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You can calculate a painting charge by starting with the square footage of the area you painted. If you painted one room that’s 11x32 feet (132 square feet), charging $5 per square foot would get you $660 in labor costs (132x5). You may also choose to charge extra for intricate work (such as baseboards or crown molding) or painting jobs done in complex locations. Then, you’ll need to charge for the materials used, including primer and paint, and tools like brushes, drop cloths, and ladders.  

Although most contractors, like painters, earn an hourly rate and do not expect tips, you can still tip if you’re satisfied with the job and feel that the painters went above and beyond. Tipping about $20 to $50 per worker can go a long way in showing your appreciation for a job well done. However, check with the contractor beforehand to confirm the policy on tipping, as some companies do not allow employees to accept tips.

There are times when you should remove all exterior paint before repainting. This includes when you need to get rid of lead-based paint (which should be done by a pro), or if you need to apply a different finish than what’s already there. Your house may also have too many pre-existing layers of old paint, in which case you’ll be better off getting rid of the old layers first.

Metal is finicky, particularly when exposed to the elements. In other words, you should always prime your metal garage door before laying down paint. Primer not only helps the paint stick to the metal, but it also prevents rust from bleeding through. If you already have some rust and want to avoid it peeking out, cover the spots with a zinc chromate primer.