We tell you to ditch the DiY. In this series we show you how to and/or things to look for when you’re considering completing Improvement Projects in your home or business.

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BBB Tip: Hiring a painter

By Better Business Bureau. February 15, 2023.
Workman in uniform painting wall with yellow paint at the construction site indoors

(Getty)

Hiring a professional painter for your next home project could save you time and money in the long run. Professional painters have the tools, skills, and safety equipment necessary to safely give you a beautiful result. Despite the benefits of hiring a professional, quality work and good customer service aren’t guaranteed. Be sure to consider the following before hiring a painting contractor.

Have clear expectations. Consider your schedule and end goal before you call a painter for an estimate. When estimating, painters want to know what colors you have in mind, what finishes you prefer, and if you want a specific paint brand. If you aren’t sure, painters can make recommendations. In addition, make schedule coordination easier by knowing when you will be available to let painters into your home and when they need to end work each day. If you have the entire interior of the house painted, it may make sense to move out for a few days, as they will be able to get it done more quickly.

Narrow down your search. Check BBB.org, ask friends and neighbors for recommendations, and identify at least three reputable contractors to bid on the job.

Get a comprehensive estimate. Professional painters provide clients with detailed estimates, including a complete breakdown of their costs and schedules. The estimate should incorporate specific costs for labor, materials, paint, travel time (if charged for), and the timeframe in which the painter will complete the project. If you have any questions or see anything missing from the estimate, discuss it with the painter before the project begins. It’s much easier to fix an estimate than change your agreement halfway through the project.

Ask the right questions. Asking the right questions will help you understand the painter’s experience and what is included in the cost. Some of the following questions might be helpful when you speak to a painting contractor for the first time:

  • How long have you been painting houses, and how experienced is your painting crew?
  • How long will it take to complete the project?
  • What kind of prep work is included in your service, and what will I need to do?
  • Does your estimate include pressure washing outer walls and caulking and filling cracks?
  • What kind of paint and how many coats do you recommend?
  • Who will handle the cleanup after the project is complete?
  • What happens if paint hits my carpet, roof tiles, or concrete?
  • Is there a warranty or guarantee on their work if touch-ups or fixes are needed?

Confirm your painter’s credentials. Before hiring, ensure the painter has all the necessary, up-to-date permits and licenses your state requires. Ensuring that the painter is licensed and carries liability insurance is important to protect both parties in case of accidents or damages during the painting process or injuries that might occur.

Be prepared to prep. Understand that there are certain things a painter might ask you to do to prepare for the project. For example, you may need to move furniture to the center of the room or completely out of the area. You’ll also need to remove paintings, wall décor, switch plates, and outlet covers. Painters may ask you to clean the walls using a damp sponge before they paint. In addition, you’ll want to keep any pets out of the way when paint day comes. Talk to your contractor about how much of this kind of prep work you’ll be expected to complete.  

Verify the type of paint. Knowing the quality of the materials used ensures the paint job’s longevity and quality. Check to see what type of paint will work best for what you need, and have your painter provide expertise on what will produce your desired results.

Ask about the painter’s experience. Ask the painter if they have experience with this specific type of project and gain a better understanding of the techniques used during the process. Also ask to review the painter’s past projects to get an idea of the painter’s style and quality of work.

Watch out for lead. Homes built before 1978 may still be housing coats of lead paint. If this is the case, painters may need to take extra precautionary measures that could affect pricing and the length of the project. It’s important for the health and safety of your family that this be done properly, so do not hire anyone who suggests they can take a shortcut around required lead paint removal procedures.

Confirm clean-up details. Most professional painters keep a clean working environment and handle clean-up at the end of each working day and the end of the project. However, discussing this part of the project with the painter before they begin working is always a good idea. Ensure you clearly understand who is responsible for clean-up during each project phase.

Make a payment plan. Never pay in full before the project begins. You may be asked to pay a portion of the fee to begin and installments at certain milestones in the project. Always withhold the final payment until you are completely satisfied with the end result of your painting project and have received written confirmation that all subcontractors have been paid (subcontractors can put a lien on your home if the primary contractor fails to pay them).

Look for the BBB Seal. BBB Accredited painters are likelier to demonstrate a commitment to delivering reliable and trustworthy services. They are dedicated to meeting customer expectations, delivering quality work, and resolving any issues that may arise promptly and professionally. The BBB Seal is The Sign of a Better Business.

The above tips will help you find a painting contractor that is trustworthy and reliable.

For more information

Find a painter near you.

See the BBB Tip: Hiring a Contractor.

Learn more about making your next home improvement project a success.

Avoid getting scammed by reading the article BBB Tip: Home Improvement Scams.

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How Long Does It Take to Paint a Room in Your House?

