Is it just me?

I'm already getting inquiries about painting exteriors, and hope the HST will not affect peoples decision to hire a paint contractor.
There are ways to negotiate around this if you can talk to your painter.  Before the tax came in customers were paying 5% Gst on the labour and 12% on the paint and materials. That difference of 7% that the HST has put on a tradesmans bill works out to $70 on a $1000, this, remember is only on the labour cost, so it turns out that the amount is not that much and many painters will agree, like me, to share the cost of the tax increase. So if you pay, say, $3000 to repaint the exterior of your house, then the extra cost with HST will be on $2500 labour = $175.  (assuming 25% of the bill is paint) Ask if you can share the extra cost and you will be surprised how many companies will agree.
Make sure you get three estimates for your job, and don't just go with the cheapest, it could be an expensive mistake. Look at all  aspects of the contractors references and check to see who you think will give you the best job.
More about painting @ http://www.mercuryminc.net/

Does painting bore you?

If the thought of repainting part of your home is akin to watching the pesky stuff dry, you should remember that we are all good at different things.
You don't have to be skilled at everything, in fact it's good to remind ourselves that we are all equally ignorant, but on different subjects.
Should we spend laborious hours trying to improve in area's where we lack?
Or just keep improving the skills we already have?
I believe the latter is the best course, that is why I still paint for a living.
There are many things I'm sort of good at, but a very few things I'm very good at.

Come and visit us at http://www.mercuryminc.net/ and I can help you make painting fun.

Cold enough?

With winter blasting away all over the country you would not think that painting is on many peoples minds.
 Interior painting is actually on many peoples agenda's because during these cold months we see more of the inside of our houses than we would sometimes like.
Paint contractors are usually a bit slower at this time of year, so, consider getting some quotes for any painting you need done. Remember that in the spring everyone suddenly wants a painter and prices are less flexable.

Visit our site @ http://www.mercuryminc.net/ or email me @ mercurymediainc@telus.net  Ken.

Whats new.

I just used the ' Aura' paint from Benjamin Moore. I really liked the way it covered and adhered to the surface. The colour I used covered really well although I know it's not true with all the colours. The one drawback is the cost but the covering ability of the paint enabled me to only put one coat on some very hard to reach area's, saving the customer lots of money.
So I guess the cost of the paint can definitely be cancelled out by the cost of the painter.
Too many people don't see past the price of the can of paint, I've seen some horrible quality paint come out of some of the big box stores, bought by unsuspecting consumers who didn't take the time to arm themselves with the information  needed to make a smart decision.
Visit our site @ www.mercuryminc.net

A new year of new products

When you dip your paintbrush into a can of new "green" paint this year, don't be surprised at how different it might be. With the new regulations and higher cost of raw materials, paint is not what it used to be.
When the paint manufacturers removed the VOC's (volatile organic compounds) it changed how the paint acts and changed how long it will last.
I have found that the new paint dries way too fast, and adhesion is not as good.
Some companies used to mix alkyde or other compounds into their exterior paint to make them stronger and more resistant to weather. Not anymore.
So expect to pay more. Expect to paint more often. Bad news! but we must change, right?
Visit us for more information@ http://www.mercuryminc.net/

A painters Christmas

It's usually a slow time for professional painters in December and January. 
 It is a good time to look for deals but having the intrusion of painters running around your house at this time of year is often not welcome.
To all those who are painters and customers, I say;
Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.
 In the new year, visit our site at http://www.mercuryminc.net/

Where is your paint

It's surprising that many home owners don't have more regard for the paint they have left over from painting their homes, both inside and out. Not only is the stuff pricey, it's also very useful if you need to touch up an area later on.
I usually write the date and what I used the paint on, right on top of the can. Then make sure the paint can is sealed properly. This means not putting the heal of your boot in the middle of the lid when closing it, thereby making sure the lid will never seal properly again. Also excess paint build up on the edge of the can will also ensure that it will never seal.
So take care of the small things and the big things will.......... you know the rest.

vist us at http://www.mercuryminc.net/