Priceless Painting

by LISA BLAKE

Northern Michigan’s long-standing Victorian homes, lakeside cottages, ranches and bungalows summon a sense of architectural—and oftentimes multi-generational—pride. Homeowners work diligently, painting and repainting cedar, aluminum and vinyl siding every three to five years to keep up with the cracking, peeling and fading delivered by intense Michigan ultraviolet rays and sub-zero moisture.

But one thing is for sure: It’s a lot of work. And homeowners are turning away from latex paint’s strip-prime-repaint cycle and looking to a longer lasting alternative: ceramic-based Rhino Shield. Licensed Rhino Shield paint dealers Sheryl and Marc Mercier have been backing the brand since they opened Timeless Coatings, LLC in Brighton, Michigan, 15 years ago.

“We eliminate that maintenance headache,” Marc Mercier says. “The Rhino Shield business model is, let’s paint you once and give you a product that won’t fade or chip. It’s a 3M ceramic coating; basically a permanent paint job.”

The low-maintenance ceramic coating is gaining ground as a smarter option to preserving old siding and woodwork without covering it up with toxic vinyl. Here’s how it stands up to Michigan weather.

Insulating Barrier: Rhino Shield’s secret weapon lies in its ceramic microspheres that pack tightly together with pockets of air forming a protective barrier. These insulating microspheres replace the inexpensive fillers found in typical exterior paint and reflect radiant energy, keeping heat outside and cool air inside.

“It’s ten times thicker than paint,” Mercier explains. “Regular paint contains high water content. When that water evaporates, you’re left with just a thin coat of paint. With our product, you’re left with a thick, rich coat that adds a level of insulation.”

Solar Reflectance: Unheard of in the exterior home painting industry, Rhino Shield actually reflects solar rays away from your home, lowering wall surface temperatures and cooling your home while reducing energy consumption.

“It reflects all that heat so that your wall space is cooler, which in turn means your AC comes on less,” Mercier says of the Energy Star-rated product.

Waterproofing: Wind, rain and snow take a toll over time, causing deterioration and damage. Rhino Shield seals to the surface and helps prevent water penetration. The ultra-tough ceramic coating also exceeds Federal Wind-Driven Rain Specification at 98 miles per hour and uses a proprietary EPA-registered mold, mildew, fungus and algae additive.

Breathability: Trapped water and condensation in nonpermeable coatings are the leading causes of coating failure and contribute to mold and mildew growth. Pores in Rhino Shield ceramic coating repel water while permitting vapor to escape, allowing your home to breathe.

Elasticity: As historic Victorians and old lakefront cottages age even further, latex paint cracks and peels because of the home’s natural tendency to expand and contract. Ceramic-based paint is flexible, flowing with the house so there’s no cracking or peeling.

Longer Lasting: Because it contains less water than latex paint and includes ceramic microspheres, Rhino Shield lasts years longer than regular latex paint and comes with a 25-year warranty against cracking, chipping and peeling. The thicker ceramic paint also includes mildicide, which prevents mold and mildew.

Ringing in at about the same price as vinyl siding, Rhino Shield is allowing Michigan homeowners to maintain the natural look of their homes without the constant upkeep factor.

1381

Martin Drive, Frankfort MI

3 Bed / 3 Baths

1,640 Sq. Ft. / 3 Car Garage

MLS #1911819 $445,000

Enjoy main-level living with this immaculately maintained family home- nestled just outside the city of Frankfort on a spacious 1.5-acre lot. This home o ers room for everyone, with three bathrooms, 3-Bedrooms, ample storage space and whole house Generac generator. Relish in year-round countryside views in the sunroom overlooking your open backyard with a large private deck and garden area— plenty of room for everyone, just up the hill from schools, parks, downtown Frankfort, Lake Michigan, and other amenities.

369 Benzie Street, Beulah MI 3 Bed / 2 Baths

1,852

Sq. Ft. MLS #1910658 $899,000

Newly Reinforced Veranda Foundation (June 15)-- helping to ensure this turn-of-the-century original masterpiece has all the updates! Providing ornate nishes and custom details throughout, creating a beautiful living space that is both elegant and comfortable. Mature hardwood mixed trees surround this property along with a well-landscaped and spacious lawn. The home’s second oor has a separate entrance option with a large deck/entertaining area for potential short-term rental income or guest privacy. Tucked away in the rolling hills of Crystal Lake, this home o ers breathtaking panoramic views with its OWN private Crystal Lake frontage. Boat ready lake frontage with 100’ dock and hoist included. This pristine freshwater shoreline provides everything that water enthusiasts could dream of. This home located just a minute’s walk from the quaint lakeside village of Beulah (shopping/dining) and the Betsie Valley Trail system.

7227 Crystal Drive, Beulah MI

4 Bed / 2 Baths / 2,264 Sq. Ft.

MLS #1910966 $849,000

Over 80 feet of private Crystal Lake frontage. This home maximizes entertaining and family fun with two living room areas with a main oor gas replace, enclosed porch areas, and two long-covered decks overlooking the beach. Over 80 feet of frontage includes a private dock and a marina a short distance away. Great place for kayaking, windsur ng, shing, or families (no road between home and lake). The workshop room creates a private space for hobbies or storage. Excellent natural lighting throughout the home provides open-concept living, dining, and kitchen areas. The beach area is complete with a re pit. Located a mile from downtown Beulah & Betsie Valley Trail.