FAQs for Painting Contractors

What should I look for in a good painting contractor?

There are many factors that you should carefully consider when choosing a painting contractor to work on your home. All painting contractors are NOT created the same. We’ve prepared a helpful guide to assist you in this process. Please review our “How To Choose” Guide that covers all of these factors in detail. You will find this guide located on our How To Choose page on this site and included with the informational packet that we provide with all of our estimates.

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.

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.

OK, I’ve decided to hire you as my painting contractor. Where do we go from here?

We want to make the process as easy on you as possible. Just contact your estimator or call our office to let us know that you have accepted our proposal. They will schedule your project, get a list of your color choices, and set an appointment for you to sign the job contract. We’ll handle all of the details and stay in constant contact with you throughout the job to keep you updated on the progress.

Who will be there to answer my questions and address my concerns throughout the project?

We encourage you to feel free to talk with your estimator, crew leader, or project manager if you have changes that you would like to make or additional work that you would like to have completed. In most cases it is more cost-effective for us to issue Change Orders or Additional Work Orders during the course of the project than for us to come back after the project is complete. We are always happy to accommodate your requests!

Do you have experience with commercial painting projects?

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

How do you protect furniture and surfaces during painting?

We take great care to protect your belongings and surfaces. This includes using drop cloths, painter's tape, and other protective measures.

Can you provide references or examples of past projects?

Absolutely, we can provide references and showcase our portfolio of completed residential and commercial painting projects upon request.

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.

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.

Can you accommodate tight deadlines for commercial projects?

Yes, we are accustomed to working within tight deadlines for commercial projects. Our team is flexible and can develop a timeline to meet your specific needs.

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.

Do you handle repairs to damaged surfaces before painting?

Yes, we offer surface repair services. We assess the condition of surfaces during the consultation and discuss any necessary repairs before starting the project.

As a business owner, how can your painting services benefit my commercial property?

Our commercial painting services enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property, providing a professional image that can attract customers and clients.

What safety measures do you have in place for commercial or industrial painting projects?

Safety is our top priority. Our team is trained in industrial safety protocols, and we strictly adhere to safety standards to ensure a secure work environment.

Can you provide references from other businesses or property managers you have worked with?

Yes, we can provide references from business owners and property managers who have utilized our services for commercial and industrial painting projects.

What preparations do you make for high-traffic areas in commercial properties during the painting process?

We take precautions to minimize disruptions in high-traffic areas. Our team works strategically to complete the project efficiently while ensuring minimal interference.

Can you provide customized maintenance plans for ongoing painting needs in commercial or industrial settings?

Yes, we offer tailored maintenance plans to address the ongoing painting needs of commercial and industrial properties, helping to preserve the appearance and integrity of surfaces.

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.

What makes Imageworks Painting stand out in the commercial painting industry?

Imageworks Painting stands out due to our commitment to professionalism, flexibility in scheduling, and the ability to handle commercial painting projects of various scales and complexities.

Does Imageworks Painting offer eco-friendly painting options for residential and commercial clients?

Yes, we prioritize environmental responsibility and offer eco-friendly painting options, including low-VOC and environmentally conscious paint choices for both residential and commercial projects.

How can business owners or property managers schedule a consultation with Imageworks Painting for commercial projects?

Business owners and property managers can easily schedule a consultation with Imageworks Painting by reaching out through our website or contacting our dedicated commercial services team directly.

Does Imageworks Painting offer warranties for its commercial painting services?

Yes, Imageworks Painting stands behind the quality of its commercial painting services and typically provides warranties. Specific details about warranties will be outlined in the project contract.

Can Imageworks Painting accommodate tight project timelines for commercial or industrial clients?

Imageworks Painting understands the importance of meeting deadlines for commercial and industrial projects. We have the capacity and expertise to work within tight timelines without compromising quality.

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.

How to remove flaking paint from exterior walls

Removing peeling paint can be either a quick fix or a more involved process. Before any painting, the exterior should be pressure washed to clean and prepare the surface. If the paint is in good condition overall and you only have a few problem areas, you can simply scrape off the peeling sections using a paint scraper or a 5-in-1 tool, generally available at any hardware or paint store. Scrape down to a stable surface, and for a smoother finish, you can bevel sand the edges to blend the scraped area. Keep in mind that most painters don't include bevel sanding as part of a standard exterior repaint. If you'd like this done, be sure to discuss it with your painter and ask for the cost of upgrading to a "refinish," as it is typically a significant price increase over a standard repaint. If there's extensive peeling, you may need to use a chemical paint stripper to fully remove the failing paint, or you risk ongoing issues with base coat failure.

How much does it cost to paint exterior of a commercial building

The cost can vary significantly, ranging from $1,000 to $1,000,000, depending on the size and complexity of the building. To get a more accurate quote, visit our "Contact Us" page to schedule a free estimate.