screw head that will require attention. If you choose to repair these damaged places, you might need a few tips. Here are 4 steps that will be of help to you in repairing damaged drywall.
Step 1 – Fill Dents or Holes

If your dent is shallow—that is, if it is ½" or less in depth—you will be able to patch it using only joint compound. If it is deeper, or if you have a hole through the drywall, you will need to apply a patch over the damaged area. For a shallow dent, spread a layer of mud (joint compound) over the dent. Then, cut a small piece of drywall paper or fiberglass screen and press it onto the drywall surface. The patch should cover the hole but should also leave a flat, even surface. Using your joint knife or putty knife, spread another layer of joint compound over the screen and allow the compound to dry.
You can use fast setting drywall compound.  It comes in a bag and is designed to set up and dry in 20 minutes, 45 minutes and 90 minutes.  I would recommend using either the 45 minute or 90 minute mix.  You have to be really fast if you want to use the 20 minute stuff.  It will set up in your mud pan and is a real job to get it cleaned out.  They are all easy sand and so you can fill and put on the final coat in just a couple of hours.

Step 2 – Apply Compound a Second Time
When the compound covering the patch is dry and you begin sanding, you may discover that the patch surface is slightly indented. If it is, apply another coat of compound and level its surface by drawing the flat edge of your joint knife across it. Be sure the surface is level. When it has dried and after you have sanded you find that the surface is still indented, apply another layer of compound. You can use regular joint compound for the final coating.  Just add a little water to it so that it will smooth easier.  Thin coats dry pretty fast.

Step 3 – Repair Protruding Nail Heads or Screw Heads
When finding a protruding nail or screw head, test it to determine if it is loose or whether it has simply not been driven deeply enough into the drywall and joint. Occasionally, a nail or screw will be driven into the drywall but will miss the stud into which it should have been driven. Pull these nails out of the drywall and fill the hole as described in Step 1. If the nail (or screw) is driven into the wall stud, but is not driven below the drywall surface, use a hammer or screwdriver to hammer it in or drive it further into the wall stud. The head will need to be sunk below the surface of the drywall. Then fill the depression with compound as described in Step 1.  It is usually best to use a drywall screw next to a nail that has popped.  This will keep the nail from popping again.  Be sure and recess the screw head into the drywall and fill the area with compound.


Step 4 – Sand and Paint
When the compound is dry the color in the center will be the same light shade as the color of the compound at the outer edge and you need to use your sand block and sandpaper to sand the surface. Using the sand block will be necessary to insure that the entire surface of the damaged area is flat and is the same level as the surrounding surface.  You can do what some describe as wet sanding.  Use a big sponge like they used for cleaning tile and lightly go over the compound.  Work with it just a little and you will see how you can remove some of it just like sanding, only without the dust. Finally, wipe the dust left from sanding and apply a coat of primer.  Use a premium acrylic primer that will dry in about one hour and you can paint it within 2 hours. When the primer is dry, apply a coat of paint that matches the rest of the wall.

Read more: We offer several articles that will help you make repairs, paint, wallpaper, strip wallpaper and choose you style of decor.

KEN RADER INTERIORS L.L.C. IS PROUD TO OFFER THIS INFORMATION.  WE OFFER ARTICLES ABOUT PAINTING AND DECORATING FOR YOUR EDUCATION AND ENJOYMENT.

WE ARE PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND DECORATORS IN FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS.
WE OFFER PAINTING AND DECORATING SERVICES THROUGHOUT NORTHWEST ARKANSAS.

FOR ALL OF YOUR PAINTING NEEDS CALL US AT (479) 443-3686
EMAIL US AT kennethrader@att.net and be sure and visit our web page at http://www.kenraderinteriors.com
  AS ALWAYS “HAPPY PAINTING AND DECORATING!”

Painters in Northwest Arkansas-"Old school skills"

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KEN RADER INTERIORS L.L.C. IS PROUD TO OFFER THIS INFORMATION.  WE OFFER ARTICLES ABOUT PAINTING AND DECORATING FOR YOUR EDUCATION AND ENJOYMENT.
Painting Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville and Bella Vista “Beautiful, One house at a time”

WE ARE PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND DECORATORS IN FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS.
WE OFFER PAINTING AND DECORATING SERVICES THROUGHOUT NORTHWEST ARKANSAS.

