Designer Paint

Hear From Our Customers

- “The replastering is outstanding; we had chunks of plaster hanging down from the ceiling in our bathroom, and now you would never even know it was repaired. The office was also very easy to deal with. I would hire them again in a second (and plan to!).”
  
  —Simone C.
  
  Vienna, VA
- “I am so satisfied with the job I just had done that I am geting Blue Door to give me a price on some additional interior work. I would hire Blue Door again in a heartbeat — their estimate was one of the lowest of about 7 I got, and the whole company exudes an [...]
  
  —Allen H.
  
  Alexandria, VA
- Blue Door Painters came for an estimate on the same day I emailed them; the work was done within a couple of weeks–exactly when they said it would be. And it was done well.”
  
  —Kati H.
  
  Washington, DC
- “This company was great. They had a great price. Their willingness to communicate was great. The crew’s attention to detail and willingness to help out was great. They were clean and very polite.”
  
  —Sara C.
  
  Silver Spring, MD
- “I was impressed by the thoroughness of the project workers AND the cleanup. I would hire Blue Door again without hesitation.”
  
  —William M.
  
  Stafford, VA
- “They totally lived up to their high rating. They were exceptionally prompt. They were professional, neat, and efficient. They did a great job cleaning up after themselves, and made sure that we were happy. They were very nice, trustworthy people and we were very comfortable working with them. I am excited for the next opportunity [...]
  
  —Jeff M.
  
  Washington, DC
- “Blue Door was very responsive to inquiries and very quick to give an estimate. Their price was extremely reasonable and the final product was very good. The crew working on the house was very courteous and pleasant and let us know what they were doing and why.”
  
  —Amy F.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “It turned out very well. We were very happy with them. They were very professional. They did it on time. Their estimate was a good estimate and it was accurate. They did a good job on the painting.”
  
  —Melissa P.
  
  Clifton, MD
- “Quote was quick and easy. Price was competitive and the work was excellent.”
  
  —Jason R.
  
  Bristow, VA
- “The workers were polite, hard working, cleaned up upon completion and most importantly did an outstanding job painting. My wife and I are completely satisfied and our deck and side porch look better than ever. In addition to the efforts of the workers, Anna from Blue Door Painters office was in touch throughout the process [...]
  
  —Jeff J.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “They’re absolutely superb. The technicians were very clean, neat, and professional. They did excellent work.”
  
  —Wayne M.
  
  Great Falls, VA
- “They arrived on time and finished job in about 1/2 the time I thought it would take. Great work!”
  
  —Mickie H.
  
  Fairfax, VA
- “Blue Door Painters was extremely professional and a pleasure to work with. I received the dreaded HOA letter that required painting and repair work to be done to the front of my townhouse. As a single mom, I’m on a limited budget, but I was able to get the work beautifully done by Jeff and [...]
  
  —Kimberley S.
  
  Centreville, VA
- “Excellent job. Very professional.”
  
  —Andrew D.
  
  Vienna, VA
- “Blue Doors was the best price/service/value deal by far… Blue Doors will be our first call for our next painting project!”
  
  —Gregor B.
  
  MClean, VA
- “I called them and they responded quickly. They took the time to make sure we were communicating well, and they did what they said they would do and in the time frame we agreed upon.”
  
  —Gwen F.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “Their work is top notch. They did a very good job and I will bring them back next time I need the outside of my home power washed. The company is very concerned with making sure that the customer is very satisfied with their work.”
  
  —Michael S.
  
  Springfield, VA
- “They arrived on time and worked cleanly and efficiently. The office and company reps were attentive and professional, and the project was completed on time.”
  
  —Maddalena L.
  
  Reston, VA
- “They brought a portfolio, were very friendly and professional and got back to me with an estimate quickly.”
  
  —Cathy K.
  
