So what makes Sundeleaf Painting so unique anyway, and why do people hire us?

First, Sundeleaf Painting is a local painting company. We service the Portland area only and have so for 77 years. We love the neighborhoods in which we ourselves live in and want to serve our community by providing excellent painting services. Our customers like the fact that we are local, available and responsive. By staying in Portland and our beautiful surrounding communities, we will continue to provide faster and more reliable services.

Second, we are honest. When you hire Sundeleaf Painting, you will feel a sense of trust and security from our estimator, our office staff and our painters. You will always receive outstanding customer service from people with the highest level of integrity.

Third, we are responsive and dependable. Sundeleaf uses the latest in technology. When you call or email our office to schedule an estimate, you won’t be put on hold to listen to repetitive music. You will talk to a live person about your painting needs, receive a scheduled time to meet with Sam and will be kept informed during the entire painting project. We make painting your home easy!

Finally, our painting work is beautiful. You will not have to explain how you’d like your home to look when we finish your paint project. We are professional painters. The owner, Sam Sundeleaf, is very involve with each painting project, and you will see just how detailed he can be! He expects everyone working for him to have the same goal: to do very quality work and exceed customer expectations.

Our Portland clients hire Sundeleaf Painting because they don’t want an average paint job. They appreciate our straight-forward and honest way of doing business and are not just looking for a bargain. Finally, our clients appreciate good value. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Talk to Sam today and experience why Sundeleaf Painting has been in business for 77 years!

SEE OUR WORK – Visit the Sundeleaf Painting Portfolio

Many houses built before 1978 have paint containing lead. This lead from the paint, or from peeling or chipping paint and dust can pose the serious health hazards mentioned above. In 1978, the federal government banned lead-based paint from being used in homes and in1996, laws went into effect requiring individuals receive information concerning the property before renting, buying or renovating pre-1978 housing.

The homeowner should inspect paint finishes throughout the home. Generally, lead-based paint in good condition is less of a hazard. However, peeling, chipping, chalking or cracking lead-based paint is highly dangerous. In addition, lead-based paint on surfaces such as window sills, doors and door frames, stairs or railings, porch railings and fences can receive a great deal of wear and tear and can be dangerous for children. If renovations are planned or if there are concerns about paint and/or peeling, there are several other things the homeowner can do:

• Contact the professional paint contractors at Sundeleaf Painting for an inspection and for further information on lead paint and renovation practices and precautions.
• Decrease the possibility of lead dust by avoiding a dry scraper, belt sander or propane torch as these can create large amounts of lead dust and fumes.
• Never try to remove lead paint yourself
• If you are considering renovations, consider moving your family out of the house until after the work is complete.

In April, new standards will be in effect for contractors as they renovate and update homes, daycare centers and other facilities that provide services to children. Look for additional information about these changes in future blogs!

In today’s culture, most people consider their role in caring for the environment and are aware of “green” practices such as recycling and scrutinizing the chemical make-up of cleaning products, personal care products, etc. Many paint manufacturers have also been considering what it means be “green” and both the paint professional and homeowner find the new “green” or “natural” paint choices to be a valid option when selecting paint.

The new paint industry “buzz words” are “low VOC” and “zero VOC. “VOC” is the acronym for Volatile Organic Compounds and these compounds are the organic materials in standard paint products. Formaldehyde and benzene are two of the common VOCs used in paint as solvents and preservatives. Once walls have been painted, there is an odor or a “fresh paint smell” left behind as the paint dries. This odor is caused by evaporation of the VOCs and exposure to VOCs in paint can cause eye burning, breathing issues, dizziness, headaches or asthma attacks.

