Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about exterior painting in San Diego — process, timing, prep, and more.
How do I know when my home’s exterior needs repainting?
If you see fading, peeling, cracking, bubbling paint, or exposed bare wood/stucco, it’s a good sign. In San Diego’s sun and salt air, many homes start showing wear after roughly 8–10 years.
What are the biggest challenges for exterior painting in San Diego?
Strong UV sun, coastal salt air, humidity, and occasional rain can affect adhesion and longevity. The key is thorough surface prep and high‑quality materials designed for our climate.
What does “surface preparation” include before painting?
We power‑wash to remove dirt and salt, scrape loose paint, repair stucco/wood, prime bare areas, and caulk seams. Proper prep is what makes a paint job last.
Will lighter or darker paint colors last longer in San Diego?
Lighter colors reflect heat and often weather better; darker shades absorb more heat and may fade sooner. We’ll help you balance longevity with your home’s style and materials.
How many coats of paint will my house need?
Two coats are standard for a full repaint. Major color changes or bare substrate can require an additional coat for full, even coverage.
How much will it cost to paint my home’s exterior in San Diego?
Pricing depends on square footage, stories, condition, materials, and color changes. We provide a detailed written estimate and walk you through each line so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
How long will the paint job take?
Most projects run a few days to a week, depending on size, condition, access, and weather. You’ll get a daily progress update outlining what we did, what’s next, and the current completion date.
Do I need to move or cover landscaping, patio furniture, or decorations?
Nope — we’ve got it. Our crew moves items that need moving and covers/masks anything that can’t be moved (plants, railings, fixtures). When we’re done, we put everything back exactly where it was and leave your property spotless.
What type of paint do you use?
We use premium exterior coatings from Sherwin‑Williams and Dunn‑Edwards with UV and weather resistance, selected specifically for San Diego’s climate.
Can you help me choose colors?
Absolutely. We offer design consultations with a full color wheel to narrow choices. If you’re torn, we’ll paint small test spots (usually at the back of the house) so you can see each shade in your home’s natural light before deciding.
Do you subcontract or use your own crew?
We never subcontract. All work is completed by our own trained crew at Mike’s Painting Co. for consistent quality, cleanliness, and professionalism.
Can you work around our schedule or paint on weekends?
Yes. We can adjust start times, split workdays, and schedule weekend work when needed. You’ll always know exactly when we’ll be on site and when the job will be finished.