Exterior Wood – Yes, We Meant to Stain It!

We see a variety of wood structures in Florida.  Fences, decks, play yard features like swings and climbers, garden retention walls and houses with wooden siding.   There are a variety of products on the market to help protect and provide color for these surfaces. Traditional house paints might be a solution for some items.  For those seeking a more classical look, wood stains and sealers could be the answer.  ProTect set out to them more about these stain products.  This update includes a summary of our findings.

What Type of Wood?

Deciding on a finish for your wood is going to depend on what type of wood you are protecting and where you are in the life cycle of the surface.  Many outdoor wood products are treated with preservatives.  Older structures may have been treated with arsenic or even creosote.  Raw or untreated wood like pine or cedar is frequently subject to sap bleed.  These chemicals and natural components will affect coatings applied.  There are also different products for horizontal versus vertical surfaces.  Walked on surfaces typically require a harder finish to accommodate traffic.

Durability

Most of the data for found showed the longest-lasting products were often the most expensive up front but longer life should save you money over time.  And buying strictly by brand can be a challenge.   In some cases, different products from the same manufacturer often performed differently.  More importantly, don’t assume products you used before are the same today.  Manufacturers are constantly reformulating products seeking better performance and ways to keep up with changing government safety standards. The continued quest to reduce VOCs and solids tend to shorten the effective life of these coating systems.

Types of Stains

Top coats for wood basically come in three types: opaque, semi-transparent and clear. Some are acrylic (water based) and some are alkyd (oil based).  Don’t assume that alkyd based products are better.  With all the changes in regulations, water based products are getting more of the technology investments and may be your best choice.

Opaque or solid color stains tend to hold up the longest.  They look more like paint than a stain, but do have wood penetrating qualities not found in top coated house paints.  They do build up on the surface.  They are subject to cracking and peeling like paint.  And, they may be a challenge when applied over arsenic-laden or CCA lumber. Industry estimate show opaque products tend to last 3-7 years.

Semi-Transparent wood treatments are not as weather-resistant but they let a portion of the wood’s grain show through.  They are a good choice for cedar, redwood, and other costly woods when you want to show off the wood’s appeal.  Expect to get about 3-4 years from semi-transparent products.

Clear wood treatments are not tinted but the vast majority will have a yellow or bronze look when applied.  They’re ideal for showing off the natural grain of the wood.  These products typically contain ultraviolet inhibitors and wood preservatives.  On average, these products should be reapplied every 1-2 years.

Preparation

Preparation is the key to any successful painting or staining project.  Understanding your starting point is critical.  Knowing what has been done before to the wood is very important.  Shifting from an opaque to semi-transparent or clear will likely require stripping the old coating.  You may also need to restore the color of weathered wood. Specialty strippers, cleaning solution and wood brighteners compatible with your planned finish are available from your paint store.

Make sure all mildew, mold and other contaminants are removed and the surface is clean.  To avoid adhesion issues test areas for absorption ion when using clear or semi-transparent products.  If the absorption rate is not even, your wood will not look uniform.  You may have to clean and or pre-treat the wood again prior to application.   You may need to repeat the stripping and cleaning process several times.

Address and or replace any rotten wood.  And note, new wood will not absorb sealers and semi-transparent satins at the same rate as the old wood.  It’s going to look different.  You may even see some variation in looks on new wood with solid stains.  It’s one of the drawbacks of having to replace wood.  (Hint: if you keep the wood sealed and protected, you will have less chance of having to experience this problem.)

Products & Providers

I am not a chemist and it would be somewhat foolish to attempt to review individual products.  But, there are some pretty smart folks out there that make this stuff.  Here’s a list of web sites (in alpha order) for some of the top companies which provide wood stains and sealers.  These sites are choked full of ideas, product information, correct application methods, helpful tips and even a few project ideas:

Behr  - http://www.behr.com/dsm-ext/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=3f85f11390a59110VgnVCM1000006b0910acRCRD&vgnextfmt=default#channel=PROJECT_CENTER;vgnextoid=3f85f11390a59110VgnVCM1000006b0910acRCRD;view=13

