inPAINT Magazine Mar/Apr 2024

4 PROS TALK STAINS

Products that help elevate their work to masterpiece status

Contract dos, don’ts and must-haves

Employee well-being benefits more than your employees +

INDUSTRY’S

INDUSTRY’S MOST

ELECTRIC-POWERED GUN EVER BUILT

Join Habitat for Humanity and help families near you build affordable places to call home.

Volunteer or donate at habitat.org.

“Give without remembering, receive without forgetting.”

—Chad Hymas, author and motivational speaker

To say that the recent PCA EXPO was ‘great’ is an understatement of epic proportions. From the unimaginably inspiring presentation by Chad Hymas on day one to the candid and revealing remarks by Nick Slavik in the final hours and all the learning and sharing that took place in between, there simply aren’t enough adjectives to capture the spirit and impact of the event.

It’s not that this year’s event was dramatically different in structure or purpose, but everything was simply elevated to a new level. Yes, there were more people than ever (more than 1,000) and, yes, there were more vendors at the trade show, but it wasn’t about the numbers. It was about the attendees, dare I say, aggressively embracing the PCA’s long-standing spirit of sharing and lifting each other up.

As always, I relished the sidebar and the over-the-back-of-the-chair conversations and the many, many ah-ha moments I witnessed. Not just because they helped fulfill the objective of my attendance—uncovering article ideas and finding pros to interview, but because they reminded me that none of us ever need struggle alone. It’s unrealistic to think we should have all the answers all the time, and it’s a tremendous burden to carry. We simply are stronger together.

On that note, I’m pleased to introduce the 2024 inPAINT Editorial Advisory Board (see below). These are the folks I’ll be leaning on in the year ahead to ensure our content is as relevant as possible, vet photos for safety and accuracy, and point out where and how we can do better. That said, I know that great feedback and ideas can come from anyone. If you have thoughts on what—or who—you’d like to see featured in our magazine, I am ready and grateful to receive whatever you have to share.

PUBLISHER

Edward McAdams

MANAGING EDITOR

Amanda Haar

DESIGNER

Carl Bezuidenhout

CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR

Cindy Puskar

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Brian Sodoma CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS

Nick Hegeman PaintJet

Joshua Joosten Sequoia Painting

Holly Kolvig Southern Fine Finishes

Rob Lenzen Lenzen Painting

Teresa Mafara Monarch Finishing

Chris Nevoraski Picture Perfect Painting

Winston Tran Truong Transtech Painting

Heather Whitney Paychex Cheers, Amanda Haar, Managing Editor, inPAINT amanda@inPAINTmag.com

Ryan Adamski

2024 EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Production Manager, CertaPro Painters

Bryce Benfield Owner, South-East Paint & Protective Coatings Co.

Melissa Caperton Co-Owner, MJ Painting & Design

Jen

Jeremy

Larry

Steve

CONTENTS

12

FEATURE

12 Pro Picks

Four pros share the stains and techniques that help their work stand out

DEPARTMENTS

6 The News Industry ins and outs

8 Trends

A fast look at the forces at work in our industry

9 Trend in Focus

Understanding the benefits of employee well-being

10 What’s New New tools and coatings for the trade

22 Upcoming Events

The what, where and when of the industry’s leading events

23 Bottom Line

Why you need a contract and what it should contain

Cover Photo Courtesy of Benjamin Moore

Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

Now with squid!

> Here’s one more thing to add to your list of potential paint additives: squid dye.

Researchers at Northeastern University’s Kostas Research Institute (KRI) found that a dye compound found in the skin of squids and octopuses can be used to create paints that change color under different lights. According to a study published in Advanced Science, a synthetic version of the dye can be mixed with titanium dioxide to form a paint that reversibly shifts colors between being yellow or red with strong light exposure. Additional colorants can be mixed in with the paint to expand its shifting color palette. The color change in this new paint can happen in as little as five minutes and, depending on how long the paint is exposed to light, the color change can remain for as long as 24 hours.

