As with interior painting, proper exterior preparation is crucial. Preparation on the exterior is critical because of its exposure to weather and outdoor elements. The following steps are taken on exterior projects to ensure a quality paint job:

Pressure washing is the first step in preparing your exterior for painting. In almost all cases an exterior should be pressure washed prior to painting. A thorough cleaning to remove dirt and mildew is essential. Removing all contaminants that are present promotes proper adhesion of the new paint film. Pressure washing surfaces also aides in removing loose/peeling paint. All cleaning products used in pressure washing are environmentally safe and biodegradable. Once pressure washing is complete, the surfaces should be allowed 2-3 days to dry thoroughly.

The next step in preparing your exterior for paint is removing all failing caulking and any remaining loose paint. These areas are then scuff sanded where needed. Any rotten wood should then be replaced. This new and bare wood is then primed. Gaps between adjoining wood and/or masonry is caulked, along with any other areas that the failing caulking has been removed.

Any metal surfaces such as steel lintels and wrought iron will require special preparation, if they are rusty. All loose rust is removed, and then primed with a rust inhibiting primer.

All exterior hardware, i.e., light fixtures, outdoor furniture, as well as plants are either moved or covered.

Once preparation is complete, we perform a preparation inspection before any finish coat painting begins. The preparation inspection is conducted with Thomas, the project foreman and homeowner. There are many different exterior paints to choose from. You may want to consider the following before choosing an exterior paint product:

*Paint manufacturer warranty and guarantees.
*Oil or Latex paint (please see our FAQ section for more information on this topic)
*If choosing latex, does it contain 100% acrylic resin? Less expensive paints generally contain a vinyl or vinyl/acrylic resin, which is not as durable nor does it retain color as well as paint containing 100% acrylic resin.

Progressive Painting traditionally uses the brush and roll method for exterior and interior painting. If spray application is desired, that method of application can also be used.

Exterior painting

Power washing exteriors, decks, driveways, stairs, pool surrounds, etc.

Deck staining and sealing

Re-glazing and windowpane replacement

Paint stripping including removal of old/peeling oil based paint.

Rotten wood replacement to include window seals, doorframes, corner boards, siding and soffitt.