Beat the pandemic blues and take in some fresh air!
At Arana, we’re always looking for new and different — or even tried-and-true — ways to enjoy our homes and communities! Given all of the hard work we do helping homeowners throughout the Bay Area by beautifying their homes and neighborhoods, it seemed natural that when we learned about Questing, we would be excited to share about it with you.
Questing, and its cousins, Scavenger Hunts, Guided Adventures, Geocaching, and Letterboxing, are great ways to get more real-life engagement with our community treasures and the great outdoors into our lives!
Questing is an age-old activity that can be used for community building, education, and just plain fun! With the multitude of views and vantage points on our gorgeous Bay that you can get by traveling around, you can even build a whole quest with the goal of seeing the water from as many different angles as possible in one day!
Here are some resources and tips for starting on a Quest of your own:
Questing Questing: A Guide to Creating Community Treasure Hunts is a book about this “place-based education model.” As explained by the authors, “Questing is creating and exchanging treasure hunts in order to collect and share your community’s distinct natural and cultural heritage, your special places and stories.” The book provides the history, social value, and academic reasoning behind using scavenger hunts as a tool for individual growth and community connection, as well as guidance for devising (writing clues, making maps, etc.) and sharing your own journeys.
Geocaching Geocaching (and Letterboxing, below) are adventurous outdoor activities for all age groups. If you like hunting for treasure, have good orienteering skills, and love the great outdoors, these activities are for you and your family. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure-hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Go here to sign up for your local chapter: geocaching.com/play. (Note: There are free and paid-membership versions.)
Letterboxing Letterboxing combines navigational skills and rubber stamp artistry into a charming “treasure hunt” style outdoor quest. A wide variety of adventures can be found to suit all ages and experience levels. Atlas Quest (atlasquest.com) is a global Letterboxing community. The website provides guidelines and resources including chat boards, events, photo galleries, tutorials, and more, and registration is free.
Scavenger Hunts In some ways, this is the overarching term for all of the above, albeit without the specifics of a tech focus, scrapbooking, or community engagement. A scavenger hunt is usually a one-time event for a specific group of people. Often used for a celebration activity or team building. There are companies that specialize in creating unique hunt experiences. This article from cityHUNT offers detailed guidelines for making up a hunt of your own (or will convince you that you would rather pay them to do it): cityhunt .com/theultimate-guide-on-how-to-make-a-city-scavenger-hunt
Everyone knows that it is good manners to thank people. What might be less intuitive is that showing gratitude creates a whole host of positive outcomes for the grateful person.
According to The University of California at Berkeley, practicing gratitude can lead to benefits in the physical, psychological, and social areas of a person’s life. Having a stronger immune system, being more alert and optimistic, and feeling less lonely or isolated are just a few of the ways that a person could notice an improvement over time. The social aspect is possibly the most important because gratitude can help strengthen relationships by affirming others.
Psychology Today highlights gratitude’s role in the relationship of a married couple. Over time it is common for a person to become numb to their spouse’s good qualities and only focus on the annoying parts of their personality. This leads many couples to think that they have lost the spark
But, couples who have an ongoing appreciation for one another are less likely to end their relationship and more likely to become closer, research shows.
One great technique for showing appreciation to a partner is by actively listening. Lean in, make eye contact, and show them that what they say is important.
In the realm of business, showing appreciation for a job well done was a better motivator than a financial incentive in most cases. Without that crucial interaction, employees will be much more likely to be unhappy with their jobs, miss work, burnout, or even quit.
Why hire a house painter when you can hire a craftsman? Arana is a family-owned business with over 60 years of professional painting experience and roots in the Old World tradition.
At Arana Craftsman Painters, we leave little to chance because we follow a tried-and-true set of steps.
Philosophy
These crucial steps are our “secret sauce” so to speak and it has allowed us to consistently build a reputation of reliability, exceptional quality and professionalism over the last 17 years.
The steps to exceptional interior painting include:
Protecting your home and environment (family, pets, surrounding surfaces, furnishings, valuables, all areas not scheduled for paint)
Scraping/sanding to remove old layers of paint that will negatively impact the integrity of your new paint at a standard that meets our 5 Year Warranty
Thorough cleaning of the surfaces scheduled for work to remove any contaminants
Priming, Caulking and Patching
Exceptional Painting
Process
Pre Job Walkthrough: Our Production Manager and Estimator will meet with you prior to the scheduled project start date to confirm start date, scope, sequencing, and colors. Essentially all expectations are reconfirmed to assure smooth handoff between our Estimator and our Production Department. Proper communication is the key to exceptional quality and you having a great painting experience. At this point when we arrive at your project, our Crew Leader and Crew have a solid plan as to what processes will take place first and in what areas.
Color Consultation: Arana Craftsman Painters works with top San Francisco Bay Area Color Consultants and on projects needing a consultation, the Consultation is included in our bid. Having colors chosen ahead of time makes your life so much easier. We’ll even put up swatches so you can see the color in real life and make a final decision.
We set up a neat and organized area for our equipment, tools, and products, a home base, where we can safely and efficiently manage your project.
In addition to a dedicated Production Manager, every project has a dedicated Crew Leader who works closely with you, our Production Manager and our office to assure timely resolution to any challenges that arise, quality control, sequencing and assuring you have an amazing painting experience!
