pre-war apartment Archives - N.Y. Renovation Services

A professional painter's steady hand using an angled brush to "cut in" a perfectly straight paint line on white trim in an NYC home.

September 25, 2025

How to Paint Trim Without Tape in Your NYC Home

Tired of the tedious process of taping trim only to get messy, bleeding paint lines? There’s a better way. This comprehensive guide teaches you the professional technique of “cutting in” to paint trim without tape in your NYC apartment. Learn the 10-step process, the essential tools you’ll need (especially the right brush), and how to achieve razor-sharp lines on baseboards, windows, and doors. With 10 interactive tools, you’ll master this time-saving skill and know when it’s best to call a pro.

September 25, 2025

How to Paint Over Lead Paint Safely in NYC

Living in a pre-war NYC building? You’re likely living with lead paint. This definitive guide explains the serious health risks and the strict EPA and NYC laws you must follow. Learn the difference between professional encapsulation and abatement, the 10-step safety process certified pros use, and the real 2025 costs. With 10 interactive tools, this guide is essential for any homeowner planning a renovation, ensuring your project is safe, legal, and protects your family’s health.

A beautifully painted kitchen with light green cabinets in a modern Brooklyn apartment, showcasing a professional renovation.

September 25, 2025

How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets in Your Brooklyn Apartment

Transform your Brooklyn kitchen without the cost of a full remodel. Our ultimate 4,000-word guide details the professional 12-step process for painting your kitchen cabinets to achieve a flawless, factory-like finish. This article, packed with 10 interactive tools, covers everything from the critical prep work and choosing the right durable paint to the specific challenges of pre-war buildings. Learn the real 2025 costs and timelines to decide if this is the right project for you or if it’s time to call in the pros.

August 27, 2025

How to Prep Walls for Painting in a Pre-War NYC Building

The secret to a lasting paint job is preparation. Our 4,000-word guide with 10 interactive tools shows you the professional way to prep old NYC plaster walls. Learn the 10-step process for cleaning, patching, sanding, and priming. We cover everything from the right tools to critical lead paint safety, helping you achieve a flawless finish that stands the test of time in your pre-war apartment.

A professional patching a cracked plaster wall in a pre-war NYC apartment, demonstrating the proper repair technique.

August 26, 2025

How to Patch Cracks in Old NYC Plaster Walls

Don’t just spackle over cracks in your old plaster walls—fix them for good. Our complete guide for NYC homeowners details the professional 10-step method for a permanent patch. Learn how to diagnose different types of cracks, what tools you’ll actually need, and the crucial steps for preparation and application. We also cover when a simple patch isn’t enough and it’s time to call a pro for skim coating, plus essential safety information for dealing with potential lead paint in pre-war buildings.

A professional painter applying primer to a wall in an NYC apartment, demonstrating a crucial step for a flawless paint job.

August 26, 2025

How to Choose the Perfect Primer for NYC Walls: The Pro’s Guide

Don’t let your expensive paint job fail because of the wrong foundation. Our complete guide to choosing a primer for your NYC walls is the ultimate resource for any homeowner. Learn the critical differences between latex, oil-based, and shellac primers, and discover exactly which product to use to solve common problems like water stains, smoke odors, and old, chalky plaster. With 10 interactive tools and pro tips, this guide ensures you get a flawless, long-lasting finish every time.

A professional skim coating a cracked plaster wall in a pre-war NYC apartment, demonstrating the repair process.

August 26, 2025

Cracked Plaster in Your Pre-War Apartment? DIY vs. Pro Skim Coating

Don’t let cracked plaster ruin the charm of your pre-war NYC apartment. Our complete guide helps you diagnose different types of cracks and decide between a simple DIY patch and a professional skim coating. We provide a step-by-step tutorial for minor repairs, explain the pro skim coating process, and break down the 2025 costs. Plus, get crucial information on handling potential lead paint safely. This guide has everything you need to restore your walls to a flawless, beautiful finish.