Advice on Hiring

Hiring a professional painter is more expensive than doing it yourself, but it's a quick and easy way to get the job done right. Here's how to hire a top-quality painter like Paint Layers for the best results.


    1. Always determine the areas of your home you want painting prior to the painters arrival.
    2. Consider the work you wish to be completed prior to painting. For example, do you want to replace or repair moldings, patch damaged walls,  plastering  or hang new doors etc. The painter you hire may also have suggestions - take these seriously.
    3. Decide the colours and paints you want to use.  The painter you hire may also have suggestions.
    4. Contact several painters. Ask friends, neighbours, builders and designers for recommendations. 
    5. Have the painting contractors inspect the site and quote a price for the job. Make sure the contractors are quoting on the same specifications.
    6. Ask the painters for references and contact them. 
    7. Check your painter has adequate insurances. 
    8. Select a painter based on price, track record and your impressions.
    9. Only accept a quote/contract specifying the work to be done, total cost and payment schedule.
    10. Make sure the quote/contract includes the paint brands and colours to be used in each location, as well as the number of coats.
    11. Make sure the quote/contact specifies that the painter is responsible for cleanup and the removal of paint from all surfaces (windows, floors).
    12. Ensure you read the contract and sign.
    13. Remove all furniture and other movable items before the painter is scheduled to begin. Anything not removed should be piled together in the center of the room and thoroughly covered with drop cloths.

Decorative Paints Directive

 In order to reduce the risk to the end user and the environment due to exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC), the Directive on the Limitations of Emissions due to the use of organic solvents in certain Paints, Varnishes and Vehicle Refinishing Products, (Decorative Paints Directive)  limits the VOC content of these widely used products.  The Directive was enacted into Irish law by the Limitation of Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds due to the use of certain Paints, Varnishes and Vehicle Refinishing Products Regulations 2007.


What this means
  • Paints are safer to the environment and users.
  • The paints are not as strong smelling.
  • The paints release less undesirable compounds during the drying phase.
  • The paints are faster drying.
  • ECO paints (low VOC) tend to be more expensive.

Useful Websites

www.dulux.co.uk

www.crownpaint.co.uk