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Grand Rapids Painting Company

Commercial, Industrial, & Residential Painting Services

Serving Grand Rapids, Holland, Grand Haven, Kalamazoo, East Lansing, Muskegon & Beyond

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Your Trusted Painters In Grand Rapids

VanDerKolk Painting has been serving West Michigan since 1991. In that time, we’ve earned a reputation for providing exceptional commercial, industrial, and residential painting services. 

About VanDerKolk Painting

VanDerKolk Painting provides superior painting services to the communities of West Michigan through an emphasis on customer service, craftsmanship, and unparalleled professionalism in the painting industry.

Our Guarantee

When the project is complete, you have the peace of mind knowing that we warranty all of our work.

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Residential Renovation & Painting Services

We offer the following Residential Services to you in the Grand Rapids, MI Area

Commercial & Industrial Painting Services

We offer the following Commercial & Industrial Services to you in the Grand Rapids, MI Area.

  • Factory Painting
  • Agricultural Painting
  • Churches
  • Office Painting
  • Exterior Painting
  • Concrete Floors

Why Choose Us

Industrial Painting Services

We offer the following Shop Painting services to you in the Grand Rapids, MI Area

Certifications

VanDerKolk Painting has completed training and certification on many levels of projects. We are certified in the following areas:

●     RRP Lead Paint Removal

●     Lead Paint Abatement

●     Confined Space Entry

●     Fit Tests for respirators

●     Aerial Lift Platform Training

 

Please contact our office for more information.

Benefits Of Choosing VanDerKolk Painting

Quality Guarantee

We guarantee your satisfaction with our services by providing a warranty for all of our work. We’ll work hard to ensure you remain satisfied with the job we've performed.

Certified Professionals

Our painters are not contractors - they are highly-trained full-time employees. Our team is certified in RRP lead paint removal, lead paint abatement, confined space entry, fit tests, and aerial lift platform training. This means you receive quality, professional work.

Exceptional Service

We'll keep you updated at every step in the project and you'll never have an issue reaching a member of our team.

Benefits Of Choosing VanDerKolk Painting

We are the top-rated local painters near you. While we’re known as Grand Rapids painters and our shop is located in Grand Rapids, we serve much of West Michigan. Cities we regularly paint in, include:

Request Your Free Estimate 

Not all painters in Grand Rapids provide free estimates. VanDerKolk Painting offers free estimates to provide you with an accurate quote for your painting job. We’re painters and not sales professionals. When you schedule a free estimate with us, we’ll come out and review your job, provide you with an estimate, and answer any questions you may have. 


There is no obligation to choose us and there are no pressure sales tactics involved. We believe in providing honest and transparent services and that belief extends to our free estimates. You can request an estimate by clicking the button below. 


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Recent Posts From Our Painting Blog

Interested in learning more about the work that goes into residential or commercial and industrial painting? You can read the latest insights, tips, and industry news straight from our painting blog.

