Absolute Painting

Look what i found here.

2012-03-01T19:42:00.001-08:00

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I am finally became Boss...

2012-02-23T22:56:00.001-08:00

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Hi Friend!!

2012-02-20T04:31:00.001-08:00

hi there!
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I AM FREE NOW...

2012-02-16T17:24:00.001-08:00

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I am finally became Boss.

2012-02-13T20:13:00.001-08:00

its been hard living on my own this was my ticket to a free ride I was in desperate need of an alternative.
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Found interesting opportunity.

2012-02-10T21:28:00.001-08:00

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2012-02-06T13:22:00.001-08:00

Hola Friend.
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I DID IT!...

2012-02-04T14:49:00.001-08:00

Whats up
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This Kit changed all my life!!

2012-01-31T12:33:00.001-08:00

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Hey there...

2012-01-26T11:19:00.001-08:00

Hey friend...
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Take a look at this

2012-01-23T07:49:00.001-08:00

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Nice opportunity

2012-01-20T14:32:00.001-08:00

I couldnt even afford groceries for the month this was my opportunity knocking at the door despite the circumstances I never lost hope!
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maybe this can help you.

ttyl...

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Look what i found.

2012-01-11T10:34:00.001-08:00

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Hey, I finally found this opportunity

2012-01-08T17:41:00.001-08:00

im sure my friends are all tired of always loaning me money now I can afford my lifestyle nothing seemed to work for me!
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2012-01-05T14:44:00.001-08:00

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The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

2011-12-28T16:12:00.001-08:00

Winter is coming, meaning more time indoors. When windows and doors are sealed against the cold, the chances of carbon monoxide contamination increase. This winter, learn and understand the dangers of carbon monoxide and ways to reduce the risk.

What Is CO?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is toxic to humans and animals. Therefore the real danger of CO is that it can make you ill, or even kill you, before you even realize that it’s there. Even low levels of carbon monoxide exposure can cause flu-like symptoms including headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue and disorientation. The effects of CO poisoning can vary depending on a person’s age, general health, how much they have been exposed to, and for how long.

Where Does CO Come From?

There are many different sources of carbon monoxide in your home: kerosene and gas space heaters that aren’t properly vented, leaking chimneys and furnaces, back draft from a furnace, gas-powered water heaters, wood stove or fireplace, gas stoves and ovens, generators and other gasoline-powered equipment, auto exhaust, and tobacco smoke are all some of the most common sources of carbon monoxide. The best way to prevent exposure would be to get rid of these things. If that’s not possible, read on for tips about reducing the risk of CO poisoning when using these devises.

What Kind of Harm Can CO Cause?

There are numerous negative health effects associated with CO exposure. At low concentration levels, carbon monoxide can cause fatigue in otherwise healthy people and chest pains in people with existing heart conditions. Higher levels of CO can lead to impaired vision, headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, diminished coordination, and flu-like symptoms. These issues usually disappear soon after you leave the contaminated area. However, very high CO concentration can be fatal, due to the formation of a toxin in the blood that can block oxygen intake.

How can I Reduce the Risk of CO Poisoning?

The very best way to cut your risk of CO exposure is to remove any gas-powered or combustion equipment (like kerosene heaters and wood stoves) from your home. However, if you must use any of these devices, always be sure to have proper ventilation and follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly. If you smoke, why not consider quitting this winter, or limit yourself to smoking outside where CO isn’t confined to your home?

Here are a few more helpful tips:

Keep gasoline-powered appliances properly adjusted for optimum performance.
Consider replacing an unvented space heater with a safer vented model.
Only use appropriate fuels for combustion devices like kerosene space heaters and generators.
Install and use an exhaust fan with your gas stove that is vented to the outdoors.
Keep the flue open when you use your fireplace.
Choose a wood stove that’s the proper size for your home and one that conforms to EPA emission standards. Be sure any doors or vents are tightly fitted.
Do not idle your car inside the garage, even if the door is open.
Hire a professional technician to inspect, clean, and tune your home’s HVAC system at least once a year.
Never use a generator indoors.

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no more strict deadlines!

2011-12-26T11:03:00.001-08:00

I couldnt keep living paycheck to paycheck I was able to regain my independence using this I had reached my wits end...
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Posted via email from Absolute painters and power washers

Nice opportunity...

2011-12-22T21:51:00.001-08:00

hey there.
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Ten ways to stay warm this winter

2011-12-22T09:00:00.001-08:00

Install Programmable Thermostats

Investing in a good quality programmable thermostat is one of the best ways to keep warm this winter without breaking the bank. Not only can they help you save on utility bills, they are also very low maintenance. Once you establish your desired settings, the thermostats will do the rest.

Seal up Windows and Doors

Prevent heat loss by ensuring that gaps around windows and doors are sealed or by using thermal curtains to hold heat in and keep cold out.

Use a Space Heater

Instead of jacking up the whole-house heating system, along with your monthly energy bill, try supplementing your HVAC system with space heaters to warm smaller rooms in the house.

Insulate Electrical Outlets and Switches

Heat can be lost through gaps and cracks around electrical outlets and switch plates. Plug holes with basic expanding foam, insulation or foam plate seals.

Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready

Do not wait until the first snowfall to have a professional out to check your furnace. Schedule a full maintenance and tune-up before the weather turns cold.

Use the Fireplace

If you are lucky enough to have a working fireplace, use it. Sitting in front of a roaring fire is a great way to spend a winter evening, but it can also provide significant heat without running up your utility bill.

Get Solar Energy When You Can

Solar heat is free and it works, so look for ways to capture warmth from the sun. Thermal curtains, metal light fixtures, even a tower of soda cans painted black can all be used to collect solar heat. You will put less strain on your HVAC system, helping you reduce your energy consumption and save money on winter heating bills.

Try a Nice Hot Drink

Hot chocolate and tea are old stand-bys, but give your taste buds something new, like Sbiten, a Russian beverage with spices and honey or a sweet chai tea. If you are feeling under the weather, you might want to try a nice,soothing honey-lemon-ginger infusion or steaming cup of broth or soup. Look up a different recipe each night of the week or invite your friends over for a tasting party.

Heat Your Clothes

You have probably got an old electric blanket lying around the house, but did you know that you could make your own heated clothing? Use Teflon and copper wire, connect it to a battery and you have your very own toasty, thermal kit. Extreme; perhaps, but strangely comforting.

Do Not Forget to Take Care of Yourself

Preparing yourself for colder weather is just as important as preparing your home's HVAC system. Your body has different needs in the winter as you try to fight off colds and viruses, so spend more time in dry, indoor air. Start early by getting as much sun as you can, keep the hand sanitizer handy, take a multi-vitamin, drink plenty of water and always get a flu shot if you qualify for one.

Posted via email from Absolute painters and power washers

Nice opportunity...

2011-12-19T10:12:00.001-08:00

Hi friend...
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7 Tips for Preventing Mold In Your Home

2011-12-14T09:47:00.001-08:00

Exposure to Mold : Common?

Many homes are infected with mold and the residents do not realize it and are not doing anything to prevent it.

Exposure to mold is common both inside and outside the home. Some people are more sensitive than others, especially those with allergies and asthma. Because some mold spores are very small and can be easily inhaled into the lungs, it is harmful to live in a home with high mold levels. Exposure to high spore levels can cause the development of an allergy to mold.

Molds grow on organic materials such as paper, leather, dirt and soap scum. They grow best at warm, moist temperatures, between 22 and 27 degrees Celsius.

How Do You Know if You Have Mold and What Do You Do?

The simplest way to detect a mold problem is using your own senses. A musty odor is one indication. Not only is mold smelly, but can be many different colors from black and gray to orange and green.

Watermarks on the ceiling and walls are also a telltale sign.

Most often bleach and water can be used to rid the house of mold. The problem is this does not guarantee that the mold will not come back. The only way to keep your house clean is to prevent mold from occurring.

Here are 7 helpful tips for mold prevention:

Wet materials need to be dried quickly. If not, mold will grow within approximately 2 days.

People are prone to leaving wet materials lying around in or outside the house. These things are the most common places where mold can develop.

Cleaning, disinfecting and drying surfaces prevents mold growth. Surfaces like sinks or floors should are also favorite places for mold; more so if they are wet most of the time. Mold can grow faster than you think it can. These wet surfaces pose many hazards for the residents living there.

Reduce moisture levels in the bathroom by running an exhaust fan during and after showers. If you have noticed how foggy the bathroom looks like after a shower, realize that those are moist places and a likely place for mold to develop.

Exhaust fans can help minimize the moisture level in the bathroom as well as the possibility of growing mold.

Fix plumbing leaks and seepage to prevent the buildup of moisture and prevent the growth of mold. Leaks are caused by pipes that have disintegrated already. It is important to replace old pipes as soon as they show signs of being dilapidated. No matter how much you try to keep the house clean, there are still areas that you are neglecting. There will always be a possibility of the growth of mold.

Store clothing dry and clean to prevent the growth of mold on clothes. It is best to keep used clothes dry. Better yet, wet clothes should be hung to dry. Try to put them outside or in places where there is air circulating.

Increase the flow of air within your home. Moving furniture away from walls and opening closet doors to permit air circulation limits the growth of molds.

Confined spaces and dark areas should be kept ventilated. Open windows are preferable over fans and air conditioning. There should be a stable availability of fresh air coming inside the house to prevent mold.

Prevent condensation. Insulating walls and installing storm or thermal pane windows keeps walls warm and limits condensation.

Other additional mold prevention tips: You may not realize it yet but those beautiful plants you have in your home could be harvesting unwanted friends and foes.

Plants are great for helping to keep the air in the home clean but can also be a source of mold. Molds like to grow in the soil of our housing plants and sometimes on the leaves.

One simple treatment can help keep your houseplants mold free. Taheboo tea can help to retard mold growth in your plants soil. Just adding this tea to your house plant water in a mild solution is enough to do the trick!

Original Article Source: Mold Blogger

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this has been your time to shine

2011-12-14T08:57:00.001-08:00

hey
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4 Activities to Teach Your Children About Fire Safety

2011-12-09T09:29:00.001-08:00

It's late at night, and you're asleep in your bed. Your children fell asleep hours ago, and the house is completely quiet. Suddenly, the smoke detector goes off! You wake up, and realize that smoke is pouring into your room under your bedroom door! What should you do? Are your children able to escape on their own? Should you open the door and try to wake them up?

The last time that you want to be thinking about fire safety is during an emergency. It's highly recommended that you teach your children about fire safety, as well as what to do in the event of a fire. However, did you know that fire safety can be fun? Here are four activities to help teach your children about what to do during a fire!

Stay Outside!
There are far too many cases of a child dying because they ventured back into a building to try to save a cherished stuffed animal, rescue a beloved family pet or to search for an adult. Be sure to teach your child the phrase: "Out means out!" You can even make up a rhyme or short song to help them remember this phrase. Once your child is outside of a burning building, they should never try to go back inside. Make this an integral part of your child's fire safety training!
Stop, Drop and Roll
The phrase "Stop, Drop and Roll" has been repeated to children for years, but you can also make it into a fun activity! Cut red construction paper into small pieces, and apply double-stick tape to both sides of the paper. Stick the red paper pieces onto your child's clothing, leaving one of the tape pieces facing out. Now, tell them to "Stop, Drop and Roll" until all of the red paper pieces have come off of their clothing!
Finding the Way Outside
In a dark house filled with smoke, its easy for a child to become too scared to venture outside to safety. It's important to teach your children how to escape from the house even if they can't see. A great (and fun) way to do this is to set up a short obstacle course for your child, which they must navigate while blindfolded! If they are able to successfully navigate to the door (with supervision), reward them with a treat, a "treasure" or other goodies.
Planning a Meeting Place
It's important for you to arrange a "rendezvous" point outside your home where all your family members will meet in the event of a fire. The meeting spot should be far enough away from the house to be safe, but easy to find even in the dark. Teach your children to run outside to this spot, and wait there until an adult arrives. This activity should be repeated during monthly family fire drills.

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no more strict deadlines

2011-12-08T09:31:00.001-08:00

Hola friend...
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An Explanation of Winter Weather Safety Advisories

2011-12-07T09:10:00.001-08:00

For much of the United States, the winter season is often characterized by severe weather situations. Storms that bring snow, sleet, ice, freezing rain and blizzards are only some of the hazards that can occur due to winter weather. In an effort to help warn people about approaching bad weather, the NOAA National Weather Service has designed a number of winter weather safety alerts. However, many people don't understand the meaning of these winter weather safety alerts, and how to prepare a safety plan for severe weather. What is the difference between a "Watch", "Advisory" and "Warning"? What temperatures should you prepare for in the event of a "Wind Chill Warning"? Understanding these winter weather safety advisories can help you to be better prepared to protect your family's safety in severe weather situations.

