Pro Advice
Our Guide to Painting Brick
The Pearl Painters expert opinion on prepping, painting, and finishing brickwork inside and outside of the home.
The Danger of Hiring the Wrong Painter
Professional painting looks simple from the outside. A few ladders, some brushes, a truck, and of course the paint. Unfortunately, that perceived simplicity is exactly
Modern Exterior Renovation in Cedar Mill with Limewashing
A behind-the-scenes look at a modern Cedar Mill exterior renovation featuring detailed prep work, professional exterior painting, and certified Romabio limewashing.
Key Questions
The NO-BS Guide to Hiring the Right Painter
Some contractors look legit — until you ask the right questions.
Cut through the BS and learn…
✔️ How & where to verify a contractor’s license, bond, insurance, & workers comp
✔️ What questions to ask that make the unqualified squirm
✔️ How to get a clear scope of work that holds everyone accountable
✔️ How to compare bids and prices like a pro
✔️ How to get a locked-in price that won’t change halfway through the job
✔️ How to do a proper reference check (the kind that actually tells you something)
Just the helpful facts — Written by people that care!
Five Hidden Risks of Dark Exterior Paint Colors
Dark exterior paint colors can cause peeling, failing caulking, popping nails, and warped siding due to extreme heat buildup. Here’s what homeowners should know before choosing them.
Our 11 Favorite Exterior Painting Projects From Last Year
A look back at standout exterior painting projects that highlight the impact of proper prep, thoughtful design, and doing the job right from start to finish.
7 Signs Your Deck Needs to Be Refinished
If you’re unsure whether your deck needs refinishing, these seven indicators can give you clarity and help you plan the right next step.
The Truth About One-Coat Paint
“One-coat coverage” sounds great in theory and, in certain situations, it can work. But in the professional painting industry, one-coat paints are not something we
How to Paint Doors, Trim, and Cabinets Without Brush Marks
Achieving a smooth, flawless finish without brush marks can be tricky when painting doors, trim, and cabinets, but with the right techniques and preparation, it’s entirely possible. Learning how to get a smooth paint finish with a roller and how to paint trim without brush strokes can make a big
Is This One Simple Photo the Secret to Our Success?
It’s the result of trust, respect, and delivering exactly what we promise every single time.
Choosing between MDF or Real Wood Trim (and how to get the best out of both!)
Deciding on the best material for your interior trim? This guide covers the pros and cons of MDF and wood, along with expert paint recommendations for a flawless finish.
How We Achieve Razor-Straight Paint Lines
Back sealing is our tried-and-true method for achieving that flawless, laser-straight transition between colors, especially when bold wall colors meet crisp white trim or ceilings.
Why is Painting so Expensive in 2026? Our Honest Take.
Pearl Painters owner Brian Kemnitz answers tough questions about rising paint costs, pricing pressures, and how Portland homeowners can save without cutting quality.
PCA Standard vs. Pearl LUX – Two Pricing Options for Interiors
Choose between our industry-standard PCA finish or the ultra-premium Pearl LUX for perfectionists.
Paint Ceiling or Walls First? Here’s the Order We Paint Rooms.
The Pearl Painters secret to painting home interiors in the right order.
How to Keep Your Painted Cabinets Looking Like New
Professionally painted cabinets by Pearl Painters can last for over a decade with proper care, offering a durable, beautiful, and cost-effective alternative to replacement.
How to Make Your Painting Project “Project Ready”
At Pearl Painters, we know that a successful paint job requires preparation on both sides. Sure, we’re doing most of the prep, but of course there is almost always some type of prep done by the homeowner. When your home is “project ready” before our crew arrives, everything runs smoother,
The Pearl Painters Guide to Exterior Priming
Learn the best exterior primers for wood, metal, cedar, and more. Pearl Painters shares expert tips for durable, long-lasting paint jobs in Portland.
Keeping Your Property Clean During an Exterior Paint Job
We keep your home spotless during an exterior paint job. Learn how Pearl Painters protects, preps, and cleans up every step of the way.
Removing Old Paint & Stain and Sanding Exterior Surfaces
When it comes to exterior painting in Portland, proper sanding and removal of old paint and stain is absolutely critical – not just for looks, but for durability. If we don’t address bubbling paint, peeling finishes, or tired old stain properly, no amount of high-end paint will last. So let’s
How We Clean Exterior Surfaces Before Painting
Factors to consider before we clean the exterior of a home and prep it for painting.
Caulking & Repairing Exterior Surfaces Before Painting
Learn the essentials of exterior surface preparation from the team at Pearl Painters.
How We Prepare (and Protect) Your Home for Exterior Painting
From protecting windows to designated brush washing zones, Pearl Painters prepares carefully for every home we paint.
Think a 2-Hour Painting Estimate Sounds Excessive? Here’s Why It’s Not.
We understand the hesitation — if you’ve never had a bad experience with a contractor, the idea of spending up to two hours on a
Is Your Painting Quote Fair? Here’s How to Know For Sure
Learn how Pearl Painters uses production rates to provide fair, transparent pricing for your painting project – no guesswork, just expertise.
