Frequently Asked Questions
Answers About Our Painting, Maintenance & Repair Services
Hiring professional painters for your home or business can provide many benefits, but not everyone is sold on this idea and prefer to tackle these jobs themselves. When it comes to routine maintenance and home and business repairs, hiring a professional team is the only way to ensure you get the right fix – and a lasting one.
Painter Bros offers residential and commercial painting, maintenance, and so much more. If you have a project on your hands, take some time to learn more about us and how we can assist you. We’ve provided answers to some of the most common questions we receive. Read through them and then contact your local Painter Bros team to request a free estimate.
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Commercial Painting
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What kind of wood finish should I use?
The type of wood finish you use all comes down to your preferences and requirements. To help you answer this question, here are a few things to consider:
- Are you looking for hardwood or softwood finishes?
- Is the wood placed in the interior or exterior of the building?
- Is it new or old wood?
- Is it treated or bare wood?
- What kind of sheen is needed: satin, matte, or gloss?
Once you answer these questions, you should be able to determine the best wood finish to use.
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How much value will be added to my property by painting the exterior?Painting the exterior of your property will improve its appearance. Paint allows buyers and sellers to express themselves, potentially increasing property value.
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How do you make sure the exterior paint job will last?Painting the exterior of a building can last for years. Prep the surface properly and use exterior paint to extend the finish’s life.
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What are the best colors and finishes to use by exterior commercial painters?Any color is possible, as long as it is a durable paint finish. Whatever you choose will need to be approved by the building inspector.
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What wood finish is waterproof?If you’re looking to make wood waterproof, you can choose between varnish, lacquer, or polyurethane as your options.
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What kind of paint should be used for the exterior of my business?Almost any exterior paint can be used to paint your business. Depending on the environment, you should use oil-based or acrylic paint.
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How often should I paint the exterior of my business?Experts say you should paint every five to ten years, depending on your location, climate, and paint job. Remember that each surface is unique.
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How do you get metallic finish on walls?
To achieve a metallic look, this will require the right materials when painting a room. This will include the following:
- Tarps
- Spackling
- Paint rollers
- Paintbrushes
- Paint trays
- Painter’s tape
- Primer
- Stir sticks
- Metallic paint
- Paint extender
- Rugs
Step 1: You will need to place the tarps appropriately and patch any areas of the wall in need of spackling. Be sure to prepare the wall by using your primer.
Step 2: Because lap lines can be more obvious on metallic paint, add an extender to lengthen the time for the paint to dry. This will allow you to smoothen any lap lines.
Step 3: Paint the wall as you usually would, using rollers to cover big areas, while paint brushes can help to cut the corners and edges of the wall.
Step 4: Use rollers to smooth out lap lines — remember to roll in one direction only and to start at the base of the wall going upward.
Step 5: Repeat this process for other walls inside your business. -
What do I need to know about interior painting?Painting an interior requires more preparation than painting an exterior, especially for a commercial business. Any equipment and furniture that is near the desired painting area must be moved and surfaces must be protected to ensure your operation is not affected by the job.
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What is an industrial finish?
This refers to a wide range of processes that are applied to enhance the functions or aesthetics of a product. Compared to other kinds of finishes, industrial processes need to rely on newer technologies, equipment, or materials to ensure that they can withstand heavy usage. Moreover, industrial finishing can be used to change materials such as wood and metal.
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What is the best finish to put on a bar top?
You can go with three options:
- For a pour-on finish, choose epoxy resin, since it is the most durable of all the common finishes.
- If you’re not working in an industrial setting, and want a spray-on option, choose conversion garnish.
- For a brushed-on finish, choose oil-based polyurethane since it’s much more durable compared to water-based polyurethane.
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How do I get a high-quality finish on concrete?
If you’re looking for a high-quality finish on concrete, there are things you need to prepare before you pour it on your preferred surface. Here are a few tools you’ll need for the job:
- A straight board or screed
- A come-along or square shovel
- An edging tool
- A darby or bull float
- A Fresno or steel trowel
- A concrete groover
When you have all the tools needed, here are quick steps to a quality finish on concrete:
Spreading the concrete: Using your square shovel, push and pull the concrete into the desired areas.
