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Hear From Our Customers

- “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
- “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
- “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
- “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
- “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
- “Blue Door Painters were very punctual, professional and accommodating.”
  
  —Mary Pat F.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “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)
- “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 painters did a fine job completing the work I had requested.”
  
  —Gary D.
  
  Falls Church,VA
- “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
- “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
- “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
- “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
- “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 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
- “I was very pleased with the service and would recommend this company to my friends and neighbors.”
  
  —Rene S.
  
  Arlington, 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
- “Excellent job. Very professional.”
  
  —Andrew D.
  
  Vienna, VA
- “The quality of the work was very precise and very good. They were also very professional.”
  
  —Mark R.
  
  Rockville, MD
- “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
- “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
- “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
- “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
- “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 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
- “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
- “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
- “Excellent. Estimate less than several others. Job done on time and very professionally.”
  
  —Fitzhugh M.
  
  Bethesda, MD
- “It was great. They were very easy to work with. They completed the job well.”
  
  —Cathy K.
  
  McClean, 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
- “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
- “We already are planning to use them again and again.”
  
  —Michael C.
  
  McClean, 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
- “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
- “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
- “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 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
- “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
- “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 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 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
- “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
- “We are VERY pleased with the overall result. “
  
  —Yvonne Z.
  
  Bethesda, MD
- “I got more than my money’s worth.”
  
  —Susan S.
  
  Arlington, 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
- “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
- “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
- “They’re absolutely superb. The technicians were very clean, neat, and professional. They did excellent work.”
  
  —Wayne M.
  
  Great Falls, VA
- “Quote was quick and easy. Price was competitive and the work was excellent.”
  
  —Jason R.
  
  Bristow, VA
- “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
- “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 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
- “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 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
- “Second time using Blue Door Painters … Very punctual, easy to deal with, and the paint looks great.”
  
  —Simone C.
  
  Vienna, VA
- “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
- “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
- “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
- “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
- “They brought a portfolio, were very friendly and professional and got back to me with an estimate quickly.”
  
  —Cathy K.
  
  McClean, 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

When Should I Use High-Gloss Paint?

Published January 2, 2012 | By Blue Door Painters Staff

Tips on Selecting the Right Paint for a Project from an Experienced Northern Virginia Painting Contractor

Paint seems at first glance like an extremely simple substance: just some colored liquid that you smear up onto a wall. Yet the amount of thought and engineering that goes into a paint mixture is actually quite involved. Depending on the intended purpose of the paint, it will be engineered with different components, and different amounts of each component.

Paint is composed of four different components: binder, pigments, solvents, and additives. The binder is the substance in the paint that forms a strong film and adheres to the surface. The pigments are solid particles suspended in the binder. The solvents are liquid components that evaporate out of the film as part of the drying/curing process. The additives are extra chemicals stirred into the mixture to provide certain physical or aesthetic properties to the film.

One of the critical ways that engineers change the properties of paint is by tweaking what is called the PVC, or pigment-volume concentration. The pigment-volume concentration is the percent of the total paint volume that is composed of pigment particles. It stands to reason that the higher the PVC, the higher the ratio of pigment to binder in the total volume of the paint, so paints with higher PVC have more pigment and less binder, and paints with lower PVC have more binder and less pigment.

Binder tends to dry clear, strong, and shiny. Pigments, on the other hand, are opaque, colored, “flat”, and do not have any adhesive properties. Without binder, pigments would simply flake off the surface. Low PVC paints, therefore, have more of the components of binder: they are stronger, shinier, and less opaque than high PVC paints. High PVC paints have strong optical properties, providing rich color and not too much extra reflection. However, they are prone to “chalking”, which is when loose pigments flake off the surface as a fine-grained dust. Due to the optical properties, low versus high PVC paints are classified based on “gloss”. The more binder in the mixture, the shinier (aka, “glossier”) the paint will be. Therefore, low-PVC paints are known as “gloss” paints. At the opposite end of the spectrum, high-PVC paints are known as “flat” paints.

“Glossy” paints can be distractingly shiny; most people prefer the aesthetic properties of “flat” paints over large surface areas. However, because they do not have the strength or the adhesion of glossy paints with high binder content, flat paints are not suitable for areas where they will be subjected to any sort of moisture, grease, or mechanical abrasion. Flat paints do not hold up under cleaning, and therefore they cannot be used in areas that are likely to be stained, or where they will weather a lot of human traffic. Examples of places that glossy paints are used are: trim, doorways, stairways, bathrooms, and kitchens. Examples of places that flat paints are used are: large surface areas (walls and ceilings) of living rooms, dining rooms, and adult bedrooms.

There are also middle-of-the-road options, which have a medium sheen, hold up to cleaning better than flat paints (though not as well as glossy paints), and are suitable for diverse applications. These paints are known as “semigloss”, “eggshell” or “satin”, due to the way they reflect light. They have a more balanced ratio of binder to pigments than the flat and glossy extremes.

So when considering whether to use high-gloss, satin, or flat paint for your project, all you have to do is consider whether you need the durability of gloss, the soft optics of flat, or something in the middle.