Yes. Stratos Painting provides free estimates for residential and commercial painting projects.

We prefer to meet with you and look at the project in person whenever possible. This gives us an opportunity to evaluate the condition of the surfaces, discuss preparation and repairs, understand exactly what you would like accomplished, and answer any questions you may have.

Once we understand the scope of the project, we can provide you with an estimate based on the actual work required.

There is no obligation. Our goal is simply to give you the information you need to make an informed decision about your project.

Interior painting does not require a contractor's license

in Massachusetts. However, Stratos Painting carries

liability insurance for the protection of our customers

and their property.

We will be happy to provide proof of insurance upon request.

The size of our crew depends primarily on two things:
1. The size of your interior painting project
2. How quickly you would like the work completed.

If your project has a flexible schedule, a smaller crew may be all that is necessary. For larger projects or situations where completion time is important, we can adjust the crew size accordingly.

When we meet with you to look at your home and prepare your estimate, we can discuss your preferred timeline and determine the appropriate crew size for your particular project.

No. Stratos Painting does not play music through speakers while working on either interior or exterior projects.

We understand that we are working in and around your home, and we want to keep unnecessary noise and distractions to a minimum.

If a member of our crew chooses to listen to music while working, they may use personal headphones or earbuds at a reasonable volume, provided it does not interfere with communication or job-site safety.

Our goal is to maintain a professional and respectful working environment throughout your project.

Yes. Everyone working on your project is expected to maintain a professional appearance and wear appropriate work clothing.

Our painters typically wear Stratos Painting T-shirts with white painter's pants or durable full-length jeans, along with proper work footwear.

Full-length pants and shirts are required while working. Shirts are not to be removed on the job site, even during hot weather. This is particularly important when working on ladders, roofs, or around equipment where exposed skin can create an additional safety concern.

We believe professional workmanship should also come with a professional appearance. When our crew arrives at your home, they should look and conduct themselves like professionals.

Yes. Professional language and appropriate conversation are expected at all times while working in your home.

Our crew is there to perform a job, and conversations between workers should remain professional and primarily related to the work being performed. We don't believe homeowners should have to listen to personal conversations, inappropriate discussions, or unnecessary distractions while our crew is in their home.

Profanity is not acceptable on a Stratos Painting job site and can be grounds for dismissal.

We are guests in your home, and we expect everyone representing Stratos Painting to conduct themselves accordingly.

Yes. Protecting your home and belongings is an important part of our preparation process.

Before painting begins, we cover floors, furniture, countertops, appliances, fixtures, and other surfaces that could be exposed to paint, dust, or debris. We use appropriate drop cloths, plastic, masking materials, and protective coverings depending on the area being worked on.

We also take the time to protect adjoining surfaces that are not being painted, including trim, hardware, flooring, and other finished areas.

A professional paint job isn't just about where the paint goes. It's equally important to make sure it doesn't go where it doesn't belong.

Furniture, pictures, wall decorations, knickknacks, and personal belongings are generally the homeowner's responsibility to move or remove before painting begins.

Stratos Painting is a painting contractor, not a moving company. Removing and replacing personal belongings can also create unnecessary risk of something being damaged.

We recommend removing pictures, decorations, knickknacks, and smaller items from the room completely. Larger furniture that cannot easily be removed should be moved away from the walls and toward the center of the room whenever possible. We will then properly cover and protect the furniture that remains in the room.

When one room is completed, your belongings can be returned and the same process can be followed for the next room.

This allows our crew to concentrate on what you hired us to do: properly prepare and paint your home while protecting the belongings that remain in the work area.

Yes. We will need access to a sink or utility tub so that brushes and other painting tools can be properly cleaned throughout your project.

A large utility or set tub is preferred whenever one is available. If not, a kitchen sink or another suitable sink can generally be used.

We take responsibility for protecting and cleaning the area we use. When we're finished, the sink and surrounding area will be thoroughly cleaned and returned to the condition in which we found it.

Keeping our tools clean is an important part of maintaining professional equipment and producing professional results.

We primarily use professional-grade Sherwin-Williams paints, selected for their quality, durability and beautiful finish and our standard paint is included in your painting proposal.

If you prefer another brand or a specialty product, we'll gladly accommodate your request.

