2014 Winners of Chicago's Finest Painted Ladies Competition named

"Chicago's Finest Painted Ladies & Her Court" competition, sponsored by the Chicago Paint & Coatings Association, is pleased to announce its 2014 winners.

This popular project, now in its 28th year, concluded on Labor Day with seven beautifully painted homes.

This unusual beautification project for homes originated in Chicago and has received national attention. Several wining houses have been featured in the book "Painted Ladies, U.S.A." by Larsen & Pomada.

This contest is open to homes and businesses throughout the Chicago area.

The style, size or age of the property is not a factor in selecting the winners, but beauty and craftsmanship of the paint application, and how well it complements the structure of the building is essential to being a 2014 "Chicago's Finest Painted Ladies" winner.

This year's grand prize winner is located in Elgin, Illinois, and was awarded the grand prize for the "Best Use of a Bold Color."

According to the Chicago Paint & Coatings Association's publicity committee chairman, Bill Heiden, who works with a team of judges to select the winners for our 2014 competition, "Despite the economy, and challenging housing market, paint and coatings are one of the most affordable ways to improve and accent a home or business appearance. The National Association of Real Estate Appraisers estimates that a good first appearance of a home can add as much as 5 percent to 10 percent to the value of the home."

The winners will be honored at a special awards dinner on Thursday, Oct. 23, at Maggiano's in Schaumburg to commemorate their achievement. Their award will be presented during a dinner celebration hosted by the Chicago Paint & Coatings Association.

This year's celebration will also feature Mark Knaebe, wood surface chemist, natural resources specialist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, whose presentation to professional painters as well as the do-it-yourselfers, will answer many tough questions about wood and finishes that challenges. This might include questions on how to protect wood windows and decks, why a paint job failed, or the best way to prep wood for paint and stain.

Information may be obtained from the Chicago Paint & Coatings Association. Please call, (847) 240-0102, or write CPCA, 1701 Woodfield Road Suite 205, Schaumburg, IL 60173. Information can also be obtained on the web at www.chicagopaint.org.