Herrera's Textures & Finishes

Rainy day color lift

2012-01-26T11:28:00.001-05:00

Best Wishes to all

2011-12-23T18:36:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas to all! Hope all your wishes come true, just like mine have. Thank you for your business!

Busy in December

2011-12-21T21:53:00.001-05:00

I'm busy updating a few rooms at the Soni household. Working on several different areas of their home to bring it up to date. Check out the photos.

Need a color boost?

2011-12-11T10:48:00.002-05:00

Finished with Style

2011-12-01T23:31:00.000-05:00

Finished out the former optometrist's office in the basement of Yoder Dental. I did lots of work down here and the end result was very satisfying.

Project in Progress

2011-11-23T18:56:00.001-05:00

Working on the former optometry office in the basement of the Yoder Dental building. Definitely have my work cut out for me.

Transform.

2011-11-10T22:55:00.001-05:00

I don't just want your business...

I want your trust.

Time for transformation.

Finished

2011-10-14T21:44:00.000-04:00

Kitchen - paneling covered with smooth texture.

Kitchen walls in progress before.

Living room before.

Living room. Same treatment w/texture covering paneling.

Kitchen hallway.

Bedroom.

Kitchen before - note the ceiling I textured.

Paneling covered in kitchen turned out great also.

The bathroom texture turned out so well.

Basement stairwell. Two-tone.

Basement bathroom turned out awesome. We did the vanity, door and walls.

Jonathon's home was definitely a work in progress. I worked hard to cover the paneling with a smooth layer of texture. The finished work pleased them and me as well. Can you tell by scrolling down to the previous post about this home which room is what? It was a challenge that I loved taking on. Jonathon and Naomi were a pleasure to work. So glad I got to know them - they're great people.

Jonathan's Home

2011-09-16T14:10:00.003-04:00

I started a large project at Jonathan's house. He has lots of paneling in his home. After discussing it with him, he's decided to go with texture to cover the paneling. I'm in the beginning stages of filling all the paneling cracks and crevices and applying texture. Painting a few areas began today. Keep checking back for updates of this project. I love doing texturing. I feel it's the wave of the future and each time I do it, it gets perfected a big more. Exciting!

Color

2011-09-02T12:59:00.000-04:00

"Pick-ture" Perfect

2011-08-26T09:49:00.000-04:00

The Pick residence is finished! I worked with 12 different colors to get this finished, but with care and patience it came out fantastic. the trim will be installed later. They had great taste in color and build style so it was a pleasure to work with them. Josh was great to get to know and work with--wonderful guy. Thanks for choosing us.

Work in progress

2011-08-18T15:24:00.001-04:00

I started at the Pick residence in Olmsted Falls this week. They built a new home, and I'm doing all the walls, etc. Keep checking in for updates on this and more.

Bob & Amy

2011-08-15T20:13:00.002-04:00

I did some freshening with paint at Bob & Amy's last week. I painted the kitchen walls, ceiling, hallway, basement stairwell, and upstairs hall.

Dan & Penny continued....

2011-08-03T06:46:00.000-04:00

I finished some exterior work at Dan & Penny's. I did the jambs, frames, and doors. I also painted some window frames. I really like how the color turned out and blends nicely with the brick.

Burke & JoEllen

2011-08-03T06:30:00.000-04:00

I finished a bedroom/bathroom re-fresh at Burke & JoEllen's house. I caulked the woodwork, patched the walls, and painted everything. Doesn't the blue look fresh?

A work in progress!

2011-07-31T21:04:00.002-04:00

Here are a few pictures of a work in progress at Tommy & Shannon's house. We are finishingthe drywall and doing texture on the ceiling,

Scott & Melissa

2011-07-24T21:03:00.001-04:00

I've been doing lots of refreshing at Scott & Melissa's house the last few weeks. Some new colors really invigorate and liven up the walls and add interest. The first set of pictures of the kitchen before and after. I did the bathroom, bedroom, and down the steps. A little smoothing of texture was needed for the uneven walls in the bathroom. The end result was fabulous.

Jeremy & Stephanie

2011-07-14T16:46:00.000-04:00

I did some painting and trim at Jeremy & Stephanie's condo. Looks great!

Chad & Sara

2011-07-07T10:37:00.000-04:00

I finished in Massillon at the Stitt household. I freshened up the kitchen and bathroom with some super vibrant colors. I'm doing a few estimates and trying to catch my breath in between jobs. I'm thankful for all the opportunities I've been given.

Finito!

2011-06-21T20:43:00.000-04:00

We've put the finishes touches on Kyle & Stacey's home, and are moving on to the next project. Take a gander at how nice it turned out.

Stacey & Kyle

2011-05-27T16:09:00.000-04:00

Here are a few "in-process" pictures of Stacey and Kyle Yoder's project. I've been hard at work repainting most of the rooms in their house. It's an overall freshening up of everything!

I'm headed to Mexico tomorrow morning to visit with my family that I haven't seen in five years. Adios and I'll see you in two weeks.

Warren & Marcia

2011-05-18T19:41:00.000-04:00

I worked on Warren & Marcia's basement. I painted walls, woodwork, doors, and jambs, and trim. They had done a little updating and wanted to freshen up the color scheme.

Beau & Nicole

2011-04-29T21:54:00.000-04:00

A little updating for Beau & Nicole's dining room and restroom. Never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint!

Tile your space back to life

2011-04-23T12:55:00.003-04:00

With spring comes change. Flowers blooming, and the urge to refresh and renew wells up inside us. A simple fix for transforming a kitchen, bathroom, or even patio is to tile! Be it a backsplash, tiling steps, or adding tile and concrete to your existing patio, it can make a drab and boring place come alive with vibrancy. Patios are like a second room and you want to sit and relax in them. Check out my tiling jobs here and here. Big or small, I can do your tiling jobs to make your space come alive again.