There are many reasons why people paint the interior of their homes, but how long does it take to paint a room? Our guide here has you covered.

There’s a reason why the paint manufacturing industry is worth an estimated $25 billion. A new coat of paint can completely change the feel of a room. Unfortunately, painting a room can sometimes take quite a long time. Because of this, people often make the mistake of biting off more than they can chew for a day of work.

So, exactly how long does it take to paint a room? If you want to know the answer, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll walk you through the average time it takes to paint a square inch. That way, you can get a good estimate of how long it will take you. Let’s get started!How Long Does It Take to Paint a Room in Your House

How Long Does It Take to Paint a Room?

This is one of the most common questions that new homeowners ask. Ultimately, the biggest factor is in determining it is the size of the room. There are three main steps in painting a room: set-up, rolling and cleaning. Set-up involves laying down floor material, removing electric socket covers, and laying down painter’s tape.

Generally, this takes around eighteen seconds per square foot. The process of painting, on the other hand, takes around forty seconds per square foot.

Clean up takes the least amount of time — around seven seconds per square foot. So, to calculate how long it will take to paint, simply multiply these figures and add them together. For example, let’s say you’re painting a 20 x 20-foot room. Here’s how it would break down:

  • Set-up: 400 x .18 = 72 minutes
  • Rolling: 400 x .4 = 162 minutes
  • Clean up: 400 x .07 = 28 minutes
  • Total time for one coat of paint = 262 minutes

However, keep in mind that this is just an estimate. The reality is that a variety of factors can also affect the length of time it takes to paint a room. For example, the experience level of the painter and the tools their using can greatly increase the time. An inexperienced painter using a small brush will take a lot longer than a professional using a roller.

The age of the house, wall type, and the previous paint color are also factors. Certain types of material and colors will require more force and coats to completely cover.

Finally, even the type of paint you use can affect the length. Latex paint generally dries faster which means it can be recoated quicker. Because of these time-increasing factors, you should provide yourself with extra time to make sure you aren’t rushed.

Tips on Painting More Quickly

As you can see, painting takes up a good deal of time. Luckily, there are things you can do to speed up the process. First, make sure that you have all your equipment gathered before beginning. That way, you aren’t making frequent trips to the store. Take care of the prep work the day before you begin.

That way it doesn’t wear you down before you even begin. Most of the time, you should consider not painting your ceiling. Unless it’s in rough-looking shape, then it probably doesn’t need it since it doesn’t receive as much abuse as the walls.

However, you should pay attention to the signs that your walls need a new coat. Finally, you should only use a brush for trim work. Use a roller for everything else. It will go by much more quickly.

Make Sure to Take Safety Precautions

It’s an unfortunate fact, but paint fumes can have a serious effect on your health. So what can you do to prevent this? First, wear safety equipment: goggles, dust masks, and work gloves at a minimum. Make sure you don’t breathe the paint chemical when you work. You can do this by painting with a lot of windows open to ventilate the space.

If you don’t have windows in the room, then use a fan instead. Finally, make sure you securely cover the floor with both plastic sheathing and cloth material. If you use a ladder, then the plastic will ensure that the cloth doesn’t move while your painting at higher levels.

When Should You Call a Professional?

There are a few reasons why you might want to consider hiring a professional to paint your home instead of doing it yourself. The first reason is speed. Professional painters generally paint twice as quickly as a homeowner with some experience. So, they’ll be in and out much faster. This speed also makes them more ideal for larger commercial jobs or full-house painting.

The second reason is quality. While some people are naturally good painters, many homeowners unknowingly perform a poor quality job. Too much paint, drip marks, and unattractive streaks are just some of the problems that tend to occur. Going with a professional who has experience ensures you’ll never encounter these problems.

The third reason is convenience. Painting is hard work. It involves stand at awkward positions and sore arms are sure to follow. If you’re getting older, or just want to take a break, then consider passing off the work to a professional.

Need Your Home or Business Painted? Contact Harding’s Painting

We hope this article helped you answer the question, How long does it take to paint a room? There’s no doubt that painting a house is a time-consuming process. Unfortunately, it inevitably takes a longer amount of time for amateurs. Professional painters can help, but find a trustworthy one can be a challenge. So what’s the solution?

If you live in the Calgary area, then look no further than Harding’s Painting. For over two decades we’ve been perfecting our skills as residential and commercial painters. In addition to a professional job, we also provide a free estimate. That way, you know exactly what you’re getting into. If you’re ready to give your room the paint job it deserves, then get in touch with us today.

