Frequently Asked Questions
How long have you been business?
Over 40 years. Paint Masters began in May 1979.
What services do you offer?
- Interior and exterior painting
- Stucco work
- Termite and dryrot repair
- Wood replacement
- Treat and remove mildew
- Water damage repair
- Power washing
- Strip Blasting
- Deck coatings
- Kitchen cabinet painting
- Staining
- Drywall work and wall texturing
- Plastering
- Carpentry
- Install protective weathering plates
- Faux finishes that look like real wood (we can make your patinted front door or garage door look like real wood)
Do you give free estimates?
Yes. Another difference between Paint Masters and other companies is that we give ITEMIZED written estimates. That way you know exactly what was estimated and what each item costs.
Do you repair stucco?
Yes, small cracks are caulked, large cracks and holes are re-stuccoed. We are good at blending repaired areas with the existing stucco. Water damaged areas are re-stuccoed with a stucco concrete mix to help it adhere better.
Do you re-putty old windows?
Yes, we re-glaze windows that have lost or are losing their putty.
Can you help find problem areas that are causing water damage?
Yes, we have experience locating and fixing water intrusions.
How is peeling paint on wood prepared?
It is scraped, sanded, pre-coated with a glue sealer to secure the weathered wood surface, then prime coated. If there are splits or cracks in the wood we fill those, then apply a second coat of primer to sandwich the filler between the primers.
How many coats of paint does the stucco need?
We use a double overlapping, "full coverage" application technique.
Do you roll or spray?
It depends on the surface. Stucco is sprayed because it covers irregular surfaces better than rolling. Spraying goes on thicker and is more uniform. We use a roller on interior walls and some exterior wood areas that are weathered and need to be back-rolled to work the paint deeper into the cracks of the wood.
What can be done about mildew?
Mildew should be disinfected before painting by spraying a 1/2 bleach and 1/2 water solution on the infected areas to kill the mildew. There is nothing, however, that can prevent it from reoccurring. Even the mildew retardant additives won't stop it if the conditions are right.
What do you do about plants?
We cover them for protection.
Do you stay and finish the job, once you start?
Yes, we only do one job at a time. Once we start your job, you are our sole focus until it's completed.
How do you want to be paid?
Payment is due in full upon completion of the job. Be warned, some painters may ask for a 25% or 50% down payment, which is illegal! By law, you are only required to pay 10% or $1,000.00 whichever is less, as a down payment. If someone asks for more, you should find a different painter who operates by the law. Consider it a red flag when you encounter anyone that wants too much money up front. This is an indication of a painter who may have problems getting paid (due to poor work) or lack of license and insurance.
Does your price include the paint?
Yes, it includes paint, labor, and taxes. All you do is pick the colors, and we do the rest.
Do you leave any leftover paint?
Yes, at least 1 quart of each color used is left for you.
What brand of paint do you use?
Since the AQMD and the EPA regulations have compromised the quality of current paints by lowering the volotile organic compounds (VOCs), we use the best product available for each intended surface. We use Dunn Edwards mostly, some Sherwin Williams or Benjiman Moore and a couple of other brands, depending on the surfaces we are painting.
Are you Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?
Yes, we are licensed (#399360), bonded, liability insured, and we carry Workers Compensation Insurance for your protection. Your Homeowners insurance does not cover a licensed trade like painting, so if you hire a painter who isn't insured, you will be 100% liable for all injuries. You also need to verify all licensed contractors because many of them will claim "no employees" to avoid insurance costs. However, if they show up with an employee, you take the liability for their workers' comp costs. You should verify that every contractor has workers' comp at www.CSLB.CA.GOV.
What areas do you serve?
We proudly serve the South Bay Area, including Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Torrance, Lomita, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo, and the surrounding cities.