Guarantee
Sustainability
Paint will not adhere properly without expert preparation. Proper preparation is the cornerstone of exceptional quality.
We sand, scrape, and prime as appropriate to ensure proper adhesion. We contain particulate and dust exposure per Environmental Protection Agency safety standards and Arana Craftsman Painters is an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Contractor.
For the safety of everyone involved, are all the painting contractors you have bidding on your project EPA Lead-Safe Certified?
After primer is applied, we patch, caulk and fill for aesthetic and in some cases sealing purposes or to prevent water incursion.
Latest Color Trends 2022 Webinar
This Arana annual webinar explores Color Trends and Colors of the Year for 2022. Perfect for Interior Designers, discerning Homeowners and General Contractors contemplating your next amazing project
This particular homeowner is a glass artist, which we feel is reflected in the super-solid vision she had for color choices. Anecdotally, this was the second ground-up re-build of this home which was destroyed once in the Oakland fire in 1991, rebuilt exactly as it had been originally designed in the 1920s, and then later was gutted and entirely rebuilt by the new owner. A kind-of double-phoenix!
We LOVE to highlight the people in our community who make things, craftsmen and women if you will, and Jeanne Henzel Swartz is such a perfect example of that. Jeanne is the founder and principal of Joona Fabriculture, Artisan Curtains and Upholstery. She has been in business as a bespoke furniture maker and repair and restoration specialist as well as custom window treatments purveyor for 26 years. Her relationship to fabric, decor, and quality spans decades—through a previous career as a milliner and costumer for theater and film, and even further back to her childhood exploring the insides and outsides of her family’s collection of heirloom fine furnishings.
“I was fortunate,” Jeanne explains, “that we had nice quality antiques, mahogany furniture, passed down from my grand-, great-grand-, and great-great-grandparents. I remember this one set of dining room chairs in the basement – heavy, dark, animal-footed – the table was long gone! – covered in mohair velvet and stuffed with horsehair. I’d stroke and press on the fabric; I’d find a horsehair and pull it out – I remember the curl and spring of it. It was a very sensory experience. I had a fascination with traditional upholstery at a very young age!”
She continues, “It was my chore to clean and dust and polish the furniture, and to polish the brass and silver. I grew up with a respect and love for these really nice things. That style is not to my taste now – I’m much more colorful! – but my taste is eclectic. When you have multiple items being passed down from different eras within a family, like we did, you get a feeling for eclecticism and an appreciation for mixing thoughtfully; everything doesn’t have to be new.”
It is this respect for quality and history that threads through Jeanne’s work today. She notes, “I love making new things, but I also love breathing new life into old things that have a story.”
(Jeanne once told us that she would love to create a “slow furniture” movement just like the “slow food” movement and we can definitely get behind that!)
Her discerning eye, she jokingly admits, has not made life easy. “My poor mother,” she laughs. “I’ve always really delighted in superfine things, which made her life hard. She’d buy something nice for me, and it wouldn’t be up to my standards. But that’s actually really a good thing in the world of custom furnishings: to be able to recognize what quality is, to aspire to it, to value it, and to want it for yourself and your clients.”
She also credits her love of art and museums and her mentors over the years for training her eye, “You have to be able to see it, and then know what it takes to be able to create at that level.”
A self-professed “big fabric nerd” with a fine art degree in sculpture, Jeanne’s first career was in costume design and construction for regional theater: hats, showgirl dresses, jewelry, shoes, masks, gloves. And not just clothing, but also truly unique items, like the time she modified a goat skin, turning it into a leopard costume for a production of Huckleberry Finn.
Back then, as a way to augment that income, Jeanne was inspired to start making slipcovers. She laughs, “Making clothing for furniture was easier! I never had a sofa tell me I made it look fat!”
Around that time, she had her first union job, as a costumer for the film industry, which was a step up. She recalls being shocked at how different the culture was compared to theater. “We were paid by the hour, plus time and a half, double time, and triple time. Everyone was happy and relaxed, not stressed and angry. That’s when I started to realize that regional theaters were not a healthy place for me to be.”
She recounts how, soon after that, a woman who had been mentoring her in how to make the slipcovers decided to move to New York City for a master’s level training program, and offered to sell her upholstery business to Jeanne.
Jeanne said yes.
Barely two weeks later, the San Francisco Opera came calling, asking if she would come and work in their millinery shop, a dream job for some. But by then, the die had been cast.
Jeanne has no regrets. She says, “Looking back over my work history at the time, I realized that I am a leader, and that being a self-employed entrepreneur was a better fit for me.”
But leading is not at all a solo endeavor. Jeanne explains, “I love to work collaboratively with other artisans, designers, fabricators, woodworkers, glass artists, fiberglass artists, metal artists, fine hand embroiderers who custom weave with materials from mills in Europe that are hundreds of years old… together we can make all sorts of amazing things!
“I also love making things whole,” she adds, referring to the repair and restoration part of her business. She recounts a story from 10 years ago, of a rocking chair from the mid-1800s that had belonged to the client’s grandmother, and that the client herself had been rocked in as a child. “It was in very sad shape. The tack rails, that area where you attach upholstery onto the wood, had been redone so many times that there were just little shreds of wood remaining. I cut those rails off and made new ones, glued and doweled them in place. To restore the distribution of the original finish from where the wood had been rubbed bare, I used a specialty product that liquefies the current finish and allows me to spread it around, while incorporating a bit of new product. “From there I reassembled, re-dowelled, and reupholstered, giving the chair a whole new life!”
