Frequently asked questions

You can request an appointment for us to assess and measure your painting project in several ways. The easiest way is to submit a request through the form on our website. You may also call our office at (319) 850-9137 to request an appointment.

It is ideal if all decision-makers can be present. If this is not feasible, that’s okay too! We understand that our clients have busy work and family schedules. We recommend that before your estimate, you discuss and agree upon all work to be done to avoid delays caused by miscommunication. Be sure to let us know if anything left you particularly satisfied or unsatisfied with your last paint job.

We will always strive to meet and exceed your expectations and prevent disruptive or disappointing issues. Quantify your budget! Painting your home or property is a significant investment, and we want to earn your business. We can tailor our recommendations to fit your needs and work within your budget.

If you are undecided on color or finishes at the time of your estimate appointment, feel free to prepare any questions you may have about this beforehand. We will be happy to discuss options with you and help you make the right decision.

When we schedule your appointment, plan to allow enough time for us to complete our evaluation of your project and go over any questions you may have. We typically complete estimate appointments in under 30 minutes, but if you have a large home or many questions, we want to address all of your needs and concerns, no matter how long it takes.

After completing our evaluation at your scheduled estimate appointment, sourcing and pricing materials, and measuring your space, we can typically send your written proposal within 24 hours. Recommendations for larger jobs or unique finishes may take more time to complete, but if you are on a tight timeline, just let us know, and we will ensure you meet your written proposal within your deadline. Our team is happy to accommodate our clients’ schedules and deadlines.

Absolutely! We realize our clients all have different priorities, budgets, and timelines, and we are glad to help in any way we can. We frequently provide proposals that include a breakdown for completing the scope of work in various stages or even several different areas of work so that you may compare costs and make the best decision for the aspects of your project you are ready to pursue.

First, we move all furniture to the center of rooms or away from the walls. We also remove any large art or décor items from walls. We'll then cover all furniture and flooring with drop cloths to protect them from paint spills, spatter, or drips. Next, we begin prepping the walls for paint application by repairing cracks, holes, and surface defects. When doing a complete interior paint job, we begin with the ceilings and trim and finish with the walls. This allows us to overlap and “cut in” with the paint. Cutting in is a process that results in the cleanest possible lines and eliminates any visible drips.

We'll move objects (flower pots, garden hoses, patio furniture, tools, toys) adjacent to the work site. This not only allows for the accessibility of ladders and other large equipment, but it lets us to keep these objects safe. Power washing is frequently needed. We do this before we begin the painting process. After power-washing any necessary areas, we lay drop cloths and plastic where required. Next, we'll begin scraping any loose paint to create a smooth surface. Once all areas are cleaned and smooth, we prime any bare spots. Finally, we completed the project by painting the exterior surfaces with the recommended number of coats for ultimate protection and durability. Our crew will do a final cleanup to remove all plastic and drop cloths, clean up any drips, and remove all equipment and debris from your home and yard.

For interior jobs, move all small, fragile objects from the room to a safe location. You may also move any small wall hangings or picture frames ahead of time. For exterior jobs, move any small objects on or near the outside of the home or building. Our crew will move and cover any large or heavy objects such as furniture, art, or large house plants inside and any patio furniture or large planters/pots outside. The most important thing is to finalize paint color selections beforehand. This ensures we can have the product ordered, mixed, and ready to go as soon as your project begins. And then just relax while our capable crew takes care of the rest!

We accept cash, checks, and most major credit cards. A small processing fee will be added to the final invoice on credit card transactions. We do not currently accept American Express or Discover. 

We work closely with several local suppliers, including Sherwin-Williams vendors. However, we are always happy to accommodate your product preferences and can use whichever paint brand you prefer. We can also recommend a variety of zero-VOC and low-VOC paints to eliminate fumes and toxicity in your home. We are happy to make recommendations for the best products for every type of project. Different surfaces call for different kinds of paint. Whether your project entails drywall, plaster, wood, vinyl, brick, concrete, metal, or other sub-surface, we have experience with every surface type. We can help you choose the best possible adhesion, coverage, and protection!

There are several finishes (also often called “sheen”) to choose from. Many high-quality brands offer paint in flat, matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss finishes. 

Flat is easy to touch up and has no sheen, which means it does not reflect light. This finish is, therefore, suitable for hiding flaws on your drywall or plaster. However, it is not recommended in rooms with high moisture levels, mess, or traffic, as it is more challenging to wipe clean than the higher sheen finishes. 

Matte is a step up from a flat finish. This sheen creates a more durable paint job than flat paint without a glossy finish. It will still do a great job camouflaging your drywall or plaster imperfections. 

Eggshell has a medium sheen. This finish is excellent for general living areas and bedrooms in homes with children and pets because it easily wipes clean. 

Satin has a slightly higher sheen than eggshell and is more water and stain resistant. For this reason, we highly recommend using paint in a satin finish for kitchens and bathrooms. It is also perfectly suitable for trim, although gloss finishes are commonly chosen for trim work. 

Semi-gloss is also suitable for kitchens and bathrooms, especially on smoother walls with fewer flaws. The high sheen of a semi-gloss finish will make any imperfections more noticeable. However, semi-gloss has excellent water resistance, is durable, and wipes easily clean. Semi-gloss is also a popular and highly recommended choice for painting trim such as baseboards, crown molding, chair rails, and wainscoting. Its durability and easy cleaning also make it a good choice for cabinets. 

High-gloss is most commonly used for painting trim or any areas you wish to highlight. Its highly reflective finish provides a glamorous luster, adding a very high-end touch to the appearance of any room. High-gloss paint dries to a smooth, hard finish that is highly moisture-resistant, durable, and easy to wipe clean. 

No matter which finish you choose, we always recommend using a high-quality paint brand, as it will wear better over time. These paints will resist fading, burnishing, and blistering and provide superior coverage, adhesion, and durability.