Painting FAQs

Mecca Painting is very punctual at all times. If there is a situation where unusual traffic conditions forces us to be late, we will let you know immediately.

Mecca Painting has very strict screening procedures to ensure only the best painters in Central Ohio represent our company. We use a third party company to screen all employees before they begin working for Mecca.

No, you do not need to be home while we are painting. We will need to make arrangements to ensure we have access to your house ahead of time and can lock-up when we leave.

No, you do not need to home when we leave. We can follow your instructions to lock-up the home when we are finished.

We request that you move all small and fragile items from the work area. We will move your furniture as necessary.

The majority of our jobs require no down payment. You simply pay when the project is complete. On some occasions, jobs will last more than one week. In these instances, we will require partial payments as the job progresses.

Paint is a group of emulsions consisting of pigments suspended in a liquid medium. Today’s paints consist of countless compounds uniquely formulated to fulfill various requirements and applications.

Generally, paints are applied to protect a product from wear and tear, environmental corrosion and to improve consumer appeal.

Exterior paints are made to endure outdoor elements like rain, wind, hot, cold and ultraviolet rays.

Water-based paints are mixed in water, have minimal odor, are fast driers and can be cleaned with mild soap and water. These durable paints have a variety of applications. Oil-based paints are mixed in oil, must be cleaned with paint thinner, are slower to dry and emit stronger, toxic odors. Oil-based paints have limited use in today’s world.

Primers should be used on any unfinished surfaces or for covering stains, mold, mildew, pen or pencil marks. They should also be applied to walls prior to a dramatic color change. Primers can reduce the number of necessary paint coats and also support paint adhesion to a surface.

Eco-friendly paints have no or very low VOC (volatile organic compounds), which means they give off less pollution and odor. In addition, eco-friendly paint resins are more natural, less toxic and hold up as well as other paints. They can be a little more expensive.

• Flat paint has little to no sheen. It’s durable, can be washed and covers wall imperfections.
• Eggshell paint is velvety looking with slightly more sheen than flat. It works well in most areas and can also be washed.
• Semi-gloss has a nice sheen and is good for accenting smaller areas like bathrooms. It cleans up nicely, but does show imperfections in the wall.
• Gloss is a very shiny paint and will show all surface imperfections and brush strokes. It’s best for accenting trim pieces.

To make sure an exterior color will look good on your home, look at other homes in your neighborhood and community.

Most paint supply companies can computer match a color. However, you need to provide an adequate sample.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Consumer Protection Agency have brochures to educate consumers about old lead paint. The American Coatings Association (ACA) has combined these brochures into one easy-to-use publication, Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home and Keep It Clean: An Insider’s Guide to Lead-Safe Painting and Home Improvement, which can be downloaded from ACA’s web site www.paint.org.

Yes. A shelf life for a can of paint depends on a few factors including if the paint can has been opened and not properly closed again and/or if it was exposed to freezing temperatures. As a rule of thumb, when opening a can of old paint, determine if it smells okay and brushes on like paint should. To store, clean the rim of the can to ensure a good seal and pour 1/8 inch of water on top of latex paint to seal the surface before securing the lid. Another storage method involves stretching plastic wrap over the can opening, replacing the lid securely and storing paint upside down. Always store paint away from extreme heat and cold temperatures and out of the reach of children.

An easy way to determine if your home needs a fresh coat of paint is to rub your fingers along your home’s exterior. If you see a dusty or crumbly residue, it’s time to paint. This is also a great time to check for water damage and rot by inspecting your home’s roof, soffits and plumbing.

This is a very important question because you want your painting project to look great and last a long time. Local paint stores are a great referral option because they have a vested interest in recommending reputable contractors. Word-of-mouth is also one of the best ways of finding trustworthy paint contractors. Neighbors, co-workers and friends make great resources. Be sure to ask the following questions.

• Is the contactor well established?
• How long has the contractor been in business?
• Does the contractor have full-time employees, or do they subcontract (important for communication issues)?
• Does the contractor have proof of insurance?
• Is the contractor a member of the Better Business Bureau or other professional organizations?
• Is the contractor willing to provide references?

It is important because how thick or thin the coating is applied impacts many properties including cracks, mildew, stains and overall appearance and durability/protection.

While this is often an individual preference, painting the trim first is usually a good way to start. After the trim is sanded, prepared and finished, mask it off and start painting the walls.

Paint is usually dry to touch within 4 to 6 hours, depending on the paint and the temperature. You should wait 24 hours to hang pictures and 30 days before cleaning the walls.

Most walls can be lightly cleaned with warm, soapy water. If you need something stronger, make sure it’s non-abrasive.

Ultraviolet radiation deteriorates paint binders causing paint to fade and become weaker. Look for paints that contain UV inhibitors.

Both are good, just be sure the paint is applied at the proper spread rate. As long as the surface has been properly prepared and instructions are followed, either method is okay.

Painting vinyl, or aluminum, siding makes good sense both economically and aesthetically. Not only does it give your home a fresh look, if you change the color - it can give your home a brand new look. Surface preparation and quality paints are important when painting both vinyl and aluminum siding.

As with most products, you get what you pay for. Top-quality paints can last up to twice as long as a low-grade paints. By spending a little more upfront, you can avoid frequent repainting. If your budget is tight, watch for sales on high-quality paint.

Yes. Painting outside is best when temperatures are above 60 and below 90 degrees F. Otherwise, the drying time will be adversely impacted. Also avoid painting in the rain and wind. High winds can cause paint to dry too quickly and blow dirt and debris onto the wet surface. Avoid painting in direct sunlight and check the manufacturer's instructions on the paint can label.