Screeding the concrete: Remove any excess concrete and use a straight board or screed to bring the concrete’s surface to proper grade.
Floating the surface: To fill voids and fill ridges, use a darby to slightly embed the aggregate.
Edging the slab: When all the bleed water is gone, make clean round edges around the perimeter of the slab with an edger.
Grooving in the joints: Use a grooving tool to prevent unwanted cracks.
Troweling the surface: If you want a broom finish, you can skip this step. But if you’re looking for a hard, smooth, and dense surface, use a Fresno to trowel the surface.
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How long does a good interior paint job last?Depending on the climate, an interior commercial paint job will typically last 5 to 10 years. Because interior painting is frequently done in high-traffic areas, the coating utilized must be durable enough to withstand wear and tear.
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What finishes can be used for industrial businesses?
There is a wide range of finishes that can be used for industrial businesses. Here are some of the most commonly used options:
- Satin: Satin paint finishes are popular because they are easy to clean. However, while it can hold up against wear and tear, it won’t be able to take much scrubbing and heavy cleaning. As such, it can be a problem for industrial buildings and warehouses that need regular cleaning.
- Semi-gloss: Semi-gloss paint finishes provide a subtle shine, making them popular for both industrial and commercial settings. It goes well with moldings and can hold up against heavy scrubbing and cleaning, which is why it’s used in areas that demand top durability.
- High gloss: For areas that suffer the most wear and tear, it’s best to use high-gloss paint finishes. It’s not only stain-resistant but it also holds up against heavy-duty scrubbing and cleaning. It is a great choice for industrial buildings and warehouses that get a lot of traffic.
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What is the best sheen for office walls?You can choose from eggshell, flat, or satin paint, as any of these will work well for interior walls. However, gloss and semi-gloss paint will be suitable for use in trim and woodwork. For many businesses, we will often find that eggshell paint provides their walls with a soft glow where it is hit by the light.
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Does the exterior need to be pressure washed before painting?Yes, pressure washing is recommended before painting your exterior. This will remove dirt, dust, and debris from the surface, allowing your paint coating to stick.
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How much value will be added to my property by painting the interior?A newly painted or refurbished interior can improve its worth by 5%. Painting the interior will enhance value depending on the paint quality and how much prep work is required to remove noticeable surface damage.
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What are the best finishes to use for commercial interiors?There are a variety of finishes to choose from, depending on the function and appearance of the structure. Powder coating, for example, can give your company an industrial feel.
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What kind of paint should be used for the interior of my business?Choosing high-quality paint that will protect the building and last a long time is very important for the appearance of the interior. It will help attract customers and bring them to your establishment. The Painter Bros team members are experts, not only with application, but also with the knowledge of which paints and coatings are most appropriate for each type of surface.
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How much does it cost to paint the interior of a business?Commercial painters often charge $2-$6 per square foot or $60-$100 per hour. If your property is large, as many in this business are, you should hire a professional.
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Residential Painting
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How much does it cost to paint the interior of a home?Interior paint jobs typically cost around $1.25 per paintable square foot with Painter Bros services, while the national average is $3.50 per square foot in 2021, according to Home Advisor.
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What kind of paint should be used for the interior of my home?The most common interior paints are flat, eggshell, high-gloss, semi-gloss, and satin. The decision of which to use for each surface will vary depending on preference, but Painter Bros is prepared to make recommendations based on our expert knowledge and experience.
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What colors are in for 2022?Transcend, illuminating and ultimate gray, sap green, Aegean teal, and big cypress are just some of the colors expected to make waves in 2021 and beyond.
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How do you make sure the exterior paint job will last?Our experts employ the best practices in exterior painting. These include pressure washing to get rid of dirt, repairing damaged surfaces, and removing old and loose paint.
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What do I need to know about interior painting?Trying samples first is one of the most important things you should know about interior painting. You should never skip this step as it will help you judge how a color will look on specific surfaces or rooms in your property.
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How much value will be added to my property by painting the interior?According to a survey by HomeGain, painting the interiors of your property results in a 107% return on investment or ROI.
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How long does a good interior paint job last?As long as they are applied by expert professionals, interior paint jobs can last about five to ten years.
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How often should I paint the exterior of my home?In general, exterior surfaces need to be repainted every five to 10 years, depending on the quality of the previous paint job, the surface condition of the exterior, and weather conditions in your area.
