Tag Archives: kitchen

Picking a Paint Finish…made easy!

Here’s what you need to know about four main paint finishes, there are 4 basic sheens:  flat, eggshell, semi-gloss, and gloss.  Below is a list of the best bets for where to use them in your home. But please  remember: There are no set rules for how certain paint colors look in each finish; that decision is totally up to you!

Flat:  also may be referred to as “matte”.  This sheen has the least amount of shine.  It is also the least resistant to stains and harder to clean.  It does cover cracks and imperfections well and is a good option for textured walls.  Plan to use this finish in lower traffic areas like a formal dining room and it is perfect on ceilings.Kitchen Wayne 1-25-13-4

Eggshell:  also may be referred to as “satin”.  You really can not go wrong with an eggshell paint.  It resists stains better than a flat paint, wipes clean easily, it also has a little more luster and shine than a flat paint.  We use this in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas….everywhere!cordes7

Semi-Gloss:  this is a tough paint and will show less wear than flat or eggshell.  It reflects more and will show imperfections in the wall more than the aforementioned finishes.  We use this solely on trim work, mouldings and doors.

Eggshell blue paint in desk area

Eggshell blue paint in desk area

Gloss:  shiny and a good choice only on trim and furniture.  If you are going for a “glam” look, you can try this on the walls.  We have not done that yet, so if you do, please send us pictures!

Tips and Tricks for Cleaning and Sealing Your Granite Countertops

Cleaning and Sealing your granite countertops:

You will be happy to hear just how easy it is to do an annual cleaning and sealing of your granite counter(s).

1. First clean your countertop thoroughly using a natural cleaner. Never clean with any product containing acid, lemon, or bleach. Acids, even a light solution of vinegar and water, will eventually etch and damage natural stone. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.

2. Now apply the stone sealer. Stone sealers will need to be reapplied as soon as you notice water no longer stands (beads up) on the surface.

Simple and quick way to shine and seal your natural stone countertop

Simple and quick way to shine and seal your natural stone countertop

Tips:

-I use a sealer and cleaner on our slate tops, which eliminates one of the two steps. It is called “Cleaner/Re-Sealer” by StoneSpecific.

-Make sure you buy a spray cleaner and/or sealer conducive of your countertop material. For example; we have a honed slate material, so I buy a product with that description. Whereas someone with polished granite should look for a natural stone cleaner/sealer.