Author: Lets Upgrade Painting

How To Choose A Painting Contractor In Virginia

Written by Lets Upgrade Painting on July 16, 2025. Posted in Residential Painting. No Comments on How To Choose A Painting Contractor In Virginia

Choosing the right painting contractor in Virginia can feel like a big decision.

You want someone who’s experienced, professional, and dependable. But beyond that, you also want someone who’s easy to work with and communicates well.

With so many options out there, it’s normal to feel a little unsure about where to start.

But don’t worry – finding the right contractor doesn’t have to be stressful.

In this post, we’ll give you some simple tips to help you pick the BEST contractor for the job.

#1 Ask Around For Recommendations

This is a big one! Word of mouth is gold.

Ask your neighbors, friends, or family if they’ve worked with a good painter recently. Chances are, they know someone who did an awesome job and who they’d trust again.

Recommendations can give you peace of mind and save you from doing a ton of research.

Don’t stop with just one or two suggestions, though. Get a few names and check them out.

That way, you can compare options and get a better sense of who might be the best fit for your project.

Also Check Out Our Chesterfield Painting Services

#2 Make Sure They’re Licensed And Insured

A good painting contractor should be licensed and insured.

This protects you and them in case anything goes wrong.

In Virginia, contractors need a license to operate legally. This shows they’ve met certain standards. Insurance, on the other hand, means that if something gets damaged or someone gets hurt during the job, you’re not the one left holding the bag.

If a contractor doesn’t have insurance or a license, it’s a red flag. It’s just not worth the risk.

Always ask to see proof of both.

#3 Check Their Experience And Portfolio

Next, you’ll want to check out their experience.

How long have they been in business? More years usually mean they know their stuff.

But don’t just take their word for it – ask for a portfolio of past work. You want to see examples of their painting projects, especially ones similar to yours.

Take note of the quality of their work. Do the lines look clean? Is the paint even?

The attention to detail says a lot about the kind of work you can expect.

A solid portfolio shows they’re consistent and can handle the job.

#4 Get Multiple Estimates

It’s always a good idea to get at least three estimates before committing.

It’s not about picking the cheapest option, but it helps you get a sense of what the going rates are in your area. Plus, it gives you the chance to compare how each contractor approaches the job.

When getting estimates, be specific about the details. Discuss the size of the job, any prep work that needs to be done, and your vision for the finished product.

This will help avoid any surprises later on when the bill comes.

Also Read: Should I Remove Popcorn Ceiling?

#5 Pay Attention To How They Communicate

From the very first conversation, pay attention to how the contractor communicates with you.

Are they friendly and approachable? Do they answer your questions in a way that makes sense? Are they on time for meetings or calls?

Good communication can make or break a project.

You’ll be working closely with this person, so it’s important that they are responsive, clear, and open to discussing any concerns you may have.

If you feel like they’re not giving you the time of day or brushing you off, move on.

#6 Get Everything In Writing

Don’t leave anything to chance. Once you’ve picked a contractor, make sure to get everything in writing. This includes the project timeline, cost, and what’s expected from both sides.

It should outline exactly what you’re paying for – like the number of coats of paint, materials, and any extra services such as prepping the walls.

A written contract protects both parties and helps avoid any confusion later on.

If the contractor is hesitant to put things in writing, that’s a major red flag.

#7 Ask About The Paint And Techniques They Use

Not all paints are created equal, and not all painters use the same techniques. Make sure you’re on the same page about the products and techniques being used.

Some contractors may use cheaper paints or shortcuts to speed up the job, and that’s something you’ll want to avoid.

So ask about the brands they recommend and why.

Good painters will have their go-to brands that they trust.

It’s also a good idea to ask about their painting techniques like are they using rollers, brushes, or sprayers? Do they take the time to prep the surfaces properly?

A great painter will be proud of their work and will be happy to explain their process.

Also Read: Can You Skim Coat Over Wallpaper?

#8 Check How They Manage The Job Site

A good contractor should keep the job site clean and organized.

When you’re hiring a painting crew, you want to make sure they’re respecting your home or business. Ask them how they handle the cleanup process and what steps they take to protect your furniture, floors, and other surfaces.

A messy job site can be a sign that the contractor isn’t paying attention to detail or doesn’t have a good process in place.

Ideally, they should keep everything tidy and make sure everything is protected before they start painting.

#9 Ask About The Payment Details

Before the work begins, make sure you’re clear on how the payment process works.

Some contractors may ask for a deposit upfront, while others prefer to be paid once the job is completed. Either way, you should know exactly when and how the payments will happen.

Avoid contractors who ask for the full amount upfront. That’s usually a warning sign.

A reputable painter will want to ensure you’re happy with the work before asking for the rest of the payment.

You’ll also want to know if there are any hidden fees or unexpected costs that might pop up.

#10 Trust Your Instincts

This one’s simple: trust your gut. If something feels off, listen to that feeling.

Maybe you’re not vibing with the contractor, or maybe their estimate is way higher than the others. Whatever it is, if you’re feeling unsure, it’s okay to keep looking.

You’re going to be spending a lot of time with this person, so make sure you feel comfortable and confident that they’re the right fit for the job.

Bottom Line

Choosing a painting contractor in Virginia doesn’t have to be a headache.

If you follow these steps, you’ll be well on your way to finding a trustworthy, skilled professional who will get the job done right.

Just remember to do your research, ask the right questions, and trust your instincts.

After all, a fresh coat of paint can totally transform a space, so you want to make sure the job is done by someone who cares about the details as much as you do!

