I went to university to study law, spent 4 years in the police then 8 years in property management. Retrained as a painter and decorator and now I can finally say I’ve found my calling. Call me sad but I f**king love being a painter / decorator!
pongo kind of on the same train as you, worked as a painter through college, got my degree, but stuck to painting because I realized I didn’t want to work at a desk for the rest of my life, now I’m not in debt and I love being a painter.
Similar situation here. Trained and worked as a pharmacist for 11 years. But always improved home renovations and paining. Now I’m a rental property owner\pending enthusiast and I do all my own paining on our rental properties. No I specially love spraying paint as well and have a couple of different set ups.
Mr. Berry, thank you for not with holding knowledge. my boss was the same way. he knew I had a family. he never scared me, abused me, or belittled me. and I believe that is why I LOVE WHAT I DO. I would ask him permission to do side work and he looked at me funny. like really? then this man would tell me come by the house, get what you need. YOU HAVE THE SAME TEMPERAMENT. many years later (he helped me get my contractors license) but we had slowed down. he asked me if I wanted to shut my business down and work for him again. This was a test. he said he would pay me $30.00 hourly. without a pause I said , no thank you. things will come around it always does. And with that my MENTOR SAID, "you are truly a contractor." AND he chuckled. that was the greatest compliment. I replied, "Only because of you, I'm just your protege". Thank you again. for teaching us. I'm 49 now and I have the same patience with those that want to learn this. what you do is artwork. genuine Art work
Good for you for passing on that same supportive attitude. I find in most lines of work there are far more skilled people than there are good teachers or even those willing to take someone under their wing. I agree completely with what you and Chris say about the importance of letting the newbie do some fun stuff and get a better variety of the work rather than pigeon-holing them into some remedial grunt work that only makes them unmotivated to stick with it. Everybody's got to pay their dues but we can also spread out the work so the new kid get's a feel for the whole trade and what they will be doing more of down the line. It also helps for them to see their supervisors doing that same stuff beside them. It teaches you that nothing is beneath you, plus it keeps us from getting too rusty, lol. After all you have to be pretty good at it to teach someone else.
Your very lucky . i have a very controlling boss . if i even say hi to a customer he flips out cussing and starts talking down to me in front of customers. If i could find a helper id be on my own i do most of the work and all the maintenance n clean up plus i have to keep him in supplies and clean as he goes thru out the day while still having to do my half of the job . for every hundred i make he makea 2 ..... Lady u got very LUCKY !
I'm a general contractor at 59 years of age....I do whole house remodels and very hands on kind of guy....watching your videos has made even this old man a better painter...Thank you.
Chris, I'm 66 years old and didn't want someone else painting my house (bids ranged from 3.5K to 6.5K, all were going to thin the paint (even elastomeric). I have 12 security camera around my house; all bidders said I had to take down my system, (out of the question). It has taken me from Feb 25 to May 11th to finish up my two story house. You sir are the kindest and most sincere person I've viewed on U-Tube; your funny and helpful tricks and tips have made it possible for me to paint my whole house, I'm so thankful for a man of your caliber and spirit. Thank you Chris, may God continue to bless you and your family..! The Paint Wife is a cuteeee too...! I haven't added up the bills yet; the airless sprayer was the largest expense, (Titan 840 at 2.2K) all the other necessary supplies for tape, brushes, paint poles and rollers, not to mention the safety equipment I saw on your site. I used Behr Elastomeric 30 gal (best specs of all with a 600% stretch ability) for the body of the house, I used Behr 436 Primer 30 gal over the whole house after pressure washing 3 different times. The old paint just kept falling off the house; no primer I could see below the original paint over stucco. I used 15 gals of Behr Satin Premium Plus Ultra for the trim on the house; another 2 gals on the garage door, thanks to your garage painting video I didn't damage my seals, raised the door as soon as I finished painting the door. All the house prep I did paid off in the end; caulking, sanding concrete caulking, stucco patching, window outside caulking around the stucco. So much more I don't want to bore you with the rest....You know all to well what it take to get Paint Project done correctly with pride of a job well done. (However, the biggest and best feeling I got after completing this house was this; my wife said, Joseph, you've completed a very big project with a most excellent and complete finished result. Those words gladdened my Heart so much..! Again Chris, I couldn't have done this without your instruction and company motto; so great bud, THANKS CHRIS....JOURNEYMAN JOHN, ZACK? AND THE WHOLE TEAM.. YES, THE PAINT WIFE ALSO.
Great job. I realize this video is 4 years old but anytime I need advice or questions about painting, I go to your site. If everybody who owns a business no matter what type of business it is, and had the philosophy and visions for people under you that you do, America would actually succeed full boar regardless of the company and what they offer. Thank you for sharing this! Y,ou're not trying to hide nothing you are happy to see people succeed and not intimidated by neither! Your leadership is top-shelf and does not go unnoticed. Thanks again.
Thanks for this video. I’m not a huge fan of taping myself, but it does have its time and place (especially for spraying). I’ve been using a brush for so long now that it’s good to have a video like this to remind me that I had to learn how to cut a straight line. Now I’m training someone and I think I’m going to follow your example and teach him how to tape well, so he grows faster and produces more, more effectively.
I've always love watching your videos. I always mask off windows and base boards as it's faster and cleaner. I just finished a interior where I masked off all the windows and base boards and it looks good and the owner is happy.
Doesnt it takes days to complete a house to mask windows and trims then gap patch sand then prime it if necessary then finish it off, for 1 person to do that takes a while isnt ?
Tupac Mark it depends on the job site. But usually if you have just one skilled painter with you, prep will take 1-3 days on a residential job. At least in my area (park city Utah)
Great point Chris. I've been using frog tape since it came out, taping off door trim and baseboards are truly a time saver especially when you're doing the whole house or the majority, you can only get straight line for so far before hand fatigue kicks in and your lines start to compromise and lose it accuracy, and I also like the look of a tape line verse a free hand, on baseboards unless I'm paint the base though I can cut in a perfect lines.
Phenomenal video… he’s literally giving us the most effective methods he has found in 18 years and I have learned so much about painting and he has saved me thousands on my rental units. Thanks so much for this great content..
