Joel's Painting

Do You Know How to Paint Like a Pro?

Mon, 09 May 2022 04:55:18 GMT

Some people find painting relaxing and rewarding with a refreshing outcome, while others find the task daunting and don’t really know where to start. Knowing some basics and a couple tidbits of advice can go a long way toward a successful end product.

Primer must come first over unfinished surfaces. It’s designed to seal the surface so paint isn’t absorbed into drywall paper or plaster patches. I skipped priming over spackle holes on a section of wall that had more than a handful of holes from dartboard mishaps, and it was an absolute waste of time. I went over the area three times with wall paint and finally caved and primed the area before the finish looked right and the color held true.

“The paint market has changed a lot. In doing so, some manufacturers are marketing paint that can be primer and paint in one,” says Joel Buch, president of Joel’s Painting, 2001 Columbia Ave. “It’s like colored glue. Definitely prime over surfaces like bare drywall and patches.”

When filling holes and other imperfections, patience is a virtue. Don’t rush the drying process. Let filler fully cure and sand it to a smooth finish. The same goes for caulk, according to Buch. “Caulking takes patience and practice. Having a wet finger and something to wipe the excess on your finger is key. The moisture … keeps the caulk lubricated and smoothes it out.”

Let’s roll in one more tip that seems like common sense. Clean and de-gloss the surface. Paint can’t stick to shiny or dirty surfaces. Use a fine-grit sandpaper, but if abrasion isn’t needed to smooth a surface, TSP (tri-sodium phosphate) is cheap and works wonders as a cleaner. According to our friends at wikipedia, “TSP breaks the gloss of oil-based paints and opens the pores of latex-based paint, providing a surface better suited for the adhesion of the subsequent layer.” Gotta love it.

Buch notes that there are other products sold as de-glossers that work as well.

Sheens are a big deal. According to Buch, flat paints are for ceilings or primer, except in bathrooms, where mildew is an issue. Paints listed as “eggshell” are tricky, because even though there is a slight sheen, Buch says they’re “plasticy” and can’t be cleaned up. Buch prefers a matte finish. It’s somewhere between flat and eggshell, but it can be scrubbed. “The molecules are tighter, so dirt can’t permeate the surface,” he says.

Satin and semigloss, Buch says, are for kitchens and baths, including ceilings, and trim.

To get clean lines around trim and along ceilings and adjacent walls of another color, it’s well worth the time to tape off the area to protect it from fresh paint. Painter’s tapes are rated for their release quality, which tells you how long you can wait to remove it without damaging the surface. Some are three-day release, while others are 14- to 60-day release, ideal for extensive projects or slow DIY painters.

Common sense goes a long way. Cover baseboards and floors with newspaper or a brown rolled paper to catch spills and avoid additional cleanup. (Plastic drop cloths don’t work because they don’t absorb, and paint can be tracked elsewhere. Remove or cover furniture, take off cover plates and put a piece of painter’s tape over the actual switch or receptacle.

Color samples at stores can be daunting. It’s not a cop-out to use the already-suggested combinations of colors that most paint manufacturers provide.

However you pick your colors, it’s never a bad idea to purchase a sample and paint it on the intended surface. That lets you see it in the light of your home during various times of the day.

Remember that it’s just paint. Express yourself, and after a couple years, you can re-express yourself with another color.

Humidity and moisture, in general, make for slow-drying paint, especially when painting exterior areas.

Sun can dry paint too quickly and not allow it to adhere properly, creating a peeling issue sooner rather than later. Paint in the shade.

Keep the roller wet with paint. And don’t go back over areas that have already started to dry, or you may pull at paint that has started to adhere to the wall.

Buch swears by thinning paint to help it flow better. “If you can put a stick in the can and it stands up, the paint is too thick,” he says. “I pour off half a gallon and, for a latex paint, slowly pour some water in. If it creates a hole in the surface of the paint, it was too thick. Usually 6 to 8 ounces of water works in the half-gallon,” he says. Paint thinner does the same for oil-based paints.

The roller’s nap will determine the texture that is left on the wall. A 3/8-inch will result in a smooth, light-texture finish. For a thicker texture, use a 1/2-inch-nap roller.

Two professional words of advice from Buch: “The project will take longer than you anticipate, and stay away from gimmicks:”

With a plethora of information on the Web, Buch suggests checking out his and other websites for general information about paint and painting, including educational guides to the chemical compounds of painting materials, and how they work and why.

