Grand Rapids Painting Company

Concrete cinder block walls are strong and sturdy—but they can be an eyesore. For commercial, industrial, and residential property owners with CMU (concrete masonry unit) block walls, you might be wondering how or if you can paint them. The answer is yes! You can absolutely paint CMU block walls to give them a more polished look that aligns with your interior design goals. Before you drive down to your local paint store, it’s important to understand what types of paint you can use on CMU block walls. At VanDerKolk Painting, we aim to provide the highest-quality service and advice to our West Michigan residents . So, before you grab your paintbrush and start painting your CMU block walls, we’re diving into what paint is best for these porous walls. Should You Paint a Concrete Wall? There is some debate online about whether or not it’s a good idea to paint a concrete wall. Those who do not recommend painting concrete walls express concerns about breathability and moisture trapping. While it’s true that moisture can be an issue, especially in humid environments, there are ways to accommodate it! CMU block walls are porous, which means moisture can become trapped inside. If there is a layer of paint, it can be difficult for the moisture to escape. However, with the right sealant and primer, this isn’t something you need to worry about. At VanDerKolk Painting, we believe you can absolutely paint concrete walls—when it’s done correctly! Best Types of Paint for CMU Block Walls Paint is developed for specific projects. That being said, there are three types of paint that you can use for cinder block walls. Masonry Paint - this type of paint is specifically formulated for porous walls to allow them to breathe and resist moisture efflorescence (white, chalky residue). It is best used on exterior walls. Elastomeric Paint - this type of paint is durable, flexible, and resists peeling while preventing water infiltration. It is best used in high-moisture environments like basements. Acrylic Latex Paint - this paint is ideal for interior CMU block walls and provides a smooth, polished finish. When choosing the best paint for CMU block walls, you must consider where the wall is located—interior or exterior—and the moisture levels of the environment. How to Paint Concrete Cinder Block Walls Remember, painting CMU block walls is only a good idea if you do it correctly! Below is a step-by-step guide for using the paint we recommended above. Step 1: Prepare the Surface Your concrete cinder block wall may be in bad shape, especially if it is outdoors. Properly preparing the wall is the best way to ensure the paint lasts and looks great. Clean the surface well to remove dirt, debris, and dust. Use TSP (trisodium phosphate) or a mild detergent and a wire brush to scrub away grime. After the wall has dried from cleaning, it’s time to identify any cracks or holes and remove them. If you notice any flaking material, remove them so you have a smooth surface to work with. Step 2: Apply Primer Applying masonry bonding and filling primer is the most important part of painting CMU block walls. This ensures the porous walls are sealed to prevent moisture from building up. If you’re working in a high-humidity environment, opt for a water-resistant masonry primer. Priming the wall will also help the paint adhere to the surface better and prevent cracking and peeling for a more durable finish. You can apply primer with a thick roller and carefully touch up the edges and corners with a paintbrush. Step 3: Paint the Wall Using a paint roller, paint the wall starting from top to bottom to avoid dripping. You will want to apply at least two coats of your selected paint to ensure the color is vibrant and the paint creates a durable layer on the cement. Ensure the first coat of paint has dried fully before adding the second coat. Depending on the type of paint you use, you may have to wait overnight before adding the second coat. Step 4: Add a Topcoat Sealer (interior only) For interior CMU block walls, we recommend adding a topcoat sealer. It provides a more durable finish than normal paint while also adding a high-sheen finish to further enhance the wall’s aesthetic. When to Hire a Professional to Paint CMU Block Walls It is possible to paint CMU block walls yourself, but the task is often more difficult than most people expect. Since cement is a porous surface, applying a primer and painting smoothly can be challenging. And don’t forget, the primer is the most important part of ensuring the wall is sealed and protected from moisture! If you need a cinder block wall painted, we recommend calling the professionals at VanDerKolk Painting. You’re guaranteed to have a high-quality paint job done by experienced painters. VanDerKolk Painting is Here for All Your Painting Needs Whether you need a cinder block wall painted in your warehouse, school, or basement, VanDerKolk Painting is here to help with all of your painting needs! Our team of experienced painters offers white glove service, guaranteeing precision and professionalism. We’ve served the Grand Rapids area for more than 30 years, helping home and business owners enhance the aesthetics of their buildings while also adding a layer of protection with the right paint. Contact us for a FREE estimate on your next painting project today!