When I started the contractor that I worked for didn’t let me even touch a brush,or roller for a solid year. All I was allowed to do was putty,sand and caulk.
Hello love your video I'm a women painter an I work doing contract painting in residential homes. I do free hand straight lines an have only been paint for a year in total. It was surprising that it's hard to find someone that can free hand. Guess I learn fast lol
I've never understood the "let's make them want to quit" philosophy of the trades for new guys. That might work for the military when you're talking about life or death situations but it doesn't really pan out for the trades. Your philosophy is much more sensible.
I tried to argue this point to an old employer that i was working for at one point. The guy literally he told me that he could cut in a straighter line than my tape lol. Some people just dont understand efficiency i guess. Your videos are great and as a new bussiness owner always inspire me keep em coming Chris.
Ran large companies on east coast and these guys are the best of the best.usually painters get competitive and critical of others these guys are true blue masters.
@Justin Cabe Yeah my dad went from making like 45K a year as a painting employee and now makes north of 150K annually because he gets paid what he is worth now. Although running a business has its share of added expenses that employees don't have to worry about.
ALEX JONEZ absolutely wrong. I went from making 35k to 80k in one year when I started my company. The hard part about being an owner is you have to hustle to find jobs
Cutting in from wall to ceilings is easy without the tape when I do the ceilings to the wall I just work that paint onto top & bottom of corners, I remember when I first tried doing corners using so many methods but ultimately did it free hand not having to use tape at all & the key method is to always make a path of paint 1/2" just below the corners then work it in turns out nice everytime..
Thanks so much for posting these excellent videos. It made me a much more efficient and better painter. I enjoy painting even more now, some call me crazy but I really do enjoy painting.
This is an interesting take. Ive been painting for about 4 years. I always feel like a unskilled painter when i have to use tape, because the other guys are more skilled than i. I will say, my cut in lines are starting to get pretty good on the ceiling, and im getting pretty good at pretty much e ery other skill. It takes a lot more time than people realize!!!!! I dont know if ill ever be as good as the guys with 20 years experience, but i just try to do my best every day. Thanks for reminding me its ok to use tape. The job cant wait for my skills. We still have to turn work out.
Chris Thanks for sharing this information. I recently had a situation where I was hand cutting the base. Even though it probably would have passed I was not satisfied with the results. I then used Frog tape with a damp cloth and the results were amazing. Knowing that a very established business such as yours is not afraid of using tape is informative. Appreciate all of the effort you put into your instructional videos.
I've learned quite a bit from you on residential spray. I power sanded for 1.5 years before my boss let me pick up a brush. When he did he said to dip, tap, watch the loaded brush, start at a corner, brush a load on, brush into the material, out of the material and back into the material and lift off. He ( Bud Dettman) said you will never be rich as a painter but you can have a comfortable life for yourself and Family. He said to use a dry brush at the edge. My only additional thoughts would be to master one hand then incorporate your non- dominant hand as well. I'm retired after 41 years Union Journeyman. I painted non Union for 17 years before joining. People ask for referrals but my contractor buddies have all retired or passed on.
I been painting for a little over a year, from no experience.....I picked it up pretty quickly....I learned how to cut b4 the first 3 months.....now I'm a foreman and supervising and painting project without my boss
I’m 17 and my dad has had a company and I’ve been around the business and I started young about 5 years on and off in the summer. And when I do cut ins I’m decent at them. But I did learn something from you and I’m thankful. Keep up the good work. #subscribed
Agreed - you'll never get a line as straight as you can by using tape along the tops of baseboards and around door/window frames. Your attitude towards your employees is fantastic and on-point. Many of us older guys were brought up through the trade having been belittled and undermined, but persevered. I've always made it a personal rule never to treat someone that I was teaching/helping in the same manner in which I was groomed. Kindness, encouragement and reassurance (not to mention acknowledgement of their effort) is the best way to impart education and bring those individuals up to speed, quickly. Well done, sir.
I wish u were my boss seriously , im a painter myself and i had to teach myself because they would have me sanding never let me pick up a brush or a roller and i always practice at home after work and now i teach my little siblings even my older ones but man your a cool dude really wish i can replace my boss with you lol
I paint on my own side gigs but as a prep guy for the new team i just joined your videos boost my confidence from "just another day😒"-- to "Another Day!!!💪😏🎨💵
Hi Chris! Yes, taping is a must for learning the craft. Learn the tape , the line , the pressures in the fingers, how tape acts in different conditions/surfaces especially when moving to exterior painting. Here's something to add, when casings are painted semi or gloss) cut free hand (make sure you come to the line you want almost dry, so not too much excess paint hits the casing, if any). Then with a damp rag tight on the index finger or wrapped against the edge of a 5n1,, run along the casing edge to wipe any paint that tagged, giving you back a straight edge. Of coarse you now have to wash a rag but you also didn't use any tape / labour applying tape. The learning curve is a lot sharper for an apprentice to get to cutting straighter. When taping, 2 inch tape is used and we roll to the tape (almost dry) and we don't need to cut, except in those special areas. Thanks Team !.
You are a smart man...... Your theory will apply to any trade..... Your training idea keeps someone engaged and begins to build confidence in their work and that is how someone will find their "spot" and helps sustain your business..... This is probably a top 5 video for you and I wonder what Mike Rowe would have to say about it.....
Thankyou Chris. I appreciate your time and effort to show your skills. I had a few painting contractors do small jobs to see what their skill level is. It is shocking their finished results. So, to get the results I'm looking for, I'm doing it all myself, and I'm 64.
I enjoy painting. The prep is tedious and thats what makes my finished work AWESOME! I take pride in each wall and every inch . my issue is finding a helper that will work but not steal... I could take on soo much more work if i could find just 1 person who would do Manuel labor AND not steal ??? Crazy Its just so easy and as u say FUN
I used to hate painting because when I started my boss made me sand for months, but with in time some property management people started asking me to help them paint and I watched your videos to learn (since I don’t learn from my previous boss) and I’m just lucky because as soon as I tried cutting straight lines it only took me painting a baseman to be able to cut straight lines. I’m just really good with my hands, and I am thankful for this gift because know seeing you talk about painting I can see not everybody can do it.
