11 Questions to ask when receiving an exterior painting estimate.

Making sure you hire a true professional will ensure that you get the most durability and satisfaction out of your paint job. Save yourself time and frustration by asking the right questions to weed out inexperienced and unqualified companies pretending to be professional painters. Before you commit to a company, come prepared with these in-depth questions to find the best company for your painting project. These are the top 12 important questions to ask your exterior home painter. A true professional will be able to answer all these questions in full detail:

1. Which painting products do you suggest and why?
Painters tend to establish a relationship with a particular store or brand of paint. If a painter is reluctant to use another product, it is fair to ask why. A potential contractor needs to be able to have facts to back-up why they use a certain brand. If you are being steered toward a low-cost product, find a different painting company.  A professional knows that you never get more than you pay for when it comes to paint.

 2. Are you a licensed contractor?
Many counties in the state of Florida and other areas require a professional painting contractor to have passed a painting contractors exam and obtain a Painting contractors License.

3. Are you Bonded and Insured?
A painting contractor should have two types of insurance, Workmen’s Compensation, and Comprehensive Business Liability or hold a Workmen’s Compensation exemption and Comprehensive Business Liability protects your property from damage by the contractor.

 4. Will you pressure wash prior to painting, what prep work is involved?
The proper prep work prior to painting is the most important step.  This should include pressure washing thoroughly, making sure that all chalking and mildew is removed from the surface as well as dredging down 2” around the exterior to allow sealer to be applied below ground level.  All window and door surrounds should be caulked all around and any cracks should be filled, elastromeric patch should be applied to all stucco cracks. All shrubs and bushes should be covered to protect your landscape and a Sealer should  be applied prior to painting to protect against weather conditions and wind driven storms.

5. Do you Spray and/or Brush and Roll?
Both options have their pros and cons. Spraying is the faster method, is free of brush marks and can get into hard to reach areas. Rolling and Brushing have excellent control, good adhesion and uniform coverage. Brushing takes a lot longer, requires two coats and can leave brush marks. The best process for uniform coverage to the proper mil thickness is to spray left to right and back roll vertically behind the sprayer.

6. What are the differences between a flat and satin finish?
It is important to know the distinction between finishes. Flat finishes have a soft, velvety appearance that will not highlight minor bumps and gouges as would glossy coats. There are many pros to flat finishes; however, it is virtually impossible to clean. Satin finishes have a low shine with minor reflective qualities, since it is a harder finish and easier to clean than a Flat finish it is ideal for exterior painting.

 7. Do you suggest painting the gutters and downspouts?
A professional painter may tell you that you do not have to paint the gutters or downspouts; however, they do oxidize from the sun and weather over time and it is advisable to have them painted along with your exterior. Aesthetically gutters should be painted the same color as the trim and fascia with the downspouts to be painted the same color as the body color.

8. Do you use subcontractors?
Make sure the company you hire does not use subcontractors. Subcontractors can be unskilled and unprofessional painters. If you receive an unusually low painting estimate from a company, chances are they use inexperienced workers on the job.

9. How long do you expect the new coating to last?
Exterior painting can last between 7 to15 years depending on the type of paint used and the surrounding environment. You can lengthen that time if the surface is properly prepped, premium paint products are used and you keep up with yearly power washing.

9. Which exterior colors are more subject to fade?
There are some colors that are subject to fading worse than others. These colors include bright colors like bright reds, pinks,  blues and yellows will be more vulnerable to UV radiation and fade faster. Colors like tans, beiges, and browns will last longer on exterior surfaces.

10. Does the work come with a warranty?
If your painter is using premium-grade paint, your paint job should last somewhere around 10-12 years depending on homeowner upkeep and weather conditions. A professional paint contractor will offer a guarantee on his or her work that will be in writing and honored.

11. How long has the painting company been in business?
​ It is important to know how long the company has been in business. As a rule of thumb, it is better to go with a painting company that has been in business for at least 5 years.