Interior and Exterior Painting in Twin Lakes, WI

It depends on the surface, the prep and the number of coats. Purdue Extension says one coat over a proper primer may last four to five years, while two topcoats can last up to ten. Fully exposed south and west walls should get two coats. Good prep matters at least as much as the paint itself.

Latex needs at least 50 degrees and should stay that warm for about two hours after application. Oil-based paint can go on at 40 degrees or more. Heavy dew on cool evenings can streak latex too. In practice that often means late spring through early fall, weather permitting, and we will tell you plainly if a day is not right.

Homes built before 1978 may have lead-based paint. The EPA rule says anyone paid to disturb paint in those homes must be a certified firm using lead-safe work practices. Ask any contractor to show their EPA certification and to explain the lead-safe methods they will use. We will talk through your home's age at the estimate.

Moisture is the usual cause. Wood swells and shrinks with humidity and rain, damp wood blisters paint, and moisture moving out through a wall from inside can push the paint off. Dirty or weathered surfaces make it worse. That is why we spend so much time on repairs, cleaning and primer before any finish coat.

Water-based paints give off fewer fumes than oil-based ones. EPA advises running an exhaust fan in the room being painted and keeping ventilation going until two to three days after the job, and blocking return vents so fumes do not travel. Most emissions come in the first few days, so being out of the house during work hours helps.

Yes, it gets cleaned off first. EPA says not to paint over mold, because paint on mold is likely to peel. Fix the moisture problem, scrub hard surfaces with detergent and water, and let them dry completely. Never mix bleach with ammonia cleaners. Bare wood is then treated and primed so the finish has something solid to hold.