We'll apply a credit equal to our cost of the paint originally included in your proposal, and you'll simply pay the difference for your preferred product.

Here's how the paint credit works

Illustrative example using your prices (prices may varry)

* Our included Sherwin-Williams "Super Paint" say is $35/gallon
* Customer's preferred specialty paint is $65/gallon
* Stratos paint credit−$35/gallon

* Customer's upgrade cost is $30/gallon

For a 10-gallon project, the customer pays $300 for the upgrade.
Any additional primer, coats or specialized application requirements would be quoted separately.

You'll learn more about how this works in the next question.

NOT AT ALL! BECAUSE ... "THE PAINT'S ON US!"
We earn our money the old-fashioned way. We work for it!

Your painting proposal includes the cost of our specified Sherwin-Williams paint.
There's no separate paint charge or surprise markup.
It's our way of thanking you for choosing Stratos Painting.

And we genuinely love what we do! There's nothing quite like seeing a homeowner's reaction when their freshly painted home is transformed.

PREFER A DIFFERENT BRAND OF PAINT? ... NO PROBEM!

If you'd rather use another brand or a specialty paint, we'll credit you the amount we would have spent on the paint included in your proposal. You simply pay the difference.

Any additional preparation, primer, coats or specialized application requirements will be discussed and quoted before work begins.

... SO WHY NOT ...
"ADD A LITTLE COLOR!"

YOUR HOME. YOUR COLORS. YOUR CHOICE.

THE PAINT'S ON US! 😊

Absolutely. We are always happy to help our customers select colors for their home.

Choosing a color involves more than simply finding a shade that looks attractive on a color chart. Lighting, furnishings, flooring, adjoining rooms, and the overall character of your home can all influence how a color will actually look once it is on the walls.

Colors can also influence the mood and feeling of a room. Some colors can make a space feel warmer and more inviting, while others can create a brighter, calmer, or more dramatic atmosphere.

We'll be happy to share our experience, discuss the options with you, and help you choose colors that work well with both your home and the atmosphere you would like to create.

The number of coats depends on the condition of the existing surface and whether you are changing colors.

When changing from one color to another, we almost always recommend two finish coats. This provides better coverage, color consistency, and a more uniform finished appearance.

If you are staying with the same color and the existing walls are in good condition, one finish coat may sometimes be sufficient.

Any areas requiring repairs, such as peeling paint, cracks, or patchwork, will be properly prepared and primed before the finish paint is applied. We then apply the appropriate finish coats necessary to achieve a consistent appearance.

Our goal isn't simply to apply a predetermined number of coats. It's to apply what the surface requires to produce the proper finished result.

We almost always recommend 2 coats for ceilings unless they are very clean.

For most owner-occupied homes, we typically use a combination of brushes and rollers rather than spraying.

Spraying is the fastest method of applying paint to a surface, but it also produces airborne overspray that requires extensive masking and protection. For that reason, we generally don't recommend spraying inside an occupied home.

Rolling is the next fastest application method, followed by brushing. We select the roller size and nap based on the surface and area being painted.

For example, larger rooms may allow us to use an 18-inch roller for greater efficiency, while smaller rooms such as bathrooms may be better suited to a standard 9-inch roller. We also use smaller 4 to 4½-inch rollers, sometimes called hot dog rollers, for tight areas such as behind sinks and toilets and for other detailed applications.

Professional painting isn't about using one tool for everything. It's about selecting the right application method and the right tool for each particular surface and situation.

We typically use caulking around window and door casings, along baseboards, and anywhere trim meets a wall where a small gap would affect the finished appearance.

If your home has baseboard heating, we may also caulk along the upper edge where the heater meets the wall when appropriate. Around windows, we inspect the trim for visible gaps that should be sealed, both for appearance and to help reduce minor drafts where applicable.

We also fill unwanted nail holes and other small imperfections before painting. However, if you would like to keep a particular nail location for rehanging a picture or decoration, just let us know. We can leave a nail in place as a marker, remove it while painting that area, and replace it afterward.

Caulking and filling may seem like small details, but those finishing touches can make a significant difference in how clean and professional the completed room looks.

