Real Estate Blog

Gloss Levels

 

With many new paint options available these days it can be difficult to find the right product for your space. In this article we will review the different gloss levels available, provide a description, and common uses of each gloss level – service available at Primus Paint.

There are six gloss levels ranging from GL1 (Gloss level 1), to GL6 (Gloss level 6). Gloss level one provides the least amount of reflectivity and therefore has the least amount of shine (gloss). Typically, the higher the gloss level the more durable the paint. Gloss levels higher than three usually can not be touched up. For example, a wall coated in gloss level three that received damage can be touched up without having to repaint the entire wall. A wall coated with a paint that has a gloss level of 4 or higher will have to be repainted in its entirety to provide a finish that hides the touch-up.

Gloss level 1 – Flat paint

This paint has very little gloss to is and is the least durable paint. This gloss level is usually only used on ceilings, or in areas that get very little traffic.

Gloss Level 2 – Low-gloss eggshell paint

This paint has a similar gloss to velvet, some reflectivity but not too much. The durability of this material can range greatly based on the product selected. This gloss level is commonly used in spaces that receive a lot of natural light, where deep tone colors are used, or in spaces that receive light traffic.

Gloss level 3 – Eggshell paint

This is the most commonly used gloss level on walls. This paint is typically durable enough to handle intermediate traffic. This paint is used in a wide variety of applications and is suitable for all spaces.

Gloss Level 4 – Satin paint

This paint is on the higher end of the durability scale. It is quite reflective and therefore will be quite bright in areas of high natural light. This gloss level requires skilled application, without an even and level coat it can cause flashing and will amplify the imperfections of the walls. This is typically used on walls in areas of high traffic.

Gloss level 5 – Semi-gloss

This is a highly durable paint. With such a high gloss level this paint is used in areas the receive little to no natural light. This gloss level requires skilled application, without an even and level coat it can cause flashing and will amplify the imperfections of the walls. This paint holds up well to washing and in areas of high humidity, kitchens, bathrooms, etc. This paint is commonly used on doors, door frames, baseboards, or in areas of high traffic.

Gloss level 6 – Gloss

This is the most durable paint. Because of these paints’ high reflectivity, they are usually only used in commercial or industrial applications. This gloss level requires skilled application, without an even and level coat it can cause flashing and will amplify the imperfections of the walls. This paint stands up to solvent cleaning very well. The typical uses for this paint are areas of extremely high traffic, areas where the walls are expected to receive damage, and areas that receive no natural light.

 

A Glance at Edmonton’s Real Estate Market in January 2020

Friday, February 25, 2020Rachel Fung 2019 took a heavy toll on many Edmontonians and now many of us are looking for information on houses for sale so we can get a better picture of what type of market we are instore for in 2020.   Let’s take a look at what’s happened during the first month of the new year.   The total residential home sales in Edmonton for January 2020 increased 0.50% compared to last January 2019.  It also decreased 5.44% from the month before, December 2019. The total number of new residential listings went down decreasing 11.58% from last January 2019. Overall, the inventory in Edmonton fell by 11.76% from January of last year. In January 2020, single family houses for sale increased by 2.52% while condo sales decreased 5.94% when compared last year.   The residential average price was $351,002 showing a small 3.85% increase from January of last year but are down 0.75% from December 2019. Single family homes sold for an average of $413,954.  This came in the form of a 2.52% year to year increase from January 2019 and a 0.64% increase from December of 2019. Condos sold for an average of $204,355 which went down 5.94% from last year. This however, represented a more significant 9.95% drop in condo prices when compared to the previous month, December 2019.  The price of duplexes increased by 5.21% from January 2019, selling at $338,815, which was a 4.23% increase from the previous month. The market prices overall in January remained fairly stable, however, did show a decrease over the year for total residential listings and sales.  There have been slightly more sales this January than in January 2019. Single family home pricing did, however, increase 2.52% while duplexes increased by 5.21% and condominiums decreased 5.94% overall for the year. Single family houses for sale averaged 73 days on the market which represented a 5 day decrease from last year.  Condo sales showed a 10 day decrease with 83 days on the market. Duplexes averaged 85 days on market which was a 5 day decrease from January last year.  Overall, all residential listings were on the market for an average of 79 days which translated to a 5.95% decrease from last year and increased by 10 days compared to the previous month, December 2019.