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How much value will be added to my property by painting the exterior?According to Consumer Reports, exterior enhancements such as paint touch-ups can increase a property’s value by up to five percent. That means for every $100k of value on your home, you could be looking at an additional $5k in resale value. So, if your home is worth $200k, your property value can increase up to $210k!
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What kind of wood finish should be used for wood panel walls?Your choice of wood finish will depend on the appearance you want to achieve. If you prefer for the wood grain to be visible, pick a transparent or semi-transparent finish. If you have drywall, internal textured walls, or ceilings, or both, you’ll want to use solid paint with good coverage for the best results.
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What are the best colors and finishes to use for my home’s exterior?A number of factors can affect your color and finish options, but if you’d like a safe choice that never goes out of style, crisp white is one of the best options.
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What is the best finish for your home’s exterior walls?Making the right choice in exterior paint is critical since it protects your walls and saves a great deal of money in maintenance costs. When it comes to exteriors, there are primarily two options that make for the best wall paint finish: oil-based paints and latex exterior paints.
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What kind of paint should be used for the exterior of my home?We recommend high-gloss paint for doors and trim and gloss paint for the rest of the exterior. They add durability and make regular cleaning easier especially for surfaces that need to be washed frequently.
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How do you get a metallic finish on drywall?To apply a metallic finish on drywall, you first have to paint the wall with a base coat in a complementary color. If gold, silver, and copper metallic finishes are applied on an ivory base coat, it will lack depth and appear streaky.
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How much does it cost to paint the exterior of a home?The cost of a home exterior paint job depends primarily on the size of the surface. Our rates at Painter Bros start at $0.75 per paintable square foot, much lower than the national average, which is $3.00.
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How do I get a durable and lasting finish on a garage floor?Epoxy paint is a garage floor finish that is tough, long-lasting, and easy to keep clean. With a wide range of colors, it is as hard as concrete once it has dried.
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What is the best finish to put on kitchen cabinets?When determining what finish to use on your kitchen cabinets, the most important factor to consider is the sort of material they are built from.
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Is it cheaper to paint cabinets or replace them?The cost of repainting cabinets can be anywhere from 1/3 to ½ of the cost of replacing them. In short, painting cabinets is way cheaper than replacing them.
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What is the most popular specialty finish for bedroom walls?Sponging is the most popular and best finish for bedroom paint. Using sponges to dab wet paint creates a broken-color appearance that gives texture and character to your walls.
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Is it easier to stain or paint cabinets?It’s quicker to apply stain because you don’t need to prime any surface.
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What is the best sheen for staircases?A lacquer finish is ideal since stairs are more likely to accumulate debris, dust, and stains. When it comes to cleaning, this type of finish is the better choice.
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How much does it cost to have cabinets painted?On average, you’ll have to pay around $900 to $2,100 for low-end cabinet painting services and around $3,500+ for high-end.
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What kind of finishes creates a more modern look for a home?While most modern house design ideas are minimalist, there’s plenty of potential for adding flair by combining metallic finishes with rustic or vintage countertops, cabinets, and furniture painted via antiquing, sponging, and ragging.
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What is the difference between refinishing and painting cabinets?Refinishing cabinets strips them down to make them look more natural. For example, if you have wood cabinets, refinishing will showcase their natural wood grain. On the other hand, painting cabinets involves the application of new paint to give cabinets a fresh loo
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Are cabinets worth painting?Yes, because painting cabinets is a cheaper option, gives your room a whole new look, and increases the value of your home. This option is also faster and less of an inconvenience than installing brand new cabinets.
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What is the best color to paint cabinets in a kitchen?Sky blue is a great color for kitchen cabinets because it creates an airy vibe and complements stainless steel and white accents. Brighter colors are also a popular choice for kitchen cabinets because it makes the room look and feel more cheerful. However, if you are looking at reselling your home, you may consider some of the better neutral colors for your kitchen cabinets.
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Can you paint over cabinets?Yes, especially cabinets made from metal, wood, and wood-laminate as these can be painted without difficulty.
