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.