Winter Storm Warning

If your area is currently being affected by a "Winter Storm Warning", you can expect that you will be dealing with ice and/or heavy snow that will create emergency conditions. Driving during a winter storm warning is not recommended. As a general description, this warning means that there is a confirmed storm that will most likely create severe wind chills, drifting snow and heavy precipitation. The conditions during a winter storm warning are considered to be life-threatening.

Winter Storm Watch

During a "Winter Storm Watch", there is a chance that your area will be exposed to conditions expected during a severe winter storm. Blowing/drifting snow, severe wind chills, blizzard conditions, snow and ice are all weather conditions that characterize a winter storm. In a "Winter Storm Watch", this means that weather forecasters are approximately 50% certain that a winter storm will affect your area.

Winter Weather Advisory

This alert is issued for a combination of heavy snow and ice that does not exceed or meet the criteria required for a "Warning" to be issued. The combination of weather conditions expected during a winter weather advisory are considered to be hazardous, and travel is not recommended without extreme caution.

Wind Chill Warning

When this alert is issued, weather experts are expecting that the wind chill will be less than -25F. In these conditions, extreme caution should be taken, since frostbite on any exposed skin may occur in ten minutes or less.

Wind Chill Watch

A wind chill watch is issued when there is a potential chance of wind chills dropping below -25F. This can cause conditions where frostbite or hypothermia occur in a relatively short time.

Heavy Snow Warning

During a heavy snow warning, weather forecasters are expecting that over 7 inches of snow will be falling within less than 12 hours. However, this warning may also refer to a weather system that will result in over nine inches of snow falling in a 24 hour period. During a heavy snow warning, chances are that the storm will primarily be characterized by snow, without freezing rain or sleet.

Blizzard Warning

A blizzard warning refers to a weather system that will result in blizzard conditions in a particular area. Visibility during a blizzard will usually be reduced to 1/4 mile or less, in addition to wind gusts sometimes exceeding 35mph. Other weather conditions that may occur ding a blizzard are heavy snow, blowing snow or drifting snow.

Blizzard Watch

During a blizzard watch, weather experts are around 50% confident that a weather system with blizzard conditions will affect a particular area. This may include heavy snow, high winds, drifting snow and reduced visibility.

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Family Safety Tips for Extreme Cold

2011-12-05T09:12:00.001-08:00

Three climbers are asccending a sheer rock face – a father, his daughter and his son. The three are in high spirits – until their climbing equipment malfunctions, and they're left hanging over a several-hundred-foot drop, with their last anchor about to pull out of the rock face and plunge them all to their death. Knowing that they're all doomed, the father sacrifices himself, cutting his harness free of the rope so that his children can be saved. Before plunging down towards the ground, he gives them a tearful goodbye, not even hesitating to give his own life to save the lives of his children.

This emotional scene is the beginning of "Vertical Limit", a 2000 action movie that pits several people up against extreme weather conditions on an unforgiving mountain. The characters in the movie have to go up against avalanches, the betrayal of other characters, faulty explosives and extreme cold.

If you live in an area that has a temperate climate, you may not have ever experienced extremely cold weather. If you live in some of the northern areas of the United States, you already have a healthy respect for how dangerous cold weather can be. Here are a few tips to help you to stay safe in extremely cold weather.

Dress in Layers

Though it may be tempting to simply wear a warm jacket, you will be best protected against the cold weather if you dress in layers. Your bottom layer should be an insulating layer that also has the ability to wick sweat away from your skin. Polypropylene is a great bottom layer for extreme weather conditions. Next should be wool, which should be covered by a fleece layer. Your top layer should be a waterproof jacket or other covering. By dressing in layers, you will be able to trap more heat against your body, and stay warmer in cold weather.

Know the Warning Signs

There are a few warning signs that will let you know that it's time to get out of the cold. A few of these are:

Pale skin
Skin that's waxy and cool to the touch
Rapid breathing
Excessively flushed face, hands, etc
Dizziness
Feeling sleepy or lethargic
Tingling or numbness in extremeties

If you experience any of these symptoms, or if a member of your family is having difficulty, get out of the cold immediately! Frostbite, hypothermia and other health problems may cause long-lasting permanent damage to the human body.

Keeping Your Home Warm and Cozy

During periods of extremely cold weather, it beccomes all the more important to maintain the temperature inside of your home. This may involve installing insulation, shrink-wrapping windows, replacing glass doors and other renovations (which are usually best done in the warm summer months). If wintertime comes and you discover that your home isn't cold-proof, there are still things you can do to keep your house warm. Keep your heat turned on, but not high enough that it will overload your electrical circuits. Use cloth or insulating tape to help reduce drafts around doors, windows or other areas.

Posted via email from Absolute painters and power washers

I am finally became Boss

2011-11-30T12:48:00.001-08:00

Hi friend...
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goodbye.

Posted via email from Absolute painters and power washers

Simple guide to basic home decorating

2011-11-23T09:34:00.001-08:00

Have you always wanted a beautifully decorated home but seem to have a hard time giving it just the right touches to make it that way? Well, decorating your home doesn't have to be a difficult task. By implementing certain tips you can turn your ordinary home into the home of your dreams!

Although decorating tips will vary from room to room, there are a few tips that should be used in every room of your home. These things must be done before the main decorating begins.

Remove excess clutter I know that this may sound elementary, but excess clutter can really take a way from a home's beauty. What is considered clutter? Of course, any junk laying around that is not benefiting anything, old newspapers, broken or unsightly furniture, stray items from other rooms, and decorations.

Decorations? Yes. The wrong decorations or too many decorations can become clutter. Pick out a few of your favorites and get rid of the rest. If you're a collector, than more than likely you have clutter. Ask yourself, "Is this collection really benefiting me?" If the answer is no, then get rid of it.

If you just can't part with the collection, consider designating one room to be your collection room. I went to someone's house about a few months ago and the lady who lived there had about 200-300 pairs of salt and pepper shakers. It didn't really benefit her, but it was a hobby and it made her happy. So she took the two rooms of her home that she used least and set her collection up in them. The key is to display them in an orderly fashion. Use bookcases or curios to help contain the items and eliminate a cluttered look.

Once the clutter is gone, many people will already begin to see a dramatic difference in their home.You will be amazed at how you will instantly become more relaxed and you'll be eager to continue to the next step.

Give Each Room A Thorough Cleaning Now that the clutter is gone, cleaning will be easier and maybe even enjoyable. Go through each room and clean them completely and thoroughly. Vacuum the carpets, dust and shine the furniture, wash curtains, blinds and windows and even wipe down walls. You may find more clutter in this process in which you should get rid of promptly.

With everything sparkling clean and clutter free, you will now have a new perspective on your home. What was once the old drab thing that caused you despair is now a bright happy place that is full of potential.

Find a Focal Point Now it's almost time to decorate but first choose a point of focus in each room. This will be the main place that you focus on during your decorating and all the other decorating in the room will complement this area.

The focal point is usually the first area that you see as you enter the room. This should display your best picture, your most lovely figurine, etc. The focal point is what sets the mood for the room and if it's the first thing that you see, it will obviously be the first impression of the room.

If you feel that the first thing that you see would not make a good focal point, such as a coat closet, then pick another area that you feel would make a great focal point and start here. A fireplace, a bay window, or a wide empty wall are some examples of some good focal points.

Let's Start Decorating!

Now it's time to begin the fun part. However, decorating is still a lot of work and requires a lot of planning.

Themes

Each room should have a theme to guide you. Whether it's a color scheme, a certain style, (such as Victorian or contemporary), or a fun upbeat theme. Walls Once the theme is chosen, you should decide if you will paint or wallpaper your walls. New paint and/or wallpaper makes everything look fresh. If you have a large room, darker hues tend to draw the room in more and give it a cozy feel. If the room is small, use lighter colors that will reflect more light giving the illusion of a larger room. If you choose to hang wallpaper, add stripes for height, florals for romance or femininity, or solids or marbles if you don't want to paint but want a painted look. If you have an entire wall that you think would make a great focal point, consider a wall mural. When hanging wall decor, be careful not to over-clutter walls. Hang pictures at eye level. TIP: If you live in an older home or a mobile home, your walls may not be completely straight due to settling. Avoid wallpaper with stripes in this case as uneven walls will become more noticeable.

Windows

If you are lucky enough to have decorative windows such as an octagon or a large bay window, you may just want to leave these alone since they are beautiful on their own. However, adding real or artificial greenery around these windows will really add to the beauty. Not only will real plants flourish in the light, but artificial plants will also look stunning and natural in the sunlight. Decorative seating such as a Queen Anne settee or a wicker rocking chair (depending on what theme you choose) may add to the scene. This may also be a spot where you may want to add a magazine rack or table for reading by day and a pole lamp for night reading. When considering windows where you'll be adding curtains, keep each room's theme and colors in mind. Choose lace or ruffles for femininity or romance; this works best in bathrooms and bedrooms. Drapes are more likely to be found in living rooms, dens, and home offices. Valances are great for kitchens and children's rooms. If you don't want to spend money on buying new curtains, you may be able completely transform the look of ordinary curtains by just adding a few decorative touches. Floral garland or ivy may be draped along the tops of curtains, mini bouquets can be assembled and hot glued to ordinary tie backs, (this is lovely and instantly transforming), tassels or scrolled metal may also replace ordinary tie backs. TIP: If you have a room without windows, hang several mirrors and use mirrored accessories. This helps reflect light in the room without adding extra lights and gives the room depth. Use lots of mirrors in small rooms even if they have windows to give the illusion of a larger room.

Floors

When it comes to floors, a little can go a long way. Make sure unnecessary items (even decorative items) are limited or removed. Decorative rugs can be a life saver in every room and can instantly brighten things up. Large tapestry looking rugs are lovely in living rooms, dining rooms, and hardwood floors. Rugs in front of the sink and appliances in the kitchen can serve a dual purpose. They help to keep the rest of your floor cleaner and can be purchased in a variety of colors and patterns to complement your theme. The same goes for the bathrooms. When purchasing rugs, it's better to spend a little extra for better quality. Rugs will always have traffic and if you buy low quality you'll find yourself replacing often which gets expensive in the long run. Also, the higher quality will look nice longer. Just by keeping flooring well cleaned will make a world of difference to the room. Go beyond vacuuming, sweeping and mopping. Shampoo carpets and rugs regularly (about every three months, more or less due to traffic), clean corners and nooks, shine and polish linoleum, and thoroughly clean tile grout. You'll be amazed how your room will sparkle!

Decorating Tips Room By Room

Living Rooms and Dens Do you have a lot of family photos that you want to display but limited room? Purchase bookcases and display photos in them. Add decorative figurines or florals among the pictures for a polished look.

Bathrooms

Pay attention to shower curtains, rugs, and window treatments. Add candles to master baths, and fun decorative accessories to children's baths.

Dining Room

This is the room for elegance! Pick a rich wallpaper and fancy light or chandelier. Display a floral centerpiece.

Kitchen

Concentrate on the cabinets! If they don't reach the ceiling, add decorative vases, baskets, or China on the roof of the cabinets or drape floral garland or ivy around the top. If your cabinets reach the ceiling, concentrate on the countertops or appliances. Display decorative canisters, or pretty stove burner covers.

Bedroom

Add decor that will enhance relaxation and romance. Place candles, misting fountains, mirrors and theme related comfortable bedding.

Children's Bedrooms

Display their best toys and store others out of sight. Set the theme for fun by adding wall paper cut-outs and displaying their name in wood letters. For something really original, let your children help paint by placing their hands in paint and stamping the walls!

Advanced Decorating

If you implement the tips above and just can't get the right look or you just don't want to deal with all the hassle but still desire a beautiful interior, contact us to see why our Portland Oregon Interior Designer is right for you.

Posted via email from Absolute painters and power washers

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Monthly Home Safety & Maintenance Checklist

2011-11-04T09:26:00.001-07:00

When it comes to reducing repair and replacement costs for your property, there is no substitute for keeping up with your monthly maintenance. Many homeowners are familiar with the high costs that can accrue when something goes wrong unexpectedly; performing monthly maintenance is a good way to keep tabs on what's wearing quickly, as well as keep the facets of your home that are working well in good shape. There are many things in your home that need monthly attention. By taking care of these, you're likely to avoid some big headaches (not to mention service bills) in the future.

