Samantha: Hi, I’m Samantha, and I’m the owner of Armadillo Painting!
Ron: Hi, I’m Ron and I live in Newport Hills.
Claire: We have been here for 60 years!
Samantha: So, Ron and Claire, when we met them, they had been putting off painting their house for quite a while. Claire and Ron were scared! They had a bad experience with the last painter.
Ron: The last time we painted the house, it was a sad experience.
Samantha: One other thing that was really important to Ron and Claire was staying similar to the color scheme that they had.
Claire: The color. I really like the color, and the accent color that Samantha chose for our front entry. Very nice, very colorful, and I like that a lot!
Samantha: And they ended up painting their front door red as well, and it looked really cool, and they were really happy with it, so that was also really fun to be able to help them with their color scheme.
Ron: Everything they said they would do, they did. Which is a first time experience for us in getting a house painted.
Samantha: Based on their negative experience of the past, of how their paint job turned out and how it just didn’t hold up, it was really important that we listened to what went wrong last time and make sure that that was specifically discussed and addressed in our approach, so that they really knew that we were listening to what the goals of the project were, what they really needed, and frankly what the home needed.
Claire: We barely know they were here! I don’t know whether we were gone during the day, or I was just in the house and didn’t observe anyone moving around, so they didn’t impact my daily life at all! Which was good!
Samantha: We did a final walkthrough with Ron and Claire. We made sure that everything was completed to their satisfaction. If there were any minor touchups needed, we took care of those. There was also one board that we ended up replacing that needed replacement, as well, so there was a little bit of carpentry there, as well. And, just, at the end, making sure that they were 100% satisfied with the work before we said, We’re done!
Claire: We lucked out, we won the lottery.
Ron: I can’t disagree with that!
– Samantha Kunkel, Owner, Armadillo Painting, LLC with Ron and Claire, Newport Hills Homeowners
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Ron: The last time we painted the house, it was a sad experience.
Samantha: One other thing that was really important to Ron and Claire was staying similar to the color scheme that they had.
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The Customer
Samantha: Hi, I am Samantha, and I am the owner of Armadillo Painting.
Hollis: Hi, my name is Hollis Karen, and I have lived in West Seattle for thirty one years, in the same home.
Samantha: And this home was built in the 1930s, has vinyl siding, metal window frames, vinyl window trim, and a concrete wall at the back, and a wood trellis.
Hollis: What really enticed me about Armadillo Painting was meeting with Oz, the Estimator, and the care that he took in discussing the project and the scope and the interest that he had in making my modest home… look better.
Our Process
Samantha: One important part of our process is when we get started to paint a home, we walk through with the customer and just recap what the scope of work is, discuss what our schedule plan is going to be, from pressure-washing through prep, through painting, so the customer has a pretty good idea of how the project is going to flow, about how long it is going to take, and what is required of them to make it a successful project.
Hollis: The only pain point in terms of protecting existing structures was my ironwood deck. They did a very good job of making sure that it was not painted, that it was kept clean… That was a critical piece for me, because it is ipe [wood] and that is a very high quality wood that I did not want to see any overspray on.
Why Armadillo
Hollis: Oh, he gave a very good presentation about Armadillo’s process, in terms of the involvement of the owner, Samantha, as the Project Manager, and the ultimate closeout process that would happen before the project was finalized… That whole process, to me, gave me great warm and fuzzies, that was not really part of any of the other contractors that I had been meeting with.
Making it Right
Samantha: One of the reasons why Hollis selected us is because she knew that she could trust us and that if there were something that did not go right, that we would fix it. She had had a negative past experience with a contractor who did some work and broke something… She called them back to fix it and they did not come back to fix it. So, one thing that is really important to us is that, hey, we have made mistakes, but if we do make a mistake, we correct it quickly, we take accountability and ownership, and we make it right with the customer, always.
Hollis: Somebody is looking for a residential painting, and I know Armadillo also does commercial, but if they were looking for customer service and really quality work for residential painting, I would highly recommend them.
– Samantha Kunkel, Owner, Armadillo Painting, LLC and Hollis, West Seattle Homeowner
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Samantha: Hi, I am Samantha, and I am the owner of Armadillo Painting.
Hollis: Hi, my name is Hollis Karen, and I have lived in West Seattle for thirty one years, in the same home.
Samantha: And this home was built in the 1930s, has vinyl siding, metal window frames, vinyl window trim, and a concrete wall at the back, and a wood trellis.
Hollis: What really enticed me about Armadillo Painting was
meeting with Oz, the Estimator, and the care that he took in discussing the project and the scope and the interest that he had in making my modest home… look better.
Our Process
Samantha: One important part of our process is when we get started to paint a home, we walk through with the customer and just recap what the scope of work is, discuss what our schedule plan is going to be, from pressure-washing through prep, through painting, so the customer has a pretty good idea of how the project is going to flow, about how long it is going to take, and what is required of them to make it a successful project.