By David Kranker 19 Mar, 2024
When it comes to interior painting , temperature and humidity play a major role in the outcome of your paint project. While you can’t control the weather, there are some things you can do to help paint dry in high humidity. Let’s face it; if you were to wait for the perfect weather to paint your house, you would be waiting forever! While it may not be ideal to paint in high humidity, there are some methods you can use to help your paint dry quicker and avoid buckling or peeling. Taking extra steps and precautions can completely change your painting project on a humid day. Want a perfect paint job? Leave the painting to the professionals at VanDerKolk Painting ! We’re equipped with the professional tools, knowledge, and experience, to apply a lasting new coat of paint even in high humidity. Whether you choose a professional painter or DIY, we’re exploring how to dry paint in high humidity and best practices. What is the Ideal Humidity for Painting? The best, most ideal weather for painting your home’s interior is between 40% and 50% humidity. However, for residents or businesses in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this can be a bit of a problem. With an average humidity of 71% , it isn’t a perfect environment for painting. Many cities in West Michigan suffer from high humidity due to their close proximity to Lake Michigan. Fortunately, it is still possible to paint well in humidity ranging from 50% to 80%. Be warned, though, that humidity below 40% or above 80% means that painting should wait for another day. What Happens to Paint in High Humidity? When humidity is high, there is a lot of moisture in the air. This could greatly affect indoor painting and the result of your work. High humidity has the following effects on interior painting: Longer Drying Time - Due to the moisture in the air, paint can take hours longer to dry, prolonging your project if adding multiple coats of paint Peeling or Fading - The paint could peel, buckle, or blister and cause the color to fade due to high humidity Potential Condensation Problems - In some homes or offices, condensation could form on the walls, causing paint to appear abnormal Taking the necessary extra steps and precautions when painting in high humidity can avoid these issues, though. How to Paint in High Humidity It is completely possible to paint in high humidity. There are just some extra steps and considerations to ensure your paint goes on smoothly and dries in a timely fashion. At VanDerKolk Painting, we’ve become experts at painting interiors in the humid weather of Grand Rapids. So, we’re sharing our tips that guarantee a perfect paint project. Choose the Proper Paint Some paints do better in high humid areas than others. When painting in high humidity, it’s best to choose either a water-based paint such as acrylic or latex. These paints are not as heavy as oil-based paint and will dry in an appropriate amount of time, even with the humidity. Make sure to paint thin layers of water-based paint in high humidity so it dries faster. It’s also important to remember to wait until the paint is dry before adding another coat. Normally, water-based paint has a recoat dry time of four hours . However, this may be longer in high humidity. Along with water-based paint, you may choose a solvent-based finish when painting in high humidity. Increase Airflow Adding extra air circulation methods will help paint dry faster in high humidity. If possible, open a window in the room and set up fans to keep the air moving. It’s even better to have a ceiling fan that can move air throughout the room. Use a Dehumidifier One of the most useful tools when painting in high humidity is a dehumidifier. This will take the moisture out of the air, allowing the paint to dry faster and avoid peeling or buckling. If you use a dehumidifier, turn it on in the room a few hours before you begin painting. This will remove most of the moisture and better prepare the area for painting. Paint in the Morning The best time for interior house painting in high humidity is in the morning - but not first thing. Overnight, moisture may condense and become heavier without the sun absorbing water droplets. It is best to wait until the sun has risen and been up for an hour or two before painting. Painting in the morning also gives you more time to let the paint dry properly before adding additional coats to it. How Do You Dry Paint in Humid Weather? Even in highly humid weather, the paint will dry on its own. However, it will take longer than expected. Some ways to decrease the dry time of your paint in high humidity are to: Use a dehumidifier Increase air circulation with fans and by opening windows Using a hair dryer on specific parts of the wall Remember, it’s important to be patient and not add more coats of paint before the initial coat is fully dry. This could cause bubbling and uneven coloring. Can Paint Dry in 80% Humidity? Painting your home with 80% or more humidity is not recommended. While the paint will take longer to dry, other risks, such as peeling, buckling, and splotchy color, should be considered. The best humidity for interior painting is 40% to 50%, but up to 80% is also acceptable. If painting in humidity above 50%, use additional methods and equipment such as fans, dehumidifiers, and water-based paint for the best results. Call VanDerKolk Painting for Your Next Paint Project Don’t let Grand Rapids, Michigan's high humidity discourage you from transforming your home or office building interior with a new paint color. VanDerKolk Painting has all the tools and expertise required to successfully paint in high humidity! Our team of professionals is here to consult with you about your paint colors, type of paint, and how to navigate working in high humidity. Request a free estimate for your next interior paint project today.
