In this episode of the Estimate Rocket Podcast, hosts Kathy and Tom sit down with Mike Kremsreiter, founder of Home Painting Advice — one of the fastest-growing online resources for homeowners and DIYers seeking trusted painting guidance. With more than 25 years in the residential painting industry, Mike has turned his real-world experience into a mission to educate and empower people to paint with confidence.
Known for his practical approach and no-fluff advice, Mike discusses how he built a digital platform that simplifies complex painting decisions, helps homeowners avoid costly mistakes, and supports contractors looking to better communicate with clients. Whether you’re a seasoned painter, a new business owner, or a homeowner with a brush in hand, this episode is packed with insights from one of the most down-to-earth voices in the painting community.
Contact Mike Kremsreiter:
Email: mike@homepaintingadvice.com
Phone: (720) 295-4950
Website: homepaintingadvice.com
YouTube: @HomePaintingAdvice
Instagram: @homepaintingadvice
X : @homepaintadvice
From the Field to YouTube: Mike’s Journey
Mike Kremsreiter didn’t set out to create an online brand — Home Painting Advice started as a side project inspired by his desire to help people get better painting results. As a long-time contractor, he was constantly asked for recommendations and how-tos, so he began sharing his knowledge online. His goal wasn’t to go viral, but to provide the kind of straightforward, problem-solving videos that help people in the moment they need it most — whether it’s choosing the right paint, fixing a mistake, or understanding what to expect from a contractor.
Common DIY Mistakes and the Truth About “One-Coat Paints”
After decades in the field, Mike knows where most homeowners go wrong. The biggest painting pitfalls he sees include:
Skipping preparation — jumping into painting without moving furniture, taping, or creating the right environment.
Not setting aside enough time — underestimating how long prep work takes.
Believing in “one-coat coverage” — a marketing myth that often leads to uneven results.
Mike reminds listeners that good prep is everything: it saves time in the long run and leads to lasting, professional-looking results. He also breaks down the real differences between paint brands and price points — explaining that every manufacturer has both high-end and low-end lines, and the key is matching the product to your project.
Lessons for Contractors: Honesty, Communication, and Growth
For new contractors and business owners, Mike emphasizes two core values: authenticity and communication. He encourages professionals to be transparent with clients — it’s okay to say, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” Clear, timely communication (even if there’s no update yet) builds lasting trust. Kathy and Tom share how this same principle drives success at Estimate Rocket — setting expectations, staying transparent, and using tools like texting to improve communication and efficiency.
Looking ahead, Mike plans to expand his consulting work for small painting businesses, offering one-on-one support for owners who need practical advice without the high price tags of traditional coaching. Through Home Painting Advice and his consulting, Mike continues to give back to the painting community — helping both homeowners and professionals paint smarter, communicate better, and grow with confidence.
Want all the details? Check out the full conversation in the transcript below.
Kathy: Hi everyone, this is Kathy. I am a co-owner here at Estimate Rocket, and I could not be more excited than to introduce you to Mike from Home Painting Advice. Mike is also part of the Estimate Rocket community, so I’m extremely proud of that as well.
But Mike is the trusted voice behind Home Painting Advice — it’s one of the fastest-growing online resources where homeowners and DIYers turn for expert guidance, honest reviews, and no-fluff insights about residential painting.
With over 25 years in the industry — including owning and operating a successful residential painting company — Mike brings real-world experience to every blog post, every video, and every one-on-one consultation he gives. Known for his practical approach, product know-how, and ability to simplify complex decisions, Mike has helped thousands of homeowners elevate their spaces while avoiding costly mistakes.
Today, we’re talking about all kinds of things. Mike blends boots-on-the-ground experience with his digital world to educate and empower a whole new generation of home painters, contractors, and enthusiasts. Whether you’re rolling out your first wall or managing a big crew, Mike is the guy you want in your corner.
So, without further ado, welcome Mike! We are so excited to have you on this podcast and talk about all kinds of fun things.
Mike: Thanks for having me. I’ve very much been looking forward to it — excited to be here.
Kathy: Yeah, we have too! So Mike, we’ve known you for years. You’re part of the Estimate Rocket family. Share your story — how did Home Painting Advice get started? And what inspired you to take that knowledge online?
