HOUSE PAINTING TIPS FOR NEW PAINTING CONTRACTORS

Breaking into the painting contractor industry can seem daunting. COVID has seriously impacted the $18 billion house painting industry, and you have to be smart to survive. So, what can you do to keep your painting contracting business afloat during these times? 

Is there something you can learn from the pros? Read these great tips and start applying them to your business today. 

5 Top tips for new painting contractors

 1. Use the best supplies

Whether you are getting some paint or new brushes, always go for the very best. While it can be tempting to get the cheapest and call it a day, this will cost you a lot in the long run. For instance, a cheap brush’s bristles may quickly fall off, forcing you to replace it more frequently. 

Moreover, using a cheap brush can make your painting project look like a toddler did it. Your client won’t be impressed, and chances are you won’t receive repeat business. Something like a cheap brush or paint could even leave you open to potential lawsuits.

 2. Always box your paint.

Allow me to lend a piece of advice from the pros to new painting contractors. Even when you get tins of the same color of paint, they aren’t always consistent. Therefore, to ensure color consistency, professional contractors usually mix all the paint they get in a single 5-gallon bucket before starting the project.

Commonly referred to as boxing, this process also allows you to paint directly from the bucket if needs be.

 3. Get canvas drop cloths. 

Choosing an appropriate covering material for flooring can be tricky, especially if you’re a newbie painting contractor. On the one hand, some people swear by bedsheets, giving no regard that paint can still seep onto the floor. 

On the other hand, some recommend plastic, a material that truly protects your floor but can create a wet slippery surface. However, most professionals use drop cloths and with good cause. They seem to be the only materials that protect your floor without making the body wet and slippery. 

With slips and falls being one of the most common causes of injury among painting contractors, it is essential to have this quality floor covering. Drop clothes also goes a long way in protecting your business from unnecessary Workers Compensation insurance claims.

4. Wash your roller covers

To avoid any fuzz during painting, you should wash roller covers before their first use. It doesn’t matter whether they are cheap or expensive. Washing them with water and a little bit of soap will remove fibers and particles that cause painting problems. 

And the good news is you don’t wait for them to dry afterward. You can use your rollers immediately.

5. Get Contractors Liability insurance.

Before you work on any house painting project, ensure that you have the correct insurance to back you up. Contractors Liability is the most basic insurance policy for any painting contractor; it provides property damage and third-party injury coverage. Premiums can be as little as $50 per month.

Get the best fit for your business.

Most insurance providers will get precisely where you are coming from as a new painting contractor. You want insurance, you know its importance, but you don’t want it to become a financial obligation you will struggle to meet. 

Best advice. Go online. Compare quotes and get the best buy insurance for your business. Please don’t leave it until it’s too late.