Apex National Decorators

Plaster Accents for Home and Business

The task of making a home or business stand out from the rest has no specific formula. What can be a challenge, however, can turn into a bit of fun if you take advantage of the wide variety of tools at your disposal. The eye-pleasing goal of designing (or renovating) a space doesn’t only concern itself with aesthetics, it also concerns itself with what you want to communicate about your home and business. We most recently discussed plaster and faux finishes, as well as wallpaper, but a variety of moldings and trims can also help add some visual interest and depth of character to an otherwise standard space.

Trims and Moldings – Floors and Ceilings

Floor moldings have become standard issue material in new home construction in the last two decades and a customary add-on to older home renovation projects. Usually crafted from wood (the ornate plaster moldings are generally more fragile, and reserved for use along the ceiling), they function as an aesthetic design choice to conceal the joints of carpet and wall, or cover the gaps between hardwood floors and wall space. This also helps to lend a cleaner look to the room, preventing gaps that quickly accumulate dust and dirt. While usually serving a pure decorative purpose, ceiling trims can add a charm and sophistication to any room, evoking ultra-modern design or traditional Italian finishes, depending on the desired cut. Lightweight and easy to install, the plaster construction allows for a variety of intricate (and custom) designs, including specialized corner pieces. When used in conjunction with an elegant faux wall finish and floor moldings, the room is brought together with a professional, finished look lacking in most move-in-ready spaces.

Using Plaster Work in Your Space

The fine finished look of plaster work doesn’t just have to be confined to ceiling moldings. The wide variety of moldings available, coupled with plaster’s natural ability to allow for intricate designs, gives you the leeway to further enhance your space with simple, yet visually powerful, accents and wall accessories. While you are truly only limited by your imagination, two popular choices for incorporating plaster moldings in design include niches and fireplace mantles. Many structures, especially homes, are crafted with built-in niches that, while pleasant, lack any aesthetic emotion. This can be drastically changed by choosing a modern, Old World, or classical plaster molding that can then be accessorized with the placement of photographs, antiques, or potted plants. A plaster mantle molding surrounds the fireplace for a multi-dimensional look that replaces the typical tile surround. On our next blog we will discuss how to make minor repairs to the plaster finishes in your home and business as well as how to keep them looking their best!

Choosing the Right Paint

In our earlier review of wall finishes, we discussed the different applications of wallpaper, paint and faux painting. Each of these types of finishes help to create a different look and feel of your home and office space, but this can be further broken down when it comes to paint finishes. The options to create the right look vary in their flat or glossy appearance. These different types of paint are also important to consider when it comes to deciding how much wear and tear the wall surface will be exposed to, which requires different levels of cleaning and durability.

Flat and Satin Paints

When selecting paint you will see different grades: flat, satin, semi-gloss and glossy. Flat paints are the most common, but may not always be the best choice for high-traffic areas. The matte finish of this paint absorbs, rather than reflects, light. Muted in appearance, this can be a great option for walls that have recently been stripped of wallpaper or have minor defects, as the imperfections will not be as obvious. The downside of this is that flat paint has the shortest lifespan of all the paint types due to its reduced durability. This may not be the best choice for walls that require regular cleaning. A good middle-ground for high-traffic area walls with imperfections is satin paint; while it does absorb some light, it still has matte characteristics (the shininess of an eggshell is a common comparison to satin paint). The amount of protection and durability here is not as great as semi-gloss or glossy paints, but is a large improvement on flat paint; this is the most common type of wall paint seen in coffee shops and restaurants.

Semi-Gloss and Gloss Paints

A popular option when you want to make your walls pop out and add character to a space, semi-gloss and gloss offer great protection and durability. The longest-lasting of all the paint types, it can easily be cleaned and scrubbed without damage. Conversely, the downside of these two paint types is that they expose wall or wood imperfections; this is due to the abundant amount of light absorbed by the glossy nature of the finishes. When choosing between these options, be sure to consider how the space will be used and the exposure of the walls to needs for frequent cleaning. If you are unsure, Apex National Decorators is a great resource for ensuring your design is well-suited to your environment and is lasting. Give us a call!

Maintaining Your Wall Finishes

In our last two blog entries, we examined the various types of wall finishes. A common topic that comes up about wall finishes is maintenance and proper repair. All walls are subject to dirt, contaminants, etc… and can be properly cleaned and maintained on a regular basis to maintain their luster. Wallpaper and wall murals are two types of wall finishes that raise the most questions when it comes to proper care. The investment in these types of finishes is more costly, so it’s important to protect and maintain  these finishes; looking new for an extended time period.

Cleaning painted surfaces

Maintenance cleaning is vital to the overall service life of a painted surface. However, when selecting a cleaner, be sure to use a non-abrasive cleaner. If cleaning a waterborne paint, avoid products that are ammoniated. Mild, soapy water will generally suffice.  However, always test the cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area to ensure that it does not damage the paint film.

