Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long will the finishes last?
That will depend a lot on the specific application; interior or exterior, the amount of light exposure, color, sheen, and the amount of wear and tear they receive. In every case the use of the highest quality products professionally applied over surfaces which have undergone a rigorous cleaning and preparation process will assure the maximum lifespan intended by the manufacturer.
2. Can the finishes be washed?
While not all coatings and paints are intended to be washed the answer in general is yes. With the selection and use of the appropriate high quality materials washing and scrubbing of walls, even flat sheen plaster walls is absolutely possible.
3. How soon can you start a project?
We schedule our projects to start in chronological order. However, we are flexible to accomodate special needs(travel, moving, etc.). Though jobs already in progress will take priority. Advance planning and scheduling will assure that your project receives the attention to detail which results in a quality experience, although we usually have staff available to accommodate short notice emergency situations.
4. What about my carpet and furniture?
Protecting your furnishings and possessions is of the greatest importance to us. We will communicate and work with you to assure that any special things receive special care. On all our job sites everything to be protected is wrapped in plastic sheeting and tape; floor coverings, windows, and doors are taped around and covered prior to any work being started.
5. What if I live up north and am concerned about the logistics?
The internet, digital cameras, our web site and the customer access section at johngreypainting.com provide the ability to maintain real time communication with you and report progress and discuss issues through the duration of your project. Our office on Sanibel provides a place to achieve logistic support and coordination.
6. Will you stay on the job after start up?
Yes. We have a motivated, professional work group and our goal is to complete every project by following the shortest path to a quality result.
7. How and when do we do the color selection?
Many people have already considered color schemes prior to contacting a decorating contractor. For everyone else we would suggest beginning with a consultation. Our color and design consultant can help to form a complete color and decorating scheme as well as coordinate interior furnishings. On this web site there is a simple color tool to assist you with basic color concepts. In our office we have the ability to input a picture of your house or project and apply different colors and schemes to help you visualize the total color scheme. Viewing and approving the final selections on the wall prior to application is last step.
8. Should I use oil or latex based products?
Product selection was always a complicated issue and it is even more so now in light of environmental concerns. John Grey Painting is taking every opportunity to protect the environment. There are many application opportunities to substitute the more friendly acrylic enamels in place of ‘old school’ oil base paints, and we welcome these. VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) are in every product in some form. It is a balancing act to achieve surface adhesion, optimum durability, color and sheen retention, reduce oxidation and UV light degradation while dealing with environmental concerns. The short answer is use acrylics whenever possible!
9. Can you do wood repairs?
We are an accredited licensed carpentry contractor and not only can, but do make wood repairs. In our environment the question regarding wood is not will it need repaired prior to painting, but how extensive will the repairs be.
10. How many coats of paint do you apply?
We apply the number of coats required to achieve a quality finish. The short answer is typically two coats over previously painted surfaces and three coats over new surfaces. We would always suggest that to apply an additional coat while we are already there will be far less expensive than doing it later but each project has its own requirements.
11. Can you help me if I’m not quite sure what I want?
Absolutely! We are always available to answer questions, give advice or consult with you regarding the color, preparation, and product selection necessary to achieve the result you are striving for. Tell us what you have in mind and we’ll work to achieve it.
12. How long does it take to do a job?
Of course that is difficult to answer until we have assessed the effort required to achieve what you want. We will be able tell with good accuracy how long your project will last after checking for the possibility of unforeseen or unanticipated issues.
13. What do I need to do to get my project off the ground?
Before you make decisions about how to proceed with a plan of attack, we would strongly suggest that you call us or request a consultation online. We have had experience with a great number of projects and can often guide redirect or short cut the process involved to achieve the highest quality experience.
14. Is there a charge for your consultation and advise?
No. Our initial inspection, assessment and preliminary consultations would be included as an ordinary part of the proposal process.

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