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How to Maintain Your Painted Surfaces: Tips for Longevity by Arana Craftsman Painters

by with No Comment FAQs and Painting Basics

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.

Berkeley Kitchen Painting

Guide to Choosing the Right Paint Brand for Your Kitchen

by with No Comment FAQs and Painting Basics

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.

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Accent Walls: Ideas and Inspiration

by with No Comment FAQs and Painting Basics

In certain spaces, an accent wall or walls can transform the character of a room in a myriad of ways depending on your goal. With just a splash of color or an interesting texture, a room can come alive by simply helping to break up the monotony of plain walls. The following are ways that you can use to determine is an accent wall appropriate for the room your considering and how to go about choosing that color.

Why add an Accent Wall?

An accent wall serves as a focal point, drawing attention and adding character, color and/or texture to your space. It can be like the diamond on the ring of your room—stealing the spotlight and making everything else look good. It can also balance out other colors or provide a bold contrast in a mostly neutral space. Plus, it is a fantastic way to experiment with bold colors and patterns without overwhelming your entire room. Accent walls can also be done with paint, wallpaper, wood paneling or wainscotting.

Choosing the Right Wall to Place Your Accent

Before you go wild with paint and wallpaper, it’s crucial to select the right wall to accentuate. Typically, the wall you choose should be the first one you see when you enter the room. It can even be a corner space. It could be the wall behind your bed, your fireplace, or even the one where your TV hangs out. It can be used to define a specific area like the study area of your kid’s bedroom.

It should be consistent in size or shape and have clearly defined boundaries. It can make a long hallway feel less long and give a far-off focal point. You can even paint half of a wall to give the illusion of a wainscot or chair rail. If you are going to do multiple accent walls throughout your home be sure to place them strategically, don’t do multiple in a room and be sure to take your existing furniture and fixtures into account.

Bold Colors Can Make a Big Impact

When it comes to accent walls, bold is beautiful. Deep, rich hues like navy blue, emerald green, and charcoal gray can add depth and drama to your space. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a vibrant color like mustard yellow or a fiery red to really make a statement.

Pro Tip: Use Color Theory (or hire an Interior Designer)
Understanding color theory can help you choose complementary colors that enhance your space. For instance, a deep blue accent wall can look stunning with white or light gray furniture, creating a nautical vibe. Or you can call one of our many interior design colleagues highlighted in our blog.

Textures and Patterns Add Dimension – If you’re not just content with a solid color, consider adding textures or patterns or different materials to your accent wall.

Wallpaper
Wallpaper has made a major comeback in recent years, offering a plethora of patterns, from elegant florals to edgy geometric designs.

Wood Materials
For a rustic or farmhouse look, wooden planks or shiplap can add warmth and texture. There is even horizontal lined pattern wood that comes in rolls that completely changes an area like one wall in an entry for hanging coats and storing shoes. A thinly spaced horizontal wood accent can warm up that corner and add a backdrop that takes mutes the potential clutter of storing jackets and shoes.  that You can go for a natural wood finish or paint the planks in a color that complements your decor.

Brick and Stone
Exposed brick or stone walls can add an industrial or rustic charm to your home. If you’re not blessed with natural brick, faux brick panels or stone veneer can do the trick without the hefty renovation costs.

Stenciling and Murals
For the artists at heart, stencils and murals can turn your wall into a canvas. Whether it’s a subtle pattern or a full-blown mural, these options let your creativity shine. Ask us for a referral to a decorative painter!

Accent Walls with Paint Techniques

Sometimes, it’s all about the technique. Here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing:

Limewash or Venetian Plaster
All the rage right now, Limewash is an elevated faux finish that give you a smoother transition between colors and visually can look like suede. You can choose any palette of colors and its all in the application technique. Venetian Plaster can also produce a similar effect when used with bolder colors, but it more typically used on a whole house rather than just an accent.


Ombre Effect
An ombre wall transitions from one color to another, creating a gradient effect that can be incredibly soothing and visually intriguing.

Stripes and Chevrons
Stripes, whether vertical or horizontal, can add a dynamic feel to your room. Chevron patterns are a modern twist that can make your wall look like a piece of art.

Sponging and Rag Rolling
These techniques add a textured look to your walls using paint and simple tools like sponges or rags. They can create a soft, cloud-like effect or a more dramatic finish depending on the colors used.

Functional Accent Walls
Who says accent walls can’t be functional? Here are some ideas to make your accent wall work for you:

Gallery Walls
Turn your accent wall into a gallery by displaying your favorite artwork, photos of your family, or even mirrors. This not only personalizes your space but also adds visual interest.

Shelving/Library
Incorporate a whole wall of shelving to hold your mountain of books, display your artwork and pottery collection, your plants and even your flat screen TV into your accent wall to combine beauty with functionality.

Chalkboard or Whiteboard Paint
Perfect for a kitchen or a kid’s room, chalkboard or whiteboard paint can turn your wall into a giant notepad. It’s both fun and practical.

General Ideas for Accent Walls in Different Rooms

  • Living Room
    an accent wall can be the backdrop for your entertainment center or behind your couch. It can even be a statement piece like a large piece of art.
  • Bedroom
    In the bedroom, the wall behind your bed is the perfect spot for an accent wall. It can add a sense of coziness and intimacy. If you have a defined corner for a desk or a bump out for built in seat or library.
  • Kitchen
    In the kitchen, an accent wall can be a great way to highlight a breakfast nook or dining area. Remember to use paint with at least an eggshell sheen.
  • Bathroom
    Don’t shy away from accent walls in the bathroom. Tile or wallpaper can add a touch of luxury.

Creating an accent wall can be fun and can add dimension to your space. It is an exciting way to breathe new life into any room. With the right combination of colors, textures, and creativity, you can turn a simple wall into a spectacular focal point. If you need assistance on choosing color, give us a call! We have amazing color consultants and interior designer at the ready!