Kelowna Painting Questions Answered

How long will my painting job take?

It depends on size, prep and how many people are on the crew. A single room can be done in a day or two, while a whole house interior can take a week or more. Exterior work takes longer because of washing, drying and weather.

We give you an expected schedule when we quote. If the job changes, such as extra drywall repair, we tell you before it affects the finish date. Our how it works page walks through the steps.

What happens to my furniture and floors?

We move furniture to the centre of the room and cover it with drop sheets, and we protect floors with paper or canvas. If you can clear small items, shelves and wall art, it saves time. Valuables and fragile things are best put away first.

Tell us about heavy pieces, pianos or items you do not want moved, and we will work around them. Our interior painting crew masks trim, vents and fixtures where needed.

Do I need to move out, and what about pets?

Most people stay home during an interior job. We usually work room by room so you always have a place to live. Bedrooms are the one place worth planning, since you may want a night or two before sleeping in a freshly painted room.

Pets can be curious and can slip out of open doors. Keep them in a closed room, with a sitter, or out for the day. Cats and small animals should be kept away from wet paint, ladders and open tins.

What about the paint smell?

Low-odour, low-VOC products are widely available and suit most walls and ceilings. We keep windows open where weather allows and run fans. Fumes fade quickly with fresh air, although freshly painted rooms can still smell a bit for a day or two.

If you have allergies, a baby or a sensitive family member, tell us early. Our eco-friendly paint guide covers product choices in more detail.

How do I choose a colour?

Start with what stays: floors, counters, cabinets and big furniture. Pick a colour that works with those. Test large sample swatches on two walls and look at them in morning, afternoon and evening light, since Kelowna sun can change a colour a lot.

If you are unsure, neutrals such as warm whites, soft greys and greiges are easy to live with. Sheen matters as well. Flat hides flaws, while satin and eggshell wipe clean better.

Can you do touch-ups, and what about clean-up?

Yes. We do a final walk-through, and you can point out anything that needs another pass. Keep a small amount of labelled leftover paint, with the colour name and date, for later scuffs.

Clean-up is part of the job. We pick up drop sheets, tape and debris, clean brushes and rollers properly, and leave the work area tidy. Paint is never poured down drains.

Do I need strata approval to paint?

If you live in a condo or townhouse, check your strata bylaws. Interior walls inside your own unit are often fine, but exterior doors, balconies and common areas usually need approval for colour and timing. Some stratas also limit work hours.

Ask your strata manager for the rules in writing, and share them with us. When you are ready, ask for a free written quote and we will build the plan around them.

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to paint in summer or winter?

Interior painting works any time of year, as long as you can open windows for airflow. Exterior painting needs dry, moderate weather, so spring through early fall is usually best in the Okanagan.

Will you patch holes and cracks before painting?

Yes. Small holes, nail pops and hairline cracks are normally filled, sanded and primed as part of good prep. Larger damage may need drywall work, which we can quote separately.

How soon can I hang pictures after painting?

Paint feels dry to the touch within hours, but it takes longer to fully cure. Waiting a few days before hanging frames or washing walls helps avoid marks and keeps the finish looking sharp.

More painting guides

Have a question first? Read the FAQ, learn about Alto Pro Painters or contact us.

Further reading: Health Canada: chemical safety for DIY projects and renovations and Paint on Wikipedia.