Mike: Well, Home Painting Advice was kind of just a side project at first. It wasn’t really something I thought would become what I’d be doing next — but it just transitioned naturally into that. I’ve always offered guidance to homeowners, friends, and family. They’d always come to me for paint-related or trade-related questions. So I just wanted to share that knowledge more widely. Putting it out on social media and YouTube felt like the next step to reach more people — not just those who know me locally or in my family.
Tom: Yeah, I have to figure that one out next! I’m a little behind in the YouTube space — it’s an interesting transition. You’ve really caught on to that wave. I mean, who doesn’t use YouTube for everything now? It’s the first place I go before Google if I’m trying to fix something around the house or the car. It’s become such a powerful resource — there are so many people doing great things there.
The other day, I watched this video on sharpening knives properly — it was fascinating! The guide was so clear. It’s just a really neat format.
Mike: Yeah, it really is. If you have a specific problem you’re trying to solve, YouTube is the place to go. The key is figuring out what people are going to search for — that’s what drives the kind of content I make.
It’s rare to make a long-form video that’s just trendy or viral. Mine are meant for people who are looking for specific answers. That’s the type of content I focus on. Of course, I have fun with shorts and shows too, but I want to be there when people have that one burning question.
Kathy: Right! I remember once when we had to remove refrigerator panels before painting them. It was this beautiful fridge, and we didn’t want to paint them in place. I thought, “I know these come off, but how?” A quick YouTube search — this was like eight or nine years ago — showed me exactly how: “Use a piece of tape, pull off this silver panel.” Took five minutes, and it saved the day.
That’s the kind of thing you’re talking about — making people’s lives easier with practical solutions.
Mike: Exactly! That’s what it’s all about — simple, useful guidance.
Tom: Yeah, those are invaluable. I had a relay go out on my furnace once — no air coming through. I found the part number, searched YouTube, and sure enough, someone showed me how to replace it. Saved me $500 on a service call!
You just have to know where to look. If you don’t, it’s so easy to get stuck — or worse, break something.
Kathy: You’d be proud of me, Mike. I’m now a Dyson cleaner warrior! I Googled how to clean one, and it’s genius — so easy to take apart, wash, and put back together. There’s nothing more rewarding than a freshly cleaned Dyson!
Mike: (laughing) If only they lasted longer, right?
Kathy: Yeah — dog hair and dirt are the real test!
Kathy: So Mike, you had a hugely successful painting business, and now you’re educating homeowners. With one-on-one clients, you can only teach so many — but online, you can reach thousands. How did you handle that transition?
Mike: Educating homeowners was always part of my process. During the sales and production stages, I’d explain what was involved step by step. Most homeowners don’t realize what goes into a proper paint job — so that education was natural.
Recording and sharing that online just felt like the next logical step. I wish I had recorded myself years ago answering all those same questions!
Now it’s about helping homeowners decide: Do they do it themselves? How do they pick a contractor? What should they look for in estimates? Those are questions that need clear, honest answers.
Kathy: Right — and with estimates, sometimes the difference is in what’s missing. What haven’t they told me? What’s not quoted? That’s what I’d look for.
Mike: Exactly. It’s about what’s included — and what’s not. I once had a client assume I’d paint his vinyl windows because we were painting all the trim. I hadn’t listed them — and it turned into confusion. Ever since, I specify “no windows unless listed.” You learn that homeowners don’t know what they don’t know — so you have to spell it out.
Kathy: Yeah, and that’s so important. We assume too much.
Mike: Right. We do this every day — they don’t. So communication is key. I always tell small paint business owners: share your process, share your products, explain everything. Most contractors don’t — and that’s where misunderstandings happen.
Tom: My favorite line in a contract is “Excludes anything not specifically listed above.”
Mike: (laughs) Yes! Sometimes the exclusions list is longer than the inclusions.
Kathy: Exactly!
Kathy: So Mike, what would you say are the top three mistakes homeowners make when they’re doing a painting project themselves? I don’t know if there are only three — but you can expand the list if you’d like.
Mike: (laughs) Yeah, it’s hard to limit it to just three, but from a simple standpoint, I’d say the biggest mistake is that homeowners don’t move their belongings. They just jump right in — “Alright, I’m painting!” — and they don’t move furniture or protect their personal stuff.
