Exterior house painters at Titleist Painting provide exterior house painting for homeowners throughout Lawrence, Kansas... The company is owned by Brandon, who brings 25 years of painting experience to the business.
That experience has shown him that the condition of the surface matters just as much as the paint being applied. Peeling coatings, chalking, algae, failed caulk, damaged wood, weather exposure, and previous paint work can all affect what needs to happen before a new finish is applied.
That is why the scope of an exterior painting project should be based on the condition of the individual home rather than a one-size-fits-all painting package.
Request an Exterior Painting Estimate
Tell us about your home and the exterior work you are considering. We will follow up to discuss the project and next steps. No pressure, no obligation.
For more on what to expect from a project and how to evaluate contractor bids, see our guides on What to Expect During Exterior Painting and How to Compare Exterior Painting Quotes.
What Our Exterior House Painting Service Includes
Exterior house painting involves more than applying a new color to siding. The preparation required can vary significantly from one home to another depending on the surfaces, existing coatings, exposure, access, and overall condition of the property.
Depending on the home and agreed project scope, exterior painting may involve:
- Wood, fiber cement, vinyl, and other paintable siding
- Exterior trim, fascia, and soffits
- Exterior doors and shutters
- Caulking appropriate joints, trim, and siding seams
- Cleaning exterior surfaces where needed
- Scraping loose or failing paint
- Sanding rough coatings and transitions as appropriate
- Priming bare, repaired, or other surfaces that require it
- Identifying deteriorated wood or conditions that should be addressed before painting
- Protecting windows, vegetation, landscaping, concrete, walkways, and nearby surfaces
- Applying finish coatings appropriate to the surface and project requirements
Not every home requires every step. A house with sound surfaces and a well-maintained existing coating may require much less preparation than a house with peeling paint, chalking, failed caulk, algae, exposed wood, or years of weather exposure.
Common Exterior Problems We Look For
Before repainting, the existing surfaces should be evaluated for conditions that could affect preparation, coating adhesion, or the final result.
Peeling or Cracking Paint
Peeling or cracking paint may have several possible causes, including moisture, aging coatings, poor adhesion, inadequate previous preparation, or deterioration beneath the paint. Applying another coat without addressing the failing areas does not correct the underlying condition.
Failed Caulk
Exterior caulk can deteriorate as joints are exposed to sunlight, moisture, changing temperatures, and movement in building materials. Failed caulk around appropriate joints and trim may need to be addressed as part of the surface preparation.
Chalking and Faded Coatings
Chalking occurs when an aging exterior coating begins to leave a powdery residue on the surface. Sun and weather exposure can also cause fading and uneven wear, especially on the most exposed sides of a home.
Chalking and worn coatings may require appropriate cleaning and preparation before a new coating is applied.
Algae and Surface Contamination
Algae, dirt, residue, and other surface contamination can interfere with coating adhesion. The appropriate cleaning and preparation depend on the material, the amount of buildup, and the condition of the existing coating.
Wood Rot and Deteriorated Surfaces
Paint cannot repair rotten or structurally deteriorated wood. Damaged wood may need to be repaired or replaced before painting so the new coating is applied to a sound surface rather than used to cover an unresolved problem.
Brandon's Take on Exterior Preparation
After 25 years of painting experience, I have encountered many of the surface conditions that can affect an exterior project. My answers below explain what I usually see, what preparation I will not skip, and when painting should be delayed.
What problems should be checked before exterior painting?
I commonly see chalking paint, wood rot, and algae on exterior surfaces. These conditions can affect the cleaning, preparation, repairs, and coating plan needed before painting begins.
What preparation should never be skipped before exterior painting?
I will not skip protecting the areas that should not receive paint. Depending on the project, that can include windows, vegetation, landscaping, concrete, walkways, and other nearby surfaces.
When should exterior painting be delayed?
If I find wood rot, I will not begin painting over it. I will explain the problem to the homeowner and let them know that the damaged wood needs to be repaired before painting can begin. Paint can improve how a surface looks, but it cannot repair rotten or damaged wood.
— Brandon, Owner of Titleist Painting
Exterior Painting and Lawrence Weather
Exterior surfaces in Lawrence are exposed to hot summers, periods of humidity, winter freezes, changing temperatures, rain, and strong sunlight. These conditions can affect both existing coatings and when new coatings should be applied.