Monthly Home Maintenance

Fire Safety Devices

Small monthly maintenance for your safety devices is important, and doesn't take much time, at all. Even a small amount of fire damage can be extremely costly to repair, so keeping up with your monthly maintenance on these devices is an investment in your property as well as in your family's safety!

Fire extinguisher

Check that it's fully charged and recharge if necessary, especially if you have used it recently. Be sure you have an adequate number located in kitchen, garage, and basement. Fire extinguisher placement is also important. If it is in an inconvenient spot, it won't be much use when it is needed.

Smoke detector

Another one of those items that is easy to forget about, but can play a huge role in an emergency. Test your battery every month and replace if necessary.

Kitchen and Bathroom Monthly Maintenance

Sink and shower drains often go unnoticed until there's a problem. Taking these steps every month will help your kitchen and bathroom drains running smoothly. Sink and tub stoppers - Flush with hot water and baking soda.

Garbage disposal

Check safety valve and steam pressure gauge and replace if necessary; check water level gauge and add water if needed; drain water until clear of sediment.

HVAC Monthly Maintenance

Heating and cooling are two of the most pleasant of modern conveniences. Unfortunately, when something goes wrong, they can be very costly to repair (and very uncomfortable to go without). Make sure your monthly home maintenance includes a quick check of your heating and cooling systems!

Steam heating system

Test relief valve and replace if necessary; check pressure gauge and drain expansion tank if necessary.

Forced warm air heating system

Check blankets and replace if needed; check air flow; clean or repair unit if necessary.

Evaporative air conditioner

Clean or replace air filter; clean condenser or evaporator coils and condensate drain; remove snow and/or debris from outdoor portion of unit.

Heat pump

Clean or replace filter; clean condenser and evaporator coils and condensate drain.

Though monthly maintenance is something that some homeowners might let slide, doing so can make your home less efficient and can lead to higher bills or even safety issues. By taking care of these things once a month, your home will run more smoothly and repairs will be less frequent (and less surprising, too).

source: http://www.servicemagic.com/

Posted via email from Absolute painters and power washers

Cut a hefty Percentage off of your electric bill this winter!

2011-11-03T15:12:00.001-07:00

Properly preparing your home for cold weather can save energy, help keep your winter energy bills under control, and keep you and your family warm when temperatures drop.

Heating

Install a programmable thermostat and set it to lower the temperature at night and whenever the house is unoccupied. Lowering your thermostat by 10 degrees at night can reduce your heating bill by 10 to 20 percent.
Make sure your programmable thermostat is:
- Installed properly.
- Programmed appropriately – a programmable thermostat only saves energy when it is programmed properly.
- Not located in an unheated space, a poorly-sealed or seldom-used room, or in direct sunlight near a heat source. The thermostat should be able to sense the average temperature in your home. If it is not in the right place, contact a heating and air conditioning professional about having it moved.
Lower your thermostat and wear socks and a sweater in doors. Lowering the thermostat by just one degree Fahrenheit can reduce energy use by 3 percent.
If you have a forced air furnace, inspect your filters at the beginning of the heating season and monthly during the season. Clean or replace them if there is significant dust build up.
Get a humidifier to add moisture to the air. The air inside your home can be very dry, especially in New Mexico. Moister air feels warmer, so a humidifier can help you feel comfortable even though your thermostat is set at a lower temperature.
Install foam insulation gaskets behind electric outlets and switch plate covers.

Windows and doors

Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible. That includes overhead doors on attached garages.
Install do-it-yourself plastic-film storm windows. Find them at a local hardware store.
Seal off unused rooms (as long as the room is less than 100 square feet and isn't the room where the thermostat is located). Close the floor or wall registers and return air vents, and keep the doors closed.
Open south-facing window curtains, drapes and blinds during the day. Close window coverings at night to keep the heat in.
Weatherstrip and caulk windows. Check window frames for cracks and fill them with caulk that contains silicon. Putty-like "rope caulk" can help seal large cracks and save you up to 5 percent on your energy bill.
Check all exterior doors for air leaks and weatherstrip and caulk as needed. A one-eighth-inch gap around a door is equivalent to a 6-inch-square hole in the side of your house and causes a lot of energy loss. You can check doors two ways:
- Have someone stand on the other side of the door and shine a flashlight around the door's perimeter. If you can see light through the cracks, your door needs sealing.
- Hold a piece of paper between the door and the frame and shut the door. If you can pull the paper out without tearing it, you should weatherstrip around the door.

Water heater

Make sure the water heater is set no higher than 125 degrees.
Drain off a bucket of hot water from your water heater annually to remove sediment that will interfere with the heater's long-term use.
Install a water heater blanket if your water heater is older than 5 years.
Insulate the pipes around the water heater with inexpensive, easy-to-install pipe insulation. This is particularly helpful if the water heater is in an unheated space.

Fireplace

Never use a traditional fireplace for supplemental heating. A fireplace sucks heated air out of your home to fuel the fire and exhausts it through the chimney, and then your furnace has to turn on to replace that warm air.
Close the fireplace damper and seal the opening shut when not in use.

More ways to save on your winter utility bill

Get your furnace inspected and tuned up by a heating professional.
Have your home properly insulated and weatherized.
Measure your attic insulation. If you have less than 7 inches of insulation or if it is less than R-38 (the current requirement for new homes), consider upgrading your insulation with spray-foam or batt insulation.
- Look for places where air may be leaking through the insulation – you will be able to tell because there will be dirty spots or holes in the existing insulation. Seal the holes by stapling a piece of plastic sheeting over them and caulking around the edges of the plastic.
- Additional insulation can be blown into walls, and there are even options for insulating flat roofs, crawl spaces and floors.
Replace any broken window panes and repair any large holes in attics, crawlspaces, or basements.
Seal exposed ductwork. Ductwork sealing can help your system run more efficiently, and also ensures that heated or cooled air gets to where you want it to go. Instead of duct tape, use mastic (available at hardware stores) to seal ductwork. Mastic provides a better seal and lasts longer.
Replace older or loose fireplace dampers. Have a sheet-metal insert installed, which will prevent some heat loss and help reflect heat from the fireplace back into the room.
Consider converting your traditional fireplace to a more efficient pellet or wood-burning stove. Determine your payback time before investing.

Special tips for holiday lighting

Dispose of older incandescent lights and buy new LED holiday lights. Older strings of incandescent holiday lights can use up to 99 percent more energy than new LED light strings. Plus, the wire insulation on older lights can erode and pose a fire hazard.
Turn on your holiday lights for no more than 6 hours per day (to keep energy use down). Purchase a lighting timer to turn lights on and off automatically.
Always unplug holiday lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
Don't overload your circuits. Check your fuse box or circuit breaker panel to see how much load you can add to your house, stay within these limits to reduce the risk of fire.
Take lights down promptly after the holidays.

Posted via email from Absolute painters and power washers

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2011-10-25T14:29:00.001-07:00

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Tips for preparing yourself and home for a safe, comfy winter

2011-10-24T10:18:00.001-07:00

The comforts of a cozy, warm home in winter can help you forget about the short days and the multiple layers of clothing. Following a maintenance schedule throughout the year will certainly benefit you in the winter, but be aware of the hazards the cold conditions can bring to your home. These guidelines can help you weather the winter season with a well-maintained home.

Be Energy Efficient
Since your heating system will be running constantly throughout the winter, remember to change out your HVAC filters every month. Inspect the insulation in your attic and crawlspace. Warm air rises and leaves the house through the roof, so you should focus on insulation in your ceilings. Seal areas around recessed lights, the attic hatch, and plumbing vents that may be allowing warm air from the living space below to enter the attic. Proper attic ventilation, adequate attic insulation, and a tight air barrier between the attic and the interior of the house will work together to prevent ice dams.

If you don't have double-paned windows, remove the screens and install storm windows to ensure that the heat stays in and the cold stays out. If you're on a tight budget, pick up an inexpensive plastic-film sheet kit from your local hardware store. These will only last one season, but they do help with energy efficiency and are able to halt the cold flow of winter drafts. If you have a fireplace, burning firewood is another way to save energy costs. When you use the fireplace, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window slightly – about an inch – and close doors leading into the room. That will prevent the fire from drawing warm air out of the rest of the house and replacing it with cold air. And remember to store your firewood in a dry place at least 30 feet from your home to avoid a fire hazard.

Protect Your Pipes
Pipes located in attics, crawl spaces, basements, and near outer walls can be susceptible to freezing in extreme temperatures. When the forecast calls for unusually cold temperatures, let water drip from hot and cold faucets overnight. Also try keeping cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate in places like below sinks. If you open the cabinet doors, be sure to remove anything inside the cabinets that may pose a safety to hazard to children, such as household cleaners. For exposed pipes in your attic, basement, or crawlspaces, add extra insulation around them. View the tips to avoid frozen pipes for more information.

Be Ready For An Emergency
Blackouts and snow-ins can occur during winter months, so take a moment to prepare yourself and your family for such emergencies. Having the following items ready will help you make it through safely.

Flashlights
Bottled water
Nonperishable food items
Blankets
Phone numbers for your utility companies
Battery backup to protect your computer and other important electronic equipment
First-aid kit
If you have an emergency generator, make sure you have gasoline stored and available to fuel it.

Holiday Decorations
'Tis the season to be festive, but remember to stay safe with your holiday decorations. Inspect the wires of your light display before switching them on: They may be frayed and present an electrical fire hazard. Same goes for the Christmas tree inside; always check the light strands for any sign of wear-and-tear from being in storage. If you have a real Christmas tree, keep it watered, since dry trees catch fire easier. Check with your local municipality for instructions on how to dispose of the tree once the new year arrives.

Winter Yard Care
Even with the cold weather conditions, your yard still needs to be maintained. Make sure tree and shrub branches are well away from the house and windows. Icy conditions can cause branches to break and damage your home. Walk around your home and survey the roof to see if any ice dams have formed; call a contractor if you suspect this is the case. As you walk around your house, check the foundation for small cracks or openings where mice or other pests can tunnel in. Winter is when they seek the warmth of your house, so seal up any possible entrances. While you're outside, clear snow off gas meters and away from basement windows and your dryer exhaust vent.

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Posted via email from Absolute painters and power washers

Top 5 Places & Top 25 Ways to Weatherize Your Home

2011-10-21T12:09:00.001-07:00

Short of printing your own money, weatherization and insulation are the best bets for putting cash in your wallet — and they're a lot safer in the long run than counterfeiting. Weatherization, the plugging and sealing of air leaks, can save you 25 to 40 percent on your heating and cooling bills.

The average unweatherized house in the United States leaks air at a rate equivalent to a four-foot-square hole in the wall. Weatherization is the first place for the average home owner to concentrate for the most benefit with the least effort and expense. You'll save money and help the planet!

The following suggestions are adapted with permission from Homemade Money by Richard Heede and the Rocky Mountain Institute.

1. In the attic

Weatherstrip and insulate the attic access door.
Seal around the outside of the chimney with metal flashing and high-temperature sealant such as flue caulk or muffler cement.
Seal around plumbing vents, both in the attic floor and in the roof. Check roof flashings (where the plumbing vent pipes pass through the roof) for signs of water leakage while you're peering at the underside of the roof.
Seal the top of interior walls in pre-1950s houses anywhere you can peer down into the wall cavity. Use strips of rigid insulation, and seal the edges with silicone caulk.
Stuff fiberglass insulation around electrical wire penetrations at the top of interior walls and where wires enter ceiling fixtures. (But not around recessed light fixtures unless the fixtures are rated IC [for insulation contact]). Fluorescent fixtures usually are safe to insulate around; they don't produce a lot of waste heat. Incandescent fixtures should be upgraded to compact fluorescent bulbs).
Staple Radiant Barrier under the rafters or joists to reflect 97 percent of the radiant heat that strikes it
Seal all other holes between the heated space and the attic.

2. In the basement or crawlspace

Seal and insulate around any accessible heating or A/C ducts. This applies to both the basement and attic.
Seal any holes that allow air to rise from the basement or crawlspace directly into the living space above. Check around plumbing, chimney, and electrical penetrations.
Caulk around basement window frames.
Seal holes in the foundation wall as well as gaps between the concrete foundation and the wood structure (at the sill plate and rim joist). Use caulk or foam sealant.

3. Around windows and doors

Replace broken glass and reputty loose panes.
Install new sash locks, or adjust existing ones on double-hung and slider windows.
Caulk on the inside around window and door trim, sealing where the frame meets the wall and all other window woodwork joints.
Weatherstrip exterior doors, including those to garages and porches.
For windows that will be opened, use weatherstripping or temporary flexible rope caulk.