A little Inspiration

2011-04-15T14:22:00.000-04:00

James & Katie's house

2011-03-11T12:46:00.000-05:00

I've been working on James & Katie's house for the last few weeks. She had bedrooms, bathrooms, hallway and the kitchen done. Two-tone vivid colors played a big role in the color-scheme. I also took some wallpaper and borders down, and put up Ohio State wall decals, and some of the very popular word decals. Next week I'll be installing for them a kitchen back splash -- stay tuned for pictures of that.

I'll be adding a backs plash here.

A bold gold choice!

My little helper - Tyler!

The chocolate brown & lime green work well together.

These word decals are very hot right now. Looks great.

Emily's room.

Javan's room. O-H-I-O

Matthew's room

A little advice for the bathroom! Love it.

Finished

2011-02-10T19:56:00.000-05:00

We're totally done at the Picket Place Condo. Everything turned out great! We're moving on to the next project.

Picket Place condo

2011-01-28T11:39:00.002-05:00

This fireplace was varnished wood. I used a great product that went right over the varnish. I did all the trim in the house with the same product. It turned out fabulous.

All the doors were painted and re-done.

All cabinets were re-done and new hardware installed.

The sheen was beautiful.

The new nickel hardware really looked great.

A bedroom and trim.

All bedroom walls were painted and the trim painted.

Bathroom cabinets received resurfacing also.

We've done several Picket Place condos, and I just love how this one turned out. All the trim, cabinets, doors, and walls were re-done and painted. I removed all the old hardware everywhere and installed new. There's nothing like everything coming together and turning into something new and fresh.

Dan & Penny's house

2011-01-21T16:38:00.000-05:00

I'm finally putting Penny's pictures on! Here is the kitchen re-done in a warm brown. So beautiful against the white cabinets.

The dining room.

Add caption

We did the walls and the ceilings in the living room. The colors were warm and vibrant.

Here is the piano room where Penny spends alot of time with her students. The color in here was San Antonio Sage.

The entryway

Hallway

Part of the living room

Penny and her husband Dan were wonderful people. They were very patient with me as I had alot of other jobs going on. We finally got all their projects done. The colors they picked out were fabulous and everything turned out so well. We'll be doing a backsplash for them in the coming months. Once you get started re-doing your house it's hard to quit.

Carl's house

2011-01-21T09:57:00.000-05:00

I recently re-painted Carl's house in Hawk's Landing and wanted to post some pictures of how it turned out. From lovely gold to a warm chocolate, the colors pop. Tell us what you think!

Nevin & Kari's house

2010-12-05T12:07:00.000-05:00

I'm a little late in getting these wonderful pictures of Nevin & Kari's house on. They chose bold, vibrant colors that turned out incredibly. I love it when people aren't afraid to try new colors.

The Sommers' House

2010-11-20T10:02:00.001-05:00

I did some re-vamping at Mike & Karlene's house over the past few weeks. A little painting, some wainscoting and trim -- and voila the rooms felt fresh and new.

Fun color updates

2010-10-19T13:36:00.001-04:00

I did a little work at Burke & JoEllen's house and just had to share how fabulous it turned out. Love the vibrant colors!

Lots of luscious paint!

2010-10-15T15:29:00.002-04:00

The art of painting sometimes gets lost in the everyday hustle and bustle. This time of year is usually the end of my busy season, so I decided to go through all my leftover paint and put them in five gallon buckets. I took leftover paint cans, mix together, and come up with some great colors. If you have a project you've been waiting to do, I can make you a good deal with this paint. An old house or a new house that needs primed would be perfect for this paint. It's a good foundation and one heck of a deal!

I think the cans all sitting together look like art!

The Schrock project

2010-10-13T11:22:00.002-04:00

Here's a few pictures of Dayna's kids rooms. The black and blue room will soon be transformed into a moonscape. Her son wanted this and I am preparing to tackle it. This is the cake, with the frosting to come! The second room is one of her daughter's rooms that was painted in a beautiful teal. Stay tuned for the moon and stars!

New colors @ the Beechy house

2010-09-18T08:59:00.001-04:00

I did some painting in the Beechy house and livened it up with some color! Beth was ready to step out of her comfort zone and do a wonderful green. It's fun to step out of the box and try something new -- they were very pleased with the result.

Menuez Farmhouse -- living room

2010-08-31T15:38:00.001-04:00

From start to finish, the living room in the old farmhouse owned by Butch Menuez was a pleasure to do. Old houses have a way of settling in over time, and they respond with cracks and aches, much like ourselves! I filled in all the cracks, fixed the holes, and gave everything a skim coat of texture. This prepared the surface to receive the paint. Trim, windows, and doors were coated with oil paint and the room was magically transformed. If you're home seems to be groaning with age, don't despair. I will be able to make it new again!

Lux kids rooms

2010-08-20T14:30:00.001-04:00

Lately I've been seeing a lot of very cool teen/kid rooms. They are becoming more and more bold with funky accents. Kids need to feel like they can get away sometimes, and these rooms reflect what they are feeling. Don't be afraid to let you kid help decide colors -- you can always paint them neutral when they leave the nest. For now, let them revel in color. It's good to live in what makes us feel at home.

Judy's fab new bedroom/powder room!

2010-08-13T14:48:00.001-04:00

I'm a little late in snapping these photos and posting them (sorry Judy!). I'm remedying that today. Judy got texture and paint applied to her bedroom and powder room. I ripped out some built-in desks and shelves which opened up a lot of space in the bedroom. In these rooms, I put a smooth texture on the walls. She wanted it smooth, so that's what I gave her. Texture can smooth away a lot of cosmetic imperfections. In the powder room, I textured, painted, and painted all the closet doors, and woodwork. Just lightening up the doors with paint made the room seem totally different and new. More texture applied and another happy customer.

