This past June (2016) I went to Maine Paint (the location at 1037 Forest Avenue in Portland) several times because I was planning bathroom and kitchen repair/refresh/remodels. Maine Paint is one of the few places that carry Lincrusta, a brand of paintable bas relief wallpapers. I asked how much time is needed to order wallpaper from a book - the answer was 3-5 business days. Their interior designer, Janet, is very skilled; she gave me some useful information in regards to choosing wallpapers.
I picked the brain of one of the other employees in regards to painting my kitchen cabinets. The wood of the original cabinets are in excellent condition despite being over sixty years old. We painted them with water based paint when I first moved in. Unfortunately it hasn't held up to the wear and tear associated with kitchen work. I asked about "pixalated lacquer" - I'd read about it in the magazine Fine Home Building. The employee indicated that by law they could only sell that particular product to professionals because of the VOCs it emits. He suggested an alternative if I planned to do the work myself: "Advance" by Benjamin Moore or Cabinet Control, another product. He stated that he used to paint professionally and that he preferred "Advance." Although I haven't yet painted the cabinets, I plan to do so this coming spring, and I appreciate that he shared his expertise.
They were having a picnic for their customers just outside the entrance that day. I don't know which employee made the hamburgers, but the one I ate was the best hamburger I've had in years! read more