Exterior House Painting on the Treasure Coast

What an exterior repaint includes

A complete exterior job usually covers the body of the house, trim and fascia, soffits, doors, garage doors and sometimes the pool enclosure framing. Most of the work happens before any paint goes on:

1. Washing. The walls are cleaned, with a mildew treatment where needed, so new paint bonds to the surface instead of to dirt and algae.
2. Repairs. Hairline stucco cracks are filled, damaged wood is replaced, and failed caulk around windows and doors is cut out and redone.
3. Priming. Bare stucco patches, new wood and chalky old paint get a primer or conditioner made for that surface.
4. Two finish coats. Most manufacturers' warranties assume two coats applied at the spread rate on the label.

Coatings that suit Florida homes

Most Treasure Coast homes are concrete block covered in stucco. Those walls move slightly with heat and let moisture through, so the coating matters.

• 100% acrylic exterior paint is the standard choice for stucco and block. It stays flexible and holds its color in strong sun.
• Elastomeric coatings go on much thicker and can bridge hairline cracks. They suit walls with many small cracks, but they cost more, trap moisture if applied over damp or poorly prepared walls, and need the right primer.
• Lighter colors absorb less heat and usually fade less visibly than deep blues, reds and dark grays.
• Fresh stucco needs time to cure before most paints. Follow the paint maker's minimum cure time.

Timing and weather

Afternoon storms are common for much of the year, so crews often start early and plan around the forecast. Paint labels set minimum dry times before rain. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, and after a storm the wait list for repairs can get long. Many owners schedule exterior work for the drier months, roughly November through April.

HOA and color approval

Many communities in Port St. Lucie, Palm City, Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens require architectural approval before you change exterior colors, and some keep a list of approved palettes. Get the approval in writing before the crew orders paint.

Older homes and lead paint

If your home was built before 1978, older layers may contain lead. Federal rules require contractors who disturb painted surfaces in pre-1978 homes to be EPA lead-safe certified and to follow lead-safe work practices. Ask for the firm's certification.

Comparing quotes

Two prices only compare when they describe the same job. Ask every pro to put these in writing:

• Scope: which surfaces, rooms or areas are included, and what is excluded.
• Prep: washing, scraping, patching, caulking, sanding and priming, step by step.
• Products: the brand and product line, the sheen, and the number of coats.
• Schedule and cleanup: start date, expected duration and daily cleanup.
• Payment: a deposit and payment schedule tied to progress. Be wary of large upfront payments.
• Warranty: what it covers, for how long, and what voids it.

Florida does not issue a state license for painting contractors, and since 2021 state law has generally kept cities and counties from requiring one. Ask instead for a certificate of general liability insurance, proof of workers' compensation coverage (or the state exemption certificate for an owner who works alone), and the company's local business tax receipt.