Common questions about paint...
Can you give estimates over the phone?
We can give general prices over the phone for budgeting purposes after asking what the variables are. However, being that there are thousands of factors that determine a price, we must visually see the job to give a firm price. 209-334-6693
Can I get a price via email if I send photos?
We can give much more accurate prices with photos than over the phone. Depending on the project at hand, we may or may not need to see it before giving a firm price. info@jenkspainting.com
How do I check if a painter's license is valid?
You can find out the type of license, status, bond info, workers compensation status, at California State License Board. Click "Check the license" and enter in the contractor's number. It doesn't give you their liability insurance or business licenses. For our information, go to our license and insurance page.
What's wrong with hiring someone without a license?
First of all, an unlicensed painter doesn't always charge less. They typically want the big bucks without the overhead. The problems can be:
If they get hurt - they can sue you
If their employee's get hurt - employee's can sue you
If they damage something (it can happen) - you are liable
If they don't finish the job and cause problems - they have no bond for you to go after
(we have done MANY rescue jobs and it can cost more than the original paint job would have because the damage caused by paint can be very extensive)
They probably don't know what they are doing, otherwise, why didn't they take the license test
If they used subcontractors and they don't pay them - the subcontractors can put a lien on your property, even if you paid the contractor
If they don't know the latest law requirements regarding lead paint removal, it can put your family at health and legal risks.
If they get hurt - they can sue you
If their employee's get hurt - employee's can sue you
If they damage something (it can happen) - you are liable
If they don't finish the job and cause problems - they have no bond for you to go after
(we have done MANY rescue jobs and it can cost more than the original paint job would have because the damage caused by paint can be very extensive)
They probably don't know what they are doing, otherwise, why didn't they take the license test
If they used subcontractors and they don't pay them - the subcontractors can put a lien on your property, even if you paid the contractor
If they don't know the latest law requirements regarding lead paint removal, it can put your family at health and legal risks.
What are good questions to ask when choosing a good painter?
- Are you licensed, bonded and insured?
- How long have you been painting?
- How long have you been licensed, bonded and insured?
- What are your areas of expertise?
- Who are your painters and how long have they been working for you?
- How are you going to paint my house?
- How are you going to prepare my surfaces?
- What paints do you use?
- How will you clean up at the end of the job?
- Who will be my contact person for this job?
- How many men will be on site and how many days will this job take?
- How many houses like mine have you completed?
What is a license bond?
It is a $12,500 insurance policy that is there in case a contractor walks away from a job unfinished or has done damage, or has not paid his sub-contractors.
I saw a house color scheme I like, CAN YOU MATCH IT?
We can match anything, paint or stain. We can make your cabinets look like your furniture or your garage doors to look like your fabric awnings. The paint stores only get colors 85% accurate. We work with them to get the colors desired dead on. We even matched a flower before.
What paint stores do you use?
We prefer Sherwin Williams and Kelly Moore. We are willing to work with anything though. Some other paints are harder to work with, or are softer, or take 3 and 4 coats to cover. This would increase the cost if those factors are relevant to the project, or we can match it to a paint we know and trust.
What is V.O.C?
VOC stands for "Volatile Organic Compound." "Volatile" describes a liquid that evaporates at room temperature. "Organic" means a compound that contains carbon. Thousands of VOC's, some natural and some man-made can be found in the air. Most natural VOC's are emitted from sources like trees and vegetation. The primary man-made sources of VOC's are motor vehicle exhaust, unburned gasoline, and solvents.
Is there a difference between normal paint, low VOC paint and 0 VOC paint?
Normal paint could have anywhere from 50 to 100 g/l of VOC. Low has around 10g/l. If 0 VOC is desired, one must know that the tints have VOC in them, making your "0 VOC" paint not "0 VOC". If one truley wants 0 VOC paint, then Benjamin Moore paint sold at Lodi Color Center has 0 VOC Tint. All these paints have performed well for us in the past. 0 VOC sometimes can cost a little bit more than normal paint fyi.
Is 0 VOC Paint odorless?
No.
What does paint finish, gloss level, sheen or enamel mean?