FOR ALL OF YOUR PAINTING NEEDS CALL US AT (479) 443-3686
EMAIL US AT kennethrader@att.net and be sure and visit our web page at http://www.ArkansasBestPainters.com
HAPPY PAINTING AND DECORATING!
Recently I posted an article about painting paneling.  Thank you for all of the views and comments.  Some of the comments were on the subject of the preferred type of primer that should be used on the wood paneling. Several commented that they would use "Old School" priming". This was in reference to using Oil based primers verses Acrylic or water based.
I think that what they were really referencing was their painting skills and work ethic.  Let me qualify this a little with an observation or two.
Several years ago, actually in 1989 I purchased a new Ford Pickup.  Bright Red, which is my favorite color.  When I drove it home I got bugs on the front and everywhere there was a bug it removed the paint.  I was upset to say the least.  I took it back to the car dealer to give them a look at it.  "Bugs have acid in them" was the response I received from the shop foreman. "Acid?" I asked, yes he says.  So I took my new truck home will spots of white primer showing through where the bugs hit.
Some time later my sister shared with me a small article in a magazine that acknowledged that there was a problem with the primer that was used on vehicles from the years 1985 till the present.  As a result the manufacturer was doing a somewhat silent recall of the vehicles and re-painting them for free.  Well I took my truck to the car dealer again and after some debate got my truck a new paint job.
Perhaps you have seen some pickups driving around that are of the 1980's and 1990's that are missing big patches of paint.  Chevy's and Fords mostly.  They used the same primer.
Well my point is that Old School surely does not refer to old products.  Products for the most part have improved drastically over the last 30 to 40 years.  Cell phones are now digital instead of analog, TV's are Tubeless and High Definition, tires are now all Radial verses Bias cords.  The list could go on and Paint products have improved as well.
No more lead, the introduction of Acrylic and Titanium have revolutionized the industry.  There are still Oil based Primers on the market but they can only be used in certain states in the country.  To fill the gap painting companies have formulated some excellent non-oil primers.
So, on with my point.  I too have often referred to myself as "Old School".  This reference is made to my skills, methods and craftsmanship in the field of painting.  Ken Rader Interiors has been in business since 1987 and the products that we use has changed dramatically.
Painting with Oil and Lacquer produced a beautiful job but the paint would change as time went by.  The paint would yellow or gray, crack or flake depending on what was painted.  And during those years in the 80's and 90's latex paint was not the greatest product.  But they have come a long, long way.
The professional painting industry has undergone tremendous changes since we first started.  The biggest change that we have seen is the introduction of the "unskilled painter".  They are usually the cheapest bidder on a project and the methods that are employed are usually OUTDATED.
That being said, I would suggest that painters use the term "Old School Painting Skills" instead of "Old School".  The customer should know that you will use the most up-to-date products available.
Ken Rader Interiors uses all of the latest, tested and proven products on the marked.  We will occasionally use "Oil based" products but this is rare.
If there is a material or object that will not allow acrylic or water based primer to stick, then Oil base will not stick either.  This has proven true many times over the years on many of our projects.  I do want to mention that premium primers must always be used.  You cannot compare PVA primer with Oil based primer.  But you can compare Premium acrylic primers with Oil based primer.
Well, I hope this does not offend any painters.  The phrase " Old School" does cause people to think of a time when things seemed to be made better and with more care.  That however is really not the truth.  I like my new iphone much better than my first mobile mounted cell phone (Cellular One was the company) that's a blast from the past.  I also have a Red pickup that I bought new in 2001.  No paint problems.  170,000 miles and still going strong.  And Ken Rader Interiors is a fan of the new paint and primer combinations that are being offered today.
Ken Rader Interiors is " Old School Painting Skills" and proud of it.  If you have a painting project in your future we invite you to investigate the painting companies in your area.  You will find many of them are " Old School Skilled".  You will find it a true pleasure working with them.
KEN RADER INTERIORS L.L.C. IS PROUD TO OFFER THIS INFORMATION.  WE OFFER ARTICLES ABOUT PAINTING AND DECORATING FOR YOUR EDUCATION AND ENJOYMENT.

