Exterior
11 published entries.
A painting job brings together a surface, a coating, a method, equipment, and the discipline to carry the work through. SPATE gives those decisions a shared language: Substrate, Product, Application, Tools, and Execution.
Choose brushes and roller covers for wall paint, enamels, primers, and stains using my field selections. Includes shared nap tables for drywall, cedar, stucco, and smooth finishes, plus frame choices, mini rollers, water-based cleanup, storage, and replacement checks.
Entry001
Preparing and Repainting Cedar Siding
An inspection-led guide to cedar siding and shakes: diagnosing peeling, agreeing repairs, cleaning and removing failed coating, confirming dryness, priming, spraying an exterior acrylic finish, and inspecting the result.
Entry005
Airless Spraying: Setup, Tip Selection, Application, and Cleanup
Good spraying begins before paint reaches the gun. An organized station, protected surroundings, checked equipment, and a consistent application sequence let a crew work efficiently and correct problems while they are still manageable.
Entry 006
Preparing and Repainting Exterior Stucco
Inspect the wall before choosing the coating. A small crack in firm stucco can call for a localized repair; movement or loose material can point to a problem that painting will not solve. This guide follows my residential repaint practice in Florida, from inspection through patching, conditioning, application, and final checks.
Entry007
Preparing and Repainting Rusted Steel and Iron
Rust treatment begins with the condition of the metal, not the choice of paint. Establish that the component can remain in service, remove failed material, and build a compatible coating system on a properly prepared surface. Inspection at each stage prevents roughness, missed areas, and poor coverage from carrying through to the finished work.
Entry008
Preparing and Painting Exterior Aluminum
A smooth aluminum finish begins with removing corrosion products, preparing the remaining coating, and choosing a compatible primer and finish. This entry records my workflow for exterior aluminum and keeps it distinct from the rust-conversion methods used on steel and iron.
Entry009
Choosing the Right Primer
Choose a primer for the surface it will actually touch, the problem it must solve, and the finish that will follow. Identify the underlying material and the existing coating, prepare them properly, and test uncertain combinations before committing to an entire surface.
Entry 012
Diagnosing and Correcting Paint Flashing
Troubleshoot flashing, uneven paint, and a blotchy finish on painted vinyl siding and interior walls. Learn to level repairs, match texture, correct cut-in bands, repaint corner to corner, and inspect the dried result.
Entry015
Preparing and Painting Exterior Wood Trim and Fascia
An exterior wood trim and fascia guide covering firmness checks, repair or replacement, mildew cleaning, failed-paint removal, localized filler repairs, wood primer, caulking, and two satin acrylic finish coats. Final inspection emphasizes seams, edges, and complete coverage of exposed wood.
Entry 016
Preparing and Staining Exterior Wood Decks
Prepare and stain wood decks, from replacing unsound boards and identifying old finishes to cleaning, brightening, moisture checks, and full-board application. Separate instructions cover water-based deck stains and wiping excess oil from Ipe, with project photographs and maintenance guidance.