"The contractor Johnny was willing to discuss the project and products with me in detail. He was punctual and committed to getting my deck cleaned and stained even though the weather was not cooperative. Our deck looks really nice!"
"STOP-- if your looking for a professional painting contractor, look no further. you just found one. Donald and his crew prepared and painted 2 coats of paint to the exterior of our house. It is a 5 bedroom brick with a lot of wood trim, a rather large job. he started and was finished as per his estimate, there were no " I need more money requests " as is common with others. also, they sealed and stained a new deck. he is not happy, until you are with his work.no down payments for the job, you pay only when you are happy and they are done. he actually answers the phone, unlike others you call and your call goes straight to voice mail. I would use his company again."
"Bill and the other workers were very friendly, worked hard, did the permitting for us, and dealt with the inspector. Roman is very personable, easy to get a hold of, and called to see what we thought of the work being done. We are very pleased with the sturdy new decks and steps they built~"
"Ron and crew were prompt and efficient. They power washed one day and stained two days later. They were respectful of the plants growing around and near the fence. They consulted with us about the type and brand of stain. This fence had not been staiined for several years and now looks like new. Ron was recommended by Dave Zora, our handyman,, who we found on Angies a few years ago."
"They were very easy to deal with. Returned phone calls quickly and scheduled when it was convenient for me. I had numerous small cracks and several big ones that needed repaired. I could tell that he knew what what he was doing by how quickly he did the repairs. Even though we haven't painted yet they look like the cracks weren't even there. I was so impressed I am having them come back to paint. "
"It was a pleasure working with Dorin and his crew. We had a tree fall on our roof during a windstorm and it damaged some of the bricks in the back which we had to get fixed before the roof could be replaced. Not only did 3 Rivers have great reviews on Angie's List, the roofing contractor I was working with also recommended them! Dorin came out in the evening the day I called to do the estimate and was able to get a crew of two guys out to do the work within a week. They did a beautiful job and cleaned everything up when they were done. I would recommend 3 Rivers to anybody. Very, very happy with the job they did."
Smithhammer Painting is your leading source for all types of residential painting in the Latrobe area. We offer our customers the highest quality of work around, and would love to come out to your home and take on your next big home improvement project!
Yes, professionals offer slip-resistant options for added workplace safety.
Whether you can paint over your existing paint depends on what’s on there. Most of the time, you’ll want to sand down or scrape off the paint that’s currently coating your surface. Epoxy paint, for example, won’t let new paint stick to the surface. Latex paint is more forgiving and will accept a new coat, but a primer is recommended if you’re switching colors.
If you want to achieve a deeper, darker stain color, wait 5 to 10 minutes before wiping it off. However, wipe it off faster for a lighter tone. When wiping off the stain during this part of the process, be sure to work in the direction of the wood’s grain for best results.
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.
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 New Florence, PA homeowners’ guide to deck staining services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Deck replacement costs depend on materials, any structural damage you need to fix, and more. This guide explores how much it costs to replace or repair a deck.
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.