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8 Painting Questions Every Homeowner Should Know How to Answer

Do you know how to answer these painting questions? Find out if you understand these nine essentials today and how to apply them to your home remodel

With the coronavirus pandemic keeping people largely confined to their homes, many decided it’s the perfect time to do home renovations, like painting the interior or exterior. A simple paint job can brighten up a room or make your home appear more modern from an outside view.

Painting can seem like a challenging task if you’re new to it. Would you like to know more about how to begin the process of painting your home? Here are some of the most common painting questions to consider before you pick up a brush or roller.

1. What Type of Paint to Use

Before you go paint shopping, you need to know what type of surface you’re painting, as well as the desired effect. For painting indoors, you will need to choose a paint that has more resins, which can be cleaned and maintained easily.What to Ask a Painter

The two main types of paints are oil-based and water-based, both of which have pros and cons. Oil-based paints tend to have more sheen, which will fade more quickly. Water-based paints have a duller sheen that is also longer-lasting, which you can take into consideration when choosing your paint.

2. How to Pick a Paint Color

One of the most challenging aspects of repainting is picking out a new paint color. If you want to stick with a neutral shade or something similar to what you had before, then you can simply find a color that fits your needs.

However, you can also use a new paint job as a way to completely change up the look and feel of your space. Find a shade that will go well with the furniture you already have. For indoor spaces, you can even paint an accent wall for a huge pop of color.

If you want to paint the outside of your home, you may want to look at current trends for paint colors. You might also need to contact your homeowner’s association if you have one, to get the necessary permits and forms to undertake an outdoor painting project.

3. How Long the Job Will Take

The more space you have to paint, the more time it will take until your painting project is completed. Time yourself to see how long it takes you to complete a certain portion, and then multiply it by the amount of space you need to paint. You should also factor in dry times for multiple coats.

If you have had a paint job done professionally before, add a significant amount of time to your original estimate. Commercial painting contractors have extensive training and can get the job done in record time, so if you’re new at painting, expect to take much longer.

4. The Number of Coats You Will Need

Usually, for any project, you will need at least two coats of paint, or more if you are going from a darker to a lighter color. Paint a primer coat first to try and cover up the darker hue and give the lighter one a base to really shine.

The second coat of regular paint will also cover up holes or cracks in a wall. It will really seal the old color in and prevent it from coming through.

5. Prep Your Home for Painting

Obviously, when you paint your home, you don’t want to get paint anywhere but the intended spot. Before you even think about opening a paint can, you will need to make sure that other areas and your possessions are safe.

If you are only painting a single room, try to move as much furniture out of it as you can to avoid damaging it. For items that you cannot move, cover them with drop cloths and secure the coverings with tape. You’ll also want to prep baseboards, light switches, and electrical outlets with painter’s tape.

6. Materials to Pick Up

You should put together a shopping list and make sure to pick up everything you need in one trip before you start to paint.

  • Paint rollers
  • Paintbrushes
  • Painter’s tape
  • Drop cloths
  • Paint sticks
  • Coveralls

If you find yourself at the store and you’re not sure what to look for, you can also ask a store associate in the paint department. Often they are experts and know exactly which materials your paint job will require.

7. Weatherproof Paint

If you are painting with exterior paint, such as your entire home, door, or trim, you’ll likely need a sturdier and weatherproof option. These types of paints can withstand rain, wind, and other drastic weather events so that your house will still look good for many years.

For the best result, you should try to clean the exterior of your house as best as possible so the paint has a smooth surface to cling to. If you live somewhere that has a lot of rain, then you should try to buy paint that is resistant to mildew as well.

8. Find Out How Much Paint to Buy

You never want to end up needing more paint after you have already started the paint job. Even if you use a computer-operated system to get your paint color, such as at many hardware stores, there is still a chance that the shade could be off if you go to buy more.

A good rule of thumb to go by when you paint is one gallon for every 350 feet squared. For instance, if you’re only painting a wall, then you might need only one gallon, but you should buy much more to paint multiple rooms. It is better to over-estimate and purchase more paint than being left short.

Get Answers to All Your Painting Questions

With this information, you can feel confident about your next painting project. You will have all of the materials and knowledge needed to make your house look brand new with a professional paint job that you can be proud of.

Want more answers to your painting questions, and to bring your home decor to the next level? Contact us today to get all of the information you will need.

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6 Questions to Ask Before You Sign a Painting Services Contract

What should you ask before you commit to hiring a professional painting service contractor? Here’s what to ask before signing a painting service contract:

Whether you’re trying to sell your home or improve its curb appeal, a coat of paint can go a long way. In fact, a fresh coat can even improve the value of your home.

Homes with no color sell for an average of $4,035 less than similar properties. Even adding a coat of light blue paint to the bathroom could help increase the value by $5,440.

