Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a painting job last?
The paint on most stucco buildings should last approximately 10 years.
Some of the stucco buildings that we have worked on, however, are still
looking beautiful at 15 years - even though the colors aren't in
fashion anymore!
Wood siding and shingle houses typically last about 7 years before they're ready for a fresh coat.
How long will a painting job typically take?
We understand the importance of responding and completing the job as
soon as possible to prevent interruption in your business and your
comfort at home. Therefore, we undertake only one painting project at a
time so that your structure will receive 100% of our attention.
We will work with your schedule and provide you a time table of
completing the work in advance of commencing the painting project. Once
we begin, you can expect us to be at job site every work day until the
completion of the project.
It is impossible to say exactly how long it will take to paint your
structure, but a typical home that has been painted within the last 15
years normally takes approximately 10 days to complete.
How do I choose the right colors for my house?
Choosing the right paint color is no easy task. Everyone's likes,
dislikes, environment, and home are different. The amount, colors, and
textures of your floor coverings, furniture, artwork, trees, shrubs,
walk ways, roofing tiles, etc... can all effect the outcome of the
painted surfaces. Add to the mix the amount of natural light &
artificial light and your personal taste and the search for the right
color can become daunting. The most important thing to remember is that
YOU must feel comfortable with the colors that you choose.
Colors on color decks and chips can look very different than real
paint. Therefore, we will provide actual application of color samples
and design layout on walls and/or trims so you can view them at
different times of the day before settling on your final color.
How do I select the right sheen?
When choosing an interior paint, it is important to select not only the right color, but also the right sheen.
A paint’s sheen can affect the look of the paint job, but what is less
well known is that it can affect paint performance as well.
FLAT PAINTS
Because they are non-reflective, flat paints
tend to hide surface imperfections. It can be difficult, however, to
remove stains from flat paints. They are, therefore, good for general
use on walls and ceilings in low traffic areas.
SATIN PAINTS
As the name implies, satin paints have a
slightly more lustrous appearance than flat paints; they also have
better washability and stain resistance . A satin paint is good for
wall surfaces in halls, bathrooms and playrooms, or for trim where only
slight sheen is desired.
EGGSHELL PAINTS
Eggshell paints have more moderate sheen
level , somewhat higher than a satin finish. This moderate sheen makes
it a perfect in-between product - it has more durability, washability
and stain resistance than a satin paint, but it will not highlight
surface imperfections as much as a semi-gloss or high gloss paint.
SEMI-GLOSS PAINTS
Having a higher sheen than satin or
eggshell finishes, these paints are even more stain resistant and
easier to clean. They are excellent for use on walls and woodwork that
are subject to wear, including kitchen and bathroom walls, hallways,
children's rooms and playrooms, doors, windows and trims.
GLOSS PAINTS
These Paints are tougher, more durable, more stain resistant and easier
to clean than paints with less sheen Their highly reflective
appearance, however, causes them to highlight surface imperfections.
What if my house contains lead-based paint?
Many houses and apartment built before 1978 have paint that
contains lead . Lead from paint, chips and dust can pose serious health
hazards if not taken care of properly.
People have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases,
lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard. In the
United States about 900,000 children ages 1 to 5 have a blood lead
level above the level of concern. (Source EPA)
We at Cartelli Painting & Waterproofing Co. care about the adverse
affects on people and on the environment of lead-based paints.
Therefore, we follow all of the rules and regulations of the city and
national government before we remove paint chips that contain lead.
What is the best time of the year to paint my house?
For interior, anytime.
For exterior, generally speaking the
best time in Bay Area is from April to July and again from September to
November. August is typically avoided because Very hot weather will
speed the drying time for the paint which may cause inadequate
adherence to the surface. Wet winter months are avoided as Wet weather
and humidity in the air may cause paint to drip and sag.
Do I get to keep the left over paint for future touch ups?
Yes all the paint that is not used will be left for you. In addition
you will get a print-out which includes the names and numbers of the
products we used on your house, the manufacturer’s name, and all
associated formulas.
How do you waterproof my house?
We use elastomeric or terpolymer paints. These are rubberized latex
paints that create a tough protective film that, when fully cured,
provides waterproofing for your structure.
This tough elastic coating is resistant to sunlight, heat, cold, wind
driven rains, and coastal exposures. They come in a wide variety of
colors and are about eight times thicker than latex acrylic paints.
One of the leading brand for Terpolymer coating is Kel -Seal,
manufactured by Kelly Moore. One of the best things about Kel-Seal is
that you can eliminate the unsightly appearance of masonry cracking by
using their line of elastomeric paints. Because of Kel-Seal's
tremendous elongation characteristics, it will bridge and repair all
non - structural hairline cracks.
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