Call / Text: (623) 764-1190 Email: info@tgapainting.com
General Paint Information
The main purpose of paint is to protect. Aesthetics is secondary. Paint protects metal from rusting, wood from water damage and drying out. Paint also helps stop water absorption into stucco which can promote damage from sulfate attack.
How often should you paint? The answer is twofold. One, when it begins to chalk and no longer repels water or otherwise fails. Two, aesthetics, when the color has faded or a new color is desired.
How long does paint last? The answer varies greatly. Cheap paint not very long, it might start to fade and chalk at 2 years or less. Higher end paints last much longer. Color is also a big factor. Dark colors fade faster than lighter ones. Certain colors (red for example and colors made with red) fade faster as they do not hold up to sunlight (UV).
Do not confuse brand names with products. Someone may tell you they are going to use brand x. You recognize the brand and think you’re getting quality. In reality they are going to use brand x’s lowest grade paint. The cost of paint can differ quite a bit and may explain differences in quotes and estimates.
What type of paint to use? House paints are pretty much all water based these days. T.G.A. Painting recommends higher end 100% acrylic paint. Paint can be very confusing. There are different types of acrylic resin. For example, vinyl acrylic is a lower grade resin vs. 100% acrylic. But not all 100% acrylic paint is high end. The word latex is a very generic term too.
What sheen to use? Sheen is how shiny (glossy) or dull paint is. Typically the higher the sheen the more durable the paint. Gloss levels vary from manufacture to manufacturer and product to product. Flat in one product may be glossier than flat in another product. Typical exterior walls are flat, doors eggshell to semi-gloss. Typical interior walls flat to eggshell, ceilings flat, trim and doors semi-gloss but this is just typical it can be done all different ways.
Why do paint quotes vary so much? Quality of paint as discussed above can be a factor. Paint cost aside consider this example:
Company A is going to power wash the house properly, remove window screens so they can mask more precisely, caulk gaps, fix open cracks, etc. Then apply 2-coats of paint. Investing 40 hours of labor.
Company B is going to spray water at the house and call that power washing, attempt to mask around screens, which results in overspray on window frames. Leave gaps un-caulked and not repair cracks. Then apply a thin coat of paint. Investing 32 hours of labor.
Prep and repairs can take a lot of time. It is easy to see how company B is cheaper especially if they use lower quality paint. Many home owners are unaware of issues that should be addressed. Take a look at the why use us page.
If you need help or have any questions contact T.G.A.
