Question 1

What exterior paint holds up best on waterfront and ocean-facing homes in the Pacific Northwest?

Accepted Answer

Waterfront and Puget Sound-facing homes face an especially punishing combination of salt air, constant moisture, UV, and wind. We use Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior or Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior as our standard — both offer industry-leading mold and mildew resistance and exceptional adhesion in humid conditions. On particularly exposed waterfront properties in Medina, Mercer Island, or Shoreline we add a penetrating primer system before the topcoat for maximum moisture exclusion.

Question 2

How do you paint cedar siding without it peeling within a few years?

Accepted Answer

Cedar's natural oils and the PNW's moisture cycle make prep everything. We start with a thorough cleaning, allow the wood to fully dry, then apply a high-quality oil-based or alkyd-hybrid primer that penetrates the fiber rather than sitting on top. A premium acrylic topcoat like Sherwin-Williams Emerald or Benjamin Moore Aura seals over it. Skip any of those steps and you'll be repainting in three years — we see it constantly on DIY and budget contractor jobs in Kirkland, Woodinville, and Bothell.

Question 3

Can you paint Hardie board (fiber cement) siding, and does it need special preparation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it needs proper attention. Most pre-primed Hardie board holds paint well, but we inspect every plank for breaches in the factory prime coat, especially at cut edges — those must be sealed with a quality oil primer before topcoat to prevent moisture wicking. We use a 100% acrylic exterior paint with a higher-mil dry film thickness for maximum longevity on Hardie substrates, which are very common on newer construction throughout Sammamish, Redmond, and Mill Creek.

Question 4

How often should I repaint the exterior of my home in Seattle's climate?

Accepted Answer

With a quality paint system properly applied, you should expect 8–12 years on the body and 5–7 years on trim and doors before a full repaint is needed. Homes with significant western or southern exposure, older bare wood, or proximity to the water will be at the shorter end. QUALCO's full workmanship warranty reflects our confidence in our prep and product selection.

Question 5

Do you paint exterior trim, fascia, gutters, and front doors as part of an exterior project?

Accepted Answer

Always. A complete exterior repaint should address every visible painted surface — body, trim, fascia, soffits, shutters, garage doors, and the front door. We treat the front door as a focal point, often recommending a high-gloss Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane application for a lacquer-like depth that photographs beautifully and holds up to constant use. Gutters are cleaned and painted to match or complement the trim.

Exterior Painting
Built for the Pacific Northwest Climate

Seattle Metro and Eastside Exterior Painting Services

Our Process

Free In-Home Estimate

Surface Preparation

Masking & Protection

Premium Application

Final Inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

Areas We Serve

Other Services We Offer

Get a Free Estimate

Get Your Free Estimate

Exterior PaintingBuilt for the Pacific Northwest Climate