Can You Paint Over Gel Stain? (Complete Guide)

Written by Lets Upgrade Painting on July 16, 2025. Posted in Cabinet Refinishing. No Comments on Can You Paint Over Gel Stain? (Complete Guide)

Thinking about giving that old gel-stained furniture or trim a fresh coat of paint?

You’re not alone. A lot of people wonder if it’s even possible to paint over gel stain, or if they’ll end up with a flaky, peeling mess.

The good news is that you can paint over gel stain, and it can turn out great!

In this guide, we’ll break down how to paint over gel stain. We’ll go over everything from how to properly prep the surface, and when it’s best to avoid painting altogether.

Can You Paint Over Gel Stain?

Yes, you can paint over gel stain!

Painting over gel stain isn’t quite the same as painting over bare wood or a different kind of finish. Gel stain creates a thicker, more durable layer on the surface, which can make it trickier to paint over compared to regular stains.

But with a little prep work, you can totally give your furniture or cabinets a new look!

If you skip the prep work, your paint might peel or chip off easily, which is definitely not the result you’re aiming for.

How To Paint Over Gel Stain

Painting over gel stain is not complicated, but it does require a bit of effort like we said. Here’s a simple guide to get you through it:

Step 1: Clean The Surface

First things first, clean the surface thoroughly. All that dust, grime, and oils need to go before you do anything else. Grab a mild cleaner or some soapy water and wipe down the surface.

This is especially important if the piece has been sitting around for a while.

Use a clean cloth and make sure the surface is completely dry before moving to the next step.

You don’t want any dirt or residue causing problems later.

Step 2: Sand The Surface

Once the surface is clean, the next step is sanding.

This is where you get the surface ready for your paint to stick. You don’t need to strip off all the gel stain, just roughen the surface a little bit. A light sanding with a medium-grit sandpaper (like 150-grit) should do the trick.

Sanding helps create tiny grooves that your paint can grab onto.

You don’t have to go crazy here – just give the surface enough texture to let the paint bond.

Don’t forget to wear a mask and goggles while sanding, especially if it’s a big piece, as you don’t want to breathe in all that dust.

Also Read: Can You Skim Coat Over Wallpaper?

Step 3: Wipe Down The Dust

After sanding, wipe away all the dust.

This part’s important too. Any leftover dust will mess with the bonding between the paint and the surface.

Use a tack cloth or a damp cloth to wipe everything down. You want it to be as clean and dust-free as possible before applying anything else.

Once that’s done, let it dry for a few minutes just to make sure it’s nice and clean.

Step 4: Apply A Bonding Primer

Next, it’s time for a bonding primer. This is a must for your paint to stick to the gel stain.

Regular primers might not work as well on gel stain, but a bonding primer (sometimes called a bonding or adhesion primer) will do the job. Zinsser and Kilz both make solid options.

Apply one even coat and let it dry according to the instructions.

Depending on the primer you use, you may need to apply two coats. Check the label for directions, but one coat is usually enough.

This step seals in the gel stain and gives your paint something to grab onto.

Don’t skip this step!

Step 5: Paint

Once your primer is dry, you can finally start painting!

Choose a high-quality paint that suits your project. You can use oil-based or latex paint, but latex is usually easier to work with, dries faster, and cleans up with soap and water.

Apply the paint in thin layers to avoid drips or thick patches. Let each coat dry fully before applying the next one. You’ll probably need two or three coats, depending on the color and the type of paint you choose.

After painting, let your piece dry for a good 24 hours (or as long as the paint instructions suggest). This gives the paint plenty of time to cure and harden.

And voila! You’ve successfully painted over gel stain.

Do You Have To Remove The Gel Stain First?

No, not unless the surface is damaged, flaking, or applied unevenly.

In most cases, you can leave the gel stain in place as long as you sand and prime it well.

That said, if your gel stain is super thick or gunky, or it’s starting to peel, you might want to strip it off first. There are chemical gel stain removers out there, but they’re kind of a pain and pretty messy.

If you’re working with something small or detailed and just can’t get a smooth surface, stripping might be worth it.

Otherwise, stick with the cleaning, sanding, and priming route. It works for most situations.

When You Shouldn’t Paint Over Gel Stain

Sometimes, painting over gel stains isn’t a good idea. Here are a few situations where you might want to rethink it:

The surface is flaking, cracked, or bubbling
There’s heavy wax or polish buildup that won’t come off
The wood is warped, damaged, or has moisture problems
You eventually want to go back to a natural wood look

In those cases, you may want to fully strip the surface or consider a different refinishing option altogether.

Can You Gel Stain Over Paint?

If you’re wondering if you can go the other way and apply gel stain over paint, the answer is yes, but with some extra steps.

Gel stain will sit on top of painted surfaces, but it won’t soak in (just like with wood).

This means the final look is more of a glazed or tinted finish. If the paint underneath is glossy, you’ll definitely need to sand and possibly prime first to make sure the stain goes on evenly.

Also, darker gel stains don’t always show up well over dark paint. You’ll get better results if the paint color is light or white.

And don’t expect a woodgrain look unless you’re using special faux finishing tools or techniques.

So yes, you can gel stain over paint, but it’s more of a decorative finish than a real stain job.

Bottom Line

The main difference between painting over regular stain and gel stain is the prep.

Gel stain sits on the surface and leaves a slick finish, so you have to clean, sand, and prime it first. But once you do, paint will go on just fine and stay put.

Painting over gel stain is a great way to refresh furniture, cabinets, or trim without stripping everything down to bare wood. Just follow the steps, don’t skip the primer, and take your time.

You’ll end up with a smooth, durable finish that looks like you hired a pro