EXTERIOR PAINTING
Stretch Your Investment
An old timer told me, “Anybody can go down to Sears & Roebuck and get a brush and roller – but that don’t make ‘em a painter!” Far too many people view painting as a somewhat unskilled profession. However, there is much to know, especially when considering the coastal conditions.
Knowledge of the dew points effect on dark colors, mold abatement, knowledge of specific primers, rust retardation, ambient moisture, moisture content of the substrate, product knowledge, correct taping methods, solvents…etc This list could fill an entire page. We stay abreast of new products, as paints are consistently improving.
Pressure wash
Preparation is 75% of exterior painting. Pressure washing is not an optional process in most cases. The exterior of you home is filled with sand, salt, dust, pollen, mold…etc. If a painter shows up with a garden hose or, even worse, no wash at all, you will experience premature film failure. Correct bonding of paint and primer is dependant on a gritty clean surface. Our team of experienced pressure washers will give your home the cleaning it needs while staying clear of high pressure 
around windows, doors and other sensitive areas of your home.
Hand scrape and Sand
Pressure washing will clear most peeling paint, but not all. It is imperative that all loose film is removed. This step is often overlooked, as it is tedious and laborious.
Carpentry assessment
Welcome to the land of moisture. Humid conditions will eventually rot some wood. Pressure washing exposes this. Our wash team will note these areas and we will digitally photograph and forward to you if needed. We can handle almost any carpentry need with craftsmen that are licensed and insured and well versed in coastal carpentry needs.
Priming
A number of products we use were previously unavailable in this area, including our primer! It is unique primer designed for bonding to raw wood or peeling areas and remains tacky. The tackiness allows a window of time to apply paint, thus forming a bond between all surfaces. The paint bites into the primer, and the primer bites onto the wood offering an advanced level of adhesion conventional oil primers do not offer, especially for chronically peeling areas.
Caulking
The importance of understanding what and where to caulk cannot not be overstated. In the land of hurricanes and wind-driven rain, poor caulking technique is often the culprit for causing water damage. Rarely do we estimate a home that does not have a few potentially serious caulking issues.
Finish Coat
Finally, the topcoat should be the highest quality available. Salt and sand abrasion as well as harsh U.V. rays combine to make a formidable challenge to durability. Spray application alone is incorrect. Brush and roll application alone does not apply proper film thickness. The correct method is to use liberal amounts of product to gain ample mil thickness. The combination of processes is the answer. Spray and back roll and/or back brush. The sprayer is not a finish tool, rather an application tool. All work is finished with brush or roller to fill all holes and cracks and provide a uniform finish that can be touched up. Click on these links to learn more:
INTERIOR PAINTING
Now we’re talking competence. Getting paint on your azaleas is no fun but getting paint on your carpet or favorite antique is entirely different. We are also talking Trust. This is your home after all.
This is where our average level of experience (8 years) and crew management is critical. New hires are not allowed inside any houses until trust is established. We have 6 foremen with good management skills and are well versed in proper care and behavior inside your home.
Taking the cheapest bid here can prove costly. We have systems in place
to ensure that every thing is covered and photographed to put it all back the way you left it – only better.
All patching and taping issues will be addressed. Professional taping techniques along with sanding and patching ensure clean lines and a “like new” look. You can look down any wall with a window at the other end and tell if it was properly patched and painted.
Many of today’s colors are getting bolder and darker. These colors are more difficult to paint. Product knowledge and application technique are essential to ensure that you have a good experience, not a battle.
If we are painting trim we sand, fill and caulk to remove unsightly cracks that have opened up over time. We finish it off with your choice of oil or latex enamel in the sheen level of your choice.
Details like keeping paint off of your switches and outlets, covering all furniture, using plastic to isolate dust, covering cold air returns to keep dust from circulating and shutting off central air while we are sanding are just some of the tasks that we have gleaned from years of experience.
We give you a high level of assurance by listing references and by being well insured. We hope to never use our insurance, but we are well covered if we do. We may not offer the lowest price, but keep in mind, contractors who offer a price that is too good to be true have to be cutting costs somewhere.
