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Frequently asked
questions....
Before hiring Paint Tech Custom Finishes, Inc. as your
painting contractor, you will undoubtedly have questions. Below, we have
compiled many of the questions most frequently asked of us. We hope that
we have anticipated many of your questions; but, if not, we hope you
will not hesitate to contact us so that we can
help you.
Q: How long have you been in business?
A: Paint Tech Custom Finishes, Inc. has been in
business since 1999.
Q: Are you licensed &
insured?
A: Yes. We have hold a valid St. Johns County
Contractors License, Workers Compensation Insurance and a General
Liability Policy.
Q: Do you have references?
A: Yes, our references our available upon
request. You can also view testimonials sent
to us by our some of our customers.
Q: What are your normal hours
of operation?
A: Business Hours: Our typical day is 7:00am to
6:00pm. Our painters will usually be at the client's house/business by
7:30 am. We are also available to work evenings and weekends depending
on the client's schedule and needs. We try to meet all residential,
commercial and institution's schedules as much as possible.
Q: How many painters can I
expect on my job?
A: The average job will require one to two
painters. Larger jobs may have three to six painters.
Q: Will you complete my job
in a timely manner without interruption?
A: Yes. We schedule each job to be completed in
consecutive days, on exterior jobs if weather permits.
Q: Is paint included in the
proposal price?
A: Yes. All materials required for your project
are included unless otherwise stated.
Q: What kind of
warranty/guarantee do I receive?
A: Paint Tech Custom Finishes, Inc.
warrants interior and exterior work for period three years against
peeling, cracking, blistering, excessive fading and excessive wear. The
specific terms and conditions of your project will be specified on a
written warranty. Warranties cover labor only as the material
manufacturers warranty will cover material defects. Flooring, driveways,
and surfaces that will have vehicular traffic are not covered by the
Paint Tech Custom Finishes, Inc. labor warranty.
Q: Do you do interior and exterior painting?
A: Yes. Among our list of services, we also
offer wallpaper removal, drywall textures, residential, commercial and
industrial pressure washing, wood and concrete staining and sealing, and
decorative / faux finishes.
Q: When is it necessary to
use a primer?
A: Wood will usually require an enamel undercoat
which will seal the pores of the wood and promote topcoat adhesion with
minimal lifting of the grain. Other woods, containing extractives, cause
stains which can be avoided by using a primer with stain-sealing
capabilities. Drywall or plaster may use either a simple primer that
equalizes the porosity of the surface to promote uniform paint results
or a stain sealer to cover water damage and other stains. A bonding
primer, designed for surfaces where adhesion may be difficult to create
(previously painted surfaces where inter-coat compatibility results in
excess chalking), should be used in these cases. Stucco does not need a
primer though there are 100% acrylic self-primers available.
Q: What kinds of paints
should be used?
A: Basically, there are latex
(water-based) and alkyd (oil-based) paints. The former is used on wood,
stucco and concrete; the latter on metal and utility doors. Acrylics,
which are bonders, are added to latex. The higher the percentage of
acrylic the higher the quality of the latex and the higher will be the
price of the paint. We regularly use the best quality paints from
Sherwin-Williams, Color Wheel, MAB, and Duron. Which company we use on
your project is determined by (a) Customer preference, (b) Type of work
to be done and (c) Desired warranty.
Q: What is the difference
between a flat, semi-gloss, satin, and eggshell finish?
A: 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 paints shininess.
Finish
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
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.
Matte Same characteristics as flat.
Q: If our home has rotted
wood or other carpentry needs, can you make these repairs?
A: Not at this time. We are currently obtaining
the proper licenses and will be light carpentry and trim carpentry
services in the near future. We do however have a great working
relationship with many fine carpenters who can make all types of repairs
and home improvements.
Q: How will my personal
property be protected from paint?
A: On interiors, after you have removed your
personal items all areas or items remaining will be covered with clean
drop cloths or plastic. On exteriors: For plants and bushes, it is
essential to use lightweight drop cloths but to remove them each
afternoon. Saw horses can be used to prevent drop cloths from crushing
extremely fragile plants. Painters need to be trained in the use of
ladders and their placement to avoid damaging flowers and shrubs. It is
always best to have the landscaper cut back bushes and trees prior to
painting.
Q: What about cleanup?
A: Paint Tech Custom Finishes, Inc. removes all
trash and if necessary, equipment from the job sites. We strive to have
the house look the same as when we first arrived, except for the color
changes of course.
Q: How will the paint on my
project be applied?
A: Our painters uses brushes, rollers, and spray
equipment. The method of application is determined on a job-to-job basis
by (a) customer preference (b) required efficiency (c) nature of the
project and (d) location of the project.
Q: Can I get help with color
selection?
A: We would be happy to spend the time it takes
to assist you with and make sure you are completely satisfied with your
color selections.
General Questions
Q: When I get different bids
from several companies, they are never the same, some high, some low.
Why?
A: The cost of a job is usually determined by
the level of thoroughness, attention to detail, and quality desired. For
example, it costs more to properly prepare a surface for painting than
to give it the quick once over. We would be happy to review, in detail,
our calculations for your project so you can make a fair comparison with
other bids.
