Here’s a clear, step‑by‑step explanation you can share with your customers about how Florida West Coast Windows prepares and paints a house, including power washing. You can tweak details to match your exact process, but this gives a strong, professional outline:
1. Initial Inspection & Color Confirmation
- We start with a full walk‑around of the home.
- Identify any problem areas: peeling paint, hairline cracks in stucco, chalking, mildew, or water damage.
- Confirm paint colors, sheen, and any accent areas (doors, trim, shutters, etc.).
- Discuss any special requests (extra caulking, specific areas of concern).
2. Power Washing (Pressure Cleaning)
The first major step is power washing to ensure a clean, sound surface.
- Detergent/Mildew Treatment (if needed)
- Apply a cleaning solution designed for exterior surfaces.
- Treat mildew, algae, or heavy dirt so the paint can properly adhere.
- Pressure Washing
- Use the appropriate pressure setting for your home’s surface (stucco, siding, wood, etc.) to avoid damage.
- Wash exterior walls, eaves, soffits, fascia, and often walkways near the work area.
- Remove loose paint, dirt, chalking (powdery residue), spider webs, insect nests, and surface contaminants.
- Drying Time
- Allow the exterior to dry thoroughly after washing.
- This is critical for proper adhesion of primers and paints, especially in Florida’s humidity.
3. Surface Preparation & Repairs
Scraping & Sanding
- Scrape off any remaining loose or flaking paint.
- Feather sand rough transitions between old and new paint for a smooth finish.
- Lightly sand glossy surfaces to create a better “tooth” for the new paint.
Stucco & Surface Repairs
- Fill hairline stucco cracks with suitable patching material or elastomeric patch.
- Repair minor damage (chips, spalls, or small holes) so the surface is sound and even.
- Check and address any areas where moisture may have caused damage.
Caulking & Sealing
- Remove failing or cracked caulk around windows, doors, fascia joints, and trim.
- Re‑caulk with high‑quality exterior sealant to close gaps and prevent water intrusion.
- This step improves both appearance and weather protection.
4. Masking, Covering, and Protection
- Cover and protect windows, glass, and fixtures with plastic or paper.
- Mask off rooflines, gutters, light fixtures, house numbers, and hardware as needed.
- Cover landscaping, shrubs, and concrete surfaces (driveways, walkways, patios) with drop cloths or plastic to prevent overspray and drips.
- Move outdoor furniture, grills, and décor away from the work area or cover them.
5. Priming (Where Needed)
We use Sherwin-Williams primers suited to each surface and condition.
- Bare or Exposed Areas
- Prime any bare stucco, wood, or metal so the topcoat adheres evenly.
- Stain or Rust Blocking
- Apply stain‑blocking or rust‑inhibiting primers on stained or rusty surfaces.
- Problem Areas
- Heavily chalked or previously peeling areas may receive a bonding/adhesion primer for extra durability.
Priming helps achieve uniform color, better adhesion, and a more durable finish.
6. Application of Sherwin-Williams Exterior Paint
We typically apply at least two coats of high‑quality Sherwin-Williams exterior paint, selected specifically for Florida’s climate (UV, salt air, rain, and humidity).
Choosing the Right Product
- Use premium Sherwin-Williams exterior lines designed for:
- UV and fade resistance.
- Mildew and moisture resistance.
- Flexibility to handle expansion and contraction of stucco or siding.
Main Body of the House
- Apply paint by spray, brush, and/or roller, depending on the surface and conditions.
- Maintain even coverage and the recommended “mil thickness” (how thick the paint film is) to ensure longevity and warranty performance.
- Work methodically around the house to avoid lap marks and ensure a uniform sheen.
Trim, Doors, and Accents
- Cut in trim, fascia, soffits, and other details carefully by brush or small roller for clean lines.
- Paint doors, shutters, and other accent areas with the appropriate sheen (often satin or semi‑gloss for durability and cleanability).
- Use separate colors as specified and ensure sharp, crisp lines where colors meet.
7. Detail Work & Touch‑Ups
- Remove masking carefully without peeling fresh paint.
- Inspect all surfaces for holidays (missed spots), thin areas, or minor imperfections.
- Touch up any areas that need more coverage or cleanup of lines and edges.
- Make sure hardware, fixtures, and surrounding surfaces are clean and paint‑free.
8. Final Clean‑Up
- Remove all masking materials, drop cloths, plastic, and debris.
- Reinstall any items that were removed (downspouts, light fixtures, etc., if applicable).
- Clean up around the property so it looks neat, not like a construction site.
9. Final Walk‑Through & Customer Review
- Walk the property with you to review the work.
- Address any questions or minor touch‑ups on the spot.
- Explain basic maintenance tips and what to expect from the Sherwin-Williams finish over time.
In summary, our process is not just “a quick coat of paint.”
Florida West Coast Windows:
- Deep‑cleans and power washes your home,
- Repairs, seals, and primes the surfaces correctly, and
- Applies premium Sherwin-Williams exterior products specifically suited to Florida’s West Coast climate.
That’s how we deliver a long‑lasting, professional finish that protects your home and keeps it looking great for years.