Stains occur on walls in a wide variety of ways. Basic wear and tear, scuffs, dirt, and many other things can lead to stains. Though they can occur extremely easily, it is likely that they will detract from the appearance of the walls. Understanding how to remove stains from your walls can help to improve the appearance of your walls in between paint jobs. Here are a few tips to help you remove stains from walls in your property.

Consider the Type of Paint

It is important to keep your specific type of paint in mind when you attempt to remove stains from your walls. Some types of paints are more susceptible to damage from various materials. Our team can provide you with valuable information regarding the ideal ways to clean your specific paint type.  

Perform Spot Tests

Spot tests are an important part of protecting your existing paint job. When you directly use some cleaning strategies on the stain, it can cause damage to the paint beneath the stain. It is extremely important to first test the method on a less apparent patch of the wall before using it somewhere where it will be difficult to hide. This will go a long way toward protecting the appearance of your walls and minimizing the possibility of damage to your paint.

Use Gentlest Methods First

It is critical to ensure that you begin with the gentlest cleansing methods possible when you try to remove stains from your walls. Some stains may be more easily dealt with and you may cause accidental damage to your paint job when you use a harsher method first. Begin by trying to remove the stain simply with water and a sponge and slowly incorporate stronger methods if the stain resists your efforts.

Consider the Stain’s Cause

It is important to keep the underlying cause of the stain in mind to determine the ideal method. Though other methods may be used to remove general stains, specific methods can be implemented to remove specific types of stains.

Scorch Marks

It can be tempting to try to clean off scorch marks by scrubbing at them. This is only likely to make them much worse. Soak a sponge with rubbing alcohol to most effectively remove stains caused by scorch marks.

Mildew

It is critical for the health of your family to remove mildew when it develops. Mold and mildew can be devastating to the health of those that regularly breathe in its spores. Spray mildew stains with vinegar water, a combination of 1 quart of water and 1 tablespoon of vinegar.

Water Stains

It is crucial to identify the cause of water damage when water stains appear on your walls. Without repairing the underlying cause, the stain will reappear and substantial damage may occur to your property. After you have repaired the cause, you may focus on getting rid of the water stain. The most effective way to remove water stains is a solution of 10% bleach and 90% water. Spray the stain with this substance numerous times and it should remove the stain.

Ink

Ink from a ballpoint pen can often be removed by using foaming shaving cream or nail polish remover. This can help to remove the ink from the surface of the wall effectively, due to the interaction between the substances.

Strategies for Cleaning

There are a multitude of strategies for cleaning stains from your walls. Some people swear by using white bread to soak up various oils, while others use only homemade cleansers. Unfortunately, there isn’t really one strategy that can be used in order to remove stains from the walls. Various causes and paint types will require different cleaning strategies. Here are a few great strategies for cleaning your walls and removing stains from them.

Water and a Sponge

A very basic cleaning method involves nothing more than some water and a sponge. This may be sufficient to remove many kinds of stains. If this solution doesn’t work, you can increase the intensity by adding mild soap to the mix. If the stain still persists, you may then want to consider mixing a cleaning solution of 1 gallon of warm water, ½ cup vinegar, 1 cup ammonia, and ¼ cup baking soda.

Paste of Baking Soda

Creating a paste out of baking soda can go a long way toward removing stains and dirt from the surface of your walls. It is still important to test the baking soda mixture on a small portion of wall. This solution can be created with the use of baking soda and a small amount of water. If the mixture doesn’t hurt the surface of the wall, you can use it to clean the wall. This solution is great for both removing stains and providing a thorough clean for the entire wall.

Wall Cleaners

There are many varieties of cleaners that are designed specifically to remove stains or clean walls. These may be valuable options for cleaning your walls, though you will still need to do a spot test. Additionally, you may be able to get by with an all-purpose cleaner instead of a more specialized variety. Use a microfiber cloth with these cleaners and remember to be gentle when scrubbing.

Cleaning Erasers

Cleaning erasers are special wall-cleaning tools that are designed specifically to remove stains from the surface of the wall. These can often be obtained simply from a grocery store. It is important to test these erasers prior to use. Without doing so, it is possible that you will simply make the stain much worse. Wet the eraser according to the instructions on the package. Then, all you have to do is gently rub the mark until it disappears!

Removing stains from your walls can go a long way toward improving the appearance and protecting your paint job. Sometimes, however, it will simply be necessary to obtain a new paint job to provide a pristine appearance to your room. Here at Wilson’s Paint and Floor Coverings, we offer superior professional painting services to improve the value and appearance of your property. Contact our experts to learn more about these services.

