Three quotes, three different totals, three different vocabularies. Here's a line-by-line way to compare them, and the questions that separate an installer from a sales territory.
Ask each bidder to list, in writing: the prep method, whether they moisture-test, the base coat product, the flake coverage, the topcoat product, the finished thickness in mils, the schedule, and the warranty terms. Put them in a table. The cheapest total is usually missing a row.
| Line item | What a good answer looks like | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
| Prep | Diamond grinding, dust-controlled | Acid etch, pressure wash, 'clean and prime' |
| Moisture | Tested; vapor-barrier primer if needed | Not mentioned |
| Base coat | Polyurea or 100%-solids epoxy | Water-based, 'industrial paint' |
| Flake | Full broadcast to rejection | 'Light,' 'partial,' 'decorative' |
| Topcoat | Aliphatic polyaspartic, UV-stable, anti-slip | Epoxy clear, urethane, unnamed |
| Thickness | 25+ mils finished | Not stated or under 15 |
| Warranty | Written terms including exclusions | 'Lifetime!' with no document |
| Who installs | Employees, named crew lead | Subcontractors, territory changes hands |
Every SwiftHand quote answers every row above in writing. We're the coatings arm of SwiftHand Painting — an owner-run Salt Lake company, not a territory — and Spencer Heyward signs the guarantee personally. Get a written quote in five minutes and put it in your table.
Only if the layers match. A low bid that skips grinding or the topcoat costs more within three years.
The terms matter more than the length. Read what's excluded and who's obligated to honor it.
Not inherently — some are excellent. The risk is that a territory changes hands and the warranty walks out the door with it. Ask who's been here and who'll be here.
Answer a few questions about the space — size, condition, the finish you like — and our instant quote tool builds a written price on the spot. It takes four to five minutes, not sixty seconds, because an accurate number beats a fast one. Prefer a person? Book a free consultation and we'll measure in person.
Get an instant online price in a few minutes, or book a free in-person consultation. No pressure, no sleazy sales pitch — just a written price.
