Painting the exterior of a home can be extremely dangerous without proper training. A professional like Painters Cincinnati have the experience to work safely and efficiently and will finish the job quickly.
An experienced house painter should have a foreman inspect the work to ensure it meets company standards. They should also offer a warranty to protect you against any issues with the paint job.
Whether you’re having professional home painters do an exterior repaint or tackling the task yourself, proper surface preparation is key. Taking the time to wash, sand and scrape will ensure strong paint adhesion, a long-lasting finish, and minimal flaws. The right preparation can mean the difference between a paint job that lasts a decade and one that looks like it was applied just a few years ago.
Begin your prep by removing smaller objects, like furniture and wall hangings, from the area to be painted. Any items you can’t move should be covered with a plastic tarp or canvas drop cloth to keep them safe from spills and drips. Move any larger objects to the center of the room or out of the way, and take care to cover outlets and light switches to prevent them from getting splattered with paint.
Next, sand and scrape away any old paint that is still on the house. Using an electric sander or a power scraper, make sure to remove as much as you can so the new coat of paint will adhere properly. After sanding and scraping, thoroughly wash the surface to remove any dirt, mildew, or other debris that will hinder the new coat of paint’s ability to adhere. This step can also help you find loose nails or shingles and repair them before you start painting, so you don’t end up with a chipped wall later on.
When working outdoors, you need to consider the weather conditions as well. Rain can run your hard work straight off and extreme heat or cold will cause the paint to dry too quickly or too slowly.
For best results, try to schedule your painting project during a stretch of days with mild temperatures and a minimum of wind. Additionally, check to see if there are any areas of the home that receive direct sunlight and those that don’t, as this can influence how your paint sets up. It’s best to avoid painting in the full sun as it will bake your paint and can even wreak havoc on the wood underneath.
Materials
The first thing that exterior painters need is the right materials. The paint itself is important, but they also need to have a variety of other items, including a brush and roller frame, bucket and bucket grid, caulk and a caulking gun, drop cloths, an extension pole, and more. They may also want to use a paint visualizer to give their customers an idea of how the finished product will look.
The painters will also need tape to mark off areas that won’t be painted, like windows and trim. Tapes are generally blue or green to make them easier to see against most paint colors. These tools help avoid painting mistakes and increase productivity. In addition, it’s a good idea for them to bring a work light and extra drop cloths so they can see what they’re doing without having to go back and forth from the ladder.
Some painters have their own large equipment, but many do not. These painters might charge less for their services because they don’t have to pay for a large ladder and insurance, which can add up quickly. These painters are often small businesses and rely on referrals and word-of-mouth to get their business.
In the beginning, you’ll need to ask the painters about their estimated time of completion and price. This will help you determine if they’re worth hiring for the job. Ensure that you’re clear on whether they include direct and indirect costs in their estimates.
You should also request a list of addresses for homes the painters have previously worked on. This will give you an idea of how the painters have performed in the past and the quality of their work. If possible, you should drive by these houses to get a firsthand look at the results.
After evaluating several painters, you should be able to choose the best one for the job. Once you’ve narrowed down the choices, reach out to each one and ask for an estimate. This should include a timeline, cost of labor, and paint details. You should also ask the painters about their payment policy and what they expect you to provide.
Safety
Painting is a physically demanding job and working with large ladders and equipment can be dangerous. The painters need to ensure that their tools are in good condition and that they have proper protective gear. They need to wear a respirator when working with certain materials and take regular breaks to avoid overworking themselves. Painters also need to be vigilant about potential hazards in other people’s homes, such as loose wires or broken stairs.
Before the painters start work, they need to prepare the home for painting. This includes cleaning, vacuuming, and sweeping to eliminate dirt and dust particles. This will help the paint adhere better and prevent it from smudging or flaking off later on. It’s also a good idea to put away any toys, decor, or other items that could get knocked over by the painters while they’re working. Children and pets should be kept away from the work area as well, as they can accidentally knock over paint and other supplies.
Most painting projects are carried out at heights, and painters are at risk of falling off of ladders or scaffolding. This can be a serious injury, so it’s important that they take all the necessary precautions to prevent this from happening. This can include wearing a fall arrester or relying on a framed scaffolding system to provide support and stability while they’re working at high levels.
Painters also need to wear other protective gear such as gloves, a mask, and safety glasses. They should also be cautious of any possible hazards such as asbestos, which can be found in old insulation and other materials. This can cause health problems if the painters are exposed to it and should be removed before the work starts.
Many painters are peripatetic and travel between jobs, which can be risky for their safety. They need to follow the same rules as other workers when driving for work, and they should also keep their vehicle clean and properly maintained. They should also make sure that any electrical equipment they use is inspected regularly to ensure that it’s in good working order.
Insurance
The risk of property damage is one of the main risks that external painters face. Accidental paint spills, over spraying, or damage to windows, landscaping, and fixtures can be costly for clients. This type of insurance provides protection from this sort of claim.
Another common risk is third-party bodily injury claims. For example, if someone trips over a ladder or falls into a bucket of paint, they could sue the business for medical expenses and lost income. This is why having general liability is essential for painters.
In addition to commercial general liability, painters should have workers’ compensation and tools and equipment coverage. Workers’ compensation will pay for the cost of medical bills and lost wages for an employee who is injured on the job. Tools and equipment insurance will cover the costs of replacing stolen or vandalized tools and equipment. These policies are usually very affordable and can be purchased online in 10 minutes or less through Simply Business.
Having the right types of insurance for a painting business will help you attract more clients. When potential customers see that you are insured, they will feel more confident in hiring your company to work on their home or office. It also shows that you take your business seriously, and that you will be there to protect them if something goes wrong.
If you are interested in getting affordable painters insurance, consider using an online broker like Simply Business to compare quotes from multiple providers. This website allows you to answer a few simple questions and can provide quotes in just 10 minutes or less. It can then allow you to purchase a policy online without having to speak to anyone. In addition, it will help you find the right deductibles and limits to fit your needs. It is a great tool for comparing prices and features so that you can choose the best policy for your painting business. It also includes a free no-obligation quote, so you can get started today!