Calgary House Painter

House Painting and Renovations Contract

Are you thinking of hiring professional painting services to give your home an upgrade? It’s important to find a professional you can trust. Here are six questions you can ask during your search.

By asking these questions, you can narrow down your options to find the professional painting service you need.

Start your search with these tips today!

1. What Experience Do You Have?

First, take the time to speak with friends, family members, and neighbors in the area. Have any of them paid for professional painting services recently? Ask about their experience.

Would they recommend the same painter, or do they suggest you look for someone else? Speaking with people in your inner circle will help you narrow down your options.

It also gives you a unique insight into local painting companies. Instead of asking the painter all your questions, you can speak with someone like you: a customer.

Once you have a list of painters in the area, research their business. You can start by visiting the Better Business Bureau website.

Is each painter on your list a member of the BBB? Are they a part of any other trade associations? If so, they’re likely committed to their trade.

Ask how long the company has run and operated. A long-running company has likely outlasted other companies in the area. This indicates they’ve won the trust of their customers.

If you choose an inexperienced company, on the other hand, you might come across problems. They’re likely still working out kinks in their business model. They could even lack the resources necessary to finish your project.

Employees

Make sure their employees are experienced as well. Who will work on your home? How long have they provided professional painting services?

Ask the company’s owners if they run criminal background checks on their employees. It also helps to ask if they hire employees or subcontractors. If it’s the latter, there’s a chance they can’t thoroughly vouch for the painter’s skill set.

Choose someone who is experienced. Otherwise, you might not receive the quality services you were expecting.

2. Are You Licensed and Insured?

As you interview companies that offer painting services, prioritize looking for a company that’s licensed and insured.

Are they licensed for both commercial and residential properties? Some licenses only cover one or the other. Make sure the company has the licenses necessary to finish your project.

Some licenses might vary depending on the scope of your painting project, too. Are you looking for an interior painting service or exterior? Make sure the company is qualified to provide the services you need.

Don’t forget to look into their insurance coverage, too.

What if an accident occurs while the painters are working on your property? Are you expected to cover the damages and expenses?

Instead, choose a professional painting service from a company with comprehensive business liability. If anything does happen, you’ll have peace of mind that you’re covered.

3. Do You Have Customer Testimonials?

Remember, you don’t have to believe a company at its word. Instead, ask if you can speak with some of their recent clients.

Make sure these clients hired the painting company within the past year. That way, you’ll have a better idea of their current capabilities.

Ask the customers about their experience working with the painting company. Were there any incidents? Did the finished product meet their expectations?

You can also find reviews on the Better Business Bureau website or the company’s Google My Business listing.

Reading reviews and speaking with clients will help you learn about the company’s painting services from an unbiased source.

4. Can I See Photos of Past Projects?

To truly make sure the company meets your expectations, ask to see photos of their recent projects. Make sure the photos match the scope of your own project.

For example, if you need an interior painting service, ask to see photos of the same rooms you want painted.

Do the photos meet your standards and expectations? How recent were those projects completed?

If the photos don’t meet your expectations, keep searching.

5. What Materials Do You Use?

You can also ask each painting company about the materials they use. Are they using cheap, sub-par materials? If the company is cutting costs, the color likely won’t last long.

Weather, time, and general wear and tear can cause the paint to fade. If you need exterior painting, sun exposure can also cause discoloration.

During your search, make sure to prioritize finding a company that uses high-quality paints. Otherwise, you’ll end up needing your property repainted down the road.

6. Do You Offer a Warranty?

It’s important to get quotes from at least three companies in the area. That way, you can compare their prices and find someone who fits your budget.

Some painters ask for $4,000 in labor and materials for painting the exterior of a 2,500-square-foot home. The interior might cost around $5,500.

Don’t hire the least expensive contractor, though. Instead, make sure they’re capable of meeting your expectations.

What’s included in the estimate? Are labor and material costs calculated?

Is there a warranty? Some companies offer a one- to three-year warranty for their services. Ask what the warranty covers, such as materials and labor.

Get everything you discuss in writing, too. That way, you can avoid any disputes in the future.

Don’t forget to review the entire contract before you sign on the dotted line.

Get a Fresh Coat: 6 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Painting Services

Ready to give your property a fresh coat of paint? Make sure to ask these six questions before you hire painting services. By asking these questions, you can find the best company for the job!

Want to discuss your next painting project? We’re happy to help.

Get a free quote from our team today!

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Insider Tips for Choosing the Best Interior Painting Services

Insider Tips for Choosing the Best Interior Painting Services

Get top quality results for you home’s fresh coat of paint by hiring the best interior painting services. Learn how to find the very best with these tips.

 

Interior Painting ServicesHow do you choose between interior painting services in town? You want to hire someone who will do a great job on your home or commercial building, but how do you know which one is best when they all have great reviews on their websites? What sets them apart?