Benjamin Moore  - http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/exterior-stains

Cabot  - http://www.cabotstain.com/colors-and-finishes/families/Choosing-Opacity.html?source=p&mcode=Search_Google&gclid=CPWOqZC0x7YCFQyEnQodr0kA9w

Olympic – http://www.olympic.com/stains

Sherwin-Williams – http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/products/catalog/shelf/interior-paint-coatings/wood-stains-sealers-clear-topcoats/

Thompson’s – http://www.thompsonswaterseal.com/

Costs

Expect to pay $20-70 a gallon for these products.  Depending on the porosity of the wood, you will likely get 50-200 sq ft per gallon coverage.  Opaque over opaque applications may get a bit more or 250-350 sq ft per gallon.  You also have to factor in the cost of cleaning, stripping, brightening and repairing the surfaces.  It will cost a lot more than your think upfront to do this correctly.  Hiring a professional to complete the work is also an option.  Expect them to need several visits to complete a typical deck, fence or siding project.  And, depending on what needs to be done, plan enough time into your project to allow for drying time between steps and for multiple coats of product.

Most staining projects take more time than traditional house painting.  Just be prepared and understand the steps required to make your project a success.

Summary

Certainly not an inclusive overview of this subject.  But, we hope it helps a few understand the basics when it comes to staining wood around your home or business.  Wood features like decks, fences, playground equipment and siding can add value and beauty if maintained well.  When it comes to protecting your home or business, no one does it better than ProTect Painters.  We encourage you to visit the sites listed above for more information.  And, of course, please visit ProTect Painters at http://www.protectpainters.com/ and let us know how we can help you.

Five C’s of Exterior Home or Business Property Improvement

ProTect Painters often gets questions related to value of painting a home’s exterior.  Aside from logical idea of protecting your largest asset, this question really gets to the question of whether any home improvement is worth the effort.  This update is aimed at giving consumers a framework to sort out advice from contractors, neighbors, TV shows and family members.

Curb Appeal
View your home from various positions along the street and from the back side as well.  Be honest with your opinion.  What is your first and last impression?   The exterior of a home or business can be a very good reflection of what’s going on inside.  You cannot always judge a book by its cover.  But would you enter an unknown shabby looking restaurant versus a clean one to get something to eat. Not likely.

Comparison
Compare your home or business with those around you.  You don’t necessarily have to be the best.  But below average is a huge problem.  Your property may be detracting from the overall value of the community or worse yet be considered an eye sore.  If you are in this camp, even a small investment in improvements will go a long way.

Current Condition
The current condition of your property will have a major impact on any improvement you plan to undertake.  If the home or business is in great mechanical or physical shape, improvements will be easier to tackle.  Older properties may have special needs like bringing systems up to code or dealing with lead paint.  If the property is in poor shape, be prepared.  It is going to cost you a little more to get the property back up to area standards.

Character
Every structure has character.  These distinctive features can make it more memorable or viewed as outdated.  Properties which have two or three special features will typically be appraised at a higher value.  Just make sure you don’t overdo the project.  Consider carefully if you are altering a current distinctive feature or adding a new one.

Consideration or Cost
Even the simplest of projects have costs.  Conduct a thorough cost/benefit analysis.  Yes, you can include some emotional or intangibles here. Just don’t over-weigh your decision based on these.  If you won’t see a return on your investment, you probably should not undertake the project.  Remember that over improving will cost you both time and money.  At the other extreme, failure to address small problems like failing paint, a leaky roof or other maintenance issues will create bigger problems down the road.  Some projects have to be completed even if they don’t add immediate value.

Conclusion
No, conclusion is not the 6^th C!  But, it is where you need to end up.  Properties and homes don’t just sit there.  They are subject to market conditions, weather and normal wear & tear.  You can’t put off maintenance forever.  You may face a decision to relocate before your planned project date or budget is available.  There are also other life events like family and health changes which will affect your ability to complete DIY projects.  “Iamagonnadoit” is not always the best solution.  Consider using reputable licensed contractors for the work.  In most cases, they will do a better job than you anyway.

