Exterior Painting FAQ

Everything you need to know about exterior painting in Washington State. Questions not covered here? Ask us directly.

When is the best time of year to paint the exterior of a house in Washington?

Late spring through early fall (May–September) is ideal in most of Western Washington. Paint needs dry conditions and temperatures above 50°F to cure properly. Western WA’s rainy season makes winter exterior painting impractical. We monitor weather forecasts and schedule around rain to protect your investment.

How often does a house exterior need to be repainted?

Typically every 7–10 years for wood siding with quality paint, 10–15 years for fiber cement, and 5–7 years for older homes with compromised surfaces or direct sun exposure. Washington’s wet climate accelerates paint failure on north-facing or heavily shaded surfaces — those may need attention sooner.

Do you power wash before painting?

Pressure washing removes dirt, mildew, chalking, and loose paint — all of which will prevent new paint from bonding properly. We include pressure washing in every exterior paint job. We adjust pressure based on the surface type (wood, vinyl, fiber cement) to clean effectively without causing damage.

How do you handle peeling or failing paint?

Peeling paint has to come off before anything else goes on. We scrape and sand all failing areas down to a stable surface, then prime exposed wood before applying finish coats. If we find rot or structural damage during prep, we’ll let you know immediately so you can address it before we paint over it.

How long does exterior painting take?

A typical single-story home takes 2–4 days. A two-story with significant trim detail can run 5–7 days. Weather and surface condition are the biggest variables. We provide a realistic timeline in your estimate and keep you updated if anything changes.

Do I need to be home while you’re painting?

No — many clients are at work while we paint. We’re respectful of your property and will keep all gates and entries secure. We do ask that you be available at the start (for a quick walkthrough) and available at the end for the final inspection walkthrough.

What about my landscaping and plants?

We protect your landscaping as part of standard prep. Shrubs, plants, and garden beds near the house get covered or masked during spraying, and drop cloths are laid on the ground to catch any drips. We’re careful — your plants were there before us and should still look good when we leave.

Can you paint vinyl siding?

Yes, with the right product. Vinyl expands and contracts significantly with temperature changes, so it requires a flexible, vinyl-safe exterior paint. We never use a color darker than the original on vinyl siding — the increased heat absorption can cause warping. We’ll advise you on appropriate color choices during your estimate.

Will you paint my deck or fence too?

Absolutely. Decks and fences can be painted or stained depending on the wood type, condition, and your preference. Stain is often a better choice for natural wood decks because it penetrates the grain and won’t peel the way film-forming paints can. We’ll recommend the right product for your specific surface.