By David Kranker 08 Mar, 2024
When starting a new painting project, whether interior or exterior, it’s important to know how many coats of paint you’ll need and how long to wait between coats to ensure optimal results. If you’re new to painting, you may feel overwhelmed by the different types of paint available and the decision of which paint to use for your project. To help you choose the right paint and answer the age-old question, “How many coats of paint do I need?” We’ve created a simple guide that explains how to paint common surfaces successfully. Remember, you can always call VanDerKolk Painting to guarantee a perfect and precise residential , commercial , or industrial paint job, no matter how big or small! Number Of Paint Coats By Surface Many interior and exterior home projects require painting. To ensure a well-done and vibrant paint job, you’ll need to choose the right type of paint and apply the correct number of coats. Number Of Coats For Bare Drywall Paint Coats Required 1 Coat of Primer 1 Coat of Paint Or 2 Coats of Paint-Primer Combo If you’re renovating a home or working with new construction, you’ll be faced with bare drywall to cover up with your favorite paint color. The best type of paint for this surface is water-based paint, such as latex or acrylic paints. If you use a primer-paint combination, then you can apply two coats. Or you can apply one coat of primer and one coat of your colored paint. Number Of Coats For Light-Colored Walls Paint Coats Required 1 Coat of Primer 1-2 Coats of Paint (depending on the new color) Often, you’ll find yourself painting over previously painted walls. When covering a light-colored wall, the number of coats can depend on whether you are painting over it with a similar or darker color. The best type of paint for light-colored walls is water-based paint, such as latex or acrylic. It’s best practice to apply a primer coat before your color paint. If painting a darker color, you may only need one coat with a few added touch-ups. It's best to apply two coats when painting a similar or lighter color. Number Of Coats For Dark-Colored Walls Paint Coats Required 1 Coat of Primer 2-3 Coats of Paint Painting over a dark-colored wall can be tricky and often more time-consuming than light-colored or bare walls. Don’t let this discourage you, though! With the right number of coats of paint, you can make that unwanted dark color disappear. The best type of paint for dark-colored walls is water-based paint, such as latex or acrylic. After applying one coat of primer, you will need two to three coats of paint to fully cover the underlying dark color. Examine the wall after applying the second coat and determine if you need a third coat if you see dark, patchy spots. Number Of Coats For Finished Wood Paint Coats Required 1 Coat of Primer 2 Coats of Paint Painting finished wood projects, such as furniture, interior doors, baseboards, or trim, can instantly transform a room—when you use the right paint and the correct number of coats. The best type of paint for finished wood projects is stain, acrylic latex, or oil-based paint . Be careful with oil-based paint indoors, though, as it requires extra ventilation due to harmful VOC chemicals in the paint . Painting over finished wood requires extra steps, such as sanding the surface. After sanding, you’ll add one coat of primer. When the primer has dried, lightly sand the surface again before applying two coats of paint. Additionally, you can also use a lacquer, which requires multiple thin coats to cover the surface. Number Of coats For Metal Paint Coats Required 1 Coat of Primer 2 Coats of Paint Painting metal surfaces, especially when painting over rusted metal , can elevate your object in a matter of minutes. If your project is prone to rust, then it’s recommended to use a rust-inhibiting primer to prevent rust from forming due to humidity or moisture. Just one coat of this is enough. The best type of paint for metal surfaces is oil-based paint. It’s long-lasting and the color is often more vibrant compared to water-based paints, which makes it perfect for outdoor metal items and projects. After adding one coat of primer, preferably rust-inhibiting primer, you’ll apply two coats of oil-based paint for the best results. Number Of Coats For Vinyl Paint Coats Required 1-2 Coats of Paint Painting vinyl surfaces, such as outdoor fences or garage and basement flooring, is one of the simplest surfaces regarding the number of coats. If the