FAQs
This FAQ page attempts to answer many question people may have when thinking about painting their home. We try and help our potential clients have as much information as possible before making a decision. Painting a home can be a large financial commitment, that’s why we aim to help answer some questions our potential clients may have, to make the whole process easier.
How do I select the best color?
This is likely one of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to painting your home. Although we can’t tell you which color you will love most, a great resource to use to figure this out is the internet! Pinterest is filled with great ideas, and color inspiration and you will be surprised to see so many different ideas that you never thought possible. Behr’s website provides a great section that provides inspiration for interior, exterior, articles, and project ideas. You can find the link for Behr’s inspiration here. Another great way to figure out which color you will love most on the walls of your home is to pick up a paint sampler and paint it on the wall! Paint samplers come in 8oz sizes, which is plenty of paint to spread on the wall. This way, you will get a much better feel for how the color will apply to the wall, and how dark or light it will appear with the specific light your room gets. Sampler’s shouldn’t run you more than $4 or $5 so you can’t go wrong.
What sheen should I use when picking paint?
It all depends on the look you want, and the durability needed. Many choose eggshell for wall, especially for children’s rooms. Satins or flats are used many times for living and dining rooms. Semi-gloss is used for rooms where moisture is contained, such as bathrooms, and it is also used for baseboards and trim for durability. It is a good idea to discuss with the painting professional you are using.
If I need drywall repair, can I do it myself?
If the repairs are small, you can purchase wall putty from the hardware store. You will need to apply as needed, wait until dry, and then sand. If your walls are textured you can purchase spray texture to mimic what the wall texture is. If the damage is larger than 6 inches, you will probably want to have it professionally repaired, especially if the damage is in a room that is used quite a bit. You don’t want unsightly repairs say in your living room.
How do I choose a brand of paint to us?
There are many to choose from, and they do have differences. Most major home improvement stores have their own brand of paint, and it comes in several level of quality to choose from. Like many things in life, you get what you pay for. Paint can cost anywhere from $22.00-50.00 a gallon, and the difference will affect how it spreads and looks. Many times it is worth spending the extra money to get the better quality paint, as it will not only look better but will provide longer lasting sustainability and durability. Most painting professionals have a brand of paint they prefer, so consult with them to see which paint is best suited for your needs.
Do I need to prime my wall before painting?
Many times the answer is no, however, under the following conditions it is wise to prime:
Porous surface, such as acoustical ceiling; are painting over pet stains on floors prior to laying flooring; if you have wall or ceiling stains due to water damage; you are painting over dark walls; you are painting over an area which has had mildew. There are several types of primers which do different things. Once again, it would be wise to consult with your painting professional.
How much paint do I need to buy for my project?
In most cases, one gallon of paint should cover approximately 300 square feet, which is the size of a standard bedroom. However, circumstances can change this quite a bit. If you are painting over a heavy textured wall, it may be necessary to apply two coats, or if you are painting over a dark wall with a light color you may have two apply two coats as well. I would recommend ending up with extra paint as you will most likely need to go back and add touch ups as time goes by.
I know I need a roller, but which one do I use?
Rollers come in various lengths, ranging from 9” up to 18”, and the covers also come in various nap sizes, ranging from ¼ inch to ¾ inch, and the size is determined by the type of surface you are painting. Smaller nap sizes are typically used for smooth surfaces, and larger nap sizes are used for heavy textures surfaces like stucco and brick. Rollers also come made of different materials, which can determine how the paint applies and how long the nap can be use.
What payment options are available?
We offer a variety of payment options, including cash, credit card, check and bank transfer, and we have recently added an Installmet Plan for those who would like to get painting now and pay over time later.
If I have extra paint left over how long will it last?
Paint can last several years if stored properly. The majority of people pour their paint directly from the can into the roller tray, and inevitably you will have runoff down the side of the can, and in the rim on the top of the can. If this rim isn’t clear when you replace the lid it will allow air to get in, which will compromise the paint over time. There are several creative devises developed which allows you to pour your paint much more efficiently and neatly, and eliminate the paint spilling into areas where it shouldn’t be.
If I paint my popcorn ceiling, are there special techniques I should follow?
Yes, most definitely. It is highly suggested that your spray vs rolling the popcorn. Rolling will only pull the popcorn from the ceiling, Spraying typically takes two coats, and they should be sprayed cross directionally for superior results. A primer may be needed prior to application. Consult with your paint professional for best results.
I’d like to paint a wall using the chalkboard paint in my kids room, but does it really work?
Yes, if applied and taken care of properly, chalkboard paint is an excellent addition to any kids room or rec room. Once the children grow up, you can simply paint over. There are special care requirements to ensure that chalkboard paint lasts, so it is best to ensure that it is applied correctly.
Do I really need to spend more money on a “quality” paint job? Aren’t all painters basically the same?
Like with any art form, there will be some who have mastered their craft better than others. Not all painters are the same for many reasons. Many painters simply don’t care about making your home look beautiful like others might. The bigger painting chains often do not even really know who they are sending out to your home to paint. The results will show when the painters that show up (if they do at all) are sober (unfortunately many are not), careful, and meticulous. Many painters try and make an extra buck by buying the cheaper materials to get the job done. This results in a guaranteed not so great looking paint job as there will almost always be signs of streaking, flashing, leaking, and paint on places it shouldn’t be. We have added a section beneath our “gallery” to show you what you get when you higher a cheap painter! The amount of care that a painter will put into your home will always be different with each painter, but generally speaking the middle of the road to the more expensive painters are more expensive for a reason. Don’t have to worry about painting your home twice, make sure it’s done right the first time!