In today’s fast-paced, single-use world, who Jeanne is and what she does, her dedication to history, value, longevity, and craft, is absolute treasure.
Joona Fabriculture occupies two loft spaces – a workroom and adjacent showroom/meeting space, at the historically-apt Cotton Mill Studios in Oakland. Visiting her location is a delight, like stumbling upon an old-world cobbler hard at work on making magic shoes.
With one full-time operations manager, one part-time apprentice, and two part-time production employees, Jeanne designs, builds, and restores furnishings in the workshop. And she hosts visits for clients and interior designers who wish to meet in person in her showroom, where they can lay eyes and hands on her curated library of fabrics and materials.
Jeanne hosts educational lunch-and-learns for design professionals on topics ranging from Window Treatments 101 to business topics to performance products to more in-depth explorations of shade motorization and home automation. Her showroom features a courtesy textile research library for design professionals as well samples from the lines of custom draperies and shades that she represents, including Sunbrella, which designated her as their sole Bay Area partner and purveyor of their new line of indoor, fade-resistant window treatments.
Curtains and the houses that need them present yet another set of complicated problems and solutions that speak to Jeanne’s engineer/artist mind.
She says, “To meet the needs of a contemporary homeowner in a house that was not designed for the things we are able to do now, like motorization, and adapting newer styles to very traditional Edwardian-era or Victorian era-homes, for example, means specifying contemporary window treatments that can feel ‘at home’ but don’t look like your grandmother’s drapes.”
Of course, with new construction, she explains, “You can build in pockets above, below or to the side and your window treatments can disappear into them with motorization.”
Drapery, she notes, is “fabric in motion. Sometimes, it’s fabric being beautiful. Being itself. Sometimes it’s function over form; and sometimes it’s the other way around.
“I train the interior designers I work with to ask appropriate questions of their clients, so that we can design and engineer collaboratively to achieve the window treatments that will fulfill those needs. Window treatments aren’t really taught in design school,” she adds. “They teach a lot about code, but code doesn’t encompass how to achieve privacy, or address heat and cold insulation, and make choices regarding light filtration.
“We have products that are engineered to filter some or all of the light, and can keep a house warmer or cooler, depending on the season. We need to consider what to prioritize. Do you want to be able to see your amazing view? We have solar screen cloth, which does a great job of isolating heat while still being see-through. We have honeycomb shades, and other highly-engineered products developed by materials scientists who are working to make shades more effective and even less toxic! We have lines specifically developed for people with chemical and environmental sensitivities.
“Last year, Sunbrella unveiled a new line of solution-dyed acrylic material for curtains, Roman shades and solar shade fabrics, which were revolutionary in terms of how they look. Solar shades have traditionally been a simple plastic mesh screen for many years. Now you can specify houndstooth and other patterns and colors that look like textiles.”
Today, Jeanne continues to expand her skills and share her knowledge, attending and presenting at conferences in both the custom furnishings and window treatment industries, and traveling to Europe every year to meet with her mentors who are master-upholsterers.
“Our industry is so generous in terms of teaching,” she says appreciatively, adding, “We know that there are not that many of us!”
To learn more about Joona Fabriculture, visit the website: joonacreates.com
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PHOTO CAPTIONS: Featured Image: Custom window coverings and pillow by Joona Fabriculture. First image: Jeanne Henzel Swartz in her Oakland studio, holding the IWCE Award for Most Intricate Handwork. Second image (in-text): Custom upholstered sofa for which Jeanne won the IWCE award. Third image (in-text): Custom kitchen window treatments by Joona Fabriculture (from their portfolio).
We understand the immense value that a professionally painted commercial space brings to your business. The impact of interior and exterior paint goes far beyond aesthetic appeal—it directly influences how the customer perceives the health of the business. It can promote foot traffic into your store or restaurant and ultimately boost sales by making your store a comfortable and inviting space for people to come over and over again. A well-maintained and visually striking space signals pride of ownership, professionalism, trustworthiness, and care, all of which are critical to customer decision-making.
First Impressions Begin at the Curb
The exterior appearance of your commercial property serves as your business’s first handshake with the public. A building that looks outdated, dirty or poorly maintained can instantly repel potential customers.
Fresh Paint Communicates Care: A clean, freshly painted exterior tells customers you invest in your business, suggesting similar attention is given to your products or services.
Brand Alignment Through Color: Choose exterior colors that reflect your brand identity. Bold, vibrant colors draw attention, while classic, neutral tones suggest sophistication and stability.
Enhanced Visibility: Strategic use of color can enhance signage, guide foot traffic, and distinguish your building in a crowded commercial area.
Weather Protection: Beyond aesthetics, new paint protects surfaces from moisture, sun damage, and corrosion—especially critical in high-exposure environments like storefronts and office complexes.
The Psychological Impact of Interior Colors
Color can influences emotion and behavior. Your commercial space, with the right lighting and color scheme can enhance your customer experience, from how long they stay (important if you have a retail shopping store) to how they feel while they are there to making your space memorable enough for them to want to return.
Warm Tones Encourage Comfort: Shades like soft yellow, terracotta, or taupe create inviting atmospheres ideal for cafes, boutiques, and salons.
Cool Tones Promote Focus: Businesses such as clinics, offices, or educational facilities benefit from hues like calming blues, soft greens, and greys, which support clarity and relaxation.