WE ARE PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND DECORATORS IN FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS.
WE OFFER PAINTING AND DECORATING SERVICES THROUGHOUT NORTHWEST ARKANSAS.

FOR ALL OF YOUR PAINTING NEEDS CALL US AT (479) 443-3686
EMAIL US AT kennethrader@att.net and be sure and visit our web page at http://www.kenraderinteriors.com
  AS ALWAYS “HAPPY PAINTING AND DECORATING!”

Painting Momma's House

PAINTING MOTHERS HOUSE
TRANSFORMING THIS 40 YEAR OLD HOUSE.
By Ken Rader Interiors
Painters in Fayetteville Arkansas and serving all of Northwest Arkansas
This fall we are painting my mothers house.  We are also video taping the complete process and will post it on YouTube.
Until then I will share some photos with you to show you the progress.
We have been working on the house for 4 days.  First was the scraping of the house followed by caulking and priming.
[slideshow]
This house was painted about 15 years ago with 8 year paint.  So, it is in pretty bad shape.  It required a lot of scraping and caulking.  You can see from the pictures that most of the paint scraped off down to the wood.
This time around we are priming and sealing they siding.  You will notice that the primer is different colors, sea foam and purple.  This is the result of several tinted primers being combined.  This saves on the expense and it introduces an element of surprise and fun.  The other 2 sides of the house and the 3 car garage will be different colors of primer as well.
The color of the paint is "Carrage House"  Kind of a mossy green.  The Trim will be "Linen" and the front door will be "Red".
The siding on 2 sides have now been painted and the trim will be painted tomorrow.  We will also continue with the scraping and caulking.  We will work on the front of the house tomorrow.
The video will show the complete process as well show you all of the tools that are being used.  We will show you how to mask off the windows and fill in some big holes that the birds have made.
The paint that we are using is Behr paint and primer combination which is a real pleasure to use.  This should be the last paint job that this house will need.
Stay tuned and follow the progress to the finish.
Today is Thursday and for most it is a day off of work.  NOT FOR KEN RADER INTERIORS!  Today we continued on with the exterior house painting of my mamma's house.  Today was a big day and we are very proud of what we accomplished.
We scraped, caulked, filled some damaged places on the siding and then primed and painted the front of the house.
Two coats of primer and 2 coats of paint.
[slideshow]
Next will be the east side of the house.  Scraping, caulking, priming and painting.  Something extra that we will be doing is using a block filler/primer on the cement blocks so that they can be painted the same as the house.  The block filler/primer will make sure that the paint sticks and will not crack or fail.
Once the house is completed we will move on to the 3 car garage.
As of today we have used 15 gal. of primer and 8 gal. of paint.  As you can note, using primer cuts down on the amount of paint needed for the finish spraying.  This saves money and will help the paint job last considerably longer.
When you paint the exterior of your house you are doing more than changing colors.  You are putting on a weather proof coat that will protect the wood from further damage from sun, rain, wind or ice and severe temperatures.
We will continue to keep you up to date with the project.
AS ALWAYS,”HAPPY PAINTING AND DECORATING”

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C. --  Painting Northwest Arkansas Beautiful, “ One house at a time”.

Serving Northwest Arkansas and the greater Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers and Bella Vista area.
 Professional Painters since 1987.

Check us out at www.kenraderinteriors.com
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Ken Rader

Popular Faux Finishes you can do!

 Faux Painting Techniques

By: Ken Rader

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.

Professional Painters in Northwest Arkansas

Through the last decade faux painting has experienced ups and downs.  Several of the big box home improvement stores have gone through times of pushing faux finishing products and how to do it classes.  Perhaps because it is not as easy as regular painting or maybe we just don’t seem to have the time needed.  For these and other reasons faux painting has never taken off.  However,  you can really create some fantastic effects and looks for your home that are unique and a real pleasure to have in your home.

Perhaps a little explanation of the steps required and some explanations will get you inspired to try one of them.