Help wanted (eventually): relocation required

> Thanks to a recent scientific development, paint may be part of the answer to how to generate oxygen on Mars. Dubbed ‘Green Living Paint’ by researchers at Surrey University, the coating contains a bacteria found in the desert called Chroococcidiopsis cubana that requires very little water for survival. Like trees, the bacteria takes in carbon dioxide to create the organic compounds it needs and releases oxygen in the process. Produced with latex and nanoclay particles, the paint is able to produce oxygen consistently for 30 days. While more research and testing needs to be done, scientists are excited by the coating’s potential to assist with future colonization of Mars. Surrey.ac.uk/news

PaintJet promises 25% materials saving, 500% productivity improvement

> Of all the painting robots we’ve seen in the recent past, the newest player to the field, PaintJet is perhaps the most intriguing. Developed by a former paint franchise owner who also worked as an engineer for Exxon Mobil, PaintJet does an impressive job of marrying the needs of genuine job site applications with the latest in AI and robotic technology. Particularly well-suited for large-scale commercial and industrial applications with flat surfaces, the robot weighs just 100 lbs, and fits with and connects to standard lifts. But here’s the catch: it’s not for sale.

Instead, the PaintJet technology can be leased on a per-square-foot output basis.

According to company CEO and cofounder, Nick Hegeman, “We recognized that not every company that can benefit from the technology can afford the capital expenditure. So instead, we lease it and charge based on the square-foot output. We provide training to whoever will be operating the robot and then leave it to the company to decide how much, or little, they want to use it.”

Given the PaintJet has been demonstrated to provide 25% material saving and 500% productivity improvement, it seems likely this tech will definitely get used. PaintJet.com

Sherwin-Williams job board connects employers and job seekers

> To help businesses connect with qualified talent, Sherwin-Williams launched a free online job board. Employers can post jobs and get applications from interested pros searching for work. Job seekers can search for positions by location and job title. To use the tool, job posters and seekers must register at Jobs.PaintProTraining.com

Embracing sustainability in the bathroom

24% of homeowners undertaking bathroom renovations are choosing VOC-free paints / finishes / coatings for the project.

SOURCE: 2023 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study

What info matters most?

According to Brightlocal’s Local Business Discovery & Trust Report 2023, here’s the business information that’s most important to consumers when searching for a trade contractor online:

Small business priorities

According to the 2023 Paychex survey, The Pulse of HR, leaders of companies with 5 to 19 employees cite wellbeing as their top HR priority. They also rate the following as extremely or very important:

■ Employee/manager communication

■ Employee productivity

■ Employee engagement and retention

Going down?

The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University is predicting a 5.9% decrease in home renovation spending through the second quarter of 2024.

SOURCE: Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity

What it means and why it deserves your attention

A Employee well-being

ttracting and retaining talent is an ongoing challenge for employers of all sizes. Yes, throwing money at the problem helps but research shows there’s more to it than that.

According to Heather Whitney, an HR services senior advisor at Paychex, “When sizing up job or career opportunities, people are considering more than their weekly take-home pay. Many are looking for a better work-life balance, some—especially older ones—want a retirement plan, and everyone wants a culture that values their contributions.”

The challenge for employers is figuring out the magical mix of offerings that works best for their business, their team and their budget.

The benefits of well-being

Employee well-being encompasses mental, physical, emotional and economic health, all of which can be positively influenced by workplace relationships, resources and decisions. In fact, a 2023 survey conducted by CIPD, an HR company focusing on personnel development, identified the following top three benefits organizations derive from focusing on employee well-being:

1. Better morale and engagement

2. A healthier and more inclusive culture

3. Lower absenteeism

The survey also revealed that when well-being efforts are in place, people are more likely to perform better, build more positive relationships, cope with their workload, and work more creatively.

Give the people what they want

Whitney notes the key to a successful well-being initiative is making sure it aligns with what employees truly want.

“The biggest mistake an employer can make,” says Whitney, “is thinking that wellness is one-size-fits-all,” she says. “Different generations value and want different things—and not all of them are tangible or even require money. It’s up to you to dig in and figure out what those things are.”

The easiest way to do this, says Whitney, is a simple survey. “Share what you’re considering offering or implementing and ask employees to rank them. Employees appreciate the opportunity to have a say and you get the comfort of knowing you’re delivering what’s wanted or needed.”

