Carl, I can only speak for myself...
I cut, roll and spray faster than almost every painter I know...
I move quick, in every aspect of my job.
My attitude is: If Im not covered in sweat, Im not really working!
Personally... I know I kick ass, in terms of the time I spend on a job. (as does Jake)
and I will be the last person to complain about long hours and hard work.
I agree that some painters milk a job, and can be lazy. I know, because I have fired many of them.
However, I dont work for an hourly wage. I kick ass because the faster I paint, the more profit I make per job... and the sooner I am on to the next one. (although quality NEVER takes a back seat to speed)
Ive never thought about a paint job being some sort of percentage of the cost of the home...
I look at every job the same... How hard is it? How much time will it take? And how much am I going to spend in materials?
In my opinion, a "master" painter, is worth every bit of $25.00 to $50.00 per hour... depending on the job and the level of difficulty or hazard.
And... going back to the job that this post is originally about...
I refuse to climb a 28 ft ladder hundreds of times a day, in 110 degree heat for anything less than a fair wage.. and for me, that wage would be about $30.00 and hour.
Matt