Tag: huntley

As we were working last week doing a wallpaper installation, we received a call asking for a price to install wallpaper in a bathroom. The customer asked us several questions about our pricing. We in turn had to ask the customer a few questions such as:

• What are the dimensions of the bathroom?
• Is the room painted or does it have wallpaper needing to be removed?
• Have you selected a wallpaper for the room yet?
• What type of wallpaper has been selected? (Grasscloth, self stick, commercial)

The answer we received for 3 of these questions was “we are not sure”. Do the size of the room and the wallpaper being installed really matter to give an estimated cost to install wallpaper? Yes, it does.

• Wallpapers all require some prep work.
• Some call for specialized primers to be used prior to installation. 
• Self Stick wallpapers have issues with paint that are low VOC
• There are different requirements for the type of adhesive or glue to be used.
• Depending on the wallpaper it will take longer to install as various wallpapers require them to be wet (pasted with glue) to allow the glue to set up time prior to installation.
• The cost of wallpaper in the Chicago area can vary also depending on the location, i.e. downtown will be more due to travel, parking building restrictions etc.

How do I know how much wallpaper I need?

This is the question that comes up at every wallpaper installation and estimate. To find out we will:

• mesure each wall, ignoring any openings
• verify the paper be ing used and how much paper is on a roll
• look at the repeat if any
• figure out the width of each panel
• determine how may pices we can get from each rolls with the needed waste and repeat

So…what is the cost to install wallpaper in the Chicago area?

There are some wallpaper installations that are fairly simple to estimate. And without getting into too many details which may just really bore you, expect to pay about $680 to do an installation. There are always fixed costs such as:

• transportation
• tools used
• primers used
• materials to apply primers and adhesives
• workman’s comp
• standard insurance policy
• and of course taxes.

This may not answer all of your questions regarding cost to install wallpaper for your home or business, but it is a start as to what we need to know what is the minimum cost for an installation in the Chicago area.

Give us a call to schedule an estimate or send us a text to 847-553-1726. We will be glad to help!

In the world of home improvement, there exists an often underestimated hero and villian: the oak trim. Oak trim, with its classic charm and timeless appeal, has the power to elevate the aesthetics of any living space or make it look outdated or old. Transforming this type of wood into a modernn and updated look requires the right knowledge, patience, the right tools and materials.

Lets take a look at understanding why it costs so much to Paint Oak Trim, the step-by-step process, the best materials to use, potential issues, and what you can expect to pay for this service in the Huntley, Pingree Grove, Elgin area.

The Cost to Paint Oak Trim

The journey begins with a question that often puzzles homeowners: Why does it cost so much to paint oak trim? The answer lies in the inherent challenges of working with oak. Oak is a dense and porous wood, which makes it absorbent and resistant to paint. Achieving a smooth, even finish requires expertise, time, and the right producs to get that amazing finish our customers are looking for.

How to Paint Oak trim – the Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation: Our old Scout Master used. to say “Proper preparation prevents piss poor results”. So this starts with a plan. Where will you start? How much time do you have to get it done? Like it or not preparation includes cleaning the trim, sanding it to remove any imperfections, and filling in gaps or holes. This step sets the stage for a flawless finish
2. Masking! you are going to need to mask the floor and walls (of your not painting the walls) so the caulk, nail hole filler and primer/paint do not get on the surrounding areas.

1. Filling and caulking! When you have wood or oak trim, odds are no one caulked anything or filled nal holes. hat means you have to do it. Caulking will be the easier step. Filling the nail holes is another matter. This is usually a 2 stap rpcess and snading between coats as well as after the 2nd coat of filler has been applied.
2. Priming: Now apply a high-quality primer. Oak has alot of grain in it- so you are going to need to either fill that grain or not stress about seeing verby single vein in that wood. ( we hate the veining) When you prime with a sprayer- you will see these lines. If using a brush and roller you can fill in these lines to hise some of the graining. Primer is a crucial step as it will seal the wood, prevents tannin bleed (common in oak), and ensures better adhesion for the paint.
3. Painting: Armed with brushes or sprayers, you can start to paint. Thin, even coats are essential to prevent drips and achieve a professional look. Two or more coats may be needed for complete coverage.

1. Drying: Patience is required as the hero waits for each coat to dry. Rushing this step can lead to imperfections. Primer alone can take 4-12 hours to fully cure- dont rush it!
2. Finishing: Once the paint is dry, a clear topcoat can be applied for added durability and a glossy finish.

