How To

Hear From Our Customers

- “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 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
- “Second time using Blue Door Painters … Very punctual, easy to deal with, and the paint looks great.”
  
  —Simone C.
  
  Vienna, 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 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
- “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 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
- “We already are planning to use them again and again.”
  
  —Michael C.
  
  McClean, VA
- “We are VERY pleased with the overall result. “
  
  —Yvonne Z.
  
  Bethesda, MD
- “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
- “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
- “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
- “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
- 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
- “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
- “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
- “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
- “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
- “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 were very punctual, professional and accommodating.”
  
  —Mary Pat F.
  
  Arlington, 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
- “The quality of the work was very precise and very good. They were also very professional.”
  
  —Mark R.
  
  Rockville, MD
- “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
- “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
- “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 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
- “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
- “Blue door painters did a fine job completing the work I had requested.”
  
  —Gary D.
  
  Falls Church,VA
- “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
- “They brought a portfolio, were very friendly and professional and got back to me with an estimate quickly.”
  
  —Cathy K.
  
  McClean, 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
- “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
- “I was very pleased with the service and would recommend this company to my friends and neighbors.”
  
  —Rene S.
  
  Arlington, 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
- “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
- “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
- “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
- “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
- “They arrived on time and finished job in about 1/2 the time I thought it would take. Great work!”
  
  —Mickie H.
  
  Fairfax, 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
- “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 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
- “Quote was quick and easy. Price was competitive and the work was excellent.”
  
  —Jason R.
  
  Bristow, VA
- “I got more than my money’s worth.”
  
  —Susan 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 [...]
  
  —Steven F.
  
  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
- “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
- “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 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
- “Excellent job. Very professional.”
  
  —Andrew D.
  
  Vienna, VA
- “Excellent. Estimate less than several others. Job done on time and very professionally.”
  
  —Fitzhugh M.
  
  Bethesda, MD
- “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
- “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 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
- “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’re absolutely superb. The technicians were very clean, neat, and professional. They did excellent work.”
  
  —Wayne M.
  
  Great Falls, VA
- “It was great. They were very easy to work with. They completed the job well.”
  
  —Cathy K.
  
  McClean, 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
- “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
- “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
- “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

How To Wallpaper A Room

Published November 28, 2011 | By Blue Door Painters Staff

Wallpapering Tips From a Professional Contractor

It’s all in the planning.

Wallpapering a room is a simple and dramatic way to change the whole feel of your interior – and it is also a process that requires care and attention in the execution. While none of the steps involved in wallpapering are difficult, if they are done without precision you will be dismayed to see how small errors become amplified into a serious flaws. That is why Blue Door Painters puts such an emphasis on the planning and set-up of every wallpapering job we do – and why, if you do it yourself, you should too.

Here is wallpaper in a nutshell. It comes on a roll, which must be cut to strips of the appropriate length and then attached to the wall with an adhesive, (which either comes pre-applied to the back of the paper, or must be purchased separately and applied to each strip by hand). So the process of wallpapering boils down to how perfectly you measure, cut, and apply the strips to the wall. The only reason precision is paramount is that the pattern on the wallpaper will cause any seams that don’t hang straight or match up to show vividly. Taking the process one careful step at a time is the best way to go.

So get a pencil, a measuring tape, a level, a square, and your roll of wallpaper. Check the width of your wallpaper roll, and remember that number – that is how you will space your seams along the wall. Next, pick the spot in your room where the mismatched seam will go. This should be a spot where the seam will be relatively inconspicuous (but avoid corners, because ideally you shouldn’t have any seams placed in corners). Wallpaper is designed to be applied in vertical strips, so measure and draw a straight line going from the ceiling to the floor, aligned at a right angle to both. Take extra care with this first line, because in the installation it will serve as a guide for orienting the whole project.

Working from the first straight line, measure out even intervals the width of your wallpaper roll all around the room. Make a straight, 90 degree line at each interval – this will be the placement of your wallpaper seam. Now you are ready to start making cuts and installing the paper.

In a clean, clear working surface in the middle of the room, spread out your roll of wallpaper. Measure the height of your room, and then check the pattern of your wallpaper to see how much the pattern will displace your paper at each seam (line two strips of paper next to each other, and then see how far you have to push one of them down in order to match the pattern up). Add that amount to the height of the room, and then add six inches of margin for both the ceiling and the floor. This is the height that you want to cut your first strip of paper.

Provided that your wall has already been thoroughly cleaned and primed, as it needs to be prior to any re-coating procedure, you are now ready install your first strip of wallpaper.

Apply or activate the adhesive on the back of the strip of wallpaper, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Then climb onto a sturdy ladder placed so that you can easily reach the ceiling right at your first seam line. Working from the top down and the inside out, line the edge of the paper up to the seam line that you drew, and press the paper gently into the wall. Make sure to leave about six inches margin at the ceiling crease. You can use your hands, or a professional wallpaper smoothing trowel, to get a smooth finish; just make sure that you take extra care that the entire backing of the wallpaper strip adheres thoroughly to the wall.

You can adjust the paper while the adhesive is still wet, so now is the time to check that the paper is perfectly flush along the seam line you drew, all the way from top to bottom. Once you are happy with the placement of that strip, you can trim and flatten the seams at ceiling and floor using a straight knife, and turn your attention to the next strip. Make sure to line it up perfectly flush along the seam, matching the pattern with the previous strip to determine how much it needs to be displaced. Strip by strip, watch your room transform!

Quick note to the complexity you might encounter: If we all lived in smooth cylinders with no doors, windows, light fixtures, electrical boxes, dormers, etc., the steps listed above would truly be all there is to wallpapering. A wallpaper job in that scenario could probably be finished in under an hour, and with no need for a professional. Real rooms in real houses, however, contain all sorts of architectural intricacies – which look beautiful when finished, but also up the challenge for the wallpaper installer.

When your wallpaper installation has to accommodate a corner, protrusion, or obstruction, use the same logic you would when wrapping a present. Measure the placement of any cuts carefully, and leave a margin that you can fold up against the obstruction to make a precision cut with the straight knife right at the corner. Smooth the wallpaper thoroughly against the obstruction before making the final cuts, so that the seam is flawless. Stay tuned for future blog entries about accommodating specific wallpaper challenges.

As long as you take enough time and care to ensure the quality of each cut and each strip placement, by following these steps you will eventually make it all the way around your room and back to the seam where you started. Cut the last sheet of wallpaper slightly wider than it needs to be, and tuck the vertical margin underneath that first seam. Voila! You now have a finished wallpaper job that makes a beautiful, professional interior design statement.