180s

It may be March but we know that winter is not done with us yet. So if you find yourself hatless on a chilly morning, stop in and take advantage of our 180s ear warmers special. We have these wonderful ear warmers on sale for only $13.99! Keep one in your car or truck, or stock up for winter next year. They also make a great gift!

Let's say you just moved into your new home and your fireplace is green, pink, white-basically anything except what you'd like it to be. Or maybe you've been living with it for years and just weren't sure what to do to it. Here are a variety of options.

One option is to strip the brick. This is a possibility but not always the best option. If you choose to use a paint stripper, you could wind up with problems. The first being that all the paint probably won't come off the brick because the brick is so porous. The second problem could arise if your brick isn't real brick, but a brick veneer. The stripper could interfere with the adhesive that attached the faux bricks to the wall. The third problem is that strippers are messy, time consuming, and the ones that work the best usually aren't the safest for the people (and animals) in your home.

The next choice would be to paint. It is always a good practice to prime any surface before you paint it, but especially if the previous paint is shiny or has a large contrast from the new color(for example, white over black). Once the surface is primed, plan on applying two coats of the color you choose. Like I said yesterday, the color and finish you choose depends on your room and the function of the fireplace in that room. Our staff is here to help you with choosing the color and finish that will best fit your needs.

Let's say your fireplace is painted but the look just isn't what you were hoping it would be. There is always the possibility of trying a painting technique over the paint. Once you have a base coat that you like, you can dry brush a different color lightly over the surface so the second color only covers the high spots. This can be done with two or more colors to give a washed look. You could also use a rag or sponge to apply different colors of paint to give different effects. We can help you choose a technique and colors to achieve your desired look. Visit one of our stores with some samples of colors from your room and we can help you get your project started.

Fireplaces!

It seems to be fireplace week at Teknicolors. We have had many customer visit us looking for solutions for their fireplaces. Some have old, outdated brick and some have a painted fireplace that either doesn't match the decor, has a bad paint job, or both. So I would like to cover a few solutions. Today I will cover how to prepare and paint a bare brick fireplace. I will also cover the basic painting today and get into some decorative techniques in the coming days.

The first step is to clean the brick as best as you can. Obviously brick is a very porous substrate and you won't be able to get all the soot and dust off of it. A vacuum attachment with a brush should help to get the dust off. You can wash the bricks with mild household cleaner. Dirtex works well. After cleaning, make sure the bricks are thoroughly dry.

Now that the surface is clean and dry, you can prime it. Make sure you use a primer for the surface you are painting. I am assuming most people have a bare brick fireplace but some of you might have sealed or glazed brick. We carry a product called Grip & Seal that will work on any of these surfaces. If you do have bare brick, plan on using almost twice as much primer as you think you need. Keep in mind you are covering a porous surface and there is the space between the bricks to cover as well. After you have the primer on, let it dry a minimum of 8 hours. The instructions on the can might say it will dry sooner but you want to be sure that all the areas are thoroughly dry before painting.

What kind and color of paint depend on what look you are trying to achieve. A white gloss paint will give you a crisp, clean look that will stand out in any decor. A muted color in a flat finish will make your fireplace blend with the surroundings. A bold color will make your fireplace stand out and become a dramatic backdrop for modern or contemporary artwork. Think about the feel you want for your room. Do you want the fireplace to be the focal point? Then go with a contrasting color. Do you want it to blend with the rest of the room? Then choose the same or similar color as the rest of the walls. Do you want it to become a backdrop for your art? Choose a color found in your art that flows with the rest of the colors in the room. The possibilities are endless!

Check back tomorrow for some painting techniques to transform your fireplace.

Work Tunes

Here is one of our latest additions. The Work Tunes protect your hearing while providing a digital AM/FM stereo, and they are MP3 compatible. They are perfect for wearing while using power tools, painting, or riding the lawn tractor. Buy them as a gift for your favorite handyman...or even your husband. Work Tunes retail for only $65.95!

Catching up

Getting back up to date....
Wendy and Laura have moved to our Farmington Hills location along with some of the wallpaper books, fabric samples, and interesting home accessories from South Lyon. I am back from maternity leave. Merritt is at the Pontiac store. Kevin spends most of his days at Farmington.
I am looking forward to letting you know about the new paint from Benjamin Moore, new painting techniques, and some products that might make your home improvement project run smoother. Keep checking in with us to see what's new.
Lydia

Teknicolors Website...

Please check out Teknicolors official website at www.teknicolors.com.

We have a lot of great information about ourself and our products. A coupon can also be found there!

Teknicolors South Lyon Closing

Dear Friends,

I regret to inform you that Teknicolors will be closing the South Lyon location at the end of September. We are very saddened by this news. We have enjoyed our time here and assisting in your home decor projects has been a great pleasure. You have been wonderful to work with and your loyalty to our store has been a blessing.

Teknicolors will continue to service the following locations: Farmington 248-994-1300, Birmingham 248-646-5924, Redford 313-537-4500 and Pontiac 248-745-0003. If you need any materials or technical advice please feel free to contact any of these stores.

Wendy will continue taking care of her 2 beautiful granddaughters two days a week and will take more time to spend on her home projects.

Laura is still available for wallpaper installation and can be reached at 248-344-8644.

I will be available for color consultation, furniture makeovers, and custom canvas and wall designs. You can reach me at BomiDesigns 248-207-2208 or bomidesigns@gmail.com.

The teknicolors blog will remain up and running in support of our wonderful contractors, designers, installers, etc. These local talents have also been fabulous to work with and we appreciate their business tremendously. A list of their contact information runs along the right side of our blog page www.teknicolorspaints.blogspot.com. We recommend their services and hope that you will continue to support their business as well.