If a professional painter were coming in, they’d have to move things out of the way, but when homeowners paint themselves, they just dive in.
Another mistake is not setting aside enough time or creating the right environment to paint in. People leave pets running around, kids in the house, and don’t plan where everyone will go. Sometimes you need to call grandma and grandpa and say, “Hey, we’re dropping the kids off for the day.” That kind of planning just doesn’t happen.
And the third thing — they don’t apply enough paint. They think, “Oh, it’s one-coat coverage paint!” and expect it to look great with a single coat. They don’t want to take the extra time for a second coat, but that’s almost always necessary.
Kathy: That’s so interesting — and honestly, those are my weaknesses too. I want to get things done fast! But when I’ve watched professionals, it’s clear that preparing for the project takes longer than the painting itself.
Mike: Absolutely. The prep work is everything. Moving furniture, taping, cleaning — all that takes a lot of time. But if you do the prep right, the actual painting goes faster and smoother. That’s one of the biggest mistakes DIYers make — skipping prep to save time, but it ends up costing them more time later.
Kathy: So true. And while we’re on the subject — is there a paint you can buy that really works in one coat? Or is that just marketing?
Mike: There’s definitely marketing behind it. There are some cases where one coat is possible — for example, if you’re repainting with the same color, same sheen, and same product. But if there’s patching, stains, or color changes involved, you’re going to need two coats.
The whole “paint and primer in one” thing is mostly a myth. There’s a reason primer exists — it serves a different purpose. If you’re painting a flat white ceiling with flat white paint, okay, maybe one coat. But otherwise, you’ll see flashing, uneven coverage, and durability issues.
Kathy: So basically, it’s a little bit of false advertising.
Mike: (laughs) Yeah, a bit. It hits people’s pain point — no one wants to do two coats. But the truth is, that second coat is so much easier and faster. The first coat takes 60–70% of the effort. The second coat flies by.
Tom: Yeah, we helped our kids paint their first house — built in 1900, with horsehair plaster walls. That old plaster just drank up the paint. It was like, “Is this going to take ten coats?”
Mike: (laughs) Yeah, that’s where primer really makes a difference. A lot of people think “paint and primer in one” solves that, but primer has a specific purpose — to seal and prepare surfaces. There’s no substitute for that.
Kathy: Exactly. So, Mike, switching gears a little — what’s your strategy for audience building? I imagine it’s a marketing challenge like any other.
Mike: It is. But for me, it’s not about chasing trends or doing viral dances. (laughs) My approach is: “What projects am I doing that I can share?” Sometimes I’ll have an idea, but I wait until I have the right project to demonstrate it — either something at my house or for a friend.
So it’s not a strict strategy — it’s about sharing information that’s useful and honest. I want people to feel like they can trust the content.
Kathy: That’s great. I think of the PCA — the Painting Contractors Association — they have such great online trainings now.
Mike: Oh yeah, amazing stuff. I wish that existed when I started my business 25 years ago. Back then, you learned everything the hard way. (laughs)
Now I try to share the basics that professionals take for granted — like how to pour paint without making a mess, or how to use a five-gallon bucket properly. It seems small, but those are the things people struggle with when they start out.
Kathy: Exactly. And honestly, those are the best videos — answering questions people didn’t even know they had.
Mike: Yeah! If one friend asks me something, there are probably a thousand others wondering the same thing.
Kathy: So true. I always tell people, “Everything in your brain is valuable content.” You have years of experience, and people doing projects at home are desperate for that knowledge.
Mike: That’s what I’m trying to do — share real, honest content. And I know my way isn’t the only way. There are dozens of valid approaches in painting. You just have to be humble and willing to learn.
Tom: That’s a great attitude.
Mike: I remember years ago, I only used 9-inch rollers in my business — that’s what we did. Then a new employee came in and said, “Why aren’t you using 18-inch rollers? It’s so much faster.” My first reaction was, “No, that’s for commercial jobs.” But I decided to try it — and it changed everything.
That’s the thing: you’ve got to be open to trying new tools and techniques. The guys who say, “I’ve been doing it this way for 30 years,” and refuse to adapt — they miss out on efficiency and progress.