 

Time for a Little Spring Cleaning


Friday, February 21, 2020

Rachel Fung

With winter just about over, I’m sure many of you have thought about getting through the dreaded chore of spring cleaning and taking advantage of the prime springtime market and houses for sale.  What you need to remember as you tackle this challenge is that a huge step to the deep cleaning process of your spring cleaning is getting rid of the clutter in your house. Declor Designs can help. Here are 5 quick tips to help you get your home looking sharp.

1. Organize Rooms As You Go

While you take the first steps of going through your home you should try to stay as organized as you can.  What can be a big help is going through each room and dividing the items you come by that you will not necessarily need for the warmer months of the year.  You can sort them into three categories and their respective bins or boxes:

  1. Things to throw away (broken or heavily used items)

  2. Things to give away (what can be reused, just not by you)

  3. Things to put away (seasonal items that you will use in the colder months)

2. Clear Windows, Clear Home

A tip that often surprises people is to wash your windows on a cloudy day. Window cleaners dry very quickly on warm windows so washing them on sunny days can leave streaks.  Also, always use a microfiber cloth as can wiping down your windows with paper towels ends up with the same streaky effect.

To clean the dust off your window treatments, you can use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment or you can put most curtains in the dryer on low with a fabric softener sheet for a deeper refresh.  If you have blinds, don’t forget to clean those as well. Many people avoid dusting their blinds and think the chore will be long and difficult. For a simple yet deep clean, try slipping your hand into an old sock and wiping them down with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution. To maintain dust free blinds, keep a keyboard cleaner on hand and give your blinds a quick spray right before you vacuum.

3. A Fresh Fridge is Best

Since you are in full cleaning and clearing mode, this is the perfect time to get rid of old food and condiments that may have even expired without you realizing.  This is best done by completely emptying your fridge so that you can see what may be hiding way in the back corner. Next, remove the bings and clean them in warm, soapy water and dry them thoroughly before putting them back in the fridge.  Now you have easy access to wipe down your refrigerator shelves. Next to deodorize your fridge. Don’t have baking soda on hand? Not a problem. Spready out freshly ground coffee evenly on a plate and place it in the fridge for 24 hours for a quick DIY fix to old food smells.

4. Wake Up Refreshed

Take this time to flip your mattress, wash your pillows and air out your comforters.  Fresh linens are always a must, but when the time for spring cleaning rolls around it’s time for that extra clean.

When washing your pillows, add half a cup of baking soda to your detergent in the washing machine. To fluff and make your pillows feel new again, try using the air cycle of your dryer and dry them with a couple of tennis balls in socks. Take your comforter and blankets outside and give them a good shake before running them through the air cycle of your dryer with a fabric softener sheet.

5. Tackle Your Flooring At the Same Time

Your carpets and tile flooring go through a lot during the winter months.  This floor cleaning trick lets you clean both types of flooring with a single product that can have multipurposes.  Think about using a foam carpet cleaner to freshen the carpet as you can also use it to clean your tile grout.

Spray the carpet foam around the edges of each tile and leave it to soak in for 10 minutes or so. Scrub the cleaner off with a scrub brush or old toothbrush. As you scrub make sure to have a rag handy to wipe up the dirt that comes loose from the cracks.

Champagne Tastes

Wednesday, February 19th, 2020

Rachel Fung

So you have champagne tastes on a beer budget.  Unfortunately that is the obstacle we often face when we have amazing ideas but a limited decorating fund. Luckily, there are ways, even on a tight budget, that you can get the upscale look you envision for your home.

