What Prep Work and Repairs Are Included in an Exterior Painting Project?

January 5, 2025

A long-lasting, beautiful exterior paint job requires much more than just applying fresh paint. At Spray ’n Coat Painting, we understand that proper preparation and necessary repairs are the foundation of a high-quality painting project. These steps ensure not only a stunning finish but also long-term durability to protect your home from the elements.

Here’s a closer look at the prep work and repairs included in our exterior painting services.

1. Thorough Cleaning
The first step in any successful exterior painting project is starting with a clean surface. Dirt, mildew, and old, flaking paint can prevent new paint from adhering properly, leading to a subpar finish and reduced longevity.

We use professional-grade power washing equipment to thoroughly clean your home’s exterior. This process removes grime, cobwebs, and loose debris, creating a smooth foundation for the paint. Power washing is particularly important in areas like the Treasure Valley, where dry climates and seasonal rains can leave homes dusty or damp.

2. Surface Preparation
A properly prepared surface ensures the paint adheres evenly and creates a professional appearance.

Scraping and Sanding: After cleaning, we inspect the exterior for peeling or flaking paint. Problem areas are carefully scraped to remove loose paint, followed by sanding to smooth edges and blend them with the surrounding surface.
Caulking and Sealing: Gaps around windows, doors, and trim are sealed with high-quality caulking. This step prevents moisture from seeping in, reduces drafts, and improves energy efficiency. Over time, caulking can shrink or crack, so reapplying it ensures your home stays protected for years to come.

3. Repairing Damaged Areas
Addressing damage is essential to protect your home’s structure and achieve a flawless finish.

Wood Repair or Replacement: Wood rot or damage is a common issue. Our team repairs or replaces affected sections to maintain structural integrity and prevent moisture intrusion.
Stucco and Siding Repairs: Cracks, holes, and imperfections in stucco or siding are carefully repaired to restore a smooth, uniform surface. This improves the paint’s appearance and protects against future damage.

4. Priming
Priming is a crucial yet often overlooked step that makes a significant difference in the longevity and quality of your paint job.

We apply a high-quality primer to any repaired or bare surfaces, creating an even base for the topcoat. Priming enhances paint adhesion, boosts color vibrancy, and prevents peeling or blistering. It’s particularly important when transitioning from dark to light colors or painting over materials like metal or raw wood.

5. Protecting Surrounding Areas
Your home’s exterior isn’t the only thing we care about during a painting project. We take precautions to protect landscaping, walkways, and nearby fixtures.

Our team carefully covers plants, shrubs, outdoor furniture, and other items to keep them clean and free from accidental paint splatter. This ensures your property remains in pristine condition while we work.

Why Proper Prep and Repairs Matter
Cutting corners on prep work and repairs might save time initially, but it often leads to disappointing results down the road. At Spray ’n Coat Painting, we believe in doing the job right the first time. Our attention to detail ensures your home’s exterior paint not only looks fantastic but also withstands Idaho’s unpredictable weather, from scorching summers to snowy winters.

Contact Us for Your Free On-Site Estimate
When you choose Spray ’n Coat Painting, you’re investing in more than just a fresh coat of paint—you’re choosing a professional, thorough process designed to protect and enhance your home for years to come. Contact us today or fill out our request form to schedule your free on-site estimate and experience the difference!

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Project Spotlight: Sealing the Deal at the Caldwell Airport Terminal

May 30, 2025

At Spray ’n Coat Painting, we often get called in to finish what others couldn’t quite get right—and that was the case with this 2,000 sq. ft. concrete floor coating project at the Caldwell Airport terminal. The building, now home to a private charter company, needed a durable and clean finish to make the space more welcoming for employees and travelers. Project Background This terminal originally had carpet in several areas, and after it was removed, thick glue residue was left behind across the concrete floors. Our customer had hired another contractor to handle the coating work, but unfortunately, they lacked the necessary equipment and experience for the job. That’s when we stepped in to get things done right. Our Process To give the customer the clean, sealed finish he was hoping for, our crew tackled the job in several key steps: Joint Filler Replacement: We started by removing the old joint filler and refilling the seams. Heavy Grinding & Surface Prep: Using professional grinding equipment, we stripped away all glue residue and opened up the pores of the concrete to ensure a strong bond. Matte Polyurethane Coating: We applied a commercial-grade polyurethane sealer in a matte finish. This not only improved the look of the space but also provided a stain-resistant, slip-resistant surface that can stand up to heavy foot traffic. Why It Matters For a commercial space like this—where first impressions matter and safety is non-negotiable—the right prep and coating system makes all the difference. The finished floor is now sealed, low-maintenance, and ready to take on day-to-day traffic from both staff and customers.

Wood Stain vs. Varnish – Which One Wins the Battle?

By Katherine Collins • May 19, 2025

What is right for your project – wood stain vs. varnish? Discover the best uses for each in our guide, perfect for Boise, Meridian, and Nampa homeowners.

What Are the Best Wood Stain Colors?

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Discover the best wood stain colors for your surfaces. Find the perfect stain to transform your Boise, Meridian, or Nampa home.

Water-damaged wood cabinet showing peeling finish and bubbling from moisture exposure

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Finished kitchen island painted in Dried Thyme with smooth, factory-grade finish.

Kitchen Island Cabinet Painting: Creating a Standout Statement with Dried Thyme

May 12, 2025

Kitchen Island Cabinet Painting: Creating a Standout Statement with Dried Thyme Not every kitchen upgrade requires a full remodel. Sometimes, one bold, well-executed change can make the biggest impact. That was the case with this recent kitchen island makeover, where our customer wanted one thing: to make their island the statement piece of the space. They chose Dried Thyme by Sherwin-Williams—a soft, earthy green that brings both character and calm to a room. We used our cabinet painting process to deliver a durable, factory-grade finish that gave their island a whole new identity. Here’s how it came together—and why cabinet painting is one of the smartest updates you can make in your kitchen. Why the Island? Why Dried Thyme? This homeowner wasn’t trying to overhaul their entire kitchen. Their layout worked well, the surrounding white cabinetry was in great shape, and their countertops already brought a clean, timeless look. But the island felt flat. It blended in too much—and they wanted something with a little more presence. Enter Dried Thyme (SW 6186) . This sage-toned green shifts beautifully with the light throughout the day, creating a cozy yet elevated look. It paired perfectly with their existing white perimeter cabinets, quartz counters, and the updated matte black hardware. Looking for more island color inspiration? Sherwin-Williams has a great visualizer tool for testing colors in real spaces.