Top 10 House Painters in Lake Wylie, SC

Porch Pro Headshot Professional general remodeling
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
Porch Pro Headshot Carolina Complete Services
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
(92)
"I hired Carolina Complete Services to paint the exterior of our 5,000 sqft. home. We live in an higher-end community, and the results needed to comply with our HOA. Jon and his crew did a phenomenal job. They listened to our list of needs and exceeded our expectations. I will be using them as o...Read more about Carolina Complete Services
"I hired Carolina Complete Services to paint the exterior of our 5,000 sqft. home. We live in an higher-end community, and the results needed to comply with our HOA. Jon and his crew did a phenomenal job. They listened to our list of needs and exceeded our expectations. I will be using them as o...Read more about Carolina Complete Services
Porch Pro Headshot The Perfect Touch
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
(48)
The Perfect Touch Painting & Pressure Washing is the Charlotte area's number one choice for painting, pressure washing, auto detailing and more! Frankie Buzzo, owner of The Perfect Touch, is a master craftsman in his trade, has over 12 years experience and brings together several home improvement se...Read more about The Perfect Touch
The Perfect Touch Painting & Pressure Washing is the Charlotte area's number one choice for painting, pressure washing, auto detailing and more! Frankie Buzzo, owner of The Perfect Touch, is a master craftsman in his trade, has over 12 years experience and brings together several home improvement se...Read more about The Perfect Touch
Porch Pro Headshot One Pro Painting
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
(34)
"One Pro did an excellent job in my tall stairway leading to my basement. Knocked it out quick and professional. After working all night I actually took a nap and when I woke up it was already cleaned up and done. I will be using them here in the near future and highly recommend them. "
"One Pro did an excellent job in my tall stairway leading to my basement. Knocked it out quick and professional. After working all night I actually took a nap and when I woke up it was already cleaned up and done. I will be using them here in the near future and highly recommend them. "
Porch Pro Headshot Hurley Painting & Drywall
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
(11)
"Excellent work, we are highly pleased with the results. Jim Hurley and his staff were very knowledgable and professional, working quickly and efficiently and they went above and beyond what had been promised. We highly recommend him and will call him again for our future remodeling needs."
"Excellent work, we are highly pleased with the results. Jim Hurley and his staff were very knowledgable and professional, working quickly and efficiently and they went above and beyond what had been promised. We highly recommend him and will call him again for our future remodeling needs."
Porch Pro Headshot Southpoint Property Services
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
(7)
"Had A frame ceiling popcorn removed, very large job and they were great with price and timeliness. Also had doors and beams painted. Great crew worked hard. Louis was on top of every detail. Highly recommend!"
"Had A frame ceiling popcorn removed, very large job and they were great with price and timeliness. Also had doors and beams painted. Great crew worked hard. Louis was on top of every detail. Highly recommend!"
Porch Pro Headshot Mariela Cleaning Services.
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
(5)
"Absolutely wonderful experience with Mariela and her team! They worked hard and turned our house into a gleaming, clean masterpiece. Will DEFINITELY hire her again and have referred her to several friends."
"Absolutely wonderful experience with Mariela and her team! They worked hard and turned our house into a gleaming, clean masterpiece. Will DEFINITELY hire her again and have referred her to several friends."
Porch Pro Headshot 5 Star Construction, Inc.
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
(3)
Are you searching for a local contractor in Charlotte and surrounding areas? If competence and quality service are important to you then you'll want to hire a True Craftsman. Since 2007, we've built a reputation as reliable local contractor because of our customer centered approach and first-class ...Read more about 5 Star Construction, Inc.
Are you searching for a local contractor in Charlotte and surrounding areas? If competence and quality service are important to you then you'll want to hire a True Craftsman. Since 2007, we've built a reputation as reliable local contractor because of our customer centered approach and first-class ...Read more about 5 Star Construction, Inc.
Porch Pro Headshot Bobby Johnson Sealcoating
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
Bobby Johnson Sealcoating has been servicing Spartanburg, Greenville and the Upstate for over 30 years for all your specialty needs in asphalt sealcoating, asphalt repair, asphalt striping and asphalt maintenance, crack filling and commercial painting. We are licensed, insured, and bonded. Call us t...Read more about Bobby Johnson Sealcoating
Bobby Johnson Sealcoating has been servicing Spartanburg, Greenville and the Upstate for over 30 years for all your specialty needs in asphalt sealcoating, asphalt repair, asphalt striping and asphalt maintenance, crack filling and commercial painting. We are licensed, insured, and bonded. Call us t...Read more about Bobby Johnson Sealcoating
Porch Pro Headshot Elite Handyman Services
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
(19)
Family owned business, low pricing and free estimates.
Family owned business, low pricing and free estimates.

