AD Painting and Decorating

Frequently Asked Questions Page

Common Questions About Our Painting Services
Get Answers to Your Painting Questions
Considering a painting project? We’ve compiled answers to the questions our clients ask most frequently. If you don’t see your question here, please contact us directly at 604-537-6662 for personalized assistance.

We’ve been transforming homes and businesses throughout the Lower Mainland since 2009. Dave started the company with just a truck and some brushes, and Amy joined in 2011. We’ve grown steadily through referrals and repeat business, but we still maintain the personal touch of a family business.

We primarily serve Mission (our home base), Abbotsford, Langley, Maple Ridge, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Surrey (east side), and Chilliwack. For larger projects, we occasionally travel beyond these areas. Not sure if we cover your location? Just ask!
Absolutely! We maintain comprehensive liability insurance ($5 million coverage), WorkSafeBC coverage for all employees, and proper business licensing. We’re happy to provide verification documentation upon request for your complete peace of mind.
Absolutely! We maintain comprehensive liability insurance ($5 million coverage), WorkSafeBC coverage for all employees, and proper business licensing. We’re happy to provide verification documentation upon request for your complete peace of mind.
We primarily use Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams products. After testing countless brands over the years (and ruining plenty of shirts in the process!), we’ve found these provide the best balance of quality, durability, and value. We can accommodate specific brand requests when needed.
Yes! Our complimentary colour consultation helps you select the perfect colors for your space. Amy has a great eye for colour combinations that complement your existing elements while achieving your desired look. For more extensive colour planning, we offer in-depth consultation services.

Estimates & Pricing

Completely free and without obligation! Dave or Carlos will visit your property, take measurements, discuss your needs, and provide a detailed written quote – all at no cost. We invest this time because we’re confident in the value we provide.
Our estimates specify exactly what’s included: surface preparation methods, primer and paint specifications, number of coats, protection measures, cleanup procedures, and project timeline. We clearly outline what’s included and what’s not – no surprises or hidden costs.
Several factors influence painting costs: surface condition (more preparation = higher cost), paint quality (premium paints cost more but last longer), colour changes (dramatic changes require more coats), ceiling height (taller ceilings require more equipment), and project complexity (intricate trim or cabinetry takes more time).

For residential projects under $2,000, we typically don’t require deposits. For larger residential projects, we request a 25% deposit to secure your place in our schedule. Commercial projects follow a structured payment schedule based on project milestones.

Yes! All our work comes with a 2-year workmanship warranty. If any issues arise from our application process, we’ll fix them at no cost to you. Additionally, we pass along the manufacturer’s warranty on all paint products (typically 5-15 years depending on the product line).

Project Scheduling & Timeline

During peak season (May-September), we recommend booking 3-4 weeks in advance. During off-peak months (October-April), we can often accommodate projects with 1-2 weeks’ notice. Need it faster? Call us – we sometimes have gaps between larger projects.

Project timelines vary based on size and complexity, but here are some general guidelines:

  • Single room: 1-2 days
  • Average interior (3-4 bedrooms): 3-5 days
  • Complete exterior (average home): 4-7 days
  • Kitchen cabinets: 5-7 days
  • Commercial office (1,000 sq ft): 2-3 days

We’ll provide a specific timeline estimate for your particular project.

We typically work Monday through Friday, but we can arrange Saturday work for commercial projects or tight deadlines. We try to preserve Sundays for family time – Dave coaches his son’s soccer team, and we believe in work-life balance for our crew.

We carefully monitor weather forecasts and plan accordingly. If unexpected rain occurs, we immediately protect any in-progress work. Our exterior paint requires 4-6 hours of dry time before rain exposure, so we schedule work with this buffer in mind. Rain delays are built into our timeline estimates.
Absolutely! Most of our interior projects are in occupied homes. We organize our work to minimize disruption, maintain clean spaces, and ensure you can continue normal activities throughout most of the project. Many clients go to work during the day and come home to newly painted spaces!

Preparation & Process

We take extensive precautions to protect your property:

  • Furniture is moved to the center of rooms and completely covered
  • Flooring is protected with clean drop cloths and runners
  • Fixtures, hardware, and switches are carefully masked
  • Plants and landscaping are covered during exterior work
  • Daily cleanup ensures your home remains livable throughout the project
We ask that you remove small, fragile items, personal belongings, and valuables. Our team will move and protect larger furniture. We provide detailed preparation guidance before your scheduled project so you’ll know exactly what to handle and what we’ll take care of.

Our preparation varies by surface type and condition, but typically includes:

  • Washing surfaces to remove dirt, oils, and contaminants
  • Scraping and sanding to remove loose or peeling paint
  • Filling holes, cracks, and imperfections
  • Caulking gaps in trim and moldings
  • Spot-priming repaired areas or stains
  • Masking and protecting non-painted surfaces

This thorough preparation is why our paint jobs last years longer than many competitors’.

Yes! We remove all outlet covers, switch plates, door hardware, and fixtures before painting, then carefully reinstall them after the paint has dried. This ensures clean lines around these elements without paint buildup or messy edges.

We typically apply one coat of appropriate primer (when needed) and two coats of finish paint. Some deep or bright colours may require additional coats for perfect coverage. Our estimates specify the exact number of coats included for your specific project.

After Painting

Most interior walls can be gently cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution after the paint has fully cured (typically 2-4 weeks). For cabinets and trim, we recommend avoiding harsh cleaners and abrasive scrubbing. We provide specific care instructions for your particular paint products.

Just call us! We conduct a thorough final inspection with you, but sometimes issues only become apparent in certain lighting or after we’ve left. If you notice anything that doesn’t meet our quality standards, we’ll promptly return to address it.

We can leave small amounts of touch-up paint for each colour used in your project. We label these containers with the exact colour information, location, and date for future reference. For larger touch-up needs, we’re happy to help years after project completion.
Interior painting typically lasts 5-10 years depending on the room (high-traffic areas need more frequent painting). Exteriors in the Lower Mainland generally need repainting every 7-10 years, though north-facing sides often last longer than south-facing exposures. Trim and high-wear areas may need attention sooner.
Yes! For commercial properties, we offer scheduled maintenance programs that keep your facility looking fresh while spreading costs over time. For residential clients, we provide courtesy “check-in” services where we inspect previous work and address small touch-ups before they become larger issues.

Ready to Get Started?

We hope these answers have been helpful! If you have additional questions or are ready to schedule your free estimate, please contact us:
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