Ken Rader Interiors- " How to stain your deck"!

11 Keys to Staining Your Deck Like A Pro How to stain a deck By Ken Rader of Ken Rader Interiors Painter and Decorators in Northwest Arkansas. Most decks have never been treated. They look so good when they are first built and new wood is not ready to be treated. So with the passing of time we get used to the way the deck looks . Having spent many years working with paints and stains, I've seen many homeowners who end up dissatisfied with their deck staining projects. Either it didn't look as good as they thought that would, or it didn't last as long. Following these steps will help guarantee a great looking, long-lasting result. NO SHORT CUTS! Step 1: Take your Time That's right, the first step is "take your time". With every step of the staining process, take your time. When the project is completed and your tools are cleaned and put away, nothing will have had a greater impact on the quality of the job. Here's a few tips before you get started. Take your time to allow new pressure treated lumber to weather for a few months and dry out before staining it. Allow stain strippers to be left on the surface long enough to break down old finishes before you rinse it off. Take your time to prevent overspray and spills on non-target surfaces and wait to start your project until the weather forecast is favorable. Step 2: Preparation, Preparation, Preparation 1-wood-cleaner-before As the picture above shows you will need to clean the wood and get rid of as much of the gray and black that you can. Preparation is key to the final results. All wood needs to be cleaned well before staining, whether it's a brand new deck, or an older deck that's been out in the weather and needs to be re-stained. Brand new lumber needs to be cleaned to remove "mill scale". Mill scale is a crushing of the grain that takes place during the milling process. If it's left un-cleaned, it can prevent wood stains from properly penetrating into the wood surface. On an older deck, dirt, graying from the sun, mildew and old stains all need to be removed prior to staining. Sodium Percarbonate wood cleaners, also known as oxygen bleach wood cleaners, are a great choice for this step. They are highly effective at cleaning the wood, yet won't harm plant life and vegetation. Best of all, they won't hurt you either. Their soapy consistency won't burn your skin. If there is a build up of old stains on the deck then the job gets a little tougher but not impossible. Instead of a sodium percarbonate cleaner you'll need to use a stain stripper. Strippers are a little more caustic so follow the directions carefully. They work great and will remove most weathered stains in a single application. Lastly, if there are small spots of stain that won't come off during the cleaning process, they should sand off easily using a palm-type sander after the deck has dried. If those spots of stain are left on the deck, they will show through the new finish and detract from the deck's final appearance. Some stain manufacturers offer a free instructional video to help walk you through this entire process. They're a terrific tool to use to ensure that you do it right the first time. Check out a sample deck staining video here. Step 3: Brighteners are Beautiful tbrite-before-afterIn the deck staining process, no step is skipped more than this one. It's by far the easiest step to do and it will have a dramatic effect on the final results. Wood brighteners are easy to apply. They help open up the surface of the wood to improve penetration, neutralize any stain strippers that were used, and restore the appearance of old, weathered wood to like new again. That's a lot of things for one product to accomplish, but brighteners will do all of that so don't skip using them . To use them, simply spray them on, wait a few minutes, and rinse them off. No scrubbing, and no "elbow grease" needed. There are so many benefits and they're so easy, there's no reason to not use them! Step 4: Rinse like Mad Use lots and lots of water after using any cleaning chemicals. Even though some of these chemicals can seem safe and harmless, they all need to be rinsed off extremely well after they are used. Left in the wood, these chemicals can resurface over time and begin to attack and break down the new stain. So once you are done cleaning, rinse the deck thoroughly to get all of the chemicals out of the wood. Step 5: Stay Away from the Cheap Stuff Now that the deck is clean and dry, it's ready to be stained. Before you decide which stain to buy, keep in mind that you always get what you pay for. Better ingredients cost more money. If you expect premium results then you'll need to buy a premium product. There is a difference in quality when it comes to resins, pigments, mildewcides and many other materials that make up a gallon of wood stain. So stay away from the cheap stuff if you expect it to