Painters
Optima Designs
Bethesda, MD 20817301-984-2322
Ratings
You won't find anything else like Checkbook
- Nonprofit and independent
- Takes no advertising or referral fees
- Ratings & Reviews by surveyed Consumers' Checkbook and Consumer Reports local subscribers
- Thousands of undercover price comparisons
- Complaint counts from local consumer agencies and attorney general offices
Painters Articles
Should You Hire a Painter or Do It Yourself?
A good painting contractor will produce better results than most DIYers—and finish faster. But because they don't have to pay for their own labor, lots of homeowners grab rollers and brushes. Before taking the painting plunge, consider the following.
Tips for Choosing Paint
The many categories and finishes of each type of paint can create confusion, and the buzzwords used by manufacturers can make it tough to figure out what’s in the can and where to use it. Here are some key points to consider when you select paint.
How to Pick Paint Colors
Most paint manufacturers produce hues by the thousands, not dozens (Benjamin Moore alone sells more than 3,500 shades). So when you’re redoing a room—or spiffing up the exterior of your house—how do you choose?
How to Find a Good Painter
Unlike other trades, you don’t need a license, special training, or a truck full of tools to paint one room or an entire house. But who does the painting can have a dramatic effect on how well the job is done—and how much you’ll pay for it.
Working with a Professional Painter
On painting projects that last more than a few days there are things you can do to help the job run smoothly, finish on time, and produce the best possible results. And there are some classic mistakes that can get in the way.
Tips on Painting a Room
Repainting is the easiest, most cost-effective way to redo a room’s décor. Before you grab a brush and roller, here are some tips on how to paint like a pro.
Exterior Painting Tips
Repainting is more than redecoration. Modern paints are formulated to withstand severe swings in temperature and resist fading, shrinking, cracking, and peeling. But you’ll get good results only if the job is done well. Here are some tips.
Paint and Environmental Concerns
Compared to chainsaws and nail guns, brushes and rollers pose little danger. Paints and solvents are different. And with increasing awareness of environmental and health issues, two components in particular have drawn attention: lead and VOCs.
More Articles »
Related Content
- Interior Designers
- Light Remodeling: Redo Your Kitchen or Bath for Less
- Furniture Stores
- Drywall Contractors
- Handyman Services
- Hardware Stores
- Carpet Stores & Installers
- Window Treatment Stores
- Tile Installers
- Cabinet Suppliers & Installers
- Countertop Suppliers & Installers
- Window Installers
- Upholsterers
- Flooring Suppliers & Installers
- Floor Refinishers
- Architects
- Framing Shops
Consumer Comments for Optima Designs
Sign-in or Subscribe for Comments