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Q. Why should I choose South Shore Painting over another painting contractor?
A. First and foremost, I Ed Wischert, owner and operator of South Shore Painting oversee every job.
We have been in business for almost 40 years serving over 10,000 Long Island residents and businesses… and we have ZERO complaints with the Department of Consumer Affairs. Our painters are well trained and well supervised.
Q. How do your prices compare to other painting contractors?
A. We are very competitive with other “legal & licensed” contractors. Be aware of a really low bids. It usually means that the contractor has either hired inexperienced workers, or maybe the contractor doesn’t really understand what he is doing, or doesn’t have the necessary insurances. Our price is always based on great quality and premium paints. Our estimates are in writing detailing the “scope of work”, the quality of the materials used, such as paint grade, etc.
NEVER ACCEPT A PRICE QUOTE ON THE BACK OF A BUSINESS CARD.
Q. Do you have workers compensation and liability insurance?
A. Absolutely. Most painting contractors may advertise that they are fully insured, even when they are not. Ask us for proof of insurance!
What does that mean? Liability insurance, that covers you from any damage to your property, done or caused by any member of the crew. Workman’s compensation, that covers any injury to a worker while at your property. So that you are fully protected.
Did you know… that if you hired any contractor that is not insured, you the homeowner is 100% responsible?
Make sure you always get a copy of the insurance certificate from ANY contractor that you hire to do work in your home.
Q. What if I have a problem after the job is over?
A. Chances are you won’t have a problem because we utilize a “punch list” which is made out by you the customer. This list is the result of your inspection letting us know where we need to give additional attention before we end the job. We’re here to help! We’ll do the job right the first time. Some homes do however peel or blister within two years of being painted, and that’s why we give you a 2 year Interior Warranty and 5 years for Exterior.
Q. Are your painters well trained?
A. Yes. We are proud of our reputation as the premiere, dependable, service-oriented company that we have worked so hard to become. Many contractors hire inexperienced, cheap labor, that don’t know what they are doing, and in many occasions the contractors don’t know for sure who they are. My painters are all experienced, professional, reliable painters that have worked for me for many years. I trust them, and so can you.
Q . Are the painters supervised?
A. Yes. Each crew has a Lead Painter, and all crews are supervised by me Ed Wischerth, the owner of South Shore Painting or my foreman. Plus… you will ALWAYS be a phone call away from speaking with me. All my customers get my cell phone number.
Q. Is there anything I should know about the limitations of paint?
A. If the color you have chosen is different from the old one, it will probably require a minimum of two coats, if not three (even though we use premium paints). Please note that our price quote is for two coat unless otherwise specified; the possibility of three coats should be discussed during our first meeting with you. Note also that if a coat is too thick, it will not dry and adhere properly. So you can’t just load it on.
If you have an old, and particularly a wooden house with many layers of old paint, the end result will be a subtly textured surface. This is normal. Scraping peels only loose paint. It doesn’t remove every layer of paint. So even after thorough scraping and prepping, the surface that we start painting will be a little uneven it’s just part of the charm of older homes.
Stripping off every spot of paint back to the wood for a pristine look is very expensive, as it requires paint remover and/or propane torches and an intensive amount of work. This is not a service we offer.
Q. How can I be sure that you will use a high quality premium paint?
A. We ONLY use the highest quality paints – Benjamin Moore & Sherwin Williams. However, keep in mind that these companies offer various grades of paints… from contractor grade – clay based paints to high quality acrylics. So having names listed on estimates (or contracts) doesn’t mean much. The quality and grade number of the paints being used means everything!
Q. What is the difference between latex and alkyd (oil) based paints?
The basic difference is in the binders. Latex paint binds the particles of pigment with a latex such as acrylic or vinyl, while oil paint uses a binder or resin that is derived from a vegetable oil such as linseed or soya bean. With latex paint spills can be cleaned up with a damp rag, brushes and rollers can be cleaned with soap and water, hands can be cleaned with soap and water.
Q. What is the difference between paint and stain?
A. Paint colors a surface by forming a thin opaque film on a substrate. Stain colors a surface by penetrating into the substrate.
Q. What is the difference between interior and exterior paint?
Interior Paint:
Good scrubability and stain resistance
Good hiding ability
Splatter resistance
Easier to touch up
Exterior Paint:
Color retention
Resistance to fading
Flexibility (to withstand expansion and contraction due to weather)
Mildew resistant
Resistance to bleed
What do primers and sealers do?
An experienced professional will know whether to use a primer or a sealer. The goal of both is to make the finished coat (topcoat) look better and last longer. They do this by providing a variety of properties such as:
Stain blocking – preventing stains (such as water stains on wallboard, ball point pen ink, or resins from a knot in a wood surface) on the original surface from bleeding through the topcoat and becoming visible.
Corrosion inhibition – provides a moisture barrier between the topcoat and the raw metal surface.
Chemical isolation – similar to corrosion inhibition, in that a primer separates the surface to be covered from the topcoat with an inert material.
Bonding enhancement – provides a compatible layer between the substrate and the topcoat. The primer adheres to the substrate and provides a surface that the topcoat can adhere to.
Surface filling – sealers and primers fill the porosity of a wood surface so that it does not absorb the topcoat medium
Enhanced hide – two effects aid in enhancing the hide capability of the topcoat; a primer provides a more uniform color and it tends to mask any color pattern on the substrate.
Protection paint – A clear coat sealer may be applied over a faux finish to protect the layers of pigmented paint. For example, a clear coat sealer is used on automobiles to protect and enhance the gloss of the paint.
Q. Why should I buy high quality paint?
Because you are paying mostly for labor, so why not get the best application.
Two factors to consider:
High quality paint generally covers better than less expensive paints.
High quality paint lasts longer, in some cases two to three times longer.
Q. What is the best exterior trim paint, acrylic or alkyd?
A. 100% acrylic topcoats are typically better because of their color retention properties and flexibility. However, an oil based primer must be used before using the acrylic topcoat when painting over bleeding woods like redwood or cedar. (A complete acrylic paint system may be used on non-bleeding surfaces.)
Q. Which is better, a natural bristle brush or a synthetic bristle brush?
A. The choice really depends on the type of paint being used. Both natural bristle and synthetic brushes may be used with alkyd or oil-based paints. With acrylic and latex paints, however, only synthetic brushes should be used. This is because the water in the medium takes the oils out of natural bristles and they no longer hold their correct shape.
Q. Can I paint over wallpaper?
The simple answer is yes, but, as with all painting projects, the surface must be properly prepared. Any loose paper must be re-attached or removed. The surface must be smoothed with spackle or wallboard compound so that seams and patches do not show. Finally, if a water based paint is to be the coating, the wallpaper must be sealed with an oil or alkyd based sealer. Even after proper preparation, it is possible for the texture and or seams to be visible. We don’t recommend this procedure.
Q. What other type of work do you do?
A. We provide decorative wall finishing for mostly residential, commercial, hospitality, and retail properties Our services includes professional interior painting of walls and trim, as well as wallpapering and faux finishes. Glazes, stains, imprints, plaster and textured materials are applied by hand in a range of techniques to produce beautiful patinas on walls, doors and moldings. Click here for a more complete list.
Q. I am in a hurry. Should I decide to hire you, how long will it take to start the job?
A. It depends on the size of the job and what needs to be done. Usually one to two weeks.
I ALWAYS do my best to accommodate my customer’s needs.
Q. Do you offer a Free Quote?
A. Absolutely. Depending on the time of day, we can usually see you the same day or very next day for sure.
Call us today for more information! Free Estimate 516-262-5003