Accent Walls for Energy: A bold accent wall in red, orange, or deep navy can break monotony and draw attention to focal areas such as displays, checkouts, or lounges.
Cleanliness and Freshness: Crisp white or light neutral walls with smooth, washable finishes immediately communicate cleanliness and professionalism. There is nothing worse for us is to go into a restaurant and see dirty, scuffed up walls at the entrance of the restaurant or worse! In their bathroom
Paint as a Branding Element
Your commercial space should be a seamless extension of your brand. Strategic paint choices help reinforce brand identity at every touchpoint. Using your brand’s color palette throughout your space—walls, trim, doors, and even ceilings—strengthens visual consistency and brand recall.
When you highlight Key Zones you can delineate different service areas with contrasting colors to organize the customer journey and subtly guide movement.
Ensure your physical environment aligns with your website, advertising, and packaging—creating a cohesive, memorable brand experience.
Increased Foot Traffic and Curb Appeal
A vibrant and well-maintained storefront naturally draws attention. In busy retail or hospitality districts, this can be the difference between being overlooked and being noticed.
Color Contrast and Visibility: Bold contrasts between wall color and signage improve legibility and make your business stand out from afar.
Lighting and Paint Interaction: Gloss and satin finishes reflect ambient lighting, making spaces appear brighter, cleaner, and more welcoming—especially in evening business settings.
Wallpaper is another option for branding and cleanliness
Heavy duty vinyl paper can be sealed and is wipeable for ease of cleaning and wallpaper can add pops of design that custom paint or muraling can provide.
Arana Craftsman Painters can assist you in transforming your commercial space into a customer-attracting environments through precise color planning, expert preparation, and premium finishes. Our tailored approach ensures your space reflects your brand, engages your customers, and supports your business goals.
Whether you’re refreshing a retail storefront, rebranding an office, or updating a hospitality venue, we deliver results that are both visually striking and strategically smart. Every brushstroke is a step toward increased traffic, stronger customer impressions, and elevated business performance.
Transform Space Into Strategy
Painting your commercial space is not merely a cosmetic decision—it’s a strategic business investment. With the right color choices, expert application, and ongoing maintenance, your painted environment becomes a silent salesperson, inviting customers in, encouraging engagement, and reflecting the quality and professionalism of your brand.
When you’re ready to attract more customers, enhance employee morale, and stand out in your industry, trust the specialists at Arana Craftsman Painters. We bring craftsmanship, strategy, and visual excellence to every project, ensuring your commercial space achieves its full potential.
When it comes to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your home or business in Alameda, California a professional paint job with a licensed contractor and an extended warranty is an essential investment.
The Arana Craftsman Painters team prides ourselves on our exceptional exterior and interior preparation process that leads to a beautiful paintable surface that will be not only be protected against the elements, make the final product shine and increase the value of your home.
Our team of experienced painters delivers pair detail with craftsmanship, great communication and customer service. On both the interior and exterior of your home, Arana Craftsman Painters knows what is needed and can create high-quality painting solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Why Choose Arana Craftsman Painters for Your Alameda Painting Services?
We understand that a fresh coat of paint is 10% of the project; The quality of the preparation is paramount to a quality paint project. Then you can move on to creating a space that reflects your personality and style and that will last longer than a year. Here are a few reasons why homeowners and business owners in Alameda choose us for their painting needs:
Expertise in Both Interior and Exterior Painting, Staining and Wallpapering
We offer comprehensive painting services, specializing in both interior and exterior painting. Our team is skilled and experienced in handling a wide variety of projects, from residential homes to commercial buildings. Whether you’re looking to transform the look of a room with fresh color or give the exterior of your home a facelift, we have the expertise to deliver an excellent and long-lasting product.
Use of High-Quality Paints and Materials
To ensure longevity and durability, we use the best quality paints and material. We work with trusted brands that offer superior coverage, weather resistance, and vibrant color retention. Our exterior paints are formulated to withstand the elements, keeping your home or business looking fresh year after year.
Attention to Detail and Precision
When it comes to painting, precision and detail matter. Our skilled painters take the time to prepare every surface thoroughly, ensuring a beautiful finish. Removing failed paint, Sanding, priming, caulking and filling are 90% of the work before paint. Our detailed process to ensures we can offer our signature 5-year guarantee and that every corner and edge is prepared and painted well.
Professionalism and Customer Satisfaction
We are committed to providing a smooth customer service experience. Our team works closely with you to navigate the ins and outs of a paint job. We communicate regularly and help you understand each step along the way and how to prepare. The process is as important as the results. We arrive on time, work efficiently, and maintain a clean, organized workspace throughout the project. Our goal is to make the painting process as smooth and hassle-free as possible, leaving you with a beautiful and well-maintained property.
Exterior Painting Services in Alameda: Boost Curb Appeal
The exterior of your home or business is the first thing people see, and a fresh coat of paint can significantly enhance its curb appeal and boosts its retail value. Paint will achieved multiple goals, one is to give your home or other property a new look while protecting it from the harsh elements.
Surface preparation: We removed failing paint, sand, wash and patch and repair surfaces and prime before applying paint to ensure proper adhesion and smooth coverage. This is crucial for ensuring long-lasting results.
Priming: We apply high-quality primers that are essential for promoting paint adhesion and seal the surfaces to prevent damage from moisture or sun exposure.
