[.ca] Painter's Handbook (ISBN 0934041288)

The first review is my honor.:
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.