Exterior Painting Process
1. Consultation and estimate
The first step is a free consultation. I meet with you and evaluate the project, then we discuss the best procedures and products to use for your particular situation. A detailed written estimate, containing all that we discuss, will then be e-mailed or delivered to you.
2. Scheduling
After the acceptance of the proposal, I will schedule a start date that is most convenient for you.
3. Color Selection
If you haven’t already chosen your colors, we’ll take plenty of time to discuss your situation and look over color samples and other sources of inspiration. I’m also happy to work with your designer if you like.
4. Pressure washing
All exterior siding and trim surfaces to be painted or stained are thoroughly washed to remove contaminants and to loosen failing paint. I can also pressure wash other surfaces such as walkways, driveways, patios, retaining walls, and brick. A drying period of week or so is then required.
5. Surface preparation
Surface prep is the most important element in paint reliability and performance, so a lot of time is spent here. All failing paint must be removed and the surface must be sound and solid for the new paint to adhere and last. Wood surfaces are thoroughly scraped or sanded, and stucco surfaces are brushed and repaired. Most of this prep can be performed during the drying period.
6. Re-nailing, rotten wood, and stucco replacement
During the surface prep process I may find loose or rotten boards and stucco deterioration that you may not have been aware of. I will re-nail loose boards and do whatever stucco repair is within my skill and licensing range, and I’ll help you work with a qualified contractor to do any major repairs beyond that.
7. Priming
All bare wood and all other unsealed surfaces are primed with a premium quality primer/sealer. In some cases, I will recommend a coat of primer on a full side of a house or building, or on the entire house or building.
8. Caulking
Since water/moisture infiltration behind paint coatings is the main reason for paint for blistering and peeling, caulking is a very important step. I use premium quality “Quad” brand oil based caulk to fill and seal all siding and trim cracks, all window and door frames, and sunken nail holes.
9. Masking & Covering
Part of a professional paint job is cleanliness. All unprotected areas, including windows, fixtures, roofs, decks, walkways, brick and nearby cars etc. are carefully masked prior to painting. When the job is done you won’t find any paint out of place. I try to do the main masking the day before I apply the finish coat to minimize the disruption to your daily life.
10. Finish coat application
The number of coats applied during the main finishing will depend on the needs of your particular case and your budget. I usually recommend that failure prone high exposure areas (such as southwest facing walls) get at least two coats. For low exposure areas, such as under eves and porches, one good coat is usually excellent. Smooth surfaces are carefully sprayed.
On very rough surfaces the coating is sprayed on, then backrolled by hand. Backrolling ensures that the coating is ‘squished’ into the rough surface and everything is completely sealed, as opposed to just sitting lightly on the surface. On most single family homes the main finish application takes one or two full days. Masking around windows and doors is removed immediately after spraying to minimize disruption.
11. Trim
Since trim is exposed and failure prone in general, I like to give it two coats. If a particular spot has very high exposure or has seen paint failure before, I’ll put on three coats. All trim is brushed and rolled by hand. Trim usually takes one to three days, and starts immediately after the main finish coat is applied.
12. Inspection
I will inspect the entire project and touch up as needed. Then I will ask you to take a walk around and inspect the job with me. I want to make sure you are completely satisfied. I will also supply you with each color paint used on the job in an original, labeled container for future touch up and reference.
13. Clean-up
I do a quick clean up at the end of each work day, and then I do a thorough cleanup at completion of the entire project. All debris is removed from your home or job location leaving the area as clean or cleaner than it was before I arrived.
For more information, give us a call or send us an email at the Free Estimates page.
Peeling Paint Restoration
The Peel-Bond primer is hand rolled into the surface, with plenty of pressure, insuring that the product is ‘squished’ into all the cracks, completely penetrating and sealing the surface. It can then be backbrushed to create an even smoother finish.
