When the painting is done, most good painters will give you a detailed invoice. This invoice usually includes:

• The contractor’s name, physical address and license number.
  
• A list of all painting services performed.
  
• An itemized list of all paint and painting supplies used.
  
• The total cost for painting services, including the amount due for labor.
  
• Warrantees or guarantees extended by the paint manufacturers and the painting firm.

It’s smart to compare the actual work to the written invoice. Ask your company representative to walk through the job site with you and show you the work, so you’re sure all areas were done correctly. During this walkthrough, check what you see against the invoice. Before the contractors leave the jobsite for the final time, ask if there are any special instructions for maintaining, cleaning or caring for your new paint.

If you have questions about the work that was done, the materials used or the warranty coverage, this is the time to ask. Once the painters leave your home, you may not be able to negotiate changes to the contract or ask for written confirmation of items you were promised before or after the work.

Most good painting companies offer some type of guarantee on their work and on the materials they’ve used. All warranty details should be provided in writing during the contract phase or at the completion of the job.

This should include the following:

• The contractor’s name and physical address.
  
• What products and services are covered by the warranty.
  
• Whether the contractor will replace or repair your new paint in the event of a product or application failure.
  
• Your responsibility if you place a warranty claim (i.e., specific ways to file the claim, if you will be responsible to pay for labor or new materials, or if you are required to pay a prorated amount for warranty work).
  
• If the warranties are transferrable to the new owner if you sell your home.
  
• Terms, limitations and exclusions on the paint, materials and workmanship.

The most common painting requests made of in Contra Costa County painting companies are listed below, as well as a description of what those services entail.

House Painting
The term house painting can include interior and exterior painting. The entire process of painting a house, including color selection, prepping, taping, priming/primering, paint application and paint sealing is generally included in a contract for house painting.

Interior Painting
Interior surface painting is commonly referred to as interior painting. Interior paint for walls and ceilings comes in many colors and finishes, including faux and decorative finishes, wood stains and clear finish. Many modern interior paints are available in environmentally-friendly formulations that have lower toxicity than exterior paints.

Exterior Painting
Exterior paint is applied to the outside of homes and buildings. Exterior paints must be more flexible and fade-resistant than interior paints to stand up to changing weather conditions and the fading effects of the sun.

Paint Color Selection
Some painting companies in Contra Costa County provide paint color selection assistance. Paint selection considers possible colors, existing colors in the home and overall room scheme, and may be done by an experienced painter or by an interior decorator or paint specialist. Paint matching services may also be available to homeowners who need to match new paint to an existing color for touchups, repainting or finishing a paint job.

Decorative Painting Techniques
Sometimes known as faux finishing or faux painting, decorative painting techniques such as tromp l’oeil, sponge painting, rag rolling, venetian plaster, marbling, striping, color washing, pickling, wood grain painting, verdigris and antiquing are popular methods that add a custom touch to newly-painted surfaces.

Faux Painting
Like decorative painting techniques, faux painting is a technique that adds a faux finish to the surface. Venitian plastering, faux suede, faux marble or marbleizing and wood graining are examples of popular faux painting.

Commercial Painting
Any painting in commercial buildings, including stores, schools, offices, museums, public buildings and hospitals is referred to as commercial painting. Some contractors only offer commercial painting, while others provide a combination of services that includes commercial, industrial and residential painting.

Low VOC Paint
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals that may be harmful to human health. VOCs are commonly found in paints, paint thinners and lacquers used in homes. New low-VOC paints are often suggested for use in areas where people live and work. The use of low-VOC and no-VOC paints may help improve indoor air quality and prevent illness due to contaminated air.

Industrial Painting
Industrial painting services in Contra Costa County offer painting for large industrial and commercial buildings. Industrial painting often includes metal building interior and exteriors, ceilings, walls, floors, metal siding, metal roofs, office buildings, parking structures, factories, manufacturing plants and warehouses.

General Painting Services
Painting services is a term that encompasses all services offered by local painting companies. General painting services include house painting, interior painting, exterior painting, residential and commercial painting, paint preparation, paint spraying, paint rolling (roller application of paint) and high-volume painting services.

