As spring approaches, homeowners often look to spruce up their exteriors with fresh paint. However, many contractors tend to fill up their schedules once the weather warms, making it difficult to find a time for your project.
But what if there was a way to get your exterior painting done much earlier in the season? The answer lies in choosing the right paint—one that can be applied in winter conditions.

The Perfect Solution: Element Guard® Exterior Paint
If you’re eager to get ahead of the spring rush, consider using Element Guard® Exterior Paint from Benjamin Moore. This innovative paint is specially formulated to perform exceptionally well in challenging weather conditions, including high moisture and colder temperatures. Unlike traditional paints that can only be applied in optimal temperatures and low humidity, Element Guard® allows you to have more flexibility when you paint.

Why Act Now?
Winter is a great opportunity to rethink and refresh your home’s exterior. By using Element Guard®, you can ensure that the weather won’t hinder your paint job and jumpstart your project before the inevitable spring rush begins.
​
As soon as the temperatures rise and the flowers begin to bloom, many homeowners will be searching for contractors to refresh their exteriors. By painting now, you can avoid the long wait times that come with a crowded calendar.
​
Benefits of Early Planning

1. Availability. Many contractors will already be booked once the season is in full swing. By scheduling your project during the winter, you’ll have a wider selection of contractors to choose from.

1. Quicker completion. Beat the rush and complete your painting project earlier in the season, allowing more time for you to enjoy your refreshed home.

1. Superior finish. Element Guard® Exterior Paint not only ensures durability but also a smooth, even finish that will stand the test of time.
2. Market-ready. If you plan on selling your home during the busy spring and summer real estate seasons, painting now ensures you can get your home on the market as soon as you’re ready without contractor delays.

Tips to Ensure a Successful Painting Project
Before you dive into your project, be sure to:

• Plan your colors. Take some time to choose a color scheme that will elevate your home’s exterior curb appeal and protect its value.

• Hire the right contractor. Do your research and find a contractor who has experience working with cold-weather paints and conducting necessary repairs before painting to bring your vision to life.
  ​
  

Find Your Paint at Color Wheel
Why wait for brighter days when you can schedule your project today? If you’re ready to take the plunge and give your home a fresh look, contact Color Wheel to discuss your painting project. Let us help you ensure your home is ready to shine when spring finally arrives!

Fall is here! Say hello to pleasant temperatures, mild weather, and stunning foliage. But did you know that fall is also a great time to tackle exterior painting projects?

While many homeowners think spring and summer are better for outdoor painting, fall offers unique benefits that make it the perfect season to refresh and protect the exterior of your home.

Let’s talk about why fall is the right time to paint outside and review helpful tips for a successful fall painting project.

Mild Temperatures
One of the main advantages of fall painting is the mild temperatures. Unlike the hot summer months or the freezing winter, fall offers a comfortable environment for painting.

High temperatures can cause paint to dry too quickly, causing uneven finishes and bubbling or cracking. On the other hand, cold temperatures can hinder paint from drying properly.
​
In fall, the moderate temperatures allow for optimal paint application and drying, resulting in a smooth and long-lasting finish.

Stable Weather Conditions​
Fall typically brings more stable weather compared to other seasons. With less humidity, rain, and fluctuating temperatures, you can have more consistent conditions for painting.

More consistency in the weather allows you to tackle larger painting projects that may take several days. It also allows paint to adhere well to surfaces and dry evenly, preventing the need for touch-ups or repainting due to weather-related issues.

Paint requires sufficient time to dry and cure properly for maximum durability and longevity. During fall, the lower humidity levels allow for faster drying times compared to the more humid summer months. Lower humidity ensures that paint has ample opportunity to bind to surfaces and create a strong, protective barrier against the elements.

Preparing for Winter
Painting your home’s exterior in the fall serves as a proactive step to protect it from harsh winter weather.

As temperatures drop, ice, snow, and freezing temperatures can take a toll on the exterior surfaces of your home. Applying a fresh coat of paint before winter creates a protective layer that seals and shields the underlying materials, helping to prevent moisture infiltration, wood rot, and other damage caused by winter weather conditions.

Depending on where you live and the temperatures this season, it’s generally a good time to paint your home from early to mid-autumn.