Q: Is there any other reason
why I should not regularly choose the low bidder?
A: Any painter can start a job. It takes a
professional with the proper budget to purchase the best materials, pay
his overhead and leave with a satisfied customer. Most likely the low
bidder won't be around when there are complications or you need customer
service.
Q: What kind of a painting
maintenance program do you recommend?
A: On a regular basis, but no less than every
six months, walk your property looking for dry-rot, cracks in the
stucco, water penetration, rusting iron and chalking. Once a year have
your home pressure cleaned to remove the accumulation of surface dirt.
It's a good idea to have your window washer scheduled for the same day
if you have hard water.
Q: Our wood decks have turned grey,
some to black, and some of the wood is cracking. What should we do?
A First, the graying of the wood is a natural
process as the wood ages. You can have the deck pressure-washed
professionally, using a commercial deck cleaner. The blackened areas are
usually a combination of mildew and decayed wood that must be removed
with the cleaning. Cleaners are available that will clean and brighten
the surface and clean the mildew. Drum sanding is an excellent way to
restore a clean and level surface.
If your deck was never treated with a water-repellent, the wood absorbs
the moisture and this coupled with expansion and contraction due to
temperature changes causes cracking. The deck must be treated with a
water-repellent. A pigmented water-repellent will last longer than a
clear water-repellent.
Q: What is back-rolling and
when should this technique be used?
A: Back rolling is going back over surfaces that
have been spray-painted to close pinholes or ensure evenness.
Back-rolling also ensures that the paint will touch up.
Q: When is it appropriate to
use elastomerics?
A: Elastomeric coatings are uniquely formulated
to stretch and bridge cracks that may form due to movement that can
occur despite the hardness and strength of stucco. In addition,
elastomeric wall coatings can prevent water intrusion by literally
shrink-wrapping your building. Any home that has been remodeled or had
windows replaced is a likely candidate for elastomeric coatings.
Q: How long should interior
and exterior paint jobs last and is the duration different for wood,
stucco and iron with respect to exteriors?
A: In the case of interior walls, every time
there is a change in ownership or 8 to 10 years because of pictures,
nail holes and general wear and tear. Exteriors: stucco, wood and iron
will last approximately 10, 5 and 2 years, respectively.
Q: What are the steps in
preparing the exterior of a building for painting?
A: 10 steps to a quality paint job.
1. If your building doesn't have a weep screed the painter should trench
dirt away from the foundation so that the paint begins 3 inches below
the surface; otherwise, you may expect peeling imminently.
2. Pressure clean to remove dirt, dust and contaminants from the
surfaces. Use the chemical injection attachment to inject a mild
solution of T.S.P. and household bleach
3. Scrape all remaining loose paint and sand as necessary.
4. Repair all damaged areas with appropriate repair materials. For
severely damaged areas your painter may recommend replacement or
restoration with epoxy type materials or with the service of an
additional service trade such as a carpenter.
5. If mildew was present have your painter add mildicide treatment to
the paint. This will retard any fungus or mildew growth
6. Caulk all open joints that pertain to keeping the home weather-proof.
Discuss any additional aesthetic caulking that you desire with your
painter prior to commencement of work
7. Mask all fixtures and protect all critical areas with drop-cloths or
painters plastic..
8. Prime all repaired areas, this will seal the surface and ensure
proper adhesion.
9. Apply one or two finish coats. One finish coat is sufficient when you
are keeping the same color. Otherwise two finish coats is always
recommended when changing to a new color.
10. Clean up, label all paints with color name and location used, and
remove all trash.
Q: How can I tell if I need
to repaint?
A: There are some simple tell-tale signs to look
for.
Interior Painting Test
Thinking about painting in your home? Here are some questions to ask.
Would you like to be able to wash dirt and marks off your walls and
trim?
Do you look at your walls and wonder why you picked that color?
Have you replaced furniture, window treatments or artwork since your
last paint job?
Has your home settled and caused cracks, gaps, or 'nail pops' in the
drywall?
Are you just tired of looking at the same old walls?
Exterior Painting Test
Do you need to repaint the exterior of your home? Here's how to know.
Can you see bare masonry or wood?
Is paint peeling or cracking?
If you rub your finger on the surface, do you see chalky residue?
Are there gaps or cracks in the caulking around windows, door and
trim?
Would you like your painted surfaces to be easily washable?
Q: How do I choose the best colors for my
interior or exterior paint?
A: Choosing colors is a personal option, and
there are a few good ways to go about choosing the best colors for your
home. View our How To Section for further
details.
Q: Does it really matter
whether I buy the expensive paint or a less expensive one?
A: 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,
color retention 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.
Q: Is lead paint really a concern for me and
my family?
A: 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 your painters aware
if you know your home has lead paint.
Serving: St. Augustine Florida, St. Augustine Beach
Florida, Ponte Vedra Florida, Historical St. Augustine Florida, Town of
Nocatee Florida, Elkton Florida, Jacksonville Florida, Green Cove
Springs Florida, Fruit Cove Florida, World Golf Village, Vilano Beach
Florida
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Northeast Florida's
Premier Painting Contractor
Licensed - Insured
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