Top 10 Brand Requests

1. Sherwin-Williams
2. Behr Paint
3. Glidden Paint
4. Dulux Paint
5. ICI Paint
6. Benjamin Moore
7. Valspar Paint
8. Dutch Boy Finishes
9. Kelly-Moore
10. Olympic Paint

acrylic paint
Acrylic paint is a water-based synthetic paint that is long-lasting and used in areas where high-performance is needed. Acrylic paints are water-soluble when fresh but become flexible and durable after they’ve dried. Acrylic paints can be diluted with water to thin them and can be mixed together to create different colors.

Also known as: acrylic house paint, acrylic latex paint, acrylic enamel, acrylic interior paint, acrylic exterior paint

antiquing
Any specialized finish usually applied to furniture and woodwork to give the appearance of age and antiquing is known as antiqued finish. Antique finishes make surfaces appear worn, cracked, rough, hand-rubbed or old.

Also known as: antique finish, antiqued wood, faux antique finish, antique oil finish, shabby chic finish, antique painting, distressed paint, distressing, aged-look painting, country-antique finish

curing
Curing is the time it takes for paint to fully bond and become dry and stable. While the surface of paint may dry quickly, most paints take up to two weeks to fully dry internally. Care should be taken not to scratch, dent or scar curing paint.

Also known as: paint curing, paint drying, drying paint, high-temperature paint curing

cutting in paint
Painting contractors in Contra Costa County refer to the painting technique that neatly creates a line where two edges or colors meet as “cutting in.” When cutting in, painters usually use a trim brush with beveled or angled bristles to apply a finished-line edge.

Also known as: cutting, cutting in, cut-in, cut-in walls, cutting-in ceilings

eggshell finish
Eggshell finish is a type of paint that has a slight sheen when dry.

Also known as: egg shell finish, eggshell paint finish, satin finish paint

elastomeric coverings
Elastomeric paint is rubberized paint that’s thick, flexible and waterproof. It creates a waterproof barrier when painted on surfaces, including masonry and stucco home exteriors. Elastomeric paints are generally used as exterior paints and floor paints, and are available in almost every brand and color.

Also known as: elastomeric exterior paint, elastomeric masonry, elastomeric stucco paint, elastomeric rubberized paint, rubber paint, elastomeric coatings, waterproof paint barrier

enamel finish
A type of household paint that dries to a hard finish. Enamel finishes may be flat paint, gloss paint or semi-gloss paint.

Also known as: enamel interior paint, enamel exterior paint, hard enamel finish, glossy enamel paint

epoxy
Epoxy is a type of paint that is made from tightly-binding chemicals. Epoxies resist standing water and extreme surface conditions, so epoxy finishes are a good choice for industrial painting and other areas that need a tough, protective coating.

Also known as: polyester epoxy, fusion bonded epoxy powder coatings (FBE), epoxy resin, powder coatings, two-part epoxy coatings

fading paint
Paints that are exposed to high amounts of light, heat and weathering can experience fading. Fading can be postponed by choosing higher quality paints, choosing lighter colors and applying more coats of paint.

Also known as: paint fading, residential paint fading, faded paint, paint fade restoration, sun faded paint, sun fading paint

faux finishing
Faux finishing encompasses a wide range of decorative painting techniques used to make one surface appear like another. Some faux painting creates an illusion of depth or texture. Common faux finishes include: texturizing, color washing, paint combing, marbleizing, wood graining, stria, rag painting, stenciling, metallic paints, glazing, plaster of paris, sponge painting, faux brick finishes, wall murals, smooth finishes, and other similar wall treatments.

Also known as: faux painting, faux finishes, faux finish painting, faux paint texture, decorative painting, decorative faux finishes

finish coat
The final coat of paint applied to walls, ceilings and other structures is referred to as the finish coat.

Also known as: finishing coat, final coat, top coat, finished coat

flaking
Like peeling, cracking and blistering paint, flaking paint occurs when a layer of paint detaches. Once a paint job starts flaking, the best fix is to completely strip and sand the surface and reapply a better quality paint or a paint that’s made for the surface it’s applied to.