Pick Your Colors

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 14:04:07 GMT

When you walk into a room, the colors scheme is one of the first things you notice. Enhance your home or office space in Lancaster or York with the correct color. The huge selection of available colors overwhelms most consumers, though. Make the decision easier by learning about color systems and terms.

Color wheel – hues arranged in a circle; the 12-step wheel shows the way colors blend in sequence; the wheel arranges colors in the following order: blue, blue/green, green, yellow/green, yellow, yellow/orange, orange, red/orange, red, red/purple, purple and blue/purple
Primary colors – all colors originate with three pigment colors, blue, red, and yellow
Secondary colors – the colors that results from mixing two primary colors
Tertiary colors – the mixture of a primary color and a secondary color
Color Families – groups of colors that originate from the same colors
Neutral Colors – contain no identifiable colors; include gray, white and black
Monochromatic colors – consist of one basic color (hue) with different values; tints are lighter while shades are darker
Adjacent colors – two colors located next to each other on the color wheel
Complementary colors – opposite colors on the color wheel
Triad colors – three colors used together; one is dominant while the remaining two serve as accent colors

Start your color selection by determining the permanent features, fixtures and finishes in the room. Cabinets, tile or brick fireplaces are examples of permanent features. Consider wooden kitchen cabinets with a red undertone. They’re permanent fixtures with a permanent finish. Choose a room paint color that works well with that hue.

Emphasize the attractive architectural features of each room. Examples of these features include crown molding or arched window. Contrasting paint emphasizes these features. Paint them a lighter tint or a darker shade than the wall, or choose a glossy finish. You could also create at accent wall by painting it a different color, giving it a faux finish or adding wallpaper or a border.

Unify rooms in your home or office building space when you use a common color palette. With one color selection, alter the shades and tints used in each room. Your residential or commercial space will flow as it appears unified under a single color palette.

Remember that color draws attention to certain features while minimizing others. For example, widen a long narrow room with a slightly darker color on the shorter walls and a lighter color on the longer walls. Give low ceilings height by applying a lighter color to the ceiling. Decrease high ceiling height by painting the ceiling a darker color. Create intimacy in a big room with red, gold, orange and brown, colors that advance toward you. Make small rooms appear larger when you paint the walls in receding colors like blue, green or violet. These techniques enhance your space.

The color you choose may look one way under natural light and another way under incandescent light. Keep your daily schedule in mind when painting a room, and adjust the color depending on your usage of the room and the mood you wish to create.

Consider testing the paint color before committing to the job. Tiny color chips cannot adequately show how the room will look once it’s completely painted. A larger sample from a small quart of paint more accurately represents how a color will fit into a room.

In Lancaster and York, Joel’s Painting understands color schemes and terms. Their expert painting contractors provide professional residential and commercial painting of interior and exterior surfaces. Before starting a painting project, obtain free painting quotes from a painter who understands the science of color throughout your space.

Professional Advice

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 13:55:10 GMT

Phase One: Inspection

A painter contractor from Joel’s Painting will determine the type and condition of the exterior or interior surface you want to paint. Is the surface wood, hardboard siding, drywall, vinyl or aluminum siding, steel, masonry or concrete block? What are the conditions of the walls, trim, windows, doors and ceilings? Do holes and gouges need repairing? Is the surface peeling or chalking, rusty or mildewed, rotten, dirty, dusty or stained? After we determine the surface’s type and condition, it is time for expert preparation.

Phase Two: Preparation

Surface preparation is the most important part of any paint project. It’s also the single greatest cause of paint failures. Whether interior or exterior, all surfaces need to be cleaned and in good repair so the paint will adhere properly and last longer. For proper surface preparation, Joel’s Painting follows these steps.

Wash off the dirt, grease, soap and oil buildup with the appropriate cleaner then rinse it thoroughly.
Remove loose paint and powdery substances.
Patch holes and cracks with spackling or patching compound. Allow the surface to dry then sand it smooth. Remove the sanding dust with a damp cloth.
Lightly sand glossy or nonporous surfaces to a dull finish or use an abrasive cleanser.
Remove sanding dust or cleanser residue.
Prime all bare areas prior to applying the topcoat.

Warning! Removing old paint by sanding, scraping or other means may generate lead dust or fumes. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. We control exposure to lead and other hazardous substances by using the proper protective equipment. That equipment includes properly fitted respirators (NIOSH approved). Our painting contractors also contain the dust and fumes correctly. For more information, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD or contact your local health authority.

Before beginning your project, prepare the room. These preparations simplify the painting process and protect your home from inadvertent splatters or spills. Our employees work with you when following these steps.

