“What’s the difference between a good quality paint job and a bad one?”
Prep of surfaces prior to painting is essential. The new paint must have a solid surface to adhere to, so unsound paint must be scraped or sanded away. If new paint is applied over unsound existing paint, the old paint will simply peel off and take the new paint with it, leaving a bare spot. Proper film thickness is important too, with no ‘light areas’ that could be a weak spot. Thorough caulking is also important where applicable, such as around windows. These things, plus high quality materials used throughout the job, are what make the difference.
”Do you require money down?”
No. You don’t pay a cent until the job is complete and you are completely satisfied.
“Do you provide free estimates?”
Yes. I come and look at your project and thoroughly discuss your needs and options with you, and we design the best plan for your particular situation.
“How long does it take for you to come give a bid?”
I try and see new jobs within 24 hours of the first call. Then I usually get the bid to you that evening.
“Will there be ’surprise’ cost overruns at any point in the project?”
Never. The quote I give you will be for the complete job, start to finish, including all materials. The bid will be detailed and in writing, and when we agree to proceed we both sign a contract that agrees to the bid. The bid will never change unless you decide to change the scope of the project and we officially alter the contract, in writing. For example, if during the painting process you decide to have an additional room painted, or have your shed painted, this would change the scope of the project and we would add and sign an amendment to the contract.
“What kind of paint do you use?”
I like to use the absolute best paints available so my paint jobs will last for many years. I use the extremely durable Sherwin Williams’ Duration brand coating or Miller’s Evolution brand coating, both of which are tops in the industry and have a lifetime warranty. Clients can downgrade to less expensive products if they wish, or use any paint from any manufacturer they choose.
“Can you help with basic repairs that aren’t typically done by painters but that need to be done before’ we paint, such as drywall repair, filling of nail holes, and light carpentry?”
Absolutely. I try and do whatever I can for my clients as long as it isn’t beyond my skills and the scope of my contractor’s license. If you have something like that in mind, just ask. As long as its not too extensive, I can probably make it happen.
“What does the typical project timeline look like?”
Most single family residential projects are completed within two weeks of the start of the work. I take on one project at a time, so when I start your project it’s the only thing I work on, until its finished. Please see “Exterior Painting Process” and “Interior Painting Process” for detailed outlines of procedures and timelines.
“Why is my paint fading / discolored?”
Common reasons for fading are:
Sun Exposure
The intense sun exposure in our area is the main reason for paint fading. This is seen mainly on the western and southern sides of homes and is most noticeable with darker colors. Every home in our area is affected by this first problem.
Poor Product Selection
Latex paint comes in several different sheens. The more sheen a paint has the more latex it contains. The latex acts like glue in the paint and it serves to both form a protective coating over the paint’s pigment and reflect radiation from the sun. Low sheen and flat paints leave the pigment more exposed to the elements which causes the paint to fade and deteriorate more rapidly. You can think of sheen on the paint being like wax on your car, like an extra barrier against the elements. A satin sheen will reduce fading, increase durability in general, and is highly recommended, especially when using darker colors.
Low Quality Original Paint Job
Often new homes come with only a single, light coat of exterior paint. The problem with a single coat on a new home is that the uncoated and porous new siding will absorb that thin first coat too quickly. The latex in the paint, which protects the pigment, is absorbed into the dry siding, leaving the pigment in the paint more exposed. This is called a ‘quick color coat’ and may look ok on final inspection of your new home but will fail within the first few years. This is why you see so many failing paint jobs in those large new housing developments: most builders only put on one quick coat of cheap paint.
“What is “green” paint?”
‘Green’ paint refers to a paint having lower amounts of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), along with the absence of certain toxic chemicals. It also means that the product’s manufacturing process does not involve toxic off-gassing or other environmentally harmful processes. For consumers, the use of green products means improved indoor air quality and the assurance that your project is not harmful to the environment.
Green paint products are classified into three general categories: Low VOC; Ultra Low VOC; and Zero VOC.
“What kind of warranty do you offer?”
I give a 3-year general warranty on workmanship and materials. I also give you basic touch ups for the life of the job: if you find anything at all in the future, such as water drip stains or the odd scuff, all you have to do is call and I’ll come touch it up for free, for the life of the job.
“Do you have references?”
Yes, you can call many of my previous clients. You can also drive by and take a look at a lot of the finished jobs, or come by and see a project in process.
If you have a question that you don’t see answered here, give me a call or send me a note at the Free Estimate page.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
“Who actually does the painting and supervising?”