  McClean, VA
- “From the estimate, through the contract, through the final completion and payment, it was an efficient and great process. The crew was punctual, professional, and very good at their work. It was a pleasure working with them. Any questions and they consulted me before proceeding. Overall a good experience. I would definitely recommend this company.”
  
  —Janet H.
  
  Phoenix, VA
- “I have used Blue Door Painters before, and found them to be highly professional and do quality work. I recently had exterior trim replaced and new trim work needed to be painted. I didn’t want to get up on a ladder to do the higher painting, so I called Blue Door. They provided a written [...]
  
  —Geoff G.
  
  Silver Spring, MD
- “The replastering job I had done by Blue Dor Painters is outstanding as well; we had chunks of plaster hanging down from the ceiling in our bathroom and now you would never even know it was repaired. The office was also very easy to deal with. Would hire them again in a second (and plan [...]
  
  —Simone C.
  
  Vienna, VA
- “A pleasure to work with. I arranged for the job during the late winter. It was too cold and damp to paint. Blue Door was very diligent in contacting me as soon as the weather was better. The job was executed flawlessly and very professionally. My wife and I have an infant and the Blue [...]
  
  —Ian R.
  
  Washington, DC
- “Blue Door Painting was professional and punctual in all aspects of the job. The estimator and crew were there when they said they would be there.”
  
  —Daniel H.
  
  Alexandria, VA
- “Blue Door Painters were very punctual, professional and accommodating.”
  
  —Mary Pat F.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “Blue Door Painters provided a quick and convenient estimate in writing, made themselves available to sign the contract and, when our move in date shifted, juggled their schedule to get a crew on site a week early. The work performed was excellent. Work was also performed fast but this did not affect the the quality. [...]
  
  —Stephen B.
  
  Alexandria, VA
- “They were good at being very specific and detailed about exactly what they would do and would not do (how many doors and windows needed painting, what they could fix and what they could not). The quote I received was also very professional, with details and specifics (number of coats of paint, etc…). Price was [...]
  
  —Sonya S.
  
  Washington, DC
- “I was very pleased with the service and would recommend this company to my friends and neighbors.”
  
  —Rene S.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “Blue door painters did a fine job completing the work I had requested.”
  
  —Gary D.
  
  Falls Church,VA
- “Communication with Blue Door Painters has been excellent; they went above and beyond with follow up both before and after the work was done to the house. The employees in the office are very cordial, which makes dealing with them a breeze. The painters and job foremen were professional and went over the job in [...]
  
  —Stephen J.
  
  Reston, VA
- “They were great and professional. Our neighbors commented on it and asked for referrals. They were very professional and on time. We didn’t have to do any follow up with them when they were on site. The quality was good.”
  
  —James F.
  
  Washington, DC
- “Second time using Blue Door Painters … Very punctual, easy to deal with, and the paint looks great.”
  
  —Simone C.
  
  Vienna, VA
- “They left us our extra paint clearly labeled, and were totally enjoyable to work with in every way. Several neighbors on our street saw their van outside and asked for business cards.”
  
  —Adrienne S.
  
  Washington, DC
- “I called on Tuesday and explained that I was having a party on Saturday night and had just decided to have the terrace cleaned. They sent someone that afternoon to assess the job and provide an estimate. The work was done on Friday and I was thrilled with the results. They were very accommodating about [...]
  
  —Janis W.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “I got more than my money’s worth.”
  
  —Susan S.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “I am so satisfied with the job that I am geting Blue Door give me a price on some additional work. I would hire Blue Door again in a heartbeat — their estimate was low, and the whole company exudes an air of professionalism and competence.”
  
  —Lori C.
  
  Alexandria, VA
- “It was great and terrific. They were prompt. They cleaned up after themselves, and they did a very good job. You can’t ask for much more than that.”
  
  —David C.
  
  Washington, DC
- “They gave an estimate quickly and did a very good job, and were even understanding when we had to go through some issues with our homeowners association on the proper color of the stain. All in all very professional.”
  
  —Sarah S.
  