The best practice is to maintain your home or business at or above comparable properties in the area.  Only consider feature improvements as budgets and markets permit.  This will keep your property’s value at or above market levels in the event you decide to sell or relocate.  It is even more critical if you plan to rent or lease to others.  In general, renters just do not maintain a property at owner standards.  And high quality properties will command higher rent.  Be very careful if you are making lease hold improvements to someone else’s property.  Make sure your lease or rental agreement will allow enough time to recoup these costs.

Hope this helps a few make better decisions about home or property improvements. ProTect Painters is dedicated to helping our customers make the best decisions about their properties.  We specialize in high quality interior and exterior painting services.  But our goal is to help customers find the best resources to maintain their most important asset.  If we can help in any way, please let us know.  If we don’t provide a service you need, we likely know someone that does.

ProTect Painters of Oviedo ~ Winter Springs / 407-542-9036
Interior / Exterior – Residential / Commercial Painting Services
http://www.protectpainters.com/local-house-painting/fl/oviedo-winter-springs
https://www.facebook.com/#!/ProTectPaintersOviedoWinterSpringsFL
http://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonboardway
https://plus.google.com/113017150418052112071
http://pinterest.com/gboardwayppows/

What You Should Do When Hiring a Painting Contractor?

It Ain’t Like Buying a Toaster! 

Painting services come in such a wide variety. Virtually anyone with a paint brush can call themselves a painter. How in the world can someone make an intelligent decision about selecting the right provider? You are likely going to get several estimates. Selecting a painter is not like buying a toaster. You will not be able to shop online by model number and select the lowest price. So how should you select a painter?

The key components are application methods, product offering, durability, guidance, warranty/guarantee and price. You will also need to consider the contractor’s philosophy, commitment to quality, communication, insurance and leadership. Finding the right value proposition for your project is going to take some work on your part.

Finding Painters to Bid on Your Project
The typical sources are friends, internet searches, local paint stores and local advertising. Make a list.

Before you call to set up an appointment, make sure the company is registered and properly licensed. In the Central Florida area, check http://www.sunbiz.org for business registration and your county tax office for local registrations (Seminole County http://www.seminoletax.org or Orange County http://www.octaxcol.com). You can also check for Florida workers compensation coverage at http://www.myfloridacfo.com/wc. You may need to search for the legal company name, doing business as name or the owner’s name. Cross them off your list if the company is not listed.

Search the internet for any information you can find about the contractor and their services. Do they have web sites, social media locations and are there any job pictures you can review online? Remember: transparency, visibility and active member of the community are key features of reliable firms that operate with integrity. Narrow your list based on your search results. You will likely be able to cull out about 60% of the potential firms in this search.

Decide What You Want Done Before They Arrive

Take out a sheet of paper and write down what you expect for the project. It does not have to be perfect. Do not expect the painting professional to guess or tell you what you want. Have a basic idea of what will be done for each type of area (any wood trim, stucco, aluminum siding, walls of each room, etc.) including surface preparation, caulking, prime or seal, and finish coat(s). If you have a paint brand preference and color selections, put them on the sheet. Be prepared to share a copy with the contractor when they arrive for the estimate.

Ready Set Call
When making appointments please make sure to allow enough time for the professional to do his/her work. If you have selected the appropriate companies, it will take 30-90 minutes to complete the estimate. You may have to complete these over several days depending on scheduling. Be very wary of anyone that gives quotes over the phone. They will not be accurate or complete.

What to Expect During the Estimate
The contractor should arrive on time, be clean, and look professional. Take a look at their vehicle and any materials they bring to the door. These could be an indicator of how they will treat your home or business.

The contractor should take time to introduce who they are, review the project specifications you prepared and spend a few moments to describe the estimating process. This is a great time to discuss the painting process they will use. If they have a written statement describing the process, get a copy and use it as a benchmark for the other bidders.

The walk-around could be the most important part of the call. Take time to go around the house with the contractor. They should be asking you questions about prep items, concerns and finishes. Ask questions! Note answers on your project sheet. These items are far more critical than which paint they use. The difference between a good job and a great job is determined during this walk about.