4. In living areas

Install foam-rubber gaskets behind electrical outlet and switch trim plates on exterior walls.
Use paintable or colored caulk around bath and kitchen cabinets on exterior walls.
Caulk any cracks where the floor meets exterior walls. Such cracks are often hidden behind the edge of the carpet.
Got a fireplace? If you don't use it, plug the flue with an inflatable plug, or install a rigid insulation plug. If you do use it, make sure the damper closes tightly when a fire isn't burning.

5. Around the exterior

Caulk around all penetrations where electrical, telephone, cable, gas, dryer vents, and water lines enter the house. You may want to stuff some fiberglass insulation in the larger gaps first.
Caulk around all sides of window and door frames to keep out the rain and reduce air infiltration.
Check your dryer exhaust vent hood. If it's missing the flapper, or it doesn't close by itself, replace it with a tight-fitting model.
Remove window air conditioners in winter; or at least cover them tightly, and make rigid insulation covers for the flimsy side panels.
Caulk cracks in overhangs of cantilevered bays and chimney chases.
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Posted via email from Absolute painters and power washers

Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

2011-10-17T13:50:00.001-07:00

Why pipe freezing is a problem

Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the "strength" of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Also, pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

Pipe freezing is a particular problem in warmer climates where pipes often run through uninsulated or underinsulated attics or crawl spaces.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Before the onset of cold weather, prevent freezing of these water supply lines and pipes by following these recommendations:

Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located and are in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated. A hot water supply line can freeze just as a cold water supply line can freeze if the water is not running through the pipe and the water temperature in the pipe is cold.
Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Many products are available at your local building supplies retailer. Pipes should be carefully wrapped, with ends butted thightly and joints wrapped with tape. Follow manufacturer's recommendations for installing and using these products. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes - even ¼" of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.

During Cold Weather, Take Preventive Action

Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water running through it is above freezing.
Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.

To Thaw Frozen Pipes

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Locate the suspected frozen area of the water pipe. Likely places include pipes running against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.

Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt more ice in the pipe.
Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, and electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.
Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

Future Protection

Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing. Pipes can be relocated by a professional if the home is remodeled.
Add insulation added to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.

Posted via email from Absolute painters and power washers

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2011-09-14T20:11:00.001-07:00

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2011-09-14T12:00:00.001-07:00

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Keeping your home cool and costs down

2011-09-13T09:57:00.001-07:00

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How to care for your lawn in the Fall

2011-09-10T20:11:00.001-07:00

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Power washing your driveway? Power wash your home too! (post 09/09/2011)

2011-09-08T12:01:00.001-07:00

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2011-09-08T11:57:00.003-07:00

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Our Portland Paint Contractors Will Make Painting Your Home Stress-FREE

2011-08-31T08:41:00.001-07:00

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Find A Coat That Fits Your Portland House Deck

2011-08-26T21:58:00.001-07:00

Should decks and fences be stained and weatherproofed in spring or fall? Someone told me I should wait at least a year after installation before I put any product on the wood?

A very common question and although some manufacturers once recommended holding off on the initial deck treatment until some weathering occurred, the consensus now is that the first coat should go on almost immediately, provided the decking hasn't been pre-treated with a water repellent. If you're unsure whether your deck is ready for finish, splash the wood with a little water and see whether it sinks in. If the water puddles, you should wait. Otherwise, follow the application instructions on the label.

Behind the advice to apply finish immediately, however, the actual science of what's going on with wood and coatings is a bit more complicated, according to Sam Williams, a chemist who has studied deck coatings and wood weathering at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wis. If you plan to apply a penetrating finish, such as a traditional oil-based, semi-transparent stain, no harm will be done if you let the wood weather first. But if you plan to apply a film-forming finish, any weathering may keep the film from bonding well, which makes the coating likely to peel.

An increasing number of deck coatings fall into the category of film-forming finishes. Film-formers include paints, latex- or oil-based solid-color stains, and water-based semitransparent stains. Even some of the new formulations of oil-based semitransparent stains are so high in solids (to meet clean-air requirements) that they tend to form a film and therefore do not penetrate wood very well.

Decks and fences do not require the same kind of maintenance. Fence boards get soaked in the rain but dry out quickly, and they don't have to do much except stand up. Many people give fences no maintenance at all, other than cutting back branches headed their way. But wind and rain do slowly wear away at unpainted fence boards. To slow down this weathering and to beef up the wood's decay resistance, you can apply a penetrating finish, such as a solvent-borne, oil-based semitransparent stain.

Do not paint the fence, however, because paint traps moisture within the wood and thus actually shortens its life, according to Williams. "A white picket fence is designed for failure," he says.

Decks undergo a lot more stress than fences because the boards are horizontal. The top surface bears the full brunt of the sun and the rain, as well as foot traffic, while the bottom sits in perpetual shade and may remain damp for long periods. The sun dries out wood near the top, causing it to shrink in relation to the damp wood underneath. As a result, the boards cup. To minimize cupping, smart builders use 2-by-4 decking, rather than six-inch-wide boards, and they attach boards bark side up with the growth rings -- visible on the board ends -- curling down. Whether your deck was built with that care or not, the maintenance you give it now can help minimize problems related to weather.

The most important step, which needs to be taken periodically throughout the year, is simply to keep the deck free of debris that might trap water against the wood. Sweep off leaves, elevate planters and shift the position of outdoor furniture regularly. Once or twice a year, clean more thoroughly to get rid of mildew or slimy mold. You can clean in the spring or the fall, but if you do it just once a year, doing it in the spring lets you enjoy the results more.

Use a premixed deck cleaner or concoct your own from a little bleach and water. Williams recommends testing a small area so you can determine the most dilute solution that will do the job. Your goal should be to clean the wood, not skin it. "In the typical TV commercial, they spray it on and then power-wash it off, and it does remove everything so the wood looks like the day it came from the factory," Williams says. "Sure, but they took off a sixteenth-inch of wood. They didn't clean it; they removed it."

A more gentle cleaning leaves weathered wood fibers on the surface, which makes it more absorbent and thus actually helps with the next step, application of a deck finish, provided you follow Williams's advice and use a semitransparent, penetrating stain. Be sure to buy a product specifically labeled for use on decks, not siding. Besides adding decorative color, the pigment particles in stain (as well as in film-forming finishes) physically block the sun's ultraviolet rays, keeping them from destroying lignin, the glue that holds wood fibers together. Wood with less UV damage stays smoother.

If you have your heart set on a clear deck finish, you can get some of the benefits of pigment by selecting a finish labeled as UV-resistant. This type contains transparent iron oxides, particles ground to the specific size needed to block UV radiation while still allowing visible light to pass relatively unobstructed. The result is wood that looks almost like its natural self but has better protection from the sun. Some clear deck finishes have other types of UV inhibitors that depend on light-absorbing ingredients, which gradually get used up.

The best deck finishes also act as water repellents, which means they slow the rate at which the wood absorbs water but do not affect the rate at which the wood dries. This evens out the inevitable shrinking and swelling of the wood as its moisture level changes, and helps reduce splintering. Many deck finishes also contain ingredients that keep mildew from regrowing so quickly.

Some clear, penetrating finishes last as little as six months, which means you need to apply them in both the spring and the fall. Other finishes last as long as three years.

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Tips On Paint Finish Choices

2011-08-10T08:47:00.001-07:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ There are some particular application specifics that you should consider when selecting an interior paint finish.

Cleanability and Durability
While most manufacturers have developed all paint finishes with good cleaning qualities, a general rule is that the shinier the paint finish, the better it will stand up to washing and cleaning. Contact us to help you select the correct finish for each room.

Kid-Friendly Finishes
When painting children's rooms, many painters recommend using an eggshell or satin paint on the walls and semi-gloss for doors and moldings. These finishes are formulated to better withstand repeated cleanings.

High Gloss Looks
Rather than choosing a high gloss paint for a whole room, use it sparingly in select locations, such as doors and trim. The brilliant surface can appear a bit cold and uninviting. Remember though this finish tends to really point out any surface imperfections.

Ceiling Paint
If you are looking for a basic white ceiling, you can use pre-mixed, matte finish paints off the shelf from almost any paint store. Because cleanabiltiy or coverage is not a particularly important consideration, some ceiling paints use cheaper formulations. If you need an exact color match for the color scheme of your room, choose regular tinted flat wall paint. Remember, many ceilings are not exactly white and need tinted. Contact us and we can get the color matched exactly for you.

Ceiling Finishes
Ceilings in most rooms are painted with a flat finish paint. You could also select an eggshell finish if the surface of the ceiling is flawless. Choose a glossier finish to help repel moisture, such as in a bathroom or kitchen.

Kitchens and Baths
Any room, such as a kitchen or bathroom, that will be exposed to water, splashing, or steam, should be painted with a semi-gloss paint on both walls and ceilings. A guest bath or powder room which will have less-frequent use, could be painted with lower-gloss paint, such as satin or eggshell finish.

Tips On Testing Your Choices

When you're getting ready to select a color for a room, it's important not to just buy a gallon and hope the color is right. You should test colors on a small area of the room you'll be painting before making the final decision.

Many paint companies offer sample jars of 2 ounces to 4 ounces by mail order or in stores. It will generally cover a 2’x2’ section of the wall to give you a much better idea of the color. This is much more affordable than buying several quarts of paint and still gives you a good idea of what the paint will look like in your home.

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Your Portland House Painting Specialists!

2011-08-02T09:57:00.001-07:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ Absolute Painting & Power Washing is a local family owned and operated business that has been providing the finest in painting and contracting services in the Portland metro area since 1995. We specialize in all types of painting and remodeling services for both residential and commercial projects. We are experts in the Portland house painting community whether it be interior house painting or exterior house painting. That is why we offer a full line of interior design and professional color consulting so we can make your experience in hiring a paint contractor in the Portland, Hillsboro area be as pleasant and stress free as possible.

We are dedicated to working with our customers to deliver the highest level of quality, reliability and service in the industry. Our crews are all highly trained house painting professionals that take great pride in what they do. We work very closely with our customers to help meet their budget and quality expectations.

Every employee of Absolute Painting understands that customer service is our number one priority. We understand that hiring a paint contractor can be a trying experience and we know it takes more than a "can do" attitude to deliver a successful job. We take this responsibility very seriously so you can be confident that your home is cared for by professionals.

Our work is always done on time and with a smile. Our goal is to continually improve our services by asking our customers how we are doing. We are proud of our "A" rating and our many awards from Angie's List!

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Best-Portland-Paint-Contractors

2011-07-28T11:51:00.001-07:00

http://absolutepainters.com/ The best Portland House Painting Contractors...See for yourself!

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We are a local family owned and operated business that has been providing the finest in painting and contracting services in the Portland/Vancouver metro area since 1995.

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Portland-House-Painting-Experts

2011-07-28T11:46:00.001-07:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ Beth Girgen Hall shares what she hears from customers about Absolute Paintings expert service.

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We are a local family owned and operated business that has been providing the finest in painting and contracting services in the Portland/Vancouver metro area since 1995.

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Reducing Summer Utility Bills

2011-07-25T08:00:00.001-07:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ Many people think of the air conditioner as something that puts cool air into the home. What it really does is remove heat from the home. So an understanding of how heat gets in the home is key to choosing the most cost-effective ways to cut summer utility bills while staying cool and comfortable.

Top Sources of Heat Gain

The sources of heat gain in a typical newer home in summer, in order of largest to smallest sources of heat, are:

1. Inside sources (appliances, lighting, people)

2. Windows (solar heat gain)

3. Attic and ductwork

4. Infiltration of outside air

5. Walls

Although the proportions of heat gain from each source vary among houses and lifestyles, the top three offer areas of greatest opportunity to save money and stay cooler.

Most cost-effective investments for reducing summer utility bills

For a typical home, here are the top six investments you can make to reduce your summer utility bills while staying cool and comfortable. The sequence is loosely based on typical potential benefits balanced with costs but will vary from house to house.

6. Window Shading. Sun control is usually a much better investment than storm windows. An exterior shading strategy should be used for any glass that receives direct sunshine or even reflected radiant heat from pavement. Reflective interior window treatments help, but they are not nearly as effective as exterior or glass solar control.

Solar screens are an inexpensive, do-it-yourself treatment that can block up to 70% of the solar heat while preserving the view. Solar films (window tint) provide a wide range of properties to fit your needs. Spectrally selective films allow more visible daylight through while blocking solar heat. Look for a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) around .4 (no higher than .6) and a visible light transmittance (VT) of .5 or higher. The lower the SHGC, the better; the higher the VT, the better.

