From Painting to Perfection

October 11th, 2013

From Painting to Perfection: An Interview with Kevin Palmer Painting

We recently received an interview request from ConnecticutForSale. The interview was intended to provide real estate customers with helpful advice and a better experience when selling or purchasing a home. Kristen Bosse is the interviewer:

Please describe a little bit about your company and the services you offer.

Kevin Palmer Painting provides the highest quality professional interior and exterior painting services to our customers in West Hartford, CT and the towns which make up the Farmington Valley. We are a full-service residential and commercial painting company dedicated to satisfying our client’s painting needs. We have been in business since 1966. Our top priority is to give our customers the best paint job possible. We offer airless spray, brush, and roller applications, power washing, and low-pressure roof cleaning services.

What is your position at Kevin Palmer Painting?

I am the founder and president of Kevin Palmer Painting. I started the business in high school. To date we have painted for over 5000 customers as well as hundreds of commercial businesses. Most of our business is from referrals and repeat business.

What makes you different than other painting contractors?

We are absolutely committed to providing the best quality paint job possible to all of our customers. All of our employees are obsessive in their commitment to detail and workmanship. All of our work is done in-house. We do not subcontract anything. This gives us complete quality control. All of our painters are full time professionals who average 17 years working for Kevin Palmer Painting. Longevity of employees in the work place is something of which we are very proud. We have the best painters in the world working for our company. Our customer service is exceptional. We have been in the business long enough to develop the experience necessary to properly address any residential or commercial painting project.

What are the advantages to having a fresh paint job on your house?

A properly prepared and painted home looks attractive and increases a property’s value. Painting minimizes deterioration from the elements, sun, rain etc. and decreases the need for premature, costly, and avoidable wood repair and replacement.

What is the best time of year to paint your home?

Our exterior season starts in April and continues through October. We closely watch weather daily conditions and forecasts to always paint within manufacturer specified temperature and humidity ranges.

How often should the average homeowner get their house painted?

For exterior residential painting we recommend recoating between 5 – 7 years. Decks should be properly preserved very 2 years. We recommend power washing every 2 – 3 years. Interior painting longevity tends to be a function of wear and tear and quality of the previous coating.

What qualities should people look for in a good painting contractor?

A quality painting contractor should be honest, dependable, and reliable. Skilled, experienced painters are a must. Meeting insurance and licensing requirements is a necessity, as well as meeting EPA Lead-Safe requirements.

Are there any green products you have been utilizing in recent years?

Kevin Palmer Painting uses “green” products where appropriate and beneficial to our customer’s needs. Low or no VOC products are used when appropriate. Our company participates in recycling, establishing the most efficient route to job sites, carpooling, and minimizing our carbon footprint wherever possible. We strive to decrease our impact on the environment by minimizing waste and maximizing quality and durability. Minimizing excess, preservation of resources, and knowledge and application of environmentally friendly painting procedures are very important to Kevin Palmer Painting.

It is sometimes said that picking a color is the most difficult part of the painting project. What assistance, if any, do you offer your customers in choosing a color?

We offer our customers color decks, paint samples, on-line color visualization tools, as well as the services of a professional colorist if requested or helpful. We have the ability to match any color, and we always make a sample brush out for customer approval prior to starting any project. Most importantly, we never rush our customers into making a hurried selection. Our patience with color selections insures that our customers will be happy with their choice of color and sheen and with our finish results. Color selection for our customers is straightforward and unhurried.

How does your business help new home buyers or those looking to sell?

We best assist homeowners in the selling process by keeping their property in impeccable condition. This indicates to potential buyers that the seller has made a commitment to properly maintaining their residence and that there are high standards usually in all aspects of the property’s condition. We best assist buyers by providing honest realistic estimates for painting needs of the property after the sale.

What’s the best way for people to get in contact with you?

For information regarding interior and exterior painting, power washing, and roof cleaning customers can reach us at (860) 658-2441 or visit us on the web at http://kevinpalmerpainting.com.

Lead Paint – What do I do?

August 8th, 2013

Lead Paint in Homes Built Before 1978

In January 2011 the US Environmental Protection Agency required that professional painters who work on homes built before 1978 be trained and certified for Lead–Safe painting procedures. The concern was health issues resulting from the past use of lead paint and stains.

