9 Things Your Painter Wishes You Knew
GettyTetra Images1. We can tell if you're not taking our services seriously.
When estimating a job, I dislike the assumption that my time doesn't matter and that I'm ready, willing, and able to offer advice at great length and at no charge. And then when I give the estimate, to be told, "No, I think I can get it done cheaper." A lot of people shop painters not just to compare price, but also to steal ideas that they then will turn around and do themselves, or ask their grandmothers to do for them. My antenna goes up as soon as I suspect it. I don't want to do that dance.
2. You get what you pay for.
The most common mistake people make when it comes to choosing a painter is hiring the cheapest guy, and then expecting too much. Or hiring the guy you think you can take advantage of, and then having to make all the decisions yourself.
3. There's a reason we do so much prep work.
The amount of prep work we require depends on how many moving parts a room has. Let's say it has chandeliers, fireplace paraphernalia, alarms, window locks. We catalog and photograph each item before either removing it or securing it from any damage. Then when we put everything back in place, it's an easy check to see if anything was damaged.
4. Every tool has a use.
You need a combination of all three painting tools: Brushes, rollers, and sprayers. Some of it's logical, some a judgment call the painter makes. In most cases, for instance, you wouldn't use a sprayer on trim. The key is not only to use fine brushes, fine rollers, and the best airless sprayers, but also to keep them absolutely clean. Dirty brushes or rollers will leave streaks, and a dirty sprayer will spray unevenly.
5. Premium brands are worth the expense.
The premiums spread more smoothly and adhere to surfaces better. They require fewer coats to get that nice uniform appearance. They tend to last longer. They're more resistant to the normal dirt and staining that comes from everyday life, and they generally hold up to repeated cleanings much better.
6. Your paint is probably safe — even if it's not "green."
I think "green" is an overused word, and a little overblown. A relatively low percentage of clients ask for low-VOC or non-VOC paint. Frankly, a lot of people consider the level of toxic emissions in paint a negligible risk factor.
7. Let the painter know immediately if you don't like the color.
If the painter is midway through a job and you realize the color is all wrong, don't hesitate. Tell him. In most cases, he'll do it over for a minimal charge if the change isn't too extreme. If it's lacquered red and you decide you want white latex flat, that's going to cost more.
8. Don't start painting without a warranty.
Every job should have a signed contract specifying what you've agreed to. It helps avoid misunderstandings, disappointments, and unrealistic expectations.
9. Our best work is done with you — not for you.
Be open to my suggestions. Make me feel like a partner, not an employee. Sure, I want to make money, but I also want to do good work, feel a sense of accomplishment and pride and, yeah, even have some fun along the way. Tell me every once in a while, "Hey, that's really looking good." And when the job is done to your liking, say "Thanks." Makes a world of difference.
More expert advice on HouseBeautiful.com:
When estimating a job, I dislike the assumption that my time doesn't matter and that I'm ready, willing, and able to offer advice at great length and at no charge. And then when I give the estimate, to be told, "No, I think I can get it done cheaper." A lot of people shop painters not just to compare price, but also to steal ideas that they then will turn around and do themselves, or ask their grandmothers to do for them. My antenna goes up as soon as I suspect it. I don't want to do that dance.
2. You get what you pay for.
The most common mistake people make when it comes to choosing a painter is hiring the cheapest guy, and then expecting too much. Or hiring the guy you think you can take advantage of, and then having to make all the decisions yourself.
3. There's a reason we do so much prep work.
The amount of prep work we require depends on how many moving parts a room has. Let's say it has chandeliers, fireplace paraphernalia, alarms, window locks. We catalog and photograph each item before either removing it or securing it from any damage. Then when we put everything back in place, it's an easy check to see if anything was damaged.
4. Every tool has a use.
You need a combination of all three painting tools: Brushes, rollers, and sprayers. Some of it's logical, some a judgment call the painter makes. In most cases, for instance, you wouldn't use a sprayer on trim. The key is not only to use fine brushes, fine rollers, and the best airless sprayers, but also to keep them absolutely clean. Dirty brushes or rollers will leave streaks, and a dirty sprayer will spray unevenly.
5. Premium brands are worth the expense.
The premiums spread more smoothly and adhere to surfaces better. They require fewer coats to get that nice uniform appearance. They tend to last longer. They're more resistant to the normal dirt and staining that comes from everyday life, and they generally hold up to repeated cleanings much better.
Be open to my suggestions. Make me feel like a partner, not an employee.
I think "green" is an overused word, and a little overblown. A relatively low percentage of clients ask for low-VOC or non-VOC paint. Frankly, a lot of people consider the level of toxic emissions in paint a negligible risk factor.
7. Let the painter know immediately if you don't like the color.
If the painter is midway through a job and you realize the color is all wrong, don't hesitate. Tell him. In most cases, he'll do it over for a minimal charge if the change isn't too extreme. If it's lacquered red and you decide you want white latex flat, that's going to cost more.
8. Don't start painting without a warranty.
Every job should have a signed contract specifying what you've agreed to. It helps avoid misunderstandings, disappointments, and unrealistic expectations.
9. Our best work is done with you — not for you.
Be open to my suggestions. Make me feel like a partner, not an employee. Sure, I want to make money, but I also want to do good work, feel a sense of accomplishment and pride and, yeah, even have some fun along the way. Tell me every once in a while, "Hey, that's really looking good." And when the job is done to your liking, say "Thanks." Makes a world of difference.
More expert advice on HouseBeautiful.com:
- 9 Sounds Your House Should Never Make
- 11 Times Old Furniture Gained New Life
- 12 Common Home Repairs That YOU Can Do
As told to John Montorio
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