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What paint is best for kitchen cabinets?Latex paint is best for kitchen cabinets because it dries quicker and has lower levels of volatile organic compounds. Low VOC paints reduce allergy-causing toxins indoors and reduce the concentration of contaminants.
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Do painting companies paint cabinets?Most painting companies will paint or spray your cabinets. Make sure to ask for the painting company’s complete list of services if you want to hire them to repaint your cabinet
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Government Services
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How do you find government contract painters?
You can find professional painters through Google and other online search methods. However, make sure to ask the company regarding their expertise, capabilities, and legitimacy. This can help ensure that the company is experienced and prepared to take on a government job.
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What painting companies do government facilities?
Painting companies that won a government painting contract and have become federal or state contractors take on painting jobs for the government. Both large and small businesses may be considered for painting public sector facilities and other federal contract work.
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Should I hire professional painters for a government facility?
Yes, absolutely! Government or public sector facilities are a representation of the crucial work and service that the federal, state, and local government does for its constituents. The quality of the painting work helps add credibility to the building and its workers.
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What steps do I take to hire a professional painter for a government contract?
Federal and state government departments that want to hire professionals for a government painting contract should look for experience when searching potential contractors. If conducting a search online, be sure the candidate is knowledgeable and has experience with the specific government job you are seeking bids for.
Alternatively, if you already have a company in mind for your government contract, you may reach out to them directly to set up a meeting. Make sure that the candidate companies are licensed and insured to help avoid unwanted issues with the contract work.
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Additional Commercial Services
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How many coats of paint require stripping?
One or two coats is enough, but if the wood has fine detail work, this might take three or four coats over an hour or more until most of the paint rises to the surface.
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Does restoration affect the value of painting?
Restoration does not negatively affect the value — instead, it increases its value.
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How do you remove old paint from a structure?
Heat, sanding, water blasting, and using a chemical paint stripper are all viable choices.
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What is considered paint prep?
There are several steps to achieving a flawless business paint job.
Preparing and protecting items and surfaces: Any object or surface that will not be painted should be covered or removed.
Power washing: Power washing will remove paint sagging and surface contaminants using pressurized water heated to a high temperature.
Drying: After the building is cleaned, allow several days for the surface to dry completely.
Scraping: All loose and peeling paint will need to be scraped off.
Caulking: Caulking is used to seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, pipes, ceilings, walls, and floors. It also helps the paint job look consistent. Water can enter your business if you don’t caulk these places. It’s also necessary for making the paint job appear uniform.
Priming: Priming provides superior adhesion of paint to the surface, increases paint durability, and adds additional protection for the material that is being painted.
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How do you restore concrete floors?
Regular maintenance for industrial concrete floors will improve longevity and reduce overall wear. We can use epoxy coatings to smooth the surface of a concrete floor while also protecting it. Joint fillers offer support for joints’ edges, preventing deterioration and moisture seepage.
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How do you prepare a building for painting?
Exterior painting is a time-consuming process that necessitates a lot of preparation. Here are some things you may do to get your facility in tip-top shape for painting:
- Decide on the color scheme. The color design should be accepted by everyone and settled on before material selection can begin.
- Before any paint is used, schedule a walkthrough. This is to avoid potential problems from building irregularities and identify any particular job that needs to be done before painting can start.
- Notify all of the tenants about the painting project, so they aren’t caught off-guard.
- Inform everyone about what will occur while this project is in progress. It is also a good idea to outline the schedule for specific steps in the painting process.
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Should I remove the old paint before repainting?
No, this isn’t required. It would help if you clear all of the paint that has failed. Typically, only specific locations where paint has been damaged must be removed.
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How often should a commercial building be painted?
A commercial building should receive a fresh coat of paint every five to 10 years, depending on paint quality and its maintenance.
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Commercial General Contracting
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How do you renovate a commercial building?
A commercial building takes more time than other projects because there are many factors to consider. There needs to be a solid plan in place to be sure the project is finished on time, with little-to-no disruption to your every day business. It is also crucial that you work with a remodeling contractor that has experience and is willing to partner with you to meet the expectations for your renovation project.
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What questions should you ask a general contractor?
The two most important things to ask are if they have licenses and insurance. Both assure you of quality work and financial help if a problem occurs. Without them, you could lose more than your money if the job goes south.
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What should I ask a commercial contractor?