Hollis: The only pain point in terms of protecting existing
structures was my ironwood deck. They did a very good job of making sure that it was not painted, that it was kept clean… That was a critical piece for me, because it is ipe [wood] and that is a very high quality wood that I did not want to see any overspray on.
Why Armadillo
Hollis: Oh, he gave a very good presentation about Armadillo's process, in terms of the involvement of the owner, Samantha,
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Making it Right
Samantha: One of the reasons why Hollis selected us is because she knew that she could trust us and that if there were something
that did not go right, that we would fix it. She had had a negative past experience with a contractor who did some work and broke something… She called them back to fix it and they did not come back to fix it. So, one thing that is really important to us is that, hey, we have made mistakes, but if we do make a mistake, we correct it quickly, we take accountability and ownership,
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House painting projects can be surprisingly difficult. You buy your masking, your brush and rollers, your caulking, and your paint, and get to work. Soon enough you are wondering whether you bit off a bit too much work for a weekend warrior. In this quick article, we will discuss a few things to consider when thinking about hiring a house painting contractor.
Your safety
The first thing to consider when hiring a painting contractor is your own safety. As much as painting can appear casual and laid-back as far as trades go, several hours of reaching, looking up, straining and moving in a controlled, repeated, specific manner can have its toll on your body.
If your home is two levels high or more, or if certain sections are accessible only from a steep roof, you may consider whether you have the necessary equipment to properly access an area.
You may also consider whether there are potentially any lead or other particles, which, when cleaning and preparing the surface, may expose you to hazardous materials, such as asbestos.
Your project is complicated
Another aspect of painting projects is complexity. An article at construction management software site ProCore® explains Special Paint Circumstances that can contribute to cost. All homes vary in how difficult they are to paint, especially when in comes to color schemes and layout. There are some color schemes that are easier to paint than others. For example, if you want to have a different color for the body, gable ends, trims, and eaves, that will be more difficult than just having one body and trim color, painting your eaves and gable ends the same as the body color. First, you may need to mask off two or three times more lines, and second, you may need to wash your paint brush and rollers or have extras to switch colors.
Townhomes are complex in terms of painting – the trim crosses the body color every few feet, which requires extra time for masking.
Soffits? Fascia? GWB? It is all French to me.
If you are confused about building terms or construction materials, it might be beneficial to have a professional review your project. At the very least, they may point out technical aspects of your project of which you were unaware. Specific surface types or conditions might require different kinds of preparation. The level of preparation itself can vary depending on the kind of paint you use. For a primer on some common exterior surfaces, see our article Residential Exterior Paint Selection Factors.
Repairs take time
Most larger painting contractors are also able to address small carpentry repairs, such as the removal and replacement of rotten wood trims, broken siding, or shakes that are falling from the house. Discovering a piece of rotten trim board mid-project can extend your project timeline a few hours. If you do not own or are not comfortable with using carpentry tools like a table saw, chop saw, and jigsaw, you may find yourself getting into more work than you needed.
Timeline and Peace of Mind
Speaking of time: The painting project will finish quickly if you hire a reliable painting company. Knowing when the painting is happening can help you focus on other projects this Summer, and cross more from your list. If you hire an experienced painting contractor, you also usually get a workmanship warranty, such as Armadillo Painting’s standard Warranty, which is two years. Having someone experienced guide the project to a successful completion without your direct involvement and supervision can give you confidence and peace of mind. Armadillo Painting’s commitment to strong communication will also help you plan around the project.
Armadillo Painting is a leading residential and commercial painting company in the Greater Seattle area. We do our work on time, the right way, while delivering value to our customers. We understand that value means something different to everyone, and something different for every project. Call us at (425) 641-5465 or contact Armadillo Painting online to discuss your needs for residential home interior or exterior painting.
Many homes in the Bellevue and Seattle area were built using materials and architectural details that do not respond well to generic exterior repainting. Craftsman homes and cedar-sided houses rely heavily on wood siding, layered trim, and exposed details. These features look good and were built to last, but only when they are maintained in a way that matches both the material and the local climate. In western Washington, any staining, clear coating, or refinishing of bare wood must consider the integrity of the building envelope.
Cedar Siding Characteristics
Cedar siding behaves very differently from fiber cement, vinyl, or composite materials. It absorbs moisture easily and releases it slowly. The rough texture of the wood slows the shedding of water. It also expands and contracts with changes in humidity. The wood contains natural tannins that can migrate through paint films, too. In a dry climate, these characteristics are easier to manage. In the Bellevue and Seattle area, where long wet seasons and limited sunlight are common, they become a primary cause of paint failure.
Most paint problems on cedar do not appear evenly across a wall. Failure usually begins at butt joints, exposed end grain, around knots, and at transitions between siding and trim. If those locations were prepared incorrectly, the paint system may look acceptable at first and then begin to peel or discolor within a few seasons.