Honestly it all depends on the situation. Some trim is far harder to tape then others. Honestly by the time it takes someone to tape and then caulk and paint then peel the tape, I would have already cut in. Sometimes tape provides a better finish no doubt, like on accent wall, etc..
I agree with you mate it takes years to perfect brush skills.... cutting in I've being doing it for 13years now I love to experience it in the state to do painting
I appreciate your vids and have learned a lot. I have a new house with a nice paint job and don’t want to mess it up! I haven’t tried the tape and caulk method… yet. But frog tape is great and I have to make sure the edge is pressed down completely and my line is nice. I also use it on the ceiling. I’m just painting a room here or there in my house so I’m not wedded to the concept that I’m more of a man if I cut in without tape. I’m a business owner too and I like all the things you said and your philosophy. For the guy who makes his new guys sand for months on end first, this whole old school attitude of “you’re going to suffer and do crap jobs for months just like I had to!” needs to go. I’ll bet that guy sits around and complains that he can’t get good help. I guarantee you that the business owners who have adjusted their approach away from making their new employees pay the price for how the employer was treated when he was young have better staff and more stability. Get the chip off your shoulder and mentor these kids! And to clarify, that’s not the approach of Chris, which is why I’m sure he has fewer issues.
I love what you bring to the trade by sharing all your years of knowledge with us i am new to the trade and have already learned numerous things from your videos that has benefited me greatly so thank you and i appreciate you
I tried painting for a summer job. Started off prepping, mostly filling holes but some painting too. It even paid alright, the problem is it was so boring. At the end of the work day I told the boss thanks but no thanks and the workday was on me.
A lot of the kids always want to spray as soon as you get higher though I remember my first job I pressure washed for a year before I even got to mask and prep I was excited when I finally got the brush and roll super excited years later when I finally got to spray. I can cut a pretty good straight line but not as good as a taped line. 30 years later with my own company.
This guys is fuckin great! He shares knowledge for FREE and that is why he is so successful. God bless..... P.S. I like to mask ceilings when the corners are not even or straight. It "straightens" the ceiling and makes the lines very crisp and straight. Very good system. You spend a little more but the results speak for themselves.
Great point on your hiring practices. I think it’s true that getting new people painting as quickly as possible will help maintain their interest as opposed to having them sand walls or patching etc. for 6 months. Prep is very important, but it’s so true; everyone wants to paint right off the bat, but so much more is involved in achieving great results which takes time to learn...a long time. Maybe it’s your teaching skills that are just as valuable or more so in making your company so successful and keeping people around and in good spirits. Good teachers in any field make all the difference. Great advice!
For me, after painting for about 3 years now (I'm 18), I'm able to cut in mostly straight lines. I just use a rag and a five in one to make straight lines, and that works really great, and doesn't take as long as masking a door or window.
Main thing for good cut in is well prepared corners, if there is all debris sitting there your brush hair will flow on it like ship on the ocean. Professionals never use masking tape, except a little.
I was a gc in Hawaii for over 20 years. Never had a problem finding quality workers. Start them at 25/hr pushing a broom. If they can read a measure to the 16th, $35hr. I Always let them know, the more they learn, the more valuable they become and the company makes more money because of their new skills. So if a worker learns quickly and becomes more diverse, they will make more and advance quicker than someone who isnt interested in learning more of the trade. They always strive after understanding that simple, obvious rule. All the years I've worked, I've only had 1 worker that I had to lay off.
Great attitude, great videos. You’ve now inspired me to take on an apprentice. Still have a few years before retirement, maybe I can pass on a little of what I do for people to someone new. Thanks.
Encouraging to listen to this video being a skilled labourer myself that can cut in by hand and fast. I take on private work but never more technical painting like outside windows, stuff like that. I always been scared off approaching professional painters for work as I didn't serve an official apprenticeship. Might reconsider now!
I hate I’m not in you guys area man I’ve been painting for fifteen plus years I’m very detailed oriented and I just love it and doing cut ins and caulking are my favorite two things to do when I first started it I was a natural at cutting in
What's up fellow painter. Good video,and I appreciate all the hard work you do and sharing that with us. I liked the video and understand where your coming from in trying to get guys to like what they do. In any trade I believe you have to teach the guys from the ground up. In painting, it starts with the prep. That is the foundation on which you lay everything else. Then you build upon that foundation with the rest of the trade. My only thing that I didnt like is if your going to teach someone how to use a brush in cutting in a window, you gotta teach them right man! Have him work along side your journey and teach him to sling that paint!😎 I like showing whoever I'm working with things that help him be better and I like learning from others. It makes the job get done faster and someone gets to learn and have a trade to help support his family.
But there is difinently a time and place to either cut by hand or use tape. That's your call,amen. Maybe if you land some apartments you can have them do cuts by hand all day long with no tape and a journey man giving him tips.
I watch all of your vids and i see how u treat your guys i think its awesome! Getting trained to be a pro painter by you would be an honor! I would love to paint for you in your business!
Chris, 5 years to master cutting in ceilings with a brush? Any alternative for the DIY painter? Frog tape the ceiling for the cut in line on the wall? I have the time to do that. Will it work? I am DIY painting my now empty 1700 sq ft ranch style home using S.W. Super Paint flat white on the ceilings (spraying with Graco Magunum XP17) and then rolling walls with different color S.W., have watched your ceiling cut in videos several times, have attempted to execute your strategy and tools exactly, and continue to have an issue drawing a crisp cut line without just touching the ceiling every now and then as I strive for consistent high quality. I call it "cut in ping pong": wall, ceiling, touch up, repeat. I want to cut in the wall only, no paint at all on the ceiling. This is a skill issue no doubt, but I don't have 5 years! Great content across the board. Thank you.
I agree with this video and while people tape different I've yet to see someone do it my way but I tech anyone who asks why I hold the roll different and how it cuts down on the taping time by half.
I just couldn't cut in decent lines with a 2" brush. I found something that works for me. I go to Hobby Lobby and buy a package of artist brushes from 1" - 1 1/2". The bristles on those brushes stick together really well, are really fine, and bend easily. Those small brushes solved my cut in problem.