Cleaning Wallcoverings

As with any quality product, proper care and maintenance will extend the useful life of your vinyl wallcovering and help maintain its original beauty and finish. The following general cleaning instructions will serve as a guide to normal cleaning maintenance.

Vinyl wallcovering should be washed regularly enough to prevent dirt and grime from accumulating, and to maintain the original beauty of the vinyl. Depending on traffic (light, medium, heavy), vinyl should be washed from once to two or three times a year.

Materials, which could potentially stain the wallcovering, should be removed as quickly as possible to eliminate any possible reaction between the staining agent and the wallcovering. Time is especially important for removing materials containing colours or solvents such as ballpoint pen ink, shampoo, tints and some foodstuffs. If soil remains on the wallcovering too long, permanent discoloration may develop.

It should be noted that vinyl wallcoverings should not be sprayed with wax or other protective coatings. Such applications would only tend to discolour the material, and, in any case, would offer little protection.

How to Clean Vinyl Wallcovering

Routine Dirt and Grime – Wash wallcovering with a low frothing detergent (a mild dishwashing liquid) in warm water. Clean from the bottom of the wall upward. Rinse thoroughly with clean warm water, from top down, using a sponge. Change water frequently. Deeply embossed wallcoverings need extra attention to remove suds or loosened dirt from depressed surfaces. Dry wallcoverings with soft, lint free cloth or towel.

Severe Dirt Conditions – Scrub wallcovering with a low frothing detergent in warm water, using a soft bristle-brush. Clean from the bottom of the wall upward. Remove the soap residue by patting with a damp sponge. The wall should be rinsed with clean water.

Not recommended for cleaning are powdered abrasive cleaners or steel wool, as they may mar the surface, causing an unsightly appearance.

DO NOT USE ACTIVE SOLVENT TYPE CLEANING PREPERATIONS SUCH AS NAIL POLISH REMOVER, STRONG ALKALINE MATERIALS, BLEACHING AGENTS OR AMMONIA. These will remove print and / or finish from the wallcovering.

The basic order of usage of cleaners of stains on vinyl wallcovering should be:

1.    Warm water.

2.    Warm water plus mild dishwashing liquid.

In contrast, fabric wallcoverings vary fabric type and manufacterers' instructions should be consulted for cleaning instructions.

Choosing the Right Faux Finish

As we continue to look at the traditional and modern types of wall finishes (previously covering wallpaper and painted plaster), we will take a look at the popular styles of faux finishes. We want to take this opportunity to emphasize how much the proper finish or faux application can add depth and character to any private or professional space; the interior of a business (and the condition of the structure as a whole) tells the public just as much about your company and your attention to detail as does a website or a branding program.

Communicate A Feeling with Faux Finishes

Faux finishes have gained an immense popularity in the last decade for both home and business uses thanks to a variety of applications and mixes. The versatility of this wall finish allows it to be used to create textures ranging from sand blasted, translucent, leather, and even a cracked oil painting-style look. Other popular looks include metallic and a weather-worn wood. Applied properly, faux finishes can transform any interior space from bland and corporate to intimate and intriguing, communicating the feel of your business in the common spaces.

Faux Finish Maintenance & Professional Assistance

Cleaning and minor repairs of these finishes is also easier than with wallpaper. While all of the transformative looks discussed can be done yourself, it is highly recommended to hire a professional interior designer to accomplish these tasks in the most efficient and desirable manner possible. Some of the faux finishes do require a familiarity with various types of application and can be very detailed in their execution. The confidence that your efforts will result in the desired effect is well worth discussing your options with an interior design professional. In our next blog entry, we will discuss repairs and maintenance of your wall finishes.

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Exploring Wallpaper and Plaster for Wall Finishes

When designing the interior space of your home or business, an important element to consider is the final look of various rooms via choosing the proper wall finish. In the construction and prep phase, walls are nothing more than drywall that has been arranged to create the final element of the wall’s structure. Of course, bare drywall has an aesthetically unpleasing look and can leave a space feeling empty and still “under construction”, regardless of the elements placed in the room. There are a variety of options to choose from, all of which work to convey a different feel to any interior space. 

Wallpaper Selection and Maintenance

The most traditional, but now seldom used, wall finish is wallpaper. With a nearly endless variety of patterns and designs to choose from, wallpaper is a simple finish but must be applied with care using proper technique in order to hang correctly. Murals also fall into this category, and can be utilized for adding depth of image to a space. The downside of these finishes is not only can they be difficult to install, but they also stain and damage relatively easily. Tears and stains on wallpaper are difficult to repair and clean, causing the space to look prematurely worn. 