Yes. We can repair small to medium-sized holes and other common damage to sheetrock. We can also repair or replace many types of interior trim, depending on the extent and condition of the damage. Larger or more complicated repairs can be evaluated when we inspect your project.

Ceilings sometimes present a different challenge, particularly when they have a sprayed or textured finish. If the ceiling was not properly primed before the original texture was applied, the moisture from new paint can sometimes loosen the texture and cause portions of it to pull away while being rolled.

Unfortunately, this condition isn't always visible beforehand and may not reveal itself until painting begins.

There are application techniques we use to reduce the possibility of disturbing a questionable textured ceiling, including controlling the amount of paint on the roller and applying very light pressure. However, if the original texture has poor adhesion, repairs may still become necessary.

Small damaged areas can sometimes be patched and retextured, although perfectly matching an older texture can be difficult. In more severe cases, removing the failing texture, properly preparing and priming the ceiling, and applying a new finish may provide the best long-term solution.

These are situations we evaluate individually so we can recommend the most practical approach for your particular ceiling.

Stratos Painting currently accepts several convenient forms of payment, including cash, personal or business checks, major credit cards, and Zelle.

Payment arrangements and the timing of payments will be discussed with you before your project begins, so you'll know exactly what to expect.

Our goal is to make the payment process as simple and convenient as possible.

Yes. Our interior painting workmanship is guaranteed in writing for three years against peeling or other coating failure resulting from our workmanship, under normal interior conditions.

Like any finished surface, painted walls are still subject to normal wear and tear, impact damage, excessive moisture, and improper cleaning. Damage caused by these conditions would not be considered a failure of the original paint job.

We typically recommend an eggshell or satin finish for most interior walls. These finishes provide a good balance between appearance and cleanability without creating the excessive shine associated with higher-gloss finishes.

Occasional marks can generally be cleaned using a soft cloth or sponge with a very mild cleaning solution. Harsh detergents, abrasive cleaners, or aggressive scrubbing can damage or change the appearance of the finish and may affect warranty coverage.

We'll also explain the proper care of your newly painted surfaces so you can keep them looking their best for as long as possible.

We don't wait until the entire project is finished to find out whether you're happy with our work.

Interior projects are divided into individual rooms or phases. As each room is completed, we'll ask you to inspect the work with us. If something needs attention, we want to know about it then so it can be addressed before we move on.

Once you're satisfied with the completed room, we'll ask you to sign off on that phase of the project. Each room has its own approval section where comments or concerns can also be noted.

There is an important distinction between being unhappy with our workmanship and simply deciding that you don't like the color you selected.

If there is a legitimate workmanship issue, we will address it. That's part of standing behind our work.

However, if you approved the color and, after seeing the completed room, decide you would prefer a different color, we will certainly repaint it for you, but the additional labor and materials would be treated as a change to the original project.

Our room-by-room approval process protects both of us. It gives you an opportunity to inspect the work throughout the project and gives us the opportunity to address any concerns immediately rather than discovering them after the entire project has been completed.

Deposits may be refundable depending on the circumstances and how much notice we receive before your scheduled project begins.

When you reserve a starting date, we schedule our crew and other projects around that commitment. If you later decide to postpone or cancel your project, we'll make every reasonable effort to adjust our schedule and fill the time that had been reserved for you.

If we're able to make that adjustment without a significant loss of scheduled work, we're generally happy to return your deposit.

If your cancellation occurs close to the scheduled starting date and we're unable to replace the work, your deposit may be retained and applied as a credit toward your project when you decide to reschedule.

We understand that circumstances sometimes change. Our goal isn't to profit from a cancellation. It's simply to protect the time that was specifically reserved for your project while treating everyone involved fairly.

The length of an interior painting project depends on much more than simply the number of rooms being painted.

The size of the project is certainly an important factor, but the design and layout of the rooms can make a significant difference. A room with four relatively flat walls will generally require less time than a contemporary or architecturally detailed room with bump-outs, angled walls, multiple closets, decorative features, and numerous areas requiring additional cutting and detail work.

Ceiling height is another important consideration. Rooms with 12-foot ceilings, vaulted ceilings, stairwells, or high gable-end walls require additional equipment, setup, and working time.

Surface preparation and repairs can also affect the schedule. A room requiring extensive patching, sanding, caulking, or priming will naturally take longer than one with surfaces already in excellent condition.