Frequently asked questions about house painters

There is nothing like a fresh coat of paint in a new home. You can transform rooms with a change of color, and fresh paint breathes new life into an older home. Costs for painting homes vary. It depends on the rate of labor and on the type of paint you use. Most of the cost comes from the size of the home. The more square footage you need painted, the more expensive the job will be.

The average cost for painter services in a home is estimated at $3,500. On the low side, you can expect to pay $1,200 and $6,500 on the high side. These estimates assume you have a one-story home with around 1,000 square feet of wall to paint. More stories will mean higher costs.

The price is usually divided up into materials and labor. Labor tends to make up 85% of a job, but this can vary depending on the contractor. Most contractors charge between $2 - $6 / square foot. This calculates interior painting jobs with two coats of paint. For more specific paint jobs, such as doors or cabinets, you can expect to be charged $50 - $100 / door or drawer face.

Some contractors have different models of payment, which you may discover when looking up “painting companies near me” or “house painters near me.” You can be charged per room, which averages around $800 - $1,200 for a bedroom, and as high as $3,000 for a living room or similar large space. Some painters may choose to bill hourly, which can range from $20 - $50 / hour for basic painting, and $100 / hour or higher for specialty painting. A skilled painter should be able to cover between 150 – 350 square feet/hour but don’t forget to factor in prep time, clean up, and both coats of paint needed.

The cost of painting a home's exterior is far more variable, depending on your siding. Some sidings (like stucco) can cost up to $3,000 / 1,000 square feet, and that cost can rise if there are multiple stories. Weather can also play a major factor, which is why local painters are in high demand during the summer months. Vinyl siding expands and contracts depending on weather, so you’ll want a latex-based paint that is durable to these changes. For wood siding, latex is always a good option for allowing wood to breathe. Beware acrylic or oil-based paints, as these can create moisture stains. If you have stucco siding, you can go with latex, but it’s not your best option if the walls are damaged. Elastomeric paint will cover those imperfections while still being breathable. This paint is thick and time-consuming to apply. If you have brick siding, you’ll want a porous stain or paint so water doesn’t get trapped inside.

Siding is the biggest factor to cost, as prep and materials needed to do the job correctly can raise the price. Brick and stucco are the most expensive, while metal, wood, vinyl, and concrete tend to be on the lower end. Extra stories mean extra work for the painter, as safety measures and ladders need to be implemented. Painting a second or third story of a home takes longer than painting a single story based on logistics. It’s not just the walls, either. You may want to paint the garage, the shutters, the eaves and downspouts, and the siding and trim.

Your brand of paint can alter costs, as well as the cost of your finish. Flat paint tends to be the cheapest, but is also the least durable. Mid-range finishes, including eggshell and satin, can be good choices, depending on what you’re looking for. Semi-gloss finish will showcase imperfections and dents but is also resistant to cleaning. High-gloss is the most expensive type of finish and is recommended for small areas, such as trim, windows, and doors. While it is possible to DIY your home’s exterior, a professional comes with all the needed materials and is knowledgeable about what will work best and how to stay safe on the job. They are worth serious consideration.

Yes, you can paint vinyl siding. Years ago, this answer was no because paint continued to slide off the siding. We’ve come a long way since then. The best paint for vinyl is latex urethane paint, as it can cope with the constant contracting and expanding of the siding. Many paint companies create paint specifically designed for siding.

Painting vinyl is similar to painting other exteriors. You’ll want to coat it with primer (something designed for vinyl) and use a brush for the tricky spots. Otherwise, you can use a roller and cover a lot of ground. Once you have the primer, add the topcoat. Vinyl has one more caveat that you should be aware of. Dark colors tend to trap a lot of heat. Most vinyl paints will be light colors as a result, so it reflects heat rather than absorbs it. Weather can be a factor in painting vinyl, and the best weather is overcast, comfortable conditions. Sun, humidity, direct heat, and wind are not your friends when it comes to painting vinyl. You’ll want to ensure that painting your siding doesn’t void its warranty before you begin.

As with any painting, you’ll want to ensure you clean the area thoroughly first. For vinyl, a pressure washer is the best choice. You’ll want to find a recipe that tackles mold and mildew or buy a TSP solution. Mold and mildew tend to get between the paint and the siding, so it’s imperative you deal with them before you paint.

The quick answer is 350 – 400 square feet. This is generally true of wall, ceiling, and trim paint. Primer tends to go less, giving you 250 square feet on average. If you’re painting a dark room with a light color, you may need more primer coats, so keep that in mind. Be aware that fresh drywall is extremely porous and may absorb more paint than expected. Most drywall tends to arrive pre-primed, but be ready if it isn’t. If you have a textured wall (think popcorn ceilings, for example), you should use 20% more paint. If you need to paint 100 square feet of ceiling, it’s recommended you buy enough paint to cover 120 square feet to make up for the texture. You can stretch your paint with the correct tools. A nine-inch roller usually gives the best results for a coat of paint. For textured walls, consider a 1/2-inch nap over a 3/8-inch nap.

Let’s dive into the math. You know how much paint you need per square foot, but how do you calculate that square footage? First, measure the height of every wall, and add it together. Then, do the same for the length of each wall. Multiply those two numbers together, and you have the square footage. If you divide that number by 400 (how much a gallon of paint should cover), you know how many gallons you need to buy. This works for trim and doors as well. Multiply the total lengths and widths together, and divide it by 400. It’s never a bad idea to round up or ensure you have extra paint left over. You may need it for touch-ups or if a specific section requires more paint than you anticipated. It’s better to have too much than too little and have the hardware store mix you more paint. What if the color is off by even a slight bit? That’s a frustration you can easily avoid.

No, you can’t use exterior paint inside. Exterior paint is designed to hold up against weather extremes and, as such, contains more VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). These compounds were not designed for enclosed spaces; they can smell funky and release toxins that might make you or your pets sick. Exterior paint doesn’t settle in a short amount of time. In cold weather, exterior paint could continually release those toxins for a month or more. In warmer weather, this timeframe may be reduced to weeks. The process of releasing these toxins is called curing. Most professionals will wear masks when painting outside for this reason.

Exterior paint is softer by nature. It needs to be able to breathe and contract or expand with the home. It doesn’t stand up as well to the wear and tear that interior paint deals with on a daily basis. While all paint contains mildewcides and fungicides, the ingredients in exterior and interior paint are very different. The VOCs are needed in both paints to hold the pigment in. If you use exterior paint on indoor surfaces, ventilation is your first concern. This becomes a greater concern when spraying paint instead of rolling it, as spraying it makes it airborne that much quicker.

VOCs can cause lightheadedness, headaches, nausea, irritated eyes and throat, and respiratory issues. This can be an even greater hazard for those with compromised immune systems. Exterior and interior paints are vastly different, so you shouldn’t combine them. It compromises the quality of both paints. Plus, exterior paint isn’t designed to look good inside. Both varieties of paint are highly specialized, and you’ll likely regret using them where they are not intended.

The average cost to paint a 12x12 room is $650, with $400 being on the low end and $900 on the high end. Several factors can change these costs or cause them to rise. If you need drywall or plaster repaired before the job, that will cost time and effort. The higher your walls rise, the more time or paint it might take to finish the job. If you want to use designer paints, you may spend more on the materials. Your cost will also change based on the finish you choose.