Whitney says it benefits employers to look both in and out of the box for solutions. “If employees are interested in a better work-life balance, consider a flexible work schedule that features four 10-hour days. If they want something for retirement, investigate a 401K with a match. The match doesn’t have to be huge … 2–3% works.”

She adds that for employers challenged with finding ways to pay for tangible benefits, like 401Ks, professional employer organizations (PEOs) can help.* Essentially a buying consortium for small businesses, PEOs can give you access to benefits packages that normally would be unaffordable. And because they handle the admin of benefits, you gain more time to focus on your business.

Creating workplace happiness benefits all

One pro who knows employee wellness doesn’t have to be connected to a checkbook is Joshua Joosten.

When Joosten opened Sequoia Painting in Visalia, CA in 2020, his biggest challenge wasn’t COVID; it was keeping employees. On the advice of a mentor, he formalized his policies and procedures. “It was a big undertaking but totally worth it,” he recalls. “I didn’t appreciate how hungry the crew was for structure. Yes, we lost a few guys over it, but the ones who stayed have been great.”

The company holds quarterly meetings to review procedures and address policy updates. “Everybody signs off on policies when they come on board and any issued updates. It’s eliminated the ‘I didn’t know’ excuse, which frustrated me and, it turned out, everybody else.”

Joosten‘s benefits package also includes a retirement offering with a 50/50 match and he’s currently looking into health insurance through the Painting Contractors Association.

“Our company motto is ‘Creating Happiness,’” notes Joosten. “That applies to our employees as well as our customers.”

*NOTE: Not all PEOs will cover paint contractors due to liability related to working above six feet.

“The biggest mistake an employer can make is thinking that wellness is one-size-fits-all."

—HEATHER WHITNEY, PAYCHEX

3M™ Pro Grade Precision™

Faster Sanding Sheets

#1 Sanding Performance. 3M™ Pro Grade Precision™ Faster Sanding Sheets with enhanced mineral technology resist clogging and sand faster. Fold once and the NO-SLIP GRIP™ durable backing grips together to prevent slipping, so you can sand longer with less hand fatigue. Superior cut durability from start to finish. For when endurance matters.

3m.com/Sanding

TOWER SEALANTS introduces NEW AU-1

Liquid-Applied Flashing for added moisture protection around building openings

TOWER SEALANTS has a new addition to its AU-1 Commercial Construction Products line: Introducing AU-1 Liquid-Applied Flashing. This high-performance elastomeric liquid flashing membrane is redefining waterproofing protection performance. It can be brushed, rolled, troweled or sprayed with no primer necessary to form a lasting, waterproof seal that adheres perfectly to common building substrates.

AU-1 Liquid-Applied Flashing meets the performance requirements of AAMA 714-19, providing permanent protection against moisture intrusion around windows and doors. It’s versatile, compatible with green concrete, stucco, building envelope systems, and more.

AU-1 Liquid Applied Flashing is an eco-friendly product with Low VOCs, ensuring an easy application process and effortless cleanup with just soap and water. Elevate your projects with TOWER SEALANTS, where innovation meets construction.

For more information, visit TowerSealants.com

PRO PICKS

Four pros on the stains that make their work stand out

Painting professionals who do staining work often see it as an art. Getting good at staining requires a level of meticulousness and practice that not everyone embraces. After all, you’re preserving and highlighting a surface, not covering it up.

Staining is more than technique; it involves knowledge of and respect for wood and, of course, the right products. Here, four pros discussed their go-to stains and shared a little about how they tackle their work.

BY BRIAN SODOMA

1 ROB LENZEN

This Minnesota-based pro’s company serves most of the Minneapolis/Twin Cities region. About 80% of his work involves residential repaints, and most of his staining jobs are exteriors. That means lots of log cabins, wood siding, eaves, fasciae and soffits on homes. His log cabin jobs, in particular, involve surfaces that often need some love.

“The majority of the log cabins we tackle these days needed a recoat 10 or 15 years ago, so it comes down to a full strip and sanding every inch down to bare wood,” he says. PPG Paints PROLUXE Log & Siding Wood Finish is his choice in these situations for its tinting properties and ability to enhance the natural oaks, cedars and butternut woods he works with.