Maybe you’ve hired a contractor before and you’re already overwhelmed by the thought of having to do it again. We understand. Let us give you some helpful tips for choosing the perfect interior painting service — one that will give you the best value for your money. Read on to find out what they are so you can relax and be confident with your choice.

Step 1: See What’s Out There

When you’re looking for a professional painting company online, whether they’re going to paint your home or commercial business, try not to get overwhelmed with all the choices. Take a deep breath and remember: Right now you’re just seeing what’s out there. Peruse the options. Make a shortlist of the ones you have a good feeling about.

Pick 5 or 6 of the best interior painting services for your list, and put them in order of most to least reputable, and by how informative their website is.

Some good places to start looking for a painting contractor are:

  • Friends and family referrals
  • Better Business Bureau
  • Painting & Decorating Contractors of America
  • Angie’s List 

When checking the BBB’s website for your local area, take a look at the Annual Homeowner Survey area. This will show you the most trusted referrals.

Step 2: Get Some Bids

You have your list of interior painting companies. Get multiple bids so you have some options. You’ve probably considered the fact that they can get booked up fast. So collect the data needed by each company, which usually includes the square footage, and wall area, of your home or commercial space.

If you’d rather have each interior painting company call you go ahead and fill out the information on their website or send an email. You may be happy with the one that calls you first just because they got back to you first, but you still have some decisions to make, so don’t settle right away.

Healthy Competition

You’ll want to get bids from several professional painting services so you know the range of prices and quality of work, friendliness, reputation, and general availability for the time period during which you need to get the job done. Getting multiple bids also reminds the contractors that they have some competition for the job.

First Meeting

You might feel loyalty towards the first one that arrives to look at your home or building, but this is just a psychological phenomenon. Keep your wits about you and remember, you want them to compete for your business. Healthy competition is a good thing. Don’t automatically go for the “low-ball” bid, as tempting as it may be.

Try to get at least a few bids before making your decision. You’ll thank yourself in the long-run when you make the right choice and you don’t have a ruined livingroom.

Step 3: Interviewing Companies for Interior Painting Services

Remember, you have the upper hand; They’re competing for a job you’re offering. Ask them tough questions, because later you could regret not doing so. Brainstorm what you’d like and need to ask. Here are some recommended questions to ask during the interview.

  • How long have they been in business (the longer the better)
  • Do they use subcontractors or do they use a regular crew (red flag – cheap labor)
  • Do they offer a warranty (a must)
  • Are they insured (a must)
  • Has the interior painting company received any awards (bonus points)
  • Can they provide references and a picture portfolio (a must)
  • What brands/types of paint do they usually use or are willing to use (cheap paint is a red flag)
  • How much of the wall preparation is included in the contract (don’t get scammed)
  • Do they keep a clean workspace, and clean up afterward (a must)

As you may already know, painting can be a smelly job. Consider staying at a local hotel or at a family member’s or friend’s place if it’s your home you’re having painted.

If it’s your business, work together on how to put up warning signs for the public and colleagues and how to block off any areas that should be avoided by foot traffic or long-term occupancy. For health precautions, consider asking about how much time one should stay in a wet-paint area without a mask.

Step 4: Take Some Time to Think

Let yourself rest take some time to think about which one you want to hire. Think about how each company reacted to the questions. Did they seem too proud to answer them? This is a warning sign. You’ll want a company that’s easy to work with and responsive to your requests during and after the painting project.

Step 5: Check Their References

It’s easy for companies to add fake reviews to business websites these days. Research the interior painting company’s references before you make any final decisions. You’ll thank yourself later. Dishonesty is all too prevalent these days, but there are great companies out there too.

Wrapping Up

You’re now empowered to choose with confidence. This fearlessness will work for you during and after the hiring process. You’ll know it did when you end up choosing the right company for interior painting services, and when you see the results. Remember, they are working for you. Don’t let them treat you rudely or keep you waiting for answers to your questions.

After all, getting a new coat of paint should be a fun, exciting experience. Your interior environment is important for your well-being. You don’t want to look at your walls and remember a poor experience. Stay uplifted by choosing wisely.

Contact us today and keep us on your shortlist for home or commercial business interior painting jobs. We look forward to giving you friendly, honest service at a fair price.

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How Often to Paint a House: Signs Your Home Is Ready for a Fresh Coat of Paint

Wondering how often to paint a house? Take a look at these signs your home is in need of a fresh coat of paint and what to do next.

Many people take great pride in owning a home. You can often tell by the upkeep of the home and how well it’s maintained.

But while many people might pay attention to the look of their garden, new windows, doors, and the like, it’s equally important to give attention to painting.

