I offer modern, efficient, large-scale exterior painting. Modern; I use the most modern equipment and tools as the basis of my process. Efficient; my process is effective and practiced. Large-scale; my process can handle any size job on the Bay.
Process
Estimation
I require two numbers:
- The days it will take to complete the job
- The gallons of paint required
I don’t do any fancy measurements to figure them out, just my own gut-feeling tempered with experience. Once I have them, the estimated price is then derived.
I generate estimates with the Invoice Manager app and send them to the client either via email or text.
I always offer the best products on the market. For stains I use Benjamin Moore Arbourcoat or Para Timbercare. For paints I use Benjamin Moore Aura. I offer these products at cost, which includes my contractor discount.
If the customer agrees to the estimate, a date is then scheduled to begin the painting process.
Washing
The first step in the painting process (in my opinion the most important) is making sure that all surfaces are clean. Contaminants on the surface (such as dirt, dust, mold, and mildew) directly affect the ability of the paint to bond. The strength of the bond between surface and paint is what determines the paint’s longevity.
I wash all surfaces with a high-pressure (~3000psi) pressure washer and a rotating nozzle to maximize agitation. I don’t use chemicals.
After pressure washing, I will spray any areas contaminated with mildew using Concrobium Mold Control
The washing is typically done a day or two before the main painting process begins. This is because the surface should be completely dry before any work is done. Generally the washing takes around 3 hours to complete, from arrival to cleanup.
Preparation
Once the surface is washed and dry, it’s time to prep the surface:
- All loose paint is scraped
- All cracks, gaps, and seams are caulked
- All surfaces requiring primer are primed
Scraping is essential because any paint applied to loose paint is not binding to the surface at all, but to the loose paint. Thus when the loose paint falls off, so does your paint job.
Caulking has many benefits. Personally I treat it as an aesthetic process. Yes it can help insulate the building, but since I’m in the business of painting cottages, buildings which only see use in the summer, insulation is, generally, not a concern. Caulking gaps and seams in the building makes it look more integrated and ’together'.
Priming is important for two reasons: creating a bondable surface, and preventing stains on the surface from bleeding through the top-coat.
Painting
The body of the house is always sprayed. The trim, if to be painted a different color, is generally brushed, otherwise it will be sprayed. The soffit is sprayed. Any doors to be painted are sprayed. The fascia is always brushed.
If I’m using a stain, I prefer just one coat. Paints generally require two.
Cleanup
Once the painting is complete, I cleanup all garbage, pack up all my equipment, and generally try to leave the place better looking then when I arrived.