Frequently Asked Questions

Interior Painting

Q. Does someone have to be home while you are painting?

A. No. In many cases, both the husband and wife work outside of the home. We normally arrive before you leave for work, and can lock up when we leave. After checking our references, you may choose to provide our Project Foreman with a key, although we realize that some people are not comfortable doing this. If you prefer to stay in the house while we are painting, we understand and respect this decision and are not offended.

Q. What do I have to do to get ready for the painters?

A. We will move and cover all furniture. We do ask you to remove all pictures and wall hangings and move small knick-knacks and breakable items; also, empty china cabinets and bookcases so that they can be moved; as well, disconnect computers and other electronic equipment.

Q. We have drywall damage and water stains. Do you make these kinds of repairs?

A. Absolutely. These repairs, as well as repairing nail holes, and caulking the wall/trim interface are all part of proper preparation for a professional paint job.

Q. Can you help select colors?

A. We are not professional color consultants, however, we can provide you with a system that will assist you in making a choice that you will be happy with.

Q. What brand of paint do you use or recommend?

A. We recommend using a name brand. Most paint manufacturers produce three or four grades of paint. We advise using the highest grade. Remember though - the best paint in the world won't overcome poor preparation.

Q. I have several estimates and there are big differences in the prices.

A. If you get an unusually low estimate, it may be that the company does not have adequate insurance or may even be unlicensed; they could be paying cash to employees instead of incurring payroll expenses; they may be taking shortcuts with proper preparation before painting; or they simply didn't properly estimate the work to be performed.

When Crescent Painting surveys your job, we count doors and windows, measure the linear feet of trim, and measure the sq. ft. of surface that is to be painted. Through historical data, we have developed production times for the amount of work to be done and will provide you with a fair quote for a job of the highest quality. Crescent Painting is fully licensed and insured.

Q. My woodwork is painted in oil base paint. Can I change it to latex? I do not like the odor of oil base paints.

A. Yes, you can, but proper procedure must be followed to avoid paint failure. This is definitely a job for a pro. Please contact us for additional information.

Q. How much paint do I need to buy?

A. Our quote will include all materials, as well as labor.

Q. What kind of paint should I use?

A. When we come to your home to develop a Scope of Work with you, we will advise you of the types of paints and sheens, and make recommendations based upon your use of a particular room and your preferences.

Exterior Painting

Q. What will you do to avoid paint drips? The last painter dripped paint on our roof and shrubs.

A. A quality job is as much about what the paint doesn't go on as it is about what it does go on. We protect the areas around our painting with drop cloths and, if a drop of paint gets on something it shouldn't, we clean it up immediately.

Q. What brand of paint do you use or recommend?

A. We recommend using a name brand. Most paint manufacturers produce three or four grades of paint. We advise using the highest grade. Remember though - the best paint in the world won't overcome poor preparation.

Q. I saw a color, on a house, that I like. Can you find the color for me?

A. Absolutely. With today's computer matching technology, just about any color is possible.

Q. We have some rotted wood. Can you make repairs?

A. We can do minor repairs, but in most cases, it is wise to contact a carpenter. We can recommend good carpenters that we've worked with if you don't already have someone in mind.

Q. I have received several estimates, and there is a wide variance in prices. Why is that?

A. If you get an unusually low estimate, it may be that the company does not have adequate insurance or may even be unlicensed; they could be paying cash to employees instead of incurring payroll expenses; they may be taking shortcuts with proper preparation before painting; or they simply didn't properly estimate the work to be performed.

When Crescent Painting surveys your job, we count doors and windows, measure the linear feet of trim, and measure the sq. ft. of surface that is to be painted. Through historical data, we have developed production times for the amount of work to be done and will provide you with a fair quote for a job of the highest quality. Crescent Painting is fully licensed and insured.

Q. How can I tell if I have oil base or latex paint on my house?

A. We always check for paint type when providing an estimate.

Q. I have oil base paint on my house - can I change to latex?

A. Yes, you can, but proper procedure must be followed to avoid paint failure. This is definitely a job for a pro. Please contact us for additional information.

Q. Will the new paint cover mildew?

A. Never paint over mildew. It is a living organism and will grow through the new paint. We will wash your house to kill and remove mildew.

Q. How long should I wait before cleaning my windows after painting is complete?

A. Paint dries to the touch in a few hours, however, it takes longer to cure. Wait about two weeks before using any cleaning agent.