Frequent Painting Service Questions We Get From Myrtle Beach Locals.

This FAQ page is here to remove the guesswork. If you are planning a paint project and you want straight answers about prep, scheduling, pricing, materials, and what the job actually feels like day to day, you will find it here. I wrote these from what I see on real homes locally.

How Do I Know If My Project Needs Paint or Repair Work First?
If you are seeing cracks that keep coming back, bubbling, soft spots, or stains that reappear after cleaning, paint alone usually will not fix it. I look at what is causing the issue, not just what it looks like today. Sometimes it is a simple patch and prime. Other times the surface is moving, holding moisture, or has layers that are failing. I will tell you when it makes sense to paint now and when it is smarter to address the problem first so you are not paying twice.

What Makes One Quote Higher Than Another If It’s “Just Painting”?
Most of the difference is in prep, protection, and how the job is staged. Cutting corners usually means less surface correction, less masking, cheaper coatings, or faster dry time tricks that do not hold up. When I price a job, I am pricing the time it takes to keep your floors clean, your lines sharp, your finish consistent, and your home livable while I work. If someone is much cheaper, it is worth asking exactly what they are not doing.

Do You Give Ballpark Pricing Without Coming Out First?
Yes, as long as you can send clear photos and a few details about what you want done. A good ballpark depends on condition and access, not just square footage. If the walls are clean and sound, it is easier to estimate. If there is peeling, heavy stains, or lots of patching, the range needs to be wider until I see it. I would rather give you an honest range than a low number that turns into surprises later.

What Does “Prep” Actually Mean on a Real Paint Job?
Prep is everything that makes the finish look intentional instead of rushed. It includes protecting floors and furniture, scraping or sanding where needed, sealing stains, fixing wall damage, caulking gaps that should not show, and setting the surface up so the paint bonds evenly. Prep is also what keeps roller texture consistent and avoids flashing in bright light. When prep is skipped, even expensive paint looks cheap.

If I Pick a Dark Color, What Should I Expect That Most People Don’t?
Dark colors show lap marks and wall flaws faster, and they often need more coats than people expect. They also make sheen differences obvious, especially if the wall has patching or different textures. I can still do dark colors, but I plan for it by using the right primer and keeping the finish uniform across the whole area. If you want a deep color, we should talk about where it will look best and what the real effort is.

Can You Paint Around My Furniture, or Do I Need to Empty Everything?
You do not need to empty the whole house, but you do need to make reasonable space where work is happening. I can move normal furniture, but I am not going to drag a packed bookcase across your floor or stack fragile items. I will tell you exactly what needs to be moved for safety and access. The goal is to protect your belongings and also keep the job moving without risking damage.

How Do You Keep Paint and Dust From Getting Everywhere?
Containment is part of how I run a job. I cover and tape where it matters, and I clean as I go instead of waiting until the end. Sanding and patch work are controlled so you are not finding dust on every surface a week later. The easiest jobs to keep clean are the ones where we set the room up correctly before any work starts.

What Should I Do About Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls Before Painting?
A stain is a symptom, not just a color problem. If the source is still active, paint will not stop it from coming back. Once the issue is resolved, the stain still needs to be sealed properly or it will bleed through. I treat stains based on what caused them and how deep they are, then I choose the primer that locks it down instead of hoping paint covers it.

Do You Work While People Are Home, or Do You Prefer the House Empty?
Both are fine. Most jobs I do are occupied homes, and I plan the work in zones so you can still live normally. If the house is empty, it can move faster, but it is not required. The key is clear expectations on access, pets, and what rooms you need each day so I do not block you in.

How Far Out Do You Usually Schedule, and What Affects That?
Scheduling depends on season, job size, and how many projects are already in progress. Bigger jobs require more uninterrupted time, so they take more planning. Smaller jobs can sometimes fit into openings between larger projects. Weather and humidity can also affect timing for exterior work or anything that needs curing. I will be straight with you about the next realistic start date.