vinyl is in good shape, then there is no need for a primer; you can go straight to the paint! The best type of paint for vinyl surfaces is epoxy or latex acrylic paint because it is flexible and adheres better. Without a primer coat, you’ll only need one to two coats of paint to transform your vinyl object. Number Of Coats For Ceilings Paint Coats Required 1 Coat of Primer (optional) 1-2 Coats of Paint Painting a ceiling can drastically transform a room, whether it’s a subtle white or an exciting color that matches your interior decor. To ensure your ceiling is perfect and pulls the room together, you must understand how to paint it correctly. The best type of paint for ceilings is water-based paints, such as latex and acrylic. If you’re painting a ceiling that is already white, you can forego adding a coat of primer before the paint. Whether you use a primer or not, you’ll need one to two coats of paint, depending on the color you’re painting over and the color you’ve chosen. Number of Coats According to Paint Type We’ve reviewed the most commonly painted surfaces and the number of coats they require. Now, let’s explore the number of coats of each type of paint you’ll likely use. Oil-Based Paint - 1-2 coats Acrylic Latex Paint - 2 coats Latex Paint - 2-3 coats Enamel Paint - 2 coats Chalk Paint - 2 coats Milk Paint - 2 coats Wood Stain - 1-2 coats Epoxy Paint - 1-2 coats Examining your project is the best way to determine if you should add another coat of paint. If the underlying paint color still shows through or there is uneven color, you may need an additional coat of paint. Always allow the coat to dry long enough before adding another, or it could result in peeling, flaking, or bubbling. Guarantee A Perfect Paint Job VanDerKolk Painting Choosing the right type of paint and knowing how many coats you need for your project can feel overwhelming and mysterious. To guarantee a pristine and perfect paint job, consider hiring the professional painters at VanDerKolk Painting! Our team of trained and professional painters ensures your painting project, no matter how big or small, is done with precision, care, and detailed attention. Request a free estimate for your residential or commercial painting project today!
By David Kranker 27 Feb, 2024
You’ve moved and covered all of your furniture. You have your foam rollers and painter’s tape ready. You’re excited to transform your home’s interior with a new paint color . Before you add that first coat, a thought pops up: how long should you wait between coats of paint? With all of the excitement of your new interior painting project , you may still need to allocate paint drying time into your plans. While it is entirely possible to paint a room on a weekend, knowing how long you should wait between coats of paint to ensure a beautiful, smooth, and professional-looking outcome is important. Depending on the type of paint you use, you could be waiting an entire day before adding another coat of paint to your walls. Doing so before the paint is dry enough for a recoat could end in disaster. Painting is a science often best handled by professionals like VanDerKolk Painting to guarantee a perfect project outcome every time. If you choose to DIY, this article will help guide you on how long you should wait between coats of paint and other insightful tips for a smooth and beautiful paint job. Wait Times Between Paint Coats The wait time between coats of paint will depend on the type of paint you are using. Some paints take longer to dry than others. Oil-Based Paint - When using oil-based paint, you should wait at least 24 hours before adding a second coat of paint. Water-Based Latex Paint - When using water-based latex paint, you should wait at least 4 hours before adding another coat of paint. While the paint should feel dry to the touch after a few hours, it does not mean that it is ready for a second coat just yet. The Difference Between Dry, Recoat, and Cure Times When reading the instructions on your paint cans, you may notice three different terms: dry time, recoat time, and cure time. Understanding the differences between these times is crucial to avoid adding a second coat of paint too soon. Dry Time - the time for the paint to feel dry to the touch; usually between 1 and 6 hours, depending on the paint Recoat Time - the time it takes for the paint to be ready for another coat; usually between 4 and 24 hours, depending on the paint Cure Time - the time it takes for the paint to harden completely and is safe to wash or touch without damage; usually a couple of weeks When planning to paint multiple coats on your walls, pay attention to the recoat time. What Happens if You Paint a Second Coat Too Soon? It’s easy to feel impatient when waiting for your paint to dry enough for a second coat. However, adding another coat before the recoat time is up can end with your paint peeling, bubbling, clumping, and even flaking off when it is dried. You may also experience uneven coloring in certain wall spots if you paint a second coat too soon. How Many Coats of Paint Do You Need? When painting the interior of your home, you should add at least two coats of paint on top of