Remove draperies, pictures, mirrors, area rugs, hardware (if possible), and switch and receptacle cover plates.
Move all furniture to the center of the room or out of the room, if possible. Cover all furniture with drop cloths.
Tape off woodwork, and tape plastic drop cloths onto the floor.
Wrap plastic around light fixtures, and use masking tape to cover any non-removable hardware.
Open a window or door to ensure good ventilation.

Phase Three: Paint Selection

Choosing the right paint for the surface ensures a quality paint job that will last. Joel Buch Painting Contractor uses only the finest quality painting products for every project.

Ceilings — Specially formulated flat ceiling paint hides irregularities and lap marks. It also rolls on with minimal spatter and won’t yellow over time.
Woodwork – Before painting, prime bare wood. Easy-to-clean semi-gloss finishes are a wise choice for surfaces that may be exposed to frequent wear and tear. Surfaces that receive modest wear and tear perform well with flat or satin finishes.
Walls – Easy to work with, latex paints easily apply over properly primed drywall, wood or masonry.
Metal — Latex or oil/alkyd paint covers properly primed iron or steel. Apply latex directly onto aluminum and galvanized metal. Prime these metals before painting them with an oil/alkyd-based paint.
Masonry/Stucco — For cement, concrete block and brick surfaces, acrylic latex wall paint designed for masonry surfaces is an excellent choice.

Phase Four: Painting

It may seem obvious, but it’s important to paint a room in the right order. Using good painting techniques is the key to achieving professional-looking results. Our employees undergo regular training and consistently bring expert techniques to every job.

Using a Brush

Hold a brush near the base of the handle.
Dip half the bristles into the paint and tap on the lip of the can. Don’t wipe it on the side.
Paint with enough pressure to bend the bristles slightly — don’t bear hard on the brush.

Using a Roller

Roll the roller slowly into the paint in the tray. Then, roll it back and forth until roller cover is evenly coated with paint.
Roll onto the tray’s ridges to remove excess paint.
For smooth surfaces: Cover about a two-foot-square using the N pattern. Cross roll to spread the paint. Finish, with light roller strokes in one direction, at a right angle to the cross roll.

Phase Five: Cleaning Up

Even with drop cloths and masking tape, accidents happen. Clean-up procedures depend largely on the paint used. Here are guidelines we use for cleaning up.

Latex Paints

Before they dry, clean any spills with a water-dampened paper towel.
Clean brushes, rollers and other tools with soap and water.
After cleaning, prevent rust by flushing the spraying equipment with mineral spirits. Follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations when using mineral spirits.

Oil Alkyd Paints

Clean any spills before they dry with a paper towel dampened with mineral spirits or paint thinner.
Oil-based (alkyd) paint must be removed from tools with mineral spirits or paint thinner.
Pour the cleaning material into a clean bucket and rinse brushes and rollers well.
When done, allow the solids to settle out of the cleaner, then strain the liquid back into the original container for reuse.

Phase Six: Protecting Your Paint Job

Keeping up with maintenance is a key in extending the life of any paint project. Maintenance usually begins the first year after the paint project is completed. Surfaces expand and contract as temperatures change from season to season, causing minor defects such as cracks in caulking. Check for weathered areas, chalking, cracks, loose paint, nail stains, dirt, mildew and other imperfections. Joel’s Painting offers a generous two-year warranty on all projects. We stand behind our work as you enjoy your beautiful interior or exterior paint job.

Joel Bush Painting Contractor follows these steps meticulously without cutting corners. From initial inspection to final clean up, we maintain professional standards and quality workmanship designed to last.

Our Process

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 13:45:47 GMT

At Joel’s Painting, our painting contractors deliver what we promise: quality, value, and client satisfaction. When your residential or commercial space requires painting services, contact Joel Buch painting contractor. Discover the difference our painting company offers as we complete your project on time and within budget. We use the following process to ensure customer satisfaction.

1. Estimate: To estimate the amount of materials needed for a particular project, we need to know the square footage of the surfaces you wish to paint. Don’t worry about deducting for windows, doors or other features. We also need to know your painting material preferences before giving you free painting quotes.

2. Examination: Before we start the actual job, we walk through the area with you. We examine the areas you want to paint and inspect the surfaces and their condition. To make sure you get exactly what you want, where you want it, we take extensive notes of your instructions.

3. Preparation: A properly prepared surface is the key to good-looking, long-lasting results. Before painting, we make sure the surface is clean, smooth, dry and free from cracks and imperfections. If necessary, we clean the surfaces and let them dry. We then patch and caulk any holes or cracks. Next, we sand the area to make sure it’s smooth and then clean up the dust and apply primer. Priming a cleaned and properly prepared surface is important in ensuring the longevity of any paint project.

