Is It Time to Stain Your Deck in Knoxville? Watch for These 4 Signs

Get inspired for your next interior painting project! Here are 3 ideas to bring fresh style and personality to your Knoxville home…

Wondering which cabinet paint colors are most in style for 2024? Here’s a quick look, plus a few practical tips and takeaways.

We’re blessed with beautiful weather here in Knoxville, but there’s no denying that many outdoor home improvement projects are still put on hold during the winter months. And that’s not all bad! Winter is your opportunity to regroup, get inspired, and give those indoor spaces a little TLC. You might still be wondering, though: is winter a good time for interior painting, or should it wait? It might surprise you that this isn’t just a good window for interior painting and carpentry projects, but one of the best. Let’s take a closer look at why, hopefully offering some of that inspiration we mentioned along the way. Advantages of Wintertime Interior Painting Here are a few of our favorite reasons: Lower Humidity: Winter generally has lower humidity levels, which is beneficial for paint application. An experienced painter knows how to deal with and work around the weather, but it’s still always a benefit when the elements are on your side. Availability of Professionals: Winter is typically a slower season for professional painters, so you will usually find it easier to hire someone and schedule the project at your convenience. Additionally, you might also benefit from off-season pricing. Long-term Planning: Completing interior painting in the winter frees up time for outdoor projects in the spring and summer. In other words, knock those projects out now so you can focus on whatever else you’d like to do during the summer. Seasonal Mood Enhancement: Choosing warm or vibrant colors for your winter painting project can counteract the shorter, drearier days of winter. Some Interior Painting Project Ideas Maybe you’re intrigued, but haven’t quite decided on where (or how!) to get started. Here are some considerations to get the ball rolling: Choose a Room! You don’t need to paint the whole house to make a significant difference… Where do you spend most of your time? Start there. We recommend you consider using colors that pair well with how the room is used. For example, use cooler hues like blue or gray for a quiet bedroom and vibrant shades like orange or yellows for places of activity, play, or creativity. Ceilings. Often overlooked, ceilings can be a real missed opportunity. A fresh coat of paint can significantly brighten up a room, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, use a color that complements the walls! They don’t HAVE to be white. Trim and Mouldings. Refreshing the trim, baseboards, and mouldings in your home can make the space look cleaner and more polished. Or, you can replace, upgrade, or maybe install trim and moulding for the first time. Look for a professional painting company that also offers carpentry services, streamlining the process and offering the best value. Kitchen Cabinets. Painting your cabinets can completely transform your kitchen's appearance. It’s the best way to drastically upgrade your kitchen without the mess, expense, or hassle of a full remodel. 

Ready or not, a new year is coming! And you can expect a lot more than just resolutions. This is the season when the painting industry shares their color trends, forecasts, predictions, AND new colors, all rolling out just in time for your wintertime creative itch. Perfect, right? Today, let’s see if we can save you an endless scroll through Pinterest (that can be fun, though). We’re going to offer a 30,000 foot view of what paint colors for 2024 are looking like and how to incorporate them into your home. But first, let’s review what’s changed.  The Big Paint Color Shift: Feeling Bold? For the last few years, light neutrals have reigned supreme. White, gray, and every variation of the two have dominated the scene. Don’t get us wrong: they’ll never be fully dethroned. You just can’t go wrong with a soft white or chilly gray if you’re looking for a versatile color that’s perennially stylish. But they’re no longer the top choice. There’s been a resurgence of interest in brighter, bolder colors. Interestingly enough, many of these colors are rooted in nature too, like earthy browns and vibrant greens and blues. Color psychology says that these colors are naturally calming, so maybe the trends are trying to tell us that it’s okay to be ourselves, walk on the wilder side, and relax a bit. Let your hair down as you spin the color wheel. Ready for some specifics? Nature’s Palette: Earthy and Organic Paint Colors All you need to do is look outside the window to find some incredible nature-inspired colors, bringing the lush landscapes of Knoxville right into your home (just without the allergy season). These colors speak of the earth, the sky, and everything in between. Forest green and terracotta Warm browns Bold and Beautiful Paint Colors: Making A Statement Go big and bold or go home, right? These brighter options might not be for everyone, but they definitely are a stylish choice if you’re looking to make an impact. Cobalt blue and deep burgundy, exuding confidence and style Mustard yellow - a slice of sunshine, brightening up every corner of your room Pastel Paint Colors Are Soft, Soothing, and Stylish Pastel hues are still “in,” offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Soft lavender and pale blue - not loud, but definitely not boring either Light coral for a calm atmosphere with a hint of the Caribbean Classic Reimagined: Neutrals with a Twist What if you like neutral colors, but want something other than gray or white? Try these redefined options on for size. Their subtle undertones offer a nice depth and character to any room. Greige and muted olive Soft peach Use One of These New Paint Color Trends as an Accent Too! If you don’t want (or need) to totally rethink your space, try incorporating one of these trendy new trends as an accent color. A wall you’d like to draw attention to, trim, or maybe even a door or three? It can be a fun way to test the waters without starting from scratch. Need Help with Interior Painting in Knoxville? Contact us at McLain’s Painting! We’d love to chat with you, hear your ideas, and share how we can make those ideas a reality. Start here if you’d like to learn more about who we are and what we offer.

