Painting contractors do more than just roll paint on your walls. There are many benefits to hiring a professional.
Typically, a good professional will:
Be registered, insured, and have a list of great reviews. Word-of-mouth is the best advertisement–ask around, check Google reviews, comments on Facebook, etc.
Take the time to consult with you, walk around or through the area to be painted, take photos for reference, and offer an itemized estimate in writing.
Include the option to move furniture, if the homeowner is unable or chooses not to do it themselves (an extra charge may apply). Typically, the homeowner is responsible for moving small objects such as items on bookcases, and knick-knacks on shelving or side tables that will be moved.
Professionally cover, mask, and protect all areas that will not be painted, as well as re-mask and re-cover areas that are to be a different color or require a different type of paint. Professional masking maintains that nice sharp edge between tricky transition areas such as accent walls, ceilings, and trim work.
Professionally prep surfaces to be painted. One of the most important and time-consuming steps in the painting process is the meticulous prep work. In addition to the taping, covering, and protecting surfaces, professionals fill holes, even out surfaces, patch drywall as needed, wash, sand, and scrape areas of loose paint before proceeding. Good prep work is an essential step in making sure your paint job lasts a good long time.
Prime the surfaces to be painted. In DIY, we often opt to either skip the primer altogether or choose a paint that is a combination of paint and primer in one. While that is an acceptable choice in some cases, many surfaces require a specific type of primer to ensure the best adhesion of paint to the wall, ceiling, or trim, ensuring a better-looking, longer-lasting finish. Who wants to paint it all over again in 2-3 years? The pros know the value of using the right paint and primer for the job and will prime, or spot prime, surfaces before applying two coats of good quality paint on walls, ceilings, trim, doors, and moldings.
Use professional equipment and techniques. Let’s face it—painting takes work. Great painting takes even more work and the right equipment for each job. The ability to know which tools are right for the job and apply those tools with a high level of skill is why we call in the pros in the first place! Want to reach that far corner in the 2.5-storey tall great room without stacking a ladder on a table? Not a problem—they have extra-tall ladders or scaffolding for that. Color match the new addition to match the existing paint that was discontinued a few years ago? They can do that. Paint all 30 of your kitchen cabinet doors? They can remove them, prep them, hang them, and professionally spray and finish coat them in their spray booth back at the shop. Why hand-roll every surface when a professional-grade airless sprayer can do the job in a fraction of the time? Execute that tricky staining job on the mantle and surrounding woodwork? They’ve done it before and know how to apply it evenly and seal it properly. They have the resources and know-how to make your vision a reality.
Clean up! No need to worry about washing and storing brushes, rollers, paint trays, folding drop cloths, or wrestling the ladder back into the garage. A good professional will leave the area as organized and clean as possible during the painting process and “decorating ready” when the job is completed. Extra paint is usually given to the homeowner to keep so that it’s available as a reference for future projects or to touch-up an area down the road—which is especially handy if the homeowner has kids, pets, or when the store delivers that large piece of furniture and scuffs up the doorframe or wall.
Does a final inspection with the homeowner. This is a great time to walk through the newly-painted area and look for spots that may need a little touch-up (usually more noticeable as the paint dries and the lighting in the room changes throughout the day). Homeowners should make a note or mark areas with a small piece of painter’s tape (wait 24-48 hours for the paint to cure before adding painter’s tape to the surface). These pros will gladly touch up the areas and a good pro will offer a warranty on the paint job for something that may not show up immediately.
There are many benefits to hiring a professional, and many things to take into consideration when hiring the right pro for the job. Your home is the backdrop for many special moments and a reflection of your style and personality. Let the professionals paint your vision so you can relax and enjoy the beautiful results.