Kevin Crook
Crook's Paint Center

Kevin Crook has owned Crook's Paint Center for three years. With over 20 years of both residential and commercial experience, Kevin has the expertise to answer any questions related to painting. Crook's Paint Center believes that customer service is #1 and you can call on Kevin 24/7 to provide outstanding customer service.

Q: How do I calculate paint for jobs?

A: To figure the surface area (square footage) of a room:

* multiply the height of each wall by it's width and add all the wall areas together
* multiply the height of each window and door by it's width and add all window and door areas together
* subtract total window area and door area from total wall area to get the square footage of the surface
needing paint
* for ceilings or floors, multiply the length of the surface by it's width to get the square footage You can also use the online paint calculator at www.benjaminmoore.com. Look for the "Homeowner" section titled, "My Project Notebook". Once you know the surface area, check the paint label to see how many square feet a gallon of that finish will cover. Double the amount if you will be applying two coats.

Q: How can I prevent mildew?

A: The best way to control mildew is to prevent it from forming in the first place. A clean, dry, light-filled environment discourages mildew development. Clean and sanitize surfaces prior to applying any kind of coating, whether mildew spores are visibly present or not. Never paint over a mildewed surface. Mildew will grow through the newly applied film, making subsequent mildew cleaning and maintenance difficult, if not impossible. To help keep your house mildew free wash the exterior of your home each spring with a multipurpose cleaner such as Moorwood Multipurpose Cleaner and Brightener (063) and regularly clean interior walls with a household bleach solution. If caulking is necessary, use premium quality Moorlastic caulks and sealants and Moorlastic Tub & Tile which have mildew-resistant properties.