READ THIS FIRST TO SAVE YOURSELF TIME AND MONEY!
Do it Yourself (DIY) – Having worked as a top painting company in Toronto and the GTA for the past 36 years, we have seen it all. This includes half-completed house painting projects. Or painting projects that were finished but not quite to the satisfaction of the homeowner.
It all looks so easy when you want to do it yourself (DIY). You buy some painting brushes and rollers, pick your favourite paint colour, apply them to the wall and you’re done . . . right? Well, then why do 80% of the “do it yourselfers” never complete the project they start? Or even worse 80% who start and finish the DIY painting aren’t satisfied with the job after they have finished. In the end, this result is a waste of time and money. Not knowing the many fine details, leaves them with a mess that is inevitably fixed by hiring a painting professional.
This is the common scenario where theory and practice crash head-on costing homeowners time, stress and, worst of all, lots of money!
HERE ARE THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES DO-IT-YOURSELF PAINTERS MAKE:
Underestimating of time
Painting projects require a lot of preparation before any painting is actually performed. Most people try to tackle these jobs in their spare time after work. On weekends and at the cost of family and personal time. The job then lags on, steps are rushed/skipped, and the finished product is a disappointment.
65% of all paint failures can be attributed to poor and/or improper surface preparation. This results in premature cracking, peeling, blistering and bleeding.
Buying the wrong paint
Whether painting yourself or working with a professional, do yourself a favor and use quality paint. Consider watching professional painting tips and tricks. If you purchase cheap paints, you’ll definitely get what you pay for, showing the result in the long run. Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore is the way to go if you’re looking for the right ones.
They are both high-quality paints that go on well and are durable.
Not reading the paint instruction
Many mistakes result from neglecting the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing, thinning, surface preparation and temperature recommendations (particularly outdoor).
Not choosing the appropriate color and finish
A lot of do-it-yourselfers might know how to paint. However, they are not the best at choosing colours. Typically, when you look at someone’s home and are mesmerized by it, they either deal with a designer or an expert painting company to help them select the best shade.
In regards to paint finish, the flat or matte is by far the most stylish and famous finish for DIY painting ideas.
Buying the wrong brush
Do not opt for the cheapest and most affordable. Get the right brush to make your work safer and faster. This can also help solve how to fix paint lines on wall and how to fix messy paint edges.
Hazardous fumes
Without proper knowledge of what paints are hazardous and how to properly vent a home. You put not only yourself at risk (and anyone who helps), but your family as well.
Painting over mold
Mold that is not properly cleaned and treated with mould-specific paint will lead to re-growth and destroy any work. The problem might persist even after applying several coats of paint as it is ineffective in avoiding the replication of mould spores.
Continuous mould replication in the house is a health danger as it triggers allergies and respiratory problems.
In addition, when moulds are left neglected, they can cause severe property damage and incur high repair work expenses that you wouldn’t want in the first place.
Painting the second coat before the first coat has dried sufficiently
After drying your first coat of paint, it’s safe to recoat generally after 4 to 6 hours. If water-based, it is advisable to wait at least three hours to recoat your paint. If you’re using oil-based paint, on the other hand, you might feel it dry 2 to 4 hours after it’s applied. However, it’s best to wait to recoat 24 hours after you’ve painted to ensure the surface is dry and ready for another coat of paint.
Failing to prepare walls for painting
Walls may need to be cleaned with special detergents before any paint is even applied. This is probably the most common mistake among DIYers. Remember to never paint on a dirty wall. Because if you do, the paint will not stick efficiently and may lose its durability and other vital characteristics.
If you have gaps around any moulding, or stair risers, which frequently occur, always apply caulking before you paint.
If you do not, the fractures will come back in the long run. These cracks are expected as the moulding wood contracts and expands throughout the seasons, as the humidity varies. Do not attempt to paint too thick on walls just to cover these cracks, as it won’t work and will result in further flaws.
Just not having the expertise to do a professional painting job. Not having the tools/tall ladders to complete particular painting projects. (We have heard that some homeowners tried to build their painting tools using a 3d printing pens!)
When you hire a reputable painter you will avoid the stress of an expensive Do-It-Yourself disaster. Not only will a professional avoid the mistakes above, but their experience will also make your painted home look better and increase its value.
When to Bring in the Pros: Making the Smart Choice for Your Project
Assessing Needs: Complexity and Quality
Firstly, let’s chat about why hiring a pro might be the ace up your sleeve. There’s comfort in the expertise and precision a professional brings to the table. If your project is vast, particularly intricate, or you demand a certain je ne sais quoi that only comes with years of brush-and-roller experience, a professional can deliver top-tier quality. They have the skills how to paint a room professionally, tackle the fickle nature of paint, understand the nuanced dance of light and hue, and ensure that the outcome not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
The Question of Time and Efficiency
You’re a captain of industry, a start-up maven, a person whose minutes are as golden as the sunrise—attempting to squeeze a full-blown paint job into your bustling schedule might not be practical. Let’s acknowledge it: Time is currency. A professional painter optimizes efficiency, systematically approaching every task from prep to the final stroke. They transform days of DIY labour into hours of professional service, freeing up your precious time.
