"They were here and working by 8 a.m. All areaswere preppedwith plastic covering in each room. Ceilings were spackled and repaired as needed. Stain sealer was applied and dried . The workers finished all 3 ceilngs,cleaned up, vacuumed and moved the furniture back in place by 4 o’clock in the afternoon. I am extremely pleased with the job they did."
"Ever was great, he was able to give me a quote that made sense for my outdoor painting job on our whole home. It was a mixed project between metal siding, brick and a wood retaining wall but he recommended the right paints and didnt cut corners. There was an issue with the paint store mixing the full gallons that didnt match the sample we had used and Ever took the lead to make sure we got what we agreed upon. I will use him again in the future and recommend him as a painter to all of my friends."
"It was a pleasure to work with Rob and his crew to replace the aging deck on our house. From the initial estimate to the finished product the project was completed with little disruption to our everyday life. Extra steps were taken to insure that the underside is protected from moisture. The new deck is not only functional but it’s beautiful."
"Great experience! That 1 Painter North Jersey painted the outside of our house a few months ago and we’re still receiving compliments. We filled out a form online and they came out the next day to give us an estimate. Super easy to work with and great final product!"
"Worry free painting did an excellent professional job very courteous. Job was done on time and price was very reasonable. I was impressed with the detail & neatness . Will be calling this company again and give them my highest recommendation."
"I have no complaint with the quality of their work. However, as usual with a house built in 1895, the job grew as they worked! A simple gutter replacement turned into a complete Porch roof replacement. Considerably more expensive. I could see the water damage myself so I didnâ  t feel they were being dishonest. The job was completed quickly and efficiently. I am satisfied."
The Start Point Home Improvements, Inc., is a locally owned and operated business that values integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail in all aspects of our work. We take pride in the quality work and our commitment to outstanding results. Please allow us the opportunity to earn your business!
"I hired Mike to do a painting project in my home just to paint a few areas and also an accent wall. Mike and his painters were very nice and the price was reasonable.They were prompt and finished the job in a timely manner. However, after the job was completed. I noticed there were small areas that were not painted. I called Mike and informed him what I noticed and he told me he would come back to fix it. However, he never showed up. I also noticed that my accent wall is not painted evenly as well as other areas in my home. If you hire this contractor make sure to check their work thoroughly after they finish the job."
El Cartero Painting LLC is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
Limewash and whitewash are two techniques used to give brick a light, matte finish, but they differ in composition, application, and permanence. The best choice depends on your aesthetic goals and the specific surface.
Composition
Limewash: A natural and environmentally friendly option made from limestone, water, and sometimes pigments. It is breathable and soaks into porous surfaces like brick.
Whitewash: Traditionally made from lime, water, chalk, and binders, but a similar look can be achieved with watered-down white paint. It is paint-based and sits on top of the surface.
Appearance and Finish
Limewash: Provides a natural, textured appearance that allows the brick's character to show through. It offers a more traditional finish.
Whitewash: Creates a softer, more opaque finish, often used for a rustic or shabby-chic style.
Application and Permanence
Limewash: Is semi-permanent and can be removed, making it a good choice if you might want to change the look in the future. It requires more skill to apply and cannot be used on previously painted brick.
Whitewash: Is a more permanent solution. It is more forgiving to apply and can be used on painted brick. However, because it sits on the surface, it can trap moisture.
Ultimately, if you want a breathable, natural, and reversible finish for unpainted brick, limewash is a great option. If you need a more permanent, opaque coating that can be applied over painted surfaces, whitewash is the better choice. Whitewashing may also be more economical, costing approximately $1.40 to $4.20 per square foot.
Yes, you must thoroughly clean your deck before staining. If you don't, dirt, debris, grease, and mildew can get trapped between the wood and the new stain. This not only looks unsightly but also prevents the stain from penetrating the wood properly, reducing its ability to protect the deck from weather and UV rays. As a result, the stain won't last as long or look as good. Any existing mold or mildew left untreated can continue to grow beneath the new stain, potentially leading to wood rot and structural damage. Always wait at least 48 hours after cleaning for the wood to dry completely before applying stain.
The opposite is actually true: Wood stains tend to appear lighter when they’re fully dry. However, stains may darken as they weather and oxidize with age. Stains might also darken on surfaces left in direct sunlight, as UV rays can break down pigment particles and cause them to darken over time.
The best way to protect a deck is to prevent damage from UV light, water, mold, mildew, insects, and abrasive cleaning methods. Sweep regularly to prevent debris that hides bugs and traps moisture that can result in mold or mildew growth. Use a deck cleaner once a year to remove algae, mold, and mildew. Avoid using pressure washers on high, as they can damage the wood. Applying a deck sealant can protect the wood from UV and water damage, and adding shade can also reduce sunlight damage.
Applying too much sealer to a deck might seem like extra protection, but it can cause more harm than good. Wood is a porous material with a limited capacity to absorb liquids. When you go overboard with sealer, the excess can't soak in and instead forms a film on the surface. This leftover layer is prone to peeling, cracking, and trapping moisture, ultimately defeating the purpose of sealing in the first place.
The Englewood Cliffs, NJ homeowners’ guide to deck staining services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The best time to stain a deck is when it’s dry but not too sunny. How often you restain a deck depends on climate and wood type, but every two to three years is normal.
