Straight Answers from Joe
Frequently Asked Questions
Hiring a painter means inviting someone into your home. These answers explain what you can expect from Pinceaux Plus before, during and after your interior painting project.
Everything You Should Know Before Hiring a Painter
Every home and project is different. Click any question below for a clear, straightforward answer based on more than 20 years of residential painting experience.
About Pinceaux Plus
Who You’re Hiring
Do you provide free estimates?
Yes. Joe personally provides the estimate, so you meet the owner from the beginning and can discuss your project directly with the person responsible for the work.
Do you work on more than one project at a time?
We normally focus on one main project at a time rather than jumping between several different homes. This allows us to give your project consistent attention and work toward completing it efficiently before moving on to the next one.
Why choose Pinceaux Plus?
Because you are hiring the person you meet. Joe provides the estimate, is present throughout the project and completes the final walkthrough.
We focus exclusively on residential interior painting and care just as much about the experience inside your home as we do about the finished walls and ceilings.
Do you use subcontractors?
No. Smaller projects are completed directly by Joe. Larger projects are handled with a trusted team he has worked with for years.
What areas do you serve?
Our main service areas are the West Island, Montreal and Laval. Depending on the project and our schedule, we may also travel farther, including areas north of Montreal such as Saint-Jérôme, Saint-Sauveur and Mont-Tremblant.
Services and Materials
What We Paint and How We Work
Do you only do interior painting?
Yes. We specialize in residential interior painting so we can focus on detailed preparation, clean work and consistent finishes without the scheduling and weather limitations of exterior work.
What types of homes and surfaces do you paint?
We work in condos, townhouses, detached homes, older homes and large full-home projects.
We paint walls, ceilings, trim, baseboards, doors, frames, staircases, accent walls, textured ceilings and most other interior surfaces. We are especially comfortable with detailed staircases and unusual interior spaces.
Do you repair walls before painting?
Yes. We handle normal wall patching, cracks, sanding, latex caulking and primer where needed. Larger repairs depend on the condition of the surface and what is discussed during the estimate.
Do you remove wallpaper?
Yes. Wallpaper removal can be included after we inspect the walls and discuss the amount of removal, repair and preparation that may be required.
Do you paint kitchen cabinets?
We paint cabinet boxes on site by hand. For cabinet doors, we generally recommend having them removed and taken to a specialized shop where they can be machine-sanded, professionally sprayed and finished under controlled conditions.
This usually provides the smoothest, most durable result. Many cabinet refinishing companies hire us specifically to paint the cabinet boxes while they complete the doors in their shop.
Do you paint popcorn or textured ceilings?
Yes. We paint popcorn and textured ceilings when their condition is suitable. We will inspect the surface during the estimate and explain any preparation that may be needed.
What paint do you use?
We primarily use Benjamin Moore paints, with the exact product selected according to the room, surface, desired finish and project budget.
Do I need to buy the paint before you arrive?
No. We normally supply the paint as part of the project. If you prefer a labour-only estimate, already have paint or would like to use another brand, we can discuss that during the estimate.
How many coats of paint do you apply?
We normally apply two finish coats, with primer added when required by the surface condition, repair work, colour change or type of material being painted.
Can you help me choose colours and paint finishes?
Colour is a personal choice, so the final selection belongs to the homeowner. We are happy to offer practical feedback or a second opinion when asked.
We can also recommend the appropriate paint finish for walls, kitchens, bathrooms, ceilings and trim based on durability, appearance and how the room is used.
Living Through the Project
Keeping Your Home Comfortable
Can my family stay in the house while you paint?
Absolutely. Most clients do. We organize the work so the rest of the home remains as comfortable and usable as possible, and we try to finish at a reasonable hour so your family can enjoy its evening.
How do you protect floors, furniture and belongings?
We use tarps, plastic and appropriate coverings throughout the active work areas.
Furniture can be moved by the homeowner or by us, depending on what is agreed upon during the estimate. We move regular household furniture that can safely be handled by one or two people, but we do not move items such as pianos.
What should I do before you arrive?
Removing pictures, artwork, valuables and fragile items from the rooms helps the project run more smoothly. Moving smaller furniture, taking down blinds and clearing surfaces is also helpful if you are comfortable doing so.
Leave any nails in place where you plan to rehang pictures. Remove them only where you want the holes patched.
What happens to your tools at the end of each day?
We organize our materials and keep them in an agreed location that stays out of the family’s way. We also sweep or vacuum where needed so dust and debris do not build up.
Tools may remain set up when the home is empty or when the client asks us to leave the work area ready for an early start the next day.
What about pets?
We love pets. We simply ask that they remain outside the active work area for their safety and to avoid contact with wet paint, ladders, tools or protective coverings.
Will the paint smell?
Modern water-based latex paint has a noticeable but generally mild odour that fades fairly quickly. Opening windows and creating good airflow usually helps it dissipate faster.
Timing and Expectations
Planning the Work
How far in advance should I book?
Booking early gives you the best chance of securing your preferred dates, especially for larger projects. If you have a last-minute need, contact us and we will let you know what the current schedule allows.
How long does an interior painting project take?
A bedroom may take one to two days. A condo often takes approximately four to five days. A full home may take one to three weeks depending on its size, preparation requirements and scope of work.
We provide a realistic project timeline during the estimate.
Do you work evenings or weekends?
We complete painting work during regular daytime hours. Evenings and weekends are generally reserved for estimates, planning and personal time.
What happens if you discover unexpected repairs?
We discuss the issue with you before moving forward. Additional work can be added to the agreement or left for another time, depending on the condition, your priorities and the project schedule.
When can I move furniture back or hang pictures?
Furniture can usually be moved back once the work is complete, as long as it does not press directly against freshly painted walls.
Paint continues curing after it feels dry. Waiting several days before hanging pictures is preferable, and allowing roughly two weeks gives the finish more time to cure fully.
What if I notice something after the project is finished?
Contact us. We stand behind our workmanship and will review the concern with you and do our best to make it right.
Hiring Advice
Choosing the Right Painter
What should I look for when hiring a residential painter?
Get more than one estimate, ask questions and trust your instincts. You are not only choosing who applies the paint—you are choosing who will be working inside your home for several days.
Communication, respect, accountability and how comfortable you feel with the person matter just as much as price.
Is the cheapest painting estimate usually the best choice?
Not necessarily. A lower estimate may leave out preparation, materials, proper cleanup or enough time to complete the work carefully.
Compare what is included, who will actually perform the work and whether you trust the person you are inviting into your home.
What makes the Pinceaux Plus experience different?
Clients are often most surprised by the overall experience—not only the finished paintwork.
We communicate, interact respectfully with families and pets, protect belongings, keep the work organized and try to make the project feel easier and more comfortable than homeowners expected.
Why should I trust Pinceaux Plus with my home?
Because we understand that we are not simply painting walls—we are working inside the place that matters most to you.
We communicate clearly, protect your home, keep the work area organized and genuinely care whether you are happy with both the result and the experience of having us there.
Still Have a Question?
Every home is different. Speak directly with Joe about your project, your schedule or anything you would like clarified before requesting an estimate.