4. Painting: Using good painting techniques is key to achieving professional-looking results. Joel’s Painting’s experienced painters use only the best tools and methods to achieve the great results you expect from us. After applying the paint, we wait for the first coat to completely dry before applying a second coat. Once the last coat dries completely, we check the project area and complete any touch ups before we remove the protective tape and plastic.

5. Clean Up: We make sure that when we are done painting, you can move right into the rooms we’ve been working on. We take pride in being neat and clean, and we are fanatics about using drop cloths and masking tape.

6. Inspection: Once your home or office has been properly prepared, painted, and returned to its previous state, you will once again walk through with our crew foreman to make sure that the job is exactly complete the way you want it.

7. Payment: After the above steps are finished and you are completely satisfied with our work will Joel’s Painting ask you to pay for the project. We have found this helps make the experience far less stressful for our customers since you know you will get a quality paint job and a completely finished commercial or residential space.

Thanks in advance for giving us a chance to serve your residential and commercial painting needs!

Eco-friendly Paint Services

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 13:26:01 GMT

Joel’s Painting remains committed to environmentally sustainable practices. When completing exterior or interior painting projects in residential or commercial spaces, we use products that cause minimal environmental damage and air quality reduction.

Our painting technicians use low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints for indoor acrylic work. VOCs are petroleum based solvents and evaporate from the paint as it dries. A cause of paint odor, these compounds release fumes into the environment for up to five years after the paint is applied. In addition to polluting the air and emitting greenhouse gas, these fumes cause unpleasant indoor odors and reduce indoor air quality.

Conventional acrylic paint brands include between 3-7% VOCs. Joel Buch Painting Contractor uses untinted low VOC acrylic products. They include less than 1% VOCs. Conventional oil-based enamel paints include 30-50% VOCs. Our untinted enamel equivalent products include only 8% VOCs.

Rest assured that our low VOC products remain washable and resist stains, like their conventional counterparts. In a huge range of colors, they release virtually no paint fumes or odors that trigger respiratory discomfort.

Additional the environmentally safe products we use include water-based interior enamel equivalents and plant or mineral-based paints. Check out these websites for more information about the green products we use in restoration, residential and commercial painting projects.

What makes Joels Painting “green”?

We are LEAD certified and a responsible contractor trained by the EPA in environmental low impact laws.
We also help the environment by keeping what gets tossed in to the landfill at a bare minimum.
We offer high quality low or zero VOC paint.
Help you achieve the look you want while being environmentally sensitive and health conscious.

When you want environmentally friendly paint products, count on Joel’s Painting. We are LEAD certified, and our team members undergo EPA training in environmental low impact laws. We also strive to limit landfill waste by decreasing the amount of paint we throw away.

Contact Joel’s Painting for all your interior, exterior, commercial or residential painting needs. We’ll complete your project with environmental sensitivity as we reduce negative environmental impact and improve outdoor and indoor air quality.

The Mix At Arbor Place: Silent Auction

Thu, 15 Oct 2015 19:39:00 GMT

Every year the The Mix at Arbor Place holds a banquet, to raise money for their Non-Profit organization. On the evening of April 22nd, they held a silent auction, with the items donated from the banquet. This year, The Arbor Place raised over $30,000, and sold out the event! Joel’s Painting took part in donating 8 hours of painting, at the Arbor Place.

For more information: Click Here

Joel’s Painting Volunteers at The Milagro House

Thu, 15 Oct 2015 18:37:00 GMT

Several of Joel’s Painting employees, along side of Franklin and Marshall students,volunteered at Milagro House, to paint a few rooms. The Milagro House is a program that makes a difference in our community as well as in the lives of the women and children. This magnificent home provides not only a shelter for these women but, also with the help of the staff, these women will gain a sense of responsibility independence for their lives.

Click Here to visit: The Milagro House Website

Sunshine Kids: Ray of Support

Wed, 14 Oct 2015 19:23:00 GMT

Joel’s Painting proudly donated a ray of support of $500.00 to the Sunshine Kids. The Sunshine Kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to children who are fighting cancer. Joel and and a few other contributors, took part in Berkshire Hathaway’s 5th Annual Sunshine Kids Golf Tournament on September 14th. This year Berkshire raised $11,874.72 to help children with cancer. With these funds, Sunshine Kids will help pay expenses to provide a staff of dedicated doctors and nurses who care for each child in the program.