Expert application: Our painters are skilled in applying paint, with attention to detail on to ensure proper coverage and beautiful execution of lines and transition from element to element.
Front Line Defense against weather: We materials that can hold up against wind, rain, UV rays, and other outdoor conditions, keeping your home or business looking great year-round and for an extended period of time.
Commercial Exterior Painting
We also offer commercial exterior painting services in Alameda. Private Schools, Commercial buildings, Healthcare facilities, etc. Restaurants often forgo paint, but under estimate the feeling of cleanliness a good paint job can give. We work around commercial and business schedules to minimize disruption to your business operations while delivering professional results that enhance the appearance of your commercial property.
Specialized Finishes for Exterior Surfaces
In addition to standard services, we provide specialized finishes for different types of exterior materials. From stucco and brick to wood and metal, we apply paints and coatings designed specifically for these surfaces, ensuring optimal performance and aesthetic appeal.
Interior Paint: Transforming Your Living Space
Interior painting is one of the most impactful and lower cost ways to transform your home. Whether you’re updating a single room or your entire home, we offers a full range of interior painting, staining and wallpapering services designed to transform your space.
Room-Specific Interior Painting
Each room in your home has its own unique needs and function. Our team specializes in painting all types of rooms, including:
Living rooms: Choose from a wide range of colors and finishes to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your main living areas.
Kitchens: We use durable paints that resist stains and moisture, ensuring that your kitchen remains beautiful and easy to maintain.
Bathrooms: Our specialized paints are perfect for high-humidity areas like bathrooms, helping to prevent mold and mildew growth while maintaining a fresh look.
Bedrooms: Whether you’re going for a serene, calming atmosphere or a bold, energizing space, we can help you select the perfect colors to match your style.
Cabinet and Trim Painting
In addition to painting walls, we also offer cabinet and trim painting services. Whether you’re updating your kitchen cabinets or refreshing your interior trim, our team uses advanced techniques to provide a smooth, professional finish. We can help you achieve a high-end look by updating outdated cabinetry or providing custom finishes to enhance your home’s aesthetic.
Color Consultation
Choosing the right color for your interior can be overwhelming, which is why we offer color a 1-hr meeting with a professional color consultant. Our colorist will help you select the perfect colors that match your vision and existing or new decor.
The Arana Craftsman Painters Process: Professional and Reliable
We believe in making the painting process as easy and stress-free as possible for our clients in Alameda. Our process involves:
Initial Consultation: We begin by discussing your project, understanding your goals, and assessing the space. This allows us to provide a detailed estimate and timeline for the job.
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions about Arana Craftsman Painter– There’s a level of trust placed in any home service provider as they work in and around your home. The attached sheet will help you learn more about our company and how we serve our customers.
Check out What Our Customers Say – I thought you would like to hear from a few of our customers, so you don’t have to “take my word for it!”
Here’s what you can expect during our appointment:
Overview – Please allow about an hour to an hour and a half for our appointment. Before our estimator starts, they’ll give a brief overview as to what will happen while they are on the property and address any concerns you may have regarding our process, scheduling needs, budget, and special considerations.
Project Audit – An audit will be conducted to determine the present condition of your home, and our estimator will take measurements and photos. They will note surface conditions and use this information to create a ‘written recommendations’ document for you to review. They can also provide alternatives and suggestions to achieve the outcome you are looking for.
Presentation of Recommendations – When you receive our proposal, it will thoroughly explain the scope of work required to achieve your desired outcome. We typically check in within a day of sending, and we can answer any additional questions you may have.
Determine Next Steps – After reviewing our proposal and signing the contract, we will schedule a job walk with our production manager and put your project into the production calendar.
When your project is in Progress
Planning & Staging –
When we arrive at your project, the first thing we do is formulate a plan on where to establish our work site and what will be accomplished over the next several days depending on the size of the project.
The second thing we do is set up a neat and organized area for our equipment, tools, and products. And at the end of each day we clean our work area and stow away our equipment and garbage.
Protection – We mask and cover with plastic, drop cloths, and tape to protect the surfaces of your home that are not to be painted.
Preparing – Paint will not adhere properly without expert preparation. We sand, scrape, and prime as appropriate to ensure proper adhesion. Once we have properly prepared for your painting project with the “3P’s”, we move on to executing the job daily in a way that gives our customers confidence and peace of mind. The following is what we call our “3C’s” that we observe as your painting project in progress:
Consistency
Throughout the project, we take a methodical approach that has us completing each step thoroughly while taking into weather conditions and other immediate factors.
Clean-Up
As we are working, we are monitoring the cleanliness of the project and cleaning as we go when possible. At the end of the day, we do our best to organize the work site to minimally disturb your environment. We do not want neighborhood critters in our garbage!
Communication
Our Production Management team is there to answer questions and help you navigate through the duration of the project being readily available for questions and problem solving when needed.
Any painting contractor can estimate a project and most can at least “get started,” Arana’s process makes sure we “finish well.” We believe that leaving a happy, satisfied homeowner has been the key to our success.
Here’s how we “wrap up” your project and leave you 100% satisfied!
Periodic and Final Check-in
We keep in close communication with you during your project and create check points where we ensure that each stage is being performed to your satisfaction. We will ask you to walk through the project to review the work in progress in case you have any questions or if there is anything specific so you would like us to address. At any time either I or another of our leadership team is available to answer questions.