Another project finished

2010-08-09T14:41:00.001-04:00

I have almost come to the end of our revamping of the BMC Sunday school rooms. I put texture in the upstairs hallway and made it nice and durable. The hallway had lots of wallpaper so I had to cover with lots of texture and pay attention to seams. Each room was painted, patched and caulked. The upstairs rooms each have texture applied to them. There was alot of wallpaper up there, which meant alot of texture! It turned out beautifully. The downstairs rooms and nursery did not have texture applied. They were painted individually. This project took a little time. I spent time and gave it the attention it deserved. It took me about 3 weeks to finish. Note how nice the texture took to the wallpaper in the first picture. I think the hallway looks just beautiful. It's great for little hands -- leaves no marks or smudges!

Viva la textured walls!

2010-08-07T01:45:00.000-04:00

Texturification

2010-08-02T11:31:00.002-04:00

This summer has been a summer of my texture/stucco/faux finish techniques really taking off. People are starting to get a little braver, and are ready to try new things. Not expensive things, just new and different. I thought I would do a little clarification on the different techniques, or if you will "texturification".

Faux Finishes

--- Faux finishes are done with paint. You can rag, sponge, or do a marble effect. Almost anything from paper towels to garbage bags can be used to faux finish with. There is no texture finish involved in this process. It's flat, and gives the illusion of whatever pattern you want.

Texture

--- Texture/Stucco finishes are done with a finish of stucco over existing walls. Many people are confused when we say texture and stucco in the same sentence. Yes, stucco is also done outside. You mainly see it in the southwest. Think adobe! George has worked with interior stucco/texture and perfected a mix to go straight on interior walls. It's a process of several days that gives your walls a kick and boldness. It can be as smooth or as funky as you want it to be.

What most people are finding, and what I am heavily promoting, is application over existing wallpaper. Old wallpaper, especially when put on straight over plaster walls, simply does not age well! When you try to take it off 30 years later, it comes off in chunks or hard strips. I have perfected a tested way of applying smooth or chunky finishes over wallpaper. Seams, imperfections, holes and all disappear and you're left with a beautiful finish. Paint over it and boom -- you have a brand new wall. It's durable, water-resistant and snazzy to behold!

Another fun use for texture, and a big money-saver is to use it to cover up a yucky fireplace. Sometimes the fireplace and hearth are old, out-of-date and unsightly. I re-did Missy's Aunt Fern's fireplace and hearth awhile back. You can visit that post here. Using stucco to re-do a hearth, and painting the fireplace itself saves you money but beautifies and makes it look alive again!

Hopefully this might answer some of your questions. I have had it in my home for a long time now. It's durability has been tested over and over and has passed the test. If you're just looking to patch some holes, plaster chunks, or drywall -- I can do that too. I can make your wall look like new. Call today and I'll get your walls jazzed up before the snow flies.

More pictures are to come of a commercial project I am doing, and several homes. Stucco is involved in all of them. Especially over wallpaper! I am a small business, but give big quality and satisfaction -- call me for your huge or small hallway project, those walls that a million little hands will touch everyday, motels big and small I do it all.

Grunge Textures that spark my creativity

2010-07-13T12:57:00.001-04:00

Catching up on pictures....

2010-07-05T11:40:00.003-04:00

I've been negligent on posting updated pictures of our projects! The top two pics are of the freshly stuccoed waiting room of our local dental office. I stuccoed over wallpaper and it turned out fabulous! The rest of the pictures are from a Picket Place condo in Berlin. Here it was straight painting, but most of the rooms were done in various colors with an accent wall. There was alot of trimming in this job, but it turned out beautifully. Moving on to the next project this week!

A Blurred Work Week

2010-06-28T12:25:00.002-04:00

This last month has been nothing but a whirlwind of work. In the painting business, those are the words you want to hear all the time! I finished up at Judy Yoder's house, applied stucco to the Yoder Dental waiting room, and now have moved on to an entire condo. This condo needed re-coated from top to bottom. Each room has at least two colors including an accent wall, so this makes for alot of trimming.
After the condo, I will move on to all the Sunday school rooms at The Berlin Mennonite Church. They all need revamped, patched up, and painted -- time to freshen up! Here's to a busy, busy summer -- and believing that fall will be the same.

A little freshening up

2010-06-14T14:06:00.002-04:00

I'm working on a home right now that involves ripping out some built-ins and applying stucco. I've taken a short break from it to work on the waiting room at a local dental office! I wanted to show you the process of putting stucco on over wallpaper. I cleaned and caulked all the seams. Then applied a coat of oil paint. Over that I applied the stucco, and now it needs to dry. Tonight and tomorrow I will put the coats of paint. I"ll post new pictures when everything is finished. It's a busy, crazy summer for Herrera's Textures & Finishes!

Miami Textures

2010-05-21T10:55:00.003-04:00

In traveling to Miami I knew I would come across lots of different textures and stuccoes. I snapped lots of pictures and the recurring theme seemed to be of a pastel nature. It was simply stunning to see the old art deco features of the buildings. They don't make them like that anymore. These shots are a few of my favorites. From outside cement walls, to a rustic block wall with pink paint -- Miami held for us a lovely array of things to love. Incorporating some of these textures is something I plan to do. With each job, texture or paint, I like to give it a new twirl.

Back from paradise

2010-05-19T12:44:00.002-04:00

I'm back from our trip to Miami to pick up Belle from college. I had a great time and thank God our travels were safe. Now it's time to get back to work!

Time to head south

2010-05-11T01:35:00.001-04:00

I'm headed back down to West Palm Beach & Miami to pick up my daughter tomorrow morning early. The beach is calling my name -- and I'm following. See ya next week!

Inspiracion

2010-05-08T20:54:00.000-04:00

Pictures and textures inspire me. Here are a few I find appealing. They speak to me with no words at all.

Interior faux finish in Wooster

2010-05-04T11:55:00.001-04:00

I completed a wonderful faux finish job in Wooster last Friday. The people were doing an interior renovation and wanted to liven up their kitchen. I came in and gave them what they wanted. Texture/faux finish is the way to go. Even if you do one room or one wall, it gives a contrast and makes life more interesting!

Backsplash!