Am I charging to much in Springfield Missouri per square foot...1.25 and they buy everything tape , caulking, primer and paint? First I power wash everything ...then after it's dry I sand any rough ends...then I caulk the area's needed ...then I mask off entire house windows, doors trim ect. Then I prime home double prime. Then I double spray over prime with a quality base color paint...the a secondary color paint for trim?
Who the heck uses a sanding block for 6 months for training!! That guy won’t keep anyone! You will get all his guys! The way you approach is old school which is great. Good information!
I use my tape around the inside of the window where the sill is, around skirtings and that's it, I cut in around my doors, ceiling cut ins and accent walls no problem, I use frog tape and Fleetwood washi tape
The 6 months sanding thing is definitely an old school guys mentality. I understand it and in the long term it makes for better journeyman painters but kids now days are never going to stick around for that. Be interesting to know what that guys employee turnover rate is. I’m not really a big fan of taping off if we don’t have to but your reasoning definitely makes sense for young apprentices.
The first four letters in painting spell Pain! I been a painter for over 20 years. my fingers are destroyed from prolonged cutting for long periods of time. The reason you can't find good help is because you don't pay enough.. Painting is fun when you just show up and start cutting...but sanding , breathing oil based paints,spraying in confined spaces for hours, working in the sun painting Facia sucks..
When I train a new employee, I try to tell them not to put a lot of thought into painting a straight line. It takes time and technique. Something you have to teach yourself basically.
No shortage of painters, just a shortage of earnings flow through. But that's always been the discussion during business planning. The solution is constant innovation, of course.
Because I hate cutting, I mask and use a 12 inch taping knife as a straight edge for the ceiling line. Been using this method for 28 years. I give those who are good at cutting props though. You need good patience and practice for that. And I think my Journeyman colleagues have a greater feeling of pride in cutting. To each their own, as long as they're happy and the job gets done. Murica
It doesn’t have to BE straight, it just has to LOOK straight! With difficult colors like deep red, ROLL along the tape, cut in only when necessary. Join the crew for lunch... tell wild stories!
Hey Chris. Thanks for your tips. Odd question. Are any of your skilled painters left handed? I’m left handed. With that being the case would doing cut-ins or any other painting method be any different from the way you demonstrate?
No it wouldn't be any different just bc you are left handed. It's all the same. The only difference you may see and this is just a preference thing is where you may start your cut in and or which direction you go in. Most right handed painters tend to work right to left and vice versa for left handed ppl start left to right but at the end of the day it's whatever you are most comfortable with. I've see left handed painters paint exactly like right handed painters. The masking will be the same too however you go about masking around windows and doors and baseboards the outcome is all the same. Hope that helps answer your question!
I believe there is a time and place for taping, but how can someone learn to cut in when they have to keep taping. Use a brush straight away, save time, and improve your skill. Cool man.
I am having trouble with when I paint, after the paint has dried, it looks rough in certain areas, almost like its been sanded. I've tried changing the primer from oil based primer to water based and then when I paint, it stills looks like it has been sanded. Do you have any suggestions as to what I might be doing wrong?
Theres never a labor shortage. Theres a pay shortage. pay 30 an hour, youll find plenty of labor. Pay 10 bucks an hour, you wont find anyone. Housing prices go up, people need more money to survive. Its that simple
Hey I'm your guy I have worked beside many guys that can spray and roll but an not cut in good and fast enough lol I tell people this is my craft I know how that paint is supposed to feel on that brush you have I perfected this when I was a teen I can cut in a room and tou would swear someone used tape I would love to work for you man how much do you pay or is it based on experience? Great video. Man!!
After they tape the trim to paint the wall.. they have to make a straight line on the trim return to the wall, as it has to be a straight line? Just curious
Sad thing is I can cut a good straight line without tape along ceilings base and trim. But my boss is adamant on taping everything. Mask mask mask, and when you're done... mask. So slow in most cases.
Is there a video where you show us the actual method of painting with tape? Like how does painting with tape make you better faster than doing it without tape?
I went to university to study law, spent 4 years in the police then 8 years in property management. Retrained as a painter and decorator and now I can finally say I’ve found my calling. Call me sad but I f**king love being a painter / decorator!
pongo kind of on the same train as you, worked as a painter through college, got my degree, but stuck to painting because I realized I didn’t want to work at a desk for the rest of my life, now I’m not in debt and I love being a painter.
Ellipsism
Amen to that brother of the brush! Do something where you can see the fruits of your labour.
Similar situation here. Trained and worked as a pharmacist for 11 years. But always improved home renovations and paining. Now I’m a rental property owner\pending enthusiast and I do all my own paining on our rental properties. No I specially love spraying paint as well and have a couple of different set ups.
Very inspiring
@@JasonPMartin pp9]⁹90000000⁰009
Mr. Berry, thank you for not with holding knowledge. my boss was the same way. he knew I had a family. he never scared me, abused me, or belittled me. and I believe that is why I LOVE WHAT I DO.
I would ask him permission to do side work and he looked at me funny. like really?
then this man would tell me come by the house, get what you need.
YOU HAVE THE SAME TEMPERAMENT.
many years later (he helped me get my contractors license) but we had slowed down. he asked me if I wanted to shut my business down and work for him again. This was a test. he said he would pay me $30.00 hourly. without a pause I said , no thank you. things will come around it always does.
And with that my MENTOR SAID, "you are truly a contractor." AND he chuckled.
that was the greatest compliment.
I replied, "Only because of you, I'm just your protege".
Thank you again. for teaching us.
I'm 49 now and I have the same patience with those that want to learn this. what you do is artwork. genuine Art work
Good for you for passing on that same supportive attitude. I find in most lines of work there are far more skilled people than there are good teachers or even those willing to take someone under their wing.
I agree completely with what you and Chris say about the importance of letting the newbie do some fun stuff and get a better variety of the work rather than pigeon-holing them into some remedial grunt work that only makes them unmotivated to stick with it. Everybody's got to pay their dues but we can also spread out the work so the new kid get's a feel for the whole trade and what they will be doing more of down the line. It also helps for them to see their supervisors doing that same stuff beside them. It teaches you that nothing is beneath you, plus it keeps us from getting too rusty, lol. After all you have to be pretty good at it to teach someone else.
