When the new painting is completed, most good painters will give you a written invoice for the completed work. This usually includes:

• The contractor’s name, business address and license number.
  
• A list of all services completed.
  
• An itemized list of all paint and painting supplies purchased, including brands, quality and amount.
  
• The total cost for painting services, including the amount charged for labor.
  
• Any relevant warrantees or product guarantees provided by the paint manufacturers and the painting company.
  
• It’s smart to compare the completed work to what was promised on the official invoice. Ask your painting company representative to walk through the job site with you and show you the work. During the walk-through, ask if there are any specific instructions for maintaining your new paint. If you have questions about the work that was done or the materials used, now is the time to ask.

Most good painting contractors warranty their work and the materials they’ve used. All warranty details should be provided to you in writing when you sign the contract or at the completion of the job.
This written warranty should include:

• The painting contractor’s name and physical address.
• A list of products and services that are covered, including whether the contractor will replace the paint or repaint in the event of product failure.
• Your responsibility when filing warranty claims (i.e., whether you have to pay for labor or new materials, or if you are required to pay a prorated amount based on when the failure occurs).
• Terms, restrictions and exclusions that impact your painting warranties.
• If the warranties transfer to the new owner if you sell your home.

The top requests for residential painting services in Santa Clara County including those in Santa Clara, Milpitas, Mountain View, San Jose and Sunnyvale and the surrounding areas are listed below. The paragraphs below the table define each painting service request.

Paint Color Selection Services
Paint color selection is a service many painting companies in Santa Clara County offer. The paint selection process involves paint color choices, existing colors in the home and overall room and decoration scheme. Paint matching services may also be available in cases where homeowners want to match new paint to an existing color.

Exterior Painting
Exterior paint is applied to the outside of homes and buildings. Exterior paints must be more elastic and fade-resistant than interior paints so they’re able to stand up to harsh weather conditions and fading from the sun.

Interior Painting
Painting on the interior surfaces of a home is referred to as interior painting. Interior paint for walls and ceilings comes in many colors and finishes, including faux and decorative finishes, wood stains, clear finish, matte paint, glossy paint and texturized paint. Many modern interior paints are available in ecologically aware formulations that are less toxic than exterior paints.
House Painting
House painting can include interior painting and exterior painting, and often takes into account the entire process from color selection, paint prepping, taping, priming, painting and sealing. Many painters specialize in painting homes, while others paint commercial buildings, industrial buildings and government buildings. You may want to consider hiring a house painter that has experience in the types of materials, techniques and methods you’re looking for.

Decorative Painting Techniques
Also known as faux finishing and faux painting, decorative techniques including tromp l’oeil, rag rolling, venetian plaster, sponge painting, marbling, stripe technique (striping), color washing, pickling, liming, wood graining, verdigris (aged copper-like finish) and antiquing are fashionable methods that add a custom look to homes.

Faux Painting / Faux Finishing
Like decorative painting techniques, faux painting is a technique that adds a faux finish to the surface so that the wall or ceiling appears to be made of something else. Examples of popular faux painting are: Venitian plastering, faux suede, faux marble or marbleizing and wood grain faux effects.

Commercial Painting Companies
Painting for commercial buildings, stores, schools, office buildings, museums, public structures and hospitals is known as commercial painting. Some contractors do only commercial painting, while others provide a combination of services for commercial, industrial and residential painting.

Low VOC Paint
Low VOC paints have lower quantities of volatile organic compounds, or potentially harmful chemicals. Low-VOC paints are often used in homes and offices where people spend a large amount of time. Low-VOC and no-VOC paints may help improve indoor air quality and avoid toxin-related illnesses.

Industrial Painting Services
Industrial painting services in Santa Clara County paint large industrial and commercial buildings. Industrial painting is often done on metal building interior and exteriors, ceilings, walls, floors, metal siding, metal roofs, office buildings and large professional buildings, parking garages, factories, manufacturing plants and storage warehouses.

Painting Services in Santa Clara County
Painting services encompass all paint products and painting specialties offered by local painting companies in Santa Clara County. Popular painting services include house painting, interior painting, exterior painting, residential painting, commercial painting, preparation, spray painting and paint rolling.

Top House Paint Brand Requests

• Valspar Paint
• Dutch Boy
• Kelly-Moore
• Glidden Paint
• Dulux Paint
• ICI
• Sherwin-Williams Paint
• Behr
• Benjamin Moore
• Olympic Paint

acrylic paint
Acrylic paints are water-based synthetic paints known for performance and long-lasting color. Acrylic paints are water-soluble when wet but become flexible, durable and water-resistant once dry. Acrylic paints can be diluted with water and can be mixed together to create new paint colors.

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

antique finish / antique faux finishing
A specialized finish usually applied to furniture and woodwork to give the appearance of age and antiquing. Antique finishes may appear worn, cracked, rough or hand-rubbed and are often used on furniture, accent walls and room trim to complement décor.

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

cutting in
The painting technique that creates a neat 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 paint, cut-in, cut-in walls, cutting-in ceilings, cut-in paint

eggshell finish
Eggshell finish is a type of paint finish that has a slight sheen and appears mildly shiny. It often has the same appearance as an eggshell, hence its name.

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

elastomeric paint
Elastomeric finishes are thick, flexible and waterproof rubberized paints. Elastomerics create a waterproof barrier on almost any surface, including masonry and stucco. Elastomeric paints are generally used on home exteriors 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 finish
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

faux finishing
Faux finishing encompasses a wide range of decorative painting techniques used to make one surface appear like another. 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 paint
When paint fails and small pieces flake off, the paint is said to be flaking. Like peeling, cracking and blistering paint, flaking paint occurs when a layer of paint detaches from the surface it has been applied to. Once a paint job starts flaking, the best fix is to completely strip and sand the surface and reapply a better quality paint.

