Painter's Handbook [Paperback]

William McElroy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 11, 1987

Loaded with how-to information you'll use every day to get professional results on any painting job:

the best way to prepare a surface for painting or repainting;
selecting and using the right materials and tools (including airless spray);
tips for repainting kitchens, bathrooms, cabinets, eaves and porches;
how to match and blend colors;
why coatings fail and what to do about it.

Includes how to start a painting business, including the paperwork you'll need to keep. Lists 30 profitable painting specialty jobs that offer you profitable business opportunities. Also includes how to estimate prices, sell yourself, and present bids.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Craftsman Book Co (November 11, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0934041288
• ISBN-13: 978-0934041287
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #173,810 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

William C. McElroy - The author has modified many residential and business properties as well as designed baths,kitchens, homes, duplexes, triplexes and other construction projects. He is recognized as one of the more accurate writers of construction manuals, including the Roof Builder's Handbook, Fences and Retaining Walls, Painter's Handbook, Contractor's forms manual (out of print), and co-author of Electrical Blueprint Reading. His current endeavors include www.SeniorCitizenLocalWeb.com where he offers his manuals on life and travel, which include Becoming a Tour Guide, Washington, D.C. tour guide, Grand Canyon tour guide, Divorce4men only, Pre-marriage considerations, and Scams to Avoid, all written to inform, entertain, and help the reader make intelligent decisions.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The first review is my honor., February 28, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Painter's Handbook (Paperback)

I have had my copy since 2001 when I first went out on my own and it has become a bible for my business and my painting. My friends who are painters also own and swear to this book. This book covers the business from structure to employees and then from estimates, proposals, promotions, and sales. The author doesn't assume you'll be starting off with an office, two crews of eight painters, two pressure washers, and sprayers, a fleet of white vans, and a reserve account of thousands of dollars but he tells you how to get there if that is what you want. The book also offers insights into specialty area's were one might focus exclusively from old house restoration to sign painting to textured ceilings to murals.

The second part of the book is about the craft of painting and covers all the basics from prep to clean up, special equipment, recipes for removing every stain imaginable, and tackling tricky problems. This book doesn't have a lot of glossy pictures but it is well organized and packed with info. This part of the book is an excellent reference and I use it when I am not a hundred percent sure that my way is the absolute best way.

The only problem with this book is that it was written in 1988 and prospective users will have to refigure the financial examples used in this book to fit the present day. The craft section of this book is still practical although there have been a few new trends since 1988 such as faux finishes. But all in all this is the only great book available for the professional and while we could use an updated and expanded version this is the most complete and single source out there as of today.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every single thing you'd need to know, January 3, 2007

By 

Bradley Spencer "The Only Continually Updated... (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Painter's Handbook (Paperback)

Honestly, this book has every single thing you would need to know. Job quoting, how to manage funds, how to paint, how to hire out, how to advertise, how to do pretty much everything. The only thing that is outdated in this book is the prices. Prices rise, and so should your quotes. But this book is an absolutely invaluable resource if you are starting your painting business or are looking to grow your biz and make it more efficient.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Painter's Handbook, March 9, 2006

By 

Jesse Wilks "noumenon" (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Painter's Handbook (Paperback)

This book should be taken out of print. If you have worked as a professional painter for six months to a year you could write a better book than this. Horrible pictures and almost everything is completely out of date including estimating data, product information, and design and color recommendations. You would be better off buying an up to date book on running a general contracting business and asking a very knowledgable paint rep. on what products to use for specific situations.