Three Things to Know About the First Day of Painting

12 Dec Three Things to Know About the First Day of Painting

Do you know what to expect the first day painters arrive at your home? If you’ve hired Home Works Painting, you can expect a lot, including quality work and exceptional customer service.

Here are three things to know about the first day of your project:

Point Person

Open communication and transparency are essential elements of our customer service philosophy. We assign a crew chief to every crew who will introduce themself on the first day. They are your point person throughout your project to answer any questions. From the first day, you will have their contact information if you need to reach them after hours.

Crew

Two to five crew members will be assigned to your project. The number assigned depends on the scope and complexity of the work. For example, a three to four thousand square feet home would require four to five crew members. A smaller project would require fewer crew members.

Work

Your crew will arrive between eight and nine a.m. and stay until about 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. each day. They will clean up at the end of each day. Before they begin working on the project, they will know the scope of the work and what they need to do. And before they start painting, they will prepare the area by covering furniture, floors, etc. They will also prepare surfaces properly before applying paint. The prep part of the project is key to a great paint job, and we don’t believe in skimping on this process.

Grade Us

At the end of your project, your crew chief will hand you a self-addressed, pre-stamped report card. We ask our customers to fill it out and drop it in the mail. We want you to grade us and let us know what you think, good or bad. We want to ensure our clients are happy and that we’re providing the best service possible. We’re always open to feedback!

If you would like us to provide a free, no-obligation estimate on a project, please get in touch with us to schedule.

FAQ

1. What should I do to prepare my home before the painters arrive?

Before the first day of painting, it’s important to clear the painting area as much as possible. Remove small furniture, décor, and fragile items from the space. Cover floors and any remaining furniture with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect them from paint splatters. Use painter’s tape to mask off edges, trim, and fixtures for a clean finish.

2. Why is surface preparation so important before painting starts

Proper surface preparation ensures the paint adheres well and lasts longer. This involves cleaning the walls to remove dust and grease, repairing any holes or cracks, and sanding rough areas. Well-prepped surfaces help achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish and prevent issues like peeling or uneven coverage.

3. Do I need to use primer on the first day of painting?

Priming is often a crucial step, especially if you’re painting over repaired areas, making major color changes, or working with porous surfaces like new drywall or bare wood. Primer helps the paint adhere better, covers stains, and creates a uniform base for the topcoat, resulting in a more durable and attractive finish.

4. How do I choose the right paint and tools for my project

Select paint that is suitable for the specific surface and room you’re painting. Consider factors like color, finish, and whether the paint is meant for interior or exterior use. Use quality brushes and rollers, and make sure to pre-wash rollers to remove loose fibers that could affect the final look.

5. What safety precautions should I take on the first day of painting?

Ensure the area is well-ventilated and use appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and safety glasses. If you need to reach high places, use extension poles or platform ladders instead of overextending on a standard ladder. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for paint application and storage.

Mike Katounas

Mike Katounas is the owner of Home Works Painting, a painting business in Northern Virginia. He has over 15 years of experience in residential interior and exterior painting, drywall installation/repair, carpentry, wallpaper removal, power washing, commercial painting, color consultation, and staining/sealing. Their service areas include Chantilly, Fairfax, Herndon, Oakton, Reston. Mike takes pride in his work, and he always follows a strict code of conduct that includes the use of quality paint, a clean workspace, and an honest, respectful approach to his customers.