FAQs for Painting Contractors

Where is the best place to locate good painting contractors if I decided to get multiple estimates before I make my decision?

There are many resources available to you when you’re trying to locate additional options for painting contractors. However, there’s no guarantee that any of the random names that you’ll find in your local phone book or online will be reputable contractors. There are two excellence sources where we recommend you begin your search.  

First is the Better Business Bureau. At your local BBB.org website you can search for Better Business Bureau Accredited Painting Contractors in your area. On their website you can check out the contractors’ BBB rating and review if they have had any previously unresolved complaints from customers.

Second is Angie's List.  There are a myriad of websites that offer online reviews, but many of them are filled with bogus reviews - both good and bad - which prevent you from getting an accurate picture of the kind of company that you're interested in doing business with.  Only Angie's List members pay for the privilege of joining a trusted online community where they know that the information they're getting from their fellow members has been verified, so they can be certain that the company they're selecting is reputable.

Finally, there's the FindAPainter.com website. This is one of the Painting & Decorating Contractors of America’s website where you can search for PDCA painters in your area. The PDCA is the painting industry’s premier trade organization. They work with architects, engineers, and industry specifiers to set the standards for the way that quality painting work should be done. PDCA painters and better educated in proper techniques as well as the latest technological advances in the industry. Most importantly, PDCA painters pledge to follow these quality standards so you can feel comfortable that you are selecting a professional that will give you the best value for your money and who doesn’t cut corners on your home.

Why do I care if my painting contractor uses “high quality” paint? I thought all paint was the same?

After you’ve gone through the effort of researching reputable contractors to provide you with bids and you’ve decided to make the investment of time and money to have the work performed correctly, don’t let the temptation of potential savings on material costs ruin the quality and longevity of your project.

All paint may look the same in the can, but that’s where the similarities end. High quality paints utilize better ingredients and less fillers which equates to a longer-lasting paint job. Low quality exterior paints tend to chalk, fade, peel, and crack – whereas higher-end products will stay looking beautiful and protect your home for much longer; and are backed by a better manufacturer’s warranty. Low quality interior paints don’t cover as well – causing the contractor to use more material to complete the job.

If you’re someone who likes to keep their walls clean, low quality interior paints tend to scuff easily and not wash well, and they typically having a stronger odor that lingers in your home during the curing process, which can take as long as 30-days. If you want the best value for your money, don’t let your contractor talk you into skimping on the paint quality just so they can give you a lower bid and come back sooner to paint your house again.

How do you apply the paint?

We use a variety of application methods; from brush to roller to airless spray application. Our method of application will depend on what best suits your particular situation and your comfort level, but it will always be the method that will provide you with the best quality finish possible.

How long will my painting project take to complete?

Each painting project is unique. Depending on the Scope Of Work to be completed your estimator will discuss with you the projected start date and completion date of your project before work gets under way. However, the vast majority of our painting projects take less than a week to complete; even whole-home repaints.

What kind of warranty do you provide?

With our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee*, we guarantee that you will be 100% satisfied with the quality of our workmanship and the products that we use.

We will perform a thorough walk-through with you prior to completing your project to ensure that you are happy with every detail. We also offer one of the best warranty programs in the industry to give you the peace of mind that your painting project will continue to look just as beautiful in the future as it does the day it was completed. Compare our industry-leading 2-Year warranty program to our competitors’ warranty programs and you will discover that you won’t find a better warranty offered in the industry.

What can I do to help make the project go more smoothly?

It is of utmost importance to us that we keep an open line of communication with you before, during, and after your project. As such, you will have more than one point of contact during your painting project. You can feel free to contact your estimator, or talk to your crew leader or production manager, or contact our office staff at any time to address concerns or answer any questions you may have whatsoever.

What services do you offer for residential painting?

We offer a range of residential painting services, including interior and exterior painting, color consultation, problem areas, and surface preparation.

Can you provide a free estimate for my residential project?

Yes, we offer free estimates. Contact us to schedule a consultation, and our team will assess your project and provide a detailed estimate.

Do you have experience with commercial painting projects?

Yes, we specialize in commercial painting and have successfully completed projects for various businesses and organizations.

Can you handle painting projects in high-ceilinged areas?

Yes, we have experience in painting high-ceilinged areas. Our team is equipped with the necessary tools and safety measures to handle such projects.

How do you handle lead-based paint removal in older homes?

Our team follows strict safety guidelines when dealing with lead-based paint. We use industry-approved methods to safely remove or encapsulate such paint.

How do you handle projects that involve both interior and exterior painting of commercial or industrial spaces?

We seamlessly coordinate interior and exterior painting projects, ensuring a cohesive and uniform appearance for your commercial or industrial property.

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.

Can you use exterior paint indoors

It's not recommended to use exterior paint indoors. Exterior paints contain biocides and other chemicals designed to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can gradually release into the air. This can negatively impact indoor air quality and pose potential health risks for those living in the space.

How long does it take for interior paint to dry

Depending on the product used and the temperature and humidity inside the home, interior paint may take from 45 minutes to multiple hours to dry. Running an air conditioner to minimze humidity is helpful to faster dry times.

Can you paint over wallpaper

While the industry standard advises against painting over wallpaper, the reality is that if the wallpaper is in excellent condition with tight seams, it's sometimes possible to paint over it successfully. However, it does come with risks, such as bubbling or peeling over time. Many people choose to take the chance, but it's important to understand that results can vary.

What's the best way to paint a textured ceiling

To paint a textured ceiling, start off by covering everything below that needs to be protected, then tape and drape the walls (if not being painted), cut in the outer edges with a 3" angle sash brush, and roll the ceiling in a progressive end to end manner trying to keep a wet edge using a 3/4" roller on an extension pole.