Tips for Successful Fall Painting
How can you prepare for your next painting project? We have some helpful tips for successful fall painting here!

• Check the forecast. Choose a week with consistent mild temperatures and no rain to prevent interruptions and ensure proper paint adhesion.
• Prep the surfaces. Thoroughly clean and prepare the surfaces to ensure optimal paint adhesion. This includes repairing any damaged wood or siding on your home.
• Get the right paint. Select high-quality exterior paint in your color and finish of choice to ensure your home will look great for years to come.
• Take safety precautions. Use appropriate safety equipment, such as goggles and masks, if working with chemical cleaners or sanding surfaces.
• Work during daylight hours. With the shorter days in fall, make the most of daylight hours for painting and allow sufficient drying time.

Get Your Fall Painting Supplies at Color Wheel
Fall provides the perfect opportunity to embark on outdoor painting projects. By scheduling your project in the fall and following the above tips, you can enjoy a refreshed and protected home for the upcoming seasons. Are you ready to grab a paintbrush and make the most of this ideal time to paint outside? Stop by Color Wheel to get all your fall painting supplies!

Wallpaper is certainly in the spotlight with dramatic patterns, tasteful hues, and easy application. However, what happens when you have old wallpaper in your home that you want to remove, whether you want to paint or apply new wallpaper?

Although removing old wallpaper can seem like a headache you’d rather avoid, we have some tips and tools here for you to safely and effectively remove wallpaper without damaging your walls or your sanity. Some painting and wallpaper contractors will provide this service, but you can do this yourself!

There are several types of wallpapers out there.  Here is a list of the most common:

• Wallpaper with or without a vinyl coating
• Solid Vinyl with a synthetic or fabric backing
• Solid Vinyl with a paper backing
• Wallpaper with a strippable backing

Find Out If Your Wallpaper Is Removeable​
Before you get started with removing wallpaper, find out if your wallpaper is peelable or strippable. These are generally wallpapers manufactured in the last 10 years that easily peel off, leaving a paper backing on the wall or strip off completely without water or chemicals.  If your wallpaper is older, it’s best to assume you’ll need extra tools and supplies. Bring a piece of your wallpaper by Color Wheel so we can help determine what’s needed.

Determining if your walls were prepared before the wallpaper was hung is critical.  Wallpaper primer prevents the adhesive from soaking into the drywall or plaster behind it, which allows for easy removal. Unfortunately, this step is often skipped.

Plan Accordingly with Time and Tools
Proper planning will make your wallpaper removal job that much easier. If your wallpaper was not applied with primer or is not peelable, chances are it will take you the better part of a day to remove wallpaper in just one room.

Removing non-peelable wallpaper can be messy and takes time. Remember, the longer the wallpaper has been there, the harder it may be to remove. Therefore, it’s essential to plan and prep your space before getting started.
​
Tools and supplies you may need:

• Wallpaper Stripper Concentrate and a bucket
• Scoring Tool to break the surface and allow remover to dissolve the adhesive
• Wallpaper Shaver and extra blades
• Drop cloths
• Painter’s tape
• Towels

The drop cloths, towels, and painter’s tape will help you protect floors, trim, outlets, and vents, although it’s still wise to turn off the electricity in that room and move furniture before getting started.

Let’s get started​
Use the Scoring tool, punch small and shallow holes in the surface of the wallpaper.  You can do the entire room ahead of time or work in smaller sections.  It’s kind of fun but your arm may get tired. Older children may enjoy doing this so put them to work.

Mix the wallpaper stripper concentrate according to the instructions on the container.  Mix smaller batches if you’re not planning to remove the entire room at one time.  There’s no rush.

Apply the solution, working in a small area, to the surface of the wallpaper and wait the recommended amount of time in the instructions.  If you hurry, the stripper will not have time to do its job.  Working in a small area first, will allow you to see how it’s working and when to start shaving.  Try a 3’ x 3’ square.

The wallpaper may be able to be removed in full sheets depending on the prior wall prep and the type of paper.  Pull gently in a diagonal direction, SLOWLY!  Never pull fast as you may tear off the surface of the drywall underneath. If this works, skip the next step and do a little happy dance.
​
If you’re not dancing, we recommend using a wallpaper shaver which protect the wall surface from gouges and to more easily scrape the wallpaper off.  Putty knives are too thick and narrow to do this efficiently. It’s important to change the blades regularly. As you’re working, if it seems like an area is harder to remove, you probably need to change the blade.