If you’re thinking about repainting your house, but you’re not sure if it’s time, keep reading to find out how often to paint a house.

How Often Should You Paint Your House

Signs You Should Paint Your House

Painting your house can bring new life to both the interior and the exterior of your home.

For the exterior, it adds a new depth to your curb appeal. Painting the indoor makes it a whole new space, like a blank canvas to rearrange or decorate.

But how do you know when it’s time to paint the house – both the exterior and the interior?

Here are some guidelines to follow for painting your house.

Exterior

Painting the exterior of your home, in some cases, can be tricky and dangerous and best left to the professionals. In any case, here are some tips on whether or not you need to run to the nearest hardware store for a new coat of paint.

1. Damage

If there is clear damage to the surface of your home, it likely means there’s a larger problem. Cracks or rotting indicate there’s something that needs to be addressed, so fix those problems first before you choose a new exterior color.

Each house has a different surface, and there are lengths of time when the surface is likely ready for a fresh coat.

Here is a good guideline to help:

Brick: 15-20 years, but cleaning frequently

Wood: 4-7 years, but more so if it’s stained

Stucco: 5-7 years or as needed

Aluminum siding: up to 5 years.

While these numbers are a ballpark range, assess your siding and materials properly to decide if a paint job is needed.

2. Fading

All paint fades, but if it begins to fade significantly, it’s time to grab a paintbrush. Darker colors fade more quickly than lighter or neutral colors, so consider that before selecting a new hue.

3. Peeling, Chalking, and Morphing

All of these, peeling, cracking, and morphing, cause the paint to look run down and ruined.

Environmental factors like harsh weather conditions and extreme temperatures, can all contribute to peeling. If the paint is of high quality, it should not peel.

Chalking is a term used to refer to the residue that’s left on your hands if you run your hand over the paint. If it leaves behind a chalky texture, then it’s time to repaint.

Morphing is when patches of the paint turn a different shade entirely. This makes the paint job look splotchy, and usually occurs because of UV rays.

4. Bubbles

Bubbles might be fun in a bath, but you don’t want to see them on your wall. Bubbles and cracks are a sure sign of mold and rotting, so repainting and mold extraction is needed.

5. It Looks Bad

There’s no shame in admitting that a color you choose did not turn out as you expected! If you painted your home, and it leaves a bad taste in your mouth, consider repainting to something more tasteful.

Interior

Reasons for painting the interior of your home are similar to painting the exterior: fading, damage, mold, peeling, cracking, and so forth. However, there are a few differences.

1. Scratches or Scuffing

The inside of your home is more prone to scratching and scuffing damage, especially if you have a family or animals. High-traffic areas are more likely to be scratched, like living areas, hallways, or mudrooms, but painting over them can give your room a much-needed touch-up.

Remember, if the damage is deep, like a hole in the wall, repair the damage first, and then repaint.

2. Moving

If you’re moving, and your walls are personalized with a color you love, you should probably consider repainting them. Homes sell quickly when the walls are painted a more neutral color. You want the homeowners to imagine themselves in the home, and neutral colors are perfect at doing so.

3. Dislike For The Color

Sometimes it happens: despite your best efforts and decision-making, you choose a color you end up hating. That’s ok. Repainting is often one of the easiest ways to change the look and feel of a room.

4. Remodeling

Are you knocking down walls and rebuilding? Unless you love the look of drywall, it’s time to choose a new color! Remodeling offers you a blank canvas and plenty of choices for a new color.

Things to Remember When Painting

Painting is much more than choosing a color and painting the surface. There are a few things to consider.

Prepare

Think about the surface you’re painting, and whether it’s indoors or outdoors. There are certain types of paints that are formulated to withstand each environment.

You’ll also need to repair any damage before you put on the first coat. This could take several days depending on the severity of the damage.

Pick

Select your paint color! Remember, darker colors are more likely to fade, and if you’re moving, try and find a neutral color.

If you plan on staying for a long period, visualize the space you want to create and choose accordingly.

Paint

Now it’s time to paint! Gather your materials – paintbrush, tarp, paint, and so forth – and start painting.

Painting the exterior could mean calling on a professional if the job is too treacherous.

How Often to Paint A House

When it comes to how often to paint a house, it’s going to depend on the amount of damage, fading, and personal preference. Assess your situation, and watch your space transform.

Thinking about painting and need professional help? We take care of all the work! Contact us today to get a quote!

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Bedroom Painting: This is How to Choose the Perfect Colours

When it comes to bedroom painting, it is important to pick the right colours. Read more to learn more about choosing colours for a bedroom.

Are you considering painting your bedroom?