Choosing the right paint color for your commercial building is a more nuanced and impactful decision than selecting colors for your home . Factors such as branding, customer perception, and the surrounding environment play a significant role in this decision. The color of your commercial building holds much more weight than you probably realize. It can influence how potential customers perceive your business and even their decision on whether to enter or not. Don’t worry; VanDerKolk Painting , we’ve helped countless businesses in Grand Rapids and beyond find the perfect colors that not only look great but also support their business goals. Below, we’ll guide you through the importance of commercial building color, offer tailored recommendations for different business types, and provide practical advice to make your decision seamless and informed. Why the Color of Your Commercial Building Matters Your commercial building’s exterior is more than just a structure; it’s a powerful marketing tool. Just as you carefully select branding materials like logos and advertisements, your building’s color is a visual extension of your brand identity. A thoughtfully chosen exterior paint color can enhance brand recognition and increase awareness by 80% . Simply through your building’s color, you can also influence customer perception of your brand, set expectations, and build trust with potential and returning customers. Plus, creating a great first impression on new customers or clients is a major win! Best Modern Commercial Building Colors It’s important to recognize that certain colors work better for certain businesses. So, below is a list of the best commercial building colors based on the type of commercial business. 

Over time, the exterior paint on your home can fade or crack from exposure to the elements. As you look to enhance your curb appeal, especially when spring and summer are coming, many homeowners have an itch to repaint exterior structures, such as their homes, fences , garages , and sheds. But before you set aside a weekend to tackle this exterior painting project , it’s important to plan accordingly with the weather. The temperature and humidity play a major role in the quality and result of your exterior painting project. If you’re looking to take on exterior painting in the next few weeks, you have to ask yourself, when is it too cold to paint outside? At VanDerKolk Painting , we aim to provide the highest-quality painting project results and information to our Michigan residents . So, before you grab your paintbrush and ladder, we’re diving into safe temperature ranges for exterior paint and when is the best time to paint outside! When is it Too Cold to Paint Outside? It is too cold to paint outside if the temperature is below 50℉ during the day or below 32℉ at night. For Grand Rapids residents, this means that you should hold off on exterior painting projects from December to March. What is the Ideal Temperature for Exterior Painting? The ideal temperature range for exterior painting depends on the type of paint you use. For latex paint, the best temperature range is between 50℉ and 85℉. However, some latex paint formulas can withstand temperatures down to 35℉. For oil-based paint, the range is a bit wider, allowing you to paint in temperatures from 40℉ to 90℉. It’s always important to read the instructions on the type of paint you buy to learn more about the ideal temperature range for that specific formula. How Does Temperature Affect Exterior Paint? You may feel inclined to ignore our recommendations about the ideal temperature ranges for exterior painting, but we offer this advice with good reason! Temperatures that are too cold or too hot can cause all of your hard work to end in a poor result. Cold Temperature Effects on Exterior Painting When the temperature is below 50℉, the colder weather can have negative effects on your exterior painting project. These include: Slow Dry-Time - Cold weather can cause the paint to dry slowly and not cure properly, resulting in poor adhesion, cracks, and peeling . Moisture Issues - Cold weather increases the formation of dew on surfaces, which can cause poor adhesion of the paint. Freezing - If water-based paint is used, it could freeze, making the paint unusable or causing an uneven texture if it is already applied. Brittle Finish - Paint applied in very cold temperatures can have a brittle finish and less durability over time. Hot Temperature Effects on Exterior Painting Temperatures above 85℉ can also disrupt or ruin your exterior painting project results. These effects include: Too Fast Dry-Time - If the paint dries too quickly due to the heat or sun, it can result in poor adhesion and the appearance of brush strokes or roller marks. Blistering - When painting in hot temperatures or direct sunlight, it could cause the top layer of paint to dry before the coat underneath, resulting in moisture build-up and blistering paint. Weakened Durability - Painting in high temperatures can cause the paint to lose elasticity, resulting in cracks and a less durable product. Temperature Fluctuation Effects on Exterior Paint It isn’t just the daytime temperature you must pay attention to when painting outside. You also have to consider the drop in temperature as the sun sets and during the night. Major fluctuations in temperature can cause the surface to which the paint has been applied to expand and contract, resulting in poor adhesion of the paint. Additionally, if the paint hasn’t had time to cure during the day before the nighttime temperatures drop, it could result in the paint not properly setting or curing. Does Humidity Affect Exterior Painting? Now, we know that the best temperatures to paint outside are between 50℉ and 85℉, but you also have to account for the humidity. Painting in environments with too much or too little humidity can cause your paint to peel, crack, or bubble. The ideal humidity range is between 40% and 70%. High