“It’s a higher-end product that costs more, but when you’ve spent that much on a cabin or have log siding, a couple hundred extra dollars is worth it,” he adds. “It’s a little thicker than most stains, too, so it’s not this drippy mess. It has body and that second coat goes on buttery smooth—and looks gorgeous.”

For exterior cedar siding surfaces, he likes Cabot Australian Timber Oil. On interiors, typically railings and doors, Sherwin-Williams Sher-Wood BAC Wiping Stain is a reliable performer as well.

“We can still get oil-based stains around here, so that’s what I prefer,” he says. “I am not willing to test water-based stains on customers while we still have the tried-and-true oil-based ones available.”

OUR PROS

ROB LENZEN

HOLLY KOLVIG

1 2 3

Lenzen Painting LenzenPainting.com

2 HOLLY KOLVIG

Southern Fine Finishes SouthernFineFinishes.com

This Atlanta-based pro has been perfecting her staining craft for 23 years. She primarily works on interior cabinets, doors, handrails and custom woodwork. Envirolak Envirostain Systems, particularly formulas using the ELBWS binder, are her top choice for these projects.

“I like it because I can wipe or spray,” she says. “I prefer to spray a stain and wipe as needed. To me, the product is like a hybrid oil- and waterbased stain. It has amazing open time. I can keep touching up or come back and add something without lap marks. I don’t have to worry about keeping a wet edge. It blends effortlessly, has brilliant evenness to it, and with difficult woods to stain, like maple, it eliminates the splotchiness you can get with water-based stains.”

Another reason she prefers Envirolak systems is that they do not significantly raise wood grain. With open-grain wood species like oak or mahogany, absorbed water raises the grain; too much grain raise requires extra buffing, she says.

For the occasional exterior staining job, which often is a front door or garage door, she likes General Finishes 450 Water-Based Wood Stain. It’s great for handling Atlanta’s humidity.

“It has a mildewcide in it, which is a huge plus. I used it on a shed recently,” she says. “I sprayed with an airless machine and then back-rolled. The application was very easy and it looked great.”

Kolvig also spends a lot of time personally testing new stains. She leaves samples in the sun or on the floor, and exposes them to mud and water for months. Very few make the cut to be used in a customer’s home.

“It’s a slippery slope between staying innovative and going after the newest product and doing the due diligence to make sure the product really works,” she adds.

TERESA MAFARA Monarch Finishing MonarchFinishing.com

4

CHRIS NEVORASKI

Picture Perfect Painting Facebook.com/PicturePerfectWisconsin

“I like [Envirolak Envirostain Systems] because I can wipe or spray … It has amazing open time. I can keep touching up or come back and add something without lap marks. I don’t have to worry about keeping a wet edge.” –HOLLY KOLVIG, SOUTHERN FINE FINISHES

3 TERESA MAFARA

The majority of this Orange County, CA-based pro’s work involves custom residential remodeling projects. These projects involve lots of custom cabinets, doors, railings and high-end carpentry work. Her crews often work with light woods, like white rift oak, for which she often turns to General Finishes waterbased products for their ability to reveal the natural wood grains without washing out color. Over the years, she has developed a unique process for how she applies them, too.

Monarch crews start with a light coat of General Finishes Enduro Professional Water-Based Sanding Sealer, then sand with 220-grit sandpaper. After that, they apply the company’s Water-Based Wood Stain and follow with their High-Performance Water-Based Polyurethane Topcoat.

As Mafara explains, “If you don’t seal the wood before staining, the color comes out blotchy. The sealer compresses into the grain, then fills it in and gives the stain a level surface to grab evenly.”

For wooden front doors or garage doors, General Finishes Exterior 450 Water-Based Clear Outdoor Topcoat holds up well to weather, she adds.

When an oil-based stain is required, she prefers Old Masters Fast Dry Stain, which offers good color variety while still highlighting the wood’s grain. It also does well for covering old oil-based topcoats, the pro says. For restaining garage doors and front doors, she also likes Wood-Kote Ultra Flagship UV 450 polyurethane resin stain and Mohawk Finisher’s Choice Clear Lacquer for sealing oil-based stains.