Using a sprayer for the stripper can also help you properly saturate the wallpaper—often, a rag or spray bottle won’t do the job. Remember to do one section at a time, as the sections should not dry out before you can attempt to remove them.

Don’t Forget to Clean Your Walls
Your job isn’t done once the wallpaper is removed. You’ll still need to clean your walls, as paste or glue may be left over on the drywall or plaster. A sponge and stripper help remove any most of adhesive on drywall or plaster. You may need to patch a few areas before sanding and priming for new paint or wallpaper.  Apply a coat of a quality primer before painting, we recommend Benjamin Moore’s Fresh Start in most cases.

Contact Us for Wallpaper Help
Color Wheel can help you pick the perfect new paint or wallpaper for your space, as well as assist you with choosing the right tools for your next wallpaper removal job. Contact Color Wheel today or stop by and see us and we will be happy to assist you!

Painting is one of the best ways to improve the interior of your home before putting it on the market. A fresh coat of paint can cover minor imperfections such as scuffs and faded walls. Paint can also make the interior of your home look newer and net a better price for your property.

Whether you went a bit overboard with feature walls or bold colors in your home or simply want to refresh the interior, it’s worth it to consider painting before putting your house on the market.

But with so many paint colors to choose from, where do you start? We’ve narrowed down the most popular paint colors to make your selection process easier.

White, White, White
Choosing a white paint is the easiest way to improve the appearance of your home before selling. White paint allows buyers to imagine their items or décor in a space, but it also enables them to visualize different colors on the walls.

White paint can also make a home look bigger, cleaner, and brighter from the inside.

You can go with an off-white, but be selective, as not all white paint colors are created equal. For example, some white paints have tints that can make them appear more dingy or have an undertone of blue, white, or pink. If these aren’t the looks you’re going for, stick to a more true white.

We recommend: Benjamin Moore’s Mascarpone (AF-20) because it’s a soft, warm off-white that helps warm up interior spaces without being too yellow. We also recommend Farrow & Ball’s Wimborne White (#239), another soft, warm white with hints of yellow.

Cool and Warm Grays​
It’s hard to argue with the popularity of gray paint. However, gray paint has a timeless feature that extends beyond modern charm. Grays are flattering in natural and artificial lighting and go with practically any décor or home style.

Grays can be cool or warm and can be used for everything from traditional to modern homes. There is even a popular tone called “greige”, which is gray paint with hints of beige or a beige undertone.

Choosing gray paint allows the new homeowners to have a blank canvas to personalize the house. It can even help improve the versatility of certain rooms, as gray works well for an office, bedroom, or even a playroom. Warm grays are staying in fashion, so consider a warmer hue with green or even purple undertones.

We recommend: Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl (2137-60) as it’s a light gray yet still has enough pigment to give your rooms a little color.

Timeless and Versatile Neutrals
All the colors we’ve discussed so far are considered neutrals. However, if you’re not keen on white or gray, or feel these colors wouldn’t flatter your particular home’s style, you have other options.

Timeless and versatile neutrals can flatter virtually any space. These include colors such as beige and some pastels, such as light blue or green. When choosing neutral colors, be sure to stick to a consistent color palette. The rooms should all feel like they are part of the same home.

Other neutral options include soft pinks, tans, and champagne tones that you can use in almost any room.
​
We recommend: Benjamin Moore’s Muslin (OC-12), a lovely soft neutral beige that looks great in large spaces and doesn’t come across as dingy as some other beiges can do. We also recommend Farrow & Ball’s Skimming Stone (#241)—this paint may look gray in some lighting, but it has a warm beige undertone to help warm up the walls and make a space feel cozy.

Choose the Perfect Paint Color to Sell Your Home Fast
You may be surprised just how much your home’s paint color can impact its time on the market and its selling price. When painting your home before selling, let Color Wheel help you choose the best paint colors for your interior spaces. Contact us to get started today at (703) 356-8477 for an appointment, or stop by to see our amazing color selections from Benjamin Moore Paint and Farrow & Ball Paint.