If I Need This Done Before Guests Arrive, Can You Work With a Deadline?
Sometimes yes, but only if the deadline is realistic for the scope. A rush job that sacrifices drying time or prep usually looks bad and fails early. I would rather help you prioritize the areas that matter most and do them right than promise the whole house and deliver a sloppy finish. If you tell me your deadline, I will tell you what is possible without gambling with quality.

What Happens If You Find Extra Damage After You Start?
I stop and show you what I found and why it matters. Sometimes it is small and I can handle it without changing anything. Other times it affects time and materials, especially if the surface is failing under old layers. I do not pad a quote with worst case assumptions, but I also will not hide problems to stay on budget. You will know before extra work happens.

Do You Paint Over Existing Paint, or Do You Remove Old Layers?
Most of the time we are painting over existing paint, but only if it is bonded and stable. If there is peeling, chalking, or layers that are separating, painting over it is a waste. In those cases, the failing areas need to be removed or stabilized so the new coating has a surface that will hold. The approach depends on what the surface is doing, not how old it is.

How Do You Handle Strong Odors or Sensitivities to Paint Smell?
I use low odor products when they make sense, and I plan ventilation and drying to reduce smell. Some odors come from primers and cleaners more than the finish coat, so it is about the whole system. If someone in the home is especially sensitive, tell me early so I can choose materials and staging that reduce exposure. I am not going to pretend paint has no smell, but I can keep it manageable.

Is It Cheaper If I Supply the Paint?
Sometimes, but it can also create problems. If you buy the wrong sheen, a low grade product, or not enough material, the job slows down and the finish suffers. I prefer to supply coatings so I control consistency and I know what is on your walls when you call later. If you have already bought paint, I can usually work with it, but I will tell you if it is a bad fit.

Why Do Some Walls Look Patchy After Painting Even When the Color Is Right?
That patchy look is usually flashing from uneven porosity, mismatched primer, or different textures on the wall. It is common where there are old repairs or where a wall was cleaned unevenly. The fix is not extra coats of paint alone. It is proper priming and feathering the surface so the finish reflects light the same way across the whole wall.

What’s the Biggest Mistake People Make Before a Painting Project?
They assume the surface condition does not matter. Color is the easy part. The hard part is fixing what years of use did to the walls and trim. Another common mistake is trying to squeeze too much into a short timeline and then getting frustrated when drying and curing take time. The best projects start with clear priorities and realistic expectations.

Do You Do Small Jobs, or Only Full Repaints?
I do both, as long as the job makes sense to do correctly. Some small jobs are straightforward, like a couple rooms or a staircase wall. Others are small but complex, like matching an existing finish or fixing damage in a high visibility area. I would rather take a smaller job and do it right than take on work that forces shortcuts.

Can You Match an Existing Wall Color Without Repainting the Whole Room?
Sometimes, but color matching is not magic. Even with the right color code, walls fade, sheen changes, and different paint lines reflect light differently. If you are patching one area, it may still show depending on lighting and texture. I will tell you when a blend is likely to work and when a full wall or full room is the only way to make it disappear.

What Does a “Clean Cut Line” Actually Depend On?
It depends on surface condition, the right caulk work, and patient cutting, not just tape. Tape helps in certain spots, but it can also pull finish or leave a ragged edge if the surface is textured or dusty. Trim lines look sharp when the substrate is prepped, the brushwork is steady, and the paint is applied at the right thickness. Clean lines are built, not taped into existence.

If My Trim Is Already Painted, Why Does It Still Need Work?
Trim takes hits from vacuums, shoes, pets, and hands. It also collects dust and oils that keep paint from bonding. Old trim often has caulk gaps and brush marks that show more after a fresh coat. A good trim finish is about cleaning, light sanding, correcting rough spots, and then applying paint evenly so it looks smooth and consistent.

