FAQ
What are the benefits of having my windows hand-painted?
There are so many benefits to having a hand-painted splash on your storefront! To name a few:
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Custom, hand-painted window splashes grab attention and draw in potential customers
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You can be as involved in the design process as you want
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I paint pieces that can be easily removed at any time (I’d also happily put up a new piece!)
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Art is beautiful
Can you paint my business logo on my storefront?
Each logo, passionately hand-rendered, recreates the original design while embracing the nuances and variations that come with hand-painted art. If your logo demands an exact duplication, you may get a better result if you let me whip something wicked up for you. I’ll incorporate design elements which compliment your brand.
How much does it cost? / What do you mean by “Pay-what-you-can”?
While costs vary based on design intricacy and size, most pieces are completed for under $300. "Pay-what-you-can” means just that - I’m a good neighbour, I love the city we live in, and I love small businesses. To find out more, visit our Pricing page.
Do you paint on the inside or the outside of the window?
My paintings can go on the outside or the inside of windows. Here’s the catch: paintings on the outside definitely look brighter and bolder and will turn more heads. Paintings on the inside are ok too, but you won’t get the wicked factor.
What kind of paints do you use?
It’s no secret sauce - I use acrylic latex paint that is typically used for painting interior walls. It’s eggshell finish (fancy, right?). The interior eggshell finish paint has staying power, and it’s easy-to-remove when it’s time.
How long does it take you to paint a window?
How long it takes me to paint a window depends on the size and detail of the design. I take my time to ensure I get it right. I can estimate that it will take me a few hours, partially because I love to paint, and partially because the paint has to dry between coats. The more coats, the longer the piece will last, and the more detail we can get.
How long does the artwork last?
Well, to be honest, the test of time has not concluded as yet. If windows with wicked paintings on them stay wet and then are scraped, the piece will come off. Otherwise, the piece will stay up.
Will the artwork fade over time?
Even wicked window paintings fade over time. Call me up or send me a message and I’ll come take down the piece for you when it’s time. I’d love to put up a new one while I’m at it.
What will happen to the artwork when it rains or snows?
No problem-o if the paint is on the inside - but you’re a smart cookie. You knew that. If the paint is on the outside, if there’s an awning, no problem-o. The only potential problem arises if the window is under a stream of water and it stays wet. The paint won’t run or stain down the side of the building, but the paint may slough off partially. If that’s the case, you can go out and remove the rest of the piece yourself with a few swipes of a razor blade on the glass, or you can reach out to me and I’ll come by and remove the rest of the painting.
Who takes down the artwork when it’s time to refresh the design?
Change is good. Paintings come off windows in a matter of minutes with a few passes of a damp sponge, a few minutes, and then a razor to scrape the paint off. It’s very satisfying if you like that kind of thing (and I do). You can take it down yourself, or you can reach out to me and I’ll come by and remove it. I’ll be happy as a lark if you ask me to put up a new piece.
Do you paint windows outside of Ottawa’s city limits?
Well, sure. Where are you located? Should I pack a lunch or an overnight bag? I have a few questions for you so that I can plan accordingly.
Why should I choose Wicked Windows?
Wicked Windows have the potential to be wicked-funny, wicked-cute, wicked-elegant, wicked-bright…I’m wicked-friendly and wicked-passionate about art that I create. I’m biased, but I think that you should choose Wicked Windows because it’s a wicked-win-win-win-win situation: your business gets some attention, your business adds some quality art to the neighbourhood, your business makes some people smile, and it’s wicked-affordable. For a glimpse at the diverse range of businesses that have trusted us with their windows and chalkboards, visit our Trusted by section to see the companies we've had the pleasure of working with.
I would love for you to come and paint a custom window piece. What do you need from me?
YESSS! Let’s do this! Head on over to the Contact page and describe in as much detail as you can what you're looking to have done and where you are located.
Can I see a proof of what the artwork will look like before you paint it?
100% yes. The process starts with you snapping a photo of the window you'd like me to paint, and I'll put a bunch of digital mock-ups in a drive folder for you to review. Digital Mock-ups are always unlimited, and always included. This is a wicked-fun way for your business to "try on" some different looks before my paintbrushes touch the glass.
I would like you to design and paint a custom window piece for my home. Do you do that too?
Sure thing. I practice on my home windows all the time.
Aside from windows, do you also paint on chalkboard signs, walls, or vehicles?
Chalkboard signs - check. My portfolio is growing, and I'm chomping at the bit for more menus, sandwich boards, and the like. Walls/murals - 100% yes. Again, my portfolio is growing, and I've got a few projects in the works. Vehicles - not so much.