Faux painting techniques can bring the look of leather, stone or fabric to walls and furniture using certain application methods and a variety of faux painting tools. Most techniques call for layering colors of paint or glaze with everything from sponges and rags to plastic sheets. Learning the different techniques and understanding the results is important in choosing the best faux painting technique for your projects.
Base Coat: All faux painting techniques require a base coat. Then other layers are either added to it (positive) or added and then partially removed (negative). The base coat is the color that will show through with either technique.
Color Washing: The top coat of glaze is applied over the base coat with a rag or sponge in a circular or "washing" motion. The end result is a soft, swirled look.
Dry Brushing: This technique requires a paintbrush dipped in glaze that is applied to the wall in a criss-cross pattern. Most dry brushing faux painting techniques require two different colors of glaze for best results.
Frottage: This is an example of a negative faux painting technique, where glaze is removed using a plastic sheet. Apply the glaze over the base, and then spread a plastic sheet over a section. Press the sheet over the glaze, and then remove. The texture left behind resembles marble.
Ragging: This technique is similar to sponging in that glaze is applied over the base coat with a crinkled dry rag. By moving the rag and rotating your arm, you will create a texture that looks like stucco.
Sponging: This technique is similar to ragging, but gives a much more subtle texture. Use a sea sponge to apply one or two colors of glaze over a base coat, and take advantage of the unique texture of this natural substance.
Verdigris: For the green patina look of copper sulfate, try this technique to mimic weathered copper or bronze. Apply a copper or gold base coat, and then apply dark green paint with a sponge, allowing the base to show through. A light green paint color should be sponged on top of the dark green, giving the item a mottled appearance.
These are just a few of the many faux finished you can do.  Give one of them a try.
As Always "Happy Painting and Decorating"
Ken Rader
Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.
Painting Northwest Arkansas beautiful, "One house at a time"
Check us out at www.kenraderinteriors.com

This Year's Favorite Colors

2012 THE YEAR OF COLOR!

PAINT COLORS WE LOVE.

THE MOST POPULAR COLORS

By Ken Rader
Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.
Your FIRST CHOICE PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS
Painting Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas beautiful !
Each year we change our minds when it comes to color.  We like to think that we are happy with what we have at present but that usually does not hold true. We love change and while all colors have been around for 1000’s of years we are always seeing a different shade or hue that is new to us and we fall in love with it.
This year's popular home interior wall colors include a few carry-overs from 2011, but there are also some new, emerging trends worth understanding. A new collection of popular neutrals includes off-white, beige, sage green, teal-blue, yellow and smoky gray. Adding tans, browns, grays and purple to teal-blue softens and controls its power. Choosing red, blue, peach, black, green or coral to pair with yellow can create an energized space. Be careful of your shade of yellow, however, because natural and artificial lighting can change its warmth or coolness significantly. Lemony yellow is more associated with anxiety and should probably be left as an accent. Dark gray is the most popular neutral for 2012. It grounds a room and allows you the freedom to add vibrant pops of colors such as intense reds, yellows, purples, blues or black.
Once you have your neutral choice, it's time to jazz it up consider what to add to it.  For a compatible combination, match warm neutrals with warm-toned accents and cool-toned neutrals with cool-toned accents. On the other hand, 2012 is all about unexpected combinations. While bright, bold shades seem to be declining somewhat, intense colors and contrasts definitely have a place in today's home design. The following combinations pack a lot of punch: cherry-red with blacks, blues, whites and grays; juicy, tangerine-orange with dark reds, browns and blacks; and deep blue-purple with yellows, blacks, whites and reds.
 Interior wall color combinations can bring new life to the important rooms in your home:
Here are some suggestions for different rooms in the house.

• Kitchen - Increase the energy and warmth with tangerine as either an accent for gray or as its own main color. Bright blue and white is a clean, fresh combination. How about yellow-green supported with earthy neutrals? Charcoal gray and white together are modernistic. Dark wheat, browns and white are sophisticated and versatile.

• Bathroom - This year's color trends support calm, relaxing and natural spaces. Cool gray-blues or warmer purple-blues look elegant but unpretentious. Smoky grays are also subdued. Pale greens and browns continue the nature theme and work well for bathrooms with plants and flowers.  Beige has made a big comeback though it is not the same beige as earlier years.

• Living room - A new trend is to return to the glamorous elegance of the Hollywood styles of the '30s and '40s. For a more playful approach, mix in some unexpected, vivid colors. Bright yellow-green and dark brown neutrals are earthy and comforting. A gentle mix of apple green and fuchsia is uplifting and optimistic. Dark grays with rich purples are dramatic and interesting.  This is tricky.  If you watch movies from the 30’s and 40’s they are in black and white.  So you have to imagine the clothes, hats, rooms and décor in color.  What you are looking for is a style that says “Glamorous”.

• Bedroom - Monochrome color palettes continue to be popular in this romantic room. Dulled gold, mustard-yellow and sunflower mix with browns to form rich combinations. Greens and browns pull earthiness and nature into the room. Bright blue and sparkling white are modern and refreshing.  Such terms as Earthy, Farmhouse, Natural, Country and Country Chic should get you thinking in the right direction.

It is important when choosing your interior wall colors don't neglect your own personal preferences' the colors that make you feel comfortable and satisfied. Your choices may lead you to a soft, earthy, natural environment; an intense, brightly energized space; an ambiance of quiet sophistication; or a fun place for quirky playfulness. Use your favorites as accents, or splash them everywhere. Feel free to express your personality in your choices. After all, this is your space, so color it to your tastes.  2012 is well on its way and almost over.  It has proven to be a year of change in the world of color.  While we can make small additions and changes in our color scheme in the home the trend is to make big changes.  This calls for painting several rooms.  Painting one room will usually lead to painting others to make the style complete and make all of your living space fresh and new.
Go to your favorite paint department and see what is popular.  The colors really have changed as the year has progressed. Look at your favorite magazines or notice what is being used by the decorators on makeover TV shows.  Our taste in color is changing all the time whether we are aware of it or not.  You will enjoy and be happy with the popular colors of the day for quite a while.  So don’t be afraid to paint the room or rooms.  Change is important and can give us a brighter outlook which is a good thing.
As Always “Happy Painting and Decorating”
Ken Rader
Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.
Professional Painters serving Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas with the finest the painting trade offers.

BEIGE, WHAT IS IT AND IS IT FOR YOU- PART 2

BEIGE, WHAT IS IT AND IS IT FOR YOU?

PART 2

Neutral and Safe

What is Old is New!

Beige is a pretty safe collection, so there are lots of places in the home that it can go.  The Benjamin Moore, company has a number of colors that use the word beige in their names.  Let’s see how they work.

 To begin with Benjamin Moore has a very robust off-white collection that offers 140 colors to choose from.  The undertones can run the spectrum of color so, yes, it

Can certainly tug at our emotions and bring forth color associations each of us subscribes to.  In other words, it’s not just background music—it can change and impact the personality of a room.

 The beauty of beige is that it can have the influence of a red, a yellow, even hints of blue.  The tonality of different beiges allows them to work into many rooms and environments.  It feels familiar and livable, often offering change without drama.

  Finally you have your cake and eat it, too!  If you want beige to ‘pop’, it’s simply a matter of color in context.  Create a dramatic contrast of color saturation to bring attention to each color individually.  For example, Benjamin Moore Soft Beige (2156-60), partnered with a color that is brighter and whiter like White Heron (OC-57) or deeper and cooler like (Green Tint 2139-60)or warmer and toned like (Seaside Sand 2110-40).  All these potions create a distinct contrast in combination, bringing out the actual color of the soft beige.

  A benefit of it being a neutral is that it can resolve an argument between two other colors that don’t seem to go together.  If they both go with beige, no one has to have issues with them.  Beige is a neutral that can either blend colors together or really make a statement.  It can be used to blend colors that are conflicting in the room on the drapes, the curtains and perhaps pillows.  It can make a statement in being the cool background color to display art or it can be a bold contrast with intense colors everywhere else.

It can also make an appearance as a supporting role to other colors to help them pop out.  Some people recommend using contrast.  If you want to create a more soothing space, try using neighboring colors on the color wheel.  Use blues, greens, and a beige with hints of these cooler colors for a calm and interesting look.  Try this, Benjamin Moore (Gossamer Blue 2123-40), (Feather Green 625) with (Moonshine OC-56)

  If you want to spice it up try partnering the blues and greens with a warm beige with undertones of red, yellow, or orange.  Combine (Gossamer Blue and Feather Green with Hillsborough Beige (1033

  Another good thing about beige is that it will work with something old and something new.  You can use it to tie together the 1950’s and the 21^st century.  Beige can take a room that feels chopped up in color choice or different design and blend it all together.  Yes, from traditional to contemporary beige is a popular color choice.

  Beige can be a calming addition for the bedroom, bathroom, spa or can create a larger room visually by painting the walls this light shade.  If you are not careful though, the beige can wash a room out and make it feel empty or cold.  (We don’t want that).

  Next, choose a great color for the walls and then pull in beige for the ceiling. But once again, watch out, using beige on the ceiling and the floors will give you a tunnel effect. (we don’t want that either).

  Well, is this enough for you to chew on for a while?  Much more can and probably will be said about beige.  It has been around a long, long time.  Though the name will continue to be used I am sure that the color that it is attached to will change.  So you will have to re-paint from time to time. Today’s beige will be yesterday’s beige is a short time.

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As Always “Happy Painting and Decorating”

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.

Ken Rader---serving Fayetteville, Arkansas and the Northwest Arkansas area since 1987.

Color, What is Hot and What is Not, Part 2

COLOR, COLOR, COLOR

PART 2

WHAT ARE THE DESIGNERS’ SAYING?

WHAT DO THE EXPERTS THINK?

THEY DON’T ALWAYS AGREE WITH THE REST OF US.

According to some designers’ a kitchen should always be white!  Others say that a kitchen is usually a mess so be careful and make sure that white does not accent the mess.  However, the overwhelming color for kitchens is WHITE.

The Dining Room gets the most striking color, RED.  It creates warmth and drama- it’s great at night.  Red is passionate- a delicious ambiance. People look great in red rooms!

The Living Room is the next room that we spend most of our time after the Kitchen.  So it is important to choose the right color.  The color that the Designers’ picked was “Drum roll , WHITE!

Closely following White is Gray.  White and Gray won’t compete with art and rugs.  Warm white is like being bathed in sunlight.  Some gray’s can go tan, yellow and even green.  Which gray you pick will need to be tried with the furnishings in the room to make sure it works for you.

The Bedroom deserves the most attention according to designers.  These experts agree with the majority of people polled and said the color BLUE should be used in the bedroom.  Why?  It is like water- refreshing and restful at the same time.  Dreamlike, cloudlike, heavenlike.  There is a blue for everyone- it’s a safe color.

These are the color’s that the designers say will work in certain rooms, “at the present”.  But what does the future hold according to these color guru’s.

Well here it comes!

29% say green will start making a big statement.

27% pick purple as a sure winner.

24% still like pink

21% will use gold

20% stay with light blue (seems to never go out of style)

18% choose the passion, warmth and ambiance of Red

14% will suggest Orange

13% Will still favor White

12% Like gray because it is Fresh, Modern Neutral and works with everything.

10% Want us to use brown somewhere in the house.

9% bring Black in as the least to be used.

Now let’s get a little more detailed.  What colors were the top picks of the designers.

Ralph Lauren Paint- Light Sky RLIB221

Valspar- Prussian Cadet 4008-6C

Sydney Harbour Paints- Apple Crunch (Granny Smith apple green)

Benjamin Moore- Dusty Miller CSP-755 (Not quite gray and quite green, this is a putty color

Pratt & Lambert- Flint 32-20 (Smoky gray)

Pittsburg Paints- Applesauce Cake 316-5

Glidden- Hazy Sage GLN27

Valspar- Tropical Breeze 2002-2A

Glidden- Cherries Jubilee GLR03

Farrow & Ball- Borrowed Light 235 (Combination of serene blue and sedate gray)

Sherwin-Williams- Demure SW6295 (Pink with a touch of burgundy)

Stark Paint- Plum Brandy

All are very nice and lovely colors.  Without a doubt, our mood is affected by color.  Give it due attention and time. 

There is a lot of advice out there.  In the end it is what you personally like that will serve you the best.  Don’t be unduly influenced by polls.

They just give you a base to start from.  The polls and choices that I have written about can be found in the latest edition of HouseBeautiful, Sept. 2012.  I take no credit for the excellent advice and help that the polls and the insights of the designers provide for you.  I have picked and shared just some of the good information you can find in the magazine.

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As always “ Happy Painting and Decorating”

Ken Rader

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.

COLOR, COLOR, COLOR! What is Hot and What's Not!

COLOR, COLOR, COLOR!

THE PERFECT COLOR FOR EVERY ROOM

Over the past few months I have blogged several articles on the subject of color.  What is Hot! What is Not!  How you can choose your perfect color.