Above all, Monarch crews are meticulous about prep; two full days are often budgeted for each project. “Paint and stain only hide so much,” she cautions. “If you don’t first make it perfect by filling holes, sanding and sealing, it’s not going to come out perfect. And with the work I do, that’s unacceptable.”

4 CHRIS NEVORASKI

Nevoraski is based in northern Illinois, but his company does work on both sides of the Illinois-Wisconsin border. He has been painting for 18 years, and residential repaints make up the bulk of his work. When it comes to staining, these jobs usually involve upgrading interior wood finishes to their past glory. For him, that means a lot of color adjustments on railings and interior woodwork for budget-conscious customers.

His two go-to products are from Minwax: Gel Stain and Polyshades oil-based stain and polyurethane combination. The products are easy to use and simplify applications, saving the customer money.

“If you don’t seal the wood before staining, the color comes out blotchy. The sealer compresses into the grain, then fills it in and gives the stain a level surface to grab evenly.”

–TERESA MAFARA, MONARCH FINISHING

“It’s cost-effective and I’m able to make the modifications to the surface that the customer needs,” he says. “One example of the work I do might involve a Colonial finish with the customer wanting to go darker to, say, a walnut. Polyshades allows me to go right over the top; it looks great and saves a lot of money.”

At times, Nevoraski is tasked with staining new doors. Sherwin-Williams Sher-Wood BAC Wiping Stain is easy to apply and looks great, he adds.

Outside the home, Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck Exterior Waterborne Solid Color Deck Stain does a great job on cedar decks. For wood siding and trim, he turns to the manufacturer’s WoodScapes Exterior Acrylic Solid Color House Stain

“I like the consistency of WoodScapes. It’s nice to brush and it’s not too drippy or thick, which is important when you’re working in the heat,” he notes. “While I apply it to mostly wood, it bonds to anything, so it can be applied on a wide variety of substrates like gutters and downspouts, helping to cut costs for customers on a tight budget.”

When working on new exterior wood requiring a semitransparent finish, he likes PPG Paints PROLUXE SRD SemiTransparent Wood Finish . “I find it lasts longer than other semi-transparent products I’ve used,” he adds. ■

Sherwin-Williams WoodScapes Exterior Acrylic Solid Color House Stain’s ability to resist mildew, block tannins and adhere to a range of substrates makes it a popular choice with pros.

Picture Perfect Painting completed this staircase transformation using Minwax Gel Stain, which features a non-drip formulation ideal for vertical surfaces.

PaintCare offers free pickups for recycling!

In addition, painting contractors and businesses can recycle smaller quantities of leftover house paint, stain, and varnish for free at more than 2,400 PaintCare drop-off locations in ten states and the District of Columbia.

To find a drop-off location near you or request a large volume pickup, visit paintcare.org or call (855) PAINT09.

CALIFORNIA | CONNECTICUT | COLORADO | DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA | MAINE

MINNESOTA | NEW YORK | OREGON | RHODE ISLAND | VERMONT | WASHINGTON

Product Showcase

#1 trusted brand of painter’s tape*

The best paint jobs all start the same way, with Scotch® Painter’s Tapes. Scotch® Brand has a full line of painter’s tapes to help you conquer whatever surface you’re painting. The best paint jobs start with Scotch®

ScotchBrand.com/painterstape

*ScotchBlue™ and Scotch® brands are ranked as the most trusted based on Oct 2023 Methodify Global Claims Study.

M3000 Dispenser

Make paint prep faster and easier with 3M™ Hand-Masker™ Masking Products.

Prep work goes a long way toward getting the job done right and avoiding rework. But proper masking takes time, and in this business, time means money. The 3M™ HandMasker™ M3000 Dispenser is compact and lightweight applying masking tape to film, plastic or paper in one quick and easy process — plus, does the job 4 times faster than the paper/poly method.

3M.com/handmasker

3M™ Aura™

Particulate Respirator 9205+, N95

This N95 features a three-panel design to fit a wide range of face shapes and sizes. The embossed top panel is designed to help reduce eyewear fogging while the curved low-profile design conforms to nose and eye contours allowing room for eyewear.

