Painting FAQ: Your Okanagan Painting Questions Answered

It is a written document that lists the surfaces being painted, the prep that goes with each one, the type of paint and finish, and the expected timeline. Because it is in writing, you can compare it line by line with anything else you receive. If something is not covered, it will say so.

No. Many clients are at work or out running errands while the crew is in. We agree on access beforehand, and we do a walkthrough with you at the end of the job while the paint is still fresh.

Yes. Alto Pro Painters is licensed, insured and WCB-covered. If your strata council, property manager or insurer needs proof, ask us when you request your quote.

Fill out the quote form with your name, phone, email, the service you need, your town and a short message. Photos are welcome and speed things up. You can also call (778) 760-0346 if you would rather talk first.

It is a short phone call before the work begins. We confirm colours, finish choices and other details, and we tell you what needs to be cleared from the rooms. It keeps surprises off paint day.

We walk through each room with you or your instructions in hand, cover the floors, and move and cover furniture. Then the prep begins: filling holes and cracks, repairing drywall, caulking trim and windows, and priming stains and patched spots. Painting comes after that.

Paint only sticks as well as the surface under it. Dust, grease, loose patches and open gaps show through a new coat or cause it to peel. Time spent on prep is the cheapest way to get a finish that looks good and lasts.

Yes. When wallpaper removal is part of the job, we take it out, deal with the leftover adhesive and prepare the wall before priming. It is listed in the written quote so you know it is included.

We do. Small holes, cracks and dents are part of normal prep. Larger repairs, such as water damage or sections that need replacing, are scoped in the quote so the cost and time are clear before the work starts.

Flat or matte hides wall imperfections and suits ceilings and low-traffic rooms. Eggshell or satin is easier to wipe and works well in living areas and hallways. Semi-gloss is the usual choice for trim, doors, kitchens and bathrooms. We will suggest finishes for each room during the pre-job call.

Yes, within reason. Strong colours may need a tinted primer or an extra coat to cover well, and we will say so up front. If you are unsure, test a sample on the wall and look at it in morning and evening light before deciding.

Interior painting can be done through the year. Exterior work depends on the weather. Exterior latex generally should not be applied below about 10 C, and the surface temperature matters as well as the air temperature, so we check the product data sheet and plan around it.

It depends on the size of the space, the amount of prep and the number of coats. The written quote gives a timeline for your specific job. If the scope changes once we are on site, we tell you before carrying on.

Yes. If the property is in a strata, check the bylaws for work hours, noise rules and any limits on colour. Changes to common property normally need strata approval, so it is worth asking before you book a date.

Yes. Health Canada says lead paint is probable in homes built before 1960 and possible in homes built between 1960 and 1990. We ask the age of the home and plan testing before any sanding or scraping. Tell us early and we can build that into the schedule.

Textured ceilings in older homes can contain asbestos, so the ceiling should be tested before anyone scrapes it. We ask when the home was built before we quote the work, and we plan the job around the test result.

Yes, including offices, shops and rental units. We work out a plan that fits how the space is used, and we agree on the order of rooms and areas in advance. The same written quote and final walkthrough apply.

Yes. Cabinets need careful cleaning, sanding and the right primer before the finish coats. Fences and decks need the surface cleaned and repaired, and the weather has to cooperate. Each has its own prep and drying times, which we explain in the quote.

Clear the rooms as best you can, decide on colours before the pre-job call, and share photos and the age of the home when you ask for a quote. Tell us about any past problems with the walls. The more we know up front, the fewer surprises there are.

We walk through the work with you while the paint is fresh and note anything that needs touching up. Once the touch-ups are done and you have signed off, we clean up and take our materials with us.

We can leave a small amount of the paint used for future touch-ups if you would like it. Unwanted paint should go to a paint recycling drop-off. In British Columbia, that is handled through Product Care stewardship locations, not household garbage.

We use professional-quality paints from Sherwin-Williams, General Paint and Benjamin Moore, unless you ask for a different brand. The brand, product line and finish for each surface are written into your quote, so you know what is going on your walls.

Yes, references are available on request. You can also read what past customers say in the customer comments on our home page, and we are happy to talk through similar jobs we have done.

On exterior jobs our painters handle every part of the surface, so rot sometimes turns up. We point it out to you right away. If it is a small area that can be repaired with epoxy filler, we may be able to do it ourselves. If it is larger, we will recommend a carpenter. Either way, you hear about it before anything is covered over.

You will have a crew lead on site who can answer most questions, and you can always reach our office or your estimator by phone. Keeping you informed matters more to us than keeping the job quiet.

We are available 7 days a week. Call your local number or send the quote form at any time and we will get back to you.