one coat of primer for the best, most vibrant color outcome. Professional painters, like VanDerKolk Painting, recommend using at least two coats but sometimes suggest three depending on the color and thickness of the paint. How Long Should You Wait to Paint Over Primer? We’ve talked about how long you should wait between coats of paint, but how long should you wait before painting over your primer layer? It’s recommended to wait at least 24 hours before adding a coat of paint over your primer. Painting over it soon could cause your paint to adhere to the wall improperly, flaking and peeling. What Factors Affect Paint Dry Time? If you’re on a crunched timeline for your interior painting project, a few factors could speed up or slow down your paint’s dry and recoat times for you to consider. Temperature The time of year and the temperature of your home can affect paint dry times. Oil-based paint dries best in temperatures between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for year-round projects. Water-based latex paint dries best in temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Ventilation The airflow in the room you’re painting can also significantly impact the paint’s dry time. If possible, keep windows open or use fans for ventilation to speed up the dry time. Humidity High humidity can delay the drying time of your paint due to the moisture in the air. If you live in a humid environment or are experiencing high humidity during your project, use a dehumidifier in the room. When painting, it’s best to have an environment with no more than 50% humidity. What Happens if it Rains Between Coats of Paint? While painting is a science, it’s also about timing. Before starting your interior painting project, check the weather to ensure the humidity is low, the temperature is ideal, and you don’t expect rain or snow. If it rains between coats of paint, the increase in humidity could result in poor paint adhesion, bubbling, and even flaking off walls once it’s dried. Weather challenges can be difficult for DIYers. One of the benefits of hiring a professional painting company is that professionals have experience painting in unfavorable weather conditions and have the equipment and skill to easily overcome weather-based hurdles. Save Time & Work With The Painting Professionals At VanDerKolk Depending on the paint you use, you could wait up to 24 hours before adding a second coat of paint. Adding another coat before the paint is ready could end up bubbling or peeling - all that hard work has gone to waste! You don’t have to spend your valuable time applying paint and waiting for it to dry. VanDerKolk Painting is West Michigan’s leading professional painting company. We can handle painting projects of any size for any type of home. Our team also possesses a wealth of experience painting historical homes . Our painting experts are ready to listen to your ideas, make suggestions, and draw up a timeline that perfectly matches your schedule and allocates enough recoating dry time for your paint. Request a free estimate for your interior painting project to get started with VanDerKolk Painting’s professional services today!
By David Kranker 20 Feb, 2024
Water and oil don’t mix; this is a well-known fact. The same rings true when it comes to painting water-based paint over oil-based paint. So, how exactly do you paint over oil-based paint? While oil-based paint is much less popular today, you may run into it when renovating old homes or touching up decades-old furniture. Homeowners historically used oil-based paint on household items that experienced a lot of wear and tear, such as doors, trimming, and cabinets. Now that we are aware of the harmful VOC chemicals oil-based paint contains, most people have switched to using water-based and latex paint in their homes. When working to renew an older home, knowing how to paint over oil-based paint will save you from making grave mistakes that will cost you time and money. Of course, if you want your painting done right the first time with no mistakes, VanDerKolk Painting is here to lend a professional hand (and paintbrush) for your Grand Rapids residential or commercial project. If you decide to take the DIY route, you’ll learn exactly how to paint over oil-based paint by the end of this article. How to Identify Oil-Based Paint Before starting your painting project, it’s important to identify the paint you will eventually paint over. This information will help you decide which primer to use and the next steps to prepare your wall or item before putting your new paint color. Identifying oil-based paint is easier than you may think. Simply dip a cotton ball in denatured alcohol and rub it on the paint. If the paint does not come off, then it is an oil-based paint. If you encounter oil-based paint coating on your walls, doors, or antique furniture, you can easily paint over it with water-based or latex paint by following four steps. How to Paint Over Oil-Based Paint with Water-Based Pai nt In just four simple steps, you can successfully paint over oil-based paint without worrying about the new paint peeling or cracking in just a week. Step 1: Sand Away the Coating