Ask A Pro

Tips by Tim Perryman

If you have questions about products, surface preparation, equipment, or anything else painting-related, ask Tim Perryman! With over 18 years in the painting business, there are few problems he has not faced. Check below to see our most frequently asked questions and articles that I've written and supported.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What should I look for in a good painting company?
• What is involved in exterior surface preparations?
• What kinds of paint should I use?
• How do I choose attractive paint colors?
• How many gallons will it take to paint my house?

Articles By Tim Perryman

• Proper Info, Prep, Tools Help Paint Job Go Easy
• Kidproofing the Woodwork
• Treating, Preventing Mold Requires Effort

What should I look for in a good painting company?

A reputable company will have no problem answering these questions:

• Do you have a state contactors license?
• Do you have any complaints filed against you?
• Do you carry both Worker's Compensation and Business Liability Insurance? (This is in case of damage to your property or your neighbors)
• How long have you been in business?
• Do you have any references I can contact?
• Do you use Journeymen painters with years of experience?
• Do you use a professional bid package?
• Do you warranty both materials and labor?
• Are you a member of any professional association?

Also find out if they arrive on time - is the quote delivered in a timely manner? Finally, can you trust them with your most valuable asset - your home?

What is involved in exterior surface preparations?

We always power wash to clean the house. This ensures good adhesion and removes loose dirt and peeling paint. We can also use a special tool that feathers in edges where paint was peeling and apply a prime coat to any raw wood. This works great for older homes that have not been maintained well.

The amount of caulking depends on what you are looking for. Caulking is mainly for cosmetic purposes and should not be depended upon for stopping leaks as it is only a temporary fix. If you have a leak problem, find the source and fix it. We offer all the caulking your heart desires. It can make the difference between a good looking job and a great one!.

We also use a special elastometric patch for cracks in stucco to prevent them for reappearing. We completely cover all windows and any surfaces that are not to be painted. Finally, we cover the perimeter of the home with drop cloths. The house is now ready to paint.

What kinds of paint should I use?

Material costs only make 15 to 20% of the total price of a paint job. So this is not a good place to skimp to save money. We only use top quality paints. We offer warranties of 5 to 10 years depending on the brand of paint we use.

Nowadays, everyone wants to know about Elastomeric paints. Elastomerics first hit the market about 20 years ago and was a niche market for a very few manufacturers. It was originally designed for its water proofing properties on plaster and concrete buildings. It was not recommended for wood surfaces. Today, just about all manufacturers make their own Elastomerics and have engineered it for use on wood surfaces. It is much thicker than the standard Acrylic paints normally used on homes, so fills cracks and voids very well. It also has an elongation property that allows the paint film to flex as opposed to the rigid properties of acrylics paints. The new elastomerics are ideal for any home.

Some of our clients prefer lo-sheen or semi-gloss enamels because they are easier to keep clean. Just remember enamel should not hold up any longer than flat paints. In fact, we have had more warranty related problems with enamels than we have with flat. I only recommend using enamels on doors and wood windows. Remember, the higher the gloss the more you will notice imperfections in the surface.

How do I choose attractive paint colors?

On interior paint jobs, people want more bold colors than we ever used in the past. It can be challenging coming up with just the right color. Tim Perryman has a keen sense of color and can help you pick the right color to go with the other decor in your home. Flooring, tile, furniture, and art work all need to tie in with your paint color selections. It is very easy to pick the wrong ones. It makes no sense leaving your color selections to the amateurs. If you use Perryman Painting, we will help you make the right selections.

We take pride in helping you select colors that will make your home look distinctively attractive while fitting in with your surrounding neighborhood. Many people don't realize that colors often reflect styles. That's why Terra Cotta, which looks great on a Spanish style home, can look goofy on a contemporary house. Having painted hundreds and hundreds of homes, we know colors and combinations that you won't find anywhere else in your neighborhood. Friends and even passersby will stop and compliment your home!

How many gallons will it take to paint my house?

Paint quantities are figured by the square footage of the surface area of your home. Paint will cover 200-350 square feet per gallon, depending on how rough the surface is. Smooth lap siding takes less paint than textured stucco or vertical T-I-11 siding. An average 1,700 square foot single story house will take 25-30 gallons for the body and 3 to 4 gallons for trim.

Again, this is not a good area to skimp to save money. The amount of paint used will directly effect how long it will last. We always put 2 coats on all surfaces and never thin the paint with water. We also back roll rough surfaces like stucco or rough sawn wood, as this forces paint into the cracks and crevices.

Tim Perryman is President of Perryman Painting, Inc.; He specializes in residential repaints (interior and exterior), new custom homes, and commercial projects. Perryman Painting, Inc. is a member of the following professional associations: