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1. Starting a new house painting business can seem difficult and there will be mistakes. The fact that you have referrals and more work than you can handle points to your integrity and willingness to do a good job. Plus, some skills that you are unaware of.

   Now on to your questions;

   1) Determining how long it should take to spray out a house is actually difficult and depends on the style plus how many colors and where they go. A good example is a single level ranch with two gable ends and a covered front porch (a basic home). The siding, soffits and garage door will receive the same color. This type of house can be sprayed in 4-6 hours.

   2) There are a couple of easy interior textures. The simplest is a brush stomp texture. This requires only a flat texture brush and a little practice. the second is a spatter texture. This type requires an air compressor, small and portable, and a hand held hopper.

   Both textures are easy to do with a little practice. Plus, both offer a great way to cover a wall or ceiling that is less than perfect and still wind up with a great look.

   3) A basic tool kit for painting interiors is;

   Drop Cloths
   Three runners (4×15) and two 9×12 butyl backed drop cloths. This will cover the floors of most rooms.

   Hand Masker
   I like the 3M maskers. Choose one that has the sharp plastic film blade included. A versatile machine that can use either masking paper or plastic film.

   Assorted Hand Tools
   Utility knife, hammer, screw drivers, a pair of pliers, good caulking gun, plus a good 5 way. Just the basics for now. You will buy more as you need too.

   Drywall Patching Tools
   One 12 inch stainless steel pan, 2 inch, 4 inch, 6 and 8 inch knifes. This should be enough for most patches. A drywall saw is good to have around.

   Paint Rollers
   Two 9 inch roller frames, I like Wooster Sherloc frames, and a short handle mini roller frame. Of course you will need some covers. Two 1/2 inch and two 3/4 lamb's wool (9 inch) and one 1/2 inch cheap synthetic(disposable). Use the synthetic for oil base primer or tinted shellac primer.

   This should cover a wide range of interior textures with ease. The good lamb's wool covers will last a long time with repeated washing when painting with acrylic/latex paints.

   Roller Poles
   A 2-4ft and 4-8ft will be the most versatile. I like the Wooster Sherloc poles that go with their frames.

   Buckets and Grids
   Two clean 5 gallon buckets and 2-3 clean 1 gallon pails for cutting in. A 2 1/2 gallon bucket is also handy. Roller grids for the 5 gallon and 2 1/2 gallon pails are also needed.

   Brushes
   This depends on the types of paints and finishes you will be working with. A nice mix of oil base and acrylic brushes is good to have on hand. Buy the best you can afford. Good brushes will last a long time with proper care.

   I don't think I forgot anything, but you will need more stuff as you do more.

   4) 90% of the time I paint the walls first then the trim. It all depends on the type of trim and the type of finish it gets. For basic painting, start with the largest areas first then progress to the details.

   You will develop your own style that best suites you and the jobs you do. With the referrals you have, it sounds like you are well on your way to having a successful painting business. Remember, don't under bid yourself. You also need to make a living.

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2. Best Advice is to keep Karl’s Site in your Favs on your PC and Review it daily for info… I also offer lots of info at my site: PAINT A HOUSE Your Guide To Do-It-Yourself Home Painting

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