We cannot thank you enough for continually choosing Teknicolors. If we don't see you in the next two weeks, we wish you the best of luck on all your future home projects!

Thank you,

Stacey Winn

Design Inspiration from Pratt & Lambert

Click here for a Pratt & Lambert COUPON. Print and bring in for your next purchase.

Celebrate your Independence with COLOR!

Monday, June 30th through Thursday, July 3rd receive an additional 10% OFF any purchase of RED, WHITE, or BLUE paint!

Mention this post at time of purchase.

Our Wallpaper on OPRAH!

"Nate says this retro-patterned, black-and-white wallpaper is perfect for renters and kids' rooms that change often.

"Easy-walls" are breathable, eco-friendly and don't require any paste for hanging. Just wet the paper and apply. "When you're done with it, you just peel it off without damaging the wall. So if you need white walls again, you have them," Nate says. "You don't even have to repaint."" -Oprah.com

You can find this gorgeous print and other Easy-walls paper at Teknicolors!

Umbrella Sale!

20% OFF any Finishing Touches accessories.

Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14.

Buy yourself something special to bring a little brightness to all these cloudy, rainy days!

Mention this post to recieve your discount.

I Heart HANDY Paint Pail!

The HANDY Paint Pail fits comfortably in your hand or can strap onto your belt or ladder. A magnet holds your brush in place so it doesn't slip into your paint. The liners (4 in a pack) make for easy clean up. It really is HANDY!

I've been using my HANDY Paint Pail for every paint job in my house and my husband is jealous! He wants one for himself, since I won't share! ~Stacey

Buy one HANDY Paint Pail and Liner and recieve a second Liner FREE! Just mention this posting when you stop in.

Moisture Release System Prevents Cedar Siding Paint Failure

WedgeVent System is a tool inserted between the clapboard siding, allowing the cedar to "breathe". Moisture gets trapped in the walls and if there is no way for it to escape it sits behind the base coating of paint destroying the adhesion overtime.

Go to WedgeVent.com to find out more information on the venting system.

RELAY FOR LIFE: Team Teknicolors!

"The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is an overnight event that raises funds and awareness to fight cancer. Dedicated teams of friends, families, and coworkers commit to keeping at least one member walking around a track or path...because cancer never sleeps.

Relay gives us an opportunity to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost their fight with the disease." -American Cancer Society

Team Teknicolors will once again participate in Relay For Life. Help support our efforts to fight cancer with a donation at any of our 5 locations: South Lyon, Farmington, Birmingham, Pontiac, or Redford.

You can also donate online at Relay For Life

Please join us at Millenium Middle School from 10:00 AM Saturday, May 17th to 10:00 AM Sunday, May 18th. Community support is one of the many things that makes South Lyon a wonderful place to live and raise our families.

Thank you so much,

Wendy Feskorn

More on Aura by Benjamin Moore

Click on the images to enlarge.



"Quite simply, there is no other paint in the world like Aura. Our exclusive ColorLock technology microscopically bonds the highest quality color pigments tightly within the paint for extraordinary results. Colors are deeper, richer and more enticing than ever before. Applies smoothly, evenly with fewer coats. Washable and durable in any sheen for a fresh-paint look year after year. Aura paint, with ColorLock technology, the next generation of paint, only from Benjamin Moore." -www.myaurapaint.com

Dust Eater by Wooster

"Wooster's Drywall Duster has specially treated yarn to gobble up dust-no clouds, no mess. Dust Eater freatures a unique triangular shape with double-action pivot to cover large areas and reach into corners. Shake clean, no wetting or washing." ~The Paint Dealer Vol. 17, No. 3 March 2008

Now at Teknicolors! Mention this posting and recieve 10% OFF your Dust Eater.

The Best Way to Clean your Painted Walls

Always use a natural sea sponge when cleaning your painted walls. The soft and gentle material picks up dirt and releases it into your rinse water, whereas a rag and water only moves the dirt around and may also burnish the paint finish. Never scrub your painted walls with abrasive materials. It's best to use clean, filtered water with a mild cleansing soap (often a light hand or dish soap is sufficient). Blot the area dry with the natural sponge, do not scrub.

Small, medium, and large natural sea sponges are available at Teknicolors and are recommended for cleaning all interior latex paint finishes.

Happy cleaning!

Fabulous!

What a fabulous event last Saturday! We had a wonderful time demonstrating the wall textures and color washes! Thanks to everyone who attended. If you have any further questions on the techniques feel free to call, email, or drop in.

For those who were unable to attend, we have a few boards made up if you'd like to stop in and try the process. Give us a call and let us know when you're coming and we'll get things ready for you.

Our next class is a Furniture Makeover class where we will be exploring new and inovative ways to update the old furniture stacked up in your basement or attic. It will be held on Saturday, May 3rd at 4:00 p.m.

Thanks again for a great time on Saturday.

REMINDER:

Our Tuscan Finish and Color Wash with Cheesecloth Class is coming up:

April 5th from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

We have only a couple spaces left so if you're interested, R.S.V.P. and join us for a fun, informative and hands-on event! Materials supplied by Teknicolors. Light appetizers served.

Please R.S.V.P. by email: teknicolors@gmail.com
phone: 248-486-4910
or in person: 117 N. Lafayette St. South Lyon, MI

We hope to see you there!

Aura

"Benjamin Moore Aura offers the most advanced way to bring color to your life with the next generation of paint that simplifies your efforts. Our breakthrough paint technology, called ColorLock, is the only one of its kind in the industry, bringing you discernibly richer, truer color, paired with incomparable performance."

Visit myaurapaint.com for more information.