PEACE OF MIND
6 STEPS
From START to FINISH
STEP1: Home Inspection & Estimate
Once you contact us, we will go out to the job site, and do a thorough inspection before we quote the estimate, so you have no surprises later.
STEP2: Work Schedule
STEP3: Preperation
STEP4: Painting
STEP5: Cleaning & Post Inspection
STEP6: Final Workthrough
Our Services
seeing is believing
We also do something that you won’t usually see with other painting services. We will invite you to come out to one of our current job sites, and see how our professionals work. You’ve probably not gotten an invitation like that from any other company! That’s how confident we are that you will like what you see – and you will be even more excited to see the results in your own home.
Residential
Over the years, we have painted thousands of homes here in San Jose and the surrounding communities. If your home has not been painted in the last few years, chances are you will be surprised and pleased with the way it looks after we are finished. It is often a pretty amazing transformation, even if the new paint is the same basic color as the old. You will feel like it’s a new house!
Commercial/Apartment
If you own an apartment building, you know that appearance is a huge factor when your prospective tenant visits and forms that first impression. An apartment building that has a quality paint job looks nice and tells your tenants (and your employees) that this is a professionally-run business, and fosters pride in the way their home (or place of employment) looks. We will make sure your building looks great.
Interior
Whether you have one room in your home that needs to be painted, or you want the whole interior of the house to have fresh paint, we can handle it for you. Interior painting is not particularly difficult or dangerous, but it can be time consuming for the do-it-yourselfer. Since we do it regularly, we have a routine system that allows us to do a high-quality job in a relatively small amount of time. And you are left with the great results
Exterior
We offer commercial and residential painting services Bay area from San Francisco to Gilroy, from Oakland to Santa Cruz as well as San Jose, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Palo Alto, Campbell, Sunnyvale, and Mountain View.
Pressure Washing
Before any exterior painting begins, we do a complete pressure washing. Over time, the outside of a structure collects a substantial amount of dirt, grime and debris. The accumulation is so gradual that it often goes unnoticed. However, wait until you see that same home or apartment building after it has been pressure washed – you will probably be surprised at the difference
Painting Estimate
Whatever painting job you are considering, it all starts with a free estimate. Call our office to arrange a time and day, and we will come out and take a look at what you are considering having done. We will provide a detailed written estimate that will outline the cost, the estimated start date, and how long the job should take.
We also offer
Wall and Ceiling Painting
Room Painting
Window Painting
Kitchen Cabinet Painting
Base Board and Trim Painting
Texturing
Popcorn Removal
Wall Paper Removal
Staining and Varnishing
Staining and Varnishing
Fence staining (Painting)
Garage Floor (epoxy) Painting
trust / reliable
Property Management
&
Home Owner Associations
We have more than 20 years of experience in the South Bay area. If you need a fast, reliable, dedicated, and precise workmanship service, let us handle your painting requirements—we get it right the first time.
FAQ
About our company
How do I know you are licensed and insured?
Yes, we have neen licenced since 2006. Our state contractor license number is
887381 . You can see that our license is current by going to the state contractor’s
board website at http://www.cslb.ca.gov. You will also see there that we are
bonded and insured.
How long has Advance GTC Painting been in business?
Advance GTC Painting has been in business since 2006
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes, we offer a free three year warranty on all our paint jobs.
When do I pay you?
A payment schedule is outlined in our contact. We will invoice you accordingly and
will expect to be paid at that time.
What hours do your crews work?
We generally work M-F, 8: a.m – 5:00 p.m We can do work at other hours if needed,
but these are our standard working hours.
Do you have examples of work you've completed?
We have pictures of our previous works (see the menu on our website labelled “client portfolios” or “previous projects” button) and we can gladly provide you with references.
About our Service
How soon should I call to get my painting finished by the date I need?
You should contact us at least 2 weeks ahead of time. Because of our scale and the number of crews we have, we can almost always accommodate someone with a firm finish date (for a party or for a house sale).
Do you provide touch up paint after you are finished?
We always have paint left over at the end of the job and we leave that with you if you need some (interior or exterior) for future touch-ups.
How long will it take to paint my house?
The process can take as little as 4-5 days from the time we connect with you.
However, the actual timing will depend on the condition of your paint surfaces, the type of work required, our schedule and weather conditions if the project involves exterior work.
What if it rains while you are painting my house?
We keep a close eye on the weather and weather forecasts. If it start raining while we are in the middle of a painting job, we simply stop and return after it drys up.
Do you use oil or latex paint?
For exterior painting we use an Alkyd / oil hybrid primer and a latex top coat. For solid stains we use latex based stain and oil for semitransparent stain. We use oil enamel
paint for metal railings. Exterior oil-based paints were outlawed years ago so at this point nobody uses them. For interior paint we use latex top coats, alkyd / oil primer (or
latex primer as well). Depending on the situation the interior top coat can be oil as well.