Here at McLain’s Painting, we take giving back seriously. We’re tremendously blessed to have painted countless homes and businesses here in Knoxville over the last 24 (almost 25!) years, and look for chances to donate our skills as often as we can. It’s our way of saying thank you and showing our gratitude in a tangible way. Our flagship event is Paint It Forward: a chance for our friends and neighbors to nominate a nonprofit, church, or other 501c3, telling us about a specific need. Our Volunteer Committee reviews these nominations, then the top 3 go to our company for a final vote. This year, 2023, our Paint It Forward recipient was Mission of Hope . We’d love to tell you a bit about the work they do, and also share some photos from the event itself. Mission of Hope in Knoxville - A Very Worthy Organization! The mountains of Appalachia may be beautiful, but they’re home to the highest poverty rate in the nation. Access is limited, opportunities are few, and often the children pay the highest price with little hope of breaking the cycle. That’s where Mission of Hope steps in, focusing on providing support and services to these vulnerable communities, and especially to the children. Their crucial mission has three key messages: God loves you, we love you, and we’re going to help you finish high school. The Big Day! Around 7:30 am on Saturday, September 23, about 35 of our painters arrived to donate their time to Mission of Hope. Our day started by gathering together and listening to Mission of Hope’s spokesman, David Heatherly, speak about what their organization does. Our team then worked nonstop to meet pre-planned, critical painting needs before enjoying lunch together and wrapping up the day. It was a complete success, and we all enjoyed the opportunity and experience so much.

In the era of quick DIY solutions, many homeowners are naturally drawn towards products that promise rapid results. And understandably so! With the hustle and bustle of daily life, who doesn't want quick solutions? However, when it comes to deck and fence care , quick “solutions” often end up turning into quick problems. Buyer Beware: That “All-in-one” Deck Stain Might Not Be Everything You Hope These days the market is teeming with low-cost stain and paint products, especially those tailored to the do-it-yourself crowd. But are these products all they're made out to be? While they may claim convenience, they often overlook long-term value. Maybe you have seen stains that advertise: “easy application,” “quick dry time,” or “lower cost per sq ft!” Sounds good, right? Well, most of these products are water based, meaning they come with their own set of disadvantages. To name a few: Limited Penetration: Water-based stains tend to have a lower level of penetration. This means they may not provide as deep and long-lasting protection for the wood. Can Raise Grain: Water-based stains have a tendency to raise the grain of the wood, which can result in a rougher texture. This may require additional sanding before and after staining. Less Durable: Water-based stains are generally less durable and may not hold up as well in high-traffic areas or in harsh weather conditions. They may require more frequent reapplication. Oil-Based Penetrating Stains: The Better Option Unlike their water-based counterparts that sit superficially on the wood's surface, oil-based penetrating stains go deep. They don’t just coat; they saturate, not only covering the top layers but continuing their journey right through the lumber. This penetration ensures a level of protection that's simply unparalleled. Benefits of Oil-Based Penetrating Stains: Sealing out moisture: Water is wood's worst enemy. Oil-based stains seal the wood, keeping out unwanted moisture, thereby ensuring your decks and fences stay dry and robust. Prevention of warping and cracking: With the harsh elements that wooden structures face, warping and cracking are common issues. Oil-based stains act as a barrier both above and below the surface, greatly reducing the onset of these problems. Conditioning the wood: Beyond protection, these stains often have natural oils that help nourish and preserve the wood. Offering long-lasting protection: When oil-based stains are applied, they don't go anywhere anytime soon, offering protection for many years compared to water-based stains. Oil-based may cost more upfront, but the years you get out of it make it a better investment in the long run. Have More Questions About Painting and Staining Services in the Knoxville Area? From our experience in the field, we've witnessed the undeniable advantages of oil-based penetrating stains first-hand. That's why we’ve made them our preferred choice. With their lasting protection and all around better outcome, our clients not only receive a quality service but a quality product, making sure that the integrity and appearance of their wooden structures last. Contact us for any further questions! Frequently Asked Questions: Q. Are oil-based stains safe for all types of wood? Yes, they are suitable for most wood types. However, it's always best to check with experts for specific woods. Q.How often should I reapply oil-based stain? Typically, every 2-4 years, depending on the wood type and exposure to elements. However, periodic checks are recommended. Q. Will the stain change the wood's color? While it enhances the wood's natural color, it doesn't drastically alter it. You can choose from transparent to semi-transparent stains based on the desired effect. Q.Can I apply an oil-based stain over a water-based one? To ensure proper penetration and adhesion, it's essential to remove any old water-based stain or sealer thoroughly before applying an oil-based stain.

When you’re planning an exterior painting project in Knoxville , you probably have two major considerations on your mind: value and style. While that all-important curb appeal is a big deal, today we’re going to focus on value. And thinking bigger than the price tag alone, we’re going to drill down into how you can make sure your exterior paint lasts just as long as possible.

Taryn Williford does a bit of homework on great wall paint colors to take you through the winter of 2016. She says: Paint colors are like nail polish to me. Some people stick to a few tried and true, goes-with-everything signature colors, while others prefer to switch it up with the changing trends and seasons. […] The post What are the best wall colors for the winter time? first appeared on McLain's Painting.

It’s often hard to pinpoint the exact beginning of this little menace.  You no sooner finish cleaning a basement room when you discover mold creeping along the side wall or lower edge of a room.  You might shrug it off for a while, but it’s not a good idea to ignore mold.  The health aspect cannot […] The post Is that mold in your basement? first appeared on McLain's Painting.