How Much Noise Do Painters Make While Working?

If you work from home, have small children, or just prefer a quiet space, the thought of a noisy painting project might be enough to make you hesitate before hiring a painter. You might picture loud machines, banging against your walls, and an overall disruption to your daily routine. After all, home improvement projects often come with a fair share of noise, from the pounding of hammers to the buzzing of saws.

But is that what you should expect from a painting project? The answer isn’t as simple as “yes” or “no.” Painting is generally one of the quieter home improvement tasks, but certain parts of the process can be noisier than others.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been helping Omaha homeowners with their painting projects since 1996. We specialize in high-quality interior and exterior painting, cabinet refinishing, and deck staining. Over the years, we’ve worked in thousands of homes and have encountered just about every situation when it comes to noise concerns.

We understand that homeowners value peace and quiet, especially in today’s work-from-home culture. That’s why we take great care in minimizing disruptions while still delivering high-quality craftsmanship.

If you’re worried about how noisy your painting project will be, you’re in the right place. This article will walk you through:

• Which parts of a painting project are quiet and which can be noisy
• What causes noise during painting and how long it lasts
• How professional painters can work around your schedule to reduce disruptions
• What you can do to prepare for a quieter experience

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to expect, so you can confidently move forward with your painting project.

What Parts of a Painting Project Are Noisy?

Painting is one of the least disruptive home improvement projects you can undertake. Compared to major renovations, it produces very little noise. However, there are a few steps in the process that can create some sound.

The Quiet Parts of Painting

For most of the project, painting itself is silent aside from occasional conversations between painters and the sound of brushes or rollers against walls, cabinets, or siding. If you’re working in another room, chances are you won’t even notice it’s happening.

When Does Painting Get Noisy?

The most noticeable noise typically comes from:

1. Sanding and Surface Preparation

• Interior Walls & Cabinets: Cabinets need sanding to prepare the surface and smooth out imperfections, electric sanders may be used. These can be noisy, but the process is usually short-lived and can be scheduled around your meeting hours if necessary.
• Decks & Exteriors: Wood surfaces require more extensive sanding, especially if there’s peeling paint or an old stain that needs to be removed. This is where you’ll likely hear power tools like orbital sanders.

2. Repairs and Patching

• Drywall Repairs: If your walls have damage, a painter may need to cut out and replace drywall. This involves saws, drills, and joint compounds, which can produce noise.
• Wood Repairs: For exterior painting or deck refinishing, rotting or damaged wood may need to be replaced, requiring tools like saws and nail guns.

3. Spraying Paint (When Applicable)

• While rolling and brushing are fairly quiet, using a paint sprayer can generate a noticeable buzzing sound. This is mostly common for exterior siding painting and deck staining but can also be used for interior painting and cabinet refinishing

How Long Do the Noisy Parts Last?

Most of the noisy parts of a painting project don’t last long.

• Sanding: A few hours for small surfaces, up to a full day for large projects like decks
• Repairs: Varies depending on damage, but generally only a small portion of the overall project
• Spraying Paint: If used, it’s usually a few days of the project

How Professional Painters Minimize Noise Disruptions

1. Working Around Your Schedule

A good painting company will coordinate with you to minimize noise during critical hours. If you work from home and have important meetings, you can communicate that with your painters so they can schedule the noisier tasks at a different time.

2. Using Low-Noise Equipment

While some power tools are unavoidable, experienced painters use high-quality equipment designed to work efficiently and quietly.

3. Using Manual Techniques When Possible

Instead of power sanders, sometimes hand sanding is an option for small areas. While more labor-intensive, it reduces noise significantly.

How You Can Prepare for a Quieter Painting Experience

If noise is a big concern, there are a few things you can do to make the experience easier:

• Ask About the Timeline: Before the project starts, ask your painting company which parts of the process will be noisy and how long they’ll last.
• Plan for the Noisy Parts: If you work from home, consider scheduling meetings or deep work sessions during quieter parts of the project.
• Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: If you need to concentrate, noise-canceling headphones can make a big difference.
• Relocate if Necessary: If your project involves major sanding or repairs, you might choose to spend that time at a coffee shop, library, or a different part of your home.

Hiring a Painter in Omaha

If you’re considering hiring a painter but are worried about noise, rest assured that most painting projects are much quieter than other home improvements. While sanding, repairs, and spraying can generate some sound, they are temporary and can often be scheduled around your needs.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been serving Omaha homeowners since 1996. We focus on high-quality craftsmanship while respecting your home environment. If noise is a concern for you, we’re happy to discuss your schedule and make adjustments to ensure an experience that is as smooth as possible.

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