STLCT

What Painters Do

• Interior wall and ceiling painting
• Exterior house painting (siding, trim, shutters)
• Cabinet painting and refinishing
• Deck and fence staining
• Wallpaper removal and surface preparation
• Drywall repair, patching, and texturing before painting
• Popcorn ceiling removal
• Color consultation and matching

When to Hire a Painter

Hire a professional painter for jobs requiring extensive prep work, high ceilings, exterior work, or when finish quality matters. Interior painting a single room is a reasonable DIY project, but whole-house repaints, exteriors, and specialty finishes benefit from professional equipment and experience.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

• How much time do you spend on prep vs. actual painting?
• What paint brands do you use, and can I choose alternatives?
• How many coats are included in your quote?
• Do you move furniture and protect floors, or do I need to?
• For exterior work, how do you handle lead paint if present?
• What is your policy if I'm not satisfied with the result?
• How long should I expect the work to take?

Red Flags to Watch For

• Quote seems dramatically lower than competitors
• Won't specify paint brand or quality level
• Minimal discussion of prep work included
• No mention of primer where needed
• Doesn't ask about current wall condition or issues
• No written contract specifying scope and materials
• Doesn't discuss protecting your belongings and surfaces

Cost Considerations in St. Louis

Interior painting in St. Louis runs $2-$4 per square foot of wall space, or $300-$800 per room depending on size and prep needed. Exterior painting costs $2,500-$6,000+ for an average house. Cabinet painting runs $3,000-$7,000 for a typical kitchen. Higher quality paints cost more but last longer and cover better. Don't skimp on prep; it accounts for 50-70% of the labor on quality jobs.