Craftsman and Cedar Home Preparation
Preparation is the most important and misunderstood part of repainting cedar. Many homeowners assume that pressure washing is a simple cleaning step. Aggressive pressure washing can damage cedar by eroding the surface fibers and forcing water deep into the wood. Once water penetrates behind the siding, it can take weeks to escape. Even if the surface feels dry to the touch, moisture may still be present beneath the surface.
Painting over damp cedar is one of the most common causes of early failure. As the trapped moisture tries to escape, it pushes against the new coating. This often results in blistering or peeling, particularly on shaded elevations or near the bottom of walls where drying is slowest. Proper cleaning should remove mildew and surface contaminants while preserving the integrity of the wood. Just as important, the siding must be given enough time to dry before any primer or finish paint is applied.
Cedar also requires careful sealing in specific areas. Bare wood, exposed end grain, knots, and patched sections all need to be sealed before finish coats are applied. These areas are more absorbent and more prone to moisture intrusion than the surrounding wood. If they are not sealed properly, tannins can bleed through the paint, or the coating may fail prematurely at those points.
Craftsman homes add another layer of complexity because of their design. Built-up trim, shingle siding, rafter tails, and deep window and door casings create numerous transitions where water can collect or move slowly. These areas often receive less sun and airflow, which means they stay wet longer after rain. Paint applied over deteriorated edges, open joints, or soft wood in these locations will not perform well, regardless of product quality.
Before painting begins, these details should be inspected closely. Soft or damaged wood should be repaired or replaced. Open joints should be addressed, and failing edges should be stabilized. By ignoring the underlying condition, failure tends to reappear quickly and often spread beyond the original problem area.
Product Selection
Certain advanced products have emerged on the market over the past few years. These products often include antimicrobial, water repelling, and UV protection properties. In today’s world, the rustic is much more maintainable. Rodda® Paint sells SharkSkin®, Sherwin-Williams® sells WoodScapes® Rain Refresh™, and Benjamin Moore® sells Woodluxe® exterior wood stains. However, note that even the best of these products typically holds a 10-year warranty, much shorter than a mid-grade paint warranty of 25 years.
The decision between paint and solid color stain depends on several factors. These include the condition of the existing coating, whether the siding has been painted or stained before, and how long the homeowner expects the finish to last. Paint offers a longer maintenance cycle when conditions are right, but it also requires more thorough preparation. Solid color stains may need to be recoated more often, but they can be more forgiving on older cedar that has already absorbed years of moisture.
Cedar wood trellis coated with a moisture-repelling clear coat that is performing excellently, evidenced by water beads. Metal caps protect the wood from direct rainfall.
Exterior Painting Project Timing
Timing also plays a major role in the success of exterior painting projects in this region. Painting too early in the season, before surfaces have fully dried from winter moisture, increases the risk of failure. Cooler temperatures and high humidity slow curing and extend drying times. Even high-quality products have limits when applied outside their recommended conditions.
Home Construction
A strong flashing design and greatly increase the life of a wood structure, as can larger overhangs. Flashing is a typically factory-finished sheet metal that is bent out to allow water to drip away from the surface, and especially to protect the top, where water may pool. Armadillo Painting can install certain metal flashings around woof fascia and at the ends of beams as part of a painting project. A tall wall with exposed wood and short overhangs will almost certainly underperform a design with larger overhangs.
Protect Your Craftsman Or Cedar Home From The Weather
Protecting Craftsman and cedar homes in the Bellevue and Seattle area requires an approach that respects both the material and the climate. Armadillo Painting has extensive experience in the painting, staining, and clear coating of wood siding and exterior wood trim remediation. We can paint your farmhouse, traditional Victorian, craftsman, wood log, cedar plank, and wood panel siding home. Call us at (425) 641-5465 or contact Armadillo Painting online to discuss your needs for residential home interior or exterior painting.
Choosing the right exterior paint is an important part of what we do as professional residential exterior painters. When we evaluate a project, we first ask, What is the customer’s goal with this project? Understanding our customer’s goal is the first step to deciding on the paint product. The goals of painting projects can vary from extending the life of a building envelope (siding, trim, windows, doors, etc.) to a simple refresh. Once we define the goal of the project, we evaluate the types and conditions of surfaces present. In this article, we will discuss exterior home repaint projects, as they generally occur in the residential and multifamily residential space.
Certain surfaces require specific preparation or priming to paint. Most paints have a data page, downloadable from the manufacturer website, which identifies the types of surfaces a paint would be useful for and required primers or surface preparation techniques.
However, navigating the world of paints can be complicated due to the presence of several factors:
The type of painted surface – Among other things, the type of surface determines what performance needs we have from our paint.
The condition of the painted surface –Is the surface smooth or rough, glossy or dull, clean or greasy? Is it new or deteriorated?
The intended outcome of the painting job – Do we want to extend the life of the existing building envelope, or just give it a simple refresh? Do we want to change the look or add colors? Will it be a one-coat refresh or a full scope of painting and light carpentry repairs?
The availability of products to achieve that outcome – Do we have paints that allow us to achieve our goals? What processes do those products entail?