Joel’s Painting Volunteering in McCaskey High School

Fri, 15 May 2015 17:19:00 GMT

Joel Buch, owner of Joel’s Painting and Job Foreman Mike Wilson had the privilege to speak to speak to around 50 kids in 4 different groups, We support the effort McCaskey is making to educate and provide career opportunities to the next generation.

#1 Community Volunteer – Joel Buch

Tue, 11 Nov 2014 14:25:00 GMT

Joel Buch, owner of Joel’s Painting and Contracting has won the #1 Community Volunteer in Lancaster County. Among some of the organizations that Joel supports are, Schreiber Pediatrics, Lancaster Day Care Center, Teen Haven – City wide clean up, Breakout Ministries (breakoutministries.org) and Milagro House. Positive change is something he strives for and always asks other small business owners to do the same.

Dictionary.com defines a volunteer as a person who voluntarily offers himself for a service or undertaking and a person who performs a service willingly and without pay. Joel proudly to accept award and looks forward to the future opportunities we will have to help out and serve community.

Joel at City Wide Clean up day in lancaster

Welcome to our Community

Tue, 11 Nov 2014 09:29:00 GMT

Living & serving in the community. Joel and his wife have lived in Lancaster City for over 10 years, serving the local youth while raising there 3 children. They also lead the youth ministry at BreakOut Ministries on New Holland [Continue Reading] The post Welcome to our Community appeared first on Joel's Painting.

Breakout Ministry’s Fun in the Son

Tue, 29 Jul 2014 16:35:00 GMT

Joel’s Painting was a sponsor of Fun in the Son, and event for inner city youth coordinated by Breakout Ministries Teen Haven. The event provided free food, games, and basketball tournament, clothing drive, and a performance by a christian rap artist G.O.D.Sent. Hundreds of kids and adults from the inner city came out to the event. The main focus of the event was to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ to the area and be servants to those in need. For more information contact; breakoutministries.org

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Paint Tips 101

Thu, 20 Feb 2014 14:19:00 GMT

Painting interior walls is the easiest way to freshen up your place. But, as many of us have found out the hard way, this project can turn into a nightmare of splattered paint and endless coats if you’re not careful.

Prep is everything

All Successful paint jobs start with a properly prepared surface. First you must scrape any loose or chipped paint, and then sand the areas to a smooth surface. If there are any holes or cracks make sure to fill them with the proper filler. Prep is the most important part when it comes to painting.

Prime the surface

Primer allows for better adhesion to the walls being painted. Primer serves three main functions. First, it blocks stains from bleeding through. Second, it allows one-coat coverage for the paint. Third, and most important, it improves paint adhesion, which greatly reduces blisters and peeling.

Start painting

Once you have a smooth and primes surface it is time to paint! First you need your basic paint tools – paint brush, roller, paint tray or grid, and of course paint. First start by using the brush, paint all the corners that cannot be reached by the roller. Make sure to feather the edges as you do the corners, that way no drips are present in the final product. Once the corners have been “cut in” we can start using the roller to finish the walls. Make sure to apply even pressure to the roller as you apply the paint to avoid heavy paint lines.

Once complete give the paint time to dry and see if a second coat is needed. A second coat is usually recommended to get complete coverage of the walls.

Joel’s Painting Earns Esteemed 2013 Angie’s List Super Service Award

Mon, 30 Dec 2013 19:50:00 GMT

Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

Joel’s Painting has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the consumer review service in 2013.

“Only abo ut 5 percent of the companies Joel’s Painting competes with in Lancaster, PA are able to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “It’s a mark of consistently great customer service.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2013 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade; the company must be in good standing with Angie’s List, have a fully complete profile, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A
through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

The post Joel’s Painting Earns Esteemed 2013 Angie’s List Super Service Award appeared first on Joel's Painting .

Lancaster Day Care Center Staff endorses Joel’s Painting

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:31:00 GMT

We were called upon to help transform the institutional look of one of Lancatser’s staples for children the Lancaster Day Care Center, please take a moment to view the testimonial of work performed.

Schreiber Pediatrics Rubber Duckie Race Thank you

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 20:24:00 GMT

Joel

Thanks so much for being a sponsor towards our Rubber Duckie Race and becoming a part of our duck family. I hope you, your family and company had a blast! You were a huge help to us and I couldn’t thank you enough. I look forward to working with you again!

Sincerely,
Morgan

The post Schreiber Pediatrics Rubber Duckie Race Thank you appeared first on Joel's Painting .