Historically, lead was added to paint to enhance drying, increase longevity and durability, resist the damaging effects of moisture, and keep a paint job looking good over time. Unfortunately, lead paint has proved to be highly toxic and responsible for numerous physiological and neurological disorders.

The painting professionals at Kevin Palmer Painting have been trained and EPA approved to work on houses with lead based paints. Our painters can help keep your family healthy and your home looking beautiful.

Kevin Palmer Painting has always been mindful of environmental concerns and best safety and health practices. Our house painters have been trained and certified to complete painting projects in a safe and responsible manner. We are an EPA Lead–Safe Certified Firm.

We employ skilled painters who are Certified Renovators and have successfully completed course work required to undertake interior and exterior painting projects in homes built prior to 1978.

The exterior painting experts at Kevin Palmer Painting are approved by the EPA to work on pre-1978 homes and help our customers through the painting requirements and process. We are a responsible Lead–Safe Certified Firm, and we will be pleased to assist in your next house painting project.

All of the professional painters at Kevin Palmer Painting are proud of the painting work we do. Our house painters are experienced, trained, and approved to complete all aspects of interior and exterior painting, power washing, preparation of siding, and glazing of windows, in a safe, responsible, and conscientious manner.

So give us a call at 860-658-2441. We are here to help with all your house painting needs!

Imitation Is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

April 30th, 2013

For those who think a paint job is just a paint job and all contractors are the same, think again. While other painting contractors may copy our signs, and still others may try to attract with marketing slight of hand and gimmicks, other painters can’t duplicate our consistently high quality workmanship and service.

Kevin Palmer Painting – Assurance of the best paint job possible.

 

As other painting contractors come and go, individuals wanting the best paint job possible owe it to themselves to consider the recognized industry leader, Kevin Palmer Painting.

Where other companies cut costs by cutting quality, Kevin Palmer Painting creates value by offering painting services that look better, last longer, and offer the ultimate in beauty and protection.

The “secret” to our success is our commitment to our customers. Quite simply, we give our customers the best paint job possible.

Simsbury painter: Rusty is the best house painter in the business! A pro’s pro.

 

No gimmicks. No giveaways or tricks. We rely on hard work, skill, experience, and attention to detail. Our goal on every home we paint is to exceed our customer’s expectations.

Our recipe involves employing only the best painters in the business. Our painting company values our employees as our greatest asset and strength. Kevin Palmer Painting has collectively well over a century of painting experience within the ranks. On average our men have been employed by Kevin Palmer Painting 17 years. Many of our men have spent the majority of their career with Kevin Palmer Painting.

Avon Painter: Rob is a magician with a brush. A house painting professional without equal.

 

Our professional painters have a wealth of knowledge supplemented by comprehensive training programs, safety and environmental training and licensing, and a work environment that fosters a synergistic approach. Our team of pros together is greater than other individuals working in a vacuum.

West Hartford Painter: Interior painter, exterior painter, window glazier. A professional painter without equal. Wald can do it all!

 

Experience counts. Often times we have painted a client’s home previously. We know the construction of the home, and we are familiar with its maintenance history.We have a vested interest in satisfying our client’s long range painting needs and the knowledge and skills to do so.

Farmington Painter: Charlie is THE BEST!! Knowledge, skill, and experience are a winning combination and why customers choose Kevin Palmer Painting.

 

Kevin Palmer Painting has provided premium interior and exterior painting and staining services to residential and commercial clients for nearly half a century.

There is but 1 choice for those wanting the finest painting service in West Hartford and the Farmington Valley – Kevin Palmer Painting.

At Kevin Palmer Painting, we have been servicing the interior painting, exterior painting, house staining, power washing, and low pressure roof cleaning needs of fine homes in West Hartford CT and the surrounding Farmington Valley towns of Avon CT, Bloomfield CT, Canton CT, Farmington CT, Granby CT, and Simsbury CT for nearly a half century. If you are considering investing in the best painting work possible and want to discuss your next residential painting, commercial painting, or power washing project you can reach us at (860) 658-2441 or visit us on the web at www.kevinpalmerpainting.com .

What Makes A Paint Great?