Because of this multivariate analysis, we will not be able to cover every combination of surface, condition, intended outcome, and products in this article, or for that matter, in even a moderately-sized textbook.
The table below catalogs examples of surfaces, and whether these surfaces would typically be part of a painting project.
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Likely to Paint
Maybe
Unlikely to Paint
Fiber cement siding (lap siding or panels) and soffits
Vinyl siding or trim
Metal roofs (or roofs in general)
Wood lap siding
Worn or dulled prefinished copings, railings, or flashing
Prefinished copings, railings, or flashing
T-111 wood siding
—
Trex or other composite decking
Wood trim
Concrete decking
Previously unpainted concrete surfaces
White wood trim or synthetic wood trim
—
Kynar-coated surfaces
Previously painted railings, copings (roof caps), and flashing
Perhaps one of the more important services that professional painting contractors provide is understanding the extent to which a surface needs to be prepared, and which products should be used on that surface. Armadillo Painting works in collaboration with our suppliers to ensure that the proper products and technologies are being applied.
Let us look at the Likely to paint column and talk about painting systems.
Fiber Cement Siding
Siding is usually painted, so when repainting, we examine the condition of the existing paint and siding. Is the paint peeling, bubbling, exhibiting efflorescence? Is the color more faded on one side than the others? Normal exterior acrylic house paints are sufficient for painting exterior siding. Products like Sherwin-Williams A-100 or SuperPaint Exterior are designed to be applied to previously painted fiber cement siding. Other products include the Rodda CoverCoat XL or Protector XL-100.
Typically, more expensive products within the same category will perform better over time. For example, the styrenated acrylic Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior goes on thicker and is made of a higher grade of acrylic than SuperPaint Exterior, which is made of vinyl acrylic. Duration Exterior can be applied with just a one-coat application for repaints on properly prepared substrates. SuperPaint is still yet, a higher grade than A-100.
You will also notice that some paints come with manufacturer warranties that are longer than others (i.e., 15 year versus 25 year). It is worth noting that these warranties typically cover paint failure caused by a problem with the paint, not problems with the application of the paint, or problems with the surface and/or design to which the paint is applied. This is important because, say, if you painted a piece of trim and the paint beneath it comes off, taking the paint off which you applied, that will likely be attributed to the paint underneath the new application. A typical repaint cycle in western Washington is about 12 years for a home or 7 years for a condominium.
Wood Lap Siding
Wood lap siding can be a little different. You may have an existing surface that is stained or painted. Again, we ask: What is the customer’s goal? Does the customer want a fresh-painted look with a sheen, or are they looking to exhibit the wood grain?
If a surface is previously painted, and you are looking for a stained look, that would require sanding all the existing paint off and staining it. If the surface is currently stained, you may either apply two coats of paint or apply an oil-based primer to seal in the existing oil-based stain, before the two coats of paint. For instance, if water beads up on the wood, that may indicate that the particular spot on the wood may not be receptive to a topcoat of paint, and may need cleaning with a chemical cleaner and/or priming.
The table below illustrates only some of many existing conditions and desired outcomes, and how those would influence preparation and finish types.
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Existing Condition Wood Siding
Desired Condition
Preparation
Finish Type
Transparent wood grain cedar or redwood with an existing oil-based transparent stain, clean and dry
Solid color with a protective sheen
Pressure-wash, perhaps some light sanding, apply one coat of oil-based exterior wood primer.
Exterior Latex Acrylic
Previously painted wood
New coats of paint (new colors)
Pressure-wash, some light sanding and scraping, spot-priming, and appropriately shaded primer if necessary
Exterior Latex Acrylic
Transparent wood grain cedar or redwood with an existing oil-based transparent stain, clean and dry
Transparent wood grain cedar or redwood with an existing oil-based transparent stain, clean and dry
Pressure-wash, perhaps some light sanding and spot-priming with exterior oil-based primer at tannin-heavy areas like knots
Exterior water-based or oil-based solid-color wood stain.
In a typical repaint situation, we would paint this kind of siding. It is a laminated wood product and treated like a previously painted wood surface. Preparation and primers will depend on the condition of the existing paint. Because of the grooves in the siding, it may be wise to use a thicker primer or paint and paint in such a way that particularly ensures penetration onto every plane of the surface. For T-111 surfaces, the often-preferred method of spraying and back-rolling or back-brushing is important.
White Wood/ Synthetic Wood
This condition came into some common use several years ago in the building industry. This kind of synthetic wood material can soften and damage with exposure to rain. If the material is in good condition, we will paint it to match previously painted material.
Previously Painted Railings, Copings, downspouts, and Roof caps
Railings, copings, and roof caps receive much direct rain, sun, and other kinds of weather exposure, requiring a hardy paint. We also want these surfaces to look smooth and shiny. For that, we usually use DTM (direct to metal) paints, which have a tighter finish (less porosity/ higher “perms” rating). Railings may also benefit from having a higher resistance to abrasion. Products that are both designed to adhere to metal and generally have a hard finish are best suited to this application. One example is the Sherwin-Williams Protective and Marine Coatings Sher-Cryl HPA. It has exceptional adhesion and moisture resistance properties. However, if the previously painted coping is currently flaking, it may be that the painter would consider sanding the previous coating to the point where it is no longer flaking, then apply a coat of bonding primer. Bonding primers are typically like glue and allow you to paint surfaces which would otherwise not be paintable.
