THE WORK

What exterior painting involves

Outdoor surfaces take a beating, so the prep matters most. Loose or peeling paint is scraped, dirt and chalking are washed off, damaged spots are patched, and bare areas are primed before the finish coat.

What is included

• ✓Siding, stucco, trim, fascia, doors and gates
• ✓Washing, scraping and sanding of failing paint
• ✓Patching, caulking and spot priming
• ✓Plants, windows and walkways protected
• ✓Finish coats suited to the surface and weather

How we approach it

We look at the condition of each surface first and tell you what needs repair before it gets painted. We plan the work around the weather, since paint needs dry conditions to cure properly, and we leave the site clean.

Surfaces we paint

• ✓Stucco and masonry
• ✓Wood and fiber siding
• ✓Trim, fascia, eaves, shutters and garage doors
• ✓Front and back doors, gates and fences
• ✓Railings, patios and outdoor wood features

Typical steps

1. Inspect. We look at every surface for peeling, cracking, chalking, mildew and bare wood, and tell you what needs repair.
2. Clean. Dirt, chalk and loose material are washed or scraped off. Paint will not hold on a dirty or powdery surface.
3. Repair. Cracks are patched, gaps caulked and rotted or damaged spots flagged for you.
4. Prime. Bare wood, patches and stains get primer so they do not show through.
5. Paint. Finish coats are applied with an exterior paint suited to the surface, usually two coats.
6. Clean up. Tape and coverings come off, and we leave the site tidy.

Good to know

Weather matters. Exterior paint needs dry conditions to go on and cure well. If rain or heavy wind is coming, we move the work rather than risk the finish.

Prep is most of the result. A fresh coat over peeling paint will peel again. This is why we spend time on washing, scraping and priming before any color goes on.

Color and sun. Dark colors can fade faster in strong sun and heat up the surface. We are happy to talk through colors for your building and exposure.