Your summer gatherings have come and gone, leaving nothing but fond memories and a surprising number of marks on the walls and trim. While you could add painting to your spring to-do list, Chad Gilchrist, owner of Roll-On Painting says waiting is a mistake too many cottagers make.
In fact, the best season to have your interiors painted is while you’re away this winter.
“The fall and winter seasons make for the perfect time to give your cottage a little TLC,” says Chad. Roll-On Painting has become a fixture in Muskoka since it began in 1999. Today, they are the go-to resource for contractors, renovators, interior designers and cottage owners looking for a meticulous finish that will last season after season.
Prep-work made easy
“Many times, cottagers don’t consider having their cottage painted during the off-season because they feel they need to prepare the area for our arrival,” says Chad. “With us, that’s just not necessary.”
While Chad and his team work swiftly, each project is done with precision, from preparation to completion.
Before a single can of paint is opened, you’ll find Roll-On’s team meticulously prepping the area. Manned with plastic drop sheets and painters tape, the team moves and covers furniture, and carefully removes any art and decor in the way.
They then prepare the space for painting – filling divots and smoothing uneven textures in the drywall, repairing and replacing damaged trim, sanding rough edges, and removing face plates.
“We don’t just want to give you a fresh coat of paint,” says Chad. “We want your cottage to feel brand new again, so we’re happy to take care of any handyman work that may come up while we’re there.”
Island access
While Roll-On Painting is often enlisted for larger pre-construction and renovation projects, they work across Simcoe and Muskoka on every scale of property, on even the most remote locations.
“Travel and logistics can be difficult for any contractor in Muskoka, especially with island properties,” says Chad.
Chad has recently bought a 20ft commercial pontoon boat to make servicing island clients easier. Big enough to carry staff, ladders, scaffolding and power washers, their small barge allows Chad and his team to reach each cottage with ease, regardless of their location.
Flawless finish
If you’re hiring a painter to refresh your cottage over the winter, Chad suggests considering all of the surfaces in your cottage that may need a touch-up. The team has the tools and experience to refinish everything from staircases to stained furniture and even kitchen cabinetry.
“We use an environmentally friendly, water-based lacquer for cabinetry that stands up to the wear and tear of daily cooking, with a professional finish that will have your kitchen looking brand new.”
For wood trim, MDF wall mouldings, and pine slat walls, they use cutting-edge spray technology to coat the surface with a smooth, consistent finish.
“Whether you have board and batten, shiplap, or crown and chair mouldings, having a clean finish is integral to the look and feel of your space,” says Chad. “With the right tools and the right painter, you’ll get that clean finish every time.”
Modernizing your cottage
Paint manufacturers and interior designers are trying to steer homeowners toward more rich, moody hues, but Chad says minimalist-inspired neutrals – namely whites, grays and black – are still hugely popular in cottage country.
And while there isn’t a problem with wanting to modernize your older family cottage with these monochrome shades, Chad admits that he’d love to see more clients dip their toes into the colour pool.
“Just look at the gorgeous colours out your window,” says Chad. “Deep greens, cool blues, creamy beiges and slate greys – they’re coming back, and are a great way to add interest to your home or cottage.”
Roll-On Painting does not work with any paint manufacturer exclusively, so if you have your eye on a particular colour – whether from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, Farrow & Ball, Annie Sloan or another brand – simply let their team know, and they’ll purchase the perfect sheen in the right volume to achieve the perfect finish for your project.
TEXT SHELANNE AUGUSTINE