Wood Soffits
If a wood soffit is previously painted, we first observe the condition of the paint. If it is bubbling, we know that moisture may be coming through from behind the soffit. That may be a roofing or building envelope failure that requires further inspection. Otherwise, a previously painted wood soffit can be scraped and spot-primed with a peel-bond primer to prevent additional flaking, then top-coated with a basic exterior acrylic latex paint, such as SuperPaint or something similar.
Sometimes, wood soffits are previously stained or clear-coated decorative panels. In these cases, we assess the ability of the topcoat to adhere to the existing finish and conduct the proper surface preparation. For example, if a clear coat has worn off, we can lightly sand it to remove anything loose and simply topcoat it with durable paint, like we used for the siding. It may be worth considering, however, that we have not observed that panel as painted before, and when going from stain to paint, we may discover that the wood was breathing or exposed to moisture. If we apply paint, it could peel. A solid color stain can offer more breathability while also covering the wood.
A wood veneer soffit experiences some combination of a moisture issue that painting alone cannot resolve. Once the moisture issue is remediated, we may sand down the surface, clean it with a wood brightener, and apply one to two coats of semi-transparent stain to restore a more consistent finish.
A horizontal wood veneer can offer relief for the design of a building envelope, adding drama to a simple design. When recoating, we first observe the condition of the wood itself, whether it is darkened from exposure to water, rotted, or otherwise defective. We may choose to sand the wood down to remove an existing stain or clear-coat and/or provide a clean surface to stain, and/or clear coat, or paint altogether. Stain systems can vary between a two-coat polyurethane semi-transparent stain, such as the WoodScapes Semi-Transparent, to stain-and-clear systems, such as the Cetol-1 and Cetol-23. It is important to know the kind of wood you are staining. For example, if you are staining Ipe wood, there are only a handful of products on the market that would work for that application. You may also run into a costly situation if you decide to sand down the existing dried wood fibers or existing stain. Ipe wood can be notoriously difficult to sand. If a stain is rated for horizontal surfaces, you may be able to use it on vertical surfaces without issue. If a stain is rated for vertical surfaces, do not use it on horizontal surfaces.
It is important to note that because of the higher permeability of stain, and the lack of a strong film, stain often degrades much quicker than paint. Typical exterior staining cycles are closer to 3 to 7 years, rather than 7 to 15.
The operative word with wood veneers is absorption. If the wood absorbs water, it will likely absorb your stain just fine. Just ensure that the surface is clean, dry, and dull.
Wood veneer would need a wash with a wood refresher to restore discoloration. The condo owners might decide to paint the paneling rather than restaining it. Properly done, this can lower the cost and number of repaint cycles.
Doors
Exterior-facing doors experience the most abrasion of almost any painted surface at home. If painting a previously painted door, it must be fully cleaned, degreased, lightly sanded, and spot primed as necessary. We recommend Water-based Alkyd Urethane products or even something like the Sher-Cryl HPA. Clear-coated doors are often sanded down and stained and/or clear-coated again. Stained doors or other items made of hard woods may benefit from the use of a pre-stain conditioner before staining. This helps a stain apply more evenly. Typically, stained or bare-wood front doors are clear-coated with something like a spar urethane, with 3 coats.
Closing Thoughts
When considering the products we use to complete painting projects, we often realize that the product is only a part of the equation. Look at your home. Does it have an intricate design? Are there many breaks in the siding for trim and other features? How hard is it to access the walls? For every project, there are labor, material, and equipment costs. Large projects can be access-cost intensive (Working from a tall ladder or scaffold is time-consuming or expensive because of equipment). Where the project is more complex, it is to your advantage to do as much work in one project as possible. That is, if my building is expensive to access because of scaffolding and/or lift costs, I should seek to do as much work in one mobilization as possible as well as to choose the products with the longest life possible. This is to avoid the significant cost of mobilizing lifts or scaffolding twice.
If your project could use specialized painting knowledge and techniques, we would love to visit your home and provide you with a painting estimate. Armadillo Painting is a leading painting company in the Greater Seattle area. We perform projects for homeowners and HOA condominiums. We do our work on time, the right way, while delivering value to our customers. We understand that value means something different to everyone, and something different for every project. Call us at (425) 641-5465 or contact us online to discuss your needs for residential home interior or exterior painting, office painting, condominium painting, tilt-up, data center, and tenant improvement painting projects.
Choose Armadillo Painting for commercial projects where communication and quality matter.
In the Summer of 2025, a commercial property manager contacted Armadillo Painting to paint the exteriors of two logistics warehouse buildings totaling over 590,000 square feet, located in Sumner, WA.