2010-04-24T11:15:00.001-04:00

This week I installed a beautiful backsplash at Dave & Stacy's house. They chose a beautiful, natural stone and their kitchen just turned out beautifully! I have to go back on Monday for a few hours to put the finishing touches on it. I love installing backsplashes. It instantly makes your kitchen alive and up to date.

Finished up

2010-04-17T16:37:00.000-04:00

Here's a few pictures of the totally finished product at Cassie & John's house. We always love to show everyone how it turned out.

Everyone needs a little faux finish in their lives

2010-04-16T13:07:00.000-04:00

I've really been inspired lately by all the things I've discovered that you can texture over. Painting and texturing is not just a job for me -- it's something that I truly love. I'm passionate about it and want it to show in every project I accomplish. I also think that to be truly innovative, you need to try new things. We've proven over and over again how well texture takes over wallpaper. Paneling covered up beautifully, also. Back in the fall I tackled painting a fireplace and smoothing over the hearth. There are so many different techniques to try, and without cutting corners, new techniques to learn. With each job I tackle, I learn something new. The pictures I've included in this post today inspire me. (They are not my work) I'm always striving to do and to be a better painter and artisan -- which is how I view my techniques.

Busy Spring

2010-04-10T09:36:00.000-04:00

We're busily flying along through this beautiful spring. We recently completed part of John & Cassie's house. In between George has been busy texturing Kevin & Judy's bathroom, with more work to come possibly in June. Next week finishing Cassie's project up. A couple of other projects are in line to be done after that. We've done scads of estimates, all of them promising. It's been a great winter, and excellent spring. We are grateful for all the job opportunities coming our way.

We're headed down to Florida for a few days in May to pick up our daughter at West Palm Beach U. Can't believe her first year of college is done already. The end of May my wife and I will be celebrating 20 years of marriage -- we'll make a small trip somewhere for that too! We'd love to visit my family in Mexico in June. It's been four years since we have seen them. That's the longest it's ever been. We'll see if that happens.

Happy Easter

2010-04-03T17:15:00.000-04:00

I wanted to wish all my customers and blog friends a Happy Easter!!

He is risen.

Texturing over Paneling!

2010-03-25T10:56:00.001-04:00

Here is the tale of Cassie & John's sunroom! It had dark paneling to start out with, and she wanted a textured effect. George filled in the grooves, and then applied coats of texture over it. After all the texture was applied he painted. They loved it! But now they don't like how the ceiling looks with the finished effect, so George will start Friday on their ceiling. Texturing and painting can change a room drastically. We have textured over messed up drywall, nasty wallpaper, and now over unsightly paneling. Rather than putting new drywall in, it's an less expensive fix -- and ends up looking fantastic!

a little framing...

2010-03-13T13:56:00.001-05:00

Working on framing the basement. This was the third day working on it -- not nearly done!

A night out at the 356th Fighter Group restaurant

2010-03-09T12:53:00.000-05:00

We had a nice night out on Saturday at the 356th Fighter Group Restaurant in Canton. The building is old and modeled after a military post. Lots of fun stuff for George to climb on outside too. :) Sometimes you need a break from work to just unwind.

Spring?

2010-03-05T11:02:00.000-05:00

We're humming along nicely on the Millersburg house. The downstairs is painted, upstairs is painted and floors installed. Odds and ends are being touched up and finalized. George has been on busy guy. He leaves early and comes home late -- very tired. He's been working super hard to make this house just right for the customers. Here are a few pictures:

Starting to look finished --- but not quite :)

2010-02-07T11:03:00.003-05:00

The primer and first coat of paint is being applied. It's starting to look like we're getting somewhere.

Starting to look fresh.

We got snow dumped on us this weekend. Starting Friday the 5th it started snowing at 1:30 pm and snow for twenty-four hours straight. We ended up with well over 20 inches of snow! George painted that day until five pm and made it home safely. The roads were impassable. I'm officially calling it the "Snowpocalypse".

Good Meal

2010-01-26T10:07:00.004-05:00

We had an excellent time Friday evening. George and I cooked up a mexican meal for our new friends. We made chicken enchiladas, mexican rice, beans, and fresh salsa. A good time was had by all. We're so glad we got to know them!

Patching the day away

2010-01-21T12:10:00.003-05:00

George has started on the patching stage in preparation for painting. This process can be painstaking, filling nail holes and such. George loves it. He takes pleasure in doing it the right way.

Watch out, Manuela -- you're getting on the blog next!

Stay tuned for some pictures of painted walls. It's always exciting to see the color going up after all of the hard prep work.

Cookin' Up Some Kitchen Demo!

2010-01-14T16:29:00.006-05:00

Kitchen demo started today. It was a long haul taking off all the wallpaper. Painstaking process that it is, it's satisfying to have finished. So, with kitchen demo in full swing I'm taking on another aspect of the renovation.

As you can see, there are alot of cabinets in this kitchen. The process involves taking out screws and such. If you want to save your walls, don't do what all those crazy people do on HGTV. They take sledgehammers to the cabinets and whack away! Never do that. These cabinets can be saved and re-used or re-purposed. Same goes for the pulls and knobs.

When you just rip out cabinets carelessly, you can leave big holes and even pull off pieces of the drywall. This will just lead to patch jobs, and in some cases new drywall.

These cabinets are very nice and could definitely be put to another use. Save -- Reuse -- Repurpose!

Arrival!

2010-01-11T18:54:00.006-05:00

We are happy today because we have finally met t he owners of our renovation job in Millersburg. They arrived over the weekend. There is much to do at their house, but they are happy to finally be here and see what it going on.

Next on our agenda, after some more wallpaper comes tearing off, is to start ripping up the carpet. George loves to demo! He's looking forward to cutting the carpet, rolling it, and hauling it out to the trash. It's all part of the big picture. There is alot of carpet, just like there is alot of wallpaper!

Lots and lots of carpet!
Check this blog daily for more pics to come!

