Frequently asked questions by Peter @ Peter the painter.

At Peterlepeintre.com // Peterthepainter.ca, we received many phone calls and emails from clients regarding painting projects and decoration ideas. We want to highlight some of these questions to you.

Q1: Is it important to hire a licensed, insured and bonded contractor?
A1: YES. All contractors in Quebec, Canada are required by laws to have an R.B.Q. ( Permis De Travail Régie du Bâtiment du Québec (R.B.Q. 5734-4517-0 ) license. Peterthepainter is a R.B.Q. licensed contractor. You need to be able to to verify that a person claiming to be licensed … you can visit the R.B.Q. website to make sure. DO NOT just rely on the contractors word. Peter states, “… Homeowners need to be fully aware of who they are allowing into their homes … and spending a couple of minutes to check out the contractors license before you hire a painting contractor is very simple to do…to ensure you aren’t putting your family or your home at risk.”

Q2: What about Commercial work?
A2: For commercial painting contracts, the painter must be registered with the C.C.Q. ( la Commission de la construction du Québec ) and have a journeyman (companion) certification and/or apprentice certification. Peterthepainter is a C.C.Q. licensed contractor.

Q3: How does one choose the right house painter?
A3: One of the best ways to choose the right painting contractor is by word of mouth – a referral by family, friends or acquaintance, someone who has used the services of a painting contractor and is very pleased with their work. Today, in the world of the Internet, reviews from a reputable website (such as Trusted Pros) who receive actual invoices from clients before posting any reviews – and not just a review that were “just made up”. Peter is a five star recommended painting contractor from Trusted Pros.

Q4: Who is Peter The Painter?
A4: Peter Koutlis, aka: Peter the painter has been operating and managing Peterlepeintre.com // Peterthepainter.ca, a custom residential and commercial company since 2005. Peter is passionate of painting and has a wealth of house painting knowledge and experience. Peter also consults on residential and commercial painting projects, before, during and after the painting projects have completed. Peter provides expert witness services in case of defective painting projects.

Q5: How can I reach Peter, the painter?
A5: Peter can be reached by visiting is websites, Peterlepeintre.com // Peterthepainter.ca or you can simply call Peter at 514 277 7177.

Q6: Can Peter provide me with an estimate over the phone.
A6: I will discuss with you your painting project – from preparation to paint solutions –  listen to your ideas and recommend options that others did not discuss with you. Because of the complexity of painting projects, I CANNOT provide you with an estimate over the phone or via an email. I will need to see the property and discuss the many options with you in person – after all, I offer a FREE ESTIMATE to you. Yes FREE. Call me now.  

Q7: What is the difference between spray and “ brush and roll” when it comes to paint application?
A7: Spaying and “ brush and roll” are both acceptable ways to apply paint as long as the paint is put on at the proper spread rate( sq.ft/gallon). Spraying will provide a smoother appearance but is difficult to touch up. Brushing and rolling doesn’t give as smooth an appearance as spraying, but is easier to touch up. Depending on the surface to be painted and the condition and location it is in, a quality paint applicator will decide whether a spray or brush & roller application technique is the best choice for the project.

Q8: How long does latex paint take to dry between coats?
A8: Most latex paints when applied at temperatures between 15-32 degrees will dry to touch in about 1-2 hours and can be re-coated with 4-6 hours, depending on manufacturing brand. Various factors can increase these times such as high level of humidity, poor ventilation, and thick films.

Q9: Which is a better house paint ; oil or water based paint?
A9: This used to be a big question for home owners. A high quality water-based , acrylic or latex paint is generally the way to go for residential painting. However, in a very few instances, it may be better to use an oil or alkyd-based paint. Here are a few suggestions and some and weaknesses for both types of paint.

Latex Paints:
Quality interior latex paints provide better long-term flexibility, that is, resistance to cracking and chipping. Latex paints also resist to yellowing with age in areas protected from sunlight. They emit fewer doors, clean up with water and are not flammable. Latex paint takes a shorter amount to dry than oil paint. Latex paint technology has improved dramatically in the past 10-15 years.

Oil based paints:
Oil based paints offer better adhesion to difficult surfaces or those not thoroughly cleaned, stained and damaged. In the past few years less oil base paints are applied, especially in interior.

Q10: Does paint have an expiration date?
A10: According to paint manufacturers, when properly stored, an unopened can of latex based paint has a shelf life of one to two years( I’ve seen them go for 3-4 years or more). Once latex paint has been opened, it must be stored in a cool , dry place. If you want to use it again, visually check the paint to see if it’s free of mold and don’t use it if it smells bad.

Q11: What does paint finish, gloss level, sheen or enamel mean?
A11: Paint finish , gloss level, sheen and enamel are all similar ways of saying the same thing. These describe the smoothness and light reflective of the dry paint on a painted surface. There are  approximately six sheen types and each has a name corresponding to its light reflective qualities. Sheens range from:
– Flat or Matte
– Eggshell
– Satin
– Low-lustre
– Pearl
– Semi-gloss
– High-gloss
Each sheen has different qualities and uses. For example, a flat paint is often used to give a surface a velvety look or cover uneven drywall or plaster, it is usually applied on ceilings. Generally, the higher the sheen the easier the paint is to clean and maintain, but also the more imperfections and deficiencies are visible.

Q12: What is VOC?
A12: VOC stands for “ Volatile Organic Compound “. “Volatile” describes a liquid that evaporated at room temperature. “Organic “ means a compound that contains carbon. Thousands of VOC’s, some natural and some man made can be found in the air. Most natural VOC’s are emitted from sources like trees and vegetation. The primary man-made sources of VOC’s are motor vehicle exhaust, unburned gasoline and solvents.

Q13: Is the quality of low VOC paint the same as regular conventional paint?
A13: Generally yes. The quality of low VOC paints has greatly improved in recent years. Feel free to use a low VOC paint and expect the same quality as conventional paints.