Quality Painting with Mike Beresford from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute Help! Is there a painter in the house? If you can think of a million things you’d rather do, or you don't feel confident about painting, then hiring a professional painting contractor can save you time and give you a professional result. But how do you choose the right contractor? The first step is to contact a number of painters for a quotation. Ask them to inspect the project and provide a written list of areas that need painting, the finishes you want and timing. Specify that they must use top-quality paints. That way you’ll be assured of premium finishes that last longer than ordinary paint. Usually these will be 100% acrylic paints but, in some situations, oil-based enamels can be appropriate. To assess who will be most appropriate, ask: - How will the surface be prepared and painted, including the brand, gloss level and number of coats? - How will surrounding areas - furniture, furnishings or garden beds - be protected? - When is the work scheduled to start and finish? - Is there a warranty and what does it cover? - Can previous clients be contacted for references? Then compare their responses and, of course, the cost! Try to make sure you are comparing 'apples with apples'. That way you can make an informed choice. Happy painting! Michael Beresford Manager Paint Quality Institute For a virtual encyclopaedia of reliable, brand neutral advice on painting and decorating, visit www.paintquality.com.au