humidity can cause delayed dry time, mold and mildew growth, poor adhesion, blistering, and uneven texture. Check out our blog post with tips for painting in high humidity , which is very common in Grand Rapids, Michigan! While low humidity can cause the paint to dry too quickly, which can result in poor leveling and the appearance of brush strokes. When is the Best Time to Paint Outside? For residents of Grand Rapids, Michigan, the best time of year for exterior painting is from April to July . The temperatures and humidity levels are within the ideal range for painting with latex exterior paints. Before you choose a weekend or day to start your exterior painting project, there are some factors you should consider. Temperature In general, painting outdoors in the spring or autumn months offers the ideal daytime temperatures with no significant drop at night. Of course, this will depend on where you live. So, keep an eye on the weather and for any heat waves or cold fronts coming your way. Remember, the best temperature range for acrylic paint is 50℉ to 85℉ and 40℉ to 90℉ for oil-based paint. Humidity Remember to check the humidity levels and temperatures. You want to aim for days that are between 40% and 70% humidity. Clear Skies Rainy days can definitely ruin an exterior painting project. When looking at the forecast, make sure that rain is not expected within 48 hours after you have finished your painting. Aim for Mid-Morning Painting The best time of day to paint outside is mid-morning. This allows the day to become warm enough to paint and for the paint to dry before the night temperatures begin the drop, ensuring optimal adhesion and curing. Pro Tip: Consider the Surface Temperature Throughout this blog post, we’ve mostly been talking about the temperature of the air. But the temperature of the surface that you wish to paint is also extremely important! If the surface temperature is too hot or cold, then it could affect how well the paint applies and dries. For surfaces that are in direct sunlight, they will likely be hotter than the air temperature. Surfaces that are in the shade will likely be cooler. This is important to consider before starting your exterior painting project. Enhance Your Curb Appeal This Spring with VanDerKolk Painting Winter is the best time to plan your home improvement projects once springtime rolls around—including painting your home’s exterior, garages, sheds, or fences. And there is no better way to do it than with professional help from VanDerKolk Painting ! For more than 30 years, our team of expert painters has helped Grand Rapids residents and businesses transform the exterior of their homes and businesses with a fresh coat of paint. We’ll decide the perfect time to get the job done as well as the best paint for your project to ensure long-lasting results. Get a free estimate for your exterior painting project today!

When it comes to achieving the perfect look and feel for your concrete floors, finishing them professionally is key. Properly finished concrete floors not only enhance the durability and functionality but also elevate the aesthetics of your space. A well-finished concrete floor becomes not just a foundation but a stunning focal point that complements any décor style in homes, garages, retail stores, gyms, warehouses, and more. Properly finishing your concrete floor is about integration—it forms a seamless blend of strength, beauty, and ease. Choosing professional finishing for your concrete floors has many perks. It makes your floors last longer by protecting them from damage, keeping them strong for years. Plus, a polished finish can make them look sleek and stylish, which is sure to boost the appeal of your home or business. Finished concrete floors are also easier to clean and maintain since they resist stains. In this blog post, the concrete coating professionals at VanDerKolk Painting will dive into how to finish concrete floors, the different types of finishes, and how you can choose the right company to professionally finish your concrete floors. What is Concrete Floor Finishing? Concrete floor finishing is all about making a concrete floor look better and last longer. This involves getting the concrete ready, using different treatments, and giving it the right texture for its intended use. Finishing turns plain concrete into a useful and nice-looking surface that's easier to keep clean and can handle daily use better. It's used everywhere, from shiny floors in homes to heavy-duty surfaces in warehouses. Types of Concrete Floor Finishes There are several different types of finishes you could apply to your concrete floors. Each finish will provide a different appearance. A polished concrete finish is popular for its smooth, shiny surface that bounces light around and gives a modern look. It turns plain concrete into something that looks almost like a mirror. Polished concrete is durable, relatively inexpensive, and easy to clean. An epoxy concrete finish is ideal if you want something strong and colorful. This involves coating the concrete with epoxy resin, creating a glossy and tough surface that's great for busy areas like garages and businesses. It's also great for handling spills and stains. The stained concrete finish creates a natural color with acid or water-based stains that soak into the concrete. This gives a unique, varied look with deep shades, perfect for making living areas more attractive. The downside to staining concrete is that it’s purely an aesthetic improvement. Staining doesn’t enhance the performance of your floor like polishing products or epoxy does. How to Finish Concrete Floors You're ready to embrace a change and finally elevate your concrete floors by adding a professional finish to them. Here's exactly how it's done. Step 1: Take Safety Precautions Before starting the concrete finishing process, make sure you have the right safety gear. Wear gloves, safety goggles, and a mask to avoid breathing