3M.com/9205+

3M™ Pro Grade Precision™ Dust Channeling Block Sanding Sponge

Keep your surface clean as you hand sand with the 3M™ Pro Grade Precision™ Dust Channeling Block Sanding Sponge. Featuring innovative channels on one side and a flat surface on the other, this two-in-one sanding sponge is great for detail work and flat sanding. Made with premium minerals and ultra-durable foam, this sanding sponge lasts one job to the next and lets you easily control the direction you are sanding. An innovative coating helps reduce clogging, and you can rinse the sponge and reuse it.

3M.com/sanding

3M™ High Strength Wall Repair

Color Changing Spackling Compound

3M™ High Strength Color Changing Wall Repair goes on blue and dries white, helping identify when a repaired surface is dry and ready to be sanded and painted. Eliminates the guesswork and reduces the chance of errors. Its ready-to-use formula dries quickly and provides professional-looking repairs. Patch dents, dings or even holes up to 3-inches. Make wall repairs with confidence. For when results matter.

3m.com/WallRepair

Product Showcase

Molossus 7-piece 18" Paint Bucket Kit

Large heavy duty paint bucket set complete with:

■ 12-18" adjustable roller frame

■ Large bucket with loading grid and handle

■ 18" paint tray

■ 4-piece 18" Super-Micro microfiber lint free roller covers with 3/8" nap for smooth to semi smooth surfaces and coatings with matte to satin finishes

Smooth Pro 9" Paint Roller Frame

ROLL smooth and quiet and comfortably with ROLLINGDOG’s

9" paint roller frame with 7 bearing sealed cups on each end of the cage. Solid corrosion resistant square angled frame allows for easy roller cover knock offs on bucket and utility sink edges. Ergonomic rubber gripped handle with threaded extension pole connection

14-in-1 Painter’s Tool

Solid full tang #420 stainless steel rigid blade with a variety of functions including scraping, gouging, wrenches, roller cover scraper and more. Blade is connected to a synthetic rubber ergonomic shaped rubber gripped handle.

Amazon.com/rollingdog

NEW 2024 Ultra XT™ & Mark® XT™ Airless Sprayers

Experience Airless Like Never Before with the New 2024 Ultra XT and Mark XT Sprayer lineup.

Featuring the breakthrough Xtreme Torque™ Motor — the first motor ever designed for airless spray and manufactured by Graco. XT motors deliver 15 times more torque and run at 90% slower speeds to deliver greater control and the New Sound of Quality.

Experience unmatched precision with Rapid-Response™ pressure control, the world’s widest and steadiest pressure in the industry.

XT Sprayers are delivered with all new Selectable Performance Modes™ that boost efficiency on every job by offering unique performance levels with the push of a button.

Endurance Vortex® ProConnect® piston pumps provide the longest life before service to maximize productivity. Maximize uptime with ProConnect Replacement System — the fastest way to service on the jobsite.

To Learn more about Ultra XT and Mark XT, visit graco.com/XT

READERS SURVEY

will be in your inbox soon

We hope you’ll take a few minutes to share your business challenges and practices, and your brand choices.

Why take our survey?

Manufacturers, consultants and other industry service providers rely on pro feedback to address pain points and solve problems.

Survey results will be posted in our May-June issue for our readers to benefit from the collective responses.

Survey responders are automatically entered for a chance to win a valuable prize from one of our survey sponsors.

the ultimate power tool KNOWLEDGE

Whether you are seeking information on the newest technology in sprayer equipment, advice on when to change respirator cartridges or a how-to video, we’ve got you covered.

inPAINT is proud to partner with manufacturers to provide relevant content on product and technique, presented in videos and articles and delivered directly to your inbox. (But not too many, we promise.)