Choose the Right Painter’s Tape for Masking & Surface Protection
Proper masking with the right painter’s tape is one of the secrets to crisp lines, flawless finishes, and a stress-free painting experience.
Do You Always Need to Clean Interior Walls Before Painting?
Most interior walls don’t need a deep clean before painting—except in high-traffic areas, kitchens, or after renovations. Here’s when and how to clean smart!
Protect Your Sanity: Why a Clear, Detailed Contract is a Must When Hiring Painters
When you hire a painter (or any contractor) it’s important to get every detail of your home improvement project confirmed in writing.
What to Consider When Painting Your Bathroom
Bathroom painting tips from professional painters, including choosing colors, prepping the space, refinishing cabinets and more.
How We Prep a House’s Interior Before Painting
From initial consultation to the opening the first paint can, learn how Pearl Painters expertly preps your walls and ceilings for flawless interior painting.
Brighten Your Home – Interior Painting Tips & Color Ideas
Following our expert interior painting tips to achieve a light and welcoming atmosphere in your home.
Don’t Wait for the Heat! Why to Book Your Exterior Project Early.
Book Now to Get Your House Painted During the Best Time of Year If you’re anything like us, the winter blues might be hitting you
What Does “Properly Painted Surface” Mean at Pearl Painters?
A “properly painted surface” means flawless craftsmanship achieved through meticulous preparation, our Best Known Methods, and thorough blue tape inspections to ensure every detail exceeds expectations.
The Best Painters in Portland
Our recommendations for the best professional house painters in Portland, plus our tips for choosing the team that’s right for your home.
Do you tip house painters?
Thinking about tipping your house painter? Wondering how much you tip? Here’s the truth from a professional painting crew…
How to Prep Before Spraying Trim, Doors, and Cabinets
Before you get your paint sprayer ready, it’s vital to prep! Achieving a professional result requires careful preparation, attention to detail, and the right tools. Here’s
How to Spray Interior Trim, Doors, and Cabinets like a Professional
Get professional, flawless results when spraying trim with these expert tips on preparation, tool selection, and achieving a smooth, even finish.
Everything You Need to Know When Painting Your Ceilings
Learn the best techniques for painting ceilings, from textured surfaces to high, vaulted spaces, with expert advice on achieving a flawless finish.
Moving and Protecting Furniture Before Painting
Pearl Painters offers professional furniture moving and protection as part of our painting services to make your project stress-free.
When is it too late to paint the exterior of my house?
Discover how to plan for Portland’s changing seasons and ensure lasting results when painting your home’s exterior.
Oil-Based vs Water-Based vs Hybrid Paint
What’s the difference between oil-based paint, water-based paint, and hybrid paints? Which do you choose when it comes to painting your home?
Spraying vs. Hand Painting your Interior Wood Trim
Deciding between spraying and hand painting your trim? Learn the pros, cons, and a smart option that might offer the best of both worlds.
How to Paint to Prevent Dry Rot
Discover the essential steps to painting and maintaining your home’s exterior to prevent dry rot at bay and ensure your wood surfaces stay beautiful and strong for years to come.
Peeling Paint? It All Comes Down to Painting Prep.
Peeling paint? It all comes down to proper prep. Learn why paint fails and how to fix and prevent it with Pearl Painters’ expert advice.
How Many Coats of Paint Do I Need?
While two coats are most commonly used, there are situations where you can get away with just one. It depends on a ton of factors and applies to both interior and exterior painting projects.
How Often Should You Paint Your House Exterior?
Common Exterior Paint Problems We asked our team of exterior painting specialists to identify some of the most common issues they’ve found when inspecting exterior
Essential Tips for Successful DIY Deck Restoration
How do you and your family use your deck? Perhaps it’s the main location for summer BBQs, or maybe it gets the most use in
Best Outdoor Temperatures for Painting Your Home…and Other Weather Conditions to Consider
As the sun starts to shine and the days get longer up here in the Pacific Northwest, we get the same question every spring: “What
Should I Paint Before or After Installing New Flooring?
Deciding whether to paint before or after installing new flooring can be a puzzle for homeowners planning home renovations. This decision can drastically alter the
BKMs: My Secrets to Delivering the Best Painting Projects Every Time
Our Best Known Methods put the customer experience first, because we have one clear goal: every Pearl Painters project has to be done consistently right.
The Insider’s Guide to Picking the Best Finish for Your Painting Project
Selecting the right paint finish (or sheen) is a critical aspect of any painting project. The finish impacts not only the aesthetic appeal but also
Beat the Winter Blues: 9 Colors To Get You Holiday Ready
Creating a welcoming and festive atmosphere in your home for holiday hosting is a delightful experience. At Pearl Painters, we understand the impact the right
The Danger of Hiring the Wrong Painter
Did you know that if you hire an unlicensed painter you could be just as liable as the contractor themselves? See ORS 658.465 At Pearl
Are you looking to sell in 2023? Let Pearl Painters get you ready!
Are you prepping your home for sale? Did you know that bold colors, that you love, could actually hinder how quickly your home sells? Prospective