The contractor will likely ask for some additional time to re-walk the project and take notes prior to giving you a bid. Give them access and be prepared for a few additional questions which may come up before the bid. These are normal and you really want all the questions resolved before they leave.

Make sure you ask the bidder to address timing for completion, what happens if their bid is not correct or what happens if additional services are needed at time of the job (change orders?). You don’t want any surprises once the work begins. Unfortunately, there are contractors that low ball the price to get the job and then demand additional money to complete the work once it is started. Try to avoid this if possible. A quality contractor should get the estimate correct and complete the job for the price given.

Most professionals will give you a written bid before leaving the property. Unless there are extenuating circumstances like specialty products required or time issues, you should expect the bid to be delivered during the visit. Make sure it is detailed, legible and includes everything you discussed. If not, ask the contractor to revise it before they leave.

Assembling the Bids
Once you have obtained the bids, it’s time to decide which way to go. In all likelihood all the bids are higher priced than you expected. You don’t do this very often and painting is more than the cost of the paint. So unless you are deciding not to proceed, you need to pick one. Follow the process outlined below to make the task easier.

Comparability
At this point, you will need to make some comparability adjustments. Unless all the prospective contractors are using the same paint, materials and supplies, you are going to have differences. Most contractors favor a brand but are willing to use other products. You may need to have the bidders submit revised bids based on the products you prefer. If not, you will need to take these differences into account during the next phase.

The Decision Making Matrix
Using something like the matrix below, rate each criteria 0, 1, 2 or 3. It will provide a framework for you to look at the overall value proposition and avoid using price as the predominate factor. Remember: You are not buying a product (i.e. toaster). You are buying a service.

	Contractor   1	Contractor   2	Contractor   3
Application
Product   Offering
Durability
Guidance/Advice
Warranty/guarantee
Price
Contractor’s   Philosophy
Commitment   to Quality
Communication
Insurance
Leadership
Other   (add your own)
Add/subtract   for Paint & Material Differences
Overall   Value

It Ain’t Over – Price Is Negotiable
You have arrived at a decision but still struggling with the budget. That’s normal. Getting your home or business painted correctly is not cheap. If you like the contractor, chances are they liked you too. Price is almost always negotiable. Pick up the phone and call the contractor. A great line is, “We really like your services but your price is more than we expected. Are your prices negotiable? We would really like to have you complete the project.” Painters like to win deals. Unlike buying a toaster, negotiation is a normal part of the selection process.

The Project
If you made it to this point, it’s time to schedule the project and see if your expectations are met. Get a signed contract and set a firm date for production. If you have done your homework correctly, the project should be a big winner.

The End?
There’s one last but very important thing. Assuming the project does goes well, please thank your contractor and provide a positive review for their services. You can write a letter of recommendation or complete an online review on the internet. It will help others behind you with their decision making.

Other Resources

http://homerenovations.about.com/od/wallsandtrim/a/paintcontractor.htm

http://news.consumerreports.org/home/2007/09/hire-painter.html

http://voices.yahoo.com/how-hire-paint-contractor-4148307.html?cat=30

http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/how-to-hire-a-painter

http://www.contractorcommunity.com/Contractor-Community-Article.php?_p_=75

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/hireapainter

http://www.ehow.com/how_9997_hire-painter.html

http://www.goodhonestcontractor.com/categories/painting_contractors

http://www.paintquality.com/homeowners/paint-advice/infosheets/10tips_hiring.pdf

http://wynco.bbb.org/Storage/98/Documents/Tips_on_Painting_Contractors.pdf

ProTect Painters of Oviedo ~ Winter Springs Services Overview

ProTect Painters of Oviedo ~ Winter Springs provides professional interior / exterior; residential / commercial and specialty painting services. Please take a few moments to watch the attached short 1 minute video which provides a quick overview of services we provide. And please share our video with your friends, business associates and networking groups. Thanks for all you do. Let us know how we can help you. We’re ready to serve your needs.

Wishing You A ProTect Painters Exterior Christmas 2012

Twas the night before painting, all over the house,
No more HOA screaming, not even a joust.
These colors were selected with utmost care
In hopes that ProTect Painters soon would be there.

The owners are nestled snug in their beds,
With visions of new colors dancing round in their heads.
With materials in hand and plan on the map
ProTect beds down for a short evening’s nap.

They arrive at dawn with some quiet chatter,
Springing up signs, tools & quality paints for that matter
Away with the mold and the dirt, it goes in a flash
They’re also busy pressure washing shutters and sash.

The sun from the East, shines with a glow
Walls and surfaces now with slight luster from below
When, what often they’re wondering ears do hear,
Some owners proclaiming, can’t we quit here?

A friendly reminder, it’s lively and quick
You’ll know in a moment, that just won’t stick
Protecting the home is the course you must take
Now crew! Just get moving! You know what’s at stake.

Now caulk it! Now prime it! Filling holes and cracks.
On Rusty! On Crusty! On Stucco and Steel!
From the top of the house, to the bottom of the wall
Now prep away, prep away, prep away all.

Concerns now addressed, with full masking in place
Sealing material applied, finish coats are carefully placed
It’s a bundle of time where materials are consumed,
The home looks great but will it make the owners swoon?

At the end of the job, owner’s detailed inspections do tell
ProTect delivers quality, durability and satisfaction as well
Quick as wink and clean as a whistle, they’ll ride out of sight,
Leaving owners exclaiming, “My home is so clean, pretty and bright!”

Have a great holiday!

Gordon R. Boardway
Owner & President
ProTect Painters of Oviedo ~ Winter Springs
1809 E. Broadway St., Suite 313
Oviedo, Florida 32765
Request an Estimate: 407-542-9036
Email Address: gordon.boardway@protectpainters.com

Can I Put Wallpaper Over My Textured Walls or Knockdown Ceilings?

Wallpaper use is on the upswing. Designers use wall coverings to create effects beyond the reach of most paint only applications. These include accent walls, textile coverings, murals, custom prints like company or family photos, and even ceilings. Architectural designs are very popular and geometrics like chevrons are the current rage. Home builders in many markets use textured wall finishes like popcorn, orange peel and knockdown. Textures create some additional challenges for wallpaper users. In this update, ProTect Painters looks at the use of wallpaper products on textured surfaces.

Popcorn Ceilings
We can get this one out of the way quickly. The answer is no. Popcorn ceilings are basically the same material as drywall compound. We use water to remove this product. If you want wall coverings on these areas, have the popcorn removed and keep reading below (see skim and sand). Popcorn removal is very messy and wet. Expect to pay $.75 to $1.50 a sq. ft. just to have popcorn removed.

Special Surfaces
Interior areas with paneling, wood, plywood, brick & block are not as common in newer Central Florida homes. Wall covering solutions for these areas are somewhat limited. It is best to consult a professional installer when considering this type of project. In many cases a liner (see below) will be required.

Ignore Orange Peel or Knockdown Texture?
Textured walls and ceilings are generally not suitable for wallpaper. A subtle or very light orange peel or knockdown surface may be acceptable providing there are no sharp protrusions. Run your hand over the surface. Are there any sharp areas or peaks? Wallpaper gets very wet during application. Sharp areas can cut or tear the paper. There are a few products on the market which may be suitable for use. These include the heavy weight paintables, vinyls and some commercial grade papers. Do not use or rely on pre-pasted products. You will need to apply a heavy coat of high quality paste for these applications (see paste below).

Skim and Sand for a Smooth Surface
Installing wall coverings over a smooth flat clean surface is the always best method of application. Textured walls or ceilings can be skim coated and sanded smooth. This is a messy process and normally not recommended for DIY projects. Depending on the level of texture, it can take several skim and sand coats to obtain the level of quality required for your wall covering. Delicate papers will show almost any imperfection. If the wall covering has a random pattern you may be able to get away with less preparation. The cost for these services can vary widely. The professional has to wait for the skim coat to dry before sanding and then skim again/repeat. It will take at least two coats but it could take many more. Expect to spend $1.25 to $5.50 a sq. ft. or more to have to step completed.