Square footage is the most important consideration when factoring the price of a room. A large room, such as a living room, will cost more than a small bedroom or bathroom. Kitchens tend to cost the most since the painting is specific. They require far more attention to detail when you consider backsplashes, cabinets, and trims. Textured walls can add to that cost since it eats up more materials. Different types of paint can change the cost as well. On average, eggshell, satin, and flat are the cheapest paints. Matte, semi-gloss, latex, and oil are mid-range and all competitively priced. High-gloss paint is expensive and best used on small surfaces like trims.

You have the option to do the work yourself, of course. Be aware that it’s never as simple as splashing paint on the walls. You’ll need to purchase all the required materials, such as brushes, painter’s tape, rollers, trays, and plastic to prevent spillage. You’ll need to clean the walls and remove outlet covers and switch plates. Once that’s done, you can use painter’s tape on all the edges and then start. The big question you will need to ask yourself is whether you have the time. Painters are efficient, have all the tools, and do the job constantly. They will know immediately the best way to handle it.

Now that you know the scope of your project in terms of cost and effort, you can start dreaming in color.

Recent reviews for Lake Wylie Painters

151960

He was on time, stayed late, price was right, and very respectful. I will definitely use him for our upcoming renovation projects!!

- Thomas Nance
51634

Great job. In and out quickly, very responsive.

- Scott Lee
161254

Coley was easy to communicate with. His price was very reasonable and his artistic eye for colors was a plus. We would definitely recommend him!

- Bonnie Downen
13974

Excellent communication and outstanding service. I definitely recommend this company.

- Stephaney Thomas
20314

One Pro was excellent!! He painted my living room, kitchen and hall and I couldn't be happier. I am having him come back to paint the outside of my house. I highly recommend One Pro for all of your painting needs. I give him 10 stars.

- Leslie Thompson
17065

One Pro Painting, owned and operated by Coley Mathews, completed our home interior project as promised, on time for the original quoted estimate. Coley is very personable, easy to talk with, and a highly talented and skillful painter. Our home looks so mu...

- Sam Keeney
22141

We have used Coley at One Pro for years and he is the best--period. He knows what he's doing, is professional in every thing he does, always makes an extra effort, and the results are always the best. And his pricing is more than fair---we have even had...

- Ginny Rosenberg
23398

Coley is fast and cheap, but sloppy. He arrived at our home without all of the necessary tools. He strongly recommended Valspar paint and we got the best quality. We have roller marks and brush marks on several walls. He did not sand several spackle r...

91080

Coley did a great job painting the entire interior of our house, walls and trim. He also repaired numerous cracks in the trim joints, nail pops and holes in the wall. He's a really nice guy and was extremely accommodating of our schedule. His pricing is v...

- Jeffrey Schultz
27574
52194

Coley was the best!! His price was reasonable and he transformed my room greatly with a fresh new coat of paint!! Having him to come back and finish the rest of my house!!! Great person, professional and got the job done!!

- Toni Thompson
10833

I had the exterior of my home painted 7/14 which required replacing boards/trim due to rot. Excellent job. Painted 2 interior rooms. Most recently my newly remodeled master bath. No mess/splatters noted on tile or cabinets. Exceptional work done in a ...

- susan Drake

Everything You Need to Know About Lake Wylie House Painters

My Painting Services project in Lake Wylie is really small. How much should I expect to spend?

The lowest price we could find for painting services work in Lake Wylie is about $0.00. You should expect to pay at least this much depending on the scope of your project.

Painter work at this level can sometimes involve several steps or phases. Cost for every project will differ depending on the quality of Painter you hire, the type of materials required and the timeframe that you want to finish within.

How does invoicing/payment work for most Painter projects in Lake Wylie?

Every project differs, but you should ask any painter for an estimate, before they do any work. In fact, ask for their general payment terms before any painting services work is done.

If the job is large and going to take longer than a day, it's common practice for painters to request a down payment. Usually, this will be around 25% so they can commence work on your painter project.

If it's a quick job, you'll likely be given an invoice/bill when the job is complete. Then it's up to you and the painter to determine if you pay immediately or can send payment at a later date.

What should I check for once my Painter in Lake Wylie has finished working?