last. Step 6: Take a Look at Waterborne Stains Water based deck stains have become really popular in the last few years. If you have been reluctant to try them in the past, don't be reluctant any longer. Air quality regulations have forced manufacturers to really improve these products some are now better, more durable and longer lasting than conventional oil-based alternatives. They offer some distinct advantages to the user that oil base stains can't offer. Good quality water based stains clean up with soap and water, there are no nasty solvents to breathe, they have a significantly better resistance to weathering, the wood doesn't need to be completely dry to use them, they dry more quickly than solvents and they are much easier on the environment. Additionally, some of the waterborne stains are synthetic as well. Synthetic resin wood stains are far less susceptible to mold growth, mildew and algae. So if you're in area with a fair amount of moisture and humidity, there are some real advantages in waterborne synthetic stains. Step 7: Read the Can...Follow the Directions Every product is a little different so always read the label for directions. It only takes a few minutes and it will ensure that you have all of the right information before you get started. Pay attention to how many coats of stain to apply, how long to wait between coats, how long to wait after cleaning and how long to allow wood to weather. So read the label first and you're likely to get it right the first time. Step 8: More IS NOT always Better Decks are best stained with a semi-transparent wood stain. These types of products allow the natural grain of the wood to show through, allow the wood to naturally breathe, and are easily cleaned and reapplied. Pay attention to the directions and don't over apply these types of products. You'll end up with a beautiful, shiny finish that will probably peel off over time. When too much stained is applied a film can form, much like paint, that will no longer allow the wood to breathe. When this happens the end result will be peeling and that's a real mess. So only apply as much stain as the wood can easily absorb. Step 9: The Paint Brush is Still King There are a lot of different ways to apply the deck stain. Using a pump-up garden sprayer and roller are two popular methods. Regardless of how you apply your wood stain, keep a paint brush at hand. A paint brush will work the stain deep in to the pores of a board. The agitation and friction caused by a paint brush will cause the wood to absorb more stain. So if you are spraying or rolling the stain, always back-brush it in with a brush while the stain is still wet and you'll achieve much better penetration in to the wood. Watch the short video clip below for the best type of brush to use. Step 10: Remember...Take Your Time I told you at the start of this article to take your time. When your project is finally done, take a little extra time before you start using it. Let your deck dry out good before putting it back in use. The stain needs to cure out a bit before being subjected to the rigors of patio furniture and foot traffic. You've done everything right to this point, now make sure you allow it at least 24 hours to dry out before using it. Step 11: How about a Little Maintenance A small amount of effort can keep your deck looking great longer. Just as you would wash the dirt off of your car, wash down the surface of your deck every now and then to keep leaves and dirt from damaging the finish. If the deck stain starts to show signs of graying or loses its color, it can be easily cleaned up with a little wood brightener and a light maintenance coat of stain. That's it, that's all there is to it. Eleven keys to deck staining success. Go ahead and try them and see what the results are when you set out on your next project to do it like a pro. You may just surprise yourself! *Helpful Tips When using a wood cleaner, you can really speed the process up by using a scrub brush on the horizontal boards. These brushes can be found in the cleaning section of most home improvement stores. Get the type that can be attached to a 4 foot extension pole. With a scrub brush, cleaning the surface of the deck will be as fast as mopping your floor! When staining the deck rails take care not to splatter stain on the deck surface below as it will most likely leave unsightly darker spots when you are done. The easiest way to avoid this problem is to cover the deck below the rails as you work. I use the cardboard from the box the stain came in. You can cut out notches in the cardboard so it will fit snugly around the rail posts. ~ Hope this helps and inspires you to stain or treat you deck. It is really easy and make a big impact on the overall look of your home. Visit our web site at www.kenraderinteriors.com Ken Rader Interiors- Painters and Decorators in Northwest Arkansas As always " Happy Painting and Decorating."

