The Zooby Painting Process
What You’ll Wish You Knew Before Hiring a Painter
Most paint jobs fail within two years.
Not because of the paint — because steps were skipped.
Preparation was rushed. Surfaces weren’t sealed. Corners were cut.
You won’t notice on day one.
You’ll see it in month eighteen.
That’s why a bad $3,000 paint job becomes a $10,000 regret.
At Zooby, we do it right the first time — and we show our work.
What You’re Really Paying For
Professional painting is more than color on walls. It’s preparation, protection, and process.
Here’s how time is typically spent on a professional paint job:
70% surface preparation
(cleaning, sanding, patching, caulking, priming, sealing)20% protecting your home
(covering floors, masking, taping trim, moving furniture)10% applying paint
Low bids skip most of this — which leads to drips, peeling, and early failure.
You’re not paying for paint.
You’re paying for the job to be done right.
How We Make Paint Jobs Last
A poor paint job fades, flakes, or peels in two years.
A professional job lasts five to ten.
The difference is preparation and sequence.
Every Zooby paint job includes:
Full surface inspection before painting begins
Repairs and patching as part of the job
Cleaning, sanding, and priming of surfaces
Two full coats with proper drying time
Sealing moisture-prone areas
We follow a documented 43-step means-nothing-gets-skipped process.
If something fails within five years due to workmanship, we fix it.
The 5 Non-Negotiables Every Painter Should Follow
These questions matter more than any quote:
What percentage of time is spent on prep?
If it’s under 60%, corners are being cut.Will you apply two full coats and primer where needed?
One coat isn’t coverage — it’s a shortcut.How do you protect floors, trim, and furniture?
“We’re careful” isn’t a process.Do you seal moisture-prone surfaces?
Bathrooms, kitchens, and exteriors demand more.What happens if something peels or fails in five years?
If there’s no answer, that’s your answer.
Zooby’s 43-Step Painting Process
You don’t need to memorize every step — you just need to know they’re being done.
Surface Preparation (Interior & Exterior)
Initial walk-through with homeowner or site manager
Identify areas of concern and required repairs
Move or cover furniture and belongings
Protect flooring with drop cloths or plastic
Mask windows, doors, hardware, and fixtures
Remove switch plates and outlet covers
Scrape loose or peeling paint
Sand rough or glossy surfaces
Clean surfaces to remove dust, grease, and contaminants
Repair cracks, holes, and surface defects
Caulk gaps in trim and molding
Spot prime repaired areas
Seal water stains and problematic areas
Test adhesion where necessary
Confirm surfaces are clean, dry, and ready for primer
Priming & Sealing
Apply primer to bare wood or patched areas
Use the correct primer for the surface type
Prime new drywall or significant repairs
Allow proper drying time before topcoat
Painting – First Coat
Choose the correct paint for the surface and conditions
Apply first coat using the appropriate method
Cut in edges and corners carefully
Maintain a wet edge
Inspect coverage and consistency
Allow proper drying time
Inspection & Light Repairs
Inspect surfaces under varied lighting
Address missed spots or defects
Lightly sand imperfections
Remove sanding dust
Painting – Final Coat
Apply the second coat with the same care
Re-cut edges for clean lines
Check for uniform coverage
Allow full drying and curing
Cleanup & Final Walkthrough
Remove masking materials
Reinstall plates, covers, and hardware
Touch up edges and corners
Clean floors and work areas
Remove debris and equipment
Walkthrough with customer or manager
Address concerns immediately
Provide a touch-up kit if requested
Review warranty terms and post-project care
Collect final approval and signature
Call. Ask Questions. Protect Your Home.
Zooby Professional Painting
Serving San Antonio for over 20 years