Every painting services project is going to have different results, but here are a few things to check for once any painting services company has told you they've finished the job:

  • Obviously you want to do a visual inspection. Even if you're unfamiliar with painting services work, this gives you the opportunity to ask questions (even basic ones like, what did you do?).
  • Ask the painter to describe what they did. Whether your painting services project was a repair job or a building job, have them run you through what was done.
  • Compare the description provided on your painting services project estimate to the work completed. Did the professional do what was promised?
  • Request that the painter do a follow-up visit to check on the work. Most professionals are willing to do this, especially if you ask them.

All House Painters in Lake Wylie, SC

Porch Pro Headshot Rna painting Services Inc
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
(11)
Rna painting services Inc Interior & exterior painting Drywall Pressure washer Wall paper removal Popcorn removal Free estimates 704-649-4940
Rna painting services Inc Interior & exterior painting Drywall Pressure washer Wall paper removal Popcorn removal Free estimates 704-649-4940
Porch Pro Headshot Rhino Shield - Piedmont Permanent Coatings
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
(3)
Rhino Shield is the perfect exterior coating solution for your home. For over a decade including over 10,000 successful installations worldwide, Rhino Shield has pioneered the development and installation of long lasting ceramic elastomeric wall coating technology. Far more durable than traditional ...Read more about Rhino Shield - Piedmont Permanent Coatings
Rhino Shield is the perfect exterior coating solution for your home. For over a decade including over 10,000 successful installations worldwide, Rhino Shield has pioneered the development and installation of long lasting ceramic elastomeric wall coating technology. Far more durable than traditional ...Read more about Rhino Shield - Piedmont Permanent Coatings
Porch Pro Headshot Ambassador Paint Co.
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
(2)
I have specialized in painting and related services since 1985. Before deciding on this specialty I had the privilege of learning every aspect of home construction from preparing the land to pouring concrete, framing, electrical and plumbing, insulating and roofing. That has given me a foundation to...Read more about Ambassador Paint Co.
I have specialized in painting and related services since 1985. Before deciding on this specialty I had the privilege of learning every aspect of home construction from preparing the land to pouring concrete, framing, electrical and plumbing, insulating and roofing. That has given me a foundation to...Read more about Ambassador Paint Co.
Porch Pro Headshot Nance's Handyman Services
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
(1)
Your vision is my passion! Reliable, superior quality with over 20 yrs experience. Kitchen/bathroom/laundry room renovation, garage restoration with epoxy flooring, light electrical work, deck restoration and installation, power washing, floor and tile installation, crown moulding installation, pai...Read more about Nance's Handyman Services
Your vision is my passion! Reliable, superior quality with over 20 yrs experience. Kitchen/bathroom/laundry room renovation, garage restoration with epoxy flooring, light electrical work, deck restoration and installation, power washing, floor and tile installation, crown moulding installation, pai...Read more about Nance's Handyman Services
Porch Pro Headshot A&K Pro Painting
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
(1)
"VERY PROFESSIONAL AND DONE A WONDERFUL JOB OF PAINTING AND CLEANING UP. HE HAD TO PAINTING ONE WALL 3 TIMES AND DONE SO WITH OUT COMP;AINT. HE PAINTED WITH EVERY CARE NOT TO GET THE DARK PAINT ON MY FLOOR OR BELONGINGS. I WOUND RATE THIS YOUNG MAN AS A+ AND WOULD TELL EVERYONE HE WORTH HIRING. ...Read more about A&K Pro Painting
"VERY PROFESSIONAL AND DONE A WONDERFUL JOB OF PAINTING AND CLEANING UP. HE HAD TO PAINTING ONE WALL 3 TIMES AND DONE SO WITH OUT COMP;AINT. HE PAINTED WITH EVERY CARE NOT TO GET THE DARK PAINT ON MY FLOOR OR BELONGINGS. I WOUND RATE THIS YOUNG MAN AS A+ AND WOULD TELL EVERYONE HE WORTH HIRING. ...Read more about A&K Pro Painting
Porch Pro Headshot CMA Painting
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
(1)
"Chris did an amazing job he came in and painted my dinning area living room and hallway and bedroom including my trim and doors and was done within 2 days and it looks amazing. He cleaned up all his stuff and moved my furniture back. I am very pleased and would call him again for any painting I nee...Read more about CMA Painting
