Preparation is the most important determining factor in achieving a quality paint job. We believe that our preparation steps separate ourselves from most other painting  contractors.  We are extremely particular.  Below are some of the procedures we use before starting an interior paint job.

     We begin by giving all surfaces a light pole sanding to alleviate minor blemishes.  We then scrape all loose debris in cracks, bad seams, holes, or in any other major imperfections.  All nail-pops are repaired adding drywall screws where needed.  We will seal any exposed paper with shellac before fiber tape is added to cover old cracks and seams.  All surface imperfections are then patched  using at least two coats of drywall compound followed by a thorough sanding.  The patches and water stains are then primed before the first coat of paint is applied.  A gentle sanding between coats helps achieve a sleek and revitalized new wall appearance.

   All previously painted doors, windows, baseboards, and frames are scraped removing any chipping paint.  The trim is thoroughly sanded before all gaps and trim seams are caulked together.  Exposed bare wood is primed before the first coat of paint is applied.  After the last gentle sanding the surfaces are cleaned using a tack rag and prepared for a final coat.


Some common Question:


Why paint the walls?

    Color is a major component of your home's décor and painting is one of the least expensive ways to improve the appearance of your home, or even make a dramatic change. Choose a new color to create a mood, match the season, brighten a room, accentuate furnishings, or just to cover a dirty wall. Paint also provides protection the material it covers.

How much does interior painting cost?

   To have the average 12 x 15 foot room with two windows and a door painted can cost anywhere from $350 to $450. These prices can vary greatly depending upon conditions of existing walls, height of ceiling, type of paint preferred and number of coats required. Having existing wallpaper removed can also cost substantially more.

How often do interior walls need painting?

   You can paint your walls as often as your tastes change, if you like. Or, if you don't like, you can put off painting for a while because a good paint job on well-maintained walls can last for years. It's a matter of personal preference.

How is the service performed and with what materials?

   Choosing a color might be the biggest challenge about a paint job. Paint stores or home improvement centers can mix custom colors based on a swatch or sample. But if you don't know what color to choose, a good resource to help you decide is the National Paint and Coatings Association's guide. Or, Check out Choosing Cololrs.   After you have decided on a color, make sure enough paint for the whole job is purchased at one time to ensure the color's consistency.

    There are two types of house paints: water-based or latex and solvent-based or oil or alkyd. Latex paint is usually used for interior painting but oil paint is good for trim because of its durability, although it takes longer to dry and has a stronger odor. Your painter will recommend what type is best. Paint finish also must be determined. Different finishes are recommended for different surfaces:
   
Flat -- Soft, non-reflective finish that helps to hide surface blemishes. Good for bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, and ceilings.
   
Eggshell -- Similar to flat finish, with increased durability and washability. Use in halls, bathrooms, playrooms and on trim in place of semi-gloss.
   
Satin - Rich, versatile, scuff-resistant, easy-to-clean finish for high traffic areas. Good for halls, woodwork, children's bedrooms, family rooms
   
Semi-gloss - Shiny, highly wear-resistant, easiest-to-clean finish provides decorative contrast to flat, eggshell or satin/silk. Good for kitchens, bathrooms, utility areas, closet doors, trim.
   
Gloss - Luminous, reflective, smooth, hard shiny finish good for wood trim, cabinets, doors, furniture.

    Before a painting job begins, you and the painter should agree to exactly what work will be done, how many coats of paint are needed for each surface, the type of paint to be used for each part of the job, the preparation work that will be done, and who furnishes the paint and other materials. Preparation work is a large part of a painting project; you can do much of it yourself. (See What Preparations Need to be Made? below.) Otherwise, expect the painter to spend a great deal of time performing this work. When painting finally begins, the surfaces should be painted in this order: ceiling, walls, woodwork (trim), floor. Generally, two coats should be enough for good surface coverage. However, if a dark color is covering a light color or vice versa, a primer should be applied. A primer allows the finish coat to adhere better, and have a smooth and uniform appearance.

What preparations need to be made?

You might save some money (by saving the painter some time) if you do some of the preparation yourself.

  Remove lightweight furniture.
  Move big or cumbersome items away from the walls; cover them with plastic sheeting that is taped to itself.
  Cover the floor with heavy canvas painting tarps or heavy plastic sheeting topped with old fabric sheets.
  Patch any holes with spackling and a putty knife. Blend with a damp sponge. Do two coats if spackling shrinks as it dries.
  Sand or scrape any cracks in the old paint.
  Wash the walls and trim.
  Remove switch and receptacle plates. If you plan to paint them, do it separately.
  Make sure walls are well lighted.

What is the proper maintenance?

    Keep your painted surfaces clean. Glossier finishes sustain scrubbing fairly well but flatter finishes are more sensitive. Wash walls and trim with warm, soapy water and wipe clean.

Choosing Colors

Most interior painting is done with shades of whites.

  Body color with lighter trim tends to lighten up a room and make it appear larger.
  Body color with darker trim tends to define a room and give it a more cozy feeling.
  Body color with matching trim ends to simplify a room and open it up.
  Painting your ceiling DARKER than the walls will bring the ceiling height down and create a more intimate or cozy space (great for high and    vaulted ceilings).
  Most people paint the walls and ceilings the same. This creates a clean, open look and saves on labor and materials.
  Painting your ceiling LIGHTER will visually increase the height of the room.