Painting contractor —
Seattle & Puget Sound.
Paint quality is 80% prep. We caulk, prime, sand between coats, and back-roll on exteriors so the finish holds against Pacific Northwest weather.
Paint quality is 80% prep. We caulk, prime, sand between coats, and back-roll on exteriors so the finish holds against Pacific Northwest weather. A two-coat job on properly prepped walls outlasts a three-coat job over poor prep every time.
Exterior paint in the Puget Sound climate is a different problem from interior paint. We use 100% acrylic systems, prime bare wood, and time the work between dry windows so adhesion locks before the next rain.
What we build
SCOPE- 01Full surface prep + caulk
- 02Premium primer system
- 032–3 coat finish
- 04Exterior back-rolling
- 05Color consultation
- 06Cabinet + millwork spraying
Phased process
PROCESS- 01
Surface prep
Wash, sand glossy surfaces, scrape failing paint, fill nail holes, caulk every joint.
- 02
Prime
Stain-blocking primer on stains and bare drywall, oil-based on tannin-prone wood, bonding primer on glossy surfaces.
- 03
Coat 1
Full coverage with brush at cuts, roller on field. Sand lightly between coats on trim and cabinets.
- 04
Coat 2 (and 3 if needed)
Color-true second coat; certain colors (deep reds, yellows) require a third coat for opacity.
- 05
Touch-up & cleanup
Spot touch-ups under raking light, caulk gaps revealed by paint, full site cleanup.
Spec sheet
SPEC- +Sherwin-Williams Emerald or Benjamin Moore Aura on premium interior
- +Sherwin-Williams Duration or Cabot Solid Color Stain on exterior
- +Cabinet-grade waterborne enamel (BM Advance, SW Emerald Urethane) on cabinetry
- +Oil-based stain-blocking primer (BM Fresh Start, Kilz Original) on bare wood and tannin
- +Mildew-resistant ceiling paint in baths and laundry
- +Caulk: paintable siliconized acrylic on interiors; polyurethane on exterior moving joints
Cost drivers
COST- Surface conditionHeavy prep can double the labor budget on weathered exteriors
- Color change (light → dark or dark → light)+1 coat = +25–40% material and labor
- Cabinet refinishing+$80–$160 per linear foot of upper + lower cabinets
- Ceiling height10+ ft ceilings add scaffolding and slow production by 30–50%
- Stain on cedar / redwoodTannin bleed requires oil-based primer; +$200–$600 for product
Codes & permits
COMPLIANCE- EPA RRP (lead)
Pre-1978 homes require certified Renovation, Repair and Painting protocols. We carry the certification; DIY work in pre-1978 painted areas can void homeowner insurance.
- VOC limits
Washington follows OTC Phase II VOC limits — flat <50 g/L, non-flat <100 g/L. We use compliant products throughout.
Is painting the right call?
- →Pre-listing refresh — paint is the highest-ROI cosmetic upgrade dollar for dollar
- →After major remodel or addition to blend new and existing surfaces
- →Exterior repaint cycle (typically 7–10 years in PNW)
- →Cabinet refinishing instead of replacement (saves 60–75% vs new cabinets)
Paint questions
FAQQ.01
How long does exterior paint last in Seattle?
Properly prepped and applied with premium 100% acrylic, expect 8–12 years on south and west exposures, 10–15 on north and east. The PNW is hard on south-facing walls because of UV plus rain cycles.Q.02
Can you paint cabinets to look factory finished?
Yes — we spray cabinet doors and drawer fronts off-site or in a controlled spray area, brush-and-roll boxes in place. Final cured finish is comparable to factory at 80% of replacement cost.Q.03
What about lead paint?
If your home is pre-1978 and we are disturbing painted surfaces, EPA RRP applies. We are certified and follow the rule by default — containment, HEPA cleanup, and disposal.Q.04
How many coats do we really need?
Two coats for most color changes on properly primed walls. Three coats for deep accent colors, light-over-dark, or stained surfaces. Trim and doors typically need three coats for a smooth enamel film.
Official resources & sources
- Source ↗WSEC 2021 Residential Energy CodeEnvelope, HVAC, hot-water and air-sealing requirements
- Source ↗WA HB 1110 — Middle housing lawStatewide middle-housing zoning preemption
- Source ↗WA HB 1337 — ADU statewide rulesTwo-ADU baseline, no owner occupancy, parking limits
- Source ↗WA Dept. of Commerce — ADU resources
- Source ↗WA L&I contractor license lookupVerify Golden State ADU Builders Inc · GOLDESA747LZ
- Source ↗Washington State Building Code CouncilStatewide adopted codes (IRC, IBC, WSEC)
Ready to scope your paint project?
Send a paragraph and the address. A licensed PM replies within one business day with next steps.
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