  Alexandria, VA
- “I had a great experience with this company. Their quote was very reasonable and much lower than others. They were also willing to change colors and fix things to match my vision for the house!”
  
  —Roiwind R.
  
  Washington, DC
- “Blue Door did an excellent job painting my newly installed Pella wood windows. They were easy to contact and communicate with via email and phone. They were quite responsive, and their pricing was excellent. The painters were very professional and courteous. It was clear they were real painters who had many years of experience. They [...]
  
  —Darrell S.
  
  Washington, DC
- “Very professional from the estimate to the work! They arrived on time and did an excellent job … Their estimate was right on. No surprises and no hidden charges.”
  
  —Nail A.
  
  Washington, DC
- “Blue Door Painters were excellent from start to finish. They were professional, friendly, tidy and did not mind me constanty looking over their shoulders. The painters never cut corners and made sure the job was done right again and again.”
  
  —Amanda S.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “It was great. They were very easy to work with. They completed the job well.”
  
  —Cathy K.
  
  McClean, VA
- “The quality of the work was very precise and very good. They were also very professional.”
  
  —Mark R.
  
  Rockville, MD
- “Excellent. Estimate less than several others. Job done on time and very professionally.”
  
  —Fitzhugh M.
  
  Bethesda, MD
- “We were so impressed with Blue Door’s price and professionalism that we didn’t bother to find another company to give us a quote, we just went with Blue Door. Blue Door’s crew was professional and pleasant. They came out as soon as possible after the siding was installed and they did excellent work. They even [...]
  
  —Victoria S.
  
  Reston, VA
- “They power washed the house and completed all the painting in the same day, and did a fantastic job. They also did a great job of matching the old paint color we already had on certain parts of the house (since we weren’t getting the entire house repainted). Blue Door Painters exceeded our expectations and [...]
  
  —Michael G.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “They were great. They did a good job, and we were happy with these guys. The price was probably average on this job, but for that price they went above and beyond. They were meticulous. The recaulked a lot of things in the bathroom which I didn’t expect.”
  
  —Dennis V.
  
  Cabin John, MD
- “They were professional at all times from the estimate to completion. Each person I talked to introduced themselves and their role in the project. They were very responsive to changes I requested while on the job. Clean-up went perfectly.”
  
  —Jodie M.
  
  Kensington, MD
- “They had a large and very nice portfolio on the work they had done. They came in with an estimate that was lower than two other estimates that I had received. They came when they were supposed to come, right on the dot, and they worked all day long until around 6, I think. I [...]
  
  —Hester R.
  
  Washington, DC
- “We already are planning to use them again and again.”
  
  —Michael C.
  
  McClean, VA
- “This company did what they said they would do, when they would do it; and the end result was excellent. I would recommend them highly.”
  
  —Jennifer L.
  
  Reston, VA
- “We are VERY pleased with the overall result. “
  
  —Yvonne Z.
  
  Bethesda, MD
- “They were very thorough in their estimate and did exactly what they said they would do. We were very pleased with the results.”
  
  —Lawrence S.
  
  Washington, DC
- “I’m a bit of a do-it-myself type so I tend to look at projects like these from the perspective of, ‘am I glad I paid someone else do it or do I wish I’d gone ahead and done it myself.’ In this case, I’m glad I paid Blue Door to paint the house and they [...]
  
  —Eric P.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “They were very polite and professional. They took care around the house and appeared to take pride in their work. They cleaned-up after the first day and left the yard free of any ladders/tools/etc. The painting job was done very nicely. No drips or runs. They took care to match the color of our front [...]
  
  —Adam C.
  
  Manassas, VA
- “They were awesome. The technicians were very accommodating, clean, and cleaned up well afterwards. They were a lot cheaper than other companies and did a great job.”
  
  —Tracie A.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “The foreman was conscientious and made it a point to walk with me and inspect the entire job to be sure I was satisfied before leaving.”
  
  —Barbara F.
  