"Chris did an amazing job he came in and painted my dinning area living room and hallway and bedroom including my trim and doors and was done within 2 days and it looks amazing. He cleaned up all his stuff and moved my furniture back. I am very pleased and would call him again for any painting I nee...Read more about CMA Painting
Porch Pro Headshot Fox Brothers Painting, Renovation, and Flooring
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
(1)
Thank you for taking the time to stop by and learn a bit about us. Fox Brothers, LLC is comprised of 3 divisions; Painting, Renovation and Flooring. What this means for you is that you will save time and money by hiring one company for all of your project needs. You will have a project manager on si...Read more about Fox Brothers Painting, Renovation, and Flooring
Thank you for taking the time to stop by and learn a bit about us. Fox Brothers, LLC is comprised of 3 divisions; Painting, Renovation and Flooring. What this means for you is that you will save time and money by hiring one company for all of your project needs. You will have a project manager on si...Read more about Fox Brothers Painting, Renovation, and Flooring
Porch Pro Headshot Campara Construction, LLC
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
Founded in 2017, Campara Construction has built a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship, integrity, and trust. With years of experience, we specialize in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, home additions, garage expansions, and full-scale renovations. Our team also excels in structural repairs, ...Read more about Campara Construction, LLC
100% response rate
Founded in 2017, Campara Construction has built a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship, integrity, and trust. With years of experience, we specialize in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, home additions, garage expansions, and full-scale renovations. Our team also excels in structural repairs, ...Read more about Campara Construction, LLC
Porch Pro Headshot Peal Construction Inc.
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
Licensed General Contractor with over 15 years of experience, providing Residential and Commercial construction and remodeling services. Provide Facility and Apartment Maintenance; maintenance and repairs, carpentry, light electrical, light plumbing and HVAC. Insured and Licensed
Licensed General Contractor with over 15 years of experience, providing Residential and Commercial construction and remodeling services. Provide Facility and Apartment Maintenance; maintenance and repairs, carpentry, light electrical, light plumbing and HVAC. Insured and Licensed
Porch Pro Headshot Adams Painting d/b/a Lake Investment Holdings LLC
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
It is so rewarding to see a room transformed with paint! Whether it is one room or a whole house, let Adams Painting transform your home.
It is so rewarding to see a room transformed with paint! Whether it is one room or a whole house, let Adams Painting transform your home.
Porch Pro Headshot Meical painting services
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
Porch Pro Headshot Millennium  Painting
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
Porch Pro Headshot J&R General construction
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina
Porch Pro Headshot Slacks Painting & Remodeling
Painters
Serves Lake Wylie, South Carolina

Latest projects near Lake Wylie

Recent projects booked on Porch
York 29745
Drywall Texturing
Start Date
Within a week
Project type
Texture or finish drywall
Rooms needing drywall texturing
Living room, family room, or entertainment room
Surfaces
Walls
Desired texture
Match existing texture
Any work above 15ft
No
Who will purchase materials
I will provide materials, just need installation
York 29745
Drywall Repair
Clover 29710
Fence and Outdoor Structure Painting
Start Date
Within a month
Painting location area
Outside
What needs to be painted
Shed, playset or yard structure
Painted structure
Swings or playset
Structure construction material
Wood
Has structure previously been painted
No
Already purchased paint
No, and I want the pro to recommend
Charlotte 28278
Drywall Texturing
Start Date
Within a week
Project type
Texture or finish drywall
Rooms needing drywall texturing
basement
Surfaces
Both walls and ceilings
Desired texture
Unsure, would like recommendation
Any work above 15ft
No
Who will purchase materials
The contractor will need to purchase materials for the project
York 29745
Drywall Installation
Start Date
Within a month
Project type
Install drywall where none exists
Rooms to install drywall
Living room, family room, or entertainment room
Surfaces to drywall
Walls and ceilings
Who will provide materials
The contractor will need to purchase materials for the project