Question 1

What things should be sought after or avoided when hiring a paint contractor?

Accepted Answer

Be sure to look for: highly-rated reviews or references, painters that are local, timely responses, direct and transparent communication, and proper licenses and insurances.

Do your best to avoid: bad word of mouth, painters with a lack of reviews, franchises without community ties, unresponsive communication, and a lack of proof of licenses.

Question 2

What painting services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We provide a full range of residential and select commercial services, including interior painting, exterior painting, cabinet refinishing, trim and woodwork painting, deck and fence staining, power washing, and specialty finishes. Each project is customized to the condition and needs of your home.

Question 3

Do I need to be present or absent throughout the work order?

Accepted Answer

Whatever makes you most comfortable! All of our painters are personable and trustworthy, so they can operate just as effectively with the customer present as they can when the customer is away.

Question 4

Is it important for a painter to be licensed and insured? How do I know if my painter carries either?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is very important. All you have to do is ask! Painters who hold valid licensing and insurance should be able to show proof of documentation easily upon request. Our paperwork is provided electronically with every proposal we send via email.

Question 5

What do you do if you find extensive damage or rot?

Accepted Answer

Often times it can be hard to identify failure or rot in the substrates underneath an existing paint job. The procedures our painters follow include identifying problem areas early on in the process of restoring and repainting and taking the proper steps to ensure the failure does not continue to degrade the integrity of the surrounding material before the repair.

In the event that rot has compromised the integrity of the substrate beyond our scope of practice in terms of repair, we recommend calling in a woodworker to replace the problem areas, and can often provide a reference to those customers who require one.

Question 6

Who will be my point of contact for any questions, concerns, or changes I want to make throughout the work order?

Accepted Answer

Communication is key! All of our painters are personable and informed, but the customer can expect to be familiarized with the project manager, foreman, and/or crew lead (dependent on project size) in the infancy of their project. This is to ensure direct and consistent communication while the work order is being completed.

It is also very important to us that our customers know the owner and CEO is always available and approachable throughout the entirety of a project.

Question 7

What hours does your crew work once the job is started?

Accepted Answer

A typical workday for our painters begins at 7:00 AM and ends around 3:30 PM. The customer can expect our paint professionals to arrive on site between 7:15 AM and 7:45 AM (travel dependent) and leave the site between 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM. These times are a bit flexible depending on the location of the job site and the nature of the project itself.

Question 8

What steps are taken to protect my floors, furniture, and belongings throughout the painting process?

Accepted Answer

Part of providing a quality finish is protecting and preserving the property we are working around. Our painters take every practical precaution possible to safeguard their surroundings throughout the duration of a project. After removing wall hangings where necessary, drop cloths, painter’s tape, masking paper, sheet plastic, tarps, tie-offs, and paddings are all deployed as needed to ensure the customer's property is properly protected as the work order is completed. In addition, job sites are maintained daily as to not allow the crew to fall behind on expected clean up.

Question 9

What are the advantages/disadvantages of the different paint sheens?

Accepted Answer

Different sheens offer different functions; dependent on circumstances. Although the main operation of a paint sheen is to contribute to the aesthetic value of the substrate that the paint is being applied to, there are a few things to consider when selecting a sheen. A general rule of thumb is that the lower the sheen, the more a paint will help hide imperfections. Flat or matte sheens are ideal choices for repainting ceilings and walls, as they help to hide existing blemishes. In contrast, higher sheens, such as satin, or semi-gloss, have a higher resistance to moisture and are a bit easier to clean. Making them excellent choices in high moisture, low air flow areas, where mildew build-up may be a concern. This, again, is a subject that the estimator assigned can lend more insight once onsite for the initial take-off.

Question 10

How do I know if I have lead based paint? What are my options to restore or repaint over the lead?