Wallpaper Removal

2010-01-08T11:49:00.005-05:00

The job marches on. George has taken wallpaper of so many walls in record time. The ceilings are super high in this house, and it has many odd angles and walls. This week has been solely spent on wallpaper. Here are a few pics of the house.
Starting on the high wallpaper removal.

Isn't this wallpaper lovely? It's got a metallic finish on it and is a little harder to take off.

George! There are so many different and odd areas in this house. It's fun to find them all.

January is jumpin' ...

2010-01-04T10:58:00.003-05:00

On this very snowy Monday morning George is starting out a great job in January! We will be redoing a home in Millersburg, OH. They owners are from Switzerland. George set off this morning with all sorts of tools in tow, ready to rip up carpet, tear off wallpaper, and disassemble kitchen cabinets. Looks to be a very busy January into February. Wonderful!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T21:45:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas to all of my customers. From my family to yours, it's been a pleasure serving you this year!

Have a prosperous New Year to all!

Herrera's Textures & Finishes
(Formerly George's Painting)

Stacey's cabinets

2009-11-30T08:40:00.004-05:00

Finally took some pictures of Stacey Beck's kitchen and bathroom cabinets that George re-did. They went from the original blonde wood to a beautiful rich black. I think she looks happy, don't you?

I think it all turned out great. Sometimes a new color and knobs can dramatically change how a room looks. In this case, the black cabinets fit right in to Stacey's Coca-Cola theme!

Re-done bathroom vanities

2009-10-29T19:16:00.005-04:00

Do you really hate your wallpaper? Can't stand your bathroom vanity? Let George rip them out! We just re-did both of Stacey Beck's vanities and sinks. George ripped out the countertops and installed new ones plus backsplashes. Beautiful new faucets and sinks were installed. They turned out so nice. Both pictures shown here are from the Beck home.

Lately we have been doing some small re-modeling projects. Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest impact. I've said in the past the taking off wallpaper or putting stucco finish over it makes your whole room pop. Outdated architectural pieces, strange trims, and that odd shelf should be ripped out for something new and fresh. George is handy with his hammer as well as the paint brush. He can come in, rip out, and make it look like new. Do you have a room with old carpeting that needs ripped out? George can rip it up, cut it, and bind it to be taken out to the trash pile. You can then order new carpet, or see what mystery floor lays underneath. He can refinish the floor with a simple stain or just varnish for a warm up. In our kitchen he layed a very simple tongue and groove floor, wrong side up, and applied a hand-mixed varnish for a beautiful finish. Ingenuity and letting him use what you have on hand at home, then bringing in some new items, can bring wonderful results.

Miller Haus B&B

2009-10-07T10:49:00.004-04:00

The fall winds have whisked into Ohio with a vengeance. It went directly from summer to fallish-winter with how these temps have felt. We've been steadily painting at Miller Haus B & B, and a few other smaller jobs along the way. Keeping our noses clean, and heads pointed toward whatever work comes our way.

Here are a few pictures of the dining area we just re-did at the Miller Haus B & B for LeeAnn Miller. They have a large room to accomodate guest for breakfast and it needed a little warming and a subtle freshening. It turned out very nicely.

In this room, there used to be wallpaper and a border. George took these off, prepared the surface, and painted over. If you have wallpaper that you just can't stand anymore and the thought of taking it off makes you tired ( haha ) then give us a call. George can take it off for you, or apply his stucco technique. The stucco will go on right over the wallpaper and he can style it very old-world or a smoother look. Either way, it gets rid of the wallpaper for good! See Fern & Warren's pictures below for how they chose their stucco style.

We've done a few outside estimates that we hope to get in before it gets too cold. October is unpredictable, but from past experience we know that usually all outside work will get done. Upcoming is a bathroom project we're doing for Stacey Beck. New sinks, faucets, and whatnot in two areas is what we will focus on. We also will be touching up at Warren & Fern Stutzman's re-do. When they came home from their vacation to the newly re-done room, they thought George had repainted the ceiling. This is commonplace --- with the walls freshly painted the ceiling now looked shabby! So, he will be back there bringing the ceiling up to par to go with the walls.

Warren & Fern

2009-09-25T16:34:00.005-04:00

We just finished a re-do of Warren and Fern Stutzman's fireplace room. It had been the same wallpaper and mauve trim for a loooong time. Needless to say it was time for an update! Here is the finished product.

George taking off wood to reveal surprises underneath. You never know what you might find!

He applied texture and warmed it up with a two-tone paint faux finish. These doors are Fern's favorite part of the room. They're white and bright now!

He also re-did the brick fireplace. He layered light cement, sanded, and painted. He also white-washed the old beams and mantel, and gave it an exciting look.

Love the way this turned out.

The happy couple!
An up close of the stucco treatment --- beautiful! We will be going back for a few touch-ups. A smooth over of the hearth, and to also paint the ceiling. As we sat in this room today it felt peaceful. Thanks guys for giving us this opportunity to beautify your home. :0

....a little experimentation.....

2009-07-15T17:32:00.003-04:00

Here is what George calls "making the new old again". We're working on this technique in our stairwell.

We painted cream over the brown wall, then painted red. Now we are sanding and making scratches and so forth.

The next step will be to add another splash or streak of color..... maybe a turquoise? Not sure yet, but it will be slightly graffiti-ish. I want to add some very vivid homemade art pieces to the wall when it's finished. Maybe a large canvas painted black with some random thing painted on it.

We love to experiment---you should too!

This and That

2009-07-14T10:18:00.005-04:00

Mid July already. Summer is flying by! George is up in the Bolivar area today sealing some tile he installed there. Also working on some doors and trim in the same house. Pushing on and keeping busy. We've been busy doing estimates out of the area. Hoping to expand our horizons and keep ourselves in the race.

While we are mainly a painting company, George is very experienced at a variety of things. He can patch and repair drywall, or sagging holes in your ceilings. He magically makes them disappear. His ideas on re-doing or repurposing dark corners of your home are always worth hearing. Sometimes just taking out those spindles from the 70's that you try not to look at, make your home look spiffy again. He can knock those quirky items out, patch and repair holes, and bring it up to date.