Prime Time
Wallpaper pastes are water reactive. They react much like yeast when baking bread.
It takes lukewarm water, patience and skill to obtain the best results. Papers are “booked” (folded over) loosely to allow papers to expand or cure to their full width and provide time for the paste to activate. The paper is going to be very wet when applied to the wall or ceiling. This is where you will have problems if the wall is not primed.

Latex coatings (i.e. most house paints); textures, drywall mud and drywall react to water. They may even become unstable. We recommend that all surfaces for wall covering applications be primed with an alkyd or oil based primer. This will assure there are no reactive or adhesion issues. Even a small area of poor adhesion can ruin your application. It is not worth the risk of skipping this step. And, if you ever decide to remove or change the wall covering, this step will make your life so much easier.

Alternative – Wall Liner
Wall liner is a requirement for some wall coverings like grass cloth. Its main purpose it to absorb excess moisture from the finish wall covering and control the expansion and contraction process of the finish wallpaper during the drying process. Non-woven wall liner is designed to smooth rough surfaces for the ultimate application of wallpaper or paint. Surfaces it was designed to cover include brick, wood paneling, laminate, ceramic tile, cement block, stucco, textured, and damaged walls. Wall liners are frequently installed by cross lining them horizontally or what for years has been called “railroading.” The appeal of cross lining is that you will never have a seam fall on top of another. Expect to pay $2.50 to $5.00 a sq. ft. for quality wall liner and another $2.50 to $5.50 for installation.

Paste Everything
Remember that yummy white Elmer’s school paste? You could not live without it and many of us even ate some. Well… you cannot live without wallpaper paste either. Do not under any circumstances rely solely on pre-pasted paper. If you are installing the paper over any texture at all, the pre-pasted areas will only stick to the tips of the peaks on the texture. Most likely the paper will peel off the wall or ceiling within a short period of time. Always use heavy duty high quality paste. Put it on thick enough to fill in the remaining gaps of the surface (if any). Working with heavily pasted papers can be difficult. It takes time, finesse and effort to get these on the surface correctly. If you are doing this DIY, make sure you allow for stretching and dry time in your project plan. Trying to overwork papers & pastes is a good way to mess up your project.

Summary
Yes, you can have wall coverings installed over textured walls and ceilings. The outcome is highly dependent on your objectives, the wall covering used, materials and the expectations for quality. And, of course, your cost is contingent on these as well.
Total cost for the wall or ceiling project varies greatly. A simple install might be around $3-4 per square foot. A high quality prep and mount with an expensive mural could be well over $50 a square foot.

Hiring a professional like ProTect Painters may be a better option than trying to DIY. Professional have the tools, know the requirements and have the experience to make the job come out right. Wall coverings provide a wide range of options for making your home or business look great. When installed correctly, there is nothing more appealing.

Wallpaper Sources Online
Please note: It is important to purchase high quality wall coverings in quantities required for the project. Always purchase from the same dye lot to assure print and material consistency. ProTect does not endorse any of the following providers. The non-exhaustive list is of sites is provided simply as an additional resource for customers.

http://wallpaperbordersdiscount.com/index.htm
http://www.americanblinds.com/wallpaper/
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/category/wallpaper/home-wallpaper.jsp
http://www.artistichomeowner.com
http://www.designyourwall.com/store/Wallcovering-Wallpaper-c-2.html
http://www.eadeswallpaper.com
http://www.eco.se/main.aspx
http://www.fredswallpaper.com
http://www.grahambrown.com/us/designer-wallpapers
http://www.johnlewis.com
http://www.justkidswallpaper.com/
http://www.poeswallcoverings.com/
http://www.seabrookwallpaper.com
http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/products/wallpaper/
http://www.stevesblindsandwallpaper.com/
http://www.wallpaperstore.com/
http://www.wallpaperwholesaler.com/
https://www.wallpaperstogo.com/

Contact Us:

ProTect Painters of Oviedo ~ Winter Springs / 407-542-9036
Interior / Exterior – Residential / Commercial Painting Services

https://www.facebook.com/#!/ProTectPaintersOviedoWinterSpringsFL
http://www.protectpainters.com/local-house-painting/fl/oviedo-winter-springs
http://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonboardway
https://plus.google.com/113017150418052112071
http://pinterest.com/gboardwayppows/

Never Paint Again Systems – Substance or Not!