ADVERTISER INDEX

What, Where & When

MAY

13–17: Wallcoverings Installation Academy, Danby, VT wallcoveringsacademy.com

JUNE

19–21: Apartmentalize, Philadelphia, PA apartmentalize.naahq.org

JULY

13–16: 2024 BOMA International Conference & Expo, Philadelphia, PA bomaconvention.org

AUGUST

12–16: Wallcoverings Installation Academy, Danby, VT wallcoveringsacademy.com

SEPTEMBER

19–21: Mile High Profit Summit, Denver, CO thecontractorfight.com/upcoming-events

19–21: Wallcovering Installers Association, Philadelphia, PA wallcoveringinstallers.org/2024-convention

OCTOBER

14–18: Wallcoverings Installation Academy, Danby, VT wallcoveringsacademy.com

Oct 31–Nov 3: 2024 PowerClean Convention, Orlando, FL pwna.org/powerclean-convention

The Wallcovering Installers Association will mark its 50th anniversary at its annual conference in the place where the organization was chartered: Philadelphia. The three-day event will feature two tracks of installer education designed to address the needs of novice- and masterlevel professionals. With topics ranging from installation techniques and marketing to best business practices and preparing for retirement, there’s something for everyone. The vendor showcase will feature new products and live demonstrations by some the of the industry’s biggest suppliers and manufacturers. A special 50th anniversary celebration featuring dinner, live music and farewell celebration will cap off the conference.

Contract essentials

Must-haves for protecting yourself and your business

When I reflect on the many messages received over the course of a year—stories of customers refusing to pay, contractors doing additional work without extra pay, and countless others—I’m shocked by this common thread: contractors working without a written agreement. The decision to operate without a contract isn’t just risky, it’s downright foolish. A contract isn’t just a legal document. It’s a safety net, a promise of value, an assurance of payment, and protection against liability.

Before commencing any work, you need to have a solid contract in place, regardless of the job size or the scope of work.

“ Your contract needs to explicitly state what is included and what isn’t.”

Contract dos and don’ts

A comprehensive, easy-to-understand contract not only safeguards your income and secures your customers’ trust, but it also contributes to a professional and sustainable business. Here’s what I consider essential:

Signed contract and deposit: First and foremost, you should never schedule a job, order materials or block out time on your schedule without a signed contract and a deposit. The size of the deposit may vary depending on the laws and standards of your region, but the principle remains the same. If a customer isn’t willing to put some skin in the game and book time with you through a deposit, they don’t earn a spot on your calendar.

Clear scope: Your contract needs to explicitly state what is included and what isn’t. As a painting contractor, it might mean specifying which walls you’ll be painting, the colors, the number of coats, and the prep work involved. This level of detail prevents any gray areas that could lead to disputes or additional, unpaid work. Consider having a clause that covers your bases, stating that anything not specifically mentioned in the contract is not included.

“A contract isn’t just a legal document. It’s a safety net, a promise of value, an assurance of payment, and protection against liability.”

Clear pricing: Transparency is crucial. Your contract should clearly outline the cost of the work. If there are potential unforeseen conditions, such as wallpaper removal or underlying damage, you need to detail how these will be handled and priced. Consider using a ‘time and materials’ pricing model for these uncertain tasks to ensure you’ll be fairly compensated for your work.

Clear payment terms: It’s not just about stating when payment is due, but also what happens if a payment isn’t made on time. These terms must be enforced to maintain their effectiveness. If a customer misses a scheduled payment, you need to pause their work and address the issue directly.

Timing expectations: As a professional, you should have a good idea of how long a job will take. Providing clear timing expectations shows your customer that you value their time and are committed to delivering your services within an agreed-upon time frame. This can significantly enhance the customer experience and set you apart from other contractors. Of course, always include the necessary caveats for unforeseen circumstances, such as weather or hidden issues that might delay progress.

Additional work process: Your contract should define the process for additional work. If an unforeseen issue arises, what are the next steps? Be clear that any additional work will require a new, signed agreement and a corresponding deposit. This safeguards your interests and prevents scope creep, a common issue in contracting work.

Implementing a well-crafted contract isn’t just a good business practice; it’s an act of selfpreservation. Remember, every time you fail to use a well-constructed contract, you’re not only risking your income, but you’re also risking your future.

came to the U.S. in 2014 and honed his painting skills. In 2018, he founded Transtech Painting and in 2022, he earned an ICA Inspector certificate. Continually acquiring new skills, today he balances work with computer science studies at UCSD.

TranstechPainting.com

WINSTON TRAN TRUONG