Have kitchen cupboard that stare listlessly back at you. George can refinish them with prime and paint, and install new hardware. New knobs and pulls are a major way to bring your kitchen up to date. Re-finishing that dull wood floor, taking off wallpaper and putting a nubby stucco texture over top, even ripping up carpet or installing wainscoting. George has the ideas and the expertise to make your house pop again.

If you're not sure, let him come and have a look at what you're thinking---you would not be sorry!
He installed these cupboards in our kitchen, the countertops, and the knobs and pulls (which are from IKEA). He's versatile....

Fantastic Weather!

2009-07-08T14:48:00.003-04:00

July already...and nary a high temperature in sight. This weather is just the best. Perfect for painting exterior AND interior because you don't get so darn hot! George has been doing estimates and finishing up at Betty & Marion Stutzman's. He finished ceilings, and some bathroom cabinets that just wouldn't stop peeling. He prepared and painted all to look brand new.

Today he's doing a little networking, estimating, and dropping off of materials for a job he finished a few weeks ago. A little glasswork that need installing at the Mast job.

I will tell you that with this weather it's the perfect time to do that exterior job you've been pushing off. Whether it's an out-building, deck, or what have you---the temp is right for the job. Sometimes when it's so hot and humid exterior paint won't dry right. Then you have to wait and wait. Don't wait--call today to freshen up that deck with a good power wash and re-paint or varnish.

Summer Days

2009-06-29T12:46:00.005-04:00

Summer is marching on. We're steadily pecking away at the jobs we have--getting them done and in order. We finished up with the Mast job last week. Today I am patching and preparing a ceiling to be painted. Along with the ceiling are some bathroom cabinets that want to keep peeling for the owner. I'll be preparing those and giving them a nice healthy peel-free coat.

We've been bidding jobs and staying busy. Every job we get hired for is a blessing and keeps us out there and going. It's a war out there, one that we keep fighting!

Island and shelves

2009-06-22T14:33:00.002-04:00

Mast job---stucco & paint

2009-06-16T20:21:00.004-04:00

Here are some pictures of John and Cassie Mast's house. I'm doing some stucco on their ceiling. I painted the hallway, bathroom, and will start soon on kitchen cabinets.

In this hallway I knocked down some serious 70's spiky stucco. I sanded, put a smoother layer of stucco and brought it up to date.

Painted the walls and wainscot here.

Painted all bathroom cabinets black, and installed new knobs.

Working on texturing the ceiling---beautiful and worth the effort.

Tammy & Mark's kitchen

2009-06-02T10:33:00.001-04:00

Here's some pics of Mark & Tammy Murphy's kitchen paint and tile that we did earlier this year. I think it looks beautiful!

Getting Started

2009-05-28T10:02:00.003-04:00

This week has been a busy, but short week w/the memorial day weekend. We were extra tired from Belle's grad party and graduation on Sunday. I stained, sanded and varnished a door for Rockwood Doors, and will also be doing one for Oak Ridge Inn.

I'm starting at John & Cassie Mast's today. I'll be painting, stuccoing, some trim work, and a little misc. This should be a full week job, and I'm looking forward to getting started. There's nothing like the start of a job to get the juices flowing. Will be posting some pics soon of various jobs.

from unfinished....to beautifully finished

2009-05-19T10:49:00.003-04:00

May is flying by. Along with it we are preparing for our daughter's graduation party coming up on May 22. Can't believe she's graduating and going off to college. I've been doing quite a few estimates lately. I also just finished Chris Beck's room. It was two-tone black and blue, with a dripping paint effect. The finished room was fabulous, and his mom said he loved it. Pictures are coming soon.

Another aspect of the painting business that gets neglected sometimes is staining. Doors, trim, what have you. Our lives hum merrily along and our woodwork and doors become weary-looking. Whether from the elements outside, or just everyday wear and tear. Freshening up the wood in your house or business can bring the sunshine in.

We offer: staining of doors, cabinets, all trims, all frames, windows and just about anything that can be stained or varnished. I also can do graining of any metal doors, or surfaces that you want to look like wood. I have all tools required for this and any other stain/varnish job you have.

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to do many staining jobs. New houses, old houses, trim that was new, and trim that looked like it couldn't be saved! Working on all these jobs gave me the know-how of what works and what doesn't. I have the perfect stain that I like to use. It holds and adheres to the surface and weathers whatever mother nature has to throw at it!

Let's get staining!

powerwashing

2009-05-11T10:14:00.003-04:00

May already. The time flies by so quickly. We're working on some powerwashing and looking ahead to some bigger projects that summer always brings. You always need to try to stay busy and stay on the positive side of life.

Powerwashing is always a big thing in the spring. Everyone is ready to wash all the dust and grime off their homes or decks. This is a big brightener to ready everything for the outdoor season. We can give you an excellent price on powerwashing, call to find out!

I'm headed out the door as we speak to do a little powerwashing on a big garage door, then later on the exterior front of a house. With a wedding in June, the owners wanted everything sparkling. The sun is shining and I'm off.

Peeling Wallpaper?

2009-04-15T12:23:00.003-04:00

Is your old wallpaper starting to look like this? Then it's time for George! We will come in and prep, sand, and smooth down. Then we will make your walls look like new with our stucco texture. Many people get the blues when it comes to old wallpaper. Never fear. It does not have to be totally removed. We can apply smooth texture with no bumps or swirls, or give you that old-world finish. Imagine running your fingers across an old cafe wall in Tuscany. We can make it look just like you've always imagined. How about waking up to a kitchen that looks like an old cafe in Italy? Que buenissimo!

Give us a call today and we will help you down that road less traveled...the one you've always wanted to go on.

Pictures

2009-02-25T12:20:00.003-05:00

Here are a few pics from Burke and Jo Ellen's house. George did a number of rooms including the foyer, bedrooms, a bathroom, and hallway. He also did a few minor handyman jobs that made a a few people sigh with relief. Talk to Jo Ellen about that! Ha ha....