Oil-based paint is legal in some areas of California and illegal in others. As of September 2021, some Home Depots in California still sell oil-based paint. However, the labeling of oil based paint as a hazardous material has caused some areas in California to stop selling it.
Do you do carpentry work?
We do any and all carpentry work that would relate to painting. You don’t need to hire an outside carpenter if there are issues, we can fix them as part of our painting prep process. We repair trim, molding, siding etc. We also sand and patch sheet rock and caulk. The point is, we don’t just paint, we give you the complete finish you are after.
Do you caulk between siding boards?
Horizontal joints between siding boards should not be caulked. Water and moisture vapor is meant to exit through the bottom of each board. While paint does tend to somewhat glue these pieces together, caulking them is never advised as this can cause water and moisture vapor be trapped in the substrate. This can cause paint bubbling and other moisture related problems down the road.
Do you do faux finish painting?
No, That is a special painting service, that we do not offer.
Estimation & Quote
Do you charge for estimates?
We never charge a fee to provide an estimate for your painting project.
Do I need to be home for a painting estimate?
It is best to be home for any painting estimate. To go over what type of painting you are wanting, (interior painting, exterior painting, etc.) with your house painter and so there is no confusion about the paint job. You will need to be home for any interior painting estimates, however you may not need to be home for an exterior painting estimate. Your house painter can examine the exterior
paint and condition of your home with no one home. If your not home you will need to go over any painting details at a later time with your house painter, so nothing will be missed at that time. Always make sure to note all painting and preparation concerns, so both you and your painter are aware.
Can I get a painting estimate over the phone if I have my room size?
It is best to have your painting project evaluated in person, as to be fair to both you and your painter. There are many factors to take into consideration when quoting a paint job. Viewing the painting project will make sure no details are over looked, thus resulting in a fair price for all.
Preparation
How soon do I need to give you my painting color choices?
There is no rush or pressure to pick your painting colors. Once your job is scheduled, we need the painting color choices a couple days before painting work begins. Giving you as much time as needed to pick your painting colors.
What can i do to prepare for my home painting project before my painter arrives?
Remove any family treasurers or breakable items, wall hangings, TV sets etc. entirely from the room.
Pet owners should sweep or vacuum up loose pet hair and wipe away pet stains (with water only on a damp rag) from the baseboards and carpet.
Any clothing or items should be removed from the area to be painted and provide clear walkways.
Do I need to remove my pictures from the walls before painting begins?
Yes it is best before hand to remove pictures and any items hanging on your walls before painting begins.
Do I need to move everything from the rooms before you paint?
Please move all small items and breakables. Unless agreed otherwise, we will move and protect all of the furniture and fixtures.
Do I need to cover my home’s furnishing before my painting begins?
We provide painting drop clothes and paint covers to protect your homes furnishing. We are happy to cover items for you when we begin our painting work.
General painting
What should I look for when hiring a painting contractor?
There are several key things to look for when choosing a painting contractor. At the very least, check to see if they are licensed, insured, experienced and capable of completing work. Look for reputable companies with local references.
When I get different bids from several companies, they are never the same, some high, some low. Why is there such a price difference?
The cost of a job is usually determined by the level of thoroughness, attention to detail, and quality desired. It costs more to properly prepare a surface for painting
than to just pressure clean and scrape the surface. The majority of the cost of painting is in the surface preparation and the labor involved in the application of the paint and not the actual cost of the paint itself. As with most other industries, generally you get what you pay for.
How long will it take for the paint to dry?
Acrylic (latex) paint dries much faster than Alkyd (oil). Usually a couple of hours is plenty of time. Oil paint though should dry overnight. Flat paint may dry faster than semi gloss.
Do you have to wash the house, especially while we are in a drought?
It is a very important step that can undermine the quality of the job if not done, depending on the surface. The washing removes embedded grime and mildew and provides a clean surface for the primer.
When should you not do exterior painting?
Don't paint on hot days, in the rain or during windy weather. Ideal temperatures for painting are between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot weather causes the paint to dry too quickly, as does direct sun. When possible, wait for the shade.
When is it too cold to paint my exterior?
The exterior paint and primers we use are rated for 35 degrees or warmer, as long as there’s no freezing conditions the nights before. We normally like to paint only when it stays around 42 degrees or warmer.
We have sheetrock / drywall damage. Do we need to repair it before painting?
No, even if it’s a very large amount of damage (which we would include in a quote as a separate charge), we do all the repairs so you don’t have to. It’s part of our preparation
process.
How long will my exterior painting job last?