Once we've inspected your home and understand the complete scope of the project, we can give you a much more accurate estimate of how long your particular project should take.

No. You do not need to leave your home while we're painting.

We simply ask that you avoid occupying the particular room or work area while our crew is actively working in it. This gives us the space necessary to work safely and efficiently while also helping to prevent accidental contact with wet paint, tools, ladders, or other equipment.

Once we complete that area and it is safe to enter, you're certainly welcome to use it again.

Our goal is to complete your project with as little disruption to your normal routine as reasonably possible.

In most cases, you can begin using the room shortly after we've finished painting and completed our cleanup.

By the time we've removed our tools, drop cloths, and protective coverings, the walls are typically dry enough for normal occupancy.

Before we leave the room, we'll let you know when it's safe to begin using the space again.

We do recommend being careful around freshly painted surfaces and avoiding unnecessary contact with the walls while the paint continues to dry and cure.

If you're rehanging pictures or decorations, we recommend waiting at least an hour before doing so, and longer when practical. Heavier items or anything that will rest directly against a freshly painted surface should be given additional drying time.

Drying and curing times can vary depending on the paint, temperature, humidity, and ventilation, so we'll let you know if your particular room requires additional time.

As much as we love pets, we ask that they be kept out of the room or work area while we're painting.

Pets are naturally curious and don't understand that a wall is freshly painted. They can brush against wet surfaces, knock over tools or materials, track paint through the house, or introduce pet hair and dust onto freshly painted surfaces.

For everyone's safety, pets should be kept in another secure area of the home until we're finished working in that room and it is safe for them to return.

Birds require additional consideration because they can be particularly sensitive to airborne fumes and contaminants. We recommend moving birds well away from the painting area and discussing their safety with your veterinarian if there are any concerns.

We'll let you know when the work area is ready for your pets to safely return.

Absolutely. We clean and organize the work area at the end of every working day.

Brushes, rollers, screens, and other reusable tools are properly cleaned and prepared for the following day. Cut buckets and other containers are covered, paint cans are securely closed, and all paints, tools, and materials are organized and stored in a safe location where they won't be accidentally knocked over or damaged.

Protective coverings around sinks and cleanup areas are removed, and the sinks and surrounding areas are thoroughly cleaned.

Drop cloths, tools, and other materials that are no longer needed are picked up or neatly stored out of the way.

We don't believe your home should look like an abandoned construction site simply because your painting project isn't finished yet. At the end of each day, our goal is to leave the work area clean, organized, and safe until we return.

Sometimes damage isn't visible during the original estimate and only becomes apparent once preparation or painting begins.

As we work through a room, we're continually examining the condition of the walls, ceilings, trim, and other surfaces we're preparing. If we discover soft or deteriorated sheetrock, signs of moisture, hidden water damage, mold or mildew, failing surfaces, or another condition that could affect the finished project, we will stop and bring it to your attention.

We won't simply cover the problem with paint and continue working.

Whenever possible, we'll show you exactly what we've discovered and discuss what may be necessary before painting can continue. In some situations, another professional, such as a plumber, roofer, electrician, or remediation specialist, may need to correct the underlying problem first.

Once the cause has been identified and properly addressed, we can determine together what repairs are necessary and how you would like to proceed.

Our responsibility isn't simply to make a damaged surface look good temporarily. If we discover something that could compromise your home or the quality of our work, we believe you deserve to know about it before we move forward.

Yes. In most cases, we can match an existing paint color very closely.

Modern computerized color-matching equipment can scan a paint sample or chip and create a formula designed to reproduce the existing color.

Whenever possible, we'll obtain a clean sample from the existing painted surface and have it professionally scanned and matched.

It's important to understand that older paint can fade or change slightly over time, and differences in paint sheen can also affect how a color appears. For that reason, even a very accurate color match may not completely disappear when touching up an older wall.

We'll evaluate the existing finish and let you know whether a simple touch-up should work or whether painting the entire wall will provide a better, more uniform result.

Yes. In addition to walls, we paint a variety of interior surfaces including cabinets, doors, trim, ceilings, shelving, and other specialty surfaces.