Accepted Answer

Lead based paints are typically able to be identified by a very specific failure pattern known as ‘alligatoring.’ If lead is identified there are a few ways to approach a repaint, circumstances depending, abatement is not always necessary, encapsulation may be a possibility. The estimator assigned can help assess what avenues to achieve your vision may be possible.

Question 11

Who is Shoreline Painting best suited to work with?

Accepted Answer

We work with homeowners and property owners who value quality craftsmanship, clear communication, and a professional painting experience. Many of our clients own coastal homes, older properties, or high-value interiors that require careful preparation and experienced hands.

Question 12

Do you offer free estimates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide free, detailed estimates so you understand the scope, materials, timeline, and pricing before work begins. There are no surprises — everything is clearly outlined upfront.

Question 13

How much does a painting project typically cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing varies based on the size of the project, surface condition, preparation required, materials, and finish selections. After evaluating your space, we provide a clear, fixed estimate tailored to your specific project.

Question 14

What preparation is included before painting begins?

Accepted Answer

Proper prep is critical to a long-lasting finish. Preparation may include power washing, scraping, sanding, caulking, patching, priming, and protecting surrounding surfaces. We don’t cut corners — prep work is built into our process.

Question 15

How long will my painting project take?

Accepted Answer

Project timelines depend on size, scope, and weather conditions (for exterior work). Most interior projects take several days, while exterior projects may take longer due to prep and curing time. We provide a realistic schedule before work begins and keep you informed throughout the project.

Question 16

Do I need to move furniture or prepare my home?

Accepted Answer

We ask that small and personal items be cleared from work areas. Larger furniture is carefully moved and protected by our team. The estimator assigned will always address this topic with the customer during the initial take-off and help formulate a plan that works for both parties. We treat your home with respect and take steps to minimize disruption.

Question 17

What paint brands and materials do you use?

Accepted Answer

We use high-quality, professional-grade paints and coatings from trusted manufacturers to ensure durability, coverage, and long-term performance. Specific products are selected based on your project and environment, especially for coastal and high-exposure areas.

Question 18

Do you help with color selection?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We’re happy to provide guidance on color choices, finishes, and sheen levels to ensure the final result complements your home and lighting conditions.

Question 19

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We are fully licensed and insured for your protection and peace of mind.

Question 20

Do you work on older or historic homes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We frequently work on older homes and understand the unique challenges they present, including surface conditions and lead-based paint considerations.

Question 21

Are you certified for lead-safe painting practices?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When required, we follow lead-safe renovation practices to protect your household and comply with applicable regulations, especially in homes built before 1978.

Question 22

Will someone be on site during the project?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A supervisor or lead painter is always available to oversee the work, answer questions, and ensure the project stays on track.

Question 23

How do you protect my home and property during the project?

Accepted Answer

We take extensive precautions to protect floors, furniture, landscaping, and surrounding surfaces. Cleanliness and respect for your space are priorities from start to finish.

Question 24

What happens if I want to make changes during the project?

Accepted Answer

This is a very common occurrence. Oftentimes, as jobs progress and our painters begin their work, non-targeted areas in the repaint become a sore thumb and are requested to be added into the scope of work by the customer. If changes come up, we’ll discuss them with you, explain any cost or timeline impacts, and get approval before proceeding. These items are referred to as change orders and are simple to accommodate while we are on site. By bringing it to the attention of either the field leadership, project manager, or owner, an estimator can be on-site as soon as possible to write a work order adjustment, which can then be electronically signed by the customer and added to the scope of work, a very streamlined and pain-free process.

Question 25

Do you offer a warranty or satisfaction guarantee?

Accepted Answer

We stand behind our work and address any issues related to workmanship. Our goal is complete customer satisfaction, and we’re committed to delivering results you’re proud of.

Question 26

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve homeowners throughout Rhode Island and nearby coastal Connecticut communities. If you’re unsure whether you’re within our service area, just ask.

Question 27

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Simply contact us to schedule your free estimate. We’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you plan your project with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions