Residential FAQs

Q: How long has Custom Painting, Inc. been around?

A: Custom Painting, Inc. has been around for over 40 years. We have been in the business since 1982.  We server the entire Bay area including Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon, Fremont, Sunol, and Tracy.

Q: Is Custom Painting, Inc. licensed and insured?

A: Yes, we are – our state contract license number is 512717. We carry general liability and worker’s compensation insurance. We are also bonded.

Q: Do you charge for estimates or quotes?

A: We do not charge for the estimates or quotes for painting projects we provide to our customers. We can also provide you with an estimate or quote on the spot. Call us at 925-294-8062 or fill out our online form to set up an appointment with our estimator. You will also receive a free estimate.

Q: What should I expect from a free estimate process?

A: Once we arrive at your home, we will go through the step-by-step painting process. Our estimate process only takes around 30 minutes. We want to make sure that we answer all your questions and provide you with options and recommendations for your upcoming paint project. Once we are sure we have discussed the details of your project, we will prepare a cost estimate that will show all the items along with the pricing.

Q: Do you offer a warranty?

A: Yes, we do. All of our work comes with a one-year warranty. We also have extended warranties available if you are interested. In addition to structural building warranties, we also offer a one-year warranty on all floor surfaces.

Q: What to look for in a quality painting contractor?

A: Look for genuine reviews and testimonials online. Ask for a list of references on past projects. Make sure that the paint contractors you’re interested in hiring are licensed, bonded, and insured. Experience is also a must, so check to see how long a painting service company has been in the business.

Q: Can I see a few examples of your work?

A: Absolutely! Please visit our portfolio to check out examples of our successfully completed exterior and interior paint projects.

Q: Can I leave my house while your paint crew works?

A: Yes, you can leave your home while work is being performed. We make it a point to hire only the most experienced, skilled, and trustworthy paint professionals as part of our company. For your peace of mind, we are licensed, bonded, and insured. We also do background checks on applicants as part of our employment process. So, there’s nothing to worry about when our professional painting crew works at your home. While you are away, our crew will be busy painting. We will treat and respect your home as if it were our own.

Q: Do you apply paint with a brush, roller, or sprayer?

A: Every painting project is different, so we use whatever tools are the most suitable for each job. We use rollers and brushes in most of our projects, but some specialty jobs (such as cabinet painting) may require spraying to achieve a seamless finish.

Q: Can you also repair rotted wood?

A: If there is rotted wood, we will repair it if possible, or replace it, depending on the extent of the rot and whether the affected wood feature is structurally significant. Then, we will paint over the replaced or repaired wood.

Q: I want to get rid of my old wallpaper. Can I paint over it? Or should I remove it?

A: Yes, you can paint over old wallpaper. However, it is vital to understand the surface must be carefully and thoroughly prepared before painting over it. Any loose paper must be removed or re-installed. Next, the surface must be smoothed with a spackle or joint compound to hide the seams and patches.

If you plan to paint over old wallpaper with latex paint, you should apply an oil-based sealer first before painting. It is possible the texture or seams of the old wallpaper may still show through the new topcoat even after the prep work.

It may be tempting to paint over old wallpaper. But whenever possible, it’s better to remove it to ensure better results. If you try to strip the old wallpaper by yourself, though, you may end up damaging your drywall if you’re not being careful. It’s better to have a professional do the work for you and you’ll encounter fewer problems down the road.

Custom Painting, Inc. offers wallpaper removal and repainting services to get rid of your old wallpaper and give your walls a refreshed and updated look.

Q: There is a popcorn ceiling in my home, and I want to get rid of it. Can I remove it myself or should I let a professional handle the job instead?

A: Once fashionable, acoustic or popcorn ceilings have become outdated, and many homeowners want to get rid of them. They catch dust and cobwebs easily, making them hard to clean and repair.

But probably the biggest problem with popcorn ceilings is that they could contain asbestos, which is used as a binding agent. Asbestos was banned in 1978. So, if your home was built before that period, your popcorn ceiling is most likely to have asbestos – some popcorn ceilings contain up to 10% asbestos contamination, which can be harmful to health.

Besides, scraping your popcorn ceiling is quite messy. Once all the popcorn ceiling is removed, it needs to be cleaned up and disposed of properly so as not to cause health problems and pollution to the environment.

Therefore, popcorn ceiling removal requires the right approach, equipment, and know-how. If your home has a popcorn ceiling, consult an expert about testing for asbestos. If it tests positive, don’t risk trying to scrape it by yourself. A professional paint company, such as Custom Painting, Inc., will make the process safe and painless. Call us at 925-294-8062 if you would like to set up an appointment to receive a free estimate.