Steps to A Great Paint Job

by Kim Kinrade

Painting is a skill which can be applied very quickly but takes years to master. A professional painter creates what colors you want in your mind's eye and delivers this on your own personal pallet - your home. They also have the tools to complete the job quickly and with no mess and cleanup to the homeowner.

Hiring a painter is much like hiring any contractor. There are do's and don't's, and the sad possibility that not all painting companies that you call will be good painters. This is why you have to be careful when selecting one and get your plan in order..

1. The Areas

Before hiring a painter be sure about which areas you want painted. For example, the exterior may be fine but you might want the trim a different color. Even mark the areas so thatthe painter knows.

2. Preparation Work

Not all surfaces are equal, especially not ones which have seen years of use. Wall hangings, light fixtures, handled areas and feet take a toll on walls and moldings. You have a choice to get someone to do this before the painter comes but most painters can handle this work themselves.

However, if there are major changes to be made - windows, doors, moldings - then these should be addressed before painting. Hanging a door after the walls have been painted may mean get the painter to come back and touch up the installation which can be an uneeded expense.

3. Colors

This probably rates among the highest of considerations as one of the main reasons people paint is to change the tone and mood of the room. Therefore, you should spend time in paint stores and home supply stores to check out the newest color schemes. In addition, the painter you hire can help you out in this area.

Also a point to remember is that most paint chips are lighter than the paint mixture so the rule of thumb is to go one shade lighter for your paint than is shown on the chip. It's easy to go darker but harder to go lighter.

4. Contacts

You can look in the usual places for painters: Yellow Pages, internet, word-of-mouth. Another good piece of advice is to check with the paint stores and builders to find out who they would recommend. Make your list and contact these painters and call them.

5. The Quote

After you've pared down your list to 4, set up the interviews and get them to come over and see the project. Never take an estimate over the phone from a painter who has not seen the job. It is crucial to make sure the quotes are based on the same measurements, paint quality, coats of paint and preparation work.

6. References and Selection

You should never hire a tradesperson without seeing the references first and contacting homeowners from his list of customers. Ask about: time, professionalism, cleanup, quality. Check all your information and choose the painter on price, history and your impression.

7. Contract

Be specific in the contract:

• Timeliness
• Cleanup
• Preparation
• Protection of property
• Type of paint
• Colors
• Coats
• Furniture moving (if applicable)
• Total price
• Terms of payment
• Start and end dates

Make sure everything is included in the cost.

8. Help

Clear the room of pictures, furniture (if possible) and rugs. This will help the painter do the job quicker. When the job is in progress it is best to not bother the crew or painter.