FAQs
1. What types of services do you provide?
- Painting of interiors and exteriors of homes
- Faux/Decorative finishing
- Color consultation
- Re-sealing of walls and floors
- Power-washing
- Window treatments
- Replacement of rotted wood
- Custom moldings and carpentry
- Wallcovering installation and removal
- Plaster and stucco repair
- Interior design
2. How much will the project cost?
Each project is unique. Please call Nolan Painting at 610.789.3156 to discuss your needs. At that time, you may make an appointment to meet with an estimator, who will review the project with you and provide an instant estimate based on the amount of time it will take to properly prepare and paint each component of your project.
3. How much does an estimate cost?
It’s free. All we ask is that you are there to meet with the estimator and explain what is important to you.
4. What type of paint do you use?
We have a long-standing relationship with Sherwin Williams and MAB Paints and use their high-quality products. If you prefer another brand, we are happy to accommodate you — talk with your estimator.
5. What is the difference between oil- and water-based (acrylic, latex) paints? Do you still use oil based paints?
Many oil-based paints have been removed from the market for architectural applications as people seek lower solvent and lower VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) content in the paint formulas for environmental reasons.
Today’s water-based paints, also known as latex and acrylic paints (these are the ingredients that bind the paint to the surface), offer moisture resistance, mildew resistance, flexibility, color fastness, and block resistance. Block resistance means it doesn’t stick to itself or other objects, which is helpful for items on a painted mantle or books on a painted shelf. Most of the water-based paints Nolan Painting uses are 100% acrylic, which are of the highest quality available.
Oil-based paints have pros and cons. Their redeeming qualities include a superior smooth look, good moisture resistance, and hardness and durability. Unfortunately, because of the curing process, oil-based paints tend to become very brittle as they age, which leads to cracking, peeling, and ultimate failure of the paint. On exteriors and moisture prone areas on interiors, oil-based paints have a tendency to mildew, because some of their ingredients act as a food source for it. They are also higher VOC.
Therefore, Nolan Painting only uses oil-based paints as a primer in special situations, such as sealing old, exposed wood on exterior projects, and sealing stubborn water or smoke. Oil-based paints are also good for metal, such as wrought iron railings.
6. What types of environmentally friendly paint options do you offer?
We are happy to use low- and non-VOC paints upon request. Learn more about these paints.
7. What color should I paint my room?
You should consider lighting, architecture and room decor when choosing a paint color. An ideal paint color is one that considers all three of these elements and provides balance and unity to the space.
If you need help or a second opinion, Nolan Painting’s Color Consultants can work with you to find the perfect look for you. You can also try out how it looks using the Sherwin Williams Color Visualizer.
8. What if I don’t like the color selected? Can I change it? Would it be an additional cost?
Color choice is ultimately the homeowner’s responsibility. There is an additional cost for a color change. The additional cost is determined by how much of the job is completed, along with the cost of the additional paint.
9. What is faux finishing?
It is a decorative painting technique used for walls and furniture. Faux is a French word meaning “false.” Painters use this technique to replicate the look of other materials, such as marble and wood with paint. The many forms of decorative paint finishes include marbleizing, wood graining, Venetian plaster, color wash, striping, streaking and rag painting.
See examples of our work here.
10. How long will the job take?
It depends on the project. However, Nolan Painting does guarantee the job will get done within 10 days or less (winter season only). Please call Nolan Painting at 610.789.3156 to discuss how much work needs to be done.
It takes about a day or two to paint the walls, ceiling and trim in a typical bedroom. You should plan on not having access to the bedroom for at least one night.
11. How quickly can an estimator get to my home?
The waiting time for an estimate is generally less than a week. However, during our busiest periods (April, May and June), we receive many calls, and the wait time can reach two weeks.
12. How soon can you begin painting?
It depends on the time of year. In the winter, we can start within 10 days. During the spring, the wait time can be up to eight weeks.
13. Can you explain the process from the time I call?
You can learn all about what to expect from Nolan Painting by clicking here.
14. Can you paint the exterior of my home in the winter time? Are there certain times of year or weather conditions that would prohibit any type of service?
The exterior of your home cannot be painted in the winter. The winter season in the Philadelphia area lasts from the beginning of December to mid-April. Temperatures below 35 degrees Fahrenheit stop us from painting exteriors.
We don’t paint while it’s raining. When there is a threat of wet weather Nolan Painting uses paints that dry quickly and resist washing off if it rains before the paint is fully cured.
15. Why should I hire Nolan Painting?
Customer service.
Our success comes from delivering high-quality work with exceptional customer service. We stand behind our work and will work with you to make sure you are happy with the experience and the finished product. (Watch our Customer Service video to learn more.)
16. How do I prepare my rooms for your visit?
You will need to remove any small items from the tops of shelves and pictures from your wall as well as any valuables. We will move the larger items like couches and chairs toward the center of the room.
17. How much will this painting job disrupt my home?
Disruption is kept to a minimum. At the end of each day, our crews will clean the areas we are working in and move tools and paint to a shop area (garage or basement).
18. My room is wallpapered now. How will you handle that?
We will remove wallpaper prior to painting.
Before we remove the paper we will test an area to see how the paper was applied. If the wallpaper was not applied properly it may lead to damage to the walls when the paper is removed. Your crew leader will discuss with you other options if this is the case.
19. Can you fix water damage or holes in my walls and if so, how long will it take?
We will fill old holes, fix water damage and make any other repairs as part of our preparation. The time it takes to repair is in proportion to the amount of damage.
20. Can I trust your employees?
Yes. Our professional custom painters are full-time employees – not subcontractors. During our hiring process all of our employees are screened by a company that runs background checks.
21. Are you insured?
Yes. For your protection, we offer up to $2 million liability. Our liability insurance and workman’s compensation insurance are carried by Cincinnati Insurance Company and The Addis Group.
22. Are you licensed?
Yes, we have all appropriate licenses, which include:
- PA Home Improvement Contractor #020814
- EPA Lead Safe Certified Firm NAT-26976-1
In addition, each Crew Leader is EPA certified, and all employees have received Lead Safe Training.
23. Do you offer a warranty?
Yes, we offer a 2-year limited warranty.
24. How long have you been in business?
We have been in business since 1979.
25. What if I’m not satisfied with the job?
Our promise says it all. We will do all that we can to make our customers happy, so please call us if you are not satisfied.
Contact us to schedule your Free Estimate.