Arkansas Best Painters- Painting Cabinets

We have posted 3 videos about painting cabinets. These cabinets are located in a home office. The videos show the condition before we begin and the sanding process and the primer applied. Videos are located at www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors. Give them a look and watch the progress.

Ken Rader Interiors-Painters in Northwest Arkansas "Up and Coming Kitchen Colors"

[caption width="560" align="alignnone"]<a href="http://www.kenraderinteriors.com"><img src="http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q765/Kenneth_Rader/BlogBanner_zps6e818b3c.jpg" width="560" height="181" class /></a> Click on the Banner and visit our web page[/caption]
 Kitchen Color Combinations that can't fail!
Walking down the paint aisle at the home improvement store can be overwhelming. With so many paint chips to choose from, where do you start? Let us help you whittle down the choices with our picks for the best kitchen color palettes.


Make your kitchen an expression of your personal style by drenching it in the colors you love. For a no-regrets approach, be safe and choose neutral tones for the expensive foundation elements (cabinets, floors, counter tops, appliances) and introduce color on the walls, back splash, window treatments, lighting, and other less-expensive accents. With this strategy, you can easily and affordable swap out the color scheme as your taste and popular trends change.

Want to pick the perfect palette and color combinations for your kitchen? These bright and up to date color combinations are sure to please.
<strong>Orange and Green</strong><em>:
 Bring your kitchen to life with this energetic duo. Juicy citrus hues are the latest trend in kitchen design, perhaps due in part to Pantone naming zippy "Tangerine Tango" its color of the year for 2012. These bold tones are perfectly suited to the aesthetics of Craftsman-style homes because they pair well with rich brown woodwork. They can also provide lively punctuations against the austere backdrop of minimal modern design.
<a href="http://kenraderinteriors.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/andreas-house-023.jpg"><img src="http://kenraderinteriors.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/andreas-house-023.jpg?w=225" alt="Quality detail, always" width="225" height="300" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-575" /></a>

<strong>Red and Yellow</strong>:
 This regal combination has been popular in Europe for generations. Pair a deep red with muted golden yellow to evoke the sense of a stately English manor, a relaxed French country cottage, or a beautiful Tuscan villa. To make your kitchen feel larger, use yellow as the room's anchor color (lighter colors visually expand space), and then use red accents to punctuate the design. Checked, striped, and floral patterns are popular in this style, as are fringe and other embellishments.
<a href="http://kenraderinteriors.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/tangerine-cabinets-570.jpg"><img src="http://kenraderinteriors.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/tangerine-cabinets-570.jpg?w=215" alt="tangerine-cabinets-570" width="215" height="300" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1267" /></a>


<strong>Blue and Brown</strong>:
This color combo has universal appeal. For modern or transitional homes, pair chocolate brown with crisp sky blue, and throw in a few bright accent colors for pop. In a country kitchen, pick robin's egg blue and wheat brown, and then layer on cream-color accents for a warm and cozy look. To give the duo a traditional feeling, choose deep shades of both colors and break up the dark tones with crisp white and rich gold accents.
<a href="http://kenraderinteriors.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/green-cabinets-650.jpg"><img src="http://kenraderinteriors.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/green-cabinets-650.jpg?w=300" alt="green-cabinets-650" width="300" height="207" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1268" /></a>
<a href="http://kenraderinteriors.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/blue-true-blue-650.jpg"><img src="http://kenraderinteriors.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/blue-true-blue-650.jpg?w=300" alt="blue-true-blue-650" width="300" height="207" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1269" /></a>
<a href="http://kenraderinteriors.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/saturated-neutral-tile-650.jpg"><img src="http://kenraderinteriors.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/saturated-neutral-tile-650.jpg?w=300" alt="saturated-neutral-tile-650" width="300" height="207" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1270" /></a>


<strong>Gray and Anything Gray</strong>:
Gray is gaining ground on white as the new go-to neutral for a contemporary kitchen. Create a sense of calm by using gray for a background color for black, white, or brown cabinets (yes, even brown and gray make great partners). To keep with the relaxed feeling, pepper the space with accents in a cool blue or soft green. To make the room more vibrant, introduce a bright accent color -- the sky is the limit, as gray pairs well with almost every bold color, from pink to yellow.
KEN RADER INTERIORS L.L.C. IS PROUD TO OFFER THIS INFORMATION.  WE OFFER ARTICLES ABOUT PAINTING AND DECORATING FOR YOUR EDUCATION AND ENJOYMENT.
And this time “ How to search the Web”.
   
