LT Painting Service, Inc.

After intial contact, we schedule an appointment to review their painting project and provide a free  estimate for the scope of the work. After the furture client reviews the estimate and finds the quote covers all requested details, we will schedule a date for the work to start.

We have been in the painting business for over 45 years.

Each painting project is unique as is our cleints We work up a custome quote for each job.

 Motivated by the desire to do quality paint work and unimpressed by other local paint contractors “way of doing things” Laura and Terry set out to show others what benefit their years of experience could bring to area home owners .

     Laura came from a family of painters  in upstate New York where she was taught the trade by her uncle Vernon Taylor, which allowed her to be personally trained by a man that not only  knew the ins and outs of the painting trade but of the painting business. After years of plying her trade, she moved to Pinellas County, Fl.  Laura  then decided to make the Tampa  her home.

    Terry learned the trade from 3 old time painters in Cincinnati, Ohio, learning from the bottom up, the proper prep and painting of historic homes in Cincinnati. In  the winter months he came to the Clearwater, Fl area to work. Terry then decided to make the Tampa Bay area his home.

      By the time of their meeting in the spring of 1994, they were inspired to bring together the experience of painting houses from upstate New York to Cincinnati, Ohio to form LT Painting Service, Inc. Both being lifelong painters and possessing a combination of 44 years of painting experience they felt uniquely ready to show home owners how their experience could help them protect their most valued possession, their home. Even today, as LT Painting Service celebrates 15 years of business, they carry on the proud traditions taught by the “old timers’, these traditions have helped make this work the rewarding career path they choose so long ago.

     Why not join the LT tradition today and enjoy the confidence of knowing your home is well maintained by a company that enjoys doing the painting as much as you will enjoy the results.

We provide interior and exterior residential and commercial painting services.

A few years ago , we were commissioned to restore the hospitality center in one of the few remaining cigar factories in Ybor City. The J.C. Neman Cigar Factor. We removed all the old paint from the 100 year old orginal bricks and 18" square beams to retore the room to its glory.

Once you’ve decided to contract with someone to do a particular painting and decorating project, how do you go about selecting the right company? Do you make your selection on price, size of company, years in business, or other criteria?

To locate the names of reputable contractors, there are many sources of information. Some of these sources are search engine, friends, relatives, architects and design professionals, and local "quality-oriented" paint supply stores. However, these sources can only give you limited general information. In order to make an educated decision, you need some specific information about any person or firm you are considering hiring.

Always verify whether the contractor is licensed and insured.
Quality contracting firms will be only too happy to provide you with copies of their certificates of insurance. They should provide bonding information (if the job is large enough to require such) and documentation of safety training and compliance programs. Not all states and municipalities require licensing; however business registration with your state and municipality is generally a minimum requirement.

Written Contracts are a Must
Reputable contractors will encourage the use of a written contract. This contract should clearly explain the scope of the work to be performed. It should also cover such items as surfaces to be painted, methods and extent of surface preparation, time schedules for the project, and payment procedures. Knowing the total scope of the work enables you to carefully evaluate the different bids you may receive with the proper information and keep them on a level playing field. The contract serves to protect both you and the contractor.

Invest Time in Verifying References
Obtain a list of references from the prospective contractor. This list should include the contact person, address, and telephone number of the previous client. Follow up on this list with a phone call. Remember, the contractor will not give you a bad reference. Therefore, ask references if they know of any other work this contractor has performed. Be sure to ask whether the contractor and employees treated you professionally and with respect. The references you are interested in should be projects similar in size and scope to yours. Also, some of the projects should be at least a few years old. This will help you gauge the performance of the construction and materials used. If possible, try to see the work that was done.

Discuss any guarantee or warranty programs the contractor may offer. Ask about the manufacturer's warranty on the products to be used on your project. Remember you are looking for long-term durability from the paint job. The use of high-quality products is as important as the selection and performance of the contractor. Verifying references will provide a return on your project investment..

In Closing
Good contractors are very eager for your business. They are also very proud of their craftsmanship. Once you have made your selection, step back and give the professional room to execute the project. You have both done your homework, so give the professional the opportunity to meet and exceed your expectations. Remember, as with anything else in life, you get what you pay for. If you want high quality and reliable service, be willing to pay the price that comes with it.

Here's to your successful painting projects.

Q: How do I figure out how much paint I'll need for my project?
A: There are many factors that will determine the amount of paint that is used in a project, such as the type of surface being covered, the color of the existing surface, and the color of the chosen paint. A general rule is to calculate the square footage of the surfaces to be painted, and divide by the number of square feet that your selected paint indicates it can cover. For best results, take your measurements and paint information to your local paint retailer.

Q: Does it really matter whether I buy the expensive paint or a less expensive one?
A: When it comes to paint, you get what you pay for. More expensive paints have better quality ingredients, and this accounts for the difference in price. By using better ingredients (and higher priced paint), you will generally get better durability, flow, and overall quality. This will help to keep your paint in good condition for a longer time, which saves you time and money in the long run.

Q: What’s the difference between a water-based latex paint and an oil paint? Which should I use?
A: Water-based paints are generally easier to clean up and to use, so they are generally preferred by do-it-yourselfers. High-quality latex paints also have better adhesion and higher resistance to bleaching and fading. However, both types of paint will do an excellent job for everyday use.

Q: What’s the difference between a flat, high gloss, semi-gloss, satin, and eggshell finish?
A: These terms indicate the sheen or gloss level, or degree of light reflectance, of the paint. Basically, these are terms that are used to describe how shiny the paint looks when dry.

• High Gloss
  Where to Use: Kitchen and bathroom walls, kitchen cabinets, banisters and railings, trim, furniture, door jambs, and window sills
  Comments: Great for high-traffic areas because it’s more durable, stain-resistant, and easier to wash. However, the higher the gloss, the more likely surface imperfections will show.
  
  
• Semi-gloss
  Where to use: Kitchen and bathroom walls, hallways, children's rooms, playrooms, doors, woodwork, and trim.
  Comments: More stain-resistant and easier to clean than flat paints. Better than flat for high-traffic areas.
  
  
• Satin or Silk (Range overlaps eggshell and semi-gloss)
  Where to use: Similar characteristics to semi-gloss and eggshell.
  Comments: Similar characteristics to semi-gloss and eggshell.
  
  
• Eggshell
  Where to use: Can be used in place of flat paints on wall surfaces, especially in halls, bathrooms, and playrooms. Can be used in place of semi-gloss paints on trim for a less shiny appearance.
  Comments: It resists stains better than flat paint and gives a more lustrous appearance.
  
  
• Flat or Matte
  Where to use: For general use on walls and ceilings. Hides surface imperfections well.
  Comments: Stain removal can be difficult. Use for uniform, non-reflecting appearance. Best suited for low-traffic areas.

Q: Is lead paint really a concern for me and my family?
A: Yes! Until 1978, lead paint was commonly used in paint on the interiors and exteriors of homes. Today, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates that about 38 million homes in the US still contain some lead paint. When the paint begins to deteriorate it can contaminate a household and cause lead poisoning. Even if the paint in your home is in good condition, remodeling and renovation activities can break down paint and cause the lead to emerge. When working with lead-painted surfaces, it is important to contain any debris and clean thoroughly. People working in those areas should also take precautions to protect themselves from contacting the paint. Personal belongings including furniture should also be protected when working with lead paint. Always alert remodelers and painters if you know your home has lead paint.