Heat and Humidity
Paint and coatings have manufacturer requirements for temperature, surface conditions, humidity, and drying time. Weather conditions need to be considered when exterior work is scheduled.
Changing Temperatures
Repeated seasonal changes can contribute to movement at exterior joints and deterioration of aging caulk and other materials over time.
Sun Exposure
Surfaces receiving greater amounts of direct sunlight may experience fading and coating wear differently from more protected areas of the same home.
Moisture
Exterior surfaces should be evaluated for conditions that could interfere with coating adhesion or indicate a problem that should be addressed before painting.
These are general considerations. The condition of an individual home depends on its materials, age, exposure, previous coatings, maintenance history, and other property-specific conditions.
Painting Older Homes in Lawrence
Lawrence includes many older properties as well as newer construction. Exterior projects on older homes may involve aging wood siding, detailed trim, multiple generations of coatings, previous repairs, or surfaces that require more preparation than would normally be expected on newer construction.
Established areas such as Old West Lawrence, Pinckney, and Barker are examples of parts of the city where homeowners may own older properties with exterior materials and details that deserve careful evaluation before repainting.
Properties that are designated historic landmarks or located within historic districts may involve additional considerations when exterior work goes beyond routine maintenance. Requirements depend on the property and the type of work being proposed.
Homeowners planning significant exterior alterations to a historic property should confirm current requirements with the City of Lawrence Historic Resources program before beginning the work.
Why Choose Titleist Painting for Exterior Painting?
Owner-Led Company With 25 Years of Painting Experience
Titleist Painting is owned by Brandon, who brings 25 years of painting experience to the company. That experience helps him recognize exterior conditions such as chalking coatings, algae, failed caulk, peeling paint, and wood rot that may affect what should happen before repainting begins.
Project Scope Based on the Actual Home
Two homes of similar size may require very different amounts of preparation. The condition of the siding, trim, existing coatings, caulk, access, and damaged areas should all be considered when developing the project scope.
This helps homeowners understand why their estimate is based on the actual condition of their property rather than a one-size-fits-all painting package.
Preparation Before Finish Coats
A new coating is only one part of an exterior painting project. Areas with failing paint, chalking, algae, exposed surfaces, deteriorated caulk, or wood rot may require cleaning, preparation, repair, or further evaluation before finish coats are applied.
Protection of Your Property
Brandon considers protecting the surrounding property an important part of exterior preparation. Depending on the project, this may include covering or protecting windows, vegetation, landscaping, concrete, walkways, and other nearby surfaces that should not receive paint.
Clear Scope and Expectations
Homeowners should understand what is included in the estimate, what preparation is planned, and which property conditions are affecting the scope. Clear expectations make it easier to evaluate the proposed work rather than comparing painting estimates based only on the final price.
Our Exterior Painting Process
Every exterior project is different, but the work generally follows several important stages.
1. Review the Home and Project Goals
The exterior areas being considered for painting, the condition of the visible surfaces, and the homeowner's goals are reviewed so the project can be properly defined.
2. Identify Surface Conditions and Scope
Siding, trim, coating condition, failed caulk, access, chalking, algae, peeling paint, wood rot, and other visible conditions can influence the preparation and work that need to be included.
3. Prepare a Project-Specific Estimate
Titleist Painting prepares the estimate around the actual surfaces, preparation needs, access, and agreed scope rather than assuming that every house of a similar size requires the same amount of work.
4. Protect the Property
Before painting begins, nearby areas are protected as appropriate for the project. This may include windows, vegetation, landscaping, concrete, walkways, and adjacent surfaces.
5. Prepare the Exterior Surfaces
Depending on the home, surface preparation may include cleaning, scraping loose coatings, sanding rough areas, addressing appropriate failed caulk, and priming bare or repaired surfaces.
If wood rot or another condition makes a surface unsuitable for painting, that issue should be addressed before the coating work proceeds.
6. Apply the Finish Coatings
After the included surfaces have been properly prepared, finish coatings are applied according to the agreed project scope and surface requirements.