How Do You Handle Homes Near the Water With Salt and Humidity?
Salt air and humidity change how surfaces age and how coatings cure. Exterior trim and doors tend to fail faster, and mildew shows up sooner if prep is weak. I pay close attention to cleaning, dry time, and the paint system so it bonds instead of sitting on top. The goal is a finish that holds up in a harsher environment, not a quick coat that looks good for one season.

Do You Work With Property Managers or Landlords, and What’s Different About That?
Yes, and the biggest difference is coordination and documentation. Turnover work needs clear scope, fast decisions, and realistic expectations about what can be fixed versus what needs replacement. I keep communication tight, confirm colors and sheen, and make sure the job finishes clean so the property can be shown immediately. I also flag issues that will cause call backs if they are ignored.

What’s Your Approach to Painting Cabinets So They Don’t Chip Right Away?
Cabinets fail when they are not cleaned and prepped properly or when the wrong coating is used. Grease, silicone residue, and shiny factory finishes all fight adhesion. I focus on deep cleaning, proper scuffing, bonding primer where needed, and a cabinet appropriate finish that cures hard. I also set expectations about cure time because cabinets are the one thing people touch constantly.

Can You Paint Over Wallpaper, or Should It Always Be Removed?
Painting over wallpaper is usually a short term fix that creates bigger problems later. Seams telegraph, paste can react, and moisture from paint can loosen sections. Removal is not always easy, but it is the correct path when you want a clean wall that will not surprise you later. I will tell you when removal is straightforward and when it will likely involve wall repair afterward.

I’ve Heard Popcorn Ceilings Can Be a Mess. What’s the Reality?
It can be messy if it is done carelessly. The difference is how the room is contained and how the debris is controlled. Some popcorn removes easily, and some fights you and leaves damage that needs smoothing. I treat it as a process that includes protection, removal, surface correction, and a finish that looks intentional, not like a rushed scrape job.

How Do You Decide Between Painting and Staining for Outdoor Wood?
It depends on how much sun the surface gets, how the wood is currently coated, and what kind of maintenance you want later. Stain can be easier to maintain, but only if the wood is suited for it and the prep is correct. Paint gives more coverage but can peel if moisture gets trapped. I look at the current condition and tell you which option will hold up best based on how the wood is behaving now.

Why Does Exterior Paint Peel Even When It Was Painted “Recently”?
Peeling usually points to moisture, poor adhesion, or surface contamination. It can happen fast if the previous paint was applied over chalky surfaces, glossy coatings, or damp substrate. It also happens when caulk fails and water gets behind the paint. The fix is not just more paint. It is stabilizing the surface and choosing a system that bonds under local conditions.

Do You Prime Everything, or Only Certain Areas?
I prime based on what the surface needs, not a rule that sounds good. New drywall, patched areas, stains, bare wood, and high gloss surfaces often need primer to control absorption and adhesion. If the existing paint is sound and uniform, sometimes a full prime is unnecessary. The goal is a finish that looks even and lasts, not extra steps that do not add value.

What Should I Expect During the First Day of the Job?
The first day is usually about setup, protection, and getting the surface ready. That is when floors are covered, furniture is shifted, walls are cleaned or sanded, and repairs are started. It may not feel like a lot of painting happened, but that day determines how the final result looks. A clean, organized first day also sets the tone for the whole project.

How Do You Handle Pets During Interior Work?
Pets are fine as long as we plan for them. Paint and open doors can be a problem if a dog bolts, and sanding dust is not great for animals sitting in the room. I usually recommend keeping pets out of the active work zone and having a plan for bathroom breaks and door access. If you tell me what pets you have, I will stage the work to keep everyone safe.

If I Have Kids, What Changes About How You Run the Job?
It mainly changes how we control access and how we keep the space tidy at the end of each day. Kids touch walls and trim more than adults, and they tend to wander. I keep tools contained, I avoid leaving wet areas exposed, and I communicate clearly about what rooms are safe. The goal is to finish the job without turning your house into a daily hazard.