Graphics And Accent Colors Were Painted In By Armadillo Painting, Creating A Fresh And Dynamic Look
We start every project by understanding the customers’ needs. By taking the time to listen, we learn what will make the project a success for our clients.
For some painting companies, the scale of the project alone could be daunting. One could see these buildings from space. The project would require speed and precision with mechanical lifts, experience in painting graphics, and the ability to create a consistent finish across large spaces.
Additionally, the painter would need to mobilize within two weeks and communicate the schedule with an active business tenant. The building owner needed the building refreshed and properly sealed to increase occupancy and extend the life of the building. In total, three key aspects of the project emerged:
A tight schedule to complete the project in the optimal painting season
Maintaining quality to satisfy the customer’s goals of protecting the building and refreshing the exterior
Tenant communication to ensure the tenant businesses could fully operate while the project was being completed.
Fortunately, our crew boasts a successful resume in all the above. On our commercial painting projects, timelines are key to preventing trade stacking and cost overruns. On our multifamily repaint projects, communication and quality rule as our clients live on-site. Armadillo Painting has over 20 years of painting experience, and SR167 suited our strengths well. However, to make our client’s schedule work and properly protect the surface, we turned to Sherwin-Williams Loxon XP.
Sherwin-Williams Loxon XP Waterproofing Masonry Coating allows experienced painters to apply a single coat of up to 18.5 mils wet (18.5 one-thousandths of an inch). At over 3 times the thickness compared to the typical house paint of 5 mils, this provides significantly more weather protection. This was important for SR167 because the buildings have no overhangs to stop rainfall, so the building envelope needs strong weather protection against wind-driven rain.
Sherwin-Williams Loxon XP Waterproofing Masonry Coating
However, paint – even the best paint – is nothing without preparation. To that end, our team identified cracked sealant joints for replacement. We also patched damaged areas and primed them appropriately to prevent water intrusion. We then pressure-washed the building, ensuring a sound surface for painting.
Combining frequent updates and clear communication with an eye for quality work, our crew capitalized on good weather and delivered the project on time, done right, and without leaving the client in the dark. If that does not deliver value, we do not know what does.
Get A Free, No-Obligation Estimate For Your Next Commercial Painting Project
Property managers, facility managers, and building owners looking for a reliable commercial painter in the Puget Sound and greater Seattle area can turn to Armadillo Painting for a painting consultation.
We can provide you with a detailed, accurate, and easy-to-understand estimate to help you decide when and how to complete your project. Call us at (425) 641-5465 or contact us online today!
SR167 Logistics Warehouses – Occupied And Fully Operational For The Duration Of The Project – Sumner, Washington
Armadillo Painting loves when a commercial painting project connects us back to the places that shaped who we are. Our recent work at the Newport Hills Swim and Tennis Club (NHSTC) was just that – this is the very swim club where our owner grew up swimming. Over the years, NHSTC has been a cornerstone of the community, hosting everything from swim meets to family celebrations. But its banquet hall and weight room had not been updated in three decades.
When the club reached out to us, their goal was clear: refresh and modernize the space to increase rental value and ensure it continues to be a strong revenue generator for the community.
The Challenge
The banquet hall, a hub for parties and events, felt dated and worn down after 30 years without updates.
The weight room needed a durable solution that could withstand heavy use and moisture from workouts.
The beautiful wooden beams in the banquet hall needed careful preservation while updating the surrounding brackets for a more modern look.
Armadillo Painting’s Process
Every painting project deserves attention to detail, and this one had special meaning to us. Here is how we approached it:
Surface Preparation
Clean and repair walls to create a smooth, paint-ready foundation.
Detail Work
Carefully mask off all the wooden beams in the banquet hall to protect their natural finish.
Paint the brackets for a crisp, updated contrast.
Product Choice
For the weight room, select a washable, moisture-resistant paint to handle the humidity and daily traffic.
Across the project, use Sherwin-Williams ProMar® 200 Zero VOC, a trusted commercial-grade paint known for its excellent durability, low odor, and environmentally friendly formula.
Why the Right Paint Matters For Newport Hills Swim and Tennis Club
Choosing the right paint is not just about color, it is about function and longevity. In a space like the weight room, moisture-resistant paints make it easier to keep walls clean and fresh. For event spaces like the banquet hall, ProMar 200’s professional-grade coverage and low odor ensured that the update was not only beautiful but also healthier for staff and guests.
Gym Interior Repaint At Newport Hills Swim And Tennis Club – Bellevue, Washington
The Outcome
The Newport Hills Swim and Tennis Club’s transformation was immediate. The banquet hall now feels bright, modern, and inviting – ready to host celebrations that match the energy of the community. The weight room not only looks refreshed but is built to withstand years of use thanks to the right product selection.
By updating these spaces, NHSTC is positioned to increase its rental rates and strengthen its role as a revenue-generating community hub.