7. Final Review and Cleanup
The completed areas are reviewed, project materials and coverings are removed, and the work area is cleaned before the project is considered complete.
What Affects the Cost of Exterior House Painting in Lawrence, KS?
Exterior house painting costs depend on the specific home and scope of work. Square footage is only one factor. Two houses of similar size can require very different amounts of labor, preparation, and materials.
Factors that can affect an exterior painting estimate include:
- Size of the home
- Number of stories
- Accessibility of the surfaces
- Siding and surface materials
- Condition of the existing coating
- Amount of cleaning, scraping, and sanding required
- Chalking, algae, dirt, or other surface contamination
- Caulk condition and replacement needs
- Damaged or deteriorated surfaces requiring attention
- Wood rot that needs repair before painting
- Bare or repaired surfaces requiring primer
- Amount and complexity of trim and architectural details
- Number of colors and accent areas
- Property-protection requirements
- Overall project scope
Because these factors vary from one house to another, Titleist Painting provides project-specific estimates rather than publishing a generic online price range or flat price-per-square-foot figure.
The goal is to determine what the individual project requires and price that scope rather than create an expectation based on a different house with different conditions.
Request an Exterior Painting Estimate
Tell us about your home and the exterior work you are considering. We will follow up to discuss the project and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exterior House Painting in Lawrence, KS
How much does exterior house painting cost in Lawrence, KS?
Exterior house painting cost depends on the size and condition of the home, surface preparation, accessibility, repairs or other work required before painting, siding material, trim complexity, number of colors, and overall project scope. Titleist Painting provides a project-specific estimate rather than publishing a generic price range that may not reflect the condition of your home.
Can exterior paint be applied over peeling paint?
Loose or failing paint generally needs to be addressed before a new coating is applied. Simply covering peeling paint does not correct the condition underneath it. The existing coating and surface should be evaluated so the appropriate preparation can be determined.
Can you paint over chalking or algae?
Chalking, algae, dirt, and other surface contamination should be evaluated and appropriately addressed before painting. Applying a new coating over an unprepared surface may interfere with adhesion and does not correct the underlying surface condition.
Will painting fix rotten or damaged wood?
No. Paint does not repair deteriorated wood. If wood rot is present, the repair needs to be completed before painting begins. The appropriate solution depends on the extent and cause of the damage.
How are nearby areas protected during exterior painting?
Property-protection needs depend on the home and the areas being painted. Depending on the project, windows, vegetation, landscaping, concrete, walkways, and other nearby surfaces may need to be covered or protected before painting begins.
Can older or historic Lawrence homes be repainted?
Yes, older homes can be repainted, but the amount and type of preparation may differ from a newer home because of older coatings, wood surfaces, architectural details, and previous repairs. Historic properties may also have additional requirements when work involves exterior alterations beyond routine maintenance.
What is the best time of year for exterior painting in Lawrence?
The right painting window depends on weather conditions and the requirements of the coating being used. Temperature, surface temperature, humidity, moisture, rain, and drying time can all affect exterior application.
Exterior projects are generally scheduled when conditions allow the selected coating to be applied and cure properly.
What preparation may be needed before exterior painting?
Preparation depends on the condition of the home. It may include cleaning, addressing algae or other surface contamination, scraping loose paint, sanding rough transitions, replacing appropriate failed caulk, priming bare or repaired surfaces, protecting nearby areas, and identifying deteriorated materials or moisture-related conditions that should be addressed before painting.
How do I get an exterior painting estimate?
Contact Titleist Painting and tell us about your home and the exterior work you are considering. We will follow up to discuss the project and the next steps for developing an estimate based on the actual scope of work.
Related Resources
- Interior Painting in Lawrence, KS
- Deck and Fence Painting and Staining
- What to Expect During Exterior Painting
- How to Compare Exterior Painting Quotes
Ready to Talk About Your Exterior Painting Project?
If you are considering repainting your home's exterior in Lawrence, KS, tell us a little about the property and what you are seeing. Whether the existing paint is fading, chalking, peeling, affected by algae, or simply ready for a new look, the first step is understanding the condition of the surfaces and the scope of work.
Request an Exterior Painting Estimate
Tell us about your home and project, and we will follow up to discuss the next steps. No pressure, no obligation.
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