Also known as: paint flakes, flaking paint, chipped paint, peeling paint, paint flaking off

flat finish paint
Flat finish is the most common paint finish. Flat finishes reflect the least amount of light and have a pleasing appearance. Flat finishes have no sheen or gloss and are common interior and exterior paint choices.

Also known as: flat paint finish, flat finishes, no-gloss paints, flat paint

gloss paint finish
Glossy paints have a shiny sheen and reflect light. Gloss finishes are shiny and durable, although they may be more prone to scratching and flaws than flat paints. Glossy finishes are generally used as accent paints on cabinets, trim and furnishings.

Also known as: glossy paint, glossy paint finish, gloss finish, gloss paints, semi-gloss, high gloss paints, demi-gloss finish

lacquer
Lacquer is a fast-drying, clear or lightly-pigmented varnish. It dries as the solvents evaporate and often requires a curing process in order to develop a hard coating. Lacquer is most commonly used on wood and furniture.

Also known as: lacquer spray, gloss lacquer, clear lacquer, lacquer sealant, lacquer sealer, shellac, varnish

latex paint
Latex paints are synthetic, water-based paints that dry quickly and are easy to clean. Latex paints are opaque and are easy to paint over with other latex-based paints.

Also known as: acrylic paint, acrylic latex paint

metallics
Metallic paints have metal flecks in them so they are reflective and have a shimmery, luminous appearance. Metallic paints are generally recommended for indoor use only, and are often used as accent paints or painted over darker paint to add light to dark corners and rooms.

Also known as: metallic paints, polychromatic paint, metal flake paint, metal paint, metallic-finish paint

paint thinner
Paint thinner solvents are used to thin and clean up after using oil-based paints. Many paint thinners are made of toxic or potentially dangerous chemicals. Paint thinners should be used sparingly and with caution. Water-based paint makes the use of paint thinners unnecessary. Most paint thinners are made of acetone, turpentine, naptha, touline and/or xyline.

Also known as: paint solvent, mineral spirits, MEK, DMF, liquid thinner

peeling paint
When a layer of paint detaches from the lower layers of paint, it is referred to as peeling paint. Paint peeling can be caused by moisture or poor adhesion due to improper preparation. Peeling paint must be stripped, sanded and reapplied to a clean surface.

Also known as: paint peeling, interior peeling paint, exterior paint peeling, fixing peeling paint, peeling house paint, peeling bathroom paint, peeling paint texture

priming
Priming is applying a coat of primer paint to a surface before applying paint and finish coat. Painters in Contra Costa County use primers to create a strong bond and prevent paint from peeling, chipping and flaking.

Also known as: primer, paint prepping, preparation, primer coat, wood primers, primer sealer, primer spray

satin finish paint
Satin finishes have a rich texture and a slightly glossy finish. Also known as eggshell finishes, satin finish paints are durable and easy to clean.

Also known as: satin wall finish, satin interior paints, satin finishes, satin-finish paint

stain
Stain is a water- or oil-based material that is applied to surfaces to add color. Stain is often used on wood surfaces and is absorbed in to permanently stain the surface. Unlike paint, which sits on the top of the surface, stain is absorbed into the surfaces.

Also known as: wood stain, staining, interior stains, exterior stains, surface stains

textured paints
Textured paint has texturizing material within it or can be applied with brushes, rollers, trowels or other tools to create special textured effects. Textured paint effects can hide flaws and imperfections in walls and other surfaces, create accents on furniture and decor, and hide stains and damage on ceilings and walls.

Also known as: texture paint, texturized paint, paint texturing, applying texture to paint

The following questions and answers are the most commonly asked by clients of painting companies in Contra Costa County. Read on for more information.

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified Painting Contractor?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a painter with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only painting companies rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. So you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified painting company.

Q: What is lead paint and why should I be concerned about it?
A: Lead paint can cause brain damage and slowed physical development, and it is a leading source of lead poisoning in children and adults in the United States. Lead-based paints are found on interior and exterior surfaces of older homes, chiefly those built before 1978. This isn’t usually a problem if the old paint is repainted over with lead-free paint. However, when paint chips, cracks, peels or is scraped off, any lead paint underneath can pose a hazard to children, pets and other people in the home or building.