in fumes from products like epoxy or stains. It's important to work in a place with good airflow to minimize breathing risks. Keeping safety in mind not only protects you but also makes your project more enjoyable and successful. Step 2: Prepare the Surface Start by cleaning the concrete with water and an effective cleaner to remove dirt, debris, and old coatings. This step is important because a clean floor helps the finish stick better and last longer. To remove old coating or finishes, you may need to use chemical strippers or mechanical methods like grinding. Concrete grinding helps smooth out rough spots and eliminate any leftover debris. By doing this, you set up a clean base that helps the finish go on better. A smooth surface is key for a strong, even application that will make the floor look great and last a long time. Once it's clean, look for imperfections and fix any cracks using a concrete patching compound. Fixing these will make the surface look better and help the finish go on evenly. Preparing the surface well is the key to a professional and lasting concrete floor finish. Step 3: Choose the Right Finish When choosing a concrete floor finish, think about how the floor will be used and address the specific needs of your space. For outdoor areas, slip-resistant coatings provide extra safety by reducing the risk of slips and falls, especially in wet conditions. If your concrete space is bathed in sunlight, UV-stable finishes are an excellent choice. These finishes protect against fading and discoloration caused by UV rays, maintaining their vibrant appearance over time. Each finish requires different maintenance and care, so consider what you can manage and how it looks and lasts. Step 4: Apply Primer and Finish Priming is an important step for a great concrete floor finish if you’re using a stain or epoxy. We recommend using a concrete-specific primer so that the finish sticks well. Start by making sure the floor is clean and dry. Use a roller or brush to spread the primer evenly over the floor. Be sure to check the drying times provided by the manufacturer before you move to the finishing step. If you are polishing your concrete floor, then there is no need to prime the floor. Applying the finish depends on the type you pick. Stain - use a sprayer to spread the stain evenly, allowing for a smooth look and avoiding streaks and inconsistencies. Epoxy or Polyurea - use a squeegee or roller in a criss-cross pattern for even coverage. Step 5: Cure and Seal Giving your concrete floors enough time to cure is key to making sure they last. This step makes the finish strong and able to resist wear over time. If you rush, the floor might wear out or get damaged too soon. After curing, applying a high-quality sealant is necessary if you’ve used a stain or epoxy finish. Sealants protect against stains, spills, and normal use. They also improve the concrete's appearance, with options from matte to glossy, and help it last longer. Is it Better to Seal or Paint Concrete Floors? Deciding between sealing and painting your concrete floors largely depends on the aesthetic and functional needs of your space. Sealing preserves the natural appearance of the concrete while providing a protective, easy-to-clean surface that resists moisture and stains. It's a great choice if you appreciate the industrial look of raw concrete. On the other hand, painting offers a range of color and design possibilities, allowing for more creativity and personalization. However, painted floors might require frequent maintenance to avoid chipping or peeling. Ultimately, consider your desired look, usage, and maintenance preferences when choosing between the two options. How Long Does Painted Concrete Last? Painted concrete can be a long-lasting flooring solution, typically lasting between three to five years before needing a touch-up or reapplication. The longevity depends on factors such as the quality of the paint, the preparation of the surface, and the level of foot traffic in the area. For example, epoxy can last 10 to 20 years on residential concrete floors. High-quality paints formulated specifically for concrete tend to offer the best results. Ensuring a clean, well-prepared surface can also significantly extend the paint's lifespan. A protective sealant can safeguard the finish against wear and tear while making it easier to maintain a fresh, vibrant appearance. Maintenance and Care Tips for Finished Concrete Floors Keeping your finished concrete floors looking great is easy with regular cleaning and checks. Start by sweeping or vacuuming to get rid of dust and dirt. Then, mop with a pH-neutral cleaner. This gentle cleaner helps keep the floor’s finish in good shape. Avoid using strong chemicals that might damage the surface. Besides cleaning, it's important to check your floors regularly. Every few months, look for signs of wear like scratches, chips, or fading. Fixing these early prevents bigger problems later. Reseal your floors every two to three years or as needed to keep them durable and looking great. Some higher-quality sealants can last between five and ten years. By following a simple cleaning routine and checking for wear, your concrete floors will stay impressive for years. Choose VanDerKolk Painting to Professionally Finish Your Concrete Floors When it comes to transforming your concrete floors, trust the expertise and experience of VanDerKolk Painting . With a remarkable reputation in the Grand Rapids area, we have honed their skills in concrete floor finishing over the years. Our commitment to delivering high-quality workmanship ensures that your floors will not only look stunning but also stand the test of time. We pride ourselves on exceeding customer expectations by providing tailored solutions that align with your needs and budget. Don't leave your flooring projects to chance; request a free estimate from VanDerKolk Painting today for a professional and personalized finishing touch.