These all describe the same thing; how shiny paint is when it is dry. The same sheen can vary in shininess by store, product, application method, or surface it is on. Here is a general order of sheens.
Flat
Flat Enamel (washable)
Matte Finish
Low Sheen
Low Lustre
Eg-shel
Satin
Semi-gloss
Gloss
High Gloss
Flat
Flat Enamel (washable)
Matte Finish
Low Sheen
Low Lustre
Eg-shel
Satin
Semi-gloss
Gloss
High Gloss
What paint is washable?
Any "Enamel" is washable. Therefore flat paint is not washable, unless you get a flat enamel (not commonly used). The basic rule is, more shiny - more washable.
How do I dispose of my old paint?
Kelly Moore in Lodi takes leftover paint. Solvent based products, however, must be taken to the San Joaquin County Household Hazardous Waste Consolidation Facility. Click for more info.
Why does the paint on my door stick to the weatherstripping?
Latex sticks to rubber, even if it is fully dry and cured. Latex
paints contain chemicals called plasticizers that assist in proper film
formation and keep the coating flexible. Many vinyl and plastic
weather-stripping materials also contain plasticizers to make them
flexible. When the two surfaces come in contact with each other, they will stick to each other. Also when you have two painted items like cabinet doors touch each other (even for the shortest time), they WILL stick. Non rubber weather stripping needs to be installed if you have this problem.
What causes white powdery deposits on stucco surfaces, and how can I fix them?
The deposits, known as efflorescence, are caused by moisture in the masonry. The moisture dissolves salts in the masonry -- the mortar, block, concrete, etc. -- and is drawn to the surface by the heat of the sun. After the water evaporates, it leaves behind white foamy looking deposits that must be removed before painting. An appropriate adhesion promoting primer must be applied before painting.
Does paint have an expiration date?
The paint cans typically claim two years, but we have not had problems when we use an unopened can of paint up to 5 years. Obviously don't use it if it has mold or smells awful. Dispose of it properly.
Why does my deck or trellis fail so badly so quickly?
Usually because it is built and then painted. Meaning that only the top and bottom are painted, the sides and edges are often not able to be painted. Moisture will destroy unprotected wood quickly. Regular maintenance or painting each board before installation will help.
How often does my varnished front door need refinishing?
Every year, maximum 2 years. If it goes past this and gets severe weather damage, it has to be stripped, sanded and completely redone costing thousands. A fresh coat can take an hour at the beginning of every summer and $20 bucks in varnish. This regular maintenance can save a lot of money. Oil base products are hard, therefore brittle, and doesn't expand and contract well with the hot and cold seasons.
What are the pros and cons of OIL and LATEX paint?
OIL is not common and hard to buy in large quantities. It is hard which can be good for some things but bad for exteriors where you need your coating to be flexible with the different temperatures outside. Oil takes an entire day to dry, sometimes longer. It is combustible. It does not dry in the air when sprayed, meaning paint can get on the neighbors car down the street. It also yellows over time and has strong odors.
LATEX/ACRYLIC technology has become very good the last few years. Some water based primers have amazing adhesion properties and stain blocking abilities. Some acrylic paint is also super hard and great for trim while other is great for rod iron fencing or metal siding. It can dry in 30 minutes allowing us to finish a project that day. It also can come in low or no VOC, meaning it is less harmful to our bodies and the environment.
Some people request oil base paint to be put on their Rod Iron fences, however, it fades within 6 months looking old and dirty again. If one is worried about rust issues, there are great rust prohibiter primers available.
LATEX/ACRYLIC technology has become very good the last few years. Some water based primers have amazing adhesion properties and stain blocking abilities. Some acrylic paint is also super hard and great for trim while other is great for rod iron fencing or metal siding. It can dry in 30 minutes allowing us to finish a project that day. It also can come in low or no VOC, meaning it is less harmful to our bodies and the environment.
Some people request oil base paint to be put on their Rod Iron fences, however, it fades within 6 months looking old and dirty again. If one is worried about rust issues, there are great rust prohibiter primers available.
