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 accommodate unique surfaces such as stucco or brick?

Yes, we have experience working with a variety of surfaces, including stucco and brick. Our team ensures proper preparation and application for these surfaces.

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.

What steps do you take to protect landscaping during exterior painting?

We take precautions to cover and protect landscaping elements, such as plants and shrubs, during exterior painting to minimize any potential damage.

Can you handle the unique challenges of painting exterior surfaces on industrial buildings?

Yes, we specialize in industrial exterior painting and are equipped to address challenges such as large surface areas, complex structures, and harsh environmental conditions.

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.

How can Imageworks Painting help enhance the curb appeal of my residential property?

Imageworks Painting specializes in transforming residential exteriors, utilizing high-quality paints and skilled techniques to elevate the curb appeal of your home.

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 paint stucco

Stucco paints very well. In order to keep stucco in good condition and to extend the serviceable life of the stucco it should be kept painted and properly caulked. Specialty masonry paints are often used to handle the high pH of stucco surfaces.

Cow to take paint off brick

Paint is very difficult to fully remove from brick. Once brick is painted, it is generally best to keep it painted. If there is failing paint that needs to be removed prior to repainting, the majority can be removed by pressure washing, followed by scraping any remaining loose edges. Bare spots should be spot primed before repainting. If full removal is needed, it may be done by specialty abrasive blasting such as soda-blasting or dry-ice blasting.

How long does exterior paint take to dry

Depending or ambient conditions, exterior paint may be dry to the touch in as little as 10 minutes or as long as a few hours. Cold temperatures and high humidity will slow the drying of paint. However, even with quick dry times most exterior paints may be damaged by early moisture exposure. If rain is an issue, it is best to either use specialty paints with early moisture resistance or to make sure that you are painting at a time when it will not rain (or dew or frost) for at least a few hours after application.

What sheen for exterior paint

Sheen is a matter of individual preference. Most people choose a satin sheen for exterior surfaces in good condition, but may choose flat for rougher condition surfaces to help hide the imperfections. Gloss is normally not used or limited to front doors or specialty items.

Can you use interior paint outside

Interior paint will fail 100% of the time if used outside.

Can you paint aluminum siding

Aluminum siding can be painted effectively, but for the best results, it's important to spray the paint rather than brush or roll it. Brushing or rolling can leave visible marks, especially when viewed from certain angles in the sunlight. A sprayed finish provides a smooth, factory-like appearance. Proper surface preparation is also crucial, as aluminum siding tends to oxidize. To ensure the paint lasts, all chalking must be thoroughly cleaned off before painting.

How much does it cost to paint a house exterior

The cost of painting varies widely based on several factors, including the size of the house, the specific areas to be painted (such as walls, trim, windows, shutters, doors, garage doors, etc.), access difficulties, and the condition of those surfaces. Smaller, simpler homes may cost a few thousand dollars, while larger homes with more complex and challenging paint jobs can reach tens of thousands of dollars.

How often to paint house exterior

The life of a paint job ranges greatly on the substrate, the condition of the substrate, and the climate of the region. A paint job in harsh, salty environments on wood or EIFS may only last four or five years... in some mild weather areas on good substrates a paint job could last 15+ years in good condition.

Can vinyl siding be painted

Vinyl siding can be painted effectively, but for the best results, it's important to spray the paint rather than brush or roll it. Brushing or rolling can leave visible marks, especially when viewed from certain angles in the sunlight. A sprayed finish provides a smooth, factory-like appearance. Proper surface preparation is also crucial, as vinyl siding tends to oxidize. To ensure the paint lasts, all chalking must be thoroughly cleaned off before painting. Also worth noting is that with older vinyls, it is important to use "vinyl-safe" paints. Painting darker colors on most older vinyls will absorb more heat than the vinyl is designed to withstand, causing extreme warping.