If you’ve only ever gone the DIY route when a home paint job needs to be done, you’re probably unsure about what to expect when hiring an expert.
Nobody can do a cleaner job than a professional painter, so it makes sense if you want to keep your own paintbrushes in the cupboard and leave the job to someone who does this for a living. But how is hiring a pro different from doing it yourself, aside from the obvious? What do you need to prepare, what does the painting process look like, and what are the benefits? Here’s everything you should know.
- Initial Consultation and Quote
With most professionals, the hiring experience will start with an initial consultation. During this, a painter will visit your home and check out the area that needs to be painted. This gives them the chance to identify any prep work that they’ll need to do before painting. They’ll also discuss your color options and finishes, to make sure they’re able to achieve your project goals.
The best professional painting companies, like Pemco Painting, offer estimates for free. You just schedule an appointment online, get the inspection, and receive the estimate (both for the cost and project timeline) within the next day or two.
- Preparation Before Painting Begins
Once you’ve booked a painter, they might ask that you do some basic prep before they arrive (like moving furniture away from the walls or, ideally, into another room).
Professional painters have their own methods of protecting your furniture, too, so they’ll cover up anything that can’t be moved during their prep. They’ll also tape edges and repair cracks or holes, as well as sanding the surface when necessary. This painting prep work usually takes under an hour and is a big part of achieving a high-quality finish.
- The Painting Process
There’s usually a standard sequence that a professional painter follows when painting a home, regardless of what the job entails. This will typically include priming (if needed), applying several coats, and using sealants (depending on the job) to protect the surface.
Even if you’ve done quite a bit of painting over the years, your technique is unlikely to be as polished as a professional who does it every day. Painting pros can achieve a level of smoothness and quality coverage that you’ll struggle to replicate.
- Clean-Up and Final Walkthrough
Finally, when the job is done, your painter will clean up their tools, remove any protective coverings from your furniture, vacuum or mop up any mess, and leave your space ready to use. This is where hiring a reputable painter is important, as you want someone you can trust to clean up properly once they’re finished.
Your painter will also walk you through the finished work and check that you’re satisfied. You don’t want to be nitpicky for the sake of it here, but make sure to address any touch-ups now rather than several days after the project is completed.