Schreiber Pediatric 24th Annual Rubber Duckie Race

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 15:17:00 GMT

Sunday, July 29, 2012 at Lancaster County Central Park Festival begins at 2 p.m. | Race begins at 5 p.m.

Great Food, Pony Rides, Games, Clowns, Face Painting, and More! Watch 25,000 rubber duckies float down the Conestoga River in an exciting race for fabulous prizes!

Joel’s Painting supports the Schrieber Pediatrics Rubber Duckie Race.

Choosing the right Hues // R&A Magazine Feature

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 15:49:00 GMT

You’ve decided it’s time to hire a professional painter for your painting project and you’re eager to get started. Before he begins the job, it’s important to do a little homework on the best hues to choose.

Truly, the colors you, your painter and (if applicable) your interior designer pick will have a dramatic effect upon the look and feel of your home’s exterior or interior. After all, you’ve most likely been in a residence or workplace where the colors on the walls, ceilings and woodwork are glaringly unsuitable. That’s a good reason to be very deliberate.

To get started, consider the following three elements of your job. All were taken to heart by one of my clients, Jennifer, whose Lancaster & home illustrates this article.

To get started, consider the following three elements of your job. All were taken to heart by one of my clients, Jennifer, whose Lancaster home illustrates this article.

To give some background, Jennifer’s residence was very out of date with old wallpaper and damaged plaster walls. I can relate because l also live in an older Federal-style home which too has been meticulously restored. We were referred to Jennifer by an industry leader in fine home sales for our expertise and knowledge in these types of homes. I jokingly referred to this project as the “much” bigger brother of the home I live in.

We are also familiar with the difficulties of working with older paint finishes, challenging wall textures and more, all of which were part of Jennifer’s house. While Jennifer collaborated with her designer on color schemes, our main focus was to see that the prep work (no small task given the home’s condition) was performed meticulously. In so doing, we could ensure a professional finish that would look absolutely beautiful upon completion…and would stay that way for years to come.

What colors will go well with your home’s architectural design?
A Victorian mansion begs for a different color palette than does a contemporary chateau. That’s why picking a color scheme to fit your location’s architecture makes sense. If you’re a bit overwhelmed by the prospect, never fear. There are many websites devoted to this subject, and experienced painters and interior decorators/designers can assist you.

Jennifer and her husband conducted their own research, first determining that their 7300 square foot home was closest to a federal style and then uncovering the colors that represented that period. Subsequently, they were able to bring their findings to my team. The results were excellent; because they had done their “due diligence”, the house’s architectural design was highlighted magnificently.

As Jennifer says, “I just wanted the walls to be warm and not stand out. The architecture in the home is so lovely, I wanted that to be the focal point, not the wall color.”

In Jennifer’s project, we were tasked with redoing every detail from the grids in the windows and doors, to sophisticated
carvings in the ceiling. The colors had to show off the wonderful features of the residence without being ostentatious.

Another issue in this instance was the fact that the plaster walls were old and unusually textured. That meant the color had to penetrate every “nook and cranny” in a very natural way. As the photos show, the result is a seamless integration of color that lends itself to a calming ambiance.

What colors will you want to look at day-in/day-out?
Unless you’re painting someone else’s property, you’re going to see the colors chosen regularly. Many studies have been conducted on the innate psychological properties of color. Reds emphasize energy, whites connote purity, blues promote calm…the list goes on and on.

In the end, as the homeowner, you have to be able to live with the hues on your walls. Now, this isn’t to say that if you adore green, you should paint the house green! In fact, I would say it’s best not to let your “favorite” color dominate the other considerations of your project. Yet there’s nothing wrong with adding a little of “you”, even if that simply means picking a harmonizing shade for door and window moldings.

Remember to always take heart and approach a “stitch in time saves nine” attitude. Jennifer did and loves the results. “We’re just so happy here,” she explains. “It’s open and amazing! Joel’s Painting did a great job and we’re just so pleased with everything!” Want to be wowed by your next painting project? When quality matters, call us at 471-4273 or visit us online at JoelsPainting.com.

8 Tips for picking paint colors

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 12:52:00 GMT

1. Be open to new colors. Don’t limit yourself based on what you assume will or won’t work; sometimes, it can be tough to visualize the end product.

2. Pick colors that synchronize with your home or office’s architecture, space, feel, etc. An old farmhouse begs for a different palette than does a contemporary home.

3. Be wary of latching onto the preferred colors of the season or era. (Remember what happened in the 1970s with all that olive green and orange?)

4. Ask a professional painter for assistance if you’re not sure which colors will “set off” the intrinsic beauty of your property.

