Preparing Surfaces for Paints and Coatings

Power Washing and Cleaning

• Power washing is done prior to paint crew arrival.
• When specified a clean or wash is only done where needed.

Taping and papering (protecting surfaces)

• Drop sheets are put down on surfaces.
• Areas are protected as required by tape, paper, and plastic.

Scraping and Sanding

• Scrape all loose and peeling paint to a solid base.
• Sand as required or specified.

Caulking

• Repair any missing or cracked caulking or as detailed.

Priming and Stain Sealing

• Prime all bare and scraped areas (unless specified for full prime).
• Stain seal any bleedthrough, knots, or tannin bleeds.

Clean Up

• Clean up (remove paint chips and dust) .

Minor Repairs

• Clients complete the majority of minor repairs prior to our arrival; these include wood repairs, gutter and downspout repair.
• Our staff can do some minor repairs, and our estimators can inform you of the repairs that we can do.

Wood surfaces

Power wash/clean, scrape (previously painted or stained areas only), prime as required, caulk if required, then paint or stain.

Decks and fences

Power wash/clean, scrape (previously painted or stained areas only), prime as required, caulk if required, then paint or stain.

Stucco

Power wash/clean, scrape, prime, caulk, repair damaged area, then paint

Vinyl and plastic

Power wash/clean, buff, sand, and/or prime if required, then paint

Brick and masonry

Power wash/clean, scrape (previously painted or stained areas only), prime as required, caulk if required, repair damaged area, then paint or stain.

Aluminium siding

Power wash/clean, prime if required, then paint.

Metal surfaces

Power wash/clean, scrape, wire brush any rust, prime if required, then paint.

Washing and Cleaning

• We do minor cleaning throughout the painting process.
• When specified, a clean or wash is only done where needed.
• Washing is done when required and will be specified in the job description.
• Power washing can be used for some areas and often for commercial clients such as auto repair shops.

Taping and Papering (protecting surfaces)

• Drop sheets are put down on surfaces.
• Areas are protected as required by tape, paper, and plastic as required.

Sanding

• Pole sanding is done between coats of paint for walls.
• Repair areas are sanded prior to priming.
• Other areas are sanded as required or specified.

Caulking

• Any gaps or cracks in trim are caulked.

Priming and Stain Sealing

• Prime all bare and repaired areas.
• Stain seal any bleedthrough, knots, or tannin bleeds.

Clean Up

• Clean up (remove dust).

Ceilings

Repair any damaged areas, clean where needed and prime any stained areas.

Walls

Repair any damaged areas, clean where needed, prime any filled or stained areas, pole sand as required.

Trim

Clean as required, fill any nail holes, caulk any gaps or cracks, prime as needed.

Epoxy floors (cement)

Clean, power wash when appropriate, degrease floors as required, acid etch the floor with muriatic acid (can also grind or shot blast depending on requirements), repeat cleaning surface of any residue.

**This process can also apply for other coatings on cement floors.

New drywall

Dust walls as required, apply a full coat of primer, pole sand primer after dry.

**Pole sanding can also be done after the first finish coat.

New wood trim (interior)

Seal any knots with a stain sealer, prime or apply self-priming product.

New metal trim (interior)

Prime or apply a self-priming high-grade acrylic product.