FAQ

1. Why do the bids I get for painting range from very high to very low?
   There are many reasons for that answer:
   • Painting is not a regulated industry. Plumbers and electricians are required to meet state standards, but there are no qualifications that a painter must meet. Let’s face it, anybody with a ladder and a brush can call them selves a painter. Generally these people do not know how to properly prepare and apply paint, understand sound business practices, nor do they participate in uniformly applying the industry standards to the work they perform.
   • Unqualified and unlicensed painters. To perform any home improvement in the state of Maryland, a contractor must be licensed. In order to be licensed one must pass a state licensing exam, meet state required minimum insured levels, and that person must be credit worthy and financially sound. In addition all work performed by a licensed professional must come with a minimum one year warranty.
   • The use of day labor, sub-contractors and unqualified help has become prevalent in this industry. Again, anybody with a ladder and a paintbrush can paint. Many of the large franchised chains that have recently set up shop in Delaware and Maryland use this method. The end result is avoiding payroll liabilities, workers compensation and avoiding the cost of providing workers with the benefits generally associated with maintaining a professional work force that include reasonable compensation and benefits, adequate training and safe working conditions. With this type of work force only poor quality can be guaranteed.
2. How does John Bennett, Inc. address this?
   • John Bennett, Inc. is an active member in this professions only trade association. The Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA). The PDCA promotes professionalism by offering proven industry standards to every aspect of the work we perform; we take no short cuts and thus provide a level of workmanship that most painters do not even understand.
   • We are licensed with the State of Delaware and we exceed minimum insurance requirements and we stand behind the work that we perform for two years.
   • John Bennett, Inc. invests heavily in our people. Not only do we provide a stable and safe work place and adequate compensation, but we train our people in everything from the technical aspect of painting, providing great customer service and safe working practices. We have employees that have been with us since 1982.
3. What is the difference between a good paint job and a bad paint job?
   • Unfortunately most consumers do not know the difference between a good and bad paint job until they have had a bad one. The unfortunate thing is that it could potentially take a year or longer to realize that you have had a bad paint job.
   • A bad paint job will ultimately cost more money in the long run to remedy. Poorly applied paint to unprepared surfaces must be completely removed to get to a sound surface that will accept new paint. Remember, what seems like a bargain today may not show up for a year or longer.
   • The first indication of a bad paint job will be the customer service the contractor provides from the time to the initial call was made, to the estimate and the first few days on the job. If you are not feeling comfortable, you are probably right.
   • A good job starts with the initial call. How was your call handled, was there somebody there to receive your call? Was the person that provided the estimate professional? Did they provide all details of the job from the preparation methods, number of coats included, type of paint that will be used and any special requirements in writing? Did they address your concerns?
   • The remedy is to verify licenses and references. Demand all details are provided in writing and only deal with known professionals.
4. What is the difference between interior and exterior painting?
   • When having an interior painted, one must consider the people you will be allowing in your home, how they will protect and care for your belongings as well as the quality of the preparation, paint products used and the workmanship.
   • When it comes to exterior painting all of the above apply, but here is where preparation is key to create a lasting paint job, so the skill of the people performing the work and the quality of the products becomes even more important. In addition, what additional safety precautions will be taken from having anyone injured on your property since more hazards exist outside?
5. Is John Bennett, Inc. a good fit for me?
   • We strive to help you achieve your painting needs with the right products and sound painting techniques in a professional manor.
   • We build relationships based on quality, service and trust. We come when we say we will, we finish when we tell you we will, we do what we promised and we stand behind what we do.
   • We work hard to maintain competitive pricing. We want to meet your budget so we listen to your needs, propose solutions to meet those needs, but we will not shortcut good service and the quality of work we do. Because of this, it is likely that will see a difference in our bid.

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6. How do I figure how much paint I'll need for my project?
   There are many factors that will determine the amount of paint that is used in a project, such as the type of surface being covered, the color of the existing surface, and the color of the chosen paint. A general rule is to calculate the square footage of the surfaces to be painted, and divide by the number of square feet that your selected paint indicates it can cover. For best results, take your measurements and paint information to your local paint retailer.
7. Does it really matter whether I buy the expensive paint or a less expensive one?
   When it comes to paint, you get what you pay for. More expensive paints have better quality ingredients, and this accounts for the difference in price. By using better ingredients (and higher priced paint), you will generally get better durability, flow, and overall quality. This will help to keep your paint in good condition for a longer time, which saves you time and money in the long run.
8. What is the difference between a water-based latex paint and an oil paint? Which should I use?
   Water-based paints are generally easier to clean up and to use, so they are generally preferred by do-it-yourselfers. High quality latex paints also have better adhesion and higher resistance to bleaching and fading. However, both types of paint will do an excellent job for everyday use. VOC regulations apply to use of oil based paints in residential painting.
9. What is the difference between a flat, high gloss, satin, and eggshell finish?
   These terms indicate the sheen or gloss level, or degree or light reflectance, of the paint. Basically, these are terms that are used to describe paint’s shininess.
   • Gloss Finish
     Where to Use: Kitchen and bathroom walls, kitchen cabinets, banisters and railings, trim, furniture, door jambs and window sills Comments: More durable, stain-resistant and easier to wash. However, the higher the gloss, the more likely surface imperfections will be noticed.
   • Semi-gloss
     Where to use: Kitchen and bathroom walls, hallways, children's rooms, playrooms, doors, woodwork and trim. Comments: More stain-resistant and easier to clean than flat paints. Better than flat for high-traffic areas.
   • Satin or Silk (Range overlapping eggshell and semi-gloss)
     Where to use: Similar characteristics to semi-gloss and eggshell. Comments: Similar characteristics to semi-gloss and eggshell.
   • Eggshell
     Where to use: Can be used in place of flat paints on wall surfaces especially in halls, bathrooms and playrooms. Can be used in place of semi-gloss paints on trim for a less shiny appearance. Comments: It resists stains better than flat paint and gives a more lustrous appearance.
   • Flat
     What to use: For general use on walls and ceilings. Hides surface imperfections. Comments: Stain removal can be difficult. Use for uniform, non-reflecting appearance. Best suited for low-traffic areas.
   • Matte
     Same characteristics as flat. New products in matte are more scrubbable than many flat paints
10. Can I repair a tear in my wallpaper without hanging a whole new strip?
    Yes! Simply place a larger piece of pasted wallcovering over the tear so that it makes an exact match with the wallcovering on the wall. Use a razor knife to double-cut through both layers around the tear. Remove the layers and then clean the exposed wall area. Repaste the new outer piece into the area. Note: an irregular, wavy cut following the design in the wallcovering will make your cut less noticeable.
11. Is lead paint really a concern for me and my family?
    Yes! Until 1978, lead paint was commonly used in paint on the interiors and exteriors of homes. Today, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates that about 38 million homes in the US still contain some lead paint. When the paint begins to deteriorate it can contaminate a household and cause lead poisoning. Even if the paint in your home is in good condition, remodeling and renovation activities can break down paint and cause the lead to emerge. When working with lead-painted surfaces, it is important to contain any debris and clean thoroughly. People working in those areas should also take precautions to protect themselves from contacting the paint. Personal belongings including furniture should also be protected when working with lead paint. Always make remodelers and painters aware if you know your home has lead paint.