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!”

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

Click on our Banner and Visit our Web Site

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.
And this time “ How to search the Web”.
                     
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

Cliick on the banner and visit our Web page

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
Drop us an email at kennethrader@att.net   Follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors
As always " Happy Painting and Decorating

Ken Rader Interiors "Neutral Colors" Part 2

Click on the banner and visit our web site.

As the new year continues to progress we are seeing certain colors rise to the top as it were.  The leaders appear to be Neutrals and Natural colors.  Most of the natural colors are Neutral and they are showing up on items that will be around for a long time.  One example is cars.  Yes after the resurgence of White we have seen Natural colors and Neutral colors taking center stage.
Of course the car that I drive is not in this class, I do like the color and would consider buying a Chevy or Ford in this color.

What are the trending color? Looking at the color trend reports for 2013 it becomes crystal clear to me that sustainability working hard for acceptance by the broader public. Natural colors are exploding in 2013! The best examples can be found in the colors for the automotive industry. After a revival of the color white it is now time for earthy colors like amber, brown and variations of ‘luxury green’ in European car design according to trend watchers of BASF Coatings’ international design team. They point out that luxury and sustainability are no longer strangers but go together well. In Germany already 12% of
new cars are brown?  Interesting to say the least.  Brown is Neutral and a Natural color.

Also in the home decorating colors we will see a lot of browns and greens in 2012 and 2013, next to several bright colors like yellow and red. This mixture of pleasure and nature is intriguing.  PPG Industry has made some nice color palettes illustrating how these colors match.

The colors on the left are in the natural/neutral whereas the colors on the right are natural/accent.
It's not just about colors in 2013. "Earthy textures lay a new foundation for palettes of blues and greens," I  suggest breathing new life into an existing room with several coats of ocean-blue paint.

The palette that mixes sandy brown, vibrant tangerine, peacock blue, and fiery pink together, is not for the color shy. "It's inspired by bright tribal tones," says Eiseman. "The colors are bold and forthright." And they were the perfect shades to create an inviting respite in Prudent Baby blogger Jacinda Boneau's courtyard entry. She used variations of the shades to make painted cushions for her folding chairs and to create the space's focal point: a DIY Native American God's Eye above the bench. To make your own,

Thisl gray room punctuated by one wall of deep, dark blue-green creates a sensuous atmosphere in the master bedroom. This sleek scheme takes a cue from Pantone's glamour palette of moody shades of gray and hints of metallic shimmer. We suggest introducing rich red or cobalt blue accents to add a bit of classic drama.  It is dramatic and look at all of the colors that are very subtle in use.

This should give you further food for thought.  As the year progresses we will be looking for the introduction of more Neutral and Natural 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!”

ARKANSAS BEST PAINTERS-KEN RADER INTERIORS"Here comes Gray!"

Gray Is The Hottest Decorating Trend For 2013

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
HAPPY PAINTING AND DECORATING!

As the new year approaches, people are looking for a way to update the home. Every year brings new ideas and trendy colors. Here are some great ways to stay on top of design and transform the house for 2013.

Gray is my new must-have, grounded neutral—forget black," says New York designer Eric Cohler. "Almost any shade of gray will transcend the traditional, adding freshness. It’s the perfect masculine-feminine combination color to use in a room. Think yin and yang."