This depends on the climate, sun exposure and the paint surface itself. If you have good prep, proper slow drying primer, good sanding and caulking, no rot, a good moisture barrier and no gutter issues then high-end paint (which is all we use) should last about 7-10 years. Stain is a bit trickier to judge, it depends on the amount of sun exposure, climate and how dark the stain is but it can last anywhere from 4 years up to 12 years.
Which paint finish is best?
Flat, eggshell and satin paint are best for interior walls, whereas semi-gloss andgloss paint are best for trim and woodwork.
How do I choose exterior paint finish?
Pick Your Sheen
1. Satin/ low sheen : Best for siding because it's a low-reflective finish that's good at hiding surface imperfections.
2. Semigloss: This shinier sheen is easier to clean, more durable, and more moisture resistant than a satin or eggshell paint.
Should I do the prep work myself before the painter comes to my home?
No it is not necessary, When your painter estimates your home, he will factor all of the painting prep work needed . Unless you have experience in the field, it is best left to the professional painter you have hired. The prep work does change your bid somewhat , but the cost you save yourself, from having to repair or replace a second time, is well worth it.
What happens if my exterior paint is peeling and cracking?
It is time to repaint, depending on the severity of the peeling paint and cracking paint. The longer paint is left to peel and crack the more chances the unpainted wood may deteriorate and need replaced. Most damage is hidden from view behind the lose paint and continues to worsen with the length of time it is left untreated. You should consult a professional painter to evaluate your home’s exterior painting needs.
I want to paint my interior walls and get new flooring, which should I do first?
Putting down the floor first will keep the painted walls from being damaged during the floor installation. It will also avoid an extra cost to repaint the walls with any spots that could get damaged during installation of the new floor.
I am selling my home should I repaint?
A fresh coat of paint is the most economical way to freshen up your home when selling. Providing the most cost effective way, to give your home curb appeal. Giving a new, clean, fresh appearance which may aid in selling your home.
Does pressure washing permanently remove mold and mildew?
No, as mold is a fungus and is always present in the air. Mold that causes mildew needs moisture and the right temperature to grow.
What is Elastomeric?
Elastomeric Water proofing System is normally used on exterior stucco and often when the surface has a lot of hairline cracks. Elastomeric are formulated to be
applied in very thick coats. When applied correctly, due to their high elasticity, they have a special capacity to span hairline cracks permanently. Instead of these cracks
reopening on your stucco, the Elastomeric would stretch and keep them sealed up.
This then keeps water out and protects your home from damage. Elastomeric looks much like any other paint and it can be tinted to most colors.
All paints, varnishes, and solvents contain volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.
Exposure to VOCs can trigger asthma attacks, respiratory problems, eye irritation, nausea, or dizziness.
How do I know if I have lead paint?
If your house was built prior to 1978, chances are it has lead paint on it. A lab test can be done if you want to make sure.
Types of Paint
What kind of paint do you use?
We use the only professional quality paints from Sherwin Williams, Kelly Moore, Benjamin Moore and Behr, unless the customer requests a different brand.
What are different paint sheens?
Sheen refers to the light reflectivity of the painted or varnished surface. There are varying degrees of sheen, from no sheen to high gloss. Though some paint
manufacturers may refer to their paint sheens by different names, generally, from lowest to highest, paint sheens correspond to these reflective degrees:
– Flat finish
– Eggshell finish
– Satin finish
– Semi gloss finish
– High gloss finish
What are the advantages of flat and lower sheen paints?
They provide even light reflection and give the surface a softer, more uniform look.
They don’t highlight surface imperfections like higher sheen paints, so they usually don’t require as much surface preparation (like patching, texturing or sanding) prior to painting.
They are much less likely to show “lap marks”, so they are generally easier to apply and touch up than higher sheen paints. (When one painted section dries before the next section is painted, the two sections won’t flow together into a uniform film, resulting in a “lap mark.”)
They don’t need to be sanded or de-glossed before repainting, unlike higher sheen paints.
What are the disadvantages of flat and lower sheen paints?
They are less stain and scuff resistant than higher sheen paints, so they should not be used on surfaces that will be handled, washed or scrubbed frequently.
They are less moisture resistant than higher sheen finishes, so they are not the best choice for areas that are exposed to high humidity levels, like in bathrooms, or on any surfaces that will be washed frequently.
What is a Low VOC Paint?
The Environmental Protection Agency states that, to qualify as Low VOC, latex paint must contain no more than 250 g/L and 380 g/L for oil paint.
Manufacturers have introduced Low or No VOC paint alternatives.
What is a No VOC Paint?
The term No VOC or Zero VOC for the paint is actually a misnomer. The No VOC labeled paint will actually contain some (less than 5 g/L) VOCs. Adding pigment to the paint will likely add another 2-5 g/L to the total.