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

flat finishes
Flat finish is the most common paint finish used for interior painting. Flat finishes reflect the least amount of light, and have no sheen or gloss. They are common interior and exterior paint choices.

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

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, high gloss paints, demi-gloss finish, gloss paints, semi-gloss

lacquer finishes
Lacquers are fast-drying, clear or lightly-pigmented varnishes. Lacquer dries as solvents evaporate and often requires a curing process to develop a hard coating. Lacquer is commonly applied to wood and furniture.

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

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

Also known as: acrylic paint, acrylic latex paint

metallic paints
Metallic paints are interior paints that have metal flecks. The metal flakes are reflective and create a shimmery, luminous appearance. Metallic paints are often used on accent walls and with dark paints in large rooms.

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

paint fading
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

paint thinner
Paint thinners are solvents used to thin and clean up oil-based paints. Many paint thinners are made of toxic or potentially dangerous chemicals. Paint thinners should be used carefully and sparingly. Using a water-based paint will make it unnecessary to use paint thinners.

Also known as: paint solvent, acetone, mineral spirits, turpentine, naptha, touline, xylene, 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

primers
Coats of primers are painted onto a surface before applying paint and finish coat. Primers assure a strong bond and prevent paint from peeling, chipping and flaking.

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

satin finish
Satin finishes have a rich texture and a slight glossy finish. They are also known as eggshell finishes. Satin finish paints are hard-wearing and easy to clean.

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

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

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

textured paints
Textured paint has grainy material within the paint or that can be applied with brushes, rollers, trowels or other tools to create special effects. Textured paint effects are often used to hide flaws, imperfections, accent furniture and decor, or hide stains and wall damage.

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

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified Painting Contractor in Santa Clara County?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a local painter with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local painting companies that 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 when choosing a Diamond Certified painting company in the Santa Clara area.

Q: Can I paint my house myself?
A: As with many home improvement projects, it is possible to apply new paint to your home yourself. If the area you want to paint is small or you have experience painting, you may be up for doing the job yourself. However, painting is often time-intensive, messy work. And depending on the size of your project, you may be wise to hire a professional to do the job. Professional painters have the knowledge, skill and the tools to do the job right. Most will also guarantee their work, so you’ll be more assured of getting a quality paint job that lasts for years longer.

Q: Does it matter what quality of paint I choose?
A: With paint, you usually get what you pay for. Top-quality paints are more expensive, but they often have better components that make them smoother, more durable and last longer than cheap paint. You’ll have to repaint less frequently and your home will look better between painting.

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

Matte and flat paints have very little or no gloss. They are often used on walls and ceilings and hide surface imperfections. Eggshell finish has a slight sheen and 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 shinier, glossier paint. It is easy to clean and resists staining. However, the glossier a finish is, the more likely imperfections in the paint will be noticeable.

Q: Why do painting estimates vary so widely?
A: Painting contractors base their prices on the cost of labor, the time needed for painting preparation and repairs, the quality of paint applied and the number of coats. Cheaper bids may be a sign of a lower quality of work or less knowledgeable painters. However, you’re wise to ask the contractors when one bid is much lower or much higher than the others you’ve received to make sure the painting company is bidding on the same project and same details within the project. You can avoid most of this uncertainty by requesting detailed bids that are itemized to include quality and brand of paint materials, details about paint application and number of coats.

Q: My exterior paint is peeling. What can I do about it?
A: Some paint will peel when exposed to moisture and harsh weather. Your paint may be peeling because it is the wrong paint for the surface, it was applied poorly, or the surface was not properly prepared before painting. If your paint is already peeling, there isn’t much you can do. The peeling paint will need to be scraped and removed, the surface sanded and prepared, and a new coat of paint applied. If you hired a local painter in Santa Clara County, call them back and explain the situation. Good painters will usually stand behind their work, and they may repaint your home based on the warranty.

Remove the entire peeling coat of paint, not just the peeling 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 Santa Clara County painting company to assess the damage and advise you on your specific situation.

Q: Should I be concerned about lead paint?
A: Lead paint is the leading source of lead poisoning in children and adults, which can cause brain damage and slow physical development. Lead-based paints were applied to interior and exterior surfaces of older homes before 1978. Lead paint contamination isn’t usually a problem if the old paint is covered with new, lead-free paint. However, when the old paint chips, cracks, peels or is scraped, lead paint underneath can become exposed and pose a threat to children and pets.

If your home painting contains lead, your contractors legally need to take precautions when removing it. These containment procedures usually include sealing off the rest of the home, wearing respirators while removing the paint, disposing of the clothes worn while removing lead paint, and using filtration systems and post-removal cleaning procedures to remove all lead particles from the home and area surrounding the home. If your contractor doesn’t use proper lead paint removal techniques, you can legally be held responsible for contamination.

Most homes built before 1978 were painted with lead paint. An easy lab test can prove if your paint contains lead. Some painting contractors in Santa Clara County will test for lead paint, and lead paint tests are available at most hardware stores for DIY lead paint testing.

Q: What are low-VOC and no-VOC paints?
A: VOCs are volatile organic compounds that emit potentially harmful gasses over time. Paints, lacquers, varnishes, paint thinners and paint removers often contain such chemicals. Paints with lower concentrations of these toxic compounds and paint brands that offer products with no VOC content are available. These paints and finishes are durable, cost effective and less harmful than traditional paints. Ask your Santa Clara County painting contractor if they are familiar with low-VOC paints and whether they would recommend them for your home. Most customers who chose low VOC paints or no VOC paints do so because they are concerned about indoor air quality or have children or pets they want to protect over the long term.