When hiring a professional painting contractor, most homeowners focus on the obvious questions: What will it cost? When can you start? How long will the job take?
But there’s another question that can make a huge difference in the finished project:
What products are you using for my walls, trim, and ceilings?
Not all paints, primers, caulks, sealers, and coatings are created equal. Using the right product for the right surface is one of the most important factors in achieving a professional-looking finish that lasts.
A quality painting contractor understands that walls, ceilings, doors, baseboards, cabinets, and trim all have different requirements. Simply using the same paint throughout an entire home may save a little time or money, but it can compromise the appearance and durability of the finished project.
Different Surfaces Require Different Paint Products
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners can make is assuming that one type of paint is appropriate for every surface.
Your walls, ceilings, and trim serve different purposes and experience different types of wear.
Walls
Interior walls generally need a coating that provides excellent coverage, durability, and a consistent appearance.
Depending on the room, a professional painting contractor may recommend different interior wall paint products and sheen levels.
For example:
- Flat or matte paint can help hide minor imperfections.
- Eggshell paint provides a subtle finish and is often a popular choice for living areas and bedrooms.
- Satin paint offers increased durability and easier cleaning.
- Washable interior paint can be especially beneficial in high-traffic areas.
Bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, children’s rooms, and other high-use areas may require a more durable product than a relatively low-traffic room.
Ceilings Need the Right Product Too
Ceilings are often overlooked when homeowners discuss paint quality.
A ceiling isn’t simply another wall turned sideways.
Professional ceiling paint is specifically formulated to provide the appearance and application characteristics that make sense for overhead surfaces.
A quality ceiling coating can help minimize:
- Visible roller marks
- Uneven sheen
- Lap marks
- Flashing
- Reflected imperfections
In many cases, a flat ceiling finish is preferred because it doesn’t reflect as much light and helps conceal minor surface imperfections.
Using the wrong sheen or an inappropriate product can make imperfections far more noticeable once the room is illuminated.
Trim and Doors Are a Different Story
Baseboards, door frames, window trim, crown molding, and doors typically require a coating that can withstand considerably more abuse than a typical wall.
These surfaces are frequently touched, bumped, cleaned, and exposed to everyday wear.
That’s why professional painters often use a higher-durability trim paint with a different sheen than the surrounding walls.
A satin or semi-gloss finish may be appropriate depending on the project, because it can provide:
- Increased durability
- Easier cleaning
- Better resistance to scuffs
- A more defined appearance
- A professional-looking contrast between walls and trim
The exact product and sheen should be selected based on the existing surface, desired appearance, and how the area will be used.
Primer Is Just as Important as Paint
Another important question to ask your painting contractor is:
Do these surfaces actually need primer?
Primer isn’t always necessary for every painting project, but when it is needed, using the correct primer can make a tremendous difference.
Primer may be important when dealing with:
- Bare drywall
- New construction
- Bare wood
- Stained surfaces
- Water damage
- Significant color changes
- Glossy surfaces
- Certain previously painted surfaces
- Adhesion problems
The wrong primer — or skipping primer when it is necessary — can contribute to poor adhesion, uneven coverage, stains bleeding through, and premature coating failure.
Paint Sheen Matters More Than You Might Think
Choosing a color is only part of choosing a paint.
Paint sheen can dramatically affect both the appearance and performance of a room.
For example, a high-gloss product may be extremely durable, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the best choice for a large interior wall. The increased reflection can highlight imperfections in the drywall.
Likewise, using an extremely flat product on a surface that needs frequent cleaning may not provide the durability a homeowner expects.
A professional interior painting contractor should be able to explain why a particular sheen and product is being recommended for each surface.
Quality Paint Isn’t Always About the Most Expensive Paint
There’s a common misconception that the most expensive paint is automatically the best paint.
That’s not necessarily true.
The goal isn’t simply to purchase the most expensive product available. The goal is to select the right professional-grade coating for the specific surface and application.
An experienced painting contractor understands product specifications, surface preparation, application methods, drying times, compatibility, and environmental conditions.
That’s what separates professional painting from simply putting paint on a wall.
Surface Preparation Still Comes First
Even the best paint in the world can’t compensate for poor preparation.
Before applying a new coating, professional painters should evaluate the existing surface and determine what preparation is necessary.
Depending on the condition of the surface, preparation may include:
- Cleaning
- Sanding
- Scraping
- Patching nail holes
- Repairing drywall
- Caulking gaps
- Removing loose paint
- Priming
- Addressing stains or discoloration
Proper surface preparation before painting helps the new coating adhere properly and creates a smoother, more professional finish.
Don’t Let a Contractor Cut Corners on Materials
When comparing painting contractors, it’s important to compare more than just the price.
Two contractors may provide seemingly similar estimates while using completely different products.
A lower estimate could be the result of:
- Lower-grade paint
- Insufficient primer
- Minimal surface preparation
- Inexpensive caulk
- Fewer coats
- Lower-quality materials
- Faster application methods
This doesn’t mean the most expensive contractor is automatically the best contractor either.
Instead, ask what products are included in the estimate and why they are being recommended.
Questions to Ask Your Painting Contractor
Before hiring a professional painting company, consider asking:
1. What brand and product are you using?
Don’t be afraid to ask for the specific product line.
2. What paint are you using on the walls?
The answer should take the room’s use and existing surface into consideration.
3. What product are you using on the trim and doors?
Trim often requires a different coating than walls.
4. What are you using on the ceilings?
Ask whether a dedicated ceiling coating is appropriate for your project.
5. Where will primer be used?
A professional should be able to explain where primer is necessary and why.
6. How will you prepare the surfaces?
Preparation is a major part of a quality painting project.
7. How many coats are included?
The answer may vary depending on the existing color, product, surface, and coverage requirements.
The Bottom Line
A professional paint job isn’t just about choosing a beautiful color.
It’s about choosing the right products, preparation methods, application techniques, and finishes for every surface in your home.
Walls, ceilings, trim, doors, and other surfaces all have different requirements. Using the correct professional-grade products can improve the appearance, durability, cleanability, and longevity of your paint job.
So before you hire a painting contractor, don’t just ask:
“How much will it cost?”
Ask:
“What products are you using, and why?”
The answer can tell you a lot about the quality of the contractor you’re considering.
Looking for a Professional Painting Contractor?
If you’re planning an interior painting project, exterior painting project, cabinet painting project, or trim and ceiling painting project, choose a contractor who understands that professional results start with proper preparation and the right products.
A quality painting company should be willing to explain exactly what they’re putting on your walls, ceilings, trim, doors, and other surfaces — and why those products are appropriate for the job.