Post Project Survey
·We ask all of our customers to evaluate us on our performance so we may continually improve.
Our 5-Year Guarantee
We stand behind all workmanship and products for 5 YEARS against peeling, bubbling, and cracking in the paint film. if you have issues past that point, we still want you to contact our office so that we can assist you in solving the problem.
Contact Arana Craftsman Painters for Your Painting Project in Alameda
When it comes to exterior and interior painting services in Alameda, Arana Craftsman Painters is the trusted choice for homeowners and businesses alike. Our professional team is dedicated to providing high-quality results that not only enhance the beauty of your property but also stand the test of time.
If you’re ready to refresh your home or business with expert painting services, contact us today for a consultation. Let us bring your vision to life with our exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Oakland, CA – April 2025 – Arana Craftsman Painters, a premier provider of high-quality residential and commercial painting services in the Oakland area, is excited to announce a limited-time offer of 10% off all interior and exterior painting services. Homeowners and property managers looking to revitalize their spaces with expert craftsmanship and premium finishes can now take advantage of this exclusive promotion, available only through May 15, 2025.
With spring in full bloom and summer fast approaching, now is the perfect time to give your property a fresh new look. Whether it’s updating interior walls with warm, modern tones or enhancing curb appeal with a striking exterior makeover, Arana Craftsman Painters brings decades of expertise, attention to detail, and customer-focused service to every project.
“We’re thrilled to offer this seasonal discount to both new and returning clients,” said Arana spokesperson. “We know that painting projects are an investment in your home’s beauty and longevity. This 10% savings is our way of making high-quality painting services more accessible during a time when many people are focused on improving and protecting their most valuable asset—their home.”
Why Choose Arana Craftsman Painters?
Arana Craftsman Painters has earned a reputation throughout the Bay Area for delivering exceptional painting services with a unique blend of old-world craftsmanship and modern techniques. The company’s team of skilled artisans specializes in:
– Interior painting, including walls, ceilings, trim, cabinetry, and more – Exterior painting, including stucco, wood, siding, and custom finishes – Color consultation and eco-friendly paint options – Pre-paint surface preparation including sanding, patching, and priming – Historic home preservation and restoration painting
Arana’s commitment to professionalism and customer satisfaction has made them a trusted partner for homeowners, designers, and architects across Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Piedmont, San Francisco, and surrounding communities.
Limited-Time Savings and Flexible Scheduling
This special 10% discount is valid for all projects booked between now and May 15, 2025, with flexible scheduling options to accommodate your timeline. Whether you’re planning a complete repaint or a smaller touch-up project, this offer makes it easier to transform your home with the trusted quality of Arana Craftsman Painters.
Don’t miss this opportunity to refresh your space with the expertise of one of the Oakland’s most respected painting companies. Offer ends May 15, 2025—book now and let your home shine with color and craftsmanship that lasts.
About Arana Craftsman Painters: Arana Craftsman Painters is a family-owned and operated painting company based in Oakland, California. With a passion for timeless craftsmanship and a dedication to superior service, Arana has been beautifying homes and commercial spaces throughout the Bay Area for over 20 years.
Because you interior and exterior painted surfaces are more than just decorative we understand that the struggle is real to maintain their longevity. After all, you need your paint job to perform like an investment given how important it is and how much money is spent on them. To help ensure your painted elements maintain their vibrant finish and integrity over the years, we offer the following strategies for preserving these surfaces over time:
Routine Cleaning to Preserve Surface Beauty
One of the most essential steps in maintaining your paint job is regular cleaning. Dirt, dust, grime, and pollutants settle on painted surfaces daily, especially on exterior walls and high-touch interior areas and start to eat away at them.
Interior Surfaces
First and foremost – USE THE RIGHT SHEEN ON THE RIGH SURFACE UNDER THE RIGHT CONDITION. For instance, if you have kids and dogs, do not use flat on your hallway walls. Use Eggshell. Paint wood trim with Semigloss. Satin is just not good enough.
Dust and Wipe Weekly: Use a soft microfiber cloth or dry duster to gently wipe painted walls. For flat and matte finishes, avoid excessive pressure.
Spot Clean Smudges: For stains, use a mild dish soap and warm water mixture. Apply with a soft sponge, then blot dry with a clean towel. On a matte sheen or higher, you can use the magic eraser.
Avoid Abrasives: Harsh scrubbers, bleach, or ammonia-based products can erode the paint layer, causing discoloration and surface damage.
Exterior Surfaces
Annual Wash-Down: Use a garden hose or low-pressure washer to rinse dirt and mildew from exterior walls. Mix gentle detergent and water for persistent spots.
Brush Mold Away: Use a long-handled soft-bristle brush for areas prone to mildew or algae growth, especially on shaded or damp walls.
Inspect After Storms: Clean gutters and wash away storm debris promptly to avoid permanent staining or paint erosion.
Inspect and Touch Up Regularly – Especially problem areas
Consistent inspections are vital to identify issues before they worsen. Paint isn’t just for looks—it protects surfaces from moisture, UV damage, and wear.
What to Look For
Chalking: A powdery residue on painted exteriors indicates oxidation and UV damage. Wash gently and plan for repainting soon.
