Before the job started
I met with the client where we went over the basics, which colour scheme to choose, problem area of flaking paint and arranged when the project would work best for both of our schedules.
After around 30 minutes, I had the information necessary to estimate the time required, paint cost, when it could be done in the year and the client was emailed a quote with all that information the following day.
After deciding to proceed with the project, I ordered the bulk of the materials and the colour selection process was simplified because a match of the original colour was requested.
Typically with any colour change, we will bring by a colour swatch so several colours can be viewed against the wall before selecting samples. Samples are then applied to several sections of the house subject to different levels of light because there is often a difference between how the paint looks on the swatch compared to when it is applied to the house. Only when the colour is confirmed as the one does the project begin.
Avoided pitfalls and success
This project started at the very beginning of the season in April and was subject several days of bad weather. To work around this, we make sure the surface is completely dry before resuming. After lightly pressure washing the entire exterior and waiting several days for it to completely dry the project proceeded fairly smoothly. Tricky areas to note were the upper cedar shakes which had been exposed to intense sunlight with about 10 years in between coats of paint. In certain sections the Benjamin Moore stain being used was fully absorbed even after 2 coats. To attain a proper uniform finish, extra paint and coats was needed but ended up not being beyond the typical unanticipated parts you find working on entire homes. There were only a few breaks and the project finish reasonably quickly in about two weeks.
