House Painting Questions and Answers

They describe how shiny the dried paint is. Flat hides flaws but marks easily; eggshell and satin wipe clean and suit most walls; semi-gloss is tougher and suits trim, doors and bathrooms. See our sheen guide.

Usually, outside and in busy rooms. Better acrylics hold color longer, cover in fewer coats and resist scrubbing. The prep under it still matters more than the brand.

Primer helps paint stick, seals porous or patched areas, and blocks stains. It goes on bare wood, repairs, stains, glossy surfaces and big color changes.

Only after the oil paint is cleaned, scuff-sanded and primed with a bonding primer. Otherwise the latex can peel off.

Lower volatile organic compounds, which means less odor and fewer chemicals released as the paint dries. Ventilation still matters while painting.

Latex paint is dry to the touch in hours but takes about two to four weeks to cure fully. Wait before scrubbing walls or hosing new exterior paint.

A typical 12 by 12 room with 8-foot ceilings needs about two gallons for two coats on the walls. Ceilings and trim are extra. See how much paint you need.

Usually 7 to 10 years on siding and 5 to 7 on trim, less on the south and west sides. See how long exterior paint lasts.

Usually moisture behind the paint, dirt or chalk under it, or missing primer on bare wood. See why exterior paint peels.

Chalking: the paint's binder breaking down in sunlight. It has to be washed off, and heavy chalk needs a bonding primer.

Yes, with a breathable masonry paint or limewash, but it is hard to undo. Check HOA rules first. See painting a brick house.

Yes, with a vinyl-safe paint and a color the maker approves for vinyl, so it does not warp in the sun.

Late spring after the pollen and September through early November. See the best time to paint.

No. We stop before rain and resume when surfaces are dry; fresh paint needs a few dry hours.

Yes, usually in a flat ceiling paint that hides minor waves. Ceilings are painted before walls.

Sometimes, but removing it is usually better; paint can loosen old paste. If it stays, it gets sealed with an oil-based or shellac primer.

The framing has moved and the nail is loose. The fix is a screw next to it, then compound and paint. See nail pops and cracks.

Yes, once the leak is fixed and the drywall is dry, with a stain-blocking primer before paint. See painting over water stains.

A satin or semi-gloss bathroom paint with mildewcide, plus an exhaust fan that runs during and after showers.

Someone should be there at the start and the final walkthrough. You can stay in the house while we work room by room.

Usually one day for prep and two coats; more with heavy repairs or a big color change.

If the boxes and doors are solid, yes: it costs far less than new cabinets. See paint vs reface vs replace.

Yes, unless grain filler is applied before primer.

Stain the walking surface. Paint traps moisture and peels on horizontal boards. See deck stain vs paint.

When it is dry enough to absorb water, often a few weeks to a few months. See staining new wood.

No. Rot has to be cut out or stabilized first, or the paint fails again within a season.

Usually rot from water pooling on the step or concrete. It is replaced, often with PVC, before painting.

If it was built before 1978, some layers may contain lead. A certified inspector or risk assessor can test; otherwise painters assume it does and work lead-safe.

There is no painting license. A general contractor license is required for single projects of $40,000 or more.

For exterior color changes, almost always. Interior painting never needs it.

Normally no. Siding replacement and structural repairs can need one.

Keep labeled leftovers for touch-ups. Mecklenburg County residents can take oil-based paint and stain to a county drop-off center. See paint disposal.

Older textured ceilings can contain asbestos. Test before scraping. See popcorn ceilings and asbestos.

Compare the prep lines, the coat count and the products, not just the total. See how to read an estimate.

Insurance, lead-safe certification for older homes, prep steps, products, coats, schedule and warranty. See questions to ask.

Many painters take a deposit to schedule and the balance at completion. Be cautious with very large up-front payments.

Usually peeling, blistering and flaking caused by workmanship, not fading, damage or moisture from other sources. See painting warranties.

We move furniture to the center of the room and cover it. Clear small items, electronics and wall hangings first.

You can, but we need the exact product and color, and our warranty may not cover products we did not choose.

Two to four weeks in spring and fall; interior work is easiest to schedule in winter.