Delaminating Stucco
Cracking or Peeling in the paint film: These are signs of aging, poor surface prep, or moisture problems. Scrape loose areas and apply touch-up paint promptly. Don’t allow cracks in your stucco to go un-addressed for very long. If the stucco is separating from the wood trim make sure to seal that up as quickly as possible. Water can enter these areas undetected and interior wood can rot causing expensive repairs.
Blistering: This points to trapped moisture or heat. Address underlying moisture issues before repainting to avoid recurrence.
Fading: UV rays can dull vibrant colors, particularly dark hues. Consider UV-resistant coatings during the next repaint. Avoid dark colors as they fade and fail quicker.
Touch-Up Techniques
Make sure your leftover paint is stored in sealed containers and labeled by room name, surface, color name and code, and the date.
Flat can be touched up if you use a high quality paint. Matte, Eggshell, Satin and Semi-gloss cannot be touched up.
If you aren’t super picky, you can feather the edges of touch-ups using a high-quality brush or foam roller to prevent noticeable lines.
Control Moisture to Prevent Paint Degradation
Standing moisture is the silent destroyer of painted surfaces. Both interior and exterior paint suffer under prolonged exposure to humidity, leaks, or poor ventilation.
Interior Moisture Control
Use Exhaust Fans: In kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, run fans during and after use to disperse moisture.
Fix Leaks Promptly: Any sign of water stains, bubbling, or musty smells should be traced to a plumbing or structural leak and addressed immediately.
Invest in Dehumidifiers: In damp climates or basements, use dehumidifiers to maintain safe humidity levels (between 30-50%).
Exterior Moisture Control
Keep Gutters Clean: Overflowing gutters allow water to trickle down painted siding, causing premature peeling.
Seal Gaps and Cracks: Use high-grade caulk around windows, doors, and siding to prevent water intrusion.
Grade Landscaping Properly: Ensure the ground slopes away from the home’s foundation to reduce splash-back onto painted surfaces.
Install proper drainage around your home to move water away.
Protect High-Traffic Areas with Durable Finishes
Not all paints are created equal. For hallways, staircases, baseboards, and other high-contact zones, durable, high-quality and washable sheens are critical.
Recommended Sheens
Satin or Eggshell: Ideal for living rooms and hallways—easy to clean and can be resistant to minor scuffs depending on the inhabitants.
Semi-Gloss or Gloss: Best for trim, doors, kitchens, and bathrooms due to superior moisture resistance and cleanability.
Preventing Damage
Add chair rails or wall guards in narrow hallways or children’s rooms.
Use felt pads on furniture to prevent scuffing painted baseboards.
Establish regular cleaning routines to prevent buildup of oils, fingerprints, and grime.
Use Quality Materials for Long-Term Results
High-quality primers, paints, and application tools are an absolute must and will significantly extend the life and durability of the surface.
Why Quality Matters
Premium paints contain higher quality raw materials, superior formulations with better pigments and binders and other ingredients. This leads to longer-lasting, more vibrant color retention.
Top-tier primers ensure optimal adhesion, seal porous surfaces, protect wood and ensure adhesion.
Professional-grade equipment, brushes and rollers help to apply paint more evenly and efficiently, reducing streaks and ensuring consistent coverage.
Our Recommendations
For interiors, use at least a matte sheen on high traffic walls, use paint from trusted brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, or Farrow & Ball.
For exteriors, a good quality latex with a light color choice will ensure a longer lasting finish.
Always apply at the recommended temperature and humidity levels to ensure proper curing.
Schedule Routine Repainting Intervals
Even with diligent maintenance, painted surfaces will eventually need to be refreshed. Repainting not only renews aesthetic appeal but also reinforces the protective barrier.
Average Lifespan of Painted Surfaces
Interior Walls: 5–7 years (more frequent for high-traffic rooms)
Ceilings: 10+ years unless exposed to smoke or moisture
Exterior Siding: 5–10 years depending on climate and paint quality
Wood Trim: 3–5 years due to exposure and expansion/contraction
Planning for Optimal Results
Choose seasonal windows for exterior repaints—with our 5-year guarantee and our unique geographical location in the San Francisco and Oakland Bay Area we can paint all year round without fear of issues.
Hire professional painters who put an emphasis on proper surface preparation which is 90% of a quality paint job. Also a professional company will know local regulations, standards and rules.
Consider color updates or trending finishes that modernize your space while boosting protection. Our contracts offer a professional color consultation to assist in the color selection process.
Partner with Arana Craftsman Painters for Lasting Excellence
Arana Craftsman Painters brings over 50 years of combines experience to every project, whether maintaining, restoring, or completely renewing painted surfaces. Our team emphasizes meticulous prep work, high-quality materials, and expert techniques that ensure your paint finish stays pristine longer.
We also provide ongoing maintenance consultations, helping homeowners and property managers protect their investments with confidence. With our team on your side, long-lasting beauty and protection are more than achievable—they’re guaranteed.
Final Thoughts on Paint Longevity
Paint is more than color—it’s protection and preservation of your greatest asset. When properly maintained, your home will remain vibrant and structurally sound for years to come. Follow these expert maintenance tips, and when it’s time for professional touch-ups or full repaints, trust the team at Arana Craftsman Painters to deliver unparalleled craftsmanship and lasting results.
When painting your kitchen, selecting the right color and the brand is an important decision. The kitchen is the heart of the home and needs to be durable and resistant for the unique challenges kitchen surfaces face such as moisture, grease, and temperature variations. With an array of brands available, it’s crucial to choose one that guarantees longevity, quality, and the aesthetic appeal to match your home’s vibe.