Using fine sandpaper, between 180 and 220 grit, rub away the glossy top coat of the oil-based paint. This will help the new primer and water-based or latex paint adhere to the surface without cracking or peeling. Remember, you do not want to sand away all the paint - just the glossy surface. Once finished sanding, use a wet cloth to wipe away any dust. Step 2: Clean with TSP After sanding the top layer, you’ll clean the surface with trisodium phosphate (TSP). To do so, mix ¼ cup of TSP with a gallon of water. Wear gloves, soak a sponge in the mixture, and use it to clean the surface. The sponge will pick up any dirt or dust left behind from the sanding. Clean the surface with the sponge and the diluted TSP twice to ensure it is clean and ready for a fresh coat of paint. Step 3: Prime the Surface Once the surface is clean and free of dust and debris, you can paint a coat of bonding primer. A coat of oil or water-based primer will help the paint better adhere to the surface and prevent it from peeling or chipping. Allow the primer to fully dry. Step 4: Add Two Coats of Paint When painting over oil-based paint, it’s best practice to use two coats of paint to ensure the color is vibrant and the paint is evenly distributed. Remember to use the correct type of paint for your project. If painting something outside, be sure to use exterior paint instead of interior paint to make your project last longer. Can You Paint Directly Over Oil-Based Paint? When covering oil-based paint with latex or water-based paint, you cannot paint directly over it. You must sand off the glossy finish, wash the surface with TSP, and prime it before painting it. This will provide a longer-lasting paint job and prevent the paint from peeling. What Paints Can You Paint Over Oil-Based Paint? You can use any paint over oil-based paint as long as you use the right technique and primer. Always remember that oil and water paints will not adhere together. So, you must follow extra steps to make these two paints compatible. Hybrid oil-latex enamel paint may be easier to paint over oil-based paint than water-based as the paint already contains oils. However, the type of paint you use will depend on your specific project. Oil-Based Paint vs. Water-Based Paint While painting over oil-based paint with another oil-based paint will forego the extra preparation steps, it’s better in the long run to use water-based paint. Unfortunately, oil-based paint contains VOC chemicals that can be dangerous, especially when painting in an enclosed space. Oil paint also takes much longer to dry. Water-based paint does not contain as many VOCs or fumes (if any) as oil-based paint, making it safer to use indoors. It also takes less time to dry and is more environmentally friendly overall. In fact, many states have placed restrictions on the production and sale of oil-based paint due to the environmental impact of production. So, it is harder to find now, making latex, enamel, and water-based paints much more convenient to use. The Perfect Paint Job Every Time - Guaranteed! There is chemistry and science behind every paint job. You have to consider the surface you’re covering, the type of paint you plan to use, and the kind of paint you may be covering up. Failing to collect the right information can result in wasted time and money and a chipped or peeling paint job. The good news is that you can bypass making these mistakes with VanDerKolk Painting! We guarantee a beautiful, clean, and perfect paint job for any project - big or small - you may have. During an initial consultation, our team of painting experts will determine exactly what type of primer and paint to use on your desired surface to get the most vibrant and opaque color possible. Plus, our state-of-the-art techniques ensure your home’s interior or commercial building will be given a new paint job that lasts. You can request a free estimate for your painting project today by filling out an online contact form or by calling (616) 202-6570 .
By David Kranker 25 Jan, 2024
Accent walls can completely transform the look of any room. With just a splash of color, texture, or pattern, they inject personality and depth, provoking a magnificent transformation in your space's overall interior design. Whether you want to highlight a quirky architectural feature, create a cozy focal point, or just add a new dimension to a rather bland room—accent walls are a great solution. However, there are certain nuances to get right with accent walls; otherwise, things may not look as appealing as you’d like. That's where professionals at VanDerKolk Painting come into play. With decades of interior painting expertise, we provide guidance on the latest painting trends, ensuring your accent wall perfectly enhances the rest of your home’s interior. What is an Accent Wall? An accent wall, also known as a feature wall, is a single wall in a room that is distinctly different and more attention-grabbing than the other walls. It serves as a focal point in the room and is typically painted or decorated with a different color, texture, or design. In interior design, an accent wall serves several purposes. It can break up a large room, highlight