If you have decided to finish your basement, it is likely that you will be thinking about the best flooring type to use for your basement. A finished basement can go a long way toward improving the overall value of your property, as well as extending your usable living space. Here at Wilson’s Paint and Floor Coverings, we are dedicated to providing you with superior flooring for each area of your home. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you decide on the ideal flooring type for your basement.

Basement Considerations

It is important to keep in mind that the basement is likely to have a higher moisture and humidity level than other areas of your home. This tends to provide a great environment in which mold can develop and the area can potentially sustain water damage. This is why it is incredibly important to choose the right flooring type for your basement. Ensuring that you take the appropriate steps to handle moisture in your basement can save hundreds of dollars by preventing the development of water damage to the flooring and surrounding area.

It is also important to keep in mind that the ideal type of flooring for you will depend on your specific basement’s requirements and the type of environment that you desire for your basement. For example, if you want a room to serve as a family room, you will likely want a more comfortable flooring type. Alternatively, if you want to turn a specific room into a bathroom, you will likely want a flooring type that is designed to repel water.

Carpeting

Carpeting can be an excellent choice for use in the basement. It aids in providing a far warmer, cozier environment. It can also help to add insulation to the building, which will help to lower energy expenses and provide a more comfortable environment. Another benefit to carpeting is that it is an inexpensive option for flooring. However, there are a few downsides to implementing carpeting to your basement area. It is important to keep moisture in mind when it comes to flooring in the basement. Carpeting can easily become damaged when exposed to excessive amounts of moisture. Additionally, carpeting can trap pet dander and other allergens. This can be particularly detrimental in homes that contain many pets or house individuals with allergies. However, it can also help to reduce the allergens circulating throughout the air, assuming that you have it cleaned regularly enough.

Vinyl

Sheets of vinyl can be another great alternative for your basement’s flooring. This type of flooring is exceptionally durable. It is also moisture-proof and generally maintenance-free. This can go a long way toward protecting your basement flooring from high moisture levels. Vinyl sheets also come in a large array of colors and styles. This allows you more freedom in choosing the appearance of the basement flooring and ensures that it is designed specifically to match all of your needs. The appropriate flooring type can help to both enhance the appearance of your floor, as well as improve the overall functionality of the flooring.   

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile can be extraordinarily durable and long-lasting. Similar to vinyl flooring, it is also available in a large selection of colors and styles. This increased customization goes a long way toward improving the overall appearance and environment within the area. It is important to keep in mind that ceramic tile can become rather slippery, especially when it gets wet. It may be particularly beneficial to have your ceramic tile flooring treated with an anti-slip finish. This will go a long way toward ensuring a safer environment and reducing the likelihood of slipping on the tile. Ceramic tile is often a great solution for bathrooms or other areas requiring durable surfaces.

Engineered Wood

Many people love hardwood flooring due to the exceptionally beautiful appearance that they provide. However, few people would recommend that you have hardwood flooring installed to the basement. This kind of flooring tends to be extremely susceptible to damage from humidity and moisture, which can cause it to warp, rot, or otherwise be damaged. However, engineered wood flooring helps to provide you with the beautiful appearance, without the somewhat susceptible nature of hardwood flooring. Engineered wood flooring is resistant to many kinds of damage that can be sustained by traditional hardwood flooring and is a more durable alternative to hardwood. This can help to provide an excellent, beautiful appearance, while still being incredibly durable and resistant to damage.  

Laminate

Laminate flooring is a very versatile flooring type. It can be designed to mimic a wide array of appearances, like stone, wood, or ceramic. Laminate flooring is particularly durable and can be treated to be resistant to moisture. Another benefit of laminate flooring is that it is relatively easy to install. This tends to make it a less expensive option for the flooring in your basement. If you decide to use laminate flooring in your basement area, it is important to ensure that it has been treated to be moisture-resistant. This can go a long way toward protecting the flooring in your basement area, as well as ensuring a far more comfortable environment within the area. One of the main benefits of laminate flooring is that it can be designed to match many different appearances and provide you with the exact look that you want.  

The flooring that you use in your basement will have a large impact on the overall environment and atmosphere inside of your basement area. Think about the kind of rooms and function that you want your basement to serve. Here at Wilson’s Paint and Floor Coverings, we offer a large array of flooring related services. This can help you to ensure that you obtain the ideal flooring for your basement area. To learn more about the ideal flooring types for your basement, as well as the best flooring for specific uses, contact our expert team at Wilson’s Paint and Floor Coverings today!

