Common Commercial Painting Questions

While oil paint has traditionally been viewed as superior to water-based paints, the chemicals that made oil paints especially durable have been legislated out of use by the government. As such, oil paints are being phased out of the marketplace for residential painting and some commercial/industrial applications. At the same time, the technological advances in 100% acrylic resin latex paints have improved dramatically. CertaPro inspects and provides specific recommendations for each project.

Each client has a different vision for his/her project. This means the level of preparation will be tailored to meet the needs of each client and unique project. Below is a description of the various types of preparation we usually perform. We will discuss with you what you hope to achieve with your project, tailor the proposal to capture that vision, and price the project accordingly.

1) Washing – New paint requires a clean, dry, and firm base to adhere correctly.
2) Scraping – All loose and peeling paint should be removed by scrapers, knives, and/or steel brushes. All areas should be scraped back to a firm edge
3) Sanding – Sanding, depending on the type and condition of the substrate, is sometimes necessary to remove loose and peeling paint. Sanding can also help smooth out rough edges. Your estimator can help discuss the level of sanding needed or desired for your project.
4) Caulking and Sealing – We will caulk areas that have been previously caulked where the caulk is missing or failing. We will also remove any failing caulk prior to re-caulking.
5) Rust – Surface rust will be scraped/wire brushed until sound. Then a rust-inhibiting primer applied prior to the finish coats.

No, old paint does not need to be removed as long as it is properly adhered to the substrate. It is important to have any loose, peeling, cracking, or degraded paint removed prior to painting. However, if you do wish to have specific areas of the building stripped of all old paint (such as entryways or front doors), we will be happy to discuss the process for doing so. These services can usually be priced as an option, although this type of “restoration” can be rather expensive.

A paint system is the combination of sealers, primers and paints that are developed to work together for different substrates to produce a durable and beautiful finish. Your proposal will have the paint system listed the estimator deems appropriate for your project.

Primers are specifically designed coatings used to prepare different substrates to accept top coats of paint. They solve specific challenges painters face: sealing out moisture, resisting bleeding of stains and chemicals from inside the substrate, and locking down chalky surfaces. Substrates that have paint adhering to them, in good condition, usually do not need a full prime coat. Rather, spot priming is performed where the surface is bare, or preparation tasks have been performed. However, if an extreme color change is planned, it is often helpful to have a tinted primer applied to help the finish coats cover better.

The durability and longevity of a paint job is affected more by the quality of the preparation than the number of coats of paint. In most instances, CertaPro Painters specifies two complete coats of paint for previously painted surfaces. New, raw surfaces and dramatic color changes usually receive a full prime coat prior to finish coats being applied. Certain very deep or pastel colors may also require an additional finish coat because of the paint base used to create the color. Your estimator will consult with you and can provide an option for an additional coat in those areas. If you are not changing color, and the existing paint is in relatively good condition, a single coat of matching color and sheen may suffice. Your estimator will discuss the pros and cons of such a paint system with you.

Most latex paints set up in 30-120 minutes but may take as long as 30 days to fully cure. For this reason, we recommend being careful with your newly painted walls and opening and closing newly painted windows and doors regularly during this period to avoid sticking.

1) Use only the highest quality materials and paints.
2) Ensure the proper level of preparation is specified and performed on your project.
3) Have the exterior of your property power washed every few years.

VOC stands for “volatile organic compound” and refers to the chemicals that are off-gassed into the environment as part of the drying process. Some of them may be toxic and have a bad odor. The government has limited the types and amount of VOC’s that can be used in paints. Some examples of VOC’s are: paint thinner, mineral spirits, alcohol, gasoline, ethylene glycol, acetone and xylol. Most architectural paints contain some VOC’s.

Generally, yes. More expensive paints contain more durable pigments and resins. The resins, along with the binders, determine the quality of finish. The way the product is produced can also impact the quality. Better pigments mean less coats of paint. Your estimator can help recommend the product best suited for your specific application.