Top Paint Brands for Kitchens ranked by our favorites:
Benjamin Moore stands out for its exceptional quality and durability. Regal and Aura are the best lines to choose from. ScuffX is a new line that is particularly good for trim and cabinets. Aura only comes in the lowest sheen on flat. What is even more important is the choice of sheen. Eggshell and Satin are a wipeable finish that ideal for kitchen walls. Benajmin Moore has one of the largest ranges of color stories in the industry.
Farrow & Ball has luxurious colors and an amazing finish and durability. F&B colors offer a richly pigmented paint with an eco-friendly formulation. Their claim to fame is that they are a milk-ased paint. With sheens referred to as Modern Emulsion, Estate Emulsion, Estate Eggshell and Full Gloss you have a wide range of sheens to choose from that work great for different surfaces especially those in the kitchen. Farrow & Ball paint is robust, washable, and mold-resistant finish. The depth of their colors adds a touch of sophistication to any kitchen.
Sherwin-Williams is known for their slogan “Cover the World,” Sherwin William is the largest paint manufacturer on the planet. Their dark colors do not cover well, but they have greys and in-between colors. a range of kitchen-specific paints, including the Emerald® Interior Acrylic Latex Paint. Known for its superior resistance to stains and its ability to be cleaned easily, it ensures that your kitchen walls remain pristine. Moreover, its anti-microbial properties make it a safe choice for a space where food is prepared.
Valspar has a Paint + Primer combination that offers remarkable great coverage and durability. The color stories are not as popular as the top 3 in this article, but their paint stands up well to kitchen challenges, with a scrubbable finish that makes maintenance a breeze. They offer a far better price point than the top 3 listed in this article and can be found at independent hardware stores in the United States which means that they are easily accessible in the downtown areas and you don’t have to traverse a large store to get to the paint department.
Behr – Made by Home Depot, Behr’s has a mixed reputation. Their Marquee® Interior Paint & Primer touts a one-coat coverage which can save time and effort. That could be possible depending on the color. For darker colors these types of paints are ideal because darker colors can sometimes take 3 – 4 coats before proper coverage can be achieved. Like many of the paint brands in this article, Behr paint is durable and easy-clean finish make it a practical choice for the kitchen. Behr’s palette includes vibrant and neutral shades, suitable for any kitchen design and they can mix color from any other line you wish to match.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Paint for Your Kitchen
Paint should be durable and washable: Kitchens require paint that can withstand frequent cleaning and resist stains from cooking splashes.
Paint Sheens are a personal choice: Semi-gloss or satin finishes are recommended for high traffic kitchens where a lot of steaming and frying takes place. They remain the most cleanable and wipeable and reduce scrubbing. They do reflect light and cause colors to read differently, but they can also cause the space to appear lighter and brighter. Eggshell is the preferred sheens for most kitchens.
Color Selection is key: The right color can transform your kitchen, making it important to choose a brand that offers a wide range of options.
“Eco-Friendliness” is subjective: In California all paint has been remanufactured to meet environmental air-quality standards. What we consider eco-friendly is whether or not you have to paint again in 5 years or 10 years. More frequent painting is not eco-friendly.
Price can be the deciding factor: While budget is always a consideration, investing in a high-quality paint can save money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent touch-ups. Our top picks are the best in terms of price and longevity.
Preparing Your Kitchen for Painting
Proper preparation is key to achieving a professional-looking finish. Before you begin, ensure your kitchen walls are clean, dry, and free from grease. You can use a degreasing chemical like Trisodium phosphate which will degrease and degloss shiny surfaces or you can Mix 1 cup vinegar with 3 cups of water, 1 cup of baking soda and ½ cup of dish soap in a bowl and wipe down the surfaces and then sand to degloss. Primer can be used over touch surfaces or special surfaces such as metal or vinyl. Mask and covering floors, windows, countertops and appliances will protect them from dust, drips and splatters.
Application Tips for the Perfect Finish
Use High-Quality Brushes and Rollers: Investing in good tools can significantly affect the outcome of your paint job.
Follow the Right Technique: For best results, start from the top of the room (Ceiling, Trim and then Walls) and work your way down, maintaining a wet edge to avoid lap marks.
Allow Adequate Drying Time: Between coats, ensure the paint is completely dry before applying the next layer to avoid any unwanted texture or bubbling.
Maintaining Your Kitchen’s New Look
Once your kitchen is beautifully painted, maintaining its appearance is crucial. Sometimes streaks will form when condensation from cooking and temperature cause them to develop. It is important to wipe these down immediately so that they don’t permanently imbed in the paint. Wipe up spills and splatters immediately to prevent stains. Gently clean the walls with a soft cloth and mild detergent to keep them looking fresh and vibrant for years to come.
Choosing the right paint brand for your kitchen is a decision that influences not just the aesthetics but also the longevity and functionality of the space. Brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, Behr, Farrow & Ball, and Valspar offer products that meet the demands of the kitchen environment, combining durability, washability, and a wide color palette. By considering factors such as finish, color selection, and eco-friendliness, you can select a paint that not only looks beautiful but also stands up to the daily rigors of kitchen use. With the right preparation, application, and maintenance, your kitchen can remain a vibrant and welcoming space for years to come.