The two-tone bedrooms turned out so cute!
The foyer with it's high ceiling. Love the light!
Here's to another job well done (or so we've been told!). It's nice to work for people that appreciate what we do! Thanks guys!

COLOR

2009-02-05T12:30:00.003-05:00

We just finished up at Burke and JoEllen's residence. It all turned very well, or so I hear! I would love to post some pictures, so maybe I'll send the camera over with George to snap a few. Check back to see them!

We've moved on to the Crider's in Millersburg. We're doing some ceilings there and one room. George started there this morning. We're planning on that job going quickly and smoothly.

Colors are a big thing. They can make or break a room. Sometimes people hesitate to paint because they are unsure of colors, or are just afraid to try new ones! Don't be afraid to ask us. George has worked in this business for so many years, and he is an absolute expert with colors. We have all sorts of color charts and books, and can guide you if you're unsure. Almost any color can be color-matched, so if you have a favorite thing and just love the color on it--never fear...we can match it! Often times fear of a new color is the biggest thing. Then, after you've tried, you wondered what made you wait so long!

Jump in--there's a big, bright world of color out there for you to try!

painting in process

2009-01-26T11:20:00.003-05:00

George is busy this week painting at Burke & JoEllen's house. He's doing a re-paint in the upstairs bedrooms, hallway, and foyer. It's always nice to see rooms get spruced up with color and bring the life back into them. I think he has a few little visitors come see what he's doing on occasion in those rooms too! :)

We're picking back up again, working hard and keeping on with estimates. Scheduling ahead is the key to survival in this business. Push, push for that schedule to keep you busy!

Check back--we'd like to post some pics soon of the transformation at their house!

charging forth

2009-01-20T08:18:00.003-05:00

Good morning all! We've been steadily doing estimates, and hopefully the fruits of our labors will be seen soon. Sometimes being a painting sub-contractor can have it's ups and downs. You sometimes feel your calendar is full, then all of a sudden it can change in a heartbeat. This job is definitely not for the faint of heart! You need to have courage and know that the job you do is the best you can offer. You need to convey that to your potential customers and make them feel secure that you will be the right choice. And when you get the yes, you need to charge ahead fearlessly and get the job done. This is our aim.....and when given the chance we always get the job done with professional fortitude!

Instilling confidence in you, the customer, is what we strive for. You need to feel that the job will be done in a timely manner. Lots of subs have problems with employees that take alot of breaks, or are simply just lazy on the job. For us, we have eliminated that problem. We simply don't tolerate it, nor will we ever. Appearance, neatness, and quality---those are our goals. Plain and simple!

Texture Finishes

2009-01-08T19:44:00.003-05:00

Here are a few texture finishes we can apply for you. It can be super smooth, or very textured. It's all in what style you want! We've done several of these finishes in homes, and hope to try some of the others pictured here soon. If you have any questions on any of these finishes, please give a call. We can do marbling, venetian plaster, you name it...we can do it!

January squeeze

2009-01-06T08:59:00.002-05:00

January has come quickly, and with it our enthusiasm for work pumps up! George has been working in Wooster painting a basement addition. We had to patch some cracks, and smooth things over with drywall compound. Always the fixer, George somehow has the ability to beautify anything. Sometimes when he comes into a job, it looks hopeless. The owners don't know what to do. George is good at assuring people, that yes...she'll look awesome in the end. Along with the new construction, we always have a done a good bit of the old. We take what comes and give it our touch to beautify!

George's stucco technique is what we like to push when there is old to be made new again. There's just nothing like a smooth, slightly textured finish to enhance the paint job. It's an affordable way to make it just a little different, and better! Keep it in mind as you think about what you might need done in your home.

New Years week ramblings

2008-12-29T15:51:00.005-05:00

A quick update for you with what our days entail this week:

---doing estimates: measuring...figuring...putting it down on paper

---sometimes missed connections are enough to do you in

---cleaned all my brushes...rollers...and buckets...a penny saved taking care of what you own is
a penny earned!

---time spent on the computer advertising, sending out e-mails, etc.

---a beautiful Christmas spent with family...and a good New Year coming up!

Prospero Ano Nuevo! Here's to good friends...family...and a PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!

Holiday slow-down...

2008-12-22T09:45:00.003-05:00

The holidays are upon us, and as usual there is always a slow down. We're working hard, and going down a few new avenues to drum up business. It takes work and effort to stay busy this time of year...and we're committed to doing that!

George is doing an estimate this morning, and one this afternoon in Wooster. We like estimate days because it means WORK. This is good because the winds sure were a howling yesterday and the temps were dropping. I don't think anyone could work outside in zero degree weather. Bring on the interior remodeling and so forth.

I hope you and yours has a blessed Christmas. Family, food, and fun---and most importantly the REASON FOR THE SEASON!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

black cabinets

2008-11-21T11:12:00.003-05:00

Here are a few pics of Terry and Lois Miller's cabinets. George just finished these this morning, and we thought they turned out so nice! Black is definitely an option to make your cabinets pop! They look beautiful.

It definitely gives it a sleek wonderful look.

Random pix

2008-11-20T10:50:00.002-05:00

George wanted me to put a few different pictures on here. The one above is in our bathroom. We took an old table, put a new top on it, and installed new sinks we found at the Habitat Restore. The color on the walls is called pumpkin butter. We did not do stucco in the bathroom. Also, the tile in here is from the Habitat Restore...George put it in and we love how it looks. It's not perfect...but it fits. Also, it's not at all cold like some people think. It's got a little texture too so you don't slip at all.

We installed this floor ourselves. George bought plain tongue and groove boards, installed them, and he mixed up a custom stain from leftovers in the garage! It's so beautiful and cost so little. He also finished up the island and we bought plain stools and spray painted them black. Alot of effect for little money.

