Professional Advice Archives

How We Achieve Razor-Straight Paint Lines

Close-up view of a white door frame against a dark brown wall, meeting a polished wooden floor.

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.

Kitchen in Portland being prepped for painting by Pearl Painters with surfaces taped and floor covered for protection.

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

Painters on ladders paint a living room; Pearl Painters cover the floor and furniture with sheets for a tidy job in Portland.

Choose between our industry-standard PCA finish or the ultra-premium Pearl LUX for perfectionists.

What Order We Paint the Interior, and Why

In May 2025, a painter in Portland uses a spray gun to paint an interior ceiling, covering furniture and surfaces with plastic sheets as advised by Duffy of Pearl Painters.

The Pearl Painters secret to painting home interiors in the right order.

How to Keep Your Painted Cabinets Looking Like New

White painted cabinets with silver handles and dark countertop on wood floor, by Pearl Painters, Portland.

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”

Two people stand in front of a house in Portland, holding a "Pearl Painters" sign with two dogs. The painting work was completed by painter Mackey-Hinzdel and Pearl Painters, June 2025.

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, cleaner, and faster. This leads […]

The Pearl Painters Guide to Exterior Priming

A painter from Pearl Painters uses a sprayer to paint the exterior siding of an Anderson home, with plastic sheets protecting nearby surfaces. The work takes place near Portland, with a scenic landscape and mountain visible in the background on a sunny June 2025 day.

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

In May 2025, a painter from Pearl Painters uses a roller and ladder to paint the upper exterior wall of a house in Portland light green.

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

Exterior painter working on painting a chimney on a Portland home

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 answer some of our most […]