Today, alternative paints are much more readily available due to consumer demand and government recommendations. Consumers can expect to find the following types of alternative paints: Low Odor or Low VOC Paint; Zero VOC Paint; Non-Toxic or Natural Paint. While there are only recommended guidelines for the Low-VOC and No-VOC paints, the consumer should be vigilant in reading through the marketing information found on paint can labels. Generally, reputable paint manufacturers meet the 50 g/L “VOC Threshold (250 g/L is the EPA standard),”   but many paints have a range of 10-25 g/L. In addition, many paints may meet Low VOC or No VOC standards, but when the paint is tinted, the VOC levels are increased. The darker the tinting, the higher the VOC level. Some paint manufacturers have created newer colorant systems that do not rely on carbon-based solvents, therefore assuring the lower VOC recommendations.

Before beginning the search for the perfect paint color, spend time learning these new paint vocabulary words: “low VOC,” “no VOC” and “green.” Several websites have pertinent information on “VOCs” and recommended paint products. In addition, the paint professionals at Sundeleaf can provide further information on these compounds and paint products.

Paint choices are endless, but nature can inspire us when looking for colors.  Consider a walk outside your home and notice the many hues of color.  The deep greens, browns and golds associated with winter can create a beautiful bathroom setting.  The darkened leaves, stones and pebbles or even a sunset should bring countless color possibilities to mind.  Bring these colors to the attention of the Apogee professionals and they might suggest colors like “straw,” “buttercup” or “olive.”

Homeowners should consider several things when choosing from the green, brown or other “natural” color families.  Skylights or windows give an outside source of light, which would allow for darker paint color choices.  Rooms having no additional outside light source look more open with a lighter wall color. Guests do not want to feel “closed in” from the deep forest green or chocolate brown paint on your walls.

So, as you discuss your bathroom color choices with Apogee Painting, look closely at those colors with names taken from nature like “moss,” “avocado,” or “eucalyptus.”  Highlight your newly painted rooms with sprigs of greenery, plants and pebbles.  You will be surprised at the calming effect these color choices will have on you and your guests.

Media rooms and  man caves are often in basements or sometimes part of a garage renovation. It will be important to begin the renovation or makeover process by checking for moisture or mold and resolving these issues before painting.  Ask us to evaluate the condition of your walls during your estimate.

Man caves are typically more private spaces away from the entry and formal living areas. Be bold with your color choices. What are your favorite teams? Would you like Trailblazers red & black, Oregon green & yellow or Oregon State orange & black? The sports lover will have no trouble choosing a winning color combination for their room. Of course not everybody may agree that Seahawk navy blue, white & neon green are the best colors for their media room. You may choose neutral but rugged colors like forest green or brown (both of which are associated with the environment and nature)  or a dark red shade (which evokes intensity and power). Whatever the color choice, Apogee Painting will work with you to carefully coordinate your colors.

The Apogee Painting team will then properly prepare the walls before beginning the priming and painting process.  Once the wall color of choice has been applied, consider creating a focal point.  A flat screen television mounted on the wall could be bordered by an accent color, or sports memorabilia could be encased in a cabinet painted in a striking complementary color or carefully stained in a dark wood stain.

Once the painting is complete, overstuffed chairs, pillows, game tables, sports jerseys and photos can provide the finishing touches, guaranteeing that the owner of this “man cave” will feel quite at home while cheering on the team! Add black-out drapes to get the best color from your TV.

For more man cave ideas, check out these galleries, ideas and the Man Cave show, then look at Apogee Painting’s interior painting services and our gallery to see examples of our interior work.

(Thanks to MyBadPad blog for the photo).

Black can be a striking color choice, especially on large windows or in rooms with tall ceilings. Carefully coordinate the color choice for walls as dark wall colors with black trim could make the room seem dark or small. Consider tan or taupe wall paint or a paint color with a light tinge of olive. Tall windows with black moulding paint and black wooden slat blinds will be quite stunning. If there are columns and chair railing, they too can be highlighted with the black paint.

If trimming a whole room in black seems risky, try painting the handrails in your stairwell. After a proper professional sanding, cleaning and priming of the outdated white oak handrails, they could be finished with a beautiful satin black paint.

The kitchen too is a room where a small section of black paint can have an enormous affect. Black crown molding around white cabinets or an island painted black gives a sharp, clean feeling to the room. It is surprising how the eye is drawn to the black highlights in any room.