Landscaping is great way to shade both glass and walls as well as add value to the home. Awnings are another good option with aesthetic benefits, but they're more costly.

7. Light-colored Exterior Surfaces. When repainting, re-siding or reroofing your home, choose white or light colors. It may not make a huge difference, but color choice is a no-cost way to reflect some heat. Among roofing options, a white metal roof provides the greatest benefit. Light shingles can provide a much smaller benefit.

8. Appliance and Lighting Use and Choices. In general, each three kwh of energy saved in the home can reduce the need for cooling by an additional kwh. So you save energy and money two ways.

Leaving lights, computers, TVs and even ceiling fans on adds heat needlessly. Ceiling fans are considered an energy saver by keeping you cooler at higher thermostat settings, but they end up being a net energy loser if you leave them on in unoccupied rooms. Turning everything off when not needed is free. If that’s a difficult habit to enforce, install and use timers or motion sensors.

When replacing appliances, look for the EnergyStar label, a verification of high energy efficiency. Also, compare the big yellow EnergyGuide labels to reveal the hidden cost (operating cost) of different models. Investing in higher efficiency will pay off. Refrigerators and freezers are especially important, since they run (and give off heat inside your home) almost continuously.

Replace your high-use incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). CFLs have a higher price tag but use about 1/3 the electricity, produce 1/3 the heat and last about 10 times longer -- so you save money during the life of the lamp and stay cooler. The newer electronic types do not flicker or hum and produce a warm light.

9. Attic Improvements. If space permits, increase attic insulation to R-38. In coastal south Louisiana, and where you can’t fit R-38, it can suffice to use R-19 attic insulation with either a truss-mounted radiant barrier system or a light-colored metal or tile roof. Ridge and soffit vents provide better attic ventilation.

10. Sealed Duct System. If your home is typical, your ductwork may lose 30%-40% of the cooling you pay for! That’s because most ducts are quite leaky, and the ductwork is in the hottest place on earth (the attic). The entire duct system should be sealed with mastic and mesh (not duct tape), tested by a trained professional with specialized equipment and insulated (if in an unconditioned attic) with R-8 or better.

11. High SEER A/C. When it’s time to replace your air conditioner, invest in a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of at least 12 (SEER 10 for room size units). Make sure it has a moisture-removing capacity (latent capacity) of at least 25%, or choose a variable-speed unit that will provide good humidity control in mild seasons (especially important if choosing a SEER 14 or higher). Insist that the unit NOT be oversized. More is not better. An oversized A/C will cool-- but not dehumidify adequately -- and will cost more to operate and will not last as long.

Source: Isuagcenter.com

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Home Inspections Will Keep You Safe This Summer

2011-07-18T07:57:00.001-07:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ Absolute Painting wants to give you a few safety tips for summer. Summer is the perfect time for a home inspection. Proper inspections now can help to keep your family and friends safe in the future. The International Code Council, a membership organization dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed by the International Code Council.

Decks and Balconies
Balconies can be at risk of collapsing if they are not properly constructed or if they are old. A common safety hazard occurs when balconies are nailed to buildings rather than being attached with the proper anchors or bolts. Nails are a poor method for attaching balconies to buildings because they work their way loose over time. Other safety hazards to look for are:

*Split or rotting wood
*Wobbly handrails or guardrails
*Loose, missing or rusting anchors, nails or screws
*Missing, damaged or loose support beams and planking
*Poor end support of the balcony deck, joists or girders
*Excessive movement of the balcony when walked on
*Swaying or unstable balconies

Building or repairing to code, which requires a building permit and an inspection, will help ensure that the balcony is safe. The International Codes specify the amount of weight a balcony is required to support. However, be careful not to allow the balcony to become overcrowded. If the people on the structure have difficulty moving about, the balcony could be exceeding its capacity.

Grills
Grilling on or near combustible areas can be a fire hazard. It not only puts your family and visitors at risk, but, especially in condos and apartment buildings, can put your neighbors in danger as well. The most common grilling hazards are open flames and heat generated in the grill base that can be transferred to the wood of a balconies or the home’s siding, causing a fire. When grilling, follow these safety tips:

*Place the grill away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches
*Periodically remove grease or fat buildup
*Use only proper starter fluid and store the can away from heat sources
*Check propane cylinder hoses for leaks before use
*Do not move hot grills
*Dispose of charcoal properly, keeping ash containers outside and away from combustible construction

*Check with your local building or fire department to see what is required by code where you live

The International Fire Code prohibits the use of charcoal and gas grills and other open burning devices on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. There are exceptions for certain homes and where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.

Have A Very Happy Summer

Source: homeinspect.com

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Sizzling Summer Decks

2011-07-11T11:55:00.001-07:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ Planning on building a new deck or sprucing-up an existing one this season? If so, you’re not alone. Decks are still among the most popular home improvements we see here in Portland OR. So, what’s hot in decks this summer? Here are some of the top deck design trends we are seeing:

Railings – Once merely a functional safety element, railings are now doing double duty as design statements. Railings are often the first thing one notices about a deck, so manufacturers are offering more aesthetically pleasing, architecturally interesting options. Hot railing trends include decorative balusters of aluminum, iron or even cable, glass panels and railing systems that combine materials for durability, as well as visual effect.

Multiple Levels – Designers are using multiple levels to create virtual rooms for outdoor use. A main deck might function as living and dining space, while a smaller, lower level addition serves as a kitchen area, and another level might host a hot tub. Multi-level decks facilitate multiple uses and add visual interest to the overall deck structure.

Indoor Luxuries, Outdoors – Homeowners want to bring the same luxuries they enjoy indoors outside onto their decks. In response, builders are adding touches like built-in fire pits and fireplaces, full kitchens with professional grade gas grills, spas, built-in benches and cabinets, shade structures and lighting to deck designs. We even built a Cathedral-ceiling deck in Mount Joy, PA this year!

New Shapes – Piano-shaped, arrowhead and even oval shapes are appearing in back yards across the country. Modern materials, improved building methods and the creativity of designers and homeowners have permanently changed the shape and size of the great American deck. For added pizzazz, you can incorporate a pattern, such as herringbone or checkerboard, into the deck surface.

Composite Materials – While some homeowners prefer wood, composite materials continue to gain popularity. Not only are they durable and often eco-friendly (as many of them are made from recycled materials), composites can now mimic the much-loved look of wood.

Source: mbcremodeling.com

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House Painting is safe in the hot summer weather

2011-07-08T09:38:00.001-07:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ Some homeowners ask about the heat of midsummer and potential risks of painting above 80 degrees. Truth be told, there are many more factors to consider. First, high humidity can affect drying times (increasing the amount of time between coats if you are planning on a two-coat paint job). Second, darker colors tend to absorb more heat, and should best be painted either very early or very late during sunny days in August and September.

The beauty of hiring Absolute Painting is that we keep watch of all these factors for you! While some painting contractors would rush to get the job done, we are committed to only commencing with work when we know it is proper to do so. We check humidity levels, pay attention to the sky, and know the differences in the chemical compounds between brands. Miller and Sherwin Williams are generally very durable products, and are requested by a majority of our customers. If you are on a tight schedule and can’t wait for ideal conditions, we may suggest Resilience by Sherwin Williams; this paint is specifically formulated to cure properly during higher humidity and low temperatures. If the day is extremely hot, we will either recommend painting in multiple layers of thin coats, or we will arrive early and stay late to take advantage of the cooler early morning and early evening times.

Since your goals are our goals, you can take heart that we will do our absolute best to ensure:

1) Your paint job will last as long as possible

2) The project will not be compromised by easily avoidable weather conditions

3) Your job is completed on deadline, even if we have to begin several days early to rule out the chances extreme weather may delay the project

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House Painting is safe in the hot summer weather

2011-07-07T09:20:00.001-07:00

The beauty of hiring Absolute Painting is that we keep watch of all these factors for you! While some painting contractors would rush to get the job done, we are committed to only commencing with work when we know it is proper to do so. We check humidity levels, pay attention to the sky, and know the differences in the chemical compounds between brands. Benjamin Moore and Graham Ceramic are generally very durable products, and are requested by a majority of our customers. If you are on a tight schedule and can’t wait for ideal conditions, we may suggest Resilience by Sherwin Williams; this paint is specifically formulated to cure properly during higher humidity and low temperatures. If the day is extremely hot, we will either recommend painting in multiple layers of thin coats, or we will arrive early and stay late to take advantage of the cooler early morning and early evening times.

Since your goals are our goals, you can take heart that we will do our absolute best to ensure:

1) Your paint job will last as long as possible

2) The project will not be compromised by easily avoidable weather conditions

3) Your job is completed on deadline, even if we have to begin several days early to rule out the chances extreme weather may delay the project

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Risks of Pressure Washing a Deck

2011-06-27T11:01:00.001-07:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ There is a humorous commercial on Television showing a typical homeowner pressure washing his deck. While I don’t recall what they are actually marketing, the storyline has got the guy blasting almost everything on the deck over into the next yard. Certainly anybody who have ever made use of a pressure washer can relate to the image presented.

A lot of power washers are purchased each year with this usual job in mind. Although I’ve seen typical wood decks last for decades when cleaned and chemically treated on a yearly basis, the reality of the issue is that a number of decks are ruined each year as new power washer owners fire up their machines without paying sufficient attention to some essential points.

Pressure washing machines do just as you might expect from the name. They will produce a stream of water for washing at extremely high pressure. This helps you to save water in the long run as well as helps with cleaning a large number of surfaces. You will see a good number of gas powered pressure washers are capable of producing 3000 to 4000 PSI water pressure. That is a lot of water pressure and when focused in a small stream, it may cause a lot of harm in only seconds. Actually the newer electric power washer machines can create more then enough pressure for the owner to engrave his project before he realizes it.

Homeowners that want to reduce costs by not employing a pressure washing business can certainly finish up paying a lot more for repairs or worse yet, pay by hearing their mates “I told you so” for the next five years. Power washing a deck is certainly not brain surgery but some care is necessary when employing these machines to wash almost any solid wood surface.

Prevent unnecessary worry and costly damage to your deck and give us a call.

Source: fact-and-opinion.com

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Thinking about Power Washing and Pressure Cleaning your home

2011-06-24T17:03:00.001-07:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ Pressure washing may seem like something that's easily done to remove mildew and mold from your deck, patios and siding. However, many homeowners have found that there is quite a bit more involved than just renting a machine and blasting it off your property. Over the years it's become a skill that most homeowners have decided they don't have the time or patience to learn how to do it properly.

Since the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) started banning the use of pressure treated wood due to chromated copper arsenate (CCA), most people have decided to seal their wood decks as the EPA suggests to prevent the arsenic from leaching into the soil. Most homeowners use local companies to pressure wash their decks and siding to save valuable time and the expense of rental equipment and some prefer to do the job themselves on a hot summer day..

Unfortunately, many homeowners have tried using an unlicensed or inexperienced contractor offering a lower price, in some cases this may end up with the job uncompleted or worse, done improperly causing thousands of dollars in damage.

It will cost more time and money to find the right contractor for you but it could cost far more, to hire a company without the proper experience or to do the job yourself. For example, most people don't know that using household bleach to remove the mold and mildew from your deck will actually damage the woods lignin fibers. Or that too much pressure can also damage the woods surface and cause it to splinter or fur. To many companies have decided they could tackle it without the proper training and with most machines putting out an average of 3,000 PSI it can be dangerous to the operator and your property. Properly learning the techniques and training for cleaning wood takes time, training and a long-term investment, each deck or house is different and they all require special attention.

Pressure washing siding may seem safer to take on yourself but if you don't have the proper tools and experience it could cost far more than you intended as well. Some of the most common mistakes made by homeowners and contractors are trying to remove the powdery coating called oxidation on aluminum siding. Removing this coating can cause discoloration and in some cases cause the siding to look like a completely different color. Using too much pressure can also force water up behind the siding where it will cause mildew behind the siding or in some cases, blow the siding off the house! Washing the house from the top down or letting chemicals dry on the house, which may leave streaks on the siding. Using a ladder to clean the upper areas of a house can result in serious injuries and death from slipping off the ladder.

These are the types of mishaps that many people have when attempting to do a quick power washing of their home. If you decide to use a power washer on your home, we would be happy to tell you how to do the job safely and correctly or to find a reputable and experienced company.

