It’s a rare business of 1949’s Williamsburg/Greenpoint that is present in 2019’s Williamsburg/Greenpoint. Klenosky Paint opened its doors on 543 Metropolitan Avenue in 1949 and remains at that address in its fourth generation incarnation of the family business. This habitual hub of home improvement has improved itself over the years. In the 1970’s it became a Benjamin Moore dealer and added the lot next door to provide parking for its customers. In 1997 the store was first renovated, and most recently, 18 months ago, the front area was restyled plus the interior of the store was painted in Aura, a premium line of Benjamin Moore paints, which can cover dark colors in one or two coats without need of a primer.
Klenosky Paint’s present owner, Mark Berger, has been at the helm for over twenty years. He purchased the store from brothers Marvin and Irwin Klenosky (his father-in-law and his wife’s uncle, respectively). The store is staffed with a loyal crew, some who have worked over two decades at the store. Raymond, the manager, has been there for 35 years and Albert has been there 25 years. The wealth of experience and knowledge is a worthwhile bonus with purchase. Also the Klenosky Paint facebook page (www.facebook.com/KlenoskyPaint) posts helpful painting tips regularly. You can also have a lot of fun on the Benjamin Moore website (www.benjaminmoore.com) planning a room’s color scheme for a great start on a (re)decorating project. Although it is important that the final color decision happens in the store, as shades online are displayed in RGB (digital color system) and the physical paint in person will have a slightly different hue or brightness. You’ll need to come to the paint store to see how the color appears in real life.
Longevity isn’t pure luck. Klenosky Paint has adjusted to the changes time has brought to the community. In its good old days, supplying local business and industry was the mainstay of its sales. Then in the 90s, when the artists moved in, the store added art supplies to its stock. Currently residential clients are the bulk of their market, but all the past sales leaders remain part of their customer base. They are open 7 days a week (with the exception of selected holidays. They are back to being open on Sundays after closing for Sundays in January.)
March 20th will mark the start of spring: a great time to think about painting exteriors. For best results, the surface temperature needs to be above 35° F and be completely dry. Of course before or after a round of spring cleaning, new paint on interior walls could be an inspiring way to enliven one’s home. As a Benjamin Moore dealer Klenosky offers all their lines, including: Aura and Regal Select, which give excellent coverage and quality; Ben is less expensive but would need a primer if the color change goes from darker to lighter. Paint generally has a two-year shelf life, so if you need to dispose of old paint Klenosky stocks paint hardener that solidifies paint for proper disposal in the garbage. They also sell all the tools you’ll need for your paint job.
Klenosky Paint is located at 543 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211; ph. 718.782.7141; email: klenoskypaint@aol.com Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30 a.m.– 6 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun 12 p.m.–4 p.m.
Visa, Master Card, & American Express accepted. For handy painting tips check them out on facebook: www.facebook.com/KlenoskyPaint
The Greenline 