How do I know if a paint job is good quality?

PCA standard P1 says to view it from 39 inches under normal lighting. It should be uniform, without runs, sags, misses, drips or overspray.

How many painting bids should I get?

The Minnesota Attorney General advises at least three written bids, and never accepting an oral estimate.

Do painters need a license in Minnesota?

Per the Minnesota DLI, painters offering only one special skill are not required to hold a state residential license. If a painter says they are licensed, verify it with the DLI lookup.

Does my painter need lead-safe certification?

Yes, if your home was built before 1978. The EPA RRP rule requires firms painting those homes to be lead-safe certified.

All guides

How to judge a painter's quality in Minnesota

Judge finished paint from 39 inches away under normal lighting: it should look uniform, with no runs, sags, misses, drips or overspray. Before you hire, get at least three written bids for the same scope and confirm liability insurance. For homes built before 1978, the firm must be EPA lead-safe certified.

How to inspect finished paint

PCA standard P1 says to judge finished paint from 39 inches (1 m) under normal lighting. The finish should be uniform, without runs, sags, holidays (misses), drips or overspray.

Ask which prep level is quoted

PCA standard P14 defines four prep levels. Ask each painter which one their price includes:

Basic
Standard
Superior
Supreme

Minnesota Attorney General hiring advice

Get at least three written bids, and never accept an oral estimate.
Make sure the contractor has liability insurance, and ask about workers' compensation.
Call references and check the BBB.
Avoid any contractor who insists on a large down payment.
Compare the same scope: coats, product, prep and warranty.

Licensing in Minnesota

According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), painters who offer only one special skill are not required to hold a state residential contractor license. If a painter says they are licensed, verify it with the DLI license lookup.

Homes built before 1978

Under the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule, firms painting homes built before 1978 must be lead-safe certified.

Common questions

How do I know if a paint job is good quality?: PCA standard P1 says to view it from 39 inches under normal lighting. It should be uniform, without runs, sags, misses, drips or overspray.
How many painting bids should I get?: The Minnesota Attorney General advises at least three written bids, and never accepting an oral estimate.
Do painters need a license in Minnesota?: Per the Minnesota DLI, painters offering only one special skill are not required to hold a state residential license. If a painter says they are licensed, verify it with the DLI lookup.
Does my painter need lead-safe certification?: Yes, if your home was built before 1978. The EPA RRP rule requires firms painting those homes to be lead-safe certified.

Sources

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