Questions About Painting Your Home or Business?
Get clear answers about estimates, prep, interior painting, exterior painting, cabinet painting, communication, warranty coverage and service areas before you start your project.
Search the Painting FAQs
Type a word such as deposit, cedar, furniture, cabinets or warranty.
Scheduling & Estimate FAQs
Understand how to request an estimate, what happens during the appointment and how Empire handles pricing, photos, payment and next steps.
Are painting estimates free?
Yes. Empire Painting provides free estimates for residential and commercial painting projects. You can choose an estimate time online or call the office at (262) 303-6472.
How long does an estimate usually take?
Most estimate appointments take about 45–60 minutes. Smaller, straightforward projects may take less time, while larger homes, detailed exteriors or projects with several areas can take up to 90 minutes so the scope and preparation can be reviewed carefully.
Will I receive pricing during the appointment?
For most projects, Empire Painting reviews pricing on-site so you are not left waiting days for a proposal. Larger, commercial or unusually complex scopes may require additional review before the written estimate is completed.
Can I send photos before scheduling an estimate?
Yes. Photos can help the team understand the size, surfaces and visible problem areas before speaking with you. For many projects, an in-person visit is still the best way to confirm access, preparation needs and the complete scope.
How quickly does Empire Painting respond?
During normal business hours, the team typically responds the same day or by the next business day. Requests submitted after hours are captured so the office can follow up when normal business hours resume.
Do you require a deposit, and when is payment due?
No deposit is required before work begins. Payment is due when the agreed work is complete, giving you an opportunity to review the finished project and complete the final walkthrough first.
What should I have ready for the estimate?
It helps to identify the rooms, exterior elevations, cabinets or surfaces you want included, along with your preferred timing and any known problem areas. Inspiration photos, color ideas and access details are useful but are not required before you schedule.
Painting Service FAQs
Empire Painting helps homeowners and businesses with several types of painting and staining projects throughout Southeast Wisconsin.
What painting services do you offer?
Empire Painting offers exterior house painting, interior painting, cabinet painting, exterior staining, color consultation and commercial painting.
Do you work on both homes and businesses?
Yes. Empire Painting works with homeowners, business owners, property managers and other commercial decision-makers. The estimate process is adjusted to the property, access requirements, schedule and project scope.
Can you help with paint colors and finishes?
Yes. Color guidance is available for interior and exterior projects, including help thinking through how colors relate to lighting, fixed materials, neighboring rooms and the style of the property. Sheen and finish recommendations are reviewed based on the surface and how the space is used.
Do you offer power washing or surface cleaning?
Cleaning or washing may be included when it is an appropriate preparation step. The estimator reviews the condition of the surface and explains whether washing, scraping, sanding, caulking, priming or another preparation method belongs in the written scope.
Can one estimate include more than one type of painting?
Yes. A project can include multiple rooms, exterior surfaces, trim, doors, cabinets or other related areas. Point out everything you are considering so the estimator can organize the scope clearly and help you decide whether to complete it together or in phases.
Preparation and Property Protection FAQs
Preparation is one of the biggest factors in how a finished paint job looks and performs. These answers explain what homeowners should expect before paint is applied.
Why does preparation matter so much?
Paint performs best when it is applied to a clean, sound and properly prepared surface. Depending on the project, preparation may include cleaning, scraping, sanding, patching, caulking, priming, masking and protecting nearby areas.
How do you protect the property while painting?
The protection plan depends on the project. Interior work may require floor, furniture and fixture protection, while exterior work may involve covering windows, hardscapes, landscaping and nearby surfaces that are not being painted.
Are repairs included before painting?
Minor preparation and surface corrections may be included when they are part of the written painting scope. More extensive carpentry, drywall or substrate issues should be identified during the estimate so responsibilities and any additional work are clear before the project begins.
How many coats of paint will my project need?
The number of coats depends on the existing color, new color, surface condition, product, sheen and whether primer is required. The written estimate should explain the intended coating system rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all answer.
Exterior House Painting FAQs
Exterior painting requires the right preparation, coating system and weather conditions for the specific siding, trim and architectural details on your home.
What exterior surfaces do you paint?
Empire Painting works on siding, trim, doors, shutters, garages, columns, exterior wood features and other painted surfaces when their condition is appropriate for coating. The estimator confirms exactly what is included and identifies areas that may need special preparation.
Do you paint cedar siding?
Yes. Cedar often requires careful cleaning and preparation along with an application method that works coating material into the texture of the wood. Back brushing or back rolling may be recommended depending on the condition and selected coating system.
Do you paint aluminum or fiber cement siding?
Yes. Empire Painting has experience with aluminum siding, fiber cement, cedar and other common exterior materials found on Southeast Wisconsin homes. Preparation and primer requirements vary by material and existing finish.
What happens if weather delays the project?
Exterior painting is scheduled around temperature, moisture, rain and other Wisconsin weather conditions. When conditions are not appropriate, the team communicates schedule adjustments rather than risking the quality of the coating.
When should I begin planning exterior painting?
It is smart to begin the estimate and color-selection process before your preferred painting window. Earlier planning gives you more flexibility for scheduling and allows time to address repairs, preparation questions and weather-related changes.
How long should an exterior paint job last?
There is no honest single lifespan for every home. Performance depends on the surface, previous coatings, exposure, moisture, preparation, product selection and maintenance, which is why Empire reviews the actual condition before recommending a scope.