May 7th, 2012

Use Premium Quality Paint for Best Painting Results

Customers call Kevin Palmer Painting to receive the best interior and exterior paint job possible. Having been in the painting business for nearly a half century, we have the knowledge, experience, and skillsets necessary to select and apply only the best and most appropriate paints from the world’s top manufacturers. Here are some of the things we consider when selecting a premium quality paint for your home:

Adhesion to a properly prepared surface is paramount. If a product does not adhere to the surface, nothing else matters. If a house shows evidence of moisture problems, we will select an appropriate product for that concern. Some coatings tend to offer optimum breathability and permeability. As moisture is the leading cause of paint peeling problems, the ability of a coating to permit moisture transfer without bubbling and blistering is important. Using a premium quality paint in a high moisture environment increases the probability that the coating will remain intact and protect the surface while decreasing the probability of future peeling problems.

Resistance to mold and mildew is a vital consideration if a freshly painted home is going to retain its good looks. At Kevin Palmer Painting we always power wash prior to painting to make sure the surface is free of mold and mildew before we paint. Then we select a coating that will be resistant to the future regrowth of organic elements. We also recommend proper actions on homes afflicted with artillery fungus.

A paint product’s ability to overcome the problems associated with chalking and erosion is critical. Chalking results when paint oxidizes and washes off. Over time excess chalkiness results in this oxidized film washing down onto surfaces below. Chalking creates discoloration and is easily avoided with proper paint product selection. Likewise, when a gutter overflows or there is excess water runoff onto a home’s siding, discoloration will mar the painted surface. Proper product selection and usage eliminates these issues.

Paint’s successful ability to deal with the issue of color and gloss retention is critical to maintain a paint job’s visual appeal, Sun, rain, and Mother Nature conspire to wreak havoc on a home’s exterior. Oftentimes one exposure of a home becomes a different color than another. Likewise the sheen of paint will diminish over time, resulting in a loss of gloss, particularly noticeable on windows, shutters, doors, and trim. Touch-up of these areas if needed can be difficult because of the variations of color and gloss. The selection and use of superior paint products helps make these paint problems a non-event.

Washability, scrubability, durability are also important considerations in the selection of a paint. They affect a paint job’s longevity and ease of future maintenance. Anyone who has ever tried to remove dirt from a painted surface can certainly attest to the importance of these considerations.

Finally, at Kevin Palmer Painting our commitment to the environment is paramount. Wherever possible, we paint using “green” products, formulated to have low VOC’s or no VOC’s. These premium quality paint products minimize odors, and help everyone concerned with good stewardship of the environment.

Premium Quality Paint

Let me close by restating that premium quality paint is important to the overall outcome of your painting project. At Kevin Palmer Painting, we’ve had exceptional results in pairing product selection with surface conditions. Our expertise and knowledge of paints and stains enables us to give our customers the best paint job possible.

Kevin Palmer Painting is proud to service the interior painting, exterior painting, house staining, and power washing needs in West Hartford CT and the surrounding Farmington Valley towns of Avon CT, Bloomfield CT, Canton CT, Farmington CT, Granby CT, and Simsbury CT. For further information or to discuss your next residential painting, commercial painting, or power washing project you can reach us at (860) 658-2441 or visit us on the web at www.kevinpalmerpainting.com .

Preparing For An Interior Paint Job

April 23rd, 2012

The results of properly painting a home are incredibly rewarding. When done correctly, a quality paint job can be transformative – from drab and dreary to polished and chic. A well-planned and perfectly executed painting project enhances a home’s value, is aesthetically appealing, and will protect a home from future wear and tear.

Preparing for an Interior Paint Job

So how do the painting professionals at Kevin Palmer Painting prepare to paint a home’s interior? We begin by photographing the room prior to the commencement of work to create a record. This helps us so the room can be put back in its proper place upon completion of painting. We then cover, protect, and take proper precautions to insure our customer’s home is cared for throughout our painting process. We are painstakingly meticulous in protecting our client’s home from the time we enter through the final inspection and walk-through.

Painting can be messy.  Although paints, even water soluble latex paints, are relatively easy to clean up, once dried, paint allows for no errors. Everything must be protected from potential spillage so spills and spatters can be harmlessly thrown out with the waste at the end of the job.

So, what the steps we take when preparing for an interior paint job?

First, the protection of furniture and décor needs to be addressed. Smaller items such as books, pictures, artwork, and memorabilia are removed from the room for safe keeping. Medium items are consolidated with heavy immovable items, and everything is covered with fresh plastic and clean canvas drop cloths.

