Ames Painting FAQ
Ames Painting FAQ: What to Ask Before Hiring Professional Painters
Hiring a painter in Ames isn’t just about choosing a color – it’s about trusting the right team to protect and transform your home or business. At The Painters Ames Painting Company, we believe in transparency and professionalism. That’s why we’ve answered the most common questions our Ames clients ask before starting a painting project.
From paint brands and finishes to cost, warranties, and prep work, this page is your complete guide to painting in Ames and Story County. Whether you’re planning an interior refresh, an exterior repaint, or a full commercial project, these FAQs will give you the clarity you need to make confident decisions.
Have more questions? Our team is just a phone call away at 515-290-0421 — or request a free estimate online.
Paint & Materials
Q: What brand of paint do you use?
We use Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore paints, which are proven for durability, rich color, and long-lasting results. For health-conscious clients, we also offer eco-friendly low-VOC paints to improve indoor air quality.
Q: Which finish should I choose (matte, satin, semi-gloss)?
- Flat/Matte: Hides imperfections, best for ceilings/low-traffic rooms.
- Eggshell/Satin: Washable and durable, great for living rooms and hallways.
- Semi-Gloss/Gloss: Resistant to moisture and scrubbing, ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, trim, and doors.
We help Ames homeowners choose the finish that fits both surface type and lifestyle.
Q: How many coats of paint will you apply?
Most projects require two coats for even coverage. On new or repaired surfaces, we apply primer plus two coats to guarantee adhesion and longevity.
Q: Is primer included?
Yes. Primer is always included when necessary, especially on bare wood, patched drywall, or stained surfaces.
Q: Do you offer eco-friendly or low-VOC paints?
Yes. We provide low-VOC and eco-friendly paints for clients who want healthier indoor spaces with reduced odors — ideal for families and businesses in Ames.
Q: Can I supply my own paint?
Yes, but we recommend our professional-grade paints for best results. If you have a brand or specific shade in mind, we’ll gladly use it.
Q: How do you match existing colors?
We use digital color-matching tools and swatches to recreate your existing paint exactly, ensuring seamless touch-ups or additions.
Q: Do you offer color consultation or sampling?
Yes. We can provide paint samples and expert advice on color choices, lighting effects, and design trends to help you decide with confidence.
Prep Work
Q: How do you prepare surfaces before painting?
Our 4-step prep process includes:
- Cleaning surfaces (dust, grease, mildew).
- Repairing drywall, caulking cracks, patching holes.
- Sanding for a smooth surface.
- Applying primer if needed.
This ensures a long-lasting, professional finish.
Q: Do you repair drywall, cracks, or damaged wood before painting?
Yes. We handle minor drywall repairs, patching, and wood repair as part of our prep process. Larger repairs can be added if needed.
Q: Do you clean up dust and debris after prep?
Yes. We vacuum, wipe surfaces, and dispose of debris so your home stays clean throughout the project.
Q: Do you move or cover furniture, floors, and landscaping?
Yes. Indoors, we move furniture when possible and cover everything else with drop cloths. Outdoors, we protect landscaping, decks, and driveways with tarps.
Q: Do I need to be home while you’re painting?
No. Many Ames homeowners provide access and continue with their day. We provide updates and secure your property responsibly.
Q: How do you protect trim, windows, and fixtures from splatter?
We tape, mask, and cut in by hand, covering outlets, vents, and fixtures. This prevents drips, overspray, and splatter.
Q: Will you remove wallpaper or old paint if needed?
Yes. We offer wallpaper removal, old paint scraping, and popcorn ceiling removal upon request.
Timeline & Scheduling
Q: How long will my project take?
- Interiors: 2–5 days on average.
- Exteriors: 5–7 days, depending on size and Iowa weather.
We provide a clear timeline before starting.
Q: What hours/days does your crew work?
Our standard schedule is Monday–Saturday, 9 AM–5 PM, but we adjust to your needs.
Q: How far in advance should I book a painting project?
During peak seasons (spring and summer), book 4–6 weeks ahead. For interiors, 2–3 weeks’ notice is usually enough.
Q: Can you work around my schedule (nights, weekends)?
Yes. We offer flexible scheduling to minimize disruption.
Q: How do you handle weather delays for exterior jobs?
If rain, humidity, or cold prevent painting, we pause and reschedule quickly — never rushing and risking quality.