Source: homeimprovementweb.com

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How To Prevent Mold On The Exterior Of The Home

2011-06-13T08:42:00.001-07:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ Mold on the exterior of your home is usually in the form of green moss. Since moss is a form of mold it can "deteriorate or eat up the outside of the home" according to Kevin Bristol President of Advance Mold Remediation. Mold can also make your house look dirty and old and wreak havoc on your paint job. This article will tell you how to get rid of mold on the exterior of your home and how to prevent its re-growth.

Mold is a dangerous thing to leave growing on or in your home. Not only is it dangerous for the structure of your home but also for your health. The health conditions that can result from being exposed to mold are headaches, asthma, allergies and more. "Green moss or [mold] can cause allergic reactions when touched, but not very many people have allergies to moss." states Bristol.

Bristol advises you to "buy a vinyl cleaner if you have vinyl siding or aluminum siding" to keep your home free of mold growth if you live in a mobile home. If your home is stucco or wood you also need to clean your home but may need to use a high power watersprayer. "Power washing companies will do it for as little as $100" states Bristol. "The exterior of your home should be cleaned at least once a year including the gutters if they constantly have water in them" advises Bristol. Bleach mixed with water can be used to spray on spots where mold is growing. You may need to use a scrub brush. Remember to wear gloves and face mask.

Mold can also grow on your roof which can damage the shingles. If you have trees hanging over onto the roof cut and trim them back. The leaves can hold a lot of moisture and this can cause mold and mildew. Spray the roof with a liquid bleach and water solution paying special attention to the rain gutters.

A wood deck or fence railing may have problems with mold growth. To prevent mold growth, scrub and clean the mold away and allow the surface to dry. Trim back trees and vegetation to keep the area dry and allow sunlight in. Paint the wood with a sealant to prevent further mold.

Mold will usually grow where there is excessive moisture on your home. Check the direction of the sprinkler spray and see if too much water is pooling around the base of your home. If you have a lot of shade trees and you live in a humid climate you will not get much sun to dry out and kill the mold. Consider trimming the trees to allow some sunlight on your home. Mold can grow if there is a lot of damp or excessive plant growth right up next to the house. If you space the plants out around the foundation to allow air flow to dry out the soil this will prevent mold. If the mold is really bad you can spray the area with a fungicide but this could kill your plants and be toxic to pets so be cautious and read the label.

Once you have cleaned up the mold you may consider repainting your house with a mildew-resistant paint.

Source: essortment.com

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How a House Painting Contractor can make our work easier?

2011-06-08T16:42:00.001-07:00

http://absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 Refurbishing and painting to your house is a hard-hitting task. Occasionally this task becomes very hectic and irresistible at many times. At this stage it becomes necessary to appoint a specialized House Painting Contractor. House Painting Contractor are highly trained in their work, they are outfitted with some special tools and techniques. Before hiring any professional House Painting Contractor you must accumulate all the information about his / her work in the market. The customer should know about the average price related to the demand of contractor is genuine or not.

If you are hiring any House Painting Contractor you must be familiar with certain points:

1.    Category and quantity for surface grounding.
2.    Type of paint brand to be used for painting.
3.    Approximated cost and number of coats to be used.
4.    Average period of time for initial and final painting dates.
5.    Are they affiliated to any professional organization.

A House Painting Contractor must provide guidelines to the customer for preventing and maintaining their houses after painting and renovation. Interior and exterior painting done by any professional House Painting Contractor will help in giving a new and fresh look to your house.

House painting is also very favorable towards understanding global warming and climate changing. The stunning paint colors and designs will help in hiding deficiency and imperfections in your flooring. There are numerous high quality paints available in the market that are used by House Painting Contractors to protect your doors and windows from high beam of sunlight.

A Portland OR House Painting Contractor is able to perform in variety of customs:

1.    Exterior house painting: It is one of the important parts of painting in residences, a contractor should use high quality of paints so that exterior painting should survive in all climatic conditions for a longer period of time.
2.    Pressure washing: Before doing the exterior house painting, formally pressure washing is to be done in which all dust and impurities are totally removed.
3.    Interior house painting: This painting is very similar to exterior one, the only difference is that it is to be done inside the house walls and surfaces.

There are many special type of paints available in the market e.g. watercolor paints, oil paints and acrylic paints. Among all these watercolor paint is fewer in cost and it doesn’t provide efficient results. Where as oil painting is the most expensive one, and it lasts for a longer period of time. Acrylic paint provides easier way to maintain among all of these paints.

Features of an ideal painting are:

1.    Surface should turn into lustrous.
2.    Surface must be standardized in nature and looks very striking.
3.    No climatic actions should effect over the surface.
4.    When surface is totally painted it should not show any cracks or defects.

House Painting Contractor may be very beneficial for you in terms of financial situations as it will increase the market value of your house. To give a new and fabulous look to your house, you need to engage with a House Painting Contractor so as to make your house fully renovated and glossy.

Source: sohachicago.com

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Portland Power Washing Customer Testimonial

2011-05-31T16:26:00.001-07:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ Absolute Painting & Power Washing Customer Review from Angie's List. We are a local family owned and operated business that has been providing the finest in painting and contracting services in the Portland/Vancouver metro area since 1995.

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The Best Spring Colors for Home Interior Paint Jobs

2011-05-20T16:19:00.001-07:00

http://absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 Spring time is already here and that calls for some changes in all aspects of our lives. After you indulge during Spring Break, it is time for some spring cleaning and new spring colors for your home. Out with the old and in with the new: fresh colors of 2011! Portland Oregon Paint contractors are ready to help you freshen up your home’s interior with a new coat of colors that match the season and your homes décor. A new paint job for the spring will add spaciousness and new life to your home.

Slight adjustments to your house’s color scheme can brighten up the rooms and make you feel as if your home is brand new again. Now is a perfect time to match your palette to the spring climate filling the air. Summer will be here sooner than you know it and the colors you choose now should keep your home cool, fresh, and breezy when the heat shows up. Your home is begging for “a new beginning” and the best way to grant its wish is by calling your favorite Portland OR interior painting contractor. A professional painter will be able to show you the new styles, match them to your furnishings, linens, and décor, and teach you the different benefits of each color palette.

Room Size – Small rooms will be overwhelmed if you use bold colors, but you can use tints of your favorite colors to get the shade you are looking for. Keep the bold and bright colors in your accessories so it compliments a softly shaded interior paint.

Spring Colors – Traditionally, bright colors have been connected to spring time and although they still work, slightly diluting the bright colors or using more neutral colors will be a better choice this year. Neutral brown, gray, beige, and white will still give your home a fresh look and allow you to interchange the décor accessories to match the upcoming seasons without changing paint. Light neutral colors will make your home seem more spacious and will almost always match your decorations easily. If you plan on painting a house, talk to professionals that can show you which interior paints will work best in your home.

Accessories – Spring time calls for bright and colorful rooms and since the walls are going to be painted neutral colors, you can go a little crazy with the linens, pillows, and furniture. Bright floral patterns and bold red, orange and yellow combinations will give your home the energy that comes along with spring time while the neutral paints work to open your home up.

Source:johnsanday.com

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Portland-OR-Paint-Contractors

2011-05-17T16:38:00.001-07:00

Portland-OR-Paint-Contractors.wmv Watch on Posterous

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Vancouver Paint Contractor - Deck Construction Testimonial

2011-05-02T08:25:00.001-07:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ Demolished and disposed of previous 650 sq ft deck. Designed and built a new 700 sq ft deck of tight-knot cedar, incorporating a six-foot railing to keep my two cats inside. Chris Miller of Absolute Painting designed a railing consisting of alternate panels of cedar slats, separated by glass panels to take advantage of the fact that my property backs to an acre of green space.

Member Comments:

Chris Miller is an amazing man! He listened to what I had in mind, designed the deck from scratch, put up with my repetitive questions, answered my concerns, obtained all necessary permits, hand dug the many footings, placed all the trusses, built the deck, ordered and installed the glass paneling, adjusted the cedar railing slats after we discovered that cats CAN get through a 2.75" space, and otherwise just did a fantastic job--all of it working by himself, and much of it in temperatures of 105-107 degrees! He also did many repairs that were discovered to be necessary as we went along, including replacing a 10-foot section of cedar siding. I can't say enough about Chris's work or his work ethic. He was simply fantastic, and also a really nice guy. If you need deck work or general carpentry, you can't do better than to consider Chris for the job. He's exceptional, and I'm honored to have had him work on this project for me.

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Know How To Extend The Life Of Your Property

2011-04-21T09:09:00.001-07:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ The following are tips to extend the life and value of your property.

Inspect your roof for damaged and/or loose shingles.
Inspect flashing around chimneys and vents, don’t forget to check your drip edge for any damage.
Clean your gutters, downspouts and inspect them for any damage. After cleaning your gutters run some water in them to make sure they are flowing properly and that they are directing water away from your foundation.
Inspect your fascia and soffit. Replace any soft or rotted boards, as they will allow water intrusion into your home.
Inspect your exterior painted surfaces for loose, flaking and/or peeling paint. Failing paint on exterior wood surfaces will lead to wood rot, as there is nothing to protect your wood surfaces from the elements.
Inspect the caulk around your exterior doors, windows, corners and any place there is a joint. Caulking your exterior surfaces properly will also prevent water intrusion, AC/Heat loss, drafts and insects from entering your house.
Trim branches and shrubs away from your home. Branches and shrubs can provide a pathway for insects, cause excess moisture to rot your exterior surfaces and/or enter your home and also cause mold/mildew to develop which is not healthy to you and your family.
Pickup any branches that may have fallen during the winter and remove dead branches from trees to prevent them from falling and causing damage to your home, car or bodily injury.
Inspect asphalt and exterior masonry surfaces for cracks that can cause further damage, water intrusion and cost you more money in the end by not repairing and/or waterproofing these surfaces now.
The spring time is perfect for pressure washing your homes exterior and decks, removing dirt, dust, debris, mold and mildew.

Now that you have a list of some preventative maintenance for the exterior of your home, let’s move inside to the interior and do some maintenance.

Check around tubs, showers, sinks, countertops and water faucets to ensure proper caulking. Improper caulk in these areas will lead to water intrusion, damaging drywall, cabinets, floors, etc. This is also a good time to inspect any areas that are tiled for damaged, cracked tile or bad grout.
Inspect and clean your HVAC filter monthly, replace as needed.
Check and clean your clothes dryer vent and stove hood.
If you have a coiled back refrigerator, vacuum the coils.
Give your home a good spring cleaning from top to bottom, this will promote better air quality.
Check you’re A/C before the real hot weather comes.
Check smoke and/or carbon monoxide detector batteries.

The above tips are just a few things to check to keep your home running and looking great. Make your self a check list and you can add to it, as not everything is mentioned here.

Source: house-painting-info.com

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Fresh Ideas to Enhance Your Home

2011-04-08T08:58:00.001-07:00

http://absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 Fresh ideas to enhance your home from your paint to your landscaping. Household tips to help sell your home or just create neighborhood buzz and have the best house on the block.

Enhance curb appeal

First impressions are lasting impressions. That's why the appearance of your home's exterior - its curb appeal - is critical when merchandising your home. An inviting exterior entices prospective buyers to step inside with a "this could be ours" attitude.

Evaluate your home's curb appeal by surveying your lawn, landscaping, paint, entryway, roof and gutters, windows and lighting. Note id there are some areas that could be improved to make your home look its best.

Painting pays off

A new coat of paint can do wonders to restore a home's appeal. Is your exterior paint cracking, peeling or chipping? A top-quality job of scraping, filling holes, priming and a fresh coat of paint will increase your home's market value.

Choose neutral colors appropriate for the style of your home and that blend in well in your neighborhood. And consider the color of your roof when choosing paint color.

Roof repair

Leaking roofs and damaged downspouts and gutters signal that the home hasn't been well-cared for. So now is the time to repair these problems! Once the roof is repaired, patch and paint the ceiling inside so buyers won't worry about roof problems.

Make a grand entrance

A neat, cheerful front entry extends a friendly invitation into your home. Paint the door and trim and polish or add new hardware and a decorative knocker. Or consider adding a more stylish front door that complements the architectural elements and decorative details of your entryway, inside and out.

In addition, details such as a working doorbell, a new doormat, pots of fresh flowers on the porch and a freshly painted mailbox add a warm, welcoming touch.

Let your home shine, even at night, by installing a decorative light post or accent lighting. Be sure the lighting illuminates your entrances, walkways and drive. And turn on all the outdoor lights when your home is being shown.

Clean windows have never been so important! Make sure that your interior and exterior windows are spotless and that your screens and storm windows are in good condition.