Asking about their experience is a crucial factor in commercial work. Make sure they’ve been in the business for a while. Don’t hesitate to ask for a portfolio. Contractors who’ve been in the business for a long time have survived the challenges in the industry.
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What are the steps in a commercial renovation?
First and foremost, develop a plan for your commercial renovation process. Next, consult with contractors to get bids. Remember that a lower bid might not translate into the quality you might require for your project. After choosing the contractor you feel comfortable with, you will move toward selection of materials. Your contractor should have the relationships with vendors who can help select quality products that are right for your commercial needs. The demolition phase involves removal and disposal of any materials no longer necessary. Once that is complete, construction can begin. Finally, a thorough clean-up will take place before your freshly renovated space is ready to use.
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What should I look for in a commercial contractor?
A good contractor will always communicate with you. They’ll make time to guarantee everything is in order and will always consult you first. They also pay close attention to detail, even on large-scale projects. You’ll also want to ask for some references. Former clients will provide you more detail about the contractor and whether or not you can trust them with your remodel or renovation.
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Commercial Epoxy Floors
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How long does it take to lay epoxy?
The epoxy may take around 25 hours to lay completely. However, 48 hours is the safest bet for the epoxy to be safe to walk on since different properties may have more floor area than others. When it comes to commercial areas, consider giving epoxy 72 hours to lay before exposing it to heavy traffic.
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How long does commercial epoxy last?
Expect a two to three-year lifespan for commercial epoxy floors with proper installation. Commercial properties include factory spaces, garages, and restaurants. These areas experience a lot of foot traffic, making their floors prone to wearing. Constant wear may loosen the epoxy, eventually causing breaks and cracks on the surface.
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How long does epoxy flooring last?
Generally, epoxy flooring may last up to 20 years. However, this lifespan reduces depending on the thickness. Epoxy installers apply various amounts of epoxy for floors depending on the area. For instance, epoxy on grocery shopping floors may last up to two years due to the constant foot traffic. Meanwhile, areas with heavily loaded traffic from wheeled trolleys may require thicker applications that last up to 12 years.
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How long does it take to install an epoxy floor?
Professional services usually take one to two days to completely install commercial epoxy floor coating. Epoxy installation begins with floor assessment, which may involve repairs, removing stains, and grinding existing concrete to ensure the epoxy attaches. Grinding may take longer depending on the floor area. Contractors install epoxy after preparing the floors.
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Additional Residential Services
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How many coats of paint require stripping?For surfaces with multiple coats of paint already, it is better to use a chemical paint stripper or paint remover. This is particularly helpful if the surface has at least three or four layers of coats of old paint. A powerful chemical paint stripper can remove 8 to 10 coats of paint in one go. If you’re using fast-acting chemical paint strippers, you may need to apply the product several times to remove multiple coats of paint. If you’re using slow-acting n-methyl-pyrrolidine (NMP) paint strippers, a one-time application can soften up to nine coats of paint all at once. This may take between 8 to 12 hours, though.
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Should I remove the old paint before repainting?Not necessarily. With Painter Bros, you won’t need to hire a separate paint stripping company to remove paint. We can paint over the old layer of paint, as long as the surface is smooth and even. However, if the old paint is flaking, peeling, cracking, or bubbling, then the old paint needs to be removed first.
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How do you restore concrete floors?Concrete floor restoration is possible through painting. Applying protective sealer also gives the concrete floor better resistance to dirt and stains. However, old concrete floors with cracks, gouges, and serious stains would require complete floor refinishing or resurfacing. Applying a concrete overlay and sealer is an effective method to restore the beauty of any concrete floor.
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How do you prepare a home for painting?To ensure that the paint will be long-lasting, it is necessary to prepare the canvas — in this case, the walls of your house. Here are some of the steps we take to prepare a home for exterior painting:
- Pressure-wash the walls
- Scrape off any loose or flaking paint
- Repairing and caulking as needed
- Sanding the walls if necessary
- Lay down drop cloths and place painter’s tape
- Apply paint primer as needed
- Here are some steps unique to prepping house interiors for painting:
- Remove smaller furniture or objects, including light bulbs
- Move large furniture and objects to the center of the room
- Unscrew electrical outlets and light switch covers
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How do you remove old paint from a structure?Old paint can be removed using a chemical paint stripper. Sanding and using a paint scraper will also remove paint, although this requires more physical exertion. When using paint scrapers, it is best to use one with rounded corners to avoid gouging the walls by accident.
