The New Neutrals

Like a breath of fresh air, the new neutrals for 2013 are sure to lift your spirits while calming your senses. Light and airy Linen, Tidal Foam, with a gentle earthen feel, and the sleek and sophisticated Alloy all succeed at achieving a sense of calm in a chaotic world. Incorporating these colors into your wardrobe and interior design scheme will be a breeze.

2013 Color of the Year

The 2013 Color of the Year for Pantone is Emeral 17-5641!

It was a tight race, but with blue prevailing four times over the past ten years, Emerald Green will take its place atop the charts as the “Color of the Year” for 2013. Described as powerful, grounding, and cooling, this vibrant green will bring a nice change of pace in the year ahead. Expect to see an array of emerald green accessories popping up over the next few months, followed by household items and wallpaper and paint colors as well.

While the Color of the Year has historically been a bold color, Pantone has also added 175 new colors to the 2013 collection. Among these are muted earth tones, rich and luxurious neutrals and fun accent colors. Check back soon for the full 2013 Color Forecast and our suggestions on how to incorporate these fresh new colors into your home.

Fall Charity Project 2012

In the spirit of giving, we completed our Fall Charity Project 2012 a few weeks ago at the Ronald McDonald House of Philadelphia. Our employees volunteered there time on a Saturday to provide a much needed update to the Board Room.

To learn more about the Ronald McDonald House and the work they do in Philadelphia serving families in need, please visit www.philarmh.org.

Five Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Painting Contractor

Hiring a contractor can often be a stressful and unsettling endeavor. With nearly 40 years in business, we’ve taken the guesswork out of the equation and provided you with the key questions to ask before making your final decision. Finding a company you are truly comfortable with can make all the difference in a stressful vs. a successful experience. Here are 5 questions to ask BEFORE hiring a painting contractor that can help you save money and make sure the job is done right!

What products will they use?

Not all paint is created equal, and generally speaking, you get what you pay for. Be sure to ask about the products that will be used for your job. These play a key role in both the aesthetic appeal and the durability of the completed project, and if you want the best results possible you may need to be willing to spend a little more on the products.

What preparation will be done?

 The key to a durable and long lasting paint job lies in the preparation before the finish coat is applied. Be sure to ask about all of the preparation that will be completed prior to applying the final coat of paint.

Who will be performing the work?

 There are painters, and then there are craftsman. Be sure to ask about the people who will be sent to your home to complete the work; how long they have been with the company, their skill level and product knowledge, and how available they will be to answer any questions that may arise along the way. Remember, they will most likely be in or around your house for at least a week, so you will want to choose a company you feel comfortable working with.

What is their reputation like?

Check to see how long they have been in business and what type of reputation they have established. A well-established painting contractor should be willing and able to provide you with references and testimonials upon request, and you should not be shy about asking for them.

And the last of the five questions to ask before hiring a painting contractor is…

What type of warranties do they offer?

Many customers do not realize that they are warranties on home services such as painting. Any reputable painting contractor should offer one, and be sure to ask about the details and read the fine print. If the initial price of the work to be completed seems high, look at the warranty offer and evaluate the overall long-term cost of when you will have to repaint again. You may actually find that spending the extra money up front will be in your favor over the long run.

See our Painting Services page to see how John Neill Painting & Decorating can help you in Philadelphia and the Main Line!

The Colors Of Fall

The leaves have changed colors and there’s a chill in the air, announcing the true onset of fall. If you too are seeking a change of pace along with the changing seasons, here are a few “top picks” for the colors of fall when painting. Whether you’re looking to warm up, cool down, or create a neutral space, color has the strongest impact on our mood and senses. Here’s to setting the tone for the perfect fall.

Perfect Painting Weather

We hope you’re enjoying the beautiful start to fall as much as we are, and just wanted to remind you that this is perfect painting weather. Fall is always a good time to take a walk around your home to see if you’re in need of a pressure cleaning, carpentry repairs, or any painting before the start of the winter season. Routine maintenance is the key to protecting your biggest investment – your home.

For more, see our Painting Services to see how John Neill Painting & Decorating can serve you in the greater Philadelphia area and The Main Line.

Historic Restoration in Old City Philadelphia

We recently completed a historic restoration of the exterior of the John Ross House at Headhouse Square. While a brick building does not require painting, the trim and shutters of this 3-story office building were in desperate need of repair and painting. 12 dormers, 50 windows, 6 original doors, 5 original entryways, and 3 original shop fronts were scraped, sanded, reglazed and painted on the building. A total of 96 shutters, which were not on the building at the start of the project due to their state of disrepair, were transported to our shop where they were repaired, cleaned, sanded, primed and painted before being reinstalled on the building.

Exterior Home Inspection

Your house is most likely one of your biggest investments, and to ensure that it remains in good condition we recommend yearly inspections to keep repairs to a minimum.

Below are some areas to pay particular attention to when conducting your inspection. Look for signs of pealing paint, general wear or wood rot, keeping in mind that horizontal surfaces will wear more rapidly.

– Tops of window sills

– Decks

– Bases of columns and posts

– Base of porch

– Base of garage doors

The Colors of Spring

Although this winter wasn’t a very harsh one, spring often brings with it the desire to freshen up for the New Year with colors of spring. While you’re outside enjoying the beautiful weather, look to nature for inspiration in updating your home.

This year’s Colors of Spring by Pantone centers around the American Landscape and may prove helpful in narrowing down your color selection. And if you still need help, our color experts are only a phone call away. Here’s to a bright and cheerful spring.

Pressure Cleaning

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