If the garage is a focal point in the front of your home, take a serious look at it. A new paint job may breathe new life into it. A new paint job may breathe new life into it. But if the door is bent or rusted, or if it droops, sags or wobbles, installing a new garage door may be the best solution.

Basic outdoor maintenance counts

A well-manicured lawn and attractive landscape plantings enhance your home's curb appeal. Mow, water and fertilize the lawn regularly. Remove dandelions and other weeds that are visible to the eye. Keep crisp edging lines between your lawn, drive and walkways and be sure to pull grass from between the cracks.

Since scraggly shrubs and bushes detract from your home, trim and prune trees, shrubs and hedges.

Your walkway and drive also affect prospective buyers' perceptions of your home. Sweep them claen of all debris. Repair broken asphalt or cement and pull weeds from cracks. If you have a fence, repair, repaint or stain as necessary.

Landscape for a luxurious look

Landscaping (or lack of it) can have a powerful impact on potential buyers and how they view the "total package" of your home. Simple, inexpensive planting projects are often all it takes to perk up a landscape.

If you need assistance in planning your landscape, hire a professional landscape designer to prepare a customized plan that you can easily implement before putting your home on the market.

Flowers for impact

Colorful flowers in your front yard also enhance your home's curb appeal. If you're short on garden space, brighten the exterior with pots of blooming plants or flowering annuals near your front entrance or along your drive and walkway. In addition, a window box full of flowers is an inexpensive way to add an accent of color to your home's exterior.

Foliage adds color

Trees, shrubs or hedges add a finishing touch to your landscape with color and detail. Plants come in several shades of green - add impact by combing different types. Keeping the foliage trimmed and pruned will also contribute to the overall well-maintained look of your home.

Add beauty to the backyard

If you have a deck, patio, porch or other outdoor entertainment area such as a pool or hot tub, make the most of it. Keep these areas, as well as your backyard, clean and clutter-free; put debris in covered trash cans.

Carry your landscapes plan into your backyard - attractive arrangements of flowers, shrubs and trees invite potential buyers to linger awhile and enjoy the beauty of your backyard.

Give your backyard a finishing touch with the addition of stepping stones, a birdbath or a bench under a stand of trees.

Merchandising tips

- Take photos of outstanding landscape features - a brilliantly blooming tree or snow lingering on pine trees - to show the beauty of your landscaping in all seasons.

- Put fresh nark or crushed stone around trees, shrubs or hedges.

- If you are an absentee seller, make arrangements for lawn care and snow removal.

- Remove oil marks from driveway and garage floor.

- Polish hardware and exterior light fixtures. Install the highest-wattage bulbs allowed.

- Put away lawn equipment and gardening tools.

- Replace your house numbers if needed.

- Clean gutters and downspouts. Straighten and repaint if necessary

Source: dobrien.com

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24 Days of RAIN! Help your lawn through it.

2011-03-30T09:42:00.001-07:00

http://absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 We've had 24 consecutive days of rain. Now THAT is wet. Water is necessary for a healthy, grassy, lawn. However, too much water for long periods of time can be devastating to lawn grass and create prime opportunities for lawn moss to take over. Fix a chronically soggy lawn by increasing sunlight on the lawn, over-seeding the lawn with grass seed, creating drainage pathways around the lawn, and by planting low-level shrubs around the lawn area.

1. Trim back trees, branches, and limbs that hang over the lawn to allow more sunlight on the lawn area. Increasing sunlight will promote the growth of grass and help to dry out excessive moisture on the lawn.

2. Over-seed the entire soggy lawn area. Grass absorbs moisture from the soil. By increasing the density of grass on the lawn, more water will be soaked up by the grass roots.

3. Add lawn lime over the grass seeds. Lime will soak into the topsoil, balancing the pH level and promoting the growth of grass.

4. Dig a shallow, 3-inch to 6-inch rectangular ditch with a shovel on the uphill side the lawn. Extend the ditch perpendicularly past the edge of the lawn. Fill the ditch with small rocks to facilitate water drainage around the lawn area.

5. Plant small shrubs around the perimeter of the lawn. The shrubs will soak up water that would otherwise drain into the lawn area.

Source: eHow.com

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We will help you choose your exterior colors

2011-03-25T09:22:00.001-07:00

1. http://absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928

SStyle is everything. Some styles, like Victorian, lend themselves to elaborate multi-color schemes. Others, like Georgian or Colonial, are better suited to two or three colors.

2. What won’t be painted? Consider the colors of things that won’t be painted such as roofs, wood, masonry, or stone.

3. Get nosey about your neighbors. Examine the color of surrounding homes. How do you want your home to stand out?

4. Maintenance minded? Intense colors are more likely to fade. They absorb heat and are more affected by moisture than lighter hues. And when you need to touch it up, it’s difficult to match.

5. Follow the rules. Some communities actually have restrictions on color palettes. Be sure to consult your community or homeowners association to see if such rules apply.

6. Buy the best. We will use the best paint that will withstand the elements better than a cheaper type and in the long run may actually save money. The same goes for brushes and rollers.

There are many reasons why you may be considering repainting the exterior of your home. Perhaps you are trying to sell your house, your original exterior paint is fading or damaged, or you may just be in the mood for a new look for your home.

New paint can add curb appeal to your house, and if selling, a new coat of paint on the exterior will have a tremendous effect on the value of your home. Remember that, in addition to increased house value, the value of your entire neighborhood will rise with a new exterior paint job.

Choosing the correct paint colors will be critical in determining the final outcome of your decision. In other words, taking the time to consider the effects of your color choices can be the difference between a stunning home and a tacky house.

Color Popularity and Rankings

According to a recent survey conducted by the Rohm & Hass Paint Quality Institute, the most popular color choice of homes across America is white or off-white. Second is beige, tan, or brown with 28% of people claiming those colors as their home’s colors. Next is gray, followed by blue, then green and yellow. Coming in last on the list is red and pink.

A similar study conducted by Realty Time Magazine offers slightly different results, with white again having the majority of votes, but followed by gray, then blue, tan/brown, cream, beige, green, yellow, and red in last again. It may be obvious that white is the most common color, because white is actually the color with the most shades (even though white is not actually a color, but a neutral).

Absolute Painting will help you choose your exterior colors!!!

Prominent Colors of Your Home

There are many factors to take into account when deciding on new colors for the exterior of your home. Firstly, consider the colors that will be remaining on your home, such as the roof color, decks, or any brick or stone walls or structures. Narrow your options first by finding out which colors will go well with these prominent, fixed features.

Surrounding Neighborhood

Next, be sure to take into consideration the rest of the neighborhood. It is typically a good idea to stay within the same relevant context of colors as your neighbors. Remember that your home’s color scheme will have a direct effect on the value of your neighborhood.

In fact, some restricted communities, homeowner’s associations, and historical neighborhoods may have restrictions on what colors you may paint your home, so be sure to research any constraints your community may have.

Source: housepaintcolorschemes.com

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Interior Paint Colors for Spring For Your Portland Home

2011-03-16T08:55:00.001-07:00

http://absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 With the holidays ending and a new year beginning, most of us are starting to get anxious for spring to arrive. With the new season, many of us choose to freshen up our houses with new looks. For many, this might mean new furniture, new carpeting or my favorite, a fresh coat of paint. Painting is great because it tells a story about the feeling you are trying to create in your house. A new coat of paint can transform the look and feeling of any room, to say whatever it is you want.

Here are five choices of paint colors for this spring that can make tremendous statements in your home. And once you have picked that great paint color give us a call and our professional team of highly skilled painters will give you the fresh new look in any part of your home, or if your just so overwhelmed by the millions of color choices and cant choose call us and we would be happy to give suggestions and even go buy the paint for you so you dont have to go through the stress of painting your home. Our professional paint crew will be there for you from start to finish.

Egyptian Nile- This paint is actually featured on their homepage as I am writing this. This is a darker, smoky shade of green that gives any room a distinguished look.

Soft Heather- The soft tone of this very light shade of lavender and purple mix is great for redecorating the bathroom or laundry room. Its even soft enough for bedrooms. This color has staying power and will long be fashionable.

Summer Harvest- A very pasty, soft yellow shade, Summer Harvest is bright enough to give you that first smile of the morning without having to squint when you see it. All yellows are great for moral and to help keep our spirits up. This is a great color for welcoming in spring and saying goodbye to the winter blues.

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Flowers that Compliment your House Color

2011-03-10T10:56:00.001-08:00

http://absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928

When homeowners consider planting flowers, it is always very important to take into consideration the color of the property. After all, planting bright red roses around a red brick house might defeat the purpose of growing flowers in the first place. For those with gray homes that are perhaps looking for lively flowers that could complement their residence, several beneficial options exist.

Dahlia

Dahlias are diverse perennials that come in all different colors and shapes. The flowers appear in every color under the sun, with the exception of blue. For an understated gray house, vibrant dahlias can help to add a touch of vitality and energy. The plants can be as short as 1 foot in height, to as tall as 8 feet. Dahlias work best when they are grown under full sun and can manage with the majority of different soil types.

Lily of the Valley

The lily of the valley (convallaria majalis) is a subtle and elegant white flower that works well with gray due to its bright, white appearance. In rare instances, the flowers can be a pale pink. The flowers are sweetly fragrant. For those that are seeking minimalistic flowers to complement gray houses, lilies of the valley should do the trick. The plants thrive when grown in partial shade, although they can tolerate full sun. Rich soil is recommended.

Carnation

Carnations are sweetly feminine flowers that work well when combined with gray. Carnations are generally a deep purplish pink in color, however, other varieties of the flowers have been developed, with diverse colors including yellow, white, red and green. The herbaceous perennials function the best in soil that is well fertilized, well drained and rich. Full sun is necessary for successful cultivation and growth of carnations.

Hibiscus

Tropical hibiscus flowers have a vibrant appearance, and can help to inject vitality into the surroundings of gray houses. Hibiscus flowers are big and shaped similarly to trumpets, and appear in the colors red, pink and white. In rarer instances, hibiscus flowers can be orange, purple or yellow in color. The natural growing condition for the flowers is swampy. However, they also do very well when grown in dry soil.

Poppy

The poppy is a cheerful flower that could help bring a cheerful atmosphere to the garden of a gray house. Poppies, which are known in Latin as papavers, are annual flowers that appear in white, pink and red. The flowers grow successfully with well drained and moist soil, as well as full sun.

Source: eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_7369178_flowers-compliment-gray-house.html#ixzz1GDxY...

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Your Portland House Painting Specials Going On NOW!!!

2011-03-03T09:44:00.001-08:00

http://absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 In celebration of our 15 year anniversary we have our lowest interior painting prices in 15 years now until April 30th, 2011!

Early Bird Exterior Painting Special(SAVE $500!):

Call us to schedule a free bid before April 30th and save $500* off your exterior painting. *Valid on exterior painting over $2500 and cannot be combined with any other offers. Work must be done by August 30th, 2011.

Interior Painting Special:
$399*(Save $150) for painting two rooms. (not valid with any other offers. Price includes walls only and one gallon of paint per room. Rooms must be 120 square feet or less and must be 9' ceilings or shorter.) *Ceilings, woodwork and closets will cost extra. Dark colors and extra paint will cost extra

Free 1 hour Color Consultation available to all of our customers($149 value). Provided by our Expert Designer Beth Hall.

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Spruce up the look and feel of your home

2011-02-24T07:50:00.001-08:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com We take great pride in our ability to deliver the finest quality interior paint jobs. The most important part of the work is protecting your home and its belongings. We go to great lengths to protect your valuables, flooring and any other non painted surfaces. Our prep work is second to none in the industry and you will feel confident when you see how we work.

When we provide your bid for interior painting we will discuss the products we use and give you many options for low and zero voc paints. Our color expert Beth Hall is available for a free color consultation to help you choose the perfect color. She will also help you choose the right sheen of paint for each area.

Our painters are all highly trained professionals that have many years of experience with interior painting. We are fully licensed, bonded and insured and carry full workers compensation on all employees. Spruce up the look and feel of your home and call us today.

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Michael Hughes

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Most Promising Color Candidates for your Portland Home

2011-02-23T07:20:00.001-08:00

http://absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 Color psychology is an interesting aspect of exterior or interior painting, but don't worry about 'getting it right' - it's definitely not an exact science. Still, research does show that we all share some basic responses to color. So when you set out to decorate or paint your home, color psychology can provide you with the most promising color candidates for the effects you want to achieve.