Just the mention of the word “COLOR” can send thousands of images through our minds.  Example, “ Orange, you might see a carrot one minute and then a sunset and then, your favorite shoes, well you get the point.

Color is clearly a hot topic with everyone of every age.  You might say “we are obsessed with color”.

What I will endeavor to do with this blog is to give you the findings of several surveys.  For instance, what are the favorite colors of people in general and then, what are the favorite colors of decorators and designers.  This will be fun so here we go!

The Favorite paint Color of the average person (not that I am saying you are average), is broken down in percentages of likes

RED- It is a fun, vibrant color and it energizes, but it was favored by only 8% of those polled.

PURPLE- It also only caught the attention of 8%

ORANGE- Though making a comeback in some areas, only got 4%

BROWN-  A meager 3%

BLACK- Is classic, contemporary, chic.  And for many “the only color” but a favorite of only 2%

PINK-  Many get a warm glow when in a pink room. And 7% like it.

GOLD-  6% is all it gets

GRAY- 6% but holds promise of coming back.

White- Only 5%, Which was surprising.

GREEN- Was runner up to the most popular at 21%. Green looks good in any light and makes you feel happy.

BLUE- Topped the list at 29%.  Blue is fresh and makes you want to take a deep breath.

Now, where do these colors go?  Even the colors that ranked low in percentage were very popular is specific rooms.  Go figure.

YELLOW- Conjures up delicious things like butter and cream, egg yolks and lemons.  It just add a sunshiny feeling!  Bright, Cheery and a fun color.  SO the room we paint yellow the most is “THE KITCHEN”!

GREEN- Fresh, like a salad.  Organic and alive.  It makes food look good.  Therefore, Our dining rooms  are the #1 choice to paint green though, believe it or not, RED came in #2 for dining rooms.  I have painted more dining rooms RED than any other color.

BLUE- Like waking up in the clouds.  There is a serenity in blue, it is calming and is the color most BEDROOMS are painted. This was far and away the #1 choice for bedrooms.

White- Last but certainly not least is white.  It can be warm, classic, timeless, airy and bright.  The Living Room is where you will find white used.  It did barely edge out Beige and Gray for the top spot in this room.

I personally do not like Beige and I prefer Gray over white.

In my next blog I will present the choices of the Designers.  What they say will be the next hot colors and once again which rooms get what colors.

Keep in mind that the colors and the rooms for them that we have presented in this article will be around for some time.  They will not change in the near future.  But if you like to be on the cutting edge then you will need to wait for the next article to pick your colors.

Ken Rader

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.

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And of course look through our archived articles.  I promise a wealth of information to guide you in your painting and decorating project.

As always “Happy Painting and Decorating”

Ken Rader

PAINT YOUR HOUSE AND MAKE IT A HOME

Painting Your House Upgrades, New Paint will make it a HOME!

OPTIONS FOR PAINTING YOUR HOUSE

There are plenty of options to upgrade your home. Painting your house is one of the best ways to change the look and feel of the home from the inside out. A fresh paint job makes a home look sharp and feels clean. The upgrade can be done quickly and is one of the more practical home improvements. This upgrade is always suggested when trying to sell a home. Overall it is generally safe to say that painting your house is one of the most popular and cost friendly upgrades.
Painting your house can always be considered a part of home maintenance. Not only do paint jobs and touchups clean up a house but they can drastically change the aesthetics of a room or exterior of a home. Nicks and dings are bound to make their way to your walls and doorways. Keeping leftover paint is always suggested to help make touchups easy. Professional companies can also come make free in home estimates and match exact color swatches if you do not have leftover paint of your existing color.
A new paint job can be made throughout the inside and outside of the home. Any room can enjoy a number of different services to enhance its look and feel. Everything from the ceiling to the floors and woodwork can benefit from a new paint job. The ceiling alone has multiple different upgrade options. Homeowners have to consider what color to use, if they want to add any texture, or if they want to remove any current texture there is on the ceiling. Hiring professionals to handle these tasks is always suggested. They are trained to safely paint hard to reach spots, high walls, and ceilings. Decks and garage floors are two more examples of paint upgrades that can be made throughout the home.
Painting your home not only upgrades it, but it adds style! Moving into a new house often means starting from a blank canvas of white or eggshell walls. Adding interior design can be quickly done with paint jobs and lets you custom decorate any room. Changing wall colors can add depth to a room, add comfort, and open a space up without having to spend a lot of money.
Hiring a contractor to handle your upgrades is always a smart idea. Not only can they give you free home estimates, but they can match exact colors and complete jobs quickly. Their professional services are available for a full range of services inside and out.
Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C. services Northwest Arkansas including the cities of Fayetteville, Rogers, Bella Vista, Springdale and Bentonville.
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As always “ Happy Painting and Decorating”
Success with your project
Ken Rader