Exploring Modern Options: Plaster & Faux Finishes

The preferred modern options for home and business interiors are plaster finishes and faux finishes. Adding a sleek, contemporary look, plaster finishes can be applied with relative ease (except for the quickest-drying varieties, which can be harder to manipulate) and then painted to reflect the desired mood of the space, be it professional, casual or themed. They are also easy to clean and repair and are not susceptible to the easy rips or snags of wallpaper. In our next blog we will take a closer look at faux finishes and how they can enhance your space. 

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Preventing Metal Rust

In our final installment on helping your business and home architectural elements survive the Arizona summers, we will be looking at protecting your exposed metals. A commonly-held misconception in Arizona is that we don’t have to worry about rust too much, as our air is dry and rainwater not as acidic as coastal states such as California. The truth is, salt-infused water and air do not create rusted metal, rather,  all unprotected, exposed metal is subject to rust regardless of environment. It is important for a business or home to take immediate steps to protect their metal elements (be it steel, iron, aluminum, or copper) as it is  difficult to stop the oxidation process once it begins. The damaging effects of this process aren’t just visual – the metal itself can be severely compromised causing a potentially dangerous lack of structural integrity if left unchecked. 

How Rust Forms

Besides exposure to air, exposure to water is paramount in the formation of rust on all types of metals. While water from a hose can cause this, the more acidic rainfall is the most impacting. While the immediate effects of this are not visible, the water and air exposure actually penetrates the core of the metals on a molecular plane, slowly changing the chemical makeup of these very porous materials. Since keeping exposed metal dry is an impossibility, steps must be taken to prevent the molecular bonding from occurring by separating the elements of water and air from the metals. 

Keeping Metals Rust-Free

The first step in the process is to completely clean the metal, removing any dust, dirt, or surface rust, as you don’t want to trap these intoxicants in the metal. Ensuring the metal is fully dry, it can be painted with a protective barrier paint and primer, or coated with wax or a clear varnish. It should be noted that primer and paint is usually only recommended on iron or steel-based metals [As noted previously, acrylic coatings offer excellent color retention, and enamels, durability]; as copper and aluminum are normally utilized as architectural elements for their signature looks. In these cases, a clear varnish is recommended to protect the metals and retain the desired finish. 

Apex National hopes you’ve enjoyed learning about how to protect your walls, woods and metals during the heat and rain of Arizona summers. Next month we will continue on to other topics and helpful hints in keeping your home and business looking their best. 

Wood Protection in Arizona Summers

The intense wind, rain and dust elements of the summer monsoon season can wreak havoc on exposed elements on home and business structures; in previous blogs we have taken a look at how to minimize or prevent  damage, but what about the intense exposure of the sun? It is not uncommon for Phoenix area temperatures to reach above 110 degrees for three to four months a year – the extreme heat and exposure can quickly wear out exposed wood elements, causing discoloration and brittleness, if left unchecked. 

Choosing Latex, Enamel Paints & Stains 

The most common defense against weather erosion on outdoor wood is a 100% acrylic coating; acrylic technology offers exceptional color retention and light reflective value [LRV] for eaves, trim and other wood building features.  The best choice for wood elements, such as doors, frames, fences, trellis', play equipment, etc ... that may get leaned against or sat upon, or are subject to abrasions are enamels;  satin, semi-gloss or gloss sheens. Either stains or enamel coatings applied in multiple layers serve as the best all around protection for these types of exposed  elements, as they better protect surfaces against natural or chemical agents that can quickly leave the substrate looking prematurely damaged. Separately, it is  recommended to choose a water-repellent stain or coating to preserve the natural look of the wood, but typically, applied alone, these products offer poor protection against scuffs or scratches. 

Before You Begin: Preparing & Choosing Your Wood 

Before applying any type of protective coatings, however, new wood should be properly prepared prior to application. Proper preparation of wood surfaces is accomplished by 'weathering' the wood with water (from a bucket or hose) two-three times, allowing it to dry completely between waterings; this is necessary as it helps the wood adjust to natural shrinking and enlarging cycles that come with exposure to moisture. If at all possible, get involved in the selection process of the wood, as different wood types offer varied characteristics . Cypress is highly recommended among the decay-resistant woods available due to an extra-strong tolerance for the Arizona summers. We’ll conclude our Arizona summer weather series with our next blog entry where you'll learn how to protect the metal elements in your environment.

Cost Effective Monsoon Protection

The Role of Parapets in Protecting Your Facade

In our last blog entry, we shared with you some common tips on how to avoid severe damage to your home or business from the rough monsoon winds and rain. While that article focused on water flow and leak/mold prevention on the inside of your business, there are other things you can do to prevent unsightly cosmetic damage to the exterior of your building fairly inexpensively. We’ve all seen grocery store or strip mall storefronts that have large yellow to brownish water stains coming from the top of their buildings; sometimes this is merely painted over, however, the same thing happens after the next big rain storm. Painting over the stains is merely a cosmetic band-aid on a deeper wound.