So, you’ve just moved into a new home or your new rental property and notice that there may be something a bit off about the paint. In some rooms, you notice the paint bubbling or peeling, possibly due to low-quality paint or not waiting long enough between coats . Or it could be that mold has been painted over! You have no idea what the previous owners or tenants did to these walls. Some (misinformed) people may slap a coat of paint over some mold and call it a day. But if you’ve read our previous blog answering, “ Can you paint over mold? ” you know it’s not a good idea. If you suspect that mold has been painted over, these are the signs to look out for and what you can do about it! Signs That Mold Has Been Painted Over Unfortunately, covering mold with a coat of paint doesn’t make the problem go away. It simply hides it for a bit but does not remedy the mold situation. Here are some signs that mold has been painted over in your home. 1. Bubbling or Peeling Paint There could be a few reasons for bubbling or peeling paint , but one of the most common is mold growing underneath it. You will likely see this in areas with a lot of moisture, like in the bathroom or the kitchen above the stove. 2. Discoloration or Stains When mold has been painted over, it can start to show through the paint. It often looks like stains on the wall that take on a yellow or brown color. You’ll likely notice these stains through light-colored paint or on the ceiling. 3. Uneven Surface Texture Depending on the type of walls you have, you may notice that the texture is strangely uneven or even bumpy in some areas. This is a tell-tale sign that mold has been painted over. When you run your hand over the area, it will be rough to the touch and is inconsistent with the rest of the wall. 4. Dark Spots Under the Paint One of the less noticeable signs that mold has been painted over is faint shadowy areas on the walls or ceilings . You’ll likely only be able to notice these dark spots in direct light, causing them to go unnoticed in many spaces. 5. Soft or Spongy Wall If you suspect mold is growing underneath the paint on your wall and press on it only to feel that the wall is spongy, soft, or even crumbles, then you have an extreme case that should be addressed immediately. If the wall has been compromised, the mold has grown through the underlying structure. What to Do If You Discover Painted Over Mold in Your Home You’ve determined there is mold under paint in your home now that you know the signs. But what can you do about it? Since some mold can be toxic and harmful to your health , it’s important to address the situation as soon as possible! Identify the Moisture Source Believe it or not, the first step isn’t to get rid of the mold; it’s to identify what is causing the mold to grow. When you address the root issue, you’ll never have to worry about mold growing again. Sometimes, the fix is as simple as adding some more ventilation or a dehumidifier to a room to stop mold from growing. Assess the Extent of the Mold Now, it’s time to tackle the mold problem. Examine and assess just how much mold there is and the space where it has grown so you can create an action plan to get rid of it once and for all. Remove the Paint Using a paint scraper, sandpaper, or a heat gun, remove the paint that is covering the mold. Try to avoid creating too much dust, as the mold spores could mix in and be inhaled by you and your family. Test the Mold When dealing with mold, it’s always a good idea to test it with a home testing kit and see what exactly you’re dealing with. In the case of black mold, you can expect to use harsher products to eliminate it. In some situations where mold is more dangerous, it’s recommended to call in a professional to remedy it. Clean and Kill the Mold If your test comes back that the mold is not toxic or dangerous, then you can go ahead and kill it yourself. There are a couple of methods you can use to clean and kill the mold: Mold remover products Water and bleach - one cup of bleach to one gallon of water Undistilled vinegar Simply wipe the mold with one of these solutions to kill it. Repaint the Area Properly While the mold has been removed, it’s important to use a primer and paint that is either mold or moisture-resistant to prevent mold from growing in the area again. This is just in case your moisture source solution doesn’t work as well as you thought. Check out our article about the best type of paint for bathrooms where mold is most common! Paint Your Home the Right Way with VanDerKolk Painting Painting your home’s interior is often a DIY weekend job, but you risk making major mistakes like painting over mold. That’s why we recommend leaving your painting projects to the professionals at VanDerKolk Painting . With over 30 years of experience, our professional and licensed painters know what they’re doing—and they do it well! We’ll assess the project and the area, choose high-quality paints and primers appropriate for your space, and paint with perfect precision. And if we find mold in the area, we’ll take care of that, too! Why leave your interior painting up to chance? Request a free quote from VanDerKolk Painting for your next painting project today!