FAQs for Painting Contractors

Does exterior paint need primer

The need for primer depends entirely on the surface you're painting. Primers serve specific functions based on the material. For unpainted, porous surfaces like masonry board, wood, or concrete, primer acts as a "sealer" or "filler" and should be applied before painting. Pre-primed or non-porous surfaces—such as James Hardie pre-primed siding, pre-primed wood, or Azek—can be painted directly as long as they are clean, dry, and have a dull finish. New metal surfaces might need a metal-specific primer, and glossy surfaces may require a bonding primer. If a surface has been painted before, you generally only need to "spot prime" areas where patching has occurred or the previous paint has been removed or damaged.

What's better than epoxy for garage floors

Garage floors can be finished with epoxy systems, polyaspartics, epoxy/urethane combinations, or by concrete polishing. Each option has its pros and cons, and all can be done effectively. The key to a long-lasting result is proper surface preparation, regardless of the system chosen. Many "failed" epoxy floors are actually the result of poor prep and application, not the product itself. Unfortunately, the industry has seen a rise in pop-up garage floor companies, many of which go out of business within a few years due to inconsistent quality.