Color Palette

The first part of decorating is choosing the right color. Recent seasons have included bright colors as a major trend. 2013 is seeing a departure from bright colors of the past, with the addition of a more sophisticated backdrop of neutral colors. This does not mean that the room must be boring. Decor is being filled with furniture and accessories that are made from great textures, shapes, and finishes. Light or deep blue is being used as an accent color and brown leathers are definitely important. Olive and purple are being infused into rooms as well. Reds are more orange in tone and as previously stated, caramel, cream, and gray are very popular.
Gray is one of the most used colors for 2013. It is beautiful when blended with gemstone colors like deep purple or green. It also looks nice with yellows and oranges.
Choosing the right tone of gray is important as well. Some grays are muddy which will detract from the room. A clear gray will appear fresh and crisp, especially when used with a pure white. Many major catalog brands are filling pages with grays. Gray paint, accessories, furniture, and stained woods are everywhere. Gray has the power to add class and elegance to a space while keeping it contemporary as well.

Decorating Ideas For 2013

When a person does not want gray as the major color idea, it can be used in small accents in the decor. Most homes are leaning in a warmer direction. People are also searching for quality products. As budgets become tighter and tighter, homeowners are looking to purchase furniture and household items that will be durable and last a long time. Even though this may cost more money up front, it will be worth it in the long term.
Many homes are becoming smaller sized without an aspect of comfort. Using soft colors and textures will make the home seem homey and welcoming. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to keep the floor plan open and flowing. Neutral colors along with natural accents are popular for 2013. More and more homes are exposing stone accents and open ceiling beams. Marble counter tops have continued to dominate kitchens as well.
To create a unique atmosphere, people are using special art and antiques throughout the home. Taking advantage of natural materials is also important. A “green” atmosphere can include the use of bamboo instead of hardwoods or plastics.

Decorating Themes

2013 is seeing a variety of decor themes. People may choose a French decor or more earthy ideas. Shells and ocean themes are popular and add a bit of relaxation to the atmosphere. Others install French doors onto patio openings and incorporate floral patterns into the room. This upcoming year, botanicals will be in abundance, since it is a simple means of bringing the outside into the indoors.
Other homes will use a Bohemian theme. This will be popular for the bedroom. Bedding and curtains are two places that designs can reflect the theme. Most patterns will combine two or three different colors. When mixed with neutral walls, the room will appear splashed with color.
Wallpaper is becoming more popular in 2013. Larger prints will keep furniture upholstery much simpler along with bedding or other accessories. Scroll patterns and chevrons are extremely trendy. A clean pattern of a few colors will not overpower the room.
2013 is the year for gray. No matter which room is being decorated, it is important to find something that will be quality made and last a long time. In the end, a timeless and neutral design will be worth the money.




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
HAPPY PAINTING AND DECORATING!

FIND YOUR FAVORITE PAINT COLORS WITH EASE

Choosing Colours When Painting and Decorating

       

Painting a new room or painting over an old wall colour can be an exciting event; after all, you'll be completely changing the dynamic of the room. However, many people worry about the wall colour when painting and decorating and aren't exactly sure how to go about choosing it. Before hiring painters and decorators take a look at the below tips on how to choose a wall colour. When it comes time for the painting contractors to paint the room, you'll be happy knowing the colour is exactly the one you want.
Paint Chips
The first step to painting and decorating a new room is to start gathering up paint chips. Your local paint or hardware store will have a huge variety to choose from. Pick colours that you not only love, but that you'll be able to match with a wide variety of items in the room (i.e. curtains, furniture, rugs, etc.). If you're hiring professional painters and decorators, they'll be able to help you out here.
Plan a Color Palette
For the most part, when painting and decorating a new room you're not going to have one colour throughout. A color palette is essentially all of the colours that will make up the room including the walls, ceiling and accessories. Professional painters and decorators are experts at putting together a colour palette that flows well; however, there are also a number of websites that have pre-created colour palettes for you to choose from.
Try It Out
Before you have painting contractors come to paint your room, purchase a small can of it and paint a little on the wall. As any painting and decorating expert will agree, paint often looks different depending on what room it's in due to a variety of factors such as natural light and the other colours in the room.
Find Inspiration
Painters and decorators often find inspiration from things in nature or things they love. When deciding on what colour to have painting contractors paint your room or home look for inspiration in places such as paintings, pictures or scenery outside your home. With the ability to color match any colour, the possibilities are endless.
Personality
Often when painting a room you want your personality to show through. For instance, if you're a bubbly and outgoing person choose fun colours such as orange, yellow, or green. This can be a great way to ensure once the painting contractors finish the job - you'll love the colour. After all, most of us love ourselves!

