Paint

When I use good paint (Benjamin Moore, Divine, Sherwin Williams, etc) I buy less paint. The first coat usually covers fine but  we apply a second coat on all jobs. On the second coat I use about 80% less paint when using a good quality paint. Good paints have more solids and less fillers (usually water). When using cheaper paint brands, we use the same amount of paint on both coats so it actually costs more to use. Cheaper paints usually make more of a mess also. Look at the person applying the paint, if they are covered with little dots of paint check the brand of paint that they are using. (Although, that may not apply when painting a ceiling)!

If your brand of paint is used on big commercial projects usually that's because it's cheap paint. Large contractors use the least expensive paint they can (in order to increase profits).

Also, better paints are washable. Cheaper paints come off when you try to remove finger prints or scuffs. With the new technology in good paints today some are now scrubbable, and some are guaranteed forever!

I try my best to keep up on what's new so that I can make the best paint selection for each job. Having painted so many projects over the years, I feel confident that my paint selection and method of applying it will be right for your situation.

When buying paint from the warehouse places, you spend more time waiting and standing around. But since I have relationships with several paint stores I can call in an order and it's ready when I get there to pick it up. If we need a color match, I know just who can do the best match because I have used so many of the local stores. If you require a more environmentally friendly product I can get that also.

In the Puget Sound region, homes are affected by moisture, settling, and exposure. You see lots of exteriors with bubbling, peeling and faded paint. It's time to paint when you see cracking, the wood showing through the paint and when your house looks like it has several paint colors (due to fading). If you wait too long, you can expect to see warped siding, rotted trim near the roof and gutters and other expensive problems.

Don't forget about the prep work, a good paint job is all about the prep. Anyone can spread paint, but are they protecting the floors and trim, and your furniture and personal items? Are they covering the hardwood floors or sidewalks and driveways? Is the existing paint getting painted over or is it being prepped for a new coat? Sanding? Wiping? And what about dust and lead? Houses with paint prior to 1978 have lead, which is hazardous to children and new mothers. What is being done to protect you and your family from lead? I've been to the Lead Safety workshop and learned the proper procedure. (Some of the cheaper and inexperienced painters have never been to these classes).

I also do restorative work. I like to take existing paint completely off and start fresh with a clean surface. We prime and repaint and stand behind that for as long as the manufacturer warrants their product. It maybe messy and time consuming but you'll be glad we did!

I am not the "budget" painter. I hire quality helpers. And I don't try to cut corners. If you want a job that lasts, then contact me for a quote.