I started my own painting business back in 1991. As someone
who had done painting in the past I figured I knew all
about how to paint. I was wrong.
So, exactly how much painting experience do you need to
start a painting business of your own? Below are the top 10
things you should know to become a successful house painter.
1. You need to know basic stuff like when and why to use
primers.
Example: You cannot paint latex over alkyd (oil base)
unless it was a "flat" sheen like wall paint. Otherwise you
will get "peeling".
Neither can you paint new alkyd enamels over existing alkyd
enamel finishes without priming first with an enamel under
coater primer (whew!). Otherwise "chipping" will occur. A
common error with older alkyd enamel woodwork.
2. You need a system for getting your prep work done fast.
Example: For instance, when painting walls, I will apply
the first coat of paint before I do my common drywall
repairs of things like holes, stress cracks, loose tape
seams, etc. That way you get to know the walls and the
trouble areas show up easier because of the fresh paint.
3. You need to know the best time-saving techniques or
speed tips to make the most money per job. Things as simple
as having a fan around to quickly dry freshly painted walls
and ceilings so you can get going on cutting in the second
coat.
4. You need to know which paints are the best to use. Once
I find my favorite products I stay with them because I know
them well and how they perform. Also, I like to use name
brand leaders like Benjamin Moore. Name brands that
represent high quality to the homeowner. Cheap paint takes
more effort and doesn't make your job look as good
afterwards anyways.
5. You need to know how to do basic drywall or plaster
repairs. Basic repairs like loose tape lines, fixing water
damage, etc. When I fist started my painting business I
didn't even know how to fix a hole in the wall caused by a
doorknob (a common repair).
6. You need to know about stain blocking. Stains like water
spots, ink spots, etc. that permeate through latex
finishes. Ignoring stains causes bleed-thru. I use a simple
spray product for interior spot priming that stops ink and
other spots dead in their tracks. It's called "Krylon
Fusion". It dries to touch in just a minute or two, even
though it's solvent-based.
7. You need to know about hard to cover colors. Certain
colors can take 3 or more coats to cover well and you need
to know what you can use to combat this and speed things
up. And even how to charge extra for this also.
8. You need to know about staining and varnishing. Many
painters cannot match stains properly. You can do it easily
if you know just one simple trick. Also, staining and
varnishing new windows is a snap once you know how.
As a matter of fact, it's easier and more fun than painting
the windows and can command higher profits because most
people are afraid of staining. (Remember, everyone thinks
they know how to paint right?, but staining is another
story!)
9. You need to know effective advertising. A new painter
cannot afford expensive advertising that doesn't always
work well anyways. Placing a Yellow Pages ad can take 7 or
8 months to come out. You need fast, cheap, effective
direct marketing secrets and alternative methods that get
customers immediately like clockwork whenever you need them.
10. You need to know about estimating. Most new painters
wind up eating their jobs and leave a lot of money on the
table. Especially on exterior bids. When you know how to
effectively estimate all your work you will make a lot of
money as a painter, guaranteed.
----------------------------------------------------
Lee Cusano has owned and operated his own successful
painting business since 1991. He has also helped many
others to start their own painting business with his "Paint
Like a Pro Estimating and Advertising CD-ROM".
Lee also offers a new free report titled "How To Quit Your
Day Job This Week and Double or Triple Your Income". To get
it go to http://www.Painting-Business.com
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