The Difference Between an Amateur and a Professional Painter
It is a common for a homeowner to look at the new paint job on their home and think “I could have done that.” With the right tools, years of experience and effort, you could approximate the quality of a professional painter, but it is surprisingly difficult. When you hire a first class house painting company, you are hiring specialized equipment and expertise that can be the difference between an acceptable job and a work of art.
The foremost difference between professional painters and weekend do-it-yourselfers is the care and precision that goes into preparing the painting surface. Most DIYers jump ahead to the actual painting without cleaning, stripping and priming the surface. High quality painters will actually spend the majority of the time prepping the surface by using repairing imperfections, smoothing rough areas or pressure washing. Amateur painters fail to realize that a well-prepared surface will not only adhere the paint for a longer period of time, but will also produce a more aesthetically pleasing result.
Professionals are unwilling to sacrifice quality for a few dollars. Many amateurs will often substitute cheaper materials in an effort to save a little money, but professionals understand that the right materials provide that little extra in quality which will elevate the project. For example, many people unknowingly use masking tape instead of painter’s tape, without realizing that painter’s tape provides sharper edges to the final result. Trust a professional to know the difference between a cost saving and a reduction in quality.
Another important consideration is the cost savings of hiring a professional. There is some critical equipment that most DIYers do not purchase—or purchase the wrong kind—that a professional knows is essential for a first rate job. These include top-tier paints, primers, tarps, paint scrapers, masks or goggles. For an exterior painting, professionals will utilize pressure washers, sanders and scaffolding which can be very expensive for a one-time job.
Professionals are much more likely to safely complete a project than an amateur. No paint project is worth a serious injury, so hiring experienced painters that are insured is almost always the right way to go for a sizable paint job. Even for small, interior paint jobs, it is wiser to hire skilled professionals; most injuries while painting involve falls from 2’-6’ stepladders.
The final issue you should consider prior to taking on a paint project yourself is the amount of time required. Most professional painting companies will use an entire team of specialists that can rapidly complete the project, producing minimal disruption to your family. Not only will it take you considerably longer to complete the same job, you are likely to run into delays if you make a mistake or fail to properly plan the job. During this extended period, your family and visitors will have to endure malodorous paint products, obstacles, and paint mishaps.
If you are considering painting your home, office or building, contact Naples’ leading paint professionals at FCI Painting. Call (239) 435-1001 or contact us online.