No way!

Exterior latex is for the house and exterior stain is for the deck.  You can purchase a solid stain tinted to match the house trim. We have done that successfully.  Paint doesn’t breathe like the stain does and wood–particularly when creating a horizontal surface–needs to breathe.

Now you know why, but what happens when you don’t heed the advice?  Simply put, “PEELING”.

If you are looking at “peeling” on the handrail or deck surface, it is likely that you have exterior latex and not stain.  Stain will wear away over time, but it doesn’t peel when properly applied.

If you like “color” and not looking for the “see-through” or “natural” look, you can use solid stain and choose from any color in the color deck.  Yes, I did just say you can use the paint color deck to select a solid stain color.  Aren’t options great?

So, if you are trying to remove that peeling paint yourself, try a product that we use called M-1 Roof & Deck Cleaner. Be certain to follow the directions for properly diluting the product.  Less is more when using it.  Also, you’ll need to apply and wait about 20 minutes for the easiest removal.  If you don’t wait you’ll end up wasting product and using a great deal more muscle than is necessary.

Of course, if you’d rather not use up your Saturday removing the paint, and the following Saturday to pressure clean and then the next two or three Saturdays staining, you can always contact us at www.mtnpainting.com.

Jacquie Tallman
Mountain Painting Company, Inc.
www.mtnpainting.com

Staining in Process

Recognize this cabin wall?  Does it resemble the thirsty wood on your home?  This home is actually “in process”.  We can help you determine the steps to successfully preparing your home for receiving the stain it desperately needs.

Steps to Staining Success

Cleaning—Remove debris such as previous stain, mildew, dirt, insect nests and wood debris resulting from insect damage.  If you don’t own a power washer, you can rent one from the local equipment rental stores.  When powerwashing/pressure cleaning, be certain to dilute cleaners appropriately and maintain a safe PSI to prevent damaging the wood.  Cleaning also means that this is the time to trim shrubbery and plant life two feet away from the house.

Caulking—Big Stretch is the caulk of choice.  Although costly, its durability and clean up make it a winner.  Caulk all vertical gaps, but leave the horizontal space to allow the wood to breathe, expand and contract.

Cover Surfaces—This step can be time-consuming up front, but covering all windows, light fixtures, doors, soffits, shrubbery and concrete with plastic, painters tape, paper and drop cloths as needed is necessary.  Better to cover surfaces first than to clean up after the job.  Keep this in mind, multiple colors will require each area to be covered appropriately to prevent overspray.

exterior staining

Staining—Applying stain requires equipment and at least two laborers.  You’ll need an airless paint sprayer to apply the stain on just heavy enough that the second laborer can back brush the applied stain, keeping the brush wet at all times, to enable the stain to penetrate the wood and allow for an even finish.

If you’d like a visit and complimentary proposal, visit the Mountain Painting website at www.mtnpainting.com.

Mountain Painting Company
Western North Carolina & North Georgia
828.342.9834

You contacted three painters collected their estimates and now you’ve got to make a choice.  Will the best painter please stand up?  If only it were that simple.

It can be almost that simple if you are prepared.  So, let’s get you equipped to meet the contractors…

First, develop your finished expectation.  How should the job look when completed?

• Interior—Which rooms will be refinished?  Will you paint the walls only or do the trim—windows, doors, door casings, baseboard, closets—need refreshing?
• Exterior—Sticking with the same colors or are you ready to update the look? Is there wood damage?

Second, preview a painter’s work by asking friends and neighbors for their recommendations.  New in town? Ask a local realtor about recently painted homes that they have listed or just sold.  Take this short list of painters and check them against the local chamber of commerce or builder organizations for an even further in-depth recommendation.

Third, contact the contractor for an appointment.

• Expect a return call within the same business day & anticipate an appointment within 3 business days
• At your appointment
  • Walk the job with the contractor explaining your finished expectation
  • Be certain exactly who will be completing the tasks and the time frame for completion
  • Request a variety of references: client, another contractor and a supplier to determine the level of integrity from many viewpoints
• Anticipate a written, detailed proposal with 2 business days of the appointment
  • It should reiterate your finished expectation
  • Must include the preparation and painting process
  • Specific products and colors will be included
• Protect your home and assets by requesting a certificate of insurance for each: general liability and workers’ compensation

Lastly, compare the proposal details and costs.  Call contractors for clarity to be certain you are comparing “apples to apples”.  Mingling the financial decision with the reference investigation will result in “the best painter standing up”.

To meet your every painting, staining and wallpapering need, contact us at www.mtnpainting.com.

Mountain Painting Company
Western North Carolina & North Georgia
828.342.9834

Beautiful Stain Finish

You can enjoy this high end finish that not only looks beautiful, but will outlast most products on the market.  This custom designed home in Murphy, NC is finished with Sikkens Cetol 1 and Cetol 23 Plus and features customized stain colors.  Talk to your painting contractor to be certain of their experience with this particular product.  Sikkens offers a variety of products for cedar siding, log homes, and decks, but no single product will work in every situation. Application can be labor intensive as it is important to avoid “lapping” marks on hewn siding.

Visit the Sikkens website to learn more about the long-lasting products, color selection, and preparation prior to application.  Or you can call Mountain Painting Company for a free consultation at www.mtnpainting.com.

Mountain Painting Company
Western North Carolina, North Georgia
828.342.9834