In an effort to help consumers understand the merits of painting alternatives, we set off to conduct a review of warranties from painters that make claims like “you’ll never have to paint your house again.” All of these products heavily tout the warranty feature.  It is the first thing you see on all of their web sites and literature.  Most use some form of elastomeric coating with proprietary polymer or ceramic additives.  Normal cost is 2-3 times more than traditional painting services.  Is the extra warranty worth this price?

We found clients who loved the products and ones with problems. It was really not easy to find warranty information.  In fact, we searched and searched.  Found a ton of links to nowhere. Strange?  If the warranty is such a key selling feature, why is a copy not readily available?  We were finally able to source a sampling of written warranties from various sites and contractors. The warranty below is fictitious but, on average, mirrors provisions in those we reviewed. So let’s look at some of the more common clauses.

Who Provides the Warranty?

XYZ Painting Company and ABC Painting Mfg provide a Limited Express Warranty with respect to Forever Lasting Paint (FLP)

• Observation: All warranties we review were limited.  Some more than others.

The Warranty

XYZ Painting Company (note the paint mfg is missing here) warrants exclusively to the original purchaser(s) of FLP The for as long as the original purchaser(s) is the owner and resident of the property to which our products were applied (some may have transfer provisions), that its FLP System applied to the property was done so in a professional manner and shall not peel, blister, flake, corrode or fade excessively or unevenly for any reason except those below provided that:

The Warranty is properly registered

• Observation: Registered with whom?

Will replace the defective portion of FLP

•  Observation: That’s the paint & it’s covered under a completely separate warranty by the paint manufacturer.  The normally cover manufacturing defects only.

The warranty does not cover failure of or damage to such products resulting from settlement of the structure on which the products are installed or shifting of structural or adjoining surfaces, failure of the structure (including foundation and walls), impact from foreign objects, accidental damage or negligence, intentional acts of damage, fire, wind, flood, lightning, acts of God, misuse, improper care or failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance, (to include but not limited to failure to timely make necessary repairs to the house, failure to timely remove or prevent buildup of leaves, mulch, debris, moss, mildew, dirt, or water intrusion from roofs, gutters, punctures, open joints, or seams.), interior moisture conditions (i.e. defective kitchen or bathroom fans, internal plumbing issues such as overflowing tubs or sinks), failure of the substrate wall (rot) on which the FLP was applied by movement or settlement or condensation, mildew (failure to address a mildew issue if one appears), exposure to harmful chemicals or vapors, surface discoloration due to atmospheric pollution, or the installation of accessories or other products which are installed in a manner detrimental to the performance of the FLP.

• Observation: OMG!  Is there any area that is included?  Maybe just the walls that don’t ever change or aren’t exposed to weather? This certainly tends to rule out all Central Florida and stucco homes.

 Also frequently excluded: Moving parts of the structure such as doors, windows, shutters, garage doors, spindles, hand rails, decks, walks, and driveways

•  Observation:  Elastomeric products don’t work too well on these areas.  Likely should be using another type of coating here.

Warranty Claims?

Warranty claims must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the defect to XYZ Painting Company

• Observation: What if they are no longer in business? How would you know when it was defective? All of the warranties reviewed had a time limit for claims.

The extent of ABC Painting Mfg’s liability and exclusive remedy is limited to product replacement set forth herein.

• Observation: They will replace defective paint not paint jobs.

Conclusion

Warranties for these products/services should be readily available.  They are not.  We found no evidence that warranties for these products/services are any better than other high quality painting services in the market.  Paint manufacturers warrant products in this class for 25 years to lifetime.  You get this with every paint product regardless of who applies the product.  The “never paint again” warranties are only as good as the contractor providing the service. If they are no longer in business, you have no warranty.  There are far too many exclusions.  It would be next to impossible to get satisfaction under a large failure claim.  And the costs of these products and services are typically 2-3 times traditional painting services.  Bottom line: They are overpriced, not forthcoming with actual warranty results, basically exclude all but the paint and do not add substantive value.