What Does “Two Coats” Really Mean in Practice?
Two coats means two complete applications that cover evenly, not a quick pass and a touch up. Some colors cover in two coats, and some need more depending on what is under them. Two coats also does not fix a poor surface. If the wall has damage or inconsistent texture, the finish can still look uneven unless the surface is corrected first. I base the plan on results, not on a phrase.

How Long Until I Can Put Furniture Back and Live Normally?
Most of the time you can put furniture back quickly once walls are dry to the touch, but curing takes longer. That means the paint is still hardening even if it looks dry. I will tell you when it is safe to hang items, wash walls, or push furniture tight against freshly painted surfaces. If you treat fresh paint carefully for the first stretch, it stays looking new longer.

Do You Touch Up at the End, or Is It a One and Done Situation?
I do a final walk through and handle touch ups that are needed. Small things show up once the tape is off and the room is in normal light. I expect that, and I plan for it. The goal is not to rush out when the last coat is on, but to leave you with a finish that looks consistent from every angle.

If I Find Something After You Leave, What’s the Best Way to Handle It?
Tell me quickly and send a photo. Sometimes it is something that only shows in certain lighting or after furniture is moved back. I would rather address it while the project is still fresh than have you live with it and get annoyed. Clear communication solves most of these situations easily.

What Kind of Paint Finish Should I Use on Walls in High Traffic Areas?
Higher traffic areas need a finish that can be cleaned without burnishing or showing every wipe mark. Flat paint hides flaws but can be harder to maintain. Higher sheen cleans easier but shows texture and imperfections more. I guide people based on how the space is used, the condition of the walls, and the look they want, not just what is popular.

Can You Work With HOA Rules or Community Requirements Without It Becoming a Headache?
Yes, as long as we know the requirements up front. Communities often have specific color rules, working hours, and expectations for how materials are stored. I keep the jobsite tidy and communicate in a way that avoids unnecessary friction. If documentation is needed, it is better to handle it early rather than mid project.

Why Do Some Painters Avoid Concrete Floors, and What Should I Know First?
Concrete is less forgiving than people think. Moisture, oil residue, and smooth sealed surfaces can cause paint to fail fast if the prep is wrong. The right approach depends on where the concrete is and what it has been exposed to. I evaluate bonding, cleaning needs, and whether a coating system makes sense for how the floor is used.

Is Winter or Summer Better for Scheduling Painting Work Here?
Both have pros and cons. Warm months can be busy, and humidity can slow curing or affect exterior timing. Cooler months can be great for interiors because windows can still be opened on mild days, and scheduling can be easier. The best time is usually when you can commit to the project without rushing and when the conditions support the type of work you need.

If My Home Is Newer, Why Would I Need Painting Already?
Newer homes often have builder grade paint and quick drywall finishing that looks fine until you live in it. Nail pops, settling cracks, and thin coatings show up fast, especially in bright rooms. A repaint in a newer home is often about making the finish look clean and consistent, not about covering heavy wear. The difference is in how much correction is needed to get it looking right.

How Do You Keep a Big Interior Job From Dragging On Forever?
It comes down to staging, decisions, and staying organized. If colors and sheen are locked in, access is clear, and the scope is defined, the work flows. Delays usually come from last minute changes, rooms that cannot be accessed, or unexpected repairs that were not planned. I keep momentum by setting the sequence up front and communicating what is next so the job stays predictable.

What Should I Have Ready Before You Arrive So We Don’t Waste Time?
The main things are access to the areas being painted, pets secured, and fragile personal items moved out of the way. If a room is packed with small items, the time to protect and move things goes up. I will tell you what matters most for your specific job so the first day starts clean. When homeowners prepare well, the whole project feels smoother.

If I’m Not Sure What Services I Need, How Do I Start Without Overcommitting?
Start with what is bothering you most and what will make the biggest difference in how the home feels. Sometimes that is walls. Sometimes it is trim, ceilings, or repairs that make everything else look tired. I can walk you through options and tell you what is worth doing now versus what can wait. The goal is a plan that fits your timeline and budget without cutting corners.