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

Like us at www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors

 

Ken Rader

The Power of Color

 COLOR CAN CHANGE YOUR WORLD!

A POORLY EXECUTED PAINT JOB DOES NOT HAVE TO HAPPEN!

Color changes everything. Everyone knows you can give your drab, washed-out walls a burst of brilliant depth (or wash away your decorating sins with white) just by picking up a paint can and having at them. That's the power of a coat of paint: It can give your house a new lease on life.. Which is why painting is the most popular DIY home-improvement project.

While you don't have to be a pro to learn how to paint like one, there is more to a good paint job than just putting some color on the walls. This is where I come in. I will show you how to coat your walls expertly in one weekend, from the first scratch of the pole sander to the final feather of the brush. And you won't be wasting time taping off every corner or backtracking with the touch-up brush like an amateur. As long as you stay organized and take your time, you'll be able to get on with the satisfying business of transforming your room—and with it your whole outlook.

A Poorly executed paint job is easy to spot, with its drips and blobs and bad cut in lines More often than not, haste is the culprit. But with some thorough preparation up front, many of the possible pitfalls will be eliminated—and the actual painting will be much easier, as well. So before you open up your first paint can, schedule in a full day for preparation.  In the painting profession it is just called “Prep”.

Start by masking off with tape or masking paper all trim around the floor and doors and windows.  Do this before you do anything else. 

The next step of prep starts with sanding and sometimes requires scraping. Sanding scuffs up the existing surface so the paint grabs hold; scraping will take off any old bumps or drips. (Be aware of how many layers down there may be lead paint, last sold in the early 1980s; sanding isn’t likely to reveal it, but scraping might.) You should also take your time patching holes, caulking gaps, and cleaning dust or grease with soap and water so you start with a pristine surface.  Once you are done with the scraping and sanding, use a brush and dust off any sanding and scraping dust off of the masking.

If you’re working with new walls, or if you’ve patched any holes before you start, you’ll also need to prime. Primer fills in sponge-like pores and creates an even, solid base that takes paint well. You should also prime if you’re going from a dark to a light color or vice versa. (In the latter case, have the paint store tint the primer to go with your wall color. It will save you at least one coat of paint later on.) Primer should also be sanded before the paint goes on the wall; for a top-notch job, sand between paint coats, too.  There are combination Paint and Primer and a new product of a combination Paint, Primer and filler.  This is offered by Glidden.  It is a fantastic product and it eliminates separate priming and nail hole filling.  Pretty cool.

First-time painters tend to tape every edge to guard against misstrokes. But that can bring on its own problems if paint bleeds under the tape or if you peel paint off when removing it. It’s more efficient to use angled brushes, which draw a straight line when turned on edge. Proper use of an angled brush can save you hours of setup and touch-up.  There is on the market now some special tapes that will not let paint bleed under it.  It is well worth the extra cost because it really works. Whether you tape or not you will still enjoy using a angled brush.  It is the proper tool for the job.

Angled brushes also come in handy for cutting in along corners and ceilings and around trim, where rollers can mark. Fill in a few inches at these spots, then marry the line with the field by rolling over them. Keep a wet edge to avoid dark spots or paint pulls. Most premium paints will perform very well and even a novice can blend the brush marks and the roller nap with ease.

As you paint, be sure to keep moving: Put the paint on the wall, level it out where it’s heavy, and get on with it. Don’t use too many back-and-forth brushstrokes, and don’t spend time making the first coat look perfect (it won’t be). Finally, take a tip from the pros and always keep a damp rag in your pocket to quickly wipe up your mistakes. Even the best painters color outside the lines once in a while.

