Residential Painting

How to Select a House Painting System and Prepare Your Surface

Posted on July 19, 2021

The house paint system is the combination of primers and house paints we apply that serve as the coating between your home and the elements. Choosing the right primer and paint combination will depend on the level of degradation your home’s existing paint has endured over time.

With CertaPro Painters® of the Okanagan, you’ll get top-quality materials along with a primer/paint pairing that best fits the unique characteristics of your home.

Which Primer and Paint Combo You Should Choose for Your Paint Project

  • Spot Prime/One Finish Coat: If your home’s existing paint is still in good condition and you are not planning a colour change, choose this house painting system. It is an inexpensive option that will only prime areas that have been prepared.
  • Spot Prime/Two Finish Coats: Similar to the first option, this house painting system only primes areas that have been prepared but offers upgraded features. The two finish coats are ideal for chalky or deteriorating finish paint as it provides extended protection over time. There is an increase in costs for this option due to additional material and labor.
  • Full Prime/One Finish Coat: Existing finish paint that has severely degraded may require a full prime, so the new finish coat has a solid base to adhere to. The primer coat can be tinted to match the finish coat and help cover the existing finish paint. This option is best for moderate colour changes, but a second finish coat may be necessary for some instances or in specific areas of your home. Based on the existing paint’s condition, this may be the most suitable paint system as it allows the primer and paint to form a bond more appropriate than the bond between two finish coats. The cost is similar or slightly more than the Spot Prime/Two Finish Coats system.
  • Full Prime/Two Finish Coats: This high-performance house paint system is most appropriate for new constructions, renovations, or drastic colour changes. This option far outlasts the other house paint systems, and additional materials and labor reflect its cost.

Our House Painting Preparation Process

Before proceeding with the house painting system, our expert painters in Okanagan start with surface preparation which serves as the foundation for a beautiful and long-lasting finish. This process is designed to uncover and repair existing damage, minimize future deterioration, and protect your home from water intrusion and air leaks. Our surface preparation process includes:

  • Power or handwashing to banish dirt and organic growth (mildew, algae, mold, etc.) and ensure a clean home for new primer/paint to adhere to
  • Scraping to remove loose and peeling paint in degraded areas as well as areas that tend to peel or bubble
  • Sanding scraped areas to improve the appearance and prevent paint edges from peeling
  • Identifying damaged or rotten wood and working with the homeowner to find the best carpentry solution that will keep the home’s substrates intact
  • Removing degraded caulk/sealant and applying new, high-quality caulk/sealant to prevent drafts and water damage
  • Removing degraded window glazing/putty and replacing it to stabilize window glass

Our professional painters will take care of the entire paint project, including daily clean-up. Drop cloths, tools, ladders, and other equipment will be placed in a safe location determined by the homeowner unless otherwise specified.

Schedule Your Professional House Painting in Okanagan

At CertaPro Painters® of the Okanagan, we’re ready to help with all of your painting project needs from start to finish. Our goal is to make every project as easy and hassle-free as possible while delivering high-quality results. Contact us today to get started with your next painting project.

Schedule your free, detailed, in-home estimate appointment now!