Painting
Painting prepares and coats interior or exterior surfaces with primer and paint for protection and appearance. Surface prep drives the durability of the result, and it is priced per square foot.
How painting is done
- Protect floors, furniture, and fixtures
- Clean, scrape, and sand surfaces
- Patch holes and caulk gaps
- Prime bare and stained areas
- Apply finish coats by brush, roller, or sprayer
- Remove masking and touch up
What homeowners should know
- Know that prep, not paint, determines how long the job lasts
- Confirm how many coats are included in the quote
- Ask about primer for bare, stained, or color-change areas
- For exteriors, plan around temperature and humidity
- Clarify who moves furniture and handles cleanup
Permits, timelines & things to consider
- Painting rarely needs a permit
- Surface prep and number of coats drive the per-square-foot cost
- Pre-1978 homes may require lead-safe practices for old paint
- Exterior work is weather-dependent for proper curing
- Paint grade affects durability and coverage
Frequently asked questions
How many coats of paint do I need?
Two finish coats over primer is standard; dramatic color changes or bare surfaces may need an extra coat for full coverage.
Why is surface prep so important?
Cleaning, sanding, and priming let paint bond properly, so thorough prep is what makes the finish last rather than peel early.
When can exterior painting be done?
Exterior painting needs dry, mild weather within the paint's temperature range so it cures properly; it is priced per square foot.