Love this story!! 🙏🏾
Your very lucky . i have a very controlling boss . if i even say hi to a customer he flips out cussing and starts talking down to me in front of customers. If i could find a helper id be on my own i do most of the work and all the maintenance n clean up plus i have to keep him in supplies and clean as he goes thru out the day while still having to do my half of the job . for every hundred i make he makea 2 ..... Lady u got very LUCKY !
I'm a general contractor at 59 years of age....I do whole house remodels and very hands on kind of guy....watching your videos has made even this old man a better painter...Thank you.
Chris, I'm 66 years old and didn't want someone else painting my house (bids ranged from 3.5K to 6.5K, all were going to thin the paint (even elastomeric). I have 12 security camera around my house; all bidders said I had to take down my system, (out of the question).
It has taken me from Feb 25 to May 11th to finish up my two story house. You sir are the kindest and most sincere person I've viewed on U-Tube; your funny and helpful tricks and tips have made it possible for me to paint my whole house, I'm so thankful for a man of your caliber and spirit.
Thank you Chris, may God continue to bless you and your family..! The Paint Wife is a cuteeee too...! I haven't added up the bills yet; the airless sprayer was the largest expense, (Titan 840 at 2.2K) all the other necessary supplies for tape, brushes, paint poles and rollers, not to mention the safety equipment I saw on your site. I used Behr Elastomeric 30 gal (best specs of all with a 600% stretch ability) for the body of the house, I used Behr 436 Primer 30 gal over the whole house after pressure washing 3 different times. The old paint just kept falling off the house; no primer I could see below the original paint over stucco. I used 15 gals of Behr Satin Premium Plus Ultra for the trim on the house; another 2 gals on the garage door, thanks to your garage painting video I didn't damage my seals, raised the door as soon as I finished painting the door. All the house prep I did paid off in the end; caulking, sanding concrete caulking, stucco patching, window outside caulking around the stucco. So much more I don't want to bore you with the rest....You know all to well what it take to get Paint Project done correctly with pride of a job well done.
(However, the biggest and best feeling I got after completing this house was this; my wife said, Joseph, you've completed a very big project with a most excellent and complete finished result. Those words gladdened my Heart so much..! Again Chris, I couldn't have done this without your instruction and company motto; so great bud, THANKS CHRIS....JOURNEYMAN JOHN, ZACK? AND THE WHOLE TEAM.. YES, THE PAINT WIFE ALSO.
Thank you so much for sharing your story ! This is why we do what we do!
Thank you for being you...!
That is a tremendous amount of work to do by yourself! Good job!
I’m a pretty good painter and I still mask my base and case because the line is much crisper . I even use it as a selling point for jobs.
It’s also much faster !
Great job. I realize this video is 4 years old but anytime I need advice or questions about painting, I go to your site. If everybody who owns a business no matter what type of business it is, and had the philosophy and visions for people under you that you do, America would actually succeed full boar regardless of the company and what they offer. Thank you for sharing this! Y,ou're not trying to hide nothing you are happy to see people succeed and not intimidated by neither! Your leadership is top-shelf and does not go unnoticed. Thanks again.
Thanks for this video. I’m not a huge fan of taping myself, but it does have its time and place (especially for spraying). I’ve been using a brush for so long now that it’s good to have a video like this to remind me that I had to learn how to cut a straight line. Now I’m training someone and I think I’m going to follow your example and teach him how to tape well, so he grows faster and produces more, more effectively.
I've always love watching your videos. I always mask off windows and base boards as it's faster and cleaner. I just finished a interior where I masked off all the windows and base boards and it looks good and the owner is happy.
Doesnt it takes days to complete a house to mask windows and trims then gap patch sand then prime it if necessary then finish it off, for 1 person to do that takes a while isnt ?
Tupac Mark it depends on the job site. But usually if you have just one skilled painter with you, prep will take 1-3 days on a residential job. At least in my area (park city Utah)
@@ifixurproblem thats true you're right mate. Cheers
Great point Chris. I've been using frog tape since it came out, taping off door trim and baseboards are truly a time saver especially when you're doing the whole house or the majority, you can only get straight line for so far before hand fatigue kicks in and your lines start to compromise and lose it accuracy, and I also like the look of a tape line verse a free hand, on baseboards unless I'm paint the base though I can cut in a perfect lines.
Phenomenal video… he’s literally giving us the most effective methods he has found in 18 years and I have learned so much about painting and he has saved me thousands on my rental units. Thanks so much for this great content..
Thanks for sharing James
When I started the contractor that I worked for didn’t let me even touch a brush,or roller for a solid year. All I was allowed to do was putty,sand and caulk.
Hello love your video I'm a women painter an I work doing contract painting in residential homes. I do free hand straight lines an have only been paint for a year in total. It was surprising that it's hard to find someone that can free hand. Guess I learn fast lol
I've never understood the "let's make them want to quit" philosophy of the trades for new guys. That might work for the military when you're talking about life or death situations but it doesn't really pan out for the trades. Your philosophy is much more sensible.
We don’t even do that in the military anymore lol we treat our new soldiers better than new guys in trades in most cases
I tried to argue this point to an old employer that i was working for at one point. The guy literally he told me that he could cut in a straighter line than my tape lol. Some people just dont understand efficiency i guess. Your videos are great and as a new bussiness owner always inspire me keep em coming Chris.
Ran large companies on east coast and these guys are the best of the best.usually painters get competitive and critical of others these guys are true blue masters.
I think a lot of paint companies don’t pay enough money. That’s why there is a shortage of painters.
Salary is based on production. At the end of the day just look what you did for 8 hours and then you’ll see how much you’re worth.
@Justin Cabe Absolutely false. Igor V is on point.
@Justin Cabe true mate.
@Justin Cabe Yeah my dad went from making like 45K a year as a painting employee and now makes north of 150K annually because he gets paid what he is worth now. Although running a business has its share of added expenses that employees don't have to worry about.