Over the years, professional interior designers have shed some light on a few trade secrets that have given homeowners ways to help understanding how they can make their home look luxurious without dipping into emergency savings funds. From adding a few tasteful accent pillows to living rooms to applying a fresh coat of paint to window trims or revarnishing vintage hardwood floors, these are simple tricks of the trade that will all come in handy. Houses for Sale!

Here are a few useful decor hacks that will aid you in convincing your guests into thinking you are living in the lap of luxury:

1 ) Color

Paint is usually one of the hardest choices to make when decorating a room, especially when the the rest of the decor will be based off that color scheme. However, if tastefulness is what you are after, there are certain colors that add that instant chic look to your home.

Choose one of these two color options—bold and dramatic OR soft, understated hues. These hues allow you to add instant elegance to your home. It simply depends on your color personality in terms of which option you choose.

Painting interior doors black is another great idea. It automatically creates an expensive feeling, without causing much damage to your wallet. If you choose this option, however, be sure to add some black accessories to the space to tie the overall design together.

 

2 ) Details

It’s the little things that make a big impression. When it comes to decorating your home to look elegant and custom built, details are key elements.  In this case, the detail is crown molding.

Crown molding helps to make a room look complete.  It’s the finishing touch that brings the ceiling and the walls together, giving the room a refined appearance. Without this subtle detail, they tend to look cheap and plain.

Fortunately, crown molding is fairly inexpensive making it affordable, even on an economical budget. This is especially true when it comes to the plastic, paintable versions.  There are many sizes to choose from, but if you want it to stand out, pick the widest one you can afford. For the most prestigious look, try adding all types of molding to your home.  For example try using accents such as high baseboards, ceiling beams, columns, ceiling medallions and even chair rails.

3) Unique Hardware

You can easily walk into any large home hardware store and be ambushed with entire walls of handles, faucets, knobs and fixtures.  However, that is the exact moment that you should turn and walk out the door. It is these exact hardware pieces that you should avoid as they are almost always of a look cheap and are made exactly in that same poor quality fashion.  

For a few extra dollars, you can get much more classy and expensive looking pieces without diving into unrecoverable debt.  The best places to find these unique pieces are in smaller hardware stores, antique shops and even your local flea market. There you will find the extra durable and elegant looking pieces at a very affordable price.  You just need to put the extra leg work in to find these pieces but they will be well worth it as they will give your home the luxurious look you are going for.

 

4) Window Coverings 

A home without proper window coverings will simply look unfinished and cheap. Fortunately, window coverings are one of the most affordable ways to add some elegance to your home, as well as provide you with the necessary privacy.

When choosing window coverings you want to make the right choices. For example, selecting unlined flimsy curtains look terrible and thrown together, even if they are the cheapest option. It is recommended that you material you can see through. This does not, however, mean that you shouldn’t buy “off-the-rack” window accessories.  Curtains do not have to be one of a kind and many department stores have a very good selection of lined draperies that look both classy and expensive and are still very affordable. Make sure you stick with elegant material such as silk, linen or cotton. Be sure to avoid polyester as they usually look cheap. If you do not want curtains then opt for wood blinds or bamboo shades. Window treatments will help your home look complete so make sure to make these are a priority.

5) Declutter

Luckily for you, the best way to make an amazing impression with your home won’t cost you a thing.  All that is needed is thorough cleaning and getting rid of clutter. Aim to dust and vacuum weekly and get rid of all those things you don’t really need or look out of place and you will noticeably make your home feel more expensive.

Cleaning also will help you to take care of any spills or stains on area rugs quickly which keeps them from looking shabby and worn. The same goes for your furniture.  If you upkeep these items regularly they will last longer and present better. Make sure not to forget your window seither. This will let in the natural light and make rooms appear bright, open and welcoming.

Scheduled cleanings also allows you to avoid building up clutter in your home. This will all help you feel better about your home and it will allow the other accessories like your pillows, paint, lighting, and flooring to really make an impression!