General Painting Q & A

Why do painters quote such a broad range of prices?

Unethical Painters: Some painters are not licensed and charge less to try and pull customers from qualified providers. Others use cheaper materials, like cheap watered down paint. This obviously lowers the cost for the painters but doesn’t provide a lasting solution for the customer. There are also a number of painters that don’t have adequate insurance, so hiring their services can be somewhat of a risk considering neither you nor the painter is protected should something go wrong. Surface Preparation: Different jobs require different levels of surface preparation, so even painters licensed by the MPA will give you different quotes. Surface preparation requires a lot of attention to detail, and can take more time than actually painting. This can lead to a big difference in quotes for what seems to be the same amount of work.

What kind of paint should I use?

Interior: Interior surfaces require different kinds of paint depending on the type of surface. In general, a satin or gloss oil or water based enamel paint is protective and good-looking on wood surfaces. For walls, a washable low-sheen acrylic paint is suitable. Since you don’t have to wash the ceilings, we often use a flat acrylic paint, which does a better job of hiding spots and marks. Exterior: See our Exterior Painting FAQ.

What can I do to prevent mould and mildew?

Special paint and paint additives can help prevent mould and mildew. The paint can work for 7 years or longer, while the additives work for about 18 months. If there is already a mould or mildew problem, then the problem has to be treated before the paint can help. Taking other precautions such as keeping windows open or installing a ceiling fan can also help stop mould and mildew from developing.

What can I do about rising damp?

If your plaster has started to crumble or crack, or the paint has started to blister, than you may have rising damp. This is a problem that occurs when water gets sucked into the walls from the ground and festers. In some cases, our expert plasterers can help manage the issues with the wall, while our painters can help restore the look of the wall with rising damp. In more serious cases, you’ll have to consult a rising damp expert.

What should I know before calling?

Tell us what kind of look you’re going for so that we can quote you an accurate price.Some kinds of finishing require different kinds of surface preparation, so let us know ahead of time so that we can help you achieve the look you want.

What should I do before the painters arrive?

Talk to us:Let us know a few days in advance what kind of colour and finish you’re looking for. Check that all of the agreed upon services are in your quote to avoid surprises. If you have questions about what kind of preparation needs to be done, just ask! Make sure that the colours in the quote are accurate, since changing the colour right before the job can sometimes change the price (this is because different colours require different levels of preparation). Together, we can develop a work plan that helps us avoid any disruptions to your routine. Clear the room: Clear the room to be painted as much as you can. You can move small items out of the room to be painted, and move larger furniture away from the walls. Any large item that attaches to the wall should be removed, such as curtains, blinds, rods, and paintings. Small fittings and brackets can stay on the wall. For questions about exterior painting, please see the Exterior Painting Q and A page.