5. Visit open houses to get ideas for paint colors. Be attuned to how the colors that are used make you feel.

6. Take advantage of those free color swatches at paint stores. They can be used to help you make your decision.

7. Check through interior design books and magazines for color concepts.

8. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Get some paint samples and try them out. A few brush strokes and you’ll probably know if the color is right or not.

Schreiber Pediatric 23rd Annual Rubber Duckie Race

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:19:00 GMT

Sunday, July 31, 2011 at Lancaster County Central Park Festival begins at 2 p.m. | Race begins at 5 p.m.

Great Food, Pony Rides, Games, Clowns, Face Painting, Live Music and More! Watch 25,000 rubber duckies float down the Conestoga River in an exciting race for fabulous prizes!

Joel’s Painting supports the Schrieber Pediatrics Rubber Duckie Race through Donations.

Choosing a Contractor you Trust // R&A Magazine

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I am planning to have my house repainted but I’m a little uncomfortable about opening my home to strangers. What advice do you have?

As a local painting contractor I am constantly reminded of the trust that my clients put in me as they willingly open their homes and properties to me and my crew. I often wonder how many homes are being exposed to unscrupulous contractors and tradesmen that are not committed to the work ethics and business practices that homeowners should expect.

How do you as a consumer protect your home and family from opening the door to a company that does not have your best intentions in mind and should not be trusted in your home or on your property? It is amazing to me how much time and energy is spent on protecting our homes from the evils of the outside world. All of us feel safer when our doors are locked and our alarms are set. So why do people willingly open their doors to contractors who may be making promises that cannot be kept; who may not be qualified to be doing the work for which they were hired; or who have a poor track record for customer satisfaction and staying within the agreed upon budget?

I understand the need for a good deal and for searching out a bargain, but is it possible that homeowners are fall- ing prey to the contractor who does not play by the rules—causing more harm than good as problems arise in the performance of the work and the quality expected.

Beware! Regardless of the state of the economy, you still get what you pay for. Yes, now is the time to expect a fair price but how do you know you can trust the company that you let on your property or in your door. Asking a few standard questions and putting a little time in the research of your perspective contractor could protect you and your family from a problem waiting to happen.

Please allow me to give you a few sug- gestions that will help protect you on your next project you choose to have done around your home. Don’t set your mind on the lowest bid before the prices come in. Not all contrac- tors do work the same way and a little extra money paid may be the answer to getting the job you want. If the contractor you choose can pass the tests I list below and they are the price that you are looking for then you may have a deal on your hands.

First off, look for companies that you have seen in the community. Committed local companies are a treasure and the owners are highly protective of their image to the public. Google your contracting needs. Reputable contractors will have a website that clearly defines their company and services provided. It will also include their PA Contractor Number which must be used by all contractors that operate in Pennsylvania.

Look for affiliations with local trade organizations that give credibility to the services they offer. A company that is willing to invest in their busi- ness even in a weak economy is one that believes in itself and is here to stay.

Make sure that the contractor is adequately insured—it is not safe to assume that anyone giving you a bid is so. In this economy people are cutting corners any way they can. A safe coverage limit most contractors carry is at least 1,000,000.00 of General liability insurance. Also, ask your prospective contractor if subcon- tractors will be used to perform any of the work—and are they adequately insured? Aside from the insurance issue, depending on the work being performed, you may not want to have your home exposed to people who are not directly employed by your contractor.

Lastly, ask for references. Calling a few past clients could separate the wheat from the chaff very quickly. In today’s cyber age some companies also have online video testimonials that can be very helpful in determining the integrity of a contractor. We all want to spend less and get more. So make sure that your bases are covered and you can rest easy knowing that your home is safe and sound in the hands of a professional you can trust.

Joel Buch
Owner
Joel’s Painting

Investing in your home by hiring a skillful painter // R&A Magazine

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

With all the painting gadgets we see on television, house painting seems like absolutely the easiest thing to do. Do these things actually work and is it really THAT easy to do a quality paint job?

ho hasn’t seen the TV commercials with the easy-to-use perfect edger that gives you exact cut lines or the rolling poll guard that NEVER splats a drop of paint? Oh, and don’t forget the can of paint that opens itself and magically covers your walls!

Every reputable painting professional has to laugh when they see those commercials. Is it possible that consumers are really THAT gullible? As the saying goes, “if it is too good to be true…” .

Take it from someone who has many, many years of professional painting experience, there is NO EASY WAY to paint–no magic wand that can be waved to get a professional look. Good paint jobs–like other skilled work–require thorough planning, meticulous prep-work and skillful execution.