The Best Paint for Painting Oak Trim

To successfully conquer this project, it’s essential to have the right tools and materials. Here are some recommendations:

• Quality Paint: Invest in premium paint that’s suitable for trim, such as a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish. We are a huge fan of Sherwin Williams Pro classic, it drues fast and looks great. Other paints are Emerald Urathanne trim paint. Uratahnes are avalable from other companies such as Benjamin Moore- BUT- they tae a long time to dry and cure- plus I think they smell more.

• Primer: Choose a high-quality primer specifically designed for oak or other hardwoods.
• Brushes and Rollers: Quality brushes and rollers ensure a smooth application.
• Sandpaper: Various grits of sandpaper for sanding the wood and achieving a smooth surface.
• Drop Cloths and Painter’s Tape: Protect your surroundings from paint splatter.

Challenges Along the Way: Issues with Painting Oak Trim

Oak trim presents its fair share of challenges, including:

1. Tannin Bleed: As mentioned earlier, oak is prone to tannin bleed, which can cause discoloration. Proper priming is key to preventing this issue.
2. Wood Grain: The distinct grain pattern of oak can be challenging to cover entirely, even with multiple coats of paint.
3. Cracking and Peeling: If the wood wasn’t properly prepared, the paint may crack or peel over time.
4. Time-Consuming: The hero’s journey of painting oak trim demands time and patience. Rushing can lead to unsatisfactory results.

The Reward: What to Expect to Pay in Chicagoland

In the Chicagoland area, the cost of painting oak trim can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the project, the condition of the trim, and the quality of materials used. On average, you can expect to pay between $2 to $5 per linear foot for professional painting services. This cost typically includes labor, materials, and preparation.

Remember that investing in professional services ensures a high-quality finish and saves you from potential DIY pitfalls.

Painting Oak is like other endeavors of home improvement- it take your longer than you exocet and costs you more than you think it will. While it may cost more than you initially expect, the transformation of your space and the timeless beauty of painted oak trim make it a worthwhile adventure. Equip yourself with the right tools, materials, and experts, and your journey will lead to a home that radiates charm and elegance for years to come.

If you have questions- let s know, we ar ehere to help or here to take this project off your hands so you can do something else you may enjoy more!

This is the time of year that most people are frustrated with just about everything. We get a call because the family is coming to stay for the holiday and they need “it” painted before they get here.

As much as we would love to fit everyone in the schedule and give everyone what they want for Christmas, odd is it may not happen. So save up those lists, put the decorations away then give us a call when we are typically slower (Jan-Mar) and we can really help each other out.

We look forward to your call and find out how we may be able to help you.

As Fall approaches, the most popular call we are receiving is about doing something with Kitchen cabinets.  Customers are tired of the honey oak stained cabinets, tired of the white cabinets that came with the house or want their pantry or island to stand out from the rest of their room.  What are your options?

1st question is, What do you want? The last 2 customers we had were looking to save money in remodeling their kitchen. There was nothing wrong with their cabinets, so the decision was made to refinish oak cabinets to a white glazed look, new tile backsplash, and granite counters. This was 50% cheaper than tearing out a Kitchen and getting all new.

Do you have an island that you want to have a distinct look from the rest of your kitchen? Maybe you have a pantry unit that you would like to make stand out? This can easily be done as a solid color, distressed finish, or restained to another wood color.

We are using ML Campbell industrial wood finishing systems. This is a greenguard certified product. They are low VOC. They are non-yellowing, unlike oil-based products. They are the highest rated to withstand kitchen substances such as juices, vinegar, ketchup, coffee, boiling water, nail polish, naphtha, alcohol, wine, gasoline, TSP, and many more.

Give us a call to schedule a free estimate. Pass this on to a friend to be part of our growing referral program.

I was asked this question this week during an estimate walkthrough. Who are you, why should I hire you, why should I trust you, how do I know you will do what you say, are you gonna do what the last guy did?

We are D’franco Painting and Decorating. We have come from a part-time hobby to 2 friends working together for Dfranco Inc. We have Taken over A Painted wall. We have bought The Finishing Touches inc. We are still looking to expand. In an economy of payoffs, our customers are on a waiting list. We have grown every single year in business. We never stop to learn.

Are you getting estimates from painters that are insured?

Is the person you are considering an out of work painter from another company working for cash? If so who will pay for the paint on the carpet- replace the new sink he just cleaned is tools out it an ruined the finish off?

What kind of references did you get? Homeowner? Businesses? Other contractors? Decorators? Realtors? We give them all to you, it’s not Aunt Jenny giving you the thumbs up to us.

How much does the contract tell you? It should spell out everything, does it?

You may pay a bit more but you can’t expect a Lexus at a Chevy Dealer.