an architectural feature, or draw attention to a particular piece of furniture or artwork. By doing so, it adds visual interest and depth to the space, creating a dynamic aesthetic. Accent walls elevate your interior design and can change the entire atmosphere of a room, but only when done correctly and intentionally. The Dos and Don’ts of Painting an Accent Wall Adding an accent wall to your favorite room is an exciting way to create interest and dimension. When doing so, make sure to follow these dos and don’ts of painting an accent wall. Do Choose an Exciting and Bold Color Embrace vibrancy when choosing your accent wall color. Let this be your canvas to paint a statement - a strikingly bold hue or an exotic print that enhances the room's overall color scheme . Delightfully unexpected, these vibrant splashes of color can inject personality and depth into your space. Consider harmonizing tones while allowing the accent wall to take center stage. The primary goal? To create a rich visual experience that encapsulates your style while complementing existing décor. For a holistic feel, extend your selected color or design onto other elements in the space, such as fabrics, furnishings, or accessories. Don’t Add an Accent Wall to Every Room Bold and vibrant walls do not belong in every room of your home. Accent walls, while elevating and exciting, should be reserved for specific spaces. Your living room, bedrooms , or dining rooms are excellent spaces to add an intriguing accent wall to elevate your interior decorating and liven up the room. Avoid areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or storage spaces when deciding where to create an accent wall. There is often too much going on in these rooms that the intended effect of an accent wall will fall flat. Do Choose the Right Wall The ideal wall for an accent is typically the first one you see when you enter a room – often referred to as the "focal wall." This could be one with a fireplace, a uniquely shaped window, or a large piece of artwork. Steer clear of walls with doors or windows if they interrupt the canvas drastically. Avoid walls with numerous light switches, climate control units, or anything else that could interfere with your smooth painting canvas. The accent wall should be an uninterrupted, clear canvas. Don’t Get Too Carried Away While an accent wall is an excellent way to add a splash of color to your room, it's crucial not to let your enthusiasm lead to a garish outcome. Bold designs and colors might seem appealing, but remember, subtlety is key. Your accent wall should enhance the room's aesthetic apart from being the focal point. Being the most embellished wall, it needs to coordinate with the overall decor rather than overpowering it. Keep in mind that less is often more when developing a color palette and design that highlights the features of your room. Do Hire a Professional Painter Painting an accent wall might seem like a fun, DIY adventure. However, achieving a seamless, crisp effect is often best left to the professionals. A professional painter has the know-how and tools to evenly apply the paint, smoothly tackle edges, and handle any unexpected issues. One missed spot or blotchy area can throw off the entire effect you're aiming for. When considering the rest of your home, a professional can create an overall cohesive look, balancing your daring accent wall with the rest of your interior. They'll use their expertise to blend the style and color scheme, contributing towards manifesting your vision of a dream home. Vanderkolk Painting is ready to help and equipped with professionalism, high-quality work, and guaranteed customer satisfaction. With Vanderkolk, you can rest assured that your accent wall and overall house painting project are in good hands. Should You Paint Accent Walls First or Last? If you decide to make your accent wall a DIY weekend project, then you’ll want to be strategic with your interior painting process. Typically, your accent wall will be a darker, bolder color than the rest of the walls. So, you should paint the accent wall last. This allows you to cover up any spots or splatter from the lighter color paint easily. Elevate Your Interior Design with an Accent Wall and VanDerKolk Painting An accent wall can drastically elevate and transform a room in your home when you follow the dos and don’ts of painting one. One of the best choices homeowners make when decorating their home’s interior is hiring a professional painting company like VanDerKolk Painting. From color recommendations, choosing the correct paint for your project, crisp clean lines, guaranteed customer satisfaction, and three decades of experience, the VanDerKolk Painting team is here to make your interior vision a reality. Request a free estimate for your interior painting project by calling 616-202-6570 or filling out a contact form .
By David Kranker 17 Jan, 2024