ALEX JONEZ absolutely wrong. I went from making 35k to 80k in one year when I started my company. The hard part about being an owner is you have to hustle to find jobs
Cutting in from wall to ceilings is easy without the tape when I do the ceilings to the wall I just work that paint onto top & bottom of corners, I remember when I first tried doing corners using so many methods but ultimately did it free hand not having to use tape at all & the key method is to always make a path of paint 1/2" just below the corners then work it in turns out nice everytime..
Thanks so much for posting these excellent videos. It made me a much more efficient and better painter. I enjoy painting even more now, some call me crazy but I really do enjoy painting.
This is an interesting take. Ive been painting for about 4 years. I always feel like a unskilled painter when i have to use tape, because the other guys are more skilled than i. I will say, my cut in lines are starting to get pretty good on the ceiling, and im getting pretty good at pretty much e ery other skill. It takes a lot more time than people realize!!!!! I dont know if ill ever be as good as the guys with 20 years experience, but i just try to do my best every day. Thanks for reminding me its ok to use tape. The job cant wait for my skills. We still have to turn work out.
Chris
Thanks for sharing this information. I recently had a situation where I was hand cutting the base. Even though it probably would have passed I was not satisfied with the results. I then used Frog tape with a damp cloth and the results were amazing.
Knowing that a very established business such as yours is not afraid of using tape is informative.
Appreciate all of the effort you put into your instructional videos.
I've learned quite a bit from you on residential spray.
I power sanded for 1.5 years before my boss let me pick up a brush. When he did he said to dip, tap, watch the loaded brush, start at a corner, brush a load on, brush into the material, out of the material and back into the material and lift off.
He ( Bud Dettman) said you will never be rich as a painter but you can have a comfortable life for yourself and Family.
He said to use a dry brush at the edge.
My only additional thoughts would be to master one hand then incorporate your non- dominant hand as well.
I'm retired after 41 years Union Journeyman. I painted non Union for 17 years before joining.
People ask for referrals but my contractor buddies have all retired or passed on.
I been painting for a little over a year, from no experience.....I picked it up pretty quickly....I learned how to cut b4 the first 3 months.....now I'm a foreman and supervising and painting project without my boss
I’m 17 and my dad has had a company and I’ve been around the business and I started young about 5 years on and off in the summer. And when I do cut ins I’m decent at them. But I did learn something from you and I’m thankful. Keep up the good work. #subscribed
Agreed - you'll never get a line as straight as you can by using tape along the tops of baseboards and around door/window frames.
Your attitude towards your employees is fantastic and on-point.
Many of us older guys were brought up through the trade having been belittled and undermined, but persevered. I've always made it a personal rule never to treat someone that I was teaching/helping in the same manner in which I was groomed. Kindness, encouragement and reassurance (not to mention acknowledgement of their effort) is the best way to impart education and bring those individuals up to speed, quickly.
Well done, sir.
Thank you so much for sharing and watching!🤙
I wish u were my boss seriously , im a painter myself and i had to teach myself because they would have me sanding never let me pick up a brush or a roller and i always practice at home after work and now i teach my little siblings even my older ones but man your a cool dude really wish i can replace my boss with you lol
I paint on my own side gigs but as a prep guy for the new team i just joined your videos boost my confidence from "just another day😒"-- to "Another Day!!!💪😏🎨💵
Great video and very good point on burning out someone out on the same mundane task day in and out for 6 month- like sanding
Hi Chris! Yes, taping is a must for learning the craft. Learn the tape , the line , the pressures in the fingers, how tape acts in different conditions/surfaces especially when moving to exterior painting.
Here's something to add, when casings are painted semi or gloss) cut free hand (make sure you come to the line you want almost dry, so not too much excess paint hits the casing, if any). Then with a damp rag tight on the index finger or wrapped against the edge of a 5n1,, run along the casing edge to wipe any paint that tagged, giving you back a straight edge. Of coarse you now have to wash a rag but you also didn't use any tape / labour applying tape. The learning curve is a lot sharper for an apprentice to get to cutting straighter. When taping, 2 inch tape is used and we roll to the tape (almost dry) and we don't need to cut, except in those special areas. Thanks Team !.
You're a good man and one he'll of a painter!
You are a smart man...... Your theory will apply to any trade..... Your training idea keeps someone engaged and begins to build confidence in their work and that is how someone will find their "spot" and helps sustain your business..... This is probably a top 5 video for you and I wonder what Mike Rowe would have to say about it.....
Thankyou Chris. I appreciate your time and effort to show your skills. I had a few painting contractors do small jobs to see what their skill level is. It is shocking their finished results. So, to get the results I'm looking for, I'm doing it all myself, and I'm 64.
Hi Chris thanks for all the info and help! I also believe that happy employees make better employees and create a healthy company culture. God bless!
👍
Great tips, I enjoy watching your videos. You guys are the best in the industry.
I enjoy painting. The prep is tedious and thats what makes my finished work AWESOME! I take pride in each wall and every inch . my issue is finding a helper that will work but not steal...
I could take on soo much more work if i could find just 1 person who would do Manuel labor AND not steal ??? Crazy
Its just so easy and as u say FUN
I used to hate painting because when I started my boss made me sand for months, but with in time some property management people started asking me to help them paint and I watched your videos to learn (since I don’t learn from my previous boss) and I’m just lucky because as soon as I tried cutting straight lines it only took me painting a baseman to be able to cut straight lines. I’m just really good with my hands, and I am thankful for this gift because know seeing you talk about painting I can see not everybody can do it.
"I do got some videos." lol. You always keep it entertaining. Happy Mother's Day to your wife.
ANGELIC OUTCRY thank you
Lisa Hayek. My pleasure. You picked a winner.
Honestly it all depends on the situation. Some trim is far harder to tape then others. Honestly by the time it takes someone to tape and then caulk and paint then peel the tape, I would have already cut in. Sometimes tape provides a better finish no doubt, like on accent wall, etc..
