What separates the best painting contractors from their competitors? Part of the answer is that they know quality isn’t subjective. They’re very intentional about their work and have systems to make sure it gets done right.
One guide that helps these pros create a picture-perfect finish—no splatters, no brush or roller marks, no thin spots—is written standards from the Painting Contractors Association. These standards define specific quality issues such as how far from the wall surface a blemish can be visible under certain lighting conditions.
In fact, the best pros treat these standards as minimums. “Our painters follow PCA standards but most of the time their work quality is actually better,” says Ben Gebhardt, CEO of Blue Sound Construction, a builder/remodeler in Seattle. Gebhardt has built $750,000 homes where the interior painting (walls, ceilings and trim) cost $37,000. That’s 5% of the total budget. When paying that much money, homeowners naturally expect the work to be flawless.
To help homeowners understand what goes into a quality paint job–and to justify the cost–it is best to educate them about a professional painter’s attention to detail:
They don’t rush
A skilled pro knows that when a crew applies paint too quickly, the result will be paint problems and callbacks. “Our painters are highly skilled and extremely fussy,” says Gephardt. “They spend an incredible amount of time caulking, filling and priming, then caulking and filling again.” If it’s a spray-on finish, they will also spend lots of time masking. They don’t rush the work but take great pains to ensure everything is perfect.”
They use the right tools
A painting contractor who invests in quality tools and uses the right tool for the type of paint and the surface will always provide a superior result. This eliminates issues such as spattering or brush and roller marks.
They use quality paints
Pros also know which paints will earn their keep in specific areas. Behr’s Ultra Scuff Defense is a durable, flat finish interior paint that protects against scuff marks and burnishing. It can achieve a modern, flat look with the protection needed for high traffic areas.
The payoff for the pro’s high standards and attention to detail will be an interior paint job that retains its beauty for years to come. Ultimately, that’s what homeowners expect for their investment. For more information about interior paint that won’t compromise quality or durability for aesthetic excellence, visit behrpro.com.
