There’s more than one way to paint a room, just like there are various painting methods and styles. We help untangle all of your painting service options here.
Starting a painting business can be the perfect career move when you have a creative streak and want to do something different every day. Plus, you can get a company up and running with minimal startup capital and quickly build a client base — as long as you approach it with the right strategies.
With that said, there are many factors to consider as a professional painter, from learning the techniques to pricing jobs to managing projects. If you’re thinking about offering painting services or looking to grow your existing business, take a look at this information and advice from Hoist!
You know that you want to provide high-quality painting services and positive experiences for your customers. Your goal is to take great pride in your business and demonstrate professionalism at every turn.
When most people think of painting, residential and commercial interior painting are the first things to come to mind. Nothing can revive a home or office space like a fresh coat of paint, and there is always a high demand for this type of service.
As a professional interiorpainter, you and your crew will need to know how to take on residential or commercial painting projects and meet various customer needs. In addition to the actual painting process, you can help each client choose the perfect color and design for their taste and style.
If your company offers exterior painting services, you’ll help breathe new life into the outsides of commercial and residential properties.
Painting siding, brick, and other common materials help to preserve the vibrancy of buildings and structures for many years. Whether it is a home or a place of business, a fresh exterior paint job can add significant value to the property.
For wood structures, a new paint job can help protect the siding from rotting. If you do an amazing job, you can help companies pull off a bold and distinct look that helps them attract the right customers.
Painting metal doors requires specific skills and knowledge, which is why many homeowners and business owners hire a professional service for the task. When you offer metal door painting services, you will get calls for everything from an exterior or interior door to a garage door. In some cases, you may get hired to paint storage building doors.
You will also see old and new doors made from different types of metal in various shapes and sizes. If you are painting an old door, you will need to strip down the existing paint, use the appropriate primer to prepare the door, and apply a fresh coat of quality paint (among other steps).
Many professional painters also offer pressure washing services. You might be amazed by how effectively this technique cleans siding, decks, sidewalks, and other exterior surfaces. Plus, power washing is something that every home and commercial property can benefit from.
If you choose to include power washing in your services, you will need to invest in the proper equipment. That includes pressure washers, hoses, detergents, degreasers, and ladders. You will also need to know how to adjust the pressure settings for each area you are washing.
Power washing can go a long way in improving the visual appeal of a building or structure. This process also gets rid of insects, algae, oil, dirt, mold, and weeds that damage paint and wood.
Did you know that brushing and rolling flat colors are just a couple of the many painting techniques? Let's discuss a few others worth offering to your clients:
This painting technique is exactly what it sounds like. Sponging involves taking a sponge or a spongy paint roller to add dynamic texture to a wall.
Although it brings complexity and depth to surfaces, sponging is a simple process that doesn't require any specialization. You can use two different tones of the same hue for a subtle effect or sponge a lighter shade over a dark color to maximize depth.
If you have a client who wants to boost intrigue and sophistication, stenciling their walls is a great way to do it. Stenciling is a popular DIY project, but it requires homeowners to order the right materials and learn the technique (not to mention spend the time doing the work).
In other words, many homeowners and business owners would rather hire professional services for this type of project. If you want to perform truly excellent work, research stencil inspiration on the web for unique ideas.
Stripes are timeless. They are a staple of interior decor that will never go out of style. You can incorporate them into a paint job in countless ways.
You can go with large, bold contrasting stripes for major visual flair or apply thin and subtle stripes for just the right amount of visual intrigue. Stripes can even work for the interior and exterior of a commercial building.
This distinct diamond pattern is used in many children's rooms and nurseries. The Harlequin method requires specific tools and know-how, but it can go a long way in making a space more interesting.
This technique is a bit more complex than others, but it essentially comes down to applying tape in diagonal stripes and painting every diamond a different hue than the one underneath the tape.
A well-executed checkerboard pattern can do wonders for breathing life and style into living spaces while minimizing the need for additional decor. What's more, you can incorporate this pattern in infinite ways.
Many homeowners and business owners use bold contrasts to make a powerful statement, while others add subtle texture through similar neutral colors.
Chalkboard walls are both trendy and functional. Many businesses use them for boosting productivity in the workplace, while homeowners tend to incorporate them in home offices and kitchens.
You can get chalkboard paint in any basic shade, and all of them are erasable, washable, and durable. One of the best parts about offering chalkboard painting services is that you can complete a wide range of creative applications, be it an entire room or a small project.
It's also easy to paint over chalkboard paint, giving your clients peace of mind should they change their minds down the road.
Like sponging, color washing is a painting technique that can add significant depth and texture to a space. It's also relatively easy to pull off, especially for professionals.
All color washing requires is applying a satin base paint to the walls and painting a nice glaze over them with a large brush. Depending on your client's preferences, you can go as vibrant or neutral as they wish.
You should thoroughly evaluate each house, commercial building, or any other type of space before executing your services. That way, you know which materials to bring and how to allocate your time and resources.
You will also want to speak with the client about how they can prepare for a smooth process. Here are a few things to recommend to your customers:
Whether you are just learning the ropes as a professional painter or are a homeowner interested in learning helpful painting secrets, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
When it comes to pricing your professional painting services, several factors will influence your decision. Painting a house costs an average of $2,901, but the final price you charge a client should depend on the tools and materials needed and the time and resources invested in the project.
Depending on the specific brand and style of paint, you could pay anywhere from $20–$100+ for a gallon of paint with your contractor discount. You will need to assess each property for the number of windows, how much roofline and brick are present, and how much prep work is necessary.
Sometimes, the most challenging aspect of a job is evaluating how much labor will be needed. You will likely need to learn how your crew operates through trial and error, but always make sure to charge a fair rate that is not too much higher or lower than your competitors.
Your painting business will need to conduct consultation meetings with all potential clients. In most cases, the potential client will contact your company to schedule an appointment time.
It's important that each client thoroughly explains their painting project and that you actively listen and educate them in any way necessary. During each meeting, you should be able to explain your company's history, the experience you have in the industry, and how your typical process works.
Then, you can provide the potential client with a price quote and walk them through a timeline for each step. Consultations are also the perfect times to discuss the different types of paint, materials, and techniques available to ensure you do a fantastic job for every client.
It's critical to manage residential projects effectively, but your project manager will prioritize attention to detail and customer satisfaction above other factors.
Commercial projects require timeliness and efficiency. Most businesses you’re working with want to avoid disruptions at all costs, so your commercial painting projects may require you to work with a larger crew in addition to other types of contractors.
While you want to do an excellent job, your main focus should be to manage your time and resources so that you can stay within the budget and meet the deadline.
Most homeowners and business owners will thoroughly research painting contractors before determining who to hire. Make sure you are building up proof that you're the best painting company around!
Years of experience will play a critical role, but prioritizing excellent customer service and second-to-none work quality will do wonders for your reputation if you're just getting started.
Work with Hoist if you need help or assistance with your growing your painting business.
Sources:
The Best Pressure Washers to Clean Your Home, Car, and More | The Spruce
This Huge Paint Trend from the 2010s Is Making a Comeback | Apartment Therapy
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House? | HomeServe
How Much Does Paint Cost? | remodelingcalculator.org
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