Talk to Sundeleaf Painting, Portland’s experts on interior painting, about framing your kitchen, handrails, family room or doors with black trim.

Here are several examples of using black trim paint:

First, photos from the House Beautiful blog, an interview with designer Windsor Smith

Next, black moulding and built-ins, from the Design Sponge blog:

And black interior doors from the Design Around Denver blog:

There is still time to schedule a painter and choose colors.  If you want to make a striking curbside statement, choose a bold color like a tulip red or a bright gold color.

Look for a color that will complement the exterior color of your home, but will draw attention to the entryway.  A more subtle color can complement the exterior and also enhance the interior foyer color. Your paint professional can provide information about the correct type of paint to use on the door and will assist in providing color suggestions.  The project may require a primer (for color enhancement and adhesion) and several coats of paint may be needed to provide adequate coverage.

This entryway “facelift” project will create the perfect back drop for the holiday wreath and will enhance the beauty of your home all year long!

NE Portland modern ranch home

Alameda bungalow – NE Portland

West Linn home

NE Portland Bungalow – Alameda neighborhood

Irvington duplex – NE Portland

Grant Park colonial

NE Portland bungalow

The first step should actually already be done. Considering the type of paint for the room (high-traffic room vs. low-traffic room) is crucial. Gloss and semi-gloss are easier to clean, but matte and satin finishes are often preferred in bedrooms and living spaces.

The second step is to take measures that may prevent marks and dirt from staining your walls. Chair railing, wainscoting and baseboards can all help to hide marks or prevent future marks.  Also, when hanging artwork, affix a small piece of rolled painters tape to the back of the frame. It will keep the frame from shifting and creating scratch marks.

Third, keep touch up paint on hand. Mark the paint can well and place in a cool dry environment. Also, keep small, clean paint brushes on hand so they are available when needed. Remember that over time, paint color can change slightly and the touch up might be slightly different than the original color. To minimize the color difference, slightly dab a minimal amount of paint onto the wall.

The fourth step involves learning how to carefully wash those beautiful walls! Use some warm to semi-hot water with a sponge. Gently, wipe over the walls, rinsing well. Make sure that you start at the bottom of the walls, and thoroughly wring out the cloth you are using.  Water running down walls can create marks, so carefully wash and carefully dry the walls.  For tough marks, use a small amount of baking soda, but rub gently over the stain. Most marks will disappear with a little cleaning and your walls will have a fresh look! And finally, remember that starting with premium paint on your walls will give you a better value for your money. Premium paint allows for easier cleaning and better touch up. Keeping your walls clean and mark free will create a beautiful backdrop to that beautiful room!

Since the bedroom is not typically a high traffic area, painters will offer the choice of flat, eggshell or soft sheen paint finishes and all are appropriate for the bedroom. Any of these paints can offer hundreds of colors and color choices, but don’t be overwhelmed. Consider a main color with an accent color to create interest and definition in the room. Or choose a beautiful piece of art and build colors around that.

Neutral colors are a popular choice in a bedroom retreat. With neutral colors, splashes of color from bed linens, window treatments, plush pillows and eye-catching art can be scattered throughout the bedroom.  Sleep, rest and rejuvenation should come in this quiet retreat. Start planning your winter project today! If you need help, we’d love to hear from you.

Here are a few examples of bedrooms painted by Apogee Painting. For more examples of our interior and exterior painting, take a look at our gallery.

NW Portland

North Portland condo

North Portland condo

NW Portland custom home

NW Portland colonial home

Sundeleaf Painting was by far the most professional contractor I’ve ever dealt with. They not only did a fantastic job, but they were pleasant, hard working, reasonably priced, honest and kept me informed every step of the way. Not only would I recommend them to anyone looking for painters, but I will use them without hesitation the next time we need work done.

]]> http://www.paintinginportland.com/general-info/apogee-painting-testimonial-from-nw-portland/feed 0