This is a pic in our bedroom....I love this color---it's so restful and I never get tired of it. He did his stucco in here, but went for a smoother finish, with just a touch of texture.

My brown living room with stucco. He also went a little smoother in here...but you can still see it. It's probably my favorite room aside from the kitchen.

I added this picture because I love how it works together. Often if George is re-habbing something and needs just a little something to fill in, he uses the beadboard. It comes in sheets and is like very thin plywood, just with the beadboard look. I love the look it gives.

2008-11-11T10:43:00.002-05:00

The winds have whipped into Ohio and save for a few days of Indian summer, the season has definitely changed. We're all inside work now, so we're shifting gears to that part of the business. George is painting at Craig & Julie Yoder's house this week. He 's doing a bit of stucco work, and some touch-ups. He had painted at their house about a year ago as they were moving in, and there were a few things left to do. After that, he'll go back to my mom & dad's house to finish painting some kitchen cabinets. They are trying to move into the new house they just bought down the street. There's alot to do there.

If there's a paint project you've been hesitating to call us about because of the holidays coming up---don't wait...call now! We still have slots left in December and you'll be glad you did it before all the fuss of Christmas! Stucco, paint, or just whatever you have---call today! I know I'm always glad when we get something done we've been procrastinating about...it feels so good.
Don't let time slip away.....!

BRRR

2008-10-21T13:50:00.001-04:00

George is still plugging away at the Olde Berlin Mill....just about one more day should do it. It's been a challenge with rain and whatnot. Not to mention all the tourists---we're crazy for painting in downtown Berlin in October! But George has seen the challenge and finished it. That's what we do.

After this job is finished, we'll be starting on the Felder's interior job. They have ceilings and some stucco they want done in their living room. Their house is so fabulous--so european feeling. It just gives off a nice vibe and to be able to add to that is great. We're looking forward to that job.

Keep checking on us---pictures will appear one of these days!

One-day break

2008-10-06T12:14:00.002-04:00

George has finished the exterior of the house in Berlin and is taking this cloudy Monday off to regroup for the next project. We'll start The Olde Berlin Mill tomorrow. This will involve all exterior repaints. The weather is turning...just a bit...enough to kick us into high gear to get all the exterior projects done!

Check back for pictures this week. I'll be posting a whole slew of them to catch you up on all our finished projects!

Pushing on

2008-09-23T10:30:00.004-04:00

Here are a few pictures from the Jill Mullet job....the color was so nice.

The air is turning a little crisp in the mornings. That can only mean one thing--fall is upon us. For painters that's a subtle sign of urgency. Get your exterior projects done and book interior ones to last you through the winter!

Right now George is working on an exterior job painting siding, doors, etc. It's going well and he looks to finish by the end of this week. The weather has been cooperating this entire job so that keeps George happy! Next week he wants to start on the Olde Mill in Berlin. He's painting some exterior there so we're hoping the weather holds.

Right now is the time to be thinking about all those projects you put off until winter. You know what I'm talking about---that dingy laundry room, or that back room that never quite gets painted. Or that hot new color you really want to try on your family room. Give George a call and let him give you an estimate today---just in time for the Holidays!

Finishing up the old---New on the horizon!

2008-09-04T14:33:00.002-04:00

Right now we're trying to finish up a few smaller jobs before the big ones attack us! We've done numerous bids and pretty much have gotten all the jobs---now that's nice to say. Carl Yoder added a few things to his interior project so we're finishing that up this week.

New projects loom ahead promisingly on the horizon. Keeping busy in the autumn months are crucial to staying alive in the winter. Those winter months can stretch agonizingly ahead if you're not well-prepared. We are def ready for this winter. Keep those jobs coming!

Estimates.....and Grappa!

2008-08-28T06:57:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was a flurry of activity. George started out at Jill Mullet's house trying to finish up the walls. Then it was time for estimates. He met Vaughn Troyer to talk about some painting at The Olde Berlin Mill. Then it was on to Sugarcreek to talk exterior painting with Mike Heath. After that we sat and drank a coffee. We had an appt. with Manuela Felder to discuss some interior painting and stucco. Our appt. was at 4:30 but we went a little early. I went along with him because they are friends of ours. Good thing we went early! We talked about the things she wanted done and then we kept talking and talking! Finally we sat down and had a few cups of coffee.....not american coffee...swiss coffee that was definitely not watered down. Delicious. We talked and laughed in their beautifully decorated home.....she needs to open a decorating business. Talk finally wound around to food and all the beautiful vegetables they grow. Great company and good talk is sometimes what we need to keep perspective. Her husband came home and we had a nice shot of Grappa-----now I've left you with a word to look up! When we finally left 3 hours and 15 minutes later we were so glad to have been there. Good conversation with good people!

Our day ended at my mom's house that they are preparing to buy. There's alot of work to be done there---painting...ripping out carpet...patching...caulking...carpentry work. We were there for an hour and a half talking and writing down. We have our work cut out for us to get all these estimates done! But we are so thankful for the opportunity.....it's our livelihood!

I'll leave you with this thought. If a contractor is building your home and tries to force you into choosing between just 2-3 colors---don't fall for it. They've built in the price of the paint...got a deal on some terrible flat paint....and don't want to bicker with you. Most of the time a person is so overwhelmed with the construction of the house you just think...Oh well maybe we can paint what we want later. We want you to know that the painting does not have to be included in the price of the house. You can hire an outside painter (contractors don't like this but it's your choice!) and choose from thousands of paint swatches! You could roll around on the floor with them until you know what you want. My point is this---homeowners often groan after the house is done and say they wish they would've painted the colors they wanted. We can offer that to you. It's your house and your choice! The contractors can take the paint bid right out of the contract. Often times it's a hefty chunk---and you get to pick from only 3 colors? It's a rip-off...stay clear!

Heres to a good day of estimates...and a better day of getting closer to friends!

courtyards

2008-08-23T09:16:00.003-04:00

I love courtyards...the colors and feel of them are so unique and stunning.... I would love to create and paint them. It's on my to-do list.