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How often should a home be painted?Houses generally require a fresh coat of paint every 7 to 10 years. However, this timeframe may vary depending on location, climate, house materials, and other factors. For instance, houses located near the beach may need a new paint job annually unless sealant is applied. In regions with extremely humid summers and cold winters, we recommend repainting every 5 to 7 years. Wood sidings may require repainting every 3 to 7 years, while cement fiberboard only needs a new coat of paint every 10 to 15 years.
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Does restoration affect the value of painting?No. When done properly, restoration will not cause any loss in the value of painting. Painter Bros will ensure that any restoration work on your house will not adversely affect the painting project and any other succeeding tasks.
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What is considered paint prep?
There are several steps to achieving a flawless business paint job.
Preparing and protecting items and surfaces: Any object or surface that will not be painted should be covered or removed.
Power washing: Power washing will remove paint sagging and surface contaminants using pressurized water heated to a high temperature.
Drying: After the building is cleaned, allow several days for the surface to dry completely.
Scraping: All loose and peeling paint will need to be scraped off.
Caulking: Caulking is used to seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, pipes, ceilings, walls, and floors. It also helps the paint job look consistent. Water can enter your business if you don’t caulk these places. It’s also necessary for making the paint job appear uniform.
Priming: Priming provides superior adhesion of paint to the surface, increases paint durability, and adds additional protection for the material that is being painted.
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Residential Remodeling
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When remodeling a bathroom, what comes first?Bathroom remodeling can be among the most challenging projects since many things cannot be moved. As a result, the first step for this process is putting together a proper step-by-step renovation plan so you know exactly what you are getting into and you understand your anticipated costs.
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What should you not do when remodeling a house?Here are some things you should NOT do when taking on your home remodeling project:
- Don’t begin without a clear idea of what you want to achieve
- Don’t neglect local building regulations and codes
- Don’t endanger your safety for a quicker or cheaper home remodeling project
- Don’t go overboard with your budget
- Don’t begin without a schedule.
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Is it cheaper to remodel or add on?Remodels are often less expensive than building an addition. However, this may not be the case if you’re remodeling a much older building. Average costs for expanding the footprint of your home can range anywhere from $140 to $180 per square foot.
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What are the steps of remodeling?Before you commence your home remodeling project, here is the typical order of activities:
- Planning and Design
- Demolition
- Rebuilding
- Mechanicals
- Walls
- Flooring
- Cabinets
- Appliances
- Final touches
- Clean up and Disposal
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What is the first thing to do when remodeling?Planning a home remodel entails plenty of things that need monitoring. As such, the first thing you need to do in effectively preparing for your project is to make a plan.
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What’s the difference between renovating and remodeling?When it comes to building and construction, renovating means restoring something to its original state. On the other hand, remodeling means making something new.
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Residential Epoxy Floors
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What are the disadvantages of epoxy flooring?Epoxy floors can give off strong fumes and an unpleasant smell upon application. Anyone asthmatic should take this into consideration and allow for the epoxy to dry and cure completely. Curing time can typically be anywhere from 24 to 72 hours, depending on the size of the project. It’s also important to note that epoxy floors can be slippery when wet. You should consider adding freckling or media to your epoxy floors if you expect to have young children or someone elderly using the space on a regular basis.
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Do epoxy floors require maintenance?Epoxy floors do require routine cleaning and maintenance to keep them looking good and functioning correctly. Particular floors require more or less maintenance than others, depending on their degree of wear. If your floor is not maintained correctly, it will deteriorate over time.
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How long do residential epoxy floors last?Epoxy floors typically last 10 to 20 years, but they can last even longer with proper maintenance and touch-ups. However, it is essential to note that the quality of the epoxy does affect how long your floors will remain attractive and functional.
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Is epoxy flooring good for homes?Epoxy is a solid choice for residential flooring, as it’s highly functional and protects against wear and tear. It typically doesn’t have the appearance of tile or carpeted floors, so if you’re looking for something along those lines, you might consider other options.
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