Q: Do you do small jobs or only large projects?
We do both — from painting a single room to full-house exteriors and commercial spaces.
Cost & Payment
Q: Do you provide free written estimates?
Yes. We provide detailed, free written estimates separating labor, paint, and supplies.
Q: Is cleanup included in the price?
Yes. Cleanup is always included — when we leave, your home is spotless.
Q: Do you require a deposit? When is final payment due?
Yes. We require a deposit to schedule materials and labor. Final payment is due only after completion and your approval.
Q: Are there any hidden or extra costs?
No hidden fees. Extra costs only occur if unexpected issues (like wood rot or water damage) are found, and we always discuss these first.
Q: How much does painting cost per square foot in Ames?
- Interiors: $2–$4 per square foot.
- Exteriors: $1.50–$3.50 per square foot.
Final costs depend on surface prep, paint type, and project size.
Q: Do you offer financing or payment plans?
Yes. We provide flexible payment options for larger projects.
Q: Do you charge extra for ceilings, trim, or special finishes?
Yes, but all additional costs are listed upfront in your estimate.
Warranty & Follow-Up
Q: Do you offer a warranty or touch-up policy?
Yes. We offer a 2-year interior warranty and a 3–5 year exterior warranty, plus free touch-ups if issues arise.
Q: How long will my paint job last?
- Interior paint: 7–10 years.
- Exterior paint: 5–8 years, depending on Ames’ weather.
Q: What happens if paint peels, cracks, or fades early?
We honor our warranty and return promptly (usually within 1–2 weeks) to fix it at no cost.
Q: Do you offer annual maintenance or touch-up packages?
Yes. We can schedule annual touch-ups or inspections to keep your home looking fresh.
Q: Will you leave me leftover paint for future touch-ups?
Yes. We leave labeled cans with paint brand, color, and finish for easy matching later.
The Crew & Safety
Q: Will the same crew be here every day?
Yes. Each project has a dedicated crew so you’ll see the same painters daily.
Q: Who is my main point of contact during the project?
A crew lead or project manager will update you daily and answer questions.
Q: Are your painters licensed and insured in Ames?
Yes. We are licensed and fully insured to operate in Ames and Story County.
Q: Do you background-check your employees?
Yes. All our painters are background-checked, trained professionals — never unverified subcontractors.
Q: How do you ensure safety during the project?
We follow OSHA safety standards, use proper ladders/scaffolding, and secure the worksite.
Q: Will my kids and pets be safe during painting?
Yes. We use safe materials, low-VOC paints on request, and block off work areas to protect kids and pets.
Project-Specific Questions
Q: Do you paint kitchen cabinets and furniture?
Yes. We specialize in cabinet refinishing and furniture painting, giving kitchens and living spaces a like-new look.
Q: Do you stain decks, fences, or outdoor wood?
Yes. We offer deck staining, fence painting, and refinishing with weather-resistant coatings.
Q: Do you handle commercial painting projects?
Yes. We paint offices, retail stores, apartments, and more, with minimal business disruption.
Q: Can you paint textured walls or ceilings (popcorn, stucco)?
Yes. We paint popcorn ceilings, stucco, and textured walls, and can also remove popcorn ceilings if preferred.
Q: Do you paint garages, basements, or sheds?
Yes. We paint interior/exterior garages, basements, and outbuildings as part of our services.
Customer Experience & Trust
Q: How long have you been serving Ames and Story County?
We’ve proudly served Ames and Story County for over 10 years as a family-owned painting company.
Q: Why should I choose The Painters Ames over other companies?
Because we combine top-quality materials, skilled prep, fair pricing, and local trust with excellent customer service.
Q: Can I see examples of your past work?
Yes. We can provide before-and-after photos, references, and reviews upon request.
Q: Do you have references or online reviews I can check?
Yes. We are consistently rated 5-stars on Google and local directories.
Q: How do you handle customer satisfaction if I’m not happy with the result?
We stand behind our work — if you’re not satisfied, we’ll return promptly until the job is right.
Ready to Start Your Painting Project in Ames?
Whether you’re refreshing a single room or repainting your entire home, The Painters Ames Painting Company delivers quality craftsmanship, fair pricing, and a professional experience from start to finish.
Call us today at 515-290-0421 or Request a Free Estimate — and let’s bring your vision to life.