Most homes that were built before 1978 were painted using lead paint. A simple lab test can prove if your paint contains lead. Some painting contractors in Contra Costa County will test for lead paint, and lead paint tests are available at most hardware stores. If your home contains lead paint, Contra Costa painting contractors legally need to take precautions when removing it. Typical containment procedures include sealing off the rest of the building or home, wearing respirators to circumvent inhaling the lead particles, disposing of all clothing items worn while removing lead paint, using filtration systems, and post-removal cleaning procedures to remove microscopic lead particles that can endanger residents.

Q: Can I paint my home myself?
A: It is possible to paint your home yourself. If the area you want to paint is small or you have experience painting, you may be able to do the job yourself. However, painting can be time-intensive, messy work. You may be wise to hire a expert to do the job. Professional painters have the knowledge, talent and tools to do the job right. Most also guarantee their work, so you’ll be assured of getting an excellent paint job that lasts.

Q: Why can painting estimates vary so widely between different painting companies?
A: Painting contractors base their prices on a number of factors—the cost of labor, the time needed for surface preparation and needed repairs, the quality of paint applied and the number of coats needed. Cheaper bids may reflect a lower quality of work or less experienced painters. However, it’s smart to question the contractors when one bid is much lower or much higher than the other bids you’ve received to make sure the painting company is bidding on the same details of the job. If one bid is much lower than the others you’ve received, it can be a sign that the estimator either missed something during the bidding process or serve as a warning that the company may not provide the same quality application or products as the other companies you’ve interviewed.

Q: Does the quality of paint matter?
A: With paint, the old saying usually holds true: You get what you pay for. It’s true that top-quality paints are more pricey, but they are often made better, so they go on more evenly, re more durable and last longer than cheap paint. By using good quality paints, you’ll repaint less frequently and your home will look better between painting, meaning you may save more money by spending a little more at the outset.

Q: What is the difference between paint finishes?
A: Exterior and interior paint is labeled according to its sheen and gloss. The higher the sheen, the more light reflects off of the paint and the glossier, or shinier, it appears. Your choice of paint will depend on the area and surface you’re painting, the color of paint you’ve chosen and the need to clean the painted surface and hide imperfections.

Matte and flat paints have very little to no sheen. They are generally used on walls and ceilings and are best for hiding imperfections in the surface. Eggshell finish has a slight sheen and has a lustrous appearance. It is often used on interior walls. Satin and silk finish paints have a finish that is in between that of eggshell and semigloss. They are easier to clean than flat paint. Semi-gloss finish is a shinier, glossier paint. It is easy to clean and resists staining. However, the glossier a finish is, the more likely it is that imperfections in the paint will be obvious.

Q: My exterior house paint is peeling. Why is this happening and what can I do about it?
A: Paint can peel when exposed to moisture and weathering, or if it’s cheap paint. Your paint may be peeling because it is the wrong type of paint for the surface, it was applied in a poor manner, or the surface was not properly prepared before it was painted.

If your paint is already peeling, there isn’t much you can do. The peeling paint will need to be scraped off, the surface sanded and prepared, and a new coat of quality paint applied. Your best course for dealing with peeling paint is to remove the entire coat of paint, not just the damaged area. That’s because the rest of the paint will most likely also fail, since it was applied in the same way to the same surface. Contact a local Contra Costa County painting company to assess the damage and advise you on your specific situation.

Q: What are low-VOC and no-VOC paints. Should I consider using them?
A: VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are chemicals that emit potentially harmful gasses when applied and over time. Paint, lacquer, varnish, paint thinners and paint strippers often contain these chemicals. In recent years, paints with lower concentrations of these toxic compounds have become available. There are also some paint brands that offer products with no VOC content. These natural paints and finishes are durable, cost effective and less harmful. Talk with your painting contractor and ask if they are familiar with low-VOC paints and whether they would recommend them for your home.