So Exactly What Does a Painting Contractor Do?
Painting contractors do a lot more than cover your house or room with a coat of paint. They also:
- Assess the condition of the walls or structure to be painted.
- Recommend the best type of paint, varnish, or stain for the job. They take durability, method of application, how the room will be used (e.g., if there are small children in the home, they may recommend a washable paint), and other factors into account.
- Provide an estimate that will include both cost and length of time to do the job.
- Order the paint, helping you match colors and sometimes mixing their own colors if you have opted for a faux finish.
- Prepare the surfaces so the paint or other finish will adhere correctly, and the finished product will meet quality standards. Prep work may include stripping old coats of paint, removing wallpaper, filling nail holes and cracks, sandpapering uneven spots, brushing off dust, taking steps to prevent mildew, etc. On new surfaces, a painting contractor applies a sealer or primer as necessary.
- Protect your furniture, floor, and plants from paint or other finishes.
- Spray, brush, or roll the paint or finish onto the surface.
- Clean up after themselves, removing all equipment and properly dispose of any remaining paint. If you have an older home with lead paint, the contractor will ensure it is handled by state and federal regulations.
Most painting contractors will also help you decide what colors will work best for your project. They can know what type of paint (flat, semi-gloss, or gloss) will create the effect you're after.
Some painting contractors do specialty finishes, called faux finishes, such as color washes, rag-rolling, marbleizing, sponge painting, etc.
Painting contractors may also be able to hang sheetrock or wallpaper, although not all painting contractors offer that service. Some painting contractors can also do carpentry repairs to exteriors. Painting contractors who do not provide these extra services usually know professionals who do and will often coordinate those services for you.
Unless you are confident that you or the friend or relative offering to do your painting for you can provide all the things a licensed painting contractor provides, do yourself a favor and use a licensed professional for the job. You will save yourself grief, frustration, a mess, and the end result will undoubtedly be far superior.