The underlying cause of these stains is due to uncontrolled water leakage on what is known as a parapet. The parapet, at its most basic, is a short façade wall above the roof. From the street, it not only makes the building look larger, but it also serves a cosmetic purpose in hiding air conditioning units and a safety purpose in acting as a guardrail for rooftop workers. While attention is paid to prevent water stagnation and waterproof the roof, the flat tops of the parapets are often overlooked. This seemingly insignificant amount of space can catch water and lead to large, unsightly stains on your building.

There are two methods to dealing with this. The first is a metal coping that can be installed atop the parapet; various coping styles are slanted so that the rainwater runs off, and groves underneath prevent water from leeching onto the parapet sides. Besides the material and labor expense necessary to install, coping can also significantly alter the appearance of your building and add extra weight to the parapet walls (which they may not be designed for). They can also catch wind easily, making them a less-than-ideal choice for monsoon storms. An extremely effective alternative method that we (highly) recommend is to create a water barrier using high performance coatings. The system involves coating [buttering] the top of the parapets with an elastomeric compound that provides a protective waterproof surface that keeps the water from seeping in, and actually repels the water from the top of the surface. This highly cost-effective method not only keeps the stagnant water and mold from forming, but does so without altering the appearance of your building or adding any extra stress to the structure.

Monsoon Ready ???

Avoiding Costly Rain Damage

The Valley of the Sun is famous for its late-summer weather; and we’re not just talking about the scorching heat. The intense monsoon season, caused by a range of thermal low pressure over the arid desert, brings with it powerful walls of dust, high winds, and intense rain storms. While considered by many to be a beautiful weather occurrence, the effects of these events can be very harmful and expensive to your home or business. You can help reduce the chances of costly storm-related damage by taking a few precautions before the onslaught of the major storms.

To avoid blemishes to your building, including the façade and any other architectural elements, ensure that there is a sufficient water drainage system in place. Beyond the basics of maintaining a clean gutter and unclogged pipes, take a trip up to your building’s roof and ensure that there are no places there or on the top of the façade where water can stagnate. Large amounts of stagnated water often overwhelm the building and cause leaks; this results quickly in watery, moldy stains indoors, rapidly ruining ceiling tiles and paint. While you’re up there, be sure to remove leaves and other debris that could cause drainage clogs, and consider trimming nearby trees that could contribute debris to the rooftop in the event of a rainstorm.

It is also important to prepare your interior for rain-soaked customers or guests who may pay you a visit. Ensuring that there is a proper floor mat and a hanger (preferably by the door) for wet jackets will help keep your carpet and upholstered chairs fresh and safe from premature damage and unpleasant smells if mold develops. While these precautions are simple and the monsoon season lasts but a few months, businesses that do not prepare are often the ones hit with costly repairs after the fact. Continuing into August, we will continue to share more tips on protecting your home or business from the effects of monsoon storms and intense heat, including tips on façade integrity, wood exposure, and rust.

A Painter is A Painter is A Painter

NOT !!!!!  

A common misconception about the painting profession is that 'Any painter can perform all types of painting projects'.  With that premise, one can derive that the same painter who is hired to paint the exterior of your home is qualified to apply coatings @ the Chase Field roof.  Unfortunately, many General Contractors have found out the hard way that this is not true.

There are distinct differences between commercial and residential projects; 1] the types of products used, 2] the surface preparation required, 3] application specifications and techniques, 4] safety and 5] insurance/bonding requirements.  It is essential that each of these elements of the project are qualified with the contractor prior to beginning the project.

As an example, a painter unfamiliar with priming/painting exposed construction, metal deck ceilings may dramatically underestimate the amount of coatings and labor necessary to finish the ceiling as per specifications.  When a GC qualifies the painting bid, abnormally low pricing proposals usually indicate the subcontractor has not properly analyzed the plans or project.  Similarly, residential substrates are typically gypsum wallboard, wood elements and hollow/ornamental metal.  On commercial projects, there are a number of atypical substrates that require specific surface prep; another reason for qualification of contractor proposals.

Specialty coatings, epoxies and urethanes found in commercial specifications require specific application methods. An experienced applicator is familiar with the subtle nuances that can cause a coating to perform or fail.  The use of lift equipment by inexperienced operators often extends schedules, as well as adding risk factors.  Finally, insurance endorsements and potential bonding issues are varied between commercial and residential projects.  Many residential painters who bid commercial projects are unaware of additional insurance costs for waivers of subrogation and additional insureds.

Tighter markets have drawn residential contractors into the commercial field.  Commercial pproject specifications and schedules require precise, quality installations implemented with in a timely manner.  All General Contractors would do themselves a great service by qualifying the low bid prior to award, to be certain the painting contractor is capable of delivering a successful project.