Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Wallpaper, Mural & Painting Questions

Proper Paint & Paper provides the answers to your most often asked questions about bespoke wallpaper purchasing and installations, custom mural installations, and designer painting services for residential homes and commercial properties in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Proper Pant & Paper FAQs

What locations do you typically cover?

We are based in Silver Spring, Maryland. We conduct the majority of our work within a 50-mile radius of Washington DC. This includes: The District, Capitol Hill, Palisades, Bethesda, Potomac, and Chevy Chase. We have a few designers on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and service the Annapolis to Easton corridor as well. We are in Baltimore and its suburbs often for projects.  In Virginia, we are typically Northern Virginia, Great Falls, McLean, Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax.  We also have designer relationships beyond these areas, and have serviced in Middleburg, Warrenton and Cullpeper. Lake Anna is also a frequent destination.

I already have a designer. Will you work with them?

Yes. See the Designer page (LINK) on this website for more information.

Do you Travel for Special Installations? 

Yes, we love going to Miami in the winter and New England in the Summer.  We service NYC routinely. You can always call and ask about unique situations.

What wallpaper products do you typically install?

You can browse our gallery of vendors to get a good idea. We install all designer wall coverings. Our team has installed a significant amount of Schumacher, Cole and Sons, Scalamandre, Quadrill, Farrow and Ball, and Thibaut printed paper. We are familiar and comfortable with hand-trimmed wallpaper products. We have additionally installed many Grass Cloths and Fabrics. We are experienced with most Phillip Jeffries Specialty Fabrics, Printed Grasscloths and Sisals.  We install most paper backed fabrics.  

How quickly can I get wallpaper measuring services?

We’re often able to be there the next day.

Will I get the best price on the wallpaper you have chosen?

Yes. We have direct accounts with a large selection of quality brand vendors and can always match online warehouse prices for direct purchase of high-quality wallpapers.

What mural products do you typically install?

Our history of products have included Gracie, de Gournay, Paul Montgomery, Hermes, Susan Harter, Iksal, Schumacher, and Phillip Jeffries. We are open to new products as well.

What about commissioned murals on canvas?

Yes, we can hang commissioned canvas murals.

Do you perform commercial installations?

Absolutely. We do many corporate and professional offices, physician and dental offices, restaurants and bars, museums, government facilities, embassies, and more.

What paint services and techniques do you offer?

We do true Level-5 interior paint finishes on walls and ceilings.  Sprayed Paint finishes on Wainscoting and Built-ins. Pre-Catalyzed Lacquer on Cabinetry and Furniture.  Fine paints of Europe High Gloss and Satin wall and ceiling finishes.  Fine Paints of Europe  High Gloss Enamel Handrails and Entry Doors. We have a spray booth for Cabinet doors. 

Do you have experience working with VIP’s or in secure facilities?

Yes, we normally work cleanly and quietly, and are familiar with the requirements of VIP’s and maintain discretion and confidentiality about our clients and their homes. We do not share any information about our clients or designers with any other persons or businesses. We anticipate that our designers’ projects will be published, and no photos will ever be taken or posted without express permission. Jim Lackford, company owner, is Homeland Security Vetted, and is experienced in working in secure government facilities. 

What’s your preferred process for new work? 

Talking with you is a great way to get started. Give us a call and we’ll discuss your project and provide details about the process. You can get a high-level overview of our process on the Wallpaper, Mural, and Painting pages of this website. We can usually do take-offs from elevations, plans, or photos you provide. When a meeting or onsite visit is necessary, we can usually schedule it quickly.  We’ll provide a material order and a labor estimate for your review and approval.

Do you provide design consultation and wallpaper direct sales?

Yes. Our on-staff designer will come to your home and measure, make suggestions on products, patterns and colors, order samples and prepare an estimate in one trip.

What about lead times for scheduling?

We can get most projects scheduled with two to four weeks of lead time. Smaller projects and emergencies can usually be accommodated with short notice. For larger, multi-room projects, new construction, and major remodels, we’ll typically need four to six weeks of lead time to ensure a smooth project. 

If you have any additional questions, we’re happy to help. Please visit our Contact page to get started.

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Contact us today to discuss how Proper Paint & Paper can help you with your improvements.