You’ve just finished an interior painting project . Maybe you redecorated your kitchen or living room, and now have some paint left over. You think to yourself, “Can I use interior paint outside?” Paint can be expensive, and it’s a shame to waste a perfectly good amount, especially if there is an exterior project you’ve been meaning to finish. However, using interior paint outside is not the best option if you want long-lasting and durable results. Avoid interior and exterior painting project mishaps and work with the professional painters at VanDerKolk Painting. Specializing in residential , commercial , and industrial paint projects since 1991, we guarantee thorough and efficient results from our trained team. By the end of this article, you will know exactly why interior paint should not be used outside and what type of paint to use instead. Can I Use Interior Paint Outside? When working on an outdoor project, such as painting your front door, house exterior, or mailbox, it is not recommended to use interior paint. Interior and exterior paint are made differently, each for its respective purposes and projects. When you use interior paint outside, you’ll likely experience peeling, cracking, and color fading due to light and weather conditions. What is the Difference Between Interior and Exterior Paint? Now that we have established that you should not use interior paint outside, what exactly is the difference between interior and exterior paint? There are four main differences that affect the use and results of each paint. Pigment When you paint your interior or exterior project, you want the color and pigment to last for years, right? One of the major differences between interior and exterior paint is the pigment. Many interior paints use organic pigments for their colors, which are known to fade significantly when exposed to harsh sun and light. The pigment in exterior paints is designed to withstand the elements and direct sunlight so that the color does not fade as quickly as interior paint would. Binders Binders are additives to paint that act as an adhesive between the pigment and the surface you’re painting. Interior paints are made with binders designed to resist abrasion, such as when you walk or slide something against a wall in your home. Exterior paints contain more durable binders and are made to withstand cracking due to harsh outdoor elements. They also have increased moisture control, enhancing their durability and longevity. Liquids Many interior and exterior paints contain volatile organic compounds or VOC. You’ll recognize VOC paint when you smell that “fresh paint” scent when you walk into a room. These VOCs make it easier to glide paint onto the surface but also come with some short-term and long-term health risks. These could include irritated eyes, coughing, headache, and dizziness. While there are more low-VOC and VOC-free paint options, it’s important to be aware that the levels of VOCs in interior and exterior paint differ. Interior paint has a lower VOC level than exterior paint. So, just as you shouldn’t use interior paint outside, you should never use exterior paint inside. The VOCs in exterior paint could be more harmful because they cannot dissipate properly in an enclosed space. Consistency The last major difference between interior and exterior paint is the consistency. Interior paint tends to be much thinner than exterior paint. This means that if you were to use interior paint outside, you would need more coats to cover the surface and have an opaque color. It would also take longer to dry than exterior paint. Exterior paint tends to be thick, allowing you to fully cover your surface with just a couple of coats. What Happens if I Use Interior Paint Outside? While it is not recommended to use interior paint outside, some people may still choose to do so. But what can you expect to happen when you use interior paint outside? The paint job will not last very long since interior paint isn’t crafted to withstand outdoor elements such as wind, rain, and direct sunlight. You’ll experience color fading, peeling, bubbling, and cracking. All of that hard work will have gone to waste in just a year! What is the Best Paint for Exteriors? We’ve established that interior paint should not be used outside. So, what type of paint is the best to use? The two most popular exterior paint types are oil-based and latex. These types of paint can be used to cover stucco, brick, aluminum, wood, and more. You can also cover rust on outdoor furniture or fences with oil-based or acrylic latex paint. The Importance of Choosing the Right Paint for Your Project Whenever you begin a paint project, one of the most important things to consider is choosing the right paint type. This will ensure longevity and durability, so your paint project lasts for years to come. Not sure which paint is right for your project? VanDerKolk Painting can help you with that. With more than three decades of professional painting experience, we’re here to guide you through every step of your painting project - no matter how big or small. Whether you’re redecorating your home’s interior, office building, or exterior, VanDerKolk Painting’s team of skilled painters is here to help. The hardest part about working with VanDerKolk Painting is choosing the colors! Request a free estimate for your next paint project in West Michigan today!
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