We regularly perform basic carpentry repairs that are commonly found as part of exterior painting projects. These include removing and replacing rotten window trim, door casing/trim, siding, etc. Your estimator will provide you with a separate price to complete any wood repairs we find during our inspection. Occasionally, additional repair needs are uncovered during the pressure washing process or when our carpenters access areas that are difficult to access or clearly see during the estimate. We will consult with you, as soon as possible, when additional repairs may be needed and will get your approval for additional work before it is performed.

Water intrusion can occur for many reasons: poor draining from gutters, rusted or damaged window and/or roof flashing, rotted siding or trim work, or damaged roofing, just to name a few. It is difficult to determine the exact point of water entry because water follows the path of least resistance once it enters a structure. This means it may come in at one point, travel along an interior joist or other hidden structural elements in the home and come through drywall or plaster in an area far from the point of entry. The caulking and sealing that are part of the normal preparation process of painting often solves leaking problems. However, if the root cause of the leak is from some other source (for example, a damaged roof or gutters) the painting process probably will not solve the problem.

All our crews have been trained on the safe and proper use of extension ladders. We are also experts in the use of scaffolding, lifts, and booms to reach areas inaccessible by ladder.

We realize color selection and placement decisions can be a source of anxiety for some decision makers, and we recommend visiting your local paint store to look at color selections. Color charts are available, and your estimator can guide you through what colors are popular and/or fit your preference. For more in-depth color consultations, we recommend a color consult from Sherwin-Williams to help with design ideas. Our relationship with Sherwin-Williams allows our homeowners to receive a consult for $45 instead of the regular rate of $90.

CertaPro Painters requires that you confirm your color selection before we order the paint for your project. If you wish to change the colors after they have been confirmed, there may be additional charges for any additional paint and labor required to accommodate the requested changes.

We will be happy to leave you with clearly labeled paint for future touchups

The best thing to do is to call or email your sales associate to let him/her know you would like to proceed with the project. Once your sales associate receives your confirmation to proceed, we can discuss scheduling a start date for your project.

You should be aware that our painting staff is comprised of long-term professional painters. We emphasize the importance of hiring, developing, appreciating, and maintaining top-notch painting professionals. Most have remained loyal to us for many years. This commitment to nurturing and expansion has enabled us to maintain a remarkably stable workforce in an industry infamous for its transient labor force.

Due to certain commercial environments, work is better done after hours, at night, or on weekends. We do need full access to the property during this time.

When we start a project, we stay until it is finished – meaning our goal is to minimize the disruption painting causes to your normal routine. However, weather may play a role on when your project is able to start, and if it’s an exterior project, how long it takes to be completed. We will be able to give you a time frame of how long your specific project will take once the estimate is completed.

On exterior projects, there are several tasks that can be performed in light rain or fog, such as power washing and scraping. However, we cannot apply sealants, primer or paint in wet weather. In these instances, we must wait for the property to dry out. Rest assured that we will wait the proper amount of time to ensure the coatings we apply leave you with a quality, dependable finish.

For commercial projects, payment is due within ten days of completion and final inspection. For larger projects we will set up a progress payment schedule that is acceptable for both parties. We prefer payment by cash or check. However, we accept major credit cards (MasterCard, VISA, Discover) with a 3% service fee.

Yes, and at your request we can provide insurance certificates that name you as the certificate holder.

Ask for a certificate of insurance, and check with the carrier before work begins to verify the policy is still in force.

Contractors such as builders, painters or other tradespeople who work on or around your home are required by law to provide workers’ compensation insurance. Any injuries suffered during the project would be covered under that policy. If the contractor does not have coverage, or has discontinued his policy to save on premiums, you would be next in line to pay for property damage or a worker’s injuries and/or disabilities that occur on your property. Therefore, it is important to only use contractors who have general liability and workers’ compensation policies in place.