There are many factors that will determine the amount of paint that is used in a project, such as the type of surface being covered, the color of the existing surface, and the color of the chosen paint. A general rule is to calculate the square footage of the surfaces to be painted, and divide by the number of square feet that your selected paint indicates it can cover. For best results, call your painter.

When it comes to paint, you get what you pay for. More expensive paints have better quality ingredients, and this accounts for the difference in price. By using better ingredients (and higher priced paint), you will generally get better durability, flow, and overall quality. This will help to keep your paint in good condition for a longer time, which saves you time and money in the long run.

Water-based paints are generally easier to clean up and to use, so they are generally preferred by do-it-yourselfers. Oil-based paints are generally more expensive and usually doesn't last as long.  High quality latex paints also have better adhesion and higher resistance to bleaching and fading. However, both types of paint will do an excellent job for everyday use.

These terms indicate the sheen or gloss level, or degree of light reflectance, of the paint. Basically, these are terms that are used to describe a paint’s shininess:

High Gloss

Where to Use: Kitchen and bathroom walls, kitchen cabinets, banisters and railings, trim, furniture, door jambs and window sills.

Comments: More durable, stain-resistant and easier to wash. However, the higher the gloss, the more likely surface imperfections will be noticed.

Semi-gloss

Where to use: Kitchen and bathroom walls, hallways, children’s rooms, playrooms, doors, woodwork and trim.

Comments: More stain-resistant and easier to clean than flat paints. Better than flat for high-traffic areas.

Satin or Silk (Range overlapping eggshell and semi-gloss)

Where to use: Similar characteristics to semi-gloss and eggshell.

Comments: Similar characteristics to semi-gloss and eggshell.

Eggshell

Where to use: Can be used in place of flat paints on wall surfaces especially in halls, bathrooms and playrooms. Can be used in place of semi-gloss paints on trim for a less shiny appearance.

Comments: It resists stains better than flat paint and gives a more lustrous appearance.

Flat or Matte

Where to use: For general use on walls and ceilings. Hides surface imperfections.

Comments: Stain removal can be difficult. Use for uniform, non-reflecting appearance. Best suited for low-traffic areas.

Yes! Simply place a larger piece of pasted wall covering over the tear so that it makes an exact match with the wallcovering on the wall. Use a razor knife to double-cut through both layers around the tear. Remove the layers and then clean the exposed wall area. Re-paste the new outer piece into the area. Note: an irregular, wavy cut following the design in the wallcovering will make your cut less noticeable.

Yes! Until 1978, lead paint was commonly used in paint on the interiors and exteriors of homes. Today, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates that about 38 million homes in the US still contain some lead paint. When the paint begins to deteriorate it can contaminate a household and cause lead poisoning. Even if the paint in your home is in good condition, remodeling and renovation activities can break down paint and cause the lead to emerge. When working with lead-painted surfaces, it is important to contain any debris and clean thoroughly. People working in those areas should also take precautions to protect themselves from contacting the paint. Personal belongings including furniture should also be protected when working with lead paint. Always make remodelers and painters aware if you know your home has lead paint.

This can depend on how big your deck is! The typical range is from $500 up to $1,500. This equates to an average cost of $2 to $4 per square foot for labor and materials. Cost can increase if premium stains are used.

This is a bad idea. You want to start with a clean slate (literally), and cleaning your deck is a key step in this process. When your deck is fully cleaned, the deck stain can be applied. This will ensure that you get the best look possible.

This is a good idea, but not totally necessary. Cleaning your deck with a proper deck cleaner is the most important step, and power washing afterwards can help but is not always required. We can help provide a thorough analysis based on your current deck!

It depends on what your goals are. If you have a wood deck, staining will help seal the wood, while paint will not. With paint, however, you have more color options and it’s also thicker than stain, so it may require less coats.