Choosing a Spray Painter: Six Questions to Ask Before You Book

Spray painting has become a popular way to change the colour of uPVC windows, kitchen units and commercial frontages without replacing them. The quality of the result depends almost entirely on the contractor, though, so it pays to ask the right questions before you book. Here is what to check.

What preparation do you do?

Preparation is where most of the work goes, and where cheap jobs cut corners. A good answer will include cleaning and degreasing, keying the surface so the paint can grip, masking glass and surrounding surfaces, and priming where the material needs it. If a contractor talks only about the paint, ask again.

What coatings will you use?

• uPVC: needs coatings made to flex with the plastic as it warms and cools
• Metal shop fronts and cladding: need primers and paints suited to aluminium or steel
• Kitchen units: need hard-wearing finishes that cope with heat, steam and daily cleaning

Homeowners outside the big cities should not have to settle for less. For example, uPVC spraying in Grantham is carried out on site with the same preparation and coatings used on jobs across the East Midlands.

Can I see your previous work?

Before and after photos of similar jobs are the best guide to quality. Look for clean, straight lines against glass and brickwork, an even finish with no runs, and examples in the colour you are considering. Recent reviews that mention the type of job you need are worth more than a high overall score alone.

How long will it take, and how disruptive is it?

Most residential jobs are finished in a day or two, but kitchens take more planning because doors and drawer fronts may need to be removed. If you are thinking of spray painting kitchen cupboards, ask how long the kitchen will be out of use and how the room will be protected from overspray.

Can you work around my business?

For commercial work, timing matters as much as the finish. Ask whether the contractor can work evenings or weekends, how they will keep the public safe and whether the colour can be matched to your brand. Specialist shop front spray painting is often scheduled out of hours so trading is not interrupted.

What guarantee do you give?

A confident contractor will put a guarantee in writing and explain what it covers. Ask how long it lasts, whether it covers peeling and flaking, and what aftercare is needed to keep it valid.

For more guides to improving your home and property, see our home improvements category.