FAQ
FAQS
Hi, I’m Ken Hunter, owner of Tru Colors Custom Painting on Whidbey Island.
With 33+ years of experience and accumulated knowledge of painting issues, I’ve likely seen most every problem that comes up with commercial and residential painting.
I want your finished project to meet the highest standards of quality in both materials, and workmanship.
Here are some questions I’m frequently asked, and my answers based on first hand observations and research. I hope these will help you understand some of the often unknown, yet critical aspects of getting a job done that looks good today and will still look good for years to come.
Q. Is it hard to get the green or black stuff off the outside of my house?
A. No, most painters have a product that will kill the spores and remove the mildew. It is usually sprayed on the house, then power washed off leaving the home clean and ready for prep work.
Q. I have a lot of plants and shrubs near my walls. Is this an issue in regard to painting?
Q. I have a lot of plants and shrubs near my walls. Is this an issue in regard to painting?
A. Any pest control company will tell you “never let any plant or tree touch your home” because bugs and vermin use them for a highway into your home! In regard to painting, we need to be able to squeeze between your home and your plants. We also recommend a home have some breathing room for maintenance reasons.
Q. I have some rotten wood on my home and getting a separate contractor out to fix it can be difficult. Whatshould I do?
A. Some painting companies have carpenters on their crews that can do the work for you and save you the hassle of delayed painting. In our case, we have more than one painter who has extensive carpentry experience.
Q. I hate being sealed in my house. Do you have to mask it all before painting?
A. No. In most cases we only mask the areas we plan on painting that day, and remove the masking as soon as possible.
Q. Is there much difference between brands of paint when it comes to quality?
Q. Is there much difference between brands of paint when it comes to quality?
A. Yes, there is, but the quality of paints has come a long way in recent years. What most people don’t know it that every major brand has different levels of paint to meet your budget. I explain exterior paint like this… do you want 10 years of paint life, or 15? The next level is 25 years and the higher levels are 50 year lifetime paint. We use a lot of the 50-year level due in part to the durability and resistance to fading or oxidation.
Q. Once I pay for an exterior house painting, what can I do to make it last?
A. The biggest secret to keeping your paint looking great is one not generally known or understood by the public .…. wash your house! Yes, that’s right, just take a garden hose and rinse your home at least once a year, twice is better. When you do that, you’re removing things like pollen, salt, dust, bug debris and bird droppings. All of these things magnify the effects of UV damage and cause your paint to prematurely age. You wash your car to keep it looking good, why not your house? No need to power wash, just a good nozzle on your garden hose will normally do the trick.
Q. I want to know more about paint quality, and the type of paint I should use on a project. How do I find the right paint for my application, such as exterior, interior, cabinets and trim?
A. Most companies will have a store manager, or even a paint rep that you can contact and get real answers and recommendations for your projects. I don’t always agree with everyone working the counters at the paint stores because they don’t have as much experience as the painting rep. In most cases you can get a reliable answer on basic questions, but remember one thing, they need to sell their products. Paint reps are more focused on solutions. Your local pro painter should be able to provide information that is current and accurate too. It's ok to get more than one opinion on technical projects.
Q. I want to paint my cedar siding, and I have a nice color picked out. Is this ok?
A. Cedar contains a natural oil called tannin. If you put on a nice glossy paint, these tannins will probably bubble and ruin your paint job. I recommend a product called Woodscapes, a solid color exterior stain. It’s one of the highest rated stains for longevity and performance, and can be matched to your favorite color. Woodscapes looks like paint but it breathes better than regular paint.
Q. Should I buy my own paint? It’s on sale, and I want to save some money!
A. I do not recommend it. Count on your painting contractor to get you a deal and the right product for your job. Most people buy the wrong grade of paint or the wrong sheen. We do color matching and save you repeated trips to the paint store. We also make sure you have some paint left over for future touch ups. The paint we use from Sherwin Williams for your project will be registered and on file for 10 years!
Q. I realize that there are only 92 days of summer and everyone seems to be booked up. When should I callfor a bid?
A. Call as soon as you decide to have painting done. The best time for an exterior bid is in the late fall , winter and early spring. Usually by February, most of the painting calendar is full.
Q. I
just bought a house and we are
closing in 3-4 weeks. How do I find a painter on such short notice?
A. We try to keep openings for emergency interior paint jobs. We work with many of the local Realtors and try to keep some time for people who need to move soon. Call us, and if we cannot fit you in, we will recommend options to try and help you get your needs met.
I hope this information has answered some of your questions. These recommendations are based on over 33 years of painting experience, and are provided to help you have success with your painting projects. If you have additional questions, please call us. We're happy to help!
Sincerely,
Ken Hunter
Owner, Tru Colors Custom Painting