Exterior Painting in Potomac
5 Reasons Why You Can’t Tell If A Paint Job Will Last
Whether you are painting in Potomac, MD, or Oshkosh, WI, how long it will last is a mystery. However, there are five things we do that will increase the paint job’s longevity.
The five difference-makers are listed below. I believe they are worth reading for DIYers, contractors, and homeowners looking for a quality job.
- Proper Power washing solution and technique
- Moisture content
- Choosing the right primer
- The correct number of coats
- Weather Conditions
Klappenberger & Son has been an exterior painting contractor in Potomac, MD, since 1989. We also know the dos and don’ts of exterior painting and handyman/carpentry services.
Klappenberger & Son Exterior Painting Contractor of Potomac
Whether you have an arts and crafts home or a mansion on the hill, consider Klappenberger & Son as your exterior painting contractor in Potomac.
Since 1989, we have painted over 30,000 homes in the Potomac area.
In addition to being a painting contractor, we also can do other carpentry and handyman projects around your home.
Since we can do almost anything your home needs, we are an ideal one-stop shop to get your most prized position looking awesome!
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!
Exterior Painting in Potomac: What We Do Differently
#1. Proper Power Washing Techniques
When power washing or pressure washing your exterior, we let the chemicals do the work, not high pressure. We leave the high pressure on Time Share salespeople.
We use the least amount of chemicals that kill mildew and get rid of dirt and pollen collected in 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.
#2. The Moisture Meter
It doesn’t matter how much prep or the type of primer and paint you apply; the paint will peel if the wood is damp.
Moisture is the number one reason paint peels.
The moisture content needs to be under 16% to be considered safe for painting.
#3. Choosing the Right Primer
There is no “one size fits all” for exterior primers. Whether you are painting Georgia Pine or pine from Canada, it’s not the same primer.
What happens if you choose the wrong primer? The paint will peel.
Why?
Because the wood, primer, and top coat of paint are not expanding and contracting at the same rate.
With the sharp changing seasons of Potomac, it is essential to have all three surfaces expanding and contracting at the same rate.
When choosing Klappenberger & Son, we can advise you on which primer will work best with your surface.
#4. Exterior Painting in Potomac: 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 five years, it is a wise investment.
#5 Proper Weather Conditions
Everyone knows you can not paint in the rain, right? How about the temperature? Most manufacturers 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 dry, it can lose its ability to cure fully.
Also, if it rains before the paint cures, water can penetrate through the paint, causing bubbles.
Therefore it is best not to paint when the chance of rain is above 40% for the next 24 hours.
Klappenberger & Son Is Your Exterior Painting Contractor in Potomac
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.