When it comes to bedroom painting, it’s important to take such a task seriously. After all, your bedroom is your safe place. It’s where you find yourself relaxing after a stressful workday and the place in which you begin every day.

That being said, finding the right colour to paint your bedroom isn’t always a straightforward task. While furniture and a sense of decor are important, it’s generally the paint colour that will be setting the overall tone of the bedroom.

Do you opt for a clean and neutral colour code? Or, do you incorporate the zest of your personality and go for something bold and wild?

If you’re feeling lost on which colour palettes will best suit your bedroom, you’re going to want to read this. We’re uncovering the best colour option for your bedrooms and the tone it will set for your sanctuary.

Neutrals

Bedroom Painting

Stepladder and painting tools in modern room.

First things first, let’s consider the world of neutrals.

There’s a reason that so many choose to follow a neutral colour pattern when it comes to their bedroom. Neutral paint can be anything from white and beige to grey and tope. In fact, even black can be considered a neutral colour.

In a sense, neutrals are known for emitting a simple and calming vibe. A neutral colour pattern is also simple to pair with bedroom furniture and works well with most design aesthetics.

Fortunately, a simple neutral paint job will allow you to decorate your bedroom with other pops of colour and texture. For example, you can balance out neutral walls with a textured bedspread and pillows. You can also add pops of colour throughout your bedroom with other notes of decor such as lamps, artwork and rugs.

The All White Everything

Ah, yes, the all-white bedroom.

This paint colour has been popularized by upscale hotel chains and the Scandinavian design aesthetic. Generally speaking, people choose to paint their bedrooms white when they’re opting for a vibe that is clean, contemporary and ever-so-calming. It’s also a great way to open up your space or even create the illusion of a larger and brighter bedroom.

When it comes to choosing white paint, it’s rarely as simple as it might sound. After all, there are hundreds of different variations of white paint. Each version of white is going to have different hues and undertones.

Pastels

Of course, not everyone favors simple and calming paint hues such as white or grey.

For this crowd, opting for a peaceful and serene pastel just might be the best option when it comes to painting your bedroom. With this, you can look forward to a playfully coloured bedroom that still emits a vibe that is both calming and serene. In a sense, you might even say this is the best of both worlds!

In the recent world of pastel paint, colours such as mint green, rose pink and soft orange have become incredibly popular. This is both in terms of nurseries, children’s bedrooms and adult bedrooms alike.

With this, you can have fun by decorating your bedroom in calming neutrals. For example, a soft grey quilt or a white rug are the perfect pairings for a pastel-themed bedroom.

Pops of Colour

If you’re a fan of all things colour, why not include some bold pops of colour into your bedroom paint job?

This might come in terms of painting an accent wall or even adding colourful designs to a more neutral paint job. Either way, adding pops of colour can be a simple way to incorporate elements of your personality to your bedroom. Simple tricks such as this can allow your bedroom to feel like your ultimate private space and sanctuary.

It’s important to think carefully about how certain colours will affect you psychologically. After all, bright colours have been known to make people feel happy and emit feelings of excitement. On the other hand, some colours have been known to elicit negative feelings such as anxiety or even anger.

For instance, some people have found that the colour red makes them feel panicked or anxious. In fact, one study found that the coulor red causes people to react with greater speed and force. If you’re looking to create a place of calmness, red might not be your first choice.

Wallpaper

Here in the world of decor, it’s safe to say that wallpaper is officially back in action!

If you browse some of the most trending bedrooms, many of them are decorated in patterned and bright-coloured wallpaper. This is a great way to create a bedroom that is unique and speaks to the homeowner’s personal sense of style.

Remember, wallpaper doesn’t have to overtake an entire room. In fact, one of the most tasteful displays of wallpaper happens to be an accent wall. Many homeowners will opt to paint their bedroom a shade of white and then choose one wall to cover in wallpaper.

Pro tip: If you’re intimidated by the notion of wallpaper, try opting for temporary wallpaper. Widely available today, this type of wallpaper is easy to apply and even easier to remove down the line.

The Art of Bedroom Painting

Did you know that the average person will sleep for approximately 229,961 hours in their lifetime?

When we consider this notion, it’s simple to understand why the bedroom is such an important room within the home. It’s where we kick back, relax and log some much-needed sleep.

When it comes to bedroom painting, which colour is best going to set your sanctuary up for success? Perhaps you’ll want to opt for a clean and contemporary white? Or, maybe you want to toast to your love for colour and create a fun and personalized space. Either way, the decision is yours!

Are you ready to get started on your bedroom painting today? If so, don’t hesitate to browse our services page and learn how we can help you!

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Colour Coated: How to Find the Best Quality Paint for the Job

What goes into the best quality paint? How do you tell the difference between bad paint and good paint? Here’s what to look for.