If I have learned anything from my trade (and the others that I have worked) there is a RIGHT WAY to do a job and anything less is almost always viewed afterwards with regret—big time regret. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come to the rescue of a do-it-yourselfer, especially those armed with an infomercial gadget. Don’t underestimate what a true professional painter brings to the table. Put it this way, nobody buys a $40k Acura with all the trimmings and tells the dealer to “hold the paint” and then proceeds to paint the car himself or runs it down to the local discount paint shop. Why? Because it is understood that such an investment deserves a finishing touch to match its value and quality.

Why then do some homeowners believe that a forty thousand dollar addition or remodeling project is not important enough to make sure that the finish—VISIBLE FOR EVERY HOUSE GUEST TO SEE—is not done to the same degree of quality as the project itself? Poor paint jobs stick out like a sore thumb—we have all seen them. Forget the commercials, do yourself a favor and insist on hiring a true professional who takes pride in their work and has the reputation to prove it. The 15% additional cost in the final finish is well worth the investment.

Joel Buch
Owner
Joel’s Painting

Orphange Missions Trip to Bukoyo, Africa

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:21:00 GMT

This trip was lead by the owner Joel Buch in April 2011 for 10 days to the Ark Orphanage in Bukoyo Africa
Among some of the things that were done…We re -stocked depleted food banks, supplied medicine and first aid supplies, completed the boys dormitory and made new beds.

New Orleans Disaster Relief Mission Trip

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:25:00 GMT

This project was a 10 day work trip to New Orleans in December 2010. The owner Joel Buch was hard at work volunteering his time to help rebuild a home for a severely handicapped resident of New Orleans.

Lancaster Day Care Center

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:11:00 GMT

Joel’s Painting contribution as a Corporate Sponsor for the Lancaster Day Care Center’s “Night on the Town” helped to raise over $85,000. The LDCC is proud to have Joel’s Painting join thier efforts to provide affordable, quality child care to low-income families working to better themselves.

Sunshine Kids Organization

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 20:17:00 GMT

The Sunshine Kids Organization is committed to providing quality group activities and emotional support for Kids who are receiving cancer treatments in hospitals across North America. The Kids are selected by the medical staff of the participating hospital for each activity. In addition to paying for all expenses, the foundation provides a staff of doctors and nurses who monitor the medical condition of each child during the event. The Sunshine Kids operates solely from the support of private and corporate donations; no government funding is involved.

Joel’s Painting is a corporate sponsor for the 2 events below that support the Sunshine Kids Organization.

Art and Sports Memorabilia Auction! 2nd Annual Charity BOWL-A-THON

3 Key questions to hiring a painter … Prep, Paints, & Warranty // R&A Magazine

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

What painting company do I choose to paint the exterior of my home?

With the obvious bias (ha ha), I will give you some good guidelines to go by in making your selection for a painting contractor.

There are three important questions that can ensure you receive a quality job that you will be happy with for years to come. What prep will be done? What will be the finish paint used? What warranty is offered?

A quality long-lasting paint job begins with proper prep. In the painting world all paint jobs are not created equal. The actual painting is the easy part. Your project deserves a company that will pay attention to the dirty work on a job, like scraping, sanding and caulking. These are the elements vital to a long-lasting job. Look for a company that sells you on the prep.

Make sure that the contractor is offering you the best possible finish. Most paint companies have a top-of- the line paint. Quality paints are better and more expensive for a reason. They have a greater chemical make up and years of research to ensure their durability. Like all good purchases, a little internet or store research will be helpful in educating you. Generally, the more expensive the better in the painting world, especially when it comes to materials.

Lastly, make sure that your prospective contractor gives a warranty. As you know, a paint job can be a sizable investment and worthy of some security. A good rule of thumb for warranties is a year. This should cover all cracks, pops or blemishes in the finish. All top-of-the line paints carry a warranty. It is the labor end of things that you need to be concerned with.

Remember, a paint job is more than just adding color. When done right, it will be an investment in the beauty and value of your home.

Teen Haven

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 20:20:00 GMT

Dear Joel's Painting,

Thank you so much for the paint that you donated to Teen Haven. Your gift was a great blessing and timely as we have slowly been working to renovate parts of our building. It looks fantastic and we appreciate your partnership as we aim to keep things fresh for the kids that we serve.

May your business continue to grow and may you continue to have an impact in our community.

Sincerely in Christ,
Jose Jimenez
Teen Haven Field Director

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