Helpful Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions we encounter, along with answers!

Q: Does it matter if I buy inexpensive paint?

A: YES! If you work with an inferior product you will get an inferior result. We’ve learned this lesson the hard way. Because of this, our business policy is that we will only work with certain products.

It’s true that you may pay a little more, but here’s the plus: Anyone can paint a house and make it look good today but what’s it going to look like a year from now?

Inferior products break down faster. They don’t hold their color or sheen. Inexpensive paint doesn’t resist dirt as well as quality paint. The quality finish and durability are well worth the extra dollars per gallon. Don’t let bad paint ruin a good project!

Q: What does it mean that I have to pick a paint sheen?

A: Put simply, have you ever noticed a wall that’s very glossy? It looks almost wet but it’s not. That’s because the person chose a glossy paint sheen. Here are you options and some helpful guidelines.

  • FLAT - will show less wall imperfections but is not washable (it will streak if you try)
  • EGGSHELL - low shine, washable
  • SATIN - (in limited brands) washable with slightly more shine
  • SEMI-GLOSS - medium shine, durable, scrubable
  • GLOSS - high shine, durable, scrubable
  • HIGH-GLOSS - looks wet, scrubable

As a general rule we recommend your walls be an eggshell and your trim be a semi-gloss. Your ceiling should be a flat paint. This is with the exception of a formal setting which could allow for slightly more drama and a higher shine.

Q: How often will I have to repaint?

A: It depends on the product and the surface. In general, painting lasts longer than staining. A latex paint job should last a minimum of eight years. There are no hard and fast rules; however quality paint and thorough preparation will lengthen the life span of your paint job. Some variables are:

  • EXPOSURE-the southern side of a home will show more wear than the rest of the home
  • MAINTENANCE-power wash every year to keep the paint or stain film in good condition
  • SURFACE PREPERATION BEFORE PAINTING-this will likely include sanding, vacuuming or dusting and washing
  • WHETHER QUALITY MATERIALS WERE USED

Q: Why should I have my home and deck power washed?

A: Having your home or deck power washed once a year keeps the paint or stain film in good condition. Dirt and mold eat away at the surface of your paint job. Remember we can power wash:

  • HOMES
  • DECKS
  • CONCRETE FLOORS
  • DOCKS
  • GARAGES
  • BRICK OR STONE WALKWAYS
  • ROOFS
  • CHIMNEYS, FOUNDATIONS
  • TRAILERS

To make life just a little bit easier we offer a maintenance program. Simply ask to be put on our maintenance schedule and we will put your home on a yearly rotation for having your home/deck power washed.

More Frequently Asked Questions

I've worked with The Finishing Touch II, Inc. for years, why do I have to sign a contract?

The answer is that the signed contract is the how we keep track of your paint job. We think that we are so fortunate to have costumers that have only hired The Finishing Touch to do their painting for the 20 years we have been in business. It's a point of pride to us that the majority of our work is repeat business. So for those of you that are trying to get used to a new way of doing things, we have a detailed description of how our office/operations work.

Will I get my estimate the same day the estimator comes to my home?

Our estimator, Steve, works only one or two days a week. He has 30 years painting experience and is known to be fair in his estimating of the job.

It is not a problem to ask him to estimate some projects separately. This may allow you to choose to do some parts of the home at a later, more convenient time. In some rare instances The Finishing Touch II, Inc. may need to charge you for the estimators time. For example if the estimate is very detailed, requires multiple trips or requires an inordinate amount of research.

Steve normally will finish putting the estimates together later that same day. A copy of your estimate is then faxed to me for typing. If you like, you can ask Steve to have me call you with the price of your estimate as soon as I have the numbers available.

How can I speak with the owner?

Your estimate is now signed by Dennis Siegfried, the owner, at his office. Dennis does almost all of his work out of his own office (not in the same building as the primary office). This is why if you call 540-633-0600, you will not be able to speak with Dennis. Dennis can be reached directly by calling 540-230-4852.

When do I send the deposit?

When you decide to sign the contract, return it to P.O. Box 1723 Radford, VA 24143 with your 20% deposit. Your name will not be added to our schedule until we have received your signed contract.

We will call to confirm when The Finishing Touch II, Inc. has received your contract. During the summer months it is not uncommon for The Finishing Touch II, Inc. to be booking 3-4 months in advance. Once we call to say that The Finishing Touch II, Inc. does have your signed contract don't be surprised if you do not hear from me again until your project date is much closer. For further questions in regard to the deposit please contact us and ask to speak with our accountant.

Why can't I get a firm date?

We will call approximately 2 weeks before your project begins. It is almost impossible to give exact project start dates. The main reason has to do with the weather.

Rain, fog, dew, extreme heat or high wind can prevent us from working outside. Also, it is our business policy not to move on to the next job before finishing the last. The only thing worse than having your paint project delayed is having your painter leave your home unfinished.

Sometimes we discover rotten wood or the previous paint finish completely peels or… In these situations the homeowner before you finds himself in an unexpectedly unhappy place. We understand and we try very hard not to leave anyone's projects unfinished. When The Finishing Touch II, Inc. starts work on your home we want to be free to give you our full attention.

Are there any guarantees?

The Finishing Touch II, Inc. does not offer any guarantees. We do however, have an excellent track record of correcting any mistakes or mishaps. We are fully insured and if we make a mistake we will not hesitate to put right whatever has gone wrong. We will gladly provide references upon request. Remember that any contractor can offer you a guarantee but what good is it if the company is no longer in business the next year? The Finishing Touch II, Inc. is dedicated to providing trustworthy, reliable, quality work.

Call (540) 381-7373 for a free estimate!