Floor protection is next. Hardwood and carpeted floors alike are covered with plastic and spill-proof drop cloths.  Borders along baseboards and radiators are sealed with tape to protect all surfaces and exposures. Ducts are covered and masked so dust and odors are contained.

Electrical plates and hardware are removed where possible or alternatively covered with removable tape. Everything that is removed is carefully labeled so we know where to put them back. We attach screws, nuts, bolts, and any hardware back in their holes, or tape them in place so nothing gets lost. We recommend window treatments be removed where possible and always be kept covered and protected.

The painting professionals of Kevin Palmer Painting make absolutely certain every square inch of our customer’s home is protected. Then and only then we are ready to begin our painting work!

At Kevin Palmer Painting, we have serviced the interior painting, exterior painting, house staining, power washing, and low pressure roof cleaning needs of fine homes in West Hartford CT and the surrounding Farmington Valley towns of Avon CT, Bloomfield CT, Canton CT, Farmington CT, Granby CT, and Simsbury CT for nearly a half century. If you are considering investing in the best painting work possible and want to discuss your next residential painting, commercial painting, or power washing project you can reach us at (860) 658-2441 or visit us on the web at www.kevinpalmerpainting.com.

House Painting Offers A Great Return On Investment. Get Ready Now!!

April 8th, 2012

Exterior house painting done properly is probably the single most cost effective action a homeowner can take to preserve and protect their biggest investment, their home. The return on investment of a quality paint job is among the best investments a homeowner can make. Not only does your home look great, but painting increases its marketability and value.

This lovely West Hartford CT home absolutely sparkles after being painted by the pros of Kevin Palmer Painting!

 

Quality house painting offers a great return on investment by increasing a home’s curb appeal. A well maintained properly painted home stands out in a crowd. When people see an expertly painted house, they appreciate that the property has been properly cared for. Regular high level care for a property significantly reduces future maintenance expenses. Costly and time consuming repairs are minimized when a home is well maintained. A great paint job is the perfect way to showcase a home’s loving upkeep and attention to detail.

Pretty as a picture. Kevin Palmer painting was proud to paint this Simsbury CT beauty!

 

When people see a home that needs painting they shy away from further involvement. The thinking is, “if these are the problems I can see, what am I not seeing that will come back to haunt me?” Tom Hanks and The Money Pit come to mind. People appreciate a beautifully painted home and understand that painting usually signifies the home has been regularly and properly maintained.

Attention to detail and exceeding customer expectations. Here Rusty puts the finishing touches of this immaculate Bloomfield CT home.

 

A home in need of painting has greatly diminished value. People are very concerned about the expenses that will be incurred when painting the neglected house, and they move on to the beautifully painted home, perfect for immediate, hassle free occupancy. Just add furniture! Those people who don’t move on usually discount the unpainted house’s value, often far in excess of the actual cost of the necessary house painting.

Kevin Palmer Painting was contracted to paint this lovely Avon CT home. World class service and old world painting skills combined to create magic!

 

When selling a house, one of the first things a Realtor will suggest is a fresh coat of paint. Real estate professionals know that a professionally painted home will “show” better, sell faster, and ultimately close for a higher price. A painted home is much easier to sell because of its appearance and the immediate impression that this is a home well cared for.

Painting this Farmington CT home will preserve its value and enhance its beauty.

 

So if you want to increase your home’s value and add a polished look to your house, consider Kevin Palmer Painting for a free estimate. We have decades of interior and exterior painting experience in West Hartford, CT and the surrounding Farmington Valley towns, and we are only a phone call away. We are the residential painting experts. Let us transform your home with an unparalleled paint job, and increase your home’s value with a return on investment that even Wall Street will envy!

Better than money in the bank! This beautiful Granby CT home was carefully painted by the professionals of Kevin Palmer Painting.

When your home is professionally painted, it is protected from the elements and maintains its value. Kevin Palmer Painting keeps this Canton CT stunner picture perfect!

 

Kevin Palmer Painting regularly services the interior painting, exterior painting, house staining, power washing, and low pressure roof cleaning needs of fine homes in West Hartford CT and the surrounding Farmington Valley towns of Avon CT, Bloomfield CT, Canton CT, Farmington CT, Granby CT, and Simsbury CT. If you are considering investing in the best painting work possible and want to discuss your next residential painting, commercial painting, or power washing project you can reach us at (860) 658-2441 or visit us on the web at www.kevinpalmerpainting.com .