Kathy: That’s such a good point. People get set in their ways.
Mike: Exactly. And it’s not just tools — it’s also software, technology, everything. Change is constant. You have to be willing to test new things, but not all at once. You pace yourself — work changes into your process, train your team, and make sure they understand why.
Tom: Yeah, otherwise it’s overwhelming.
Mike: Exactly. You can’t just flip the switch on a new process overnight.
Kathy: I remember before we used Estimate Rocket, we tried QuickBooks and other systems. Switching was painful at first — it felt slower. But once I fully committed, it saved me hours every week.
Mike: That’s exactly it. It’s like painting prep — takes longer up front, but saves you time in the end.
Kathy: We always say, “Garbage in, garbage out.” If you don’t set it up properly, it won’t work properly.
Mike: (laughs) Exactly. It’s all in the prep.
Kathy: I’ll use that analogy for new contractors onboarding to Estimate Rocket. I love that!
Mike: Perfect.
Kathy: Okay, here’s one of my favorite topics: hardware stores! Most people might say the jewelry store is their favorite, but mine’s the hardware store. I love walking down the wood aisle and smelling the lumber. (laughs) So when I’m in the paint aisle, there are all these different paints — cheap, expensive — what’s the real difference? Is the pricey one worth it?
Mike: Great question. Every paint manufacturer — no matter who they are — makes multiple quality levels. They design products for specific purposes. Some are made for new construction — cheap, easy to touch up, meant to just get color on the wall. Others are high-end, durable, designed for longevity and washability.
So, instead of thinking “Which brand is best?” you should think “What’s my purpose?” Am I painting a rental? My forever home? A high-traffic hallway? That narrows your choices.
Also, the differences in price often come down to raw materials. Higher-end paints use better binders, pigments, and more titanium dioxide — that’s what gives paint its durability and coverage. Cheaper paints use fillers like clay, which makes them less durable.
Kathy: That makes total sense. So it’s not really that one brand is “the best,” it’s about matching the product to your project.
Mike: Exactly. Every brand — Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, Behr — has a full range from cheap to premium. When someone says, “I’ll never use Sherwin-Williams again, I had a bad experience,” I ask what product they used. Nine times out of ten, they just used the wrong one for their situation.
Kathy: And that’s where asking a professional makes a difference.
Mike: Right. Or at least reading the label carefully! It tells you a lot — what it’s meant for, what it’s not. But yeah, a professional can save you a lot of confusion.
Tom: I love that. So, Mike, let’s say someone loves painting their home and decides to turn it into a business. What advice would you give new painting contractors or homeowners moving into the professional side?
Mike: The number one thing: be 100% honest. If you don’t know something, admit it. Homeowners can tell when you’re bluffing. It’s perfectly okay to say, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” That builds trust.
The second thing: over-communicate. Communication is the number-one failure point in the trades. Be upfront, be transparent. Keep your clients updated, even if the update is, “I don’t have an answer yet.”
Kathy: I couldn’t agree more. At Estimate Rocket, everyone is trained to say, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out for you.” That’s honesty and accountability.
And yes — communication! I can’t tell you how many contractors have left a job half-finished without saying when they’ll be back. The next day comes, and they’re at another client’s site, leaving you wondering what’s going on.
Mike: Exactly. A quick text or call — “Hey, I’m running behind, can I come Thursday instead?” — that’s all it takes. But most don’t do it because they hate giving bad news.
Tom: Oh, I was guilty of that early in my career. If I didn’t have good news, I’d avoid calling. I’ve learned that honesty and updates — even bad ones — build more trust than silence ever could.
Mike: Yes, exactly. Even saying “I got your voicemail, I’m working on it, I’ll get back to you Friday” can completely disarm tension.
Kathy: Absolutely. And now with texting in Estimate Rocket, it’s easier than ever. You don’t have to get stuck on a 30-minute phone call — you can shoot off a quick message, stay efficient, and still be communicative.
Mike: Right! And automation makes it even better. You can schedule messages, reminders, follow-ups — it’s a game changer. If you think of something on a Saturday night but don’t want to text your team right then, just schedule it for Monday morning. It keeps things clean and professional.