New paint jobs require a substantial amount of consideration to ensure that the room provides all of the benefits that you desire. After you have painted the walls, you will need to consider the impact of the ceiling’s appearance on the room. Ceilings are sure to have a substantial impact on the overall appearance of the room, so you need to carefully consider the ideal paint color for your ceiling. Here are a few tips for helping you to choose the best paint color for your ceiling and desired outcome.

Look at the Room

You need to carefully examine the room you intend to paint in order to choose the ideal color for your ceiling. Look at how much space is available in the room. It will benefit from different paint colors depending on whether the room is large or small. For example, light colors help a room to feel larger, but this can feel overwhelming when the room is already incredibly large. Textured ceilings will also require specific colors in order to reduce their appearance and ensure that they enhance the appearance of the room. Consider whether you will want to change the color of the room on a regular basis. Specific colors will allow this to be completed far more easily, without requiring repainting the ceiling. Look at the existing color of the room in order to help you to identify the best color for your ceiling.

Darker Color than Surrounding Walls

When you paint your ceiling a darker color than the surrounding walls, it can help the room to feel far cozier and more intimate. However, if the room is small to begin with, this can lead to the room feeling claustrophobic. A darker shade of grey is often a good choice for the ceiling, especially when you want the ceiling to be a darker color than the surrounding walls.

Lighter Version than Wall Color

The contrast between the ceiling and the walls will have a substantial impact on the overall atmosphere inside of the room. When there is more contrast, a room will inevitably feel smaller. Alternatively, less contrast makes the room feel larger. When you paint the ceiling a lighter version of the color that you use on the walls, it will help the room to feel brighter and larger. This also allows the ceiling to feel higher and further away.

In order to create this atmosphere, you can mix white paint with the paint that you originally used on the walls. It is generally recommended to mix 50% of each paint together. This helps to ensure minimal contrast, because the new color is tinted with the color that is used on the walls. The main downside of this technique is that it can be difficult to obtain the same color if you need to repaint your ceiling.

Same Color throughout the Room

Using the same color on both the walls and the ceiling helps to substantially reduce the overall contrast inside of the room. This helps the room to appear larger, as well as provides a unified appearance throughout the room. It is important to only use specific hues when you paint a room in this manner. In most situations, either light or dark hues are best for painting the room all the same color. Medium shades won’t be able to provide nearly as many benefits as those that fall on either the light or dark sides.

Textured Ceiling Considerations

Textured ceilings have long since fallen out of popularity. Now, most people would rather reduce the appearance of textured ceilings, rather than emphasize it. They also likely want to cover any possible defects that can detract from the appearance of the ceiling. Cream or white shades tend to be the ideal colors to use on textured ceilings or ceilings with defects in order to provide the best possible appearance.

Paint Ceiling to Match the Trim

When you are having difficulty choosing the ideal paint color for your ceiling, you should consider painting your ceiling to match the trim of the room. Matching the trim helps you to provide a cohesive appearance throughout the room. It will also ensure that the ceiling matches the existing decoration inside of the room. In addition, a ceiling that matches the trim allows you to more easily change the color of the room without requiring the ceiling to be repainted.

White Ceilings

White tends to be a relatively safe choice for the ceilings of a room. They can substantially brighten up a room, as white reflects more colors than any other color. When you choose white for your ceiling, you will want to take some time to consider the contrast that it will make when it is placed next to the color of the walls. You may find that it will be more beneficial to mix the white paint with the paint you used on the walls.

Use your Ceiling to Add a Splash of Color

Your ceiling can be implemented to add color to the room. This is generally best when combined with neutral colors on the surrounding walls. If the walls are bright and you paint the ceiling another bright color, it is likely to feel overwhelming. With neutral colored rooms, adding color can substantially enhance the overall appearance of the room, as well as draw attention to the ceiling. Be careful when choosing the color, especially a color that is too intense, because you will likely become tired of it quickly. Pastel or light shades of blue tend to be some of the most popular colors for this technique, as they mimic the appearance of the sky.

Hire a Professional Service

When you are considering a paint job, it can be incredibly beneficial to hire a professional painting service. This will allow the paint job to be completed more quickly, while simultaneously providing the superior final product. They can help advise you regarding the best colors for your specific room. In addition, you can ensure that a professional painting service will follow the right safety strategies and provide you with a paint job that will improve the overall value of your property. To learn more about the painting services that we offer, contact us at Wilson’s Paint and Floor Coverings today!