Longevity and Professional Guarantee
While you might be a maestro of many trades, there is an undeniable allure in the warranty of workmanship that comes with professional services. Their experience and honed techniques equate to longevity; they know what lasts and what looks good only for a short while. Professionals often offer guarantees for their work, providing you with reassurance that should something go amiss, they will correct it.
Access to the Right Tools and Materials
Much like the magician’s wand or the chef’s knife, the correct tools are paramount to painting. Professionals come armed with high-calibre equipment—sprayers, ladders, and scaffolding—and possess an arsenal of premium paints and materials that might not be readily available at your local store. They invest continuously in their trade tools, which translates directly into the superior calibre of their finished work.
Health and Safety: A Top Priority
Did you know that a painting job also involves a fair share of health and safety considerations? From lead paint remediation on old walls to the know-how of handling fumes and chemicals, professional painters are versed in safe operation standards. They mitigate risk, keep health hazards at bay, and work with an alert understanding of safety protocols, ensuring everyone’s well-being.
Making the Call: Partnering with Professionals
Here’s a toast to you: the informed decision-maker. Whether you’re rebranding a commercial space or refreshing your homestead, recognizing when to enlist a professional is a mark of savvy and foresight. It shows that you value quality, efficiency, and outcomes that resonate with the dedication you pour into every aspect of your life.
HERE’S WHY AN EXPERIENCED PRO GETS THE PAINTING PROJECTS DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME:
The Paint Swatch Switch: Swatches are merely guides and often look different when applied. A professional knows how to test swatches so that you see exactly what the final product will look like.
Right Room – Right Colour: Some rooms are better warm, some cool. A pro will take lighting, room type and surrounding décor into consideration to find the best colours to highlight each space.
Longevity: Properly applied paint lasts for years, and professionals can avoid colours that will fall out of fashion in a short time. They’ll also address issues such as cracks and carpentry before painting which all adds to the value of hiring a reputable professional.
With over 36 years in the painting business and a proven track record. A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau and a Top-Rated Company on HomeStars – you can trust Home Painters Toronto to do it right the first time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED HOMEOWNER QUESTIONS:
IS HOME PAINTERS TORONTO COVERED BY THE WORKERS SAFETY INSURANCE BOARD (WSIB)? DO THEY HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE?
Without a doubt, YES! Here at Home Painters Toronto, we are covered by WSIB and have $5,000,000 in liability insurance coverage. This covers our team in case of an injury happens on the job. All painting companies and contractors must have this insurance coverage if you want to guarantee total security while they work on your property.
HOW MUCH DO PAINTERS CHARGE PER SQ FT IN TORONTO, ONTARIO?
The typical painting cost per square foot in Toronto, Ontario, is around $2 – $3 CAD + HST for paint. So given that you have a 1200 sq ft home, for example, it will likely cost you around $3,000 – $5,000 CAD + HST to paint your house in Toronto. In the given scenario, the rate per square foot to paint a 1200 sq ft home is around $2.5- $3 CAD + HST.
DOES HOME PAINTERS TORONTO HAVE PAYMENT INSTALLMENT PLANS?
Home Painters Toronto has the most flexible payment plans in the industry. This consist of “no-cost” credit card payment options and interest-free installment plans spanning anywhere from one month to one year. As long as you have dropped us a notice about your desired payment plan before booking the contract. We will be more than happy and grateful to work with you on a schedule that fits your needs and convenience.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The do it yourself job is an easy way to save money but ultimately results in a mess if not done correctly. If you decide to paint your home on your own, there are many things you must take into consideration.
This includes researching everything that’s involved in the project, including the scope of prep work required for the wall’s surface before you start. Upon doing the research, this will provide some helpful tips to help you do an excellent DIY project. Don’t be pressured, as you can always seek help from professional painters if you’re not satisfied with the result of your DIY project.
Now, given the instance that you decide to give your project to the hands of professional house painting contractors, Home Painters Toronto is on the way to help you. We have seen it all and understand the finer details of completing a proper exterior painting job.
Hiring our team of expert Toronto house painters is the easiest way to achieve a professionally-finished, top-quality paint job. We can help you determine what kind of paint you need for your particular project and curate a solution that will work best for your home or business.
If you reside in Toronto and the GTA and need some help figuring out the painting costs per square foot, don’t hesitate to call us! We will help you pick the colours you want and show you the latest painting and home renovation trends. Our home painting services with the best pro painters have been around now for over 36 years.
Call 416.494.9095 or email brian@HomePaintersToronto.com for a FREE quote for your home painting needs. And don’t forget to check us out on our social media channels below!
