AA&D's 5 Step Full Service Exterior Painting Process

1. Power Washing:

• Bio-degradable detergent and bleach are used to remove dirt, mildew and mold. Delicate areas are hand washed. House is given time to dry. Driveways and decks cleaned (when contracted).

Beware:

1. Power Washing looks simple, but don’t be fooled. There are very important techniques to a successful cleaning and bleach wash. Amateurs SHOULD NEVER BE USED.
2. Power washing can be very dangerous if not performed properly. High pressure water can go through many surfaces instantaneously. With a 3000 psi pressure washer, you could carve your name in the side of your house within seconds if you weren’t careful. (Highway crews actually use a version of a pressure washer to cut the holes for dynamite blasting when digging for highway construction.)

2. Scraping, priming and minor maintenance:

• All loose paint is removed, all bare surfaces are primed. Open cracks around doors and windows are caulked (helps prevent water from entering home/siding, causing premature paint failure).  Window panes receive new putty where necessary (helps prevent water damage and minor drafts).  Complete siding replacement available (many customers wish to have options to choose from).  Trim, siding, and stucco repairs are available

Beware of:

1. Don’t try to save money by cutting out preparation. Most professionals will agree that proper prep is the single most important component in the longevity of a paint job. Conversely, improper preparation can result in almost instant coating failure. Don’t leave cracked clapboards or vertical trim without repair or replacement. Moisture could penetrate behind the surfaces and result in paint failure.

3. Painting:

• Full finish coat is applied for proper coverage and finish. Second or third coats are available upon request or when specified in the contract. All non-painted surfaces are protected from splatter and drips. Only premium quality paints and stains are used.

Beware:

1. When it comes to paint, more is not necessarily better. Each manufacturer has a recommended thickness for each coating. Most agree that 2 coats are optimum for surface protection. But over time, each additional coat over the home’s original siding actually adds weight that pulls from the surface, eventually causing peeling.  Continuous year after year paint peeling problems are rarely caused by the material used. In most cases, moisture is the reason. We at AA&D Painting Co. attempt to locate the source of moisture, and present the possible remedies to our customers.