Interior Painting FAQs
A good interior project should protect your home, keep rooms organized and make expectations clear before the crew begins.
What interior areas do you paint?
Empire Painting paints walls, ceilings, trim, doors, bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, hallways, offices and other interior spaces. Whole-home and multi-room projects can be organized into a clear sequence during the estimate.
Do I need to move furniture before painting?
Furniture, access and room preparation are reviewed during the estimate. You may be asked to remove small, fragile or personal items, while the team explains how larger furniture and work areas will be handled for your specific project.
Do you protect floors, furniture and fixtures?
Yes. Interior projects include protection for floors, furniture, fixtures and surrounding areas based on the scope. Masking and coverings are selected to keep unpainted surfaces protected while still allowing the crew to work efficiently.
Can you paint trim, doors and ceilings?
Yes. Empire Painting handles walls, ceilings, baseboards, window and door trim, interior doors and other detailed finish work. These surfaces often require different preparation, products or sheen than the walls.
Can I stay in my home during interior painting?
Often, yes, although it depends on the number of rooms, access, drying time and your household needs. The estimator can help plan the sequence so you understand which rooms will be available and when.
Cabinet Painting FAQs
Cabinet painting is detail-driven work that depends on the condition of the cabinetry, careful preparation and a finish system intended for frequently handled surfaces.
Do you paint kitchen cabinets?
Yes. Empire Painting offers cabinet painting and refinishing for kitchens, bathroom vanities, built-ins and related detailed wood surfaces. The estimate reviews cabinet condition, layout, finish goals and areas that may need repair or special preparation.
Is cabinet painting a good alternative to replacement?
For many homeowners, cabinet painting can create a significant visual update without the cost and disruption of replacing the cabinetry. It is most appropriate when the cabinet boxes and doors are in serviceable condition and the existing layout still works for the household.
What preparation is involved in cabinet painting?
Cabinet preparation commonly includes cleaning, removing contaminants, deglossing or sanding, addressing minor surface defects and applying the appropriate primer and finish system. The exact process depends on the existing coating and cabinet material.
Are cabinet doors and hardware removed?
The handling of doors, drawers and hardware is confirmed during the estimate and project planning. Components may be removed, labeled and finished separately when that approach supports a cleaner and more organized result.
Project Process FAQs
Empire Painting’s process is built around a written scope, office communication, project oversight, clean work habits and a final walkthrough.
Who communicates with me during the job?
The office team is typically a primary point of contact, with support from the estimator, project manager and crew lead depending on the project stage and scope. This structure gives homeowners a clear place to ask questions before, during and after the work.
Is there project-manager oversight?
Yes. Projects receive oversight based on their scope and stage, including site communication and progress review. The amount and timing of site involvement may vary with the size and complexity of the project.
Will the crew communicate progress?
When homeowners are present, the crew lead can explain current progress, access needs and the next work step. Scheduling or scope questions that require office review are routed to the appropriate team member.
What happens at the final walkthrough?
The completed work is reviewed, remaining details are discussed and the team confirms that the agreed scope is complete. Final payment is due after the project is completed rather than before work begins.
How is cleanup handled?
Work areas are organized and cleaned as the project progresses, with final cleanup completed before the walkthrough. The exact cleanup and removal responsibilities should be reflected in the written scope for the project.
Warranty and Service Area FAQs
Review Empire Painting’s payment terms, written warranty approach, Delafield location and primary Southeast Wisconsin service region.
Do you offer a written warranty?
Empire Painting provides a written 3-year workmanship warranty on qualifying painting projects. The proposal explains the coverage that applies to your project, including any surface- or condition-specific limitations.
What areas do you serve?
Empire Painting primarily serves Lake Country, Waukesha County, Greater Milwaukee and surrounding Southeast Wisconsin communities. Most projects are located within roughly an hour of the Delafield office, but the team can confirm your specific address.
Where is Empire Painting located?
Empire Painting is based at 24 Enterprise Road, Unit D in Delafield, Wisconsin. The local office supports scheduling, estimate communication and project coordination.
How do I get started?
Choose a free estimate time online, upload project photos or call (262) 303-6472. For general questions that do not require an appointment, use the Contact page.
Schedule a Painting Estimate
A free estimate is the best way to understand scope, prep, materials, timing and pricing for your specific painting project.
Common Estimate Topics
- ✓ Project scope and surface condition
- ✓ Prep needs and product recommendations
- ✓ Color questions and project timing
- ✓ Written quote and next steps
Find the Right Painting Service
Have questions about a specific type of project? These pages go deeper into Empire Painting’s core services.
Exterior Painting
House painting, siding, trim, doors, shutters and exterior prep for Wisconsin weather.
Interior Painting
Walls, ceilings, trim, doors, bedrooms, living spaces and detailed interior painting.
Cabinet Painting
Kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, built-ins and detailed wood surfaces.
Commercial Painting
Professional painting for local businesses, offices and commercial properties.
Show Us Your Painting Project
Upload photos and tell us what you would like painted. Our local team will review your project and help you take the next step.
Contact Empire Painting
If you do not see your question answered here, reach out and our team can help you decide the best next step for your project.
Empire Painting
- ✓ 24 Enterprise Road, Unit D, Delafield, WI
- ✓ Serving Southeast Wisconsin since 2003
- ✓ No deposit required
- ✓ Pay when complete
- ✓ 3-year written warranty on qualifying projects