I, the company owner, do every bit of the work.
“What’s the difference between a good quality paint job and a bad one?”
Prep of surfaces prior to painting is essential. The new paint must have a solid surface to adhere to, so unsound paint must be scraped or sanded away. If new paint is applied over unsound existing paint, the old paint will simply peel off and take the new paint with it, leaving a bare spot. Proper film thickness is important too, with no ‘light areas’ that could be a weak spot. Thorough caulking is also important where applicable, such as around windows. These things, plus high quality materials used throughout the job, are what make the difference.
”Do you require money down?”
No. You don’t pay a cent until the job is complete and you are completely satisfied.
“Do you provide free estimates?”
Yes. I come and look at your project and thoroughly discuss your needs and options with you, and we design the best plan for your particular situation.
“How long does it take for you to come give a bid?”
I try and see new jobs within 24 hours of the first call. Then I usually get the bid to you that evening.
“Will there be ’surprise’ cost overruns at any point in the project?”
Never. The quote I give you will be for the complete job, start to finish, including all materials. The bid will be detailed and in writing, and when we agree to proceed we both sign a contract that agrees to the bid. The bid will never change unless you decide to change the scope of the project and we officially alter the contract, in writing. For example, if during the painting process you decide to have an additional room painted, or have your shed painted, this would change the scope of the project and we would add and sign an amendment to the contract.
“What kind of paint do you use?”
I like to use the absolute best paints available so my paint jobs will last for many years. I use the extremely durable Sherwin Williams’ Duration brand coating or Miller’s Evolution brand coating, both of which are tops in the industry and have a lifetime warranty. Clients can downgrade to less expensive products if they wish, or use any paint from any manufacturer they choose.
“Can you help with basic repairs that aren’t typically done by painters but that need to be done before’ we paint, such as drywall repair, filling of nail holes, and light carpentry?”
Absolutely. I try and do whatever I can for my clients as long as it isn’t beyond my skills and the scope of my contractor’s license. If you have something like that in mind, just ask. As long as its not too extensive, I can probably make it happen.
“What does the typical project timeline look like?”
Most single family residential projects are completed within two weeks of the start of the work. I take on one project at a time, so when I start your project it’s the only thing I work on, until its finished. Please see “Exterior Painting Process” and “Interior Painting Process” for detailed outlines of procedures and timelines.
“Why is my paint fading / discolored?”
Common reasons for fading are:
Sun Exposure
The intense sun exposure in our area is the main reason for paint fading. This is seen mainly on the western and southern sides of homes and is most noticeable with darker colors. Every home in our area is affected by this first problem.
Poor Product Selection
Latex paint comes in several different sheens. The more sheen a paint has the more latex it contains. The latex acts like glue in the paint and it serves to both form a protective coating over the paint’s pigment and reflect radiation from the sun. Low sheen and flat paints leave the pigment more exposed to the elements which causes the paint to fade and deteriorate more rapidly. You can think of sheen on the paint being like wax on your car, like an extra barrier against the elements. A satin sheen will reduce fading, increase durability in general, and is highly recommended, especially when using darker colors.
Low Quality Original Paint Job
Often new homes come with only a single, light coat of exterior paint. The problem with a single coat on a new home is that the uncoated and porous new siding will absorb that thin first coat too quickly. The latex in the paint, which protects the pigment, is absorbed into the dry siding, leaving the pigment in the paint more exposed. This is called a ‘quick color coat’ and may look ok on final inspection of your new home but will fail within the first few years. This is why you see so many failing paint jobs in those large new housing developments: most builders only put on one quick coat of cheap paint.
“What is “green” paint?”
‘Green’ paint refers to a paint having lower amounts of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), along with the absence of certain toxic chemicals. It also means that the product’s manufacturing process does not involve toxic off-gassing or other environmentally harmful processes. For consumers, the use of green products means improved indoor air quality and the assurance that your project is not harmful to the environment.
Green paint products are classified into three general categories: Low VOC; Ultra Low VOC; and Zero VOC.
“What kind of warranty do you offer?”
I give a 3-year general warranty on workmanship and materials. I also give you basic touch ups for the life of the job: if you find anything at all in the future, such as water drip stains or the odd scuff, all you have to do is call and I’ll come touch it up for free, for the life of the job.
“Do you have references?”
Yes, you can call many of my previous clients. You can also drive by and take a look at a lot of the finished jobs, or come by and see a project in process.
If you have a question that you don’t see answered here, give me a call or send me a note at the Free Estimate page.
(541) 788-5448