  New Market, VA
- “The central office was very flexible about timing, and worked to squeeze in the job before it got too cold. The estimator seemed to completely understand the scope and quality of the job I was looking for, and the painters were extremely hardworking and eager to please.”
  
  —James B.
  
  Washington, DC
- “They did the job very well. They were very clean. I think they were really professional. They were prompt and came when they said they would. It was easy to get a hold of them.”
  
  —Shelley T.
  
  (Washington, DC)
- “A pleasure to work with. I arranged for the job during the late winter. It was too cold and damp to paint. Blue Door was very diligent in contacting me as soon as the weather was better. The job was executed flawlessly and very professionally. My wife and I have an infant and the Blue [...]
  
  —Steven F.
  
  Washington, DC
- “Blue Door were prompt and courteous. They completed the tasks on time and in budget; additionally, they were responsive when I called and had questions.”
  
  —Larry N.
  
  Annandale, VA

Is More Expensive Paint Really Better?

Published October 26, 2011 | By Blue Door Painters Staff

The skinny on purchasing interior and exterior paint in Washington DC and Northern Virginia

When you walk into a Duron store, excited to begin your new painting and redecorating project, you are immediately greeted by a kiosk at the front of the showroom displaying cans of paint with romantic names like Duration, Cashmere, and Brilliance. There’s something special about this paint; you can just tell. You can almost imagine that can of Cashmere floating over to your house wreathed in satin, spinning around dramatically to the sound of violin music, and instantly transforming your ratty old dining room into something off of Trading Spaces. You read the specs highlighted on the paint’s label: buttery smooth, beautifully rich finish; self-leveling formula eliminates brush and roller marks; single-coat paint, no need for a primer coat . . . and then down below, tucked demurely in the corner: $59.99. For one gallon of paint.

On the other side of the store, tossed in the back section where the showroom morphs into a warehouse, there’s some other stuff called ‘contractor grade’, which is selling for $25.80. Upon seeing that price, you think to yourself that maybe only fools would fall for that Cashmere scam. After all, how different could two cans of paint really be? They both say ‘latex’ on the label, and what is paint, anyway, other than some gooey, colored stuff you smear on the walls?

As it turns out, there’s a lot more to paint than meets the eye. Zooming in on that generic gooey, colored stuff, you find that there is a world of variation between the two ends of the paint store spectrum. What Cashmere has, that the contractor-grade paints lack, is a proportionally large volume of carefully crafted binder. The “binder” is the ingredient in a paint mixture that forms a strong, smooth film over the painted surface, “binding” the paint together. Cashmere probably also has more expensive pigments, which are the solid ingredients in paint that give it color, opacity, and some of its strength and UV resistance. At the other end of the spectrum, the contractor-grade paint is stingy on binder and is stuffed full of filler pigments, which add volume to the paint, but have no innate optical or structural properties. After a few years up on the wall, those filler pigments will start to come loose from the insufficient binder, and the paint will “chalk”, or wipe off to the touch. The “contractors” referred to in “contractor-grade paint” are usually trying to cheaply finish new construction, and banking on the new buyer repainting the building within a few years anyway.

So the short answer is, paint is one of those products where you do get what you pay for. That said, a lot of the difference between Cashmere and the next brand down is marginal, a matter of improvements to minute details that will probably end up being irrelevant to your project. Unless you have the absolute ideal conditions, for example, (which you probably don’t), you should still use a primer coat underneath your Cashmere, and the paint still won’t last forever. So while the difference between contractor-grade and high-quality paint is real, the last $10 per gallon they squeeze out of you for Cashmere is probably a rip-off.

Blue Door Painters’ advice; walk right by the Cashmere and go for the stuff we recommend to our clients: the trusty, solid, mid/upper – range paint displayed right in the middle of that Duron showroom. A good, tried-and-true paint, without all the bells and whistles, is the best bang for your buck you’re going to get in the painting world, and that’s our professional opinion.

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