You videos are going to help me paint my house I've brought in Australia when I move in September. Fantastic videos
I just use my putty knife and wet rag it helps me draw a straight line but makeing your paint job look good you must do good on your prep work
Nice
I agree with you mate it takes years to perfect brush skills.... cutting in I've being doing it for 13years now I love to experience it in the state to do painting
I would appreciate a video that goes over the when and where of masking, caulking and masking, or just cutting in.
BTW, love your channel.
Great method and great attitude!
I appreciate your vids and have learned a lot. I have a new house with a nice paint job and don’t want to mess it up! I haven’t tried the tape and caulk method… yet. But frog tape is great and I have to make sure the edge is pressed down completely and my line is nice. I also use it on the ceiling. I’m just painting a room here or there in my house so I’m not wedded to the concept that I’m more of a man if I cut in without tape.
I’m a business owner too and I like all the things you said and your philosophy.
For the guy who makes his new guys sand for months on end first, this whole old school attitude of “you’re going to suffer and do crap jobs for months just like I had to!” needs to go. I’ll bet that guy sits around and complains that he can’t get good help. I guarantee you that the business owners who have adjusted their approach away from making their new employees pay the price for how the employer was treated when he was young have better staff and more stability. Get the chip off your shoulder and mentor these kids!
And to clarify, that’s not the approach of Chris, which is why I’m sure he has fewer issues.
Thanks for your thoughts
I love what you bring to the trade by sharing all your years of knowledge with us i am new to the trade and have already learned numerous things from your videos that has benefited me greatly so thank you and i appreciate you
Thank you for sharing and welcome to Paint Life!🤙
I tried painting for a summer job. Started off prepping, mostly filling holes but some painting too. It even paid alright, the problem is it was so boring. At the end of the work day I told the boss thanks but no thanks and the workday was on me.
Thanks for your expertise
A lot of the kids always want to spray as soon as you get higher though I remember my first job I pressure washed for a year before I even got to mask and prep I was excited when I finally got the brush and roll super excited years later when I finally got to spray. I can cut a pretty good straight line but not as good as a taped line. 30 years later with my own company.
This guys is fuckin great! He shares knowledge for FREE and that is why he is so successful. God bless.....
P.S. I like to mask ceilings when the corners are not even or straight. It "straightens" the ceiling and makes the lines very crisp and straight. Very good system. You spend a little more but the results speak for themselves.
Great point on your hiring practices. I think it’s true that getting new people painting as quickly as possible will help maintain their interest as opposed to having them sand walls or patching etc. for 6 months. Prep is very important, but it’s so true; everyone wants to paint right off the bat, but so much more is involved in achieving great results which takes time to learn...a long time. Maybe it’s your teaching skills that are just as valuable or more so in making your company so successful and keeping people around and in good spirits. Good teachers in any field make all the difference. Great advice!
For me, after painting for about 3 years now (I'm 18), I'm able to cut in mostly straight lines. I just use a rag and a five in one to make straight lines, and that works really great, and doesn't take as long as masking a door or window.
Main thing for good cut in is well prepared corners, if there is all debris sitting there your brush hair will flow on it like ship on the ocean. Professionals never use masking tape, except a little.
I was a gc in Hawaii for over 20 years. Never had a problem finding quality workers.
Start them at 25/hr pushing a broom. If they can read a measure to the 16th, $35hr. I Always let them know, the more they learn, the more valuable they become and the company makes more money because of their new skills. So if a worker learns quickly and becomes more diverse, they will make more and advance quicker than someone who isnt interested in learning more of the trade. They always strive after understanding that simple, obvious rule.
All the years I've worked, I've only had 1 worker that I had to lay off.
Great attitude, great videos. You’ve now inspired me to take on an apprentice. Still have a few years before retirement, maybe I can pass on a little of what I do for people to someone new. Thanks.
Encouraging to listen to this video being a skilled labourer myself that can cut in by hand and fast. I take on private work but never more technical painting like outside windows, stuff like that. I always been scared off approaching professional painters for work as I didn't serve an official apprenticeship. Might reconsider now!
I hate I’m not in you guys area man I’ve been painting for fifteen plus years I’m very detailed oriented and I just love it and doing cut ins and caulking are my favorite two things to do when I first started it I was a natural at cutting in
Good job mate, i'm a painter my self good video, and it good to see you giving time to new people in the painting game.
What's up fellow painter. Good video,and I appreciate all the hard work you do and sharing that with us. I liked the video and understand where your coming from in trying to get guys to like what they do. In any trade I believe you have to teach the guys from the ground up. In painting, it starts with the prep. That is the foundation on which you lay everything else. Then you build upon that foundation with the rest of the trade. My only thing that I didnt like is if your going to teach someone how to use a brush in cutting in a window, you gotta teach them right man! Have him work along side your journey and teach him to sling that paint!😎 I like showing whoever I'm working with things that help him be better and I like learning from others. It makes the job get done faster and someone gets to learn and have a trade to help support his family.
But there is difinently a time and place to either cut by hand or use tape. That's your call,amen. Maybe if you land some apartments you can have them do cuts by hand all day long with no tape and a journey man giving him tips.
Super helpful, thank you so much for sharing with us!
I agree 100% Chris... @Lisa hope u have a nice day tomorow.
Frank thank you Frank!
I watch all of your vids and i see how u treat your guys i think its awesome! Getting trained to be a pro painter by you would be an honor! I would love to paint for you in your business!
Great Vid ! I’ve been cutting by hand 🤚🏾 for years ...
I didn't know how to grow and now I'm getting out after starting my business 2 years ago! (painting for over 10)
Paint Pros Colorado congrats!
Chris, 5 years to master cutting in ceilings with a brush? Any alternative for the DIY painter? Frog tape the ceiling for the cut in line on the wall? I have the time to do that. Will it work?
I am DIY painting my now empty 1700 sq ft ranch style home using S.W. Super Paint flat white on the ceilings (spraying with Graco Magunum XP17) and then rolling walls with different color S.W., have watched your ceiling cut in videos several times, have attempted to execute your strategy and tools exactly, and continue to have an issue drawing a crisp cut line without just touching the ceiling every now and then as I strive for consistent high quality. I call it "cut in ping pong": wall, ceiling, touch up, repeat. I want to cut in the wall only, no paint at all on the ceiling. This is a skill issue no doubt, but I don't have 5 years! Great content across the board. Thank you.
