Frequently Asked Questions about House Painting and Painting Equipment 

House Painting Related Questions

How often should I paint my house?

There really is no set rule for this. One thing is for sure and that is if you have a wood, cement, brick or stucco sided home, you should check it yearly for signs of problems.

What do I look for when inspecting my house?

There are many problems that can appear on the siding of your home. Look for blemishes or cracking of you paint. Blistering and chalking isn't unusual to appear, especially on older homes previously painted with oil based paints. Fading of the color is usually quite easy to spot. As well as stains from mold and mildew. Now in some cases, you can prolong the life of the paint by cleaning your siding every year. Pay special attention to areas that might not get too much sunshine and remain damp. This is a good area for mold and mildew to appear.

What is the best brand of paint to use on my house?

Honestly speaking, I have my favorite paints but if you ask 10 people the same question, you'll probably get 10 different answers. You can never go wrong by buying the top series or type of paint from any of the major manufacturers. In recent years developments in paint chemistry have made things more competitive then ever. Even the major home improvement stores have high quality paints that should serve your needs.

My Dad said to always use oil base paints and stains. Is that still true?

Nothing against Dad, but that is really outdated info. In the last decade the major manufacturers have developed latex paints that are not only easier to use but will outlast the oil paints of yesterday. Again, always go with the manufacturer's top products and you can't go wrong.

What is a good paint warranty?

Personally I laugh when I read of a 25 year or lifetime warranty. A simple fact of life about a paint warranty is that the company guarantees the color will last a specific time without fading. If it fades, their representative needs to determine if it was actually applied properly. After inspection, the company will replace the specific amount of paint to cover the area which as failed. So bottom line, they replace the paint under ideal circumstances. But the real benefit of manufacturer's warranty is that it reveals the trust they have in that specific line of paint's qualities. So the better the warranty, the better lasting quality should be attributed to that specific paint. Hint: If you are going into business, I discuss paint warranties and how to use them to your benefit in my business guide.

Common Business Questions

Can Anyone earn a living doing House Painting?

Yes, but be realistic and plan your business before jumping in. Many skilled house painters can make a very comfortable income. Your income depends upon your location and your own efforts.

Is this a difficult business to get started in?

No, not at all. But accept the fact that 95% of all small businesses fail within the first year. The majority of those who fail did so because they didn't follow any business plan.

What kind of Startup Costs should I expect?

It really depends on your long term goals. I've helped guys start this business on a part time basis with a minimum expense up front.

How Can I start a house painting business?

Step one is to follow a step by step guide. If you are serious about having your own business and can follow easy step-by-step instructions, stop wasting time - Check out my Business Guide. It's base on 30 years of real life experience. Others are following this guide and earning a good living. Why can't you?