Exterior Painting in NW DC
Regardless of where you live in Washington, DC, contact us for any exterior painting in NW DC and beyond.
If you need exterior painting in NW DC, you want it done right to last many years.
Since 1989, we have seen so many homes painted with the right paints but with bad results. Surfaces need to be cleaned before painting. Dirt and mildew are the biggest culprits for most homes, but break dust is very high here, and that thin film of grease needs to be removed with an environmentally friendly degreaser. Far to often this step is skipped causing a beautiful paint job to fail prematurely.
With a legacy of painting homes in NW Washington DC since 1989, Klappenberger & Son stands as a testament to our expertise and commitment to quality.
We understand what it takes to protect and beautify your home, and we do that by employing these five principles.
The 5 steps to a Successful Exterior Painting Job in NW DC:
- Power washing properly – brake dust and pollen must be removed.
- Use a moisture meter – if the moisture content is over 16%, the paint may peel -soon!
- Proper prep – using inexpensive fillers won’t last years.
- Choose the right primer – the glue that bonds the paint to the substrate.
- Apply the correct number of topcoats. Our work comes with a two-year warranty on wood and a seven-year warranty on masonry surfaces.
Klappenberger & Son Is Your Exterior Painting Company of NW DC
Whether you have a townhouse or a single-family home, consider Klappenberger & Son as your exterior painting contractor in NW, Washington DC.
I will personally help work with you on chossing the right paint for your needs.
As a versatile contractor, we offer a range of services beyond painting, including carpentry and screen repair.
- Repair rotten wood with wood or composite
- Replace decks and handrail
- Install windows and doors.
This makes us an ideal one-stop shop to get your most prized position looking awesome!
Exterior Painting in NW DC: What Do We Do Differently?
#1. Proper Power Washing Techniques
When power washing or pressure washing the exterior of your structure, we let the chemicals do the work, not high pressure. We leave the high-pressure to Time Share salespeople.
We use the least amount of chemicals that kill mildew, and get rid of dirt and pollen collected on the home.
Our cleaning products will not harm your plants or flowers!
FYI – We insist that the chemical stay on for 15 minutes. That’s the amount of time necessary to kill the mold spores.
If not, the mildew will grow back much faster.
Exterior Painting in DC Need a Front Door That Pops!
GET YOUR FREE HOUSE PAINTING ESTIMATE NOW!
Enter your name, email and phone number below. One of our friendly staff members will get back to you within 60 minutes to schedule your free exterior painting estimate. We can’t wait to meet you!
#2. The Moisture Meter
It is impossible to feel the wood and know if the moisture content is low enough to paint. And believe it or not, most painters do not own a moisture meter.
Why this isn’t as important as a paint can opener is beyond me.
FYI – The most likely cause of paint peeling is water.
Almost all paint requires the moisture content to be below 16%.
#3. Can We use An All Purpose Primer?
There is no “one size fits all” for exterior primers.
Some primers are made for their flexibility, while others are for absorption, bonding, sealing, or water sealing.
Furthermore, primers are made for different types of surfaces, such as metal, wood, and masonry.
Choosing the wrong primer does not always lead to disaster, but it can lead to problems such as bleeding and peeling.
Why?
Because the wood, primer, and top coat of paint are not expanding and contracting at the same rate.
With the rapid changes in seasons in NW DC, it’s crucial for all three surfaces to expand and contract uniformly.
This ensures that the paint doesn’t crack or peel, maintaining the aesthetic appeal and longevity of your exterior surfaces.
As owner and operator of Klappenberger & Son, I will work with you to determine what is the best path forward.
#4. Exterior Painting in NW Washington DC: One Coat or Two?
Besides applying two coats satisfies the warranty, it also extends the paint job’s life for years.
For example, the picture on the right clearly shows where someone brushed the edges and seams and then painted the exterior wall with a roller.
The areas that received two coats have significantly more paint left.
Applying a second coat of paint usually adds about 30-35% to the total cost of the job. Considering it can extend the paint job’s life by 5 years, it is a wise investment.
#5. Proper Weather Conditions
We are often asked what season is best for exterior painting. It depends on the temperature. Most manufactures like the temperature to be lower than 90 degrees and above the mid-’30s for at least 24 hours. If paint freezes before it fully dries, then it can lose its ability to cure fully.
Also, if it rains shortly after the surface is painted, the rain can seep through the paint, causing bubbles.
Therefore it is best not to paint when the chance of rain is above 30-40% for the next 24 hours.
Check out this amazing transformation of Lime Washing
Lime washing is a terrific way of giving a boring brick a classic look. Limewash never peels because it melds with the brick. We are certified lime wash experts and preferred vendors from Romabio.
Klappenberger & Son Is Your Exterior Painting Company in North West Washington DC
Not only do we know the ins and outs of painting, but we also have some terrific carpenters.
Whether you have rotten wood trim boards, a loose handrail, or other exterior maintenance projects, we have you covered.
Other Services include:
GET YOUR FREE HOUSE PAINTING ESTIMATE NOW!
Enter your name, email and phone number below. One of our friendly staff members will get back to you within 60 minutes to schedule your free exterior painting estimate. We can’t wait to meet you!