Commercial Or Community Space Refresh
Does your commercial or community space need a refresh? Whether it is an event hall, fitness room, or office space, our team at Armadillo Painting has the experience to deliver lasting results. Call us at (425) 641-5465 or contact us online for a free on-site estimate See how a fresh coat of paint can transform your space!
As summer winds down and cooler weather sets in, many homeowners and property managers start thinking about freshening up their spaces. Fall is an excellent time to schedule a painting project – but fall painting also comes with unique considerations. From fluctuating temperatures to shorter daylight hours, preparing properly can make all the difference in getting a smooth, durable finish.
This guide will help you understand why fall is a great painting season and what steps you can take to ensure success.
Why Paint In The Fall?
Painting in the fall offers several advantages compared to peak summer or winter months:
Mild Temperatures: Paint adheres best when the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. Fall’s moderate climate is ideal.
Less Humidity: Drier air helps paint dry evenly and reduces the risk of bubbling or streaking.
End-of-Year Refresh: Fresh walls make your home or business look polished before the holiday season.
How To Prepare For A Fall Painting Project
Check The Weather Forecast
Exterior painting requires temperatures above 50°F for most products, with no rain in the immediate forecast.
For interior projects, be mindful of ventilation as windows might need to stay open during drying.
Choose The Right Paint
Select paints and primers formulated for low temperatures when planning outdoor work.
For interiors, consider washable finishes to handle extra traffic during holiday gatherings.
Schedule Your Painting Project Early
Shorter days mean fewer working hours for exterior crews. Booking in advance ensures you complete your project before winter weather arrives.
Prepare The Space
Trim back plants near exterior walls.
Move outdoor furniture and cover landscaping.
For interiors, declutter and protect floors and furnishings with drop cloths.
Work With Painting Professionals
Professional painters know how to adjust techniques for fall conditions, ensuring proper adhesion and long-lasting results.
Residential Painters Complete Townhome Exterior Fall Painting At Kimball Creek – Snoqualmie. WA
Common Questions About Fall Painting
Can you paint outside when it is cold?
Yes, many modern paints are designed for use in cooler temperatures. Paint when the forecast stays consistently above 50°F for the best results.
Is fall better for interior or exterior painting?
You can paint indoors and outdoors in the fall. Interiors often take priority because cooler weather naturally draws us indoors.
Choose Armadillo Painting For Your Fall Painting Project
Since 2005, Armadillo Painting has helped Washington homeowners, businesses, and property managers prepare their spaces for every season. Our team understands the challenges of fall painting and uses proven products and methods to deliver lasting results.
This year, we are proud to announce our 2025 community project winner: Treehouse for Kids.
Two of Armadillo Painting’s core values are Customer Matters and Excellence; giving back is built into who we are. Each year, we commit to completing at least one community painting project, completely free of charge, to support the people and organizations that make our community a better place to live.
Now in its 4th year, our annual Community Project initiative invites our customers to nominate a neighbor or a nonprofit in need of a refresh. Whether it is someone going through a tough time or an organization that serves others every day, we aim to give a little brightness back through the power of paint.
About Treehouse For Kids
Treehouse is a Washington-based nonprofit focused on ensuring youth in foster care have the opportunities and support they need to thrive – academically, emotionally, and socially. Their work is truly transformative, helping youth graduate from high school at rates higher than the general population.
One of Treehouse’s standout programs is the Treehouse Store – a welcoming space where youth experiencing foster care can shop for clothing, toys, school supplies, and other essentials, all at no cost. It is a place filled with dignity, empowerment, and joy, not just for the kids who shop there, but for the donors and volunteers who make it all possible.
This year, we have chosen Treehouse to help refresh the area where they conduct donor tours: a behind-the-scenes space where supporters get to see the impact of their generosity in real time.
The Project: Painting a Space That Inspires
The space had seen a lot of love… and a lot of wear. Scuffed walls, dinged-up trim, and high-traffic doorways needed attention. Our Armadillo Painting team stepped in to:
Prep and repair worn wall surfaces
Repaint high-traffic walls and hallways
Refresh door trims and interior doors with durable, high-quality finishes.
Repainting Treehouse High Traffic Hallway
Why Paint Matters – Especially Here
A fresh coat of paint might seem simple, but it is powerful. It can brighten a space, lift the mood, and create a more polished and professional impression; especially important when welcoming donors who want to see their contributions in action.
Just as important as the aesthetics is the functionality of the product we use. Every room has a purpose, and every purpose has a paint solution. In this case, we selected a durable, scrubbable paint designed to withstand the high foot traffic and activity that comes with daily tours and community engagement.
Treehouse Library With Repainted Interior Walls
The Outcome
The result? A refreshed, welcoming space that can handle the daily activity it sees. The upgraded paint products not only look great, but they will stand the test of time, helping Treehouse focus on what they do best: supporting youth in foster care.
Let Us Paint With Purpose, Together
If you know a person or organization that could benefit from our annual community project, we want to hear from you! And if your own space is due for a refresh, call us at (425) 641-5465 or contact us online today to schedule a free estimate with the Armadillo Painting team.