Different surfaces require different preparation methods, primers, coatings, and application techniques. We evaluate the existing surface and select the preparation and finishing process appropriate for the material and the result you're trying to achieve.

Cabinets can be painted, and depending on the existing material and the appearance you would like to maintain, we can also apply clear protective finishes such as polyurethane.

If you have an unusual surface or something you're not sure can be refinished, show it to us during your estimate. We'll evaluate it and discuss the available options with you.

Many older surfaces don't necessarily need to be replaced. With the proper preparation and finishing process, they can often be restored and given an entirely new appearance.

Yes. For bathrooms and other high-moisture areas, one of the products we typically recommend is Sherwin-Williams Duration Home.

Duration Home is formulated with Moisture Resistant Technology and contains antimicrobial agents that help inhibit the growth of mold and mildew on the surface of the paint film. This makes it particularly well suited for humid areas such as bathrooms.

However, even the best bathroom paint cannot correct an ongoing moisture or ventilation problem.

A properly functioning exhaust fan is extremely important for removing warm, humid air during and after a shower. When practical, slightly opening a window can also help provide additional ventilation and allow moisture to escape.

Proper surface preparation is equally important. Any existing mold, mildew, peeling paint, or moisture-related damage should be addressed before applying the new coating.

The right paint provides an additional layer of protection, but controlling the moisture in the room is ultimately one of the most important factors in preventing the problem from returning.

Yes. We can paint baseboard heat registers when necessary or requested.

If the existing registers are in excellent condition and already complement the newly painted room, there may be no reason to paint them.

However, older registers often become scuffed, scratched, discolored, or simply begin to look worn. In those situations, properly preparing and repainting them can make a noticeable difference in the overall appearance of the finished room.

We typically paint the registers the same color as the surrounding wall so they blend naturally into the room rather than drawing unnecessary attention to themselves.

As with any specialty surface, proper preparation and the appropriate coating are important, particularly because heating components are exposed to repeated temperature changes.

Sometimes it's the smaller finishing details that make the entire room look complete.

COVID-19, FLU, AND mRNA INOCULATIONS remain a sensitive and personal subject, and we respect that different customers have different preferences regarding who enters their home.

COVID, FLU, and mRNA SHOTS REQUIRED

I have not received a COVID, FLU, MRNA, or any other shot.
If you require contractors entering your home to have received any of these shots, I completely understand and respect your decision. Stratos Painting would simply not be the appropriate contractor for your project.

COVID, FLU, AND mRNA SHOTS NOT REQUIRED

If you prefer working with a contractor who has not received a COVID, FLU, OR MRNA shot, I am comfortable letting you know that I have not participated in the COVID, FLU, AND mRNA inoculation programs.

NO PREFERENCE

If COVID, FLU, OR mRNA vaccination status is not important to you, no further discussion is necessary.

RECENT COVID, FLU, mRNA, AND MISCELLANEOUS SHOTS

For my own personal health and safety preferences, before scheduling an interior estimate or entering an occupied residence, I ask whether anyone in the household has received a COVID, FLU, OR mRNA shot within the previous 30 days.

You do not need to provide any additional medical information. If someone has received any such shots within that period, I simply ask that we schedule the interior appointment after 30 days have passed.

This policy is not intended to debate anyone's personal medical decisions or ask anyone to change them. It simply allows both the homeowner and Stratos Painting to determine whether we are comfortable proceeding before an appointment is scheduled.

Not Hiring Stratos Painting?

That's OK.

Before you hire anyone, make sure you're asking the right questions.

Our Interior Painting Contractor Comparison Guide contains 30 questions developed from more than 30 years of professional painting experience.

Use the same questions we answer about our own company to interview any painting contractor you're considering.

THE GUIDE INCLUDES...

01. 30 Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask

02. Our Detailed Answers to Every Question

03. A Contractor Comparison Worksheet

04. Printable Interview Forms

05. A Digital Form You Can Complete and Save

06. Evaluate contractors based on more than price.

07. Understand differences in preparation.

08. Review the materials being proposed.

09. Evaluate workmanship standards.

10. Understand what's actually guaranteed.

11. Review job-site procedures.

12. Evaluate professionalism and communication.

13. Make an informed apples-to-apples decision.

ONLY $9.95