"Fabiano was a pleasure to work with. He was punctual when showing up to provide an estimate and to the project itself. He gave me accurate time lines and updates in real time when fixing my deck. After comparing 4 other contractors to replace my deck, Fabiano gave the best quote with no surprises and the estimate was spot on! I would absolutely recommend Fabiano for your next project"
"SHORT REVIEW: You couldn't ask for a better painter! 2nd job DS Painting did for us and we couldn't be more pleased! DETAILED REVIEW: Derek painted a room for us 8 years ago when we purchased an Angie's List deal for his company. We were so impressed with his work ethic, personality, and the quality of his work that we kept his name on file. We recently moved into an existing home that needed to be completely painted: ceilings, walls, and trim. We were out of Derek's normal service area but took a chance that he would accept the project since it was a whole house. He accepted...YAY! As expected, he and his coworker, Mike, were AMAZING. Every surface of our home was covered with a drop cloth or plastic (cabinets); every outlet cover and register removed; every doorknob, hinge, and light fixture taped or covered so paint would not get on them. We gave Derek a key to the house and stayed out of his way. We were so pleased with the progress. We found out that Derek does tile work, so we asked him to also add a tile backsplash in our kitchen. That turned out great as well. The only evidence that they were even there was the BEAUTIFUL paint and backsplash: They cleaned everything up and even vacuumed the floors before they left. I will be saving up and trying to get enough work together to convince Derek to come out to us one more time for bathroom tile and anything else that he does. Honestly the best contractor (painting or otherwise) that I have had the pleasure of working with. Thank you, Derek and Mike!"
"Great Job. Work was done in a timely manner and with great care on cleanliness. We are very satisfied with the work performed and have already requested more work to be done."
"They did a great job. When there was a problem with stains seeping through fresh paint, owner Lisa Costas was eager to find a way to solve the problem, and she did. Everything was done to our satisfaction. The painters are the cleanest workmen I’ve ever hired. I will hire them again for any future painting we need done."
"John was very professional and prompt in cleaning my gutters. He has a great work ethic and took pictures of clogged areas. I will definitely use him again next year."
"Marlon and his staff did a great job painting our rooms. Quite a bit of prep to patch areas and they look fabulous. Marlon is a pleasure to work with. Great workmanship, clean, punctual, and very caring."
"A&G has been my trust worthy go to painter as well as handyman services for over 20 years. I have a historic 1855 house and they have always taken great care with the many painting and maintenance services undertaken over the years. In addition I have routinely used A&G for painting a maintenance of multiple rental properties."
"I just had some work done by RMJ Painting and I must say, if you want a contractor that's first going to be professional and respectful; second, include you in their step by step process to assure that no mistakes are being made so that they can move forward with your approval; and lastly, guarantee their work with a 1 year warranty then I would say with confidence to choose RMJ Painting. Rey and his team are great. The detail they took into painting my master bedroom (the patching of existing holes, the retaping along with the seamless painting) was remarkable. I can't say enough about how happy I am with the final results. I will definitely be using RMJ again for my future paint projects and I would definitely refer them to my friends and family."
"The painting was carefully done, Care was taken to have no spills, no uneven painted surfaces, and the contractor was respectful and courteous to work with. I appreciated him replacing some drywall joint tape that had come loose in two bathrooms. It’s those extra touches and helps that makes the difference. My home looks great with a fresh coat of paint! Nice work!"
"Everything went well with the inspection, but there was no "tune-up" (whatever this was supposed to be). Employee was on time, as well as called 1/2 hour ahead to advise of his arrival time. He was courteous and professional. I certainly hope that my sump pumps continue to operate for several more years, but I would not hesitate to call this company if there is a problem. "
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.
Wood stains last anywhere from two to five years, depending on exposure to the elements, your local climate, the type of stain, and the surface it’s on. For instance, vertical surfaces last longer than horizontal surfaces. Some types of woods, like dense hardwoods, will require a recoat yearly, as they are too dense for the stain to absorb. In any event, apply a recoat every 2 to 4 years. As for storage, a can of unopened stain can last up to 5 years, though results may vary.
Whitewashing isn’t permanent, but it can last for a long, long time. When you apply it correctly or have a seasoned pro whitewash your brick, whitewashing can last for 20 to 30 years or longer. Whitewash is very durable and typically requires little maintenance, making it a great project for most DIYers.
Stains penetrate wood best when it's cool and dry, so you want to avoid moisture. If the wood is wet upon application, or if it rains before the stain dries, the water will soak into the wood and displace the staining solution. This leads to a flaky and blotchy look, which is the opposite of a sumptuous even coat. Once the stain has fully cured, after about 3 days, rain shouldn’t cause you any problems.
Choosing the right product involves understanding deck material, desired finish, and local weather conditions. Opt for high-quality, weatherproof formulations ensuring long-term durability and appearance retention.
The Hellertown, PA 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.
