Below is a list we have compiled of questions we are asked on a regular basis. If your question isn't listed below, please get in touch and we'll be happy to answer any queries you have.

I'm after a competent Painter and Decorator. How much experience do you have and how long have you been working in this trade?

The founder of MAR Decor, Mark Ravenhill, has many years of experience as a Painting and Decorating Contractor. He holds a Level 1 & Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating and an NVQ Level 2 in Commercial Painting and Decorating. Other team members brought in to assist with projects are also experienced and qualified.

I would like to see some references, do you have any?

Absolutely. We have many happy customers and can provide a number of references on request.

Will you come out to give me a quote?

We are often quite pulled out with work and find it difficult to make house visits so for that reason, we have tried to put as much information on our website as possible as regards to pricing so that you can judge what type of budget you will need for the work. Take a look at our prices page for more information. If you are happy with the costs involved, we can come round to meet you and discuss a start date for the work.

Do you work on your own or as a team?

More often than not, the decorating project is taken care of by both Shaun and Mark. However, during busy times Shaun will take care of one job whilst Mark is on another and if there's a deadline to meet then a selection of other qualified decorators are brought in.

Are you insured?

Full Public Liability Insurance is in place and we are happy to show you our Insurance Certifcates on request for your peace of mind.

I see that you are a Sheffield based business but I'm outside of this area, will you come out to me?

Typically we work in Sheffield or the outskirts but it has been known for us to work all over the UK on big projects.

My lounge carpet is cream and I'm worried that this shade of green may clash?

Practical advice on colour is on hand to make sure you make the right decision when choosing your colour.

We have a particular type of paint in mind for our bathroom, is this a good idea?

We are on hand to give you practical advice on all types of paint available, and where they are best suited.

What are your rates?

All our prices can be found on the prices section of our website. If there's anything your unsure about, just get in touch and we'll be happy to go through it with you.

Is the price inclusive of materials? Are there any hidden charges such as Vat etc.

Work is priced on the area to be painted unless a day rate has been agreed with the customer. We are not VAT registered so no VAT will be added to the final bill. All materials will require payment upfront by the customer and then the labour charge to be settled once the work is complete unless the project is big in which payment in installments throughout the work would be required. Where extras or variations to the main price arise, these will be agreed upon before any extra materials are purchased. If work is located outside of Sheffield then an additional fee to cover the diesel will be charged at 30p per mile round trip from our premises.

We require that our property is secured every day. Are you willing to accept responsibility for this?

We have worked in the domestic and commercial environment for lots of years, thus giving us the knowledge and confidence to look after your property and premises.

Do you provide quotes for insurance work?

Yes. We have many years experience providing quotes for insurance claims. We can provide you with a written quote to present to your insurance company. Unfortunately, it is usually the decision of the insurance company as to which quote they accept. This is usually the cheapest quote as they don't usually take into account the company's reputation, credentials or quality of workmanship.

Will any items of furniture or carpeting be protected while you are working?

Carpets and furniture are protected using clean cotton cloth sheets and/or pvc wrapped. Where specified, extra care is taken with sensitive items and we highly suggest that the customer remove or protect delicate items of property.

We've had a leak and the ceiling has been left with a water stain, can you paint it so that it wont appear in the future?

Yes we can, whether it's on the wall or ceiling, we use a special paint as an undercoat and after applying the finishing coat, the water stain will no longer appear.

Do you clean up after the work is finished?

Absolutely! We take great pride in our decorating work and this distils into how we leave your property as well. We make sure that everything is cleaned up and tidy before we leave. The property is always left in a state we would expect our own homes to be in. As a matter of fact, if you wanted your whole house tidying, we have a team of cleaners that can sort this work out for you too!

What if I am not completely satisfied with the work when it is finished?

It's our priority to make sure a customer is totally happy with the work once it is finished. If something isn't quite right we will do our upmost best to make sure that this is sorted out and the customer is happy.

What is the difference between a flat, high gloss, satin, and eggshell finish?

These terms indicate the sheen or gloss level, or degree or light reflectance, of the paint. Basically, these are terms that are used to describe paint's shininess.

• FINISH
  Where to Use: Kitchen and bathroom walls, kitchen cabinets, banisters and railings, trim, furniture, door jambs and window sills
  Comments: More durable, stain-resistant and easier to wash. However, the higher the gloss, the more likely surface imperfections will be noticed.
• 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 overlapping 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
  What to use: For general use on walls and ceilings. Hides surface imperfections.
  Comments: Stain removal can be difficult. Use for uniform, non-reflecting appearance. Best suited for low-traffic areas.
• MATTE Same characteristics as flat.

How many colour choices do I have?

We use only the finest quality paint finishes and there are thousands of colours for you to choose from.

How long will it take to paint my house?

Not an easy question to answer without seeing the property! Rooms are different sizes and may have different painting and decorating or plastering requirements. The amount of time taken will depend on what services you require i.e. Plastering, painting or hanging wallpaper. We always state the estimated amount of time a job will take when we supply you with a quote for the work. We try very hard to get that timing correct, however, sometimes there are unforeseen circumstances that make a delayed finish to the painting and decorating project inevitable, but we will always update you with the current status of the job.

What does 'Blown Plaster' mean?

This is plaster that doesn't have contact with the wall anymore. It is just managing to 'hang' on the wall. It can be recognised by knocking with your fingers. You will hear a louder and hollower sound from the blown plaster than from healthy plaster. Blown plaster should be knocked out and patched up to make it level with the other wall before it is skimmed.

There's a small patch of mould on the wall in my bathroom. Are you able to treat this?

Absolutely! We will treat your walls with the appropriate mould treatment products and have them looking as good as new.

Picking your Colour Scheme

Choosing the right colour scheme to set the mood is important. The science of colour is called chromatics. It includes the perception of colour by the human eye and brain. Colour plays a vitally important role in the world in which we live. Colour can sway thinking, change actions, and cause reactions. It can irritate or soothe your eyes.

In very general terms:

• Pink – produces a sedative like affect
• Red – is dangerous, exciting and loud
• Orange – simply known as a colour for hazards
• Gold – portrays and enhances Joy and sunny feelings. It is also associated with power and age
• Yellow – is sharp and anxious. It can appear startling and the overuse of yellow can make the viewer uneasy
• Green – appears healthy, natural and secure. It's also a symbol of life
• Sky Blue – is calm, true and honest. It's a symbol of peace, tranquillity and good will
• Dark Blue – is moving, soulful and compassionate