I seem to have gotten ahead of myself. So we will regress a bit.

After removing any wall art and moving furniture away from the walls, lay canvas tarps (more absorbent and less slippery than plastic) over the furniture and on the floor. Using painter's tape, fasten down the edges. Unscrew all switch plates and electrical outlet covers, and tape over the remaining switches and holes with painter's tape. Tape around any other items of hardware that can't be removed and you do not want paint on.

Always sand and paint the ceiling completely (following these same steps) before addressing the walls.  If you were not planning on painting the ceiling you might want to re-think your plan and paint the ceiling.  You will not get a better opportunity to paint the ceiling until you paint the room again.

Using a pole sander fitted with 120-grit paper, sand the walls (make sure to wear a dust mask). Sweep the sander side to side as you work your way from the top down. Apply medium pressure, and take care that the head doesn’t flop and gouge the wall. Change the paper whenever the grit gets clogged with dust.  Most walls require minimal sanding, if any.  Let the sander do the work not you.

Remove bumps or drips on painted molding with a scraper. Then, using a dampened coarse-grit sanding sponge, rough up the surface. Keep a bucket of warm water nearby, and continually rinse the sponge. Finish with a dampened fine-grit sponge.  This is a step that very few people have to do.  Especially with the paint and primer combination, it will stick to the wall without having to rough them up.  This is also a very messy step and should be taken only if necessary.

Now clear all the dust from the walls and trim. There is very little on the walls.  Most will be on top of the masking you put down and it can be swept away.

Run a thin bead of caulk over any gaps where molding meets wall. Wet your finger and smooth the caulk with even pressure to push it into the crack and leave a crisp edge.

Using a putty knife, fill any small divots or holes in the walls. Use patching compound for plaster and joint compound for drywall. Sand the filler smooth with 120-grit sandpaper.  However, most divots and holes can be filled with the “Paint, Primer and Filler combination that I mentioned earlier.

Prime the patched spots (or the whole wall if necessary). Sand primed areas with 120-grit sand paper, and wipe clean of dust with a damp sponge.

Dip a 2½-inch angled brush into a bucket of paint, loading the paint only a third of the way up the bristles. Tap off—don't wipe—the excess on the side of the bucket. Use the brush to cut in a 2 to 3-inch band of paint at all corners, against the ceiling, and next to molding; this will give the roller some breathing room so it doesn't bump against adjacent areas.

To cut in, run a line of paint along the wall about an inch away from the edge. Then turn the brush onto the bristle tips, and press down slightly so the longest bristles gather into a point. Use this point to draw a careful line of paint right up to the edge where wall meets trim. Once you have a clean line in place, level out any heavy areas or drips, then move on. In order to keep a wet edge, don't work in too large an area at one time.

Once you've cut in around an entire wall area, use a roller to fill in the field. Dampen the roller before using it (with water for latex paint or paint thinner for oils). Dip the roller in a tray filled with just enough paint to reach the grate. Roll it back against the grate to distribute the paint and squeeze out the excess. Make sure the roller is covered completely before painting with it

Roll a W or M shape on the wall to distribute the bulk of the paint. Then use overlapping vertical strokes to spread paint evenly between the lines. Continue painting the wall in this manner until it is covered. Overlap a bit of the cut-in edges to blend away any visible brush marks.

           
If a second coat is necessary, wait until the paint is dry to the touch, then repeat Steps 5 and 6.

With broad moldings, such as baseboards and wainscoting, use a wide, straight-edged brush to paint the bulk of the trim.

Then, using a small, angled sash brush (1- to 2-inch), finish by carefully painting a straight line along the edge. Hold the brush on edge as you did in Step 5, and let a hairline of paint carry over onto the wall to make up for any imperfections on the molding itself.

           

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

Like us at www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors

Ken Rader