Together, we are making Washington more colorful one project at a time.
Armadillo Painting Team Pride And Craftsmanship On Display
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Ah, the timeless art of painting. From breathing new life into a weary room to providing armor against nature’s whims for outdoor surfaces, painting is one of the most common and transformative home improvement projects one can undertake.
And yet, regardless of your expertise level or the scope of your project, there is at least one question that seems to baffle both novices and seasoned DIYers alike: How long does paint take to dry and cure?
But, why all the confusion? Well, as it turns out, it’s not merely a matter of patience. There are so many factors that affect the drying and curing times of paint.
The Importance of Knowing Dry and Cure Times
Knowing the difference between drying and curing times is the secret to avoiding a tacky situation – and we don’t just mean figuratively. While most of us are quick to applaud ourselves once the last coat of paint is up, the truth is, the paint is not ready for its standing ovation… just yet.
A fully cured surface withstands cleaning, moving furniture against it, and the enthusiastic “wall testers” we call children, all without leaving a mark or—heaven forbid—peeling away.
With that, here’s what you need to understand about the drying and curing phase.
The Drying Phase
When we talk about paint drying, we’re referring to the evaporation process where the paint loses its solvent. For oil-based paints, this means bidding farewell to the oil, and for water-based varieties, waving goodbye to water, resulting in a layer that feels dry to the touch.
Having said that, this phase is actually misleading. While it might seem ready for action, the paint, much like a teenager, is still not quite set for the real world. It’s dry but not durable, adhered but not strong.
Factors Affecting Drying Time
Type of Paint
Water-based paints, because of their composition, are generally favored for their rapid drying and low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions, which make them a safer choice for indoor use. Oil-based paints, though they demand a more considerable wait, have a resilience tailor-made for high-traffic zones, such as doors and trims, where quality can’t afford to fall prey to wear and tear.
Application Thickness
Thinner coats dry more quickly and uniformly, reducing the risk of dips and sags. They are also less likely to crack during the drying process. Thicker coats, on the other hand, may seem like a time-saver because they offer coverage with fewer applications, but they can extend drying time and may lead to issues if not thoroughly dried before additional layers are added.
Environment
The drying phase doesn’t operate in a bubble–environmental conditions can either speed up the process or place it squarely in limbo. High humidity is a notorious culprit in extending drying windows, hampering the evaporation essential for a solid set. Your optimal painting climate is a trifecta of warmth, dryness, and ventilation. Stray too cold, and you’re inadvertently slowing progress; too warm, and you may unwittingly invite a patchy cure.
Typical Drying Times
Water-based Latex Paints
For those facing a busy schedule yet aiming to knock the project out of the park, water-based latex paints are your go-to solution. Efficiently dry to the touch in about an hour, these paints allow you to dive headfirst into the second layer after a mere 4-hour wait. This swift turnaround is a game changer for projects with tight deadlines or when speed is of the essence, such as refreshing your office’s walls and ceilings.
Oil-based Paints
For those projects where durability takes the front seat, and the pace can afford to slow down, oil-based paints assert their worth. They take a more leisurely 6-8 hours to dry to the touch, with a full day recommended before starting the second coat. In scenarios where quality can’t grind to a halt and the brunt of heavy use is anticipated, this type of paint truly goes the distance.
The Curing Phase
While the drying phase is the sprint, the curing phase is the marathon in the world of paint application. It’s here that paint truly comes into its own, developing the toughness and resilience that will see it through everything from the scuffs of daily life to the more intense challenges of furniture and human traffic.
During this phase, paint transitions from a dry surface to one with fully developed properties of hardness, durability, and scratch resistance. In oil-based paints, this involves oxidation and solvent evaporation, which leads to a strong, durable film. Water-based latex paints rely on the complete evaporation of water, which allows the acrylic polymers to coalesce into a unified, solid film.
Factors Influencing Curing Time
Type of Paint
Oil-based paints typically require more time to cure than water-based paints because of their complex chemistry and the slower evaporation of solvents.
Environmental Conditions
Ideal conditions include moderate temperatures and low humidity to enable faster and more consistent curing. Like in the drying phase, extreme conditions, either too hot or too cold, can hinder the process and lead to longer curing times.
Typical Curing Times
Latex Paints
Known for their quick-drying properties, latex paints also boast relatively fast curing times, typically achieving a full cure within 21 to 30 days. This makes them a popular choice for those seeking both efficiency and durability.
Oil-Based Paints
With their superior finish and toughness, oil-based paints demand patience, often requiring 30 days or more to fully cure. Nevertheless, the wait yields a robust surface suited for high-traffic and high-contact areas.
Wrapping It Up
Patience is indeed a virtue when it comes to painting. While a paint job might feel complete once the paint is dry to the touch, the reality is that the curing process takes much longer. Adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines and allowing paint to fully dry and cure will ensure the best possible outcome for your painting project, ensuring both longevity and aesthetic appeal.
In painting, as in many aspects of life, good things come to those who wait.