EXTERIOR COLOR SCHEME-FIVE TIPS TO CHOOSE YOUR COLOR

EXTERIOR COLOR SCHEMES

FIVE TIPS TO SUCCESSFULLY PICK YOUR COLOR!

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING YOUR NEXT COLOR.

COLOR TRENDS, PAINTS AND GOOD PAINTING PRACTICE

Do you plan on sprucing up your home exteriors this fall?  Or, are you considering placing you home on the market?  No matter what the reason, a fresh coat of paint can immediately revive the overall appearance of what typically is your largest investment, YOUR HOME.

   When it comes to exterior painting, many people chose to repaint using the same colors that already exist on the house.  However, choosing a new color scheme can be exciting and provide a new and updated look.  In addition, remind yourself that refreshing your home with a new paint job is one of the most cost-effective projects you can invest in and one that truly adds value.

   Choosing a new color scheme might seem daunting at first; however, here are some suggestions that will help and guide you through the color selection process.

1. CONSIDER THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE HOME

Some architectural styles, such as Victorian, lend themselves to elaborate four and even five-color schemes. Others, like Georgian or Colonial styles, are better-suited to two or three colors.  Usually this includes a main body color and one or two accent colors for trim, shutters and doors.

    2.   NOTE THE MATERIAL OF CONSTRUCTION

         If the home is made of wood, brick, masonry or aluminum siding, IT CAN BE     PAINTED virtually any color.  However, if it has vinyl siding, it might be best to paint it a similar hue to the original, although newer paints on the market have been formulated to allow for a wider choice on this surface.  And several primer/sealers of the acrylic variety will stick to the vinyl siding and allow premium exterior paint of any color to be applied. These include Bulls Eye 1-2-3, Glidden Gripper, Kilz Total Premium.  If you read the labels of these products you will see that they claim to stick to any surface.  I have used all three of these and they deliver on their promise.

   3.  TAKE FIXED COLORS INTO ACCOUNT

   Consider the colors on and near the house that cannot, or will not, be painted.  This includes the roof color and wood, masonry or stone that will be left unpainted.  Just remember that all of these surfaces can be painted with the technology of paints and primers that are on the market today.

4.      CONSIDER THE SURROUNDINGS

Look at the hues of neighboring homes and buildings-particularly those that are right next door. You would not want to suggest a color that is exactly the same as your neighbor’s home, and conversely, you don’t want to clash with it either.  Also, be sure to take into account any plantings that are in your yard or landscaping.  If your house is in a neighborhood where the houses are fairly close together, then you would likewise consider the plantings and landscaping of a nearby neighbor.  This can make your house and property appear larger than it is when it compliments what is next door.

5.      CHECK FOR RESTRICTIONS

Some historical districts, newer developments, and townhome or condominium communities have restrictions on what paint colors or color combinations may be used.  To avoid disappointment, it’s best to find out about these limitations before choosing and applying new hues.

Well, there you have it, 5 excellent tips to help you pick your new color for your home.  This is the easy process.  Next comes, the painting process.  This is probably the most difficult and misunderstood process of all home improvement projects.  I know, you have been bombarded with the idea that you can do it yourself.  Yes you can, but at what cost.  I mean, what will it going to cost you in your time, energy and any relationship you have with your mate or neighbors.  It can be ugly.  Please give consideration to hiring the professional painter for this.  Exterior painting is a different animal than interior painting.  It is a big ugly animal that will bite you, maul you and leave you whimpering on the ground.  I have seen this happen and witnessed this ugly truth.

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As always “Happy Painting and Decorating”

Ken Rader

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.     Serving Northwest Arkansas U.S.A.