I’ve decided to hire a professional painter and asked three painters for prices. Why is there such a range in the prices quoted?Although price is often the determining factor when choosing between quotes, the success of your paint job depends on value rather than price.
The lowest quote does not always reflect the final price. Inexperienced painters often can’t anticipate all aspects of the job, and the price increases as the job continues, bringing the final bill close to those of the original high quotes. Other painters quote extraordinarily low to get their “foot in the door.” No painter can paint three rooms for $40.00; there will be a catch.
On the other hand, the highest price does not guarantee the best work. As in most things, however, you generally get what you pay for.
To ensure you’re comparing apples with apples, along with a price, be sure to ask:
1. How long has the painter been in business? Anybody can call themselves a painter. The professional painter will have worked in your area for many years, and will be around, and accountable, years after your paint job.
2. Are they covered by WSIB? If there is more than one painter, it is required, and coverage should be indicated on the quote. If a painter falls off a ladder at your house and is not covered by WSIB, the homeowner is legally liable.
3. Are they insured? If a can of paint is spilled on your prize Oriental rug, will you be reimbursed?
4. How fast are the painters in and out of your house? (A team works faster.)
5. Does the painter know which types of paint are best for each application? They should be able to advise you on sheen level and specialty paints.
6. Does the painter recognize drywall flaws, cracks, water stains and can they make minor drywall repairs and do minor carpentry? A large part of a good painting job is preparation and often explains a difference in price. A good painter knows the best products for each situation.
7. Does your painter bring the paint or do you have to buy it?
8 At the end of the workday, will the painter leave the house as they found it?
9. Does your painter use quality paint? Will they use the paint brand that you request? Will they guarantee the paint colours are correct? Whole houses have been repainted because painters substituted paint brands and paint colours did not match.
10. Can your painter help you select paint colours? It’s not always necessary, but invaluable for many homeowners.
The best way to find a good painter, especially in a small town, is from their satisfied customers. Ask your friends and neighbours.
How do you paint exterior steel doors?
Steel doors are one of the most difficult surfaces to paint: paint “sets up” differently on steel because it retains both heat and cold. For that reason, it’s vital that steel doors not be painted in direct sun or in too-cold temperatures.
Rainy weather will also affect your paint job. If you tried to paint anything this spring (or during one of the past three rainy springs), you’ll have noticed how long it took for paint to cure (harden). Under perfect conditions, oil paint cures in two weeks, and latex paint in 30 days.
Brand new, unpainted, but factory-primed steel doors need to be lightly sanded with 220-grit sandpaper or wiped with a damp rag, primed with an exterior latex primer, and then painted with an exterior latex paint.
A tip from professional painters: To prevent paint from being pulled off by the magnetic seal, wipe a thin coat of Vaseline along the edge of the rubber seal.
Why buy premium paint? Is there really a difference?
According to the Paint Quality Institute, a leading authority on paint performance, “top quality paints are designed to produce the best-looking and longest-lasting results. And even though quality paints may cost a little more, they can last more than twice as long as ordinary paints — so they are really more economical in the long run. Here are some of the specific benefits of using top quality paints, compared with using “economy” paints:
Premium exterior paints have:
Superior adhesion: they are less likely to blister, flake or peel;
Better chalk resistance, for excellent color retention;
Better dirt resistance, so the paint remains fresh-looking longer;
Better mildew resistance; and
Overall superior durability.
Premium interior paints:
Go on smoothly and evenly, without showing brush or roller marks;
Minimal spattering during application;
More hiding power, so it will require less touch-up and, possibly, fewer coats;
Less tendency to "block," so windows, doors and other freshly painted surfaces won't stick to one another; and
Better resistance to dirt and stains, which facilitates cleaning and maintenance.”
For more information, visit www.paintquality.com.