Kathy: One of the things I wanted to ask you, Mike — are there any new tools that have come into the industry recently that make things easier or cleaner? Maybe something you can’t live without anymore?
Mike: There’s always some new gadget or innovation popping up. But honestly, as a professional, not much has drastically changed. You’ll see updated roller naps, sprayers, or sanders — things like that.
The biggest advances are in dustless technology and prep systems — things like Festool or SurfPrep sanders that keep everything cleaner and healthier. Storage systems have gotten better too. But one tool I really like — and I don’t see it mentioned much anymore — is from a company called Kovrd (K-O-V-R-D). They make a covered, hard-plastic zip-up bag that keeps your paint trays, rollers, or brushes fresh for days — even weeks.
Out here in Colorado, the air is so dry that paint dries super fast. So that bag is a lifesaver. I can zip everything up, kick on a fan, and come back later with everything still wet and usable.
Kathy: Wow, that’s amazing!
Mike: Yeah — little stuff like that makes a big difference. Another favorite is a product from Valley Products — the VIP Clip. It’s this simple orange clip that screws into the end of your roller frame and keeps your roller from sinking into the paint tray when you’re not using it.
Those are small things, but they save mess and time.
Tom: That’s genius.
Mike: (laughing) Yeah, and I do simple things like using small picture hanger hooks — the little “C” hooks — on my brushes so they can hang off the edge of the paint can instead of falling in.
Kathy: (laughing) Oh, that’s a great idea!
Mike: I’m the type of painter who hates paint on my hands and clothes. When I train new painters, I tell them, “This thing here is called a rag. Keep it in your back pocket and use it — don’t just wipe paint on yourself!”
Kathy: (laughs) I think I’d be a little of both!
So Mike, let’s focus on you now. Looking ahead — what’s next? Anything you’re planning or changing over the next year or two?
Mike: Yeah, so I’ll definitely keep going with Home Painting Advice — continuing to create DIY content and share information online. But I’m also doing more consulting for small businesses, especially paint contractors.
There are lots of coaches and consultants out there, but most of them focus on high-growth, multi-million-dollar companies. There aren’t many people helping the small guys — the solo painters, the small crews — the ones who just need one answer to one question.
I want to be that resource — someone they can reach out to for a one-off consultation without signing a subscription or long-term contract. That’s something I wish I had when I started out.
Kathy: That’s awesome — and so needed.
Mike: Yeah, it would really fill my cup to give back that way. Because when I started, the only option was to pay a lot of money for a coach who had their own agenda. I couldn’t set my own priorities.
So that’s the direction I see things going — sharing systems, providing content for both homeowners and business owners, and being that in-between resource that’s approachable and honest.
Kathy: That’s so good.
Mike: And of course, there are always opportunities that pop up. After this many years in the industry, I know a lot of people and companies — you never know who’s going to call next or what might come along. But no matter what, Home Painting Advice will stay part of my life.
Because it feels good — helping people, whether it’s a homeowner saying, “Oh my gosh, you saved me so much time!” or a professional painter who learned something that improved their process. That’s what drives me.
Kathy: That’s so rewarding.
Tom: Yeah — giving back is everything. And Mike, you know that Kathy and I think the world of you. We really want to promote you and everything you’re doing.
Can you tell our listeners how they can find you, reach out, or maybe schedule a consulting call with you?
Mike: Absolutely. The best way is to email me at "mike@homepaintingadvice.com". You can also go to my website — homepaintingadvice.com — there’s a link right on the site where you can schedule a call directly on my calendar.
And of course, I’m on all the social channels — YouTube, Facebook, Instagram — you can message me there too.
Tom: Perfect. We’ll make sure to include a link in the YouTube video as well.
Kathy: Yes — and Mike, we’ll reach out to you again in six months or so to schedule another podcast. We’d love to dive into more advanced topics next time.
It’s been such a pleasure talking with you. You’re amazing, and we’re thrilled that you took the time to speak with the Estimate Rocket community.
Mike: Thank you so much. It’s been fun — really great conversations.
Kathy: Yes, thank you!
Tom: Fun, fun conversation. Thanks again, Mike.
Note: This transcript was automatically generated and may contain errors or inaccuracies. We appreciate your understanding.