Exterior paint near the coast fails for one reason: bad prep. The salt air, humidity, and sun here are harder on paint than most places in the country. If the surface is not right before the first coat goes on, you will be repainting in two or three years instead of eight or ten. We have seen it too many times — homeowners who had their house painted by someone who skipped steps and are calling us because it is already peeling.
Our process is longer than what some painters do. That is on purpose.
How we do it
- Wash first. The whole exterior gets pressure-washed before we touch a brush or roller. Paint does not stick to mildew, salt film, or chalk.
- Scrape and sand. Any peeling or lifting paint comes off. We do not paint over it.
- Caulk the gaps. Window frames, door frames, trim joints, anywhere water can get in — we caulk it. Water getting behind the paint is what causes most of the failures we see.
- Spot prime. Bare wood and repaired areas get primed. If the whole surface needs it, we prime everything.
- Two coats. On most jobs we apply two finish coats. One coat looks fine on move-in day and thin in two years.
What we paint
- Siding — vinyl (certain products), wood, Hardie board, stucco, block
- Trim, fascia, soffits
- Doors and shutters
- Porches and decks (deck paint/stain)
- Outbuildings and sheds
Products
We use exterior-grade paints rated for humid coastal climates. We will tell you what we are using and why. If you have a brand preference, we can talk about it. We are not going to water down a cheaper product to make margin — the paint cost is a small part of the total job and it is the wrong place to cut corners.
Common questions
How long will the paint last?
Done right with quality product and proper prep, seven to ten years is realistic. High-sun or high-wind exposures may be closer to five. We will give you an honest assessment of what to expect on your specific house.
Can you paint vinyl siding?
Yes, with the right product and preparation. There are paints formulated for vinyl that bond well and flex with the material. Not every vinyl siding color can be painted darker — we will tell you if that is an issue for what you are considering.
How long does it take?
A typical two-story house takes three to five days depending on complexity, drying time between coats, and weather. We will give you a timeline before we start and keep you updated if anything changes.
Do I need to be home?
Not necessarily. We will need access to outlets and water on day one. After that, you can be home or not — your call. We lock everything up at the end of each day.