I have a video explaining this
It take me one week to cut ceiling and i learn it all by my self my hand don’t shake, and my lines are straight like horizon !!
Wish I had a boss like you man.
I agree with this video and while people tape different I've yet to see someone do it my way but I tech anyone who asks why I hold the roll different and how it cuts down on the taping time by half.
I just couldn't cut in decent lines with a 2" brush. I found something that works for me. I go to Hobby Lobby and buy a package of artist brushes from 1" - 1 1/2". The bristles on those brushes stick together really well, are really fine, and bend easily. Those small brushes solved my cut in problem.
I always used 3" or 3.5" brushes. The longer brush acts as a straight edge and I can cover more area faster.
I have always painted better with an ultra stuff brush myself. 2.5 inch flat bristled, ultra stiff.
Thank you for all your videos 🙏
Am I charging to much in Springfield Missouri per square foot...1.25 and they buy everything tape , caulking, primer and paint? First I power wash everything ...then after it's dry I sand any rough ends...then I caulk the area's needed ...then I mask off entire house windows, doors trim ect. Then I prime home double prime. Then I double spray over prime with a quality base color paint...the a secondary color paint for trim?
Who the heck uses a sanding block for 6 months for training!! That guy won’t keep anyone! You will get all his guys! The way you approach is old school which is great. Good information!
I use my tape around the inside of the window where the sill is, around skirtings and that's it, I cut in around my doors, ceiling cut ins and accent walls no problem, I use frog tape and Fleetwood washi tape
should i take off masking tape every coat or should i keep it on until the very last coat?
The 6 months sanding thing is definitely an old school guys mentality. I understand it and in the long term it makes for better journeyman painters but kids now days are never going to stick around for that. Be interesting to know what that guys employee turnover rate is. I’m not really a big fan of taping off if we don’t have to but your reasoning definitely makes sense for young apprentices.
great video, I look forward to learning more about this method, I am new and my cut ins are severely lacking... :)
Hey was just thinking about this because I don’t work in painting field full time but is John still with you? Man I hope so. Keep up the good work!
Yes, I just posted a video today with him!
Paint Life TV Nice! Thanks for all your tips it’s even good for us 57 y/o painter wanna bees
The first four letters in painting spell Pain!
I been a painter for over 20 years. my fingers are destroyed from prolonged cutting for long periods of time.
The reason you can't find good help is because you don't pay enough..
Painting is fun when you just show up and start cutting...but sanding , breathing oil based paints,spraying in confined spaces for hours, working in the sun painting Facia sucks..
When I train a new employee, I try to tell them not to put a lot of thought into painting a straight line. It takes time and technique. Something you have to teach yourself basically.
Ur so refreshingly professional! Mwah ;)
Sitting here in my kitchen longing to paint.
No shortage of painters, just a shortage of earnings flow through. But that's always been the discussion during business planning. The solution is constant innovation, of course.
Because I hate cutting, I mask and use a 12 inch taping knife as a straight edge for the ceiling line. Been using this method for 28 years.
I give those who are good at cutting props though. You need good patience and practice for that. And I think my Journeyman colleagues have a greater feeling of pride in cutting.
To each their own, as long as they're happy and the job gets done. Murica
Why using a taping knife when you masked?
It doesn’t have to BE straight, it just has to LOOK straight!
With difficult colors like deep red, ROLL along the tape, cut in only when necessary.
Join the crew for lunch... tell wild stories!
I would freehand the base but i like being able to roll the wall without needing to touch up the baseboards so i tape it up
Chris, how come you use a angle sash and not a wall brush ?
You tape, caulk, paint then roll then remove the tape. Do the cuts only get 1 coat?
To get a straight line when cutting in is it necessarily to caulk the ceiling first if the walls are textured ?
Hey Chris. Thanks for your tips. Odd question. Are any of your skilled painters left handed? I’m left handed. With that being the case would doing cut-ins or any other painting method be any different from the way you demonstrate?
No it wouldn't be any different just bc you are left handed. It's all the same. The only difference you may see and this is just a preference thing is where you may start your cut in and or which direction you go in. Most right handed painters tend to work right to left and vice versa for left handed ppl start left to right but at the end of the day it's whatever you are most comfortable with. I've see left handed painters paint exactly like right handed painters. The masking will be the same too however you go about masking around windows and doors and baseboards the outcome is all the same. Hope that helps answer your question!
Have you tried the penny trick .you get a penny and put in in a ceiling corner and make a line and you just paint over that line or right next to it .
I believe there is a time and place for taping, but how can someone learn to cut in when they have to keep taping. Use a brush straight away, save time, and improve your skill. Cool man.
Love your videos bro !
I am having trouble with when I paint, after the paint has dried, it
looks rough in certain areas, almost like its been sanded. I've tried
changing the primer from oil based primer to water based and then when I
paint, it stills looks like it has been sanded. Do you have any
suggestions as to what I might be doing wrong?
I enjoy your video
Theres never a labor shortage. Theres a pay shortage.
pay 30 an hour, youll find plenty of labor.
Pay 10 bucks an hour, you wont find anyone.
Housing prices go up, people need more money to survive. Its that simple
Well Said Brother !!!
Hey I'm your guy I have worked beside many guys that can spray and roll but an not cut in good and fast enough lol I tell people this is my craft I know how that paint is supposed to feel on that brush you have I perfected this when I was a teen I can cut in a room and tou would swear someone used tape I would love to work for you man how much do you pay or is it based on experience? Great video. Man!!
After they tape the trim to paint the wall.. they have to make a straight line on the trim return to the wall, as it has to be a straight line? Just curious
🤔
Sad thing is I can cut a good straight line without tape along ceilings base and trim. But my boss is adamant on taping everything. Mask mask mask, and when you're done... mask. So slow in most cases.
Do you remask for the second coat? PLEASE HELP!
Is there a video where you show us the actual method of painting with tape? Like how does painting with tape make you better faster than doing it without tape?
I have several
I would love to meet you man pls come to Washington!!!
Will do
100% agree with you