Most people don’t know this, but there’s a lot more that goes into choosing paint than colour. Whether you’re painting your house, working on a school project, or making some art, it’s important to get the highest quality paint. Especially if you want to avoid fading, chipping, and peeling!

You should always search for the best quality paint before laying down that first coat. Here’s a quick guide on how to tell good paint from bad.

How to Find the Best Quality Paint

How to Find the Best Quality Paint for the Job

The Basics of Paint

There are four basic components that make up every can of paint: additives, liquids, pigments, and binders. To get the highest quality paint you must balance all of these components correctly. Having more of one than the other will give paint different qualities.

Pigment gives the paint its color and helps it cover more surface area. Binders, also known as resins, hold the pigment particles together, keeping the paint together as it dries. Liquid keeps the paint in a fluid state, and additives help it from spoiling or going bad.

Pigment is very important to making high-quality paint. One of the most important pigments is titanium dioxide. Most high-quality paints use titanium dioxide as it results in good, strong coverage.

What Makes High-Quality Paint?

To the amateur painter it may seem silly to worry too much about paint quality. But there is a huge difference between high and low-quality paint.

Low-quality paint has considerably less binders and pigments, and more liquids (solvents). The solvents evaporate once the paint has been laid, making it less durable over time. This also leads to a thinner cover.

With low-quality paint, you’ll have to repaint the area regularly. This can be a huge hassle, and it’s always frustrating to see a newly painted wall chip. A high-quality paint will hold up a lot nicer, no matter whether you’re painting the outside of the house or inside.

High-quality paint has more solids (binders and pigments) and less liquids. The more solids the thicker the paint, and the better overall coverage and sturdiness. It won’t look thin or become delicate once the liquids start to evaporate.

That means if you want high-quality paint, one of the most important things to look for are high pigment levels.

That’s doesn’t mean you should avoid paints with additives and liquids, though. Some additives are used to make paint spread better and last longer. Just make sure not to sacrifice pigment level for additive level.

How to Find the Best Quality Paint

It’s important to read the label before purchasing paint. This is the best way to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product.

The better the pigment, for example, the better coverage you’re going to get. With low pigment paint you may need two cans to cover the same surface area you could cover with one can of high-quality paint. In this way, it’s actually cheaper to buy high-quality paint.

Always look for paints with a higher percentage of solids. This isn’t listed specifically on the paint label, but what the paint contains usually is. Look for paints with more binders and pigments as opposed to liquids and additives.

Look for paint that uses titanium dioxide, and avoid too many additives. The best thing you can do is research paint types online to find the type you’re looking for.

Certain additives help paint become more workable and perform better. Floetrol, for example, helps flow and leveling, making it easier to spread paint on a surface. Many high-quality paints use Floetrol.

Generally speaking, the more you pay for a can of paint the higher quality you’re going to get. You should try to stick to well-known brands with a proven quality track record.

If you’re hiring a professional painting company to do your work you should ask them what paint they’re using. If they’re using cheap paint they may not be worth it. The last thing you want to do is hire another company to get a re-paint done.

Best Paint Brands

There are a lot of paint brands out there, but you can’t trust just any brand if looking for the highest quality product. You want to go with something a little pricier to get the most bang for your buck.

Rust-Oleum is a trusted and high-quality brand. This paint comes in a huge variety and can be used on most surfaces, including cars. Rust-Oleum is not only made of the finest pigments, but has additives that help protect against rust and wear.

KILZ is another paint brand you can trust. They offer reliable and versatile options, and their paint can be bought for use on concrete, ceilings, floors — you name it. They’re designed to protect against cracking and peeling, and are also fade and heat resistant!

You also want to make sure the paint you’re using is specialized towards what you’ll be painting. If you’re painting a kitchen wall, find a paint made for walls. If you’re painting on a floor, find some made for floors.

You don’t want to be using wall paint for a floor as the ingredients that go into it aren’t suited for floors. Floor paint uses a different mixture of resins, additives, etc. that make it more resilient to wear and tear. Wall paint might be more focused on color, spread, and thickness.

As long as you don’t cheap out on your paint you can expect a great paint experience. Do some online research into any brand you’re considering buying. Chances are there’s a paint that will do exactly what you want it to somewhere out there.

It’s Deeper Than Color

There’s a lot more to choosing the best quality paint than just color. Always read the labels on your paint before purchasing, and do your research into each brand. The cheaper the paint you use the more paint you’ll need, and the last thing anyone wants is to spend extra money.

You’ll be glad you chose a high-quality paint at the end of the project. You deserve the best!

If you’re looking for a reliable painting service in Calgary, see what we can do for you. Contact us with any comments, questions, or concerns.

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