Exterior Painting Process

Q: What is the exterior painting process at Robinson Painting?

Our Robinson Standard exterior process has three phases: Phase 1 is foundation prep (full pressure wash or surface wipe down, detailed scraping and sanding, caulking and sealing, and spot priming all bare wood). Phase 2 is our mandatory two-coat application using premium Sherwin-Williams finish via professional spray equipment. Phase 3 is our high-trust completion with property protection, daily cleanup, and a critical final walk-through before any payment is collected.

Q: Does Robinson Painting always apply two coats of exterior paint?

Always. We never apply just one coat. A single coat might look acceptable initially, but it lacks the mil thickness needed for true Colorado durability. Our mandatory two-coat system creates a thick, protective shell that is weather-resistant, washable, and built to withstand intense UV rays and rapid temperature swings.

Q: What paint does Robinson Painting use for exterior projects?

We exclusively use premium Sherwin-Williams exterior products. Our top tier is Emerald Exterior Acrylic Latex (backed by our 10-year labor warranty) and our standard tier is SuperPaint Exterior Acrylic Latex (backed by a 5-year labor warranty). Both are specifically selected for Colorado’s harsh climate conditions.

Q: Does Robinson Painting pressure wash before painting?

For full exterior projects, yes. We start with a comprehensive pressure wash using the property’s water supply to remove Colorado dust, debris, and chalking paint. However, for smaller projects or specific surfaces where a high-pressure wash might be too aggressive, we perform a detailed manual surface wipe-down instead. Whether it’s a full house or a small accent, our goal is the same: ensuring the new coating bonds to a perfectly clean, pristine surface.

Q: Why does Robinson Painting use spray application for exteriors?

Spraying allows us to apply a significantly heavier and more even protective coat than brushing alone. It provides superior cosmetic appeal while ensuring every nook and cranny is sealed against moisture and UV damage. We then use brushes and rollers for detailed trim work and transitions for a precision finish.

Completed exterior paint job by Robinson Painting of Colorado LLC.

The Robinson Standard: Preparation-First Protection for Colorado Homes

At Robinson Painting of Colorado LLC, we don’t just “paint” houses—we protect legacies. As a third-generation painting company, we know that a beautiful finish is only as good as the preparation beneath it. We follow a strict, multi-step “Robinson Standard” to ensure your home survives the Colorado elements and looks incredible for years to come.

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Phase 1: The Foundation of Protection

Robinson Painting crew performing pressure wash prep on exterior home in Boulder, Colorado

1. Full Pressure Wash

Every project begins with a clean slate. We perform a comprehensive pressure wash of your home’s substrate using the property’s water supply. This removes Colorado dust, debris, and chalking paint, ensuring the new coating has a pristine surface to bond to.

Detailed scraping and sanding of exterior surfaces by Robinson Painting of Colorado LLC

2. Detailed Prep: Scrape & Sand

We don’t cut corners on the hardest part of the job. Our crews perform thorough manual scraping and sanding of any loose or failing paint. This creates a stable, smooth surface and prevents the “peeling” effect common with rushed paint jobs.

3. Sealing & Caulking (The Rubber Band Analogy)

We re-caulk all previously caulked surfaces, including seams, cracks, and nail heads. It is important to understand that while caulking helps with weatherproofing, it is also highly aesthetic.

The “Rubber Band” Concept: Think of caulk like a rubber band. A thick, heavy-duty band can be pulled significantly without breaking. A thin, small band snaps easily. Because residential cracks are small, they hold less material and will naturally move and re-crack over time. This is a normal part of home maintenance, but our high-quality application ensures the best possible seal.

4. Spot Priming

Before any color hits the wall, we prime all bare wood and necessary areas. This ensures the finish coats adhere perfectly and prevents “bleeding” or peeling in the future.

Phase 2: Uncompromising Application

A second coat of paint going onto a house.

5. The “Two-Coat Always” Rule

At Robinson Painting, we never apply just one coat. A single coat of paint might look okay for a year, but it lacks the “mil thickness” needed for true durability. We apply two full coats of premium Sherwin-Williams finish to every surface. This creates a thick, protective shell that is both weather-resistant and washable.

Professional spray application of Sherwin-Williams exterior finish by Robinson Painting in Boulder, Colorado

6. Professional Spray & Brush Application

We primarily utilize a spray application for exteriors. Why? Because spraying allows us to apply a significantly heavier and more even protective coat than brushing alone. It provides superior “cosmetic appeal” while ensuring every nook and cranny is sealed. We then use brushes and rollers for detailed trim work and transitions.

Phase 3: The Robinson Experience

7. Protection & Cleanliness

We treat your property like our own. We mask off all windows, doors, and brickwork, and use heavy-duty drop cloths to protect your landscaping, decks, and walkways from over-spray. We perform a daily job site clean-up to ensure your home remains livable throughout the project.

8. High-Trust Completion: 0% Down

Our relationship is built on trust. We require 0% down to start your project. You don’t pay a single cent until the job is 100% complete and you are fully satisfied. After a final, detailed walk-through with our Team Lead, we ensure everything is perfect before we call the job finished.