Here are some general guidelines for applying the psychology of color interior design and decorating:

Saturated colors from the yellow/orange/red section of the color wheel tend to raise our energy levels, while colors from theblue/green section calm us down, both physically and emotionally.
This is not always true for less saturate shades/tints of these colors. Look at the picture below and test it for yourself: How do you respond to this vibrant, put-your-eyes-out geranium red, compared to the muted brick red (with yellow, brown and gray in it)? And what's your take on that bubble-gum pink?
Neutral color schemes are generally found relaxing (and boring, by some - it does take a bit of practice to make a neutral color scheme look stylish.) Click here for ideas on how to create neutral color palettes - they can work in any room in the house.
Dark colors generally make a room feel smaller; it doesn't really matter if they are 'warm' or 'cool' colors. (On the other hand, it takes more than light wall color to make a room seem larger than it is.)
Some color combinations are loved almost universally; for example, blue combined with neutrals (blue is the majority's favorite color). For more information about creating great color schemes, check out the articles about Choosing Color Schemesand finding the Best Paint Color(s).

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House Painting Color Personality For Your Portland Home

2011-02-17T08:42:00.001-08:00

http://absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 Without ever being aware, colors can affect our moods and how we function while viewing them. By learning how colors work, you can choose color schemes for your home to reflect your family’s personality.

Calming:

Classic and cool, blue has the ability to lower blood pressure and make you feel at ease. Nothing is more peaceful for a bedroom. However, beware of grayish blues which are usually too cold for comfort. Deeper hues leaning toward red or green are warmer and more welcoming.

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Make Your Home Look & Feel Great With Interior Design, Its That Simple

2011-02-14T09:17:00.001-08:00

http://absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 Does your home make you feel happy, energized, and at the same time bring you peace? Or, do you feel unhappy, depressed, or distressed in your home, and you don't know why?

Many people design and decorate their home following traditional interior design methods only to feel unsatisfied with the results. Perhaps you've repainted, reduced clutter, and updated your home, but you still feel something is missing. It's time you learn the principles of Design Psychology so you can purposefully choose design elements that promote positive emotions and well-being.

Imagine revisiting the most memorable, joy-filled home you've had the pleasure of spending time in. What made this home special to you? The people who lived there? Were they happy, enthusiastic, and enjoying life? What features in the home and furnishings instilled joyful memories in you?

Envision your own joy-filled home. What feelings does this home conjure in your imagination? Do you seek joy and happy activities? Or, do you yearn for peace, tranquility, and rest?

We want our homes to provide and promote comfort, relaxation, inspiration, refreshment, laughter, and happy moments. You can intentionally design your home to foster joyful feelings when you apply the principles of Design Psychology. How? Choose design details, such as lighting, colors, patterns, textures, and furnishings specifically to support your emotional needs.

First, jot down the activities you desire to take place in your rooms. Second, make a list of the feelings you want to support in your specific spaces. Contact Beth Girgen Hall for expert consulting and make your home look and feel great.

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Kids wont know its Healthy

2011-01-25T08:57:00.001-08:00

http://absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 Your kids dont have to know they are eating just little bit healthier.

KIDS MINI PIZZAS (with hidden spinach!)

Ingredients

1 bag of fresh spinach
Mozzarella cheese
Pizza sauce

Steam spinach in a microwave-safe dish, with a few teaspoons of water. Puree spinach and mix with pizza sauce. Place over pizza crust and cover with cheese. Bake in the oven (or toaster oven) at 350 degrees for 3-7 minutes.

*You can use English Muffins or Pre-made pizza crust from the store.

*The kids can use a cookie cutter to cut their size of pizza dough.

Absolute Painting & Power Washing

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300 billion star and YET!

2011-01-24T09:04:00.001-08:00

http://absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 Tell a man there are 300 billion stars in the universe and he'll believe you. Tell him a bench has wet paint on it and he'll have to touch it to be sure. ~Murphy's Law

Absolute Painting & Power Washing

house painting portland, portland house painting, exterior painting, driveway, power washing

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Life is Hard

2011-01-21T10:07:00.001-08:00

When I hear somebody sigh, "Life is hard," I am always tempted to ask, "Compared to what?"
- Sydney J. Harris

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Absolute Painting 2010 Angie's List Super Service Award!

2011-01-18T09:13:00.001-08:00

www.angieslist.com

Company X Earns Coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award

Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

Company X has been awarded the prestigious 2010 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the companies rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies.

“Our Super Service Award winners are the cream of the crop when it comes to providing consistently high quality customer service, as judged by the customers who hired them,” said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List.

INSERT COMPANY INFORMATION AND QUOTE

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their customers and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List, but members can find the 2010 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

###

Angie’s List collects consumer reviews on local contractors and doctors in more than 500 service categories. Currently, more than 1 million consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them make the best hiring decisions. Members get unlimited access to local ratings via Internet or phone, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine and help from the Angie’s List complaint resolution service. Take a quick tour of Angie’s List and view the latest Angie’s List news.

Absolute Painting & Power Washing

house painting portland, portland house painting, exterior painting, driveway, power washing

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Rainy Day Activity

2011-01-13T09:51:00.001-08:00

Spend some quality family time together with a classic board game. Whether you are snapping up real estate in Monopoly or resisting the tempting treats in Candy Land, playing board games are a great way to spend a leisurely day at home.

Absolute Painting & Power Washing

house painting portland, portland house painting, exterior painting, driveway, power washing

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Referral WEB Only Special:

2011-01-12T13:41:00.001-08:00

http://absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 Referrals are the best compliment we can ever receive from our customers. Refer any friend or family member to us and recieve a $50 gift card to Stanfords Restaurant. Your friend or family member will receive 25% off of any work they have us perform by February 28th. Not to be combined with any other offers.

Absolute Painting & Power Washing

house painting portland, portland house painting, exterior painting, driveway, power washing

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Prepare for Spring

2011-01-12T11:57:00.001-08:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ In the spring time when your lawn breaks out of the winter dormancy stage, another year of lawn mowing begins. If your followed any of our winter lawn care tips you've probably got nice, thick, green grass to tend to. Here's a quick guide on mowing your grass to keep your lawn in tip top shape all year long.

http://www.lawncareguide.org/lawn-care-basics/lawn-mowing/everything-you-need-to-know-about-lawn-mowing/#more-18

Absolute Painting & Power Washing

house painting portland, portland house painting, exterior painting, driveway, power washing

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Resolution or NO Resolution

2011-01-03T10:40:00.001-08:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 The most common New Years Resolution is.....Spend more time with family and friends. What is your New Years Resolution?

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Painting Yourself for the New Year

2010-12-28T09:36:00.001-08:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 Face painting is a fun way to ring in the new year. You can paint your face for a New Year's Eve party, or a New Year's Day parade, or just for family fun at home, and you can pretty much paint any design to celebrate New Year's Eve. Below are some links to give you just a few ideas on what type of face painting designs you can try to help celebrate New Year's Eve.

Go HERE to read the full article>>>

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Spruce up YOUR Holiday!!!

2010-12-15T09:18:00.001-08:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 We are experts in interior and exterior painting. The holidays is the perfect time to enhance your holiday decorations by having us paint the inside of your home. Spruce up your holiday with paint!

Absolute Painting & Power Washing

house painting portland, portland house painting, exterior painting, driveway, power washing

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Absolute Special Coupon

2010-12-06T12:30:00.001-08:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 "We Guarantee You'll Be A Satisfied Customer" - Mike Hughes, Owner. Be on the lookout for our yellow page coupon of 20% off any paint job!

Absolute Painting & Power Washing

house painting portland, portland house painting, exterior painting, driveway, power washing

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Painting on a Budget

2010-12-06T11:43:00.001-08:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 We treat our customers with respect no matter the cost.

Click here to download:
MOV010.wmv (5114 KB)

http://www.absolutepainters.com/

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Stress of a Slippery Holiday - Relief

2010-12-06T11:35:00.001-08:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 Have us power wash your deck and relieve your stress of a slippery holiday!

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Absolute Painting Quote of the Day!!!

2010-12-02T13:54:00.001-08:00

~ Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome. ~ AA

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Untitled

2010-12-02T13:50:00.001-08:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 Have us power wash your deck and relieve your stress of a slippery holiday!

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DIY Cons

2010-12-02T13:46:00.001-08:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 DIY Interior Painting is more than just a pain in the neck......Think of all the time, money, and energy wasted just trying to find the perfect color for your room. Give us a call and we will have our professional color consultant relieve you of those pains so you can enjoy your professionally painted room for the holidays

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Winter Specials

2010-12-02T13:43:00.001-08:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 Keep on the look out for our winter specials to spruce and warm up your home this holiday season

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Lights, Lights, Lights.....and Lights

2010-12-02T13:40:00.001-08:00

Are you over zealous in your holiday decorations or know someone who is?

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Absolute Painters Construction Project: Starbucks

2010-12-02T13:34:00.001-08:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 Call us now for a quote on any construction project you have and receive a $20 Starbucks gift card with your bid if you call before December 31st. Must mention this special when you call. You will also receive 10% off the entire project which includes deck construction, fence construction, siding repairs or replacement, remodeling or any other home repairs you may need.

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Better to Learn than Regret

2010-11-18T12:48:00.001-08:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com/ 503-330-4928 As we set out on this ever-important mission to paint my mother’s house, we felt confident in a smooth and efficient victory.

Ignoring the advice of my brother, we chose not to employ an exterior house painting contractor to do the work for us, believing we were in this way saving time and money. After purchasing all of the supplies, we jumped into the project. By doing so we ignored another part of advice handed down from my brother: plan accordingly and anticipate problems before they happen if at all possible. With such a crack team of painters that included a substitute middle school teacher, the local barber and that guy who speed walks every evening wearing only blue jeans, we felt confident that we would be able to take on the project with no problems. Two spilled buckets of paint and a few changes of clothes later, we were running to the phone to call that exterior house painting contractor.

The exterior house painting contractor showed up the next day, skilled team in hand, as well as finished the job we had sort of started. I guess I had to learn the hard way of the value of a professional job. After experiencing that for myself, I now have a new found respect for the skill it actually takes to paint a house.

Many people choose to take on projects that are too large for their own good. They frequently end up paying the price, in both cash and headaches. I was one of these guilty people who chose to paint their home themselves with no real experience or training, but now I believe that hiring a professional is the only way to go.

A home painting contractor came to my house, did the work efficiently and effectively and left a beautiful house behind. Showing up on time everyday, working quickly and possessing genuine honesty are all values of a good contractor and finding a team willing to adhere to all of these values made the process go much more smoothly than lots of anticipate when hiring a home painting contractor. Many don’t trust others to work on their home, as they have heard of one or two negative experiences that relatives, friends or neighbors have had in the past. The solution to these problems is pretty simple actually: don’t employ these contractors and look for painters with positive reviews.

My mind was at ease with the smart employ I had made. Not only did the painting team show up on time the two days they were working, they were very respectful and polite to my property and me. There were no unsightly tire marks on the lawn after the job was complete and no spilled paint on my grass awaiting my cat to lick it up.

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2010-10-20T09:18:00.001-07:00

Celebrate our 15 year ANNIVERSARY! Go to our website and checkout our online specials.

Absolute Painting 15 year ANNIVERSARY!!!!

2010-10-20T09:08:00.001-07:00

Celebrate our 15 year ANNIVERSARY! Go to our website and checkout our online specials.

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Discounting will start early this Christmas season

2010-10-19T07:08:00.001-07:00

http://www.absolutepainters.com MONEY-SAVING MOMENT: Retailers are trembling with fear about this Christmas selling season because of the continuing weak economy. As a result, many discounts are appearing right now.

On the toy front, Wal-Mart is launching a toy sale right now and it's only mid-October! There will be a variety of toys on sale, though there's no disclosure about exactly how many toys will be discounted. But you can expect Wal-Mart's early aggressive discounts to be about 30 to 40 percent off the list price.

Meanwhile, Target will be putting half of all toys on sale in a typical week in the coming weeks. And Toys "R" Us is opening 600 pop-ups in vacant stores across the country to create more competition.

Having three players in a market is what really shakes things up in capitalism. Wal-Mart and Target have long ruled the toy roost. But Toys "R" Us is under new leadership and now they're roaring back into the race. The introduction of the third player will create a significant market share fight this Christmas.

Also, retailers already placed orders for upcoming Christmas stock at the start of this year, back when they were expecting a stronger economy. So the inventory of electronics, clothing, toys and giftware of all kinds is already baked in the cake. That makes the discounts inevitable, considering the sustained weak economic climate.

That's why it might make sense, if you can afford it, to buy toys now on promotion, rather than wait for the few weeks before Christmas as most people traditionally do.

Absolute Painting & Power Washing

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