"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.
Applying a sealer or topcoat after staining wood is highly recommended, though not always strictly required. A sealer protects the wood from moisture, UV rays, and weather-related issues, which is especially important for outdoor surfaces like decks and fences. It also enhances the stain's durability, prevents fading over time, and gives the wood a cleaner, more professional-looking finish. For some indoor applications, a sealer may not be necessary, depending on the type of stain used and the level of protection needed. It's always best to check the stain manufacturer's recommendations and consider the wood's intended use and exposure when deciding whether to apply a sealer.
You have a couple of options when choosing a durable pool deck coating. Epoxy is common and offers excellent stain and water resistance. Epoxy also withstands high temperatures and UV lighting, making it ideal for sunny spots. You can also add a coating to cement, which significantly lowers the temperature of the concrete, is environmentally safe, and makes cleanup a breeze.
Satin paint is generally considered a better choice for woodwork—including trim, baseboards, cabinets, and doors—than flatter finishes like eggshell or matte. Its soft sheen enhances architectural details and stands up well to frequent cleaning and daily wear. Compared to eggshell and matte finishes, satin is more durable for high-touch areas because it is less porous and doesn't absorb dirt as easily. Matte finishes, in particular, are prone to scuffs and are harder to clean, making them less practical for surfaces like doors and cabinets.
It’s a good idea to sand your porch before painting. This will remove loose or chipped paint and debris, and give you a cleaner surface so that your new paint goes on smoothly. But if the existing surface is in good condition, it’s not necessary to sand your porch before you paint.
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.
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.
