A Bold, Modern Exterior Painting Project in Clackamas

At Pearl Painters, seeing the joy on our clients’ faces when we transform their homes is what we live for. Our recent project for Jim in the Rock Creek neighborhood of Clackamas is a perfect example of how a fresh coat of paint, combined with thorough preparation and attention to detail, can truly make all the difference. 

This was more than just a simple refresh; we changed the light trim to dark, lightened the exterior walls, and painted the front door a bold shade of purple. This family absolutely loves the outcome!

Side-by-side images of a house exterior before and after renovation in Rock Creek area of Clackamas.

The Challenge: New Windows

Jim’s home had recently undergone window replacements. While an excellent upgrade for their home, it came with its own set of challenges, primarily concerning sealing around the windows before the rainy season hits. Properly sealing your windows is crucial to prevent moisture from seeping in, which can cause a host of issues like mold and structural damage. 

Additionally, the exterior of Jim’s house was looking quite worn down, and hadn’t been painted in far too long. The paint was peeling, and the caulking was split in many areas. And it wasn’t just an eyesore for Jim and his family; it left the house vulnerable.

Peeling paint exposes the wood beneath to the elements, causing it to deteriorate faster. Split caulking allows water to enter gaps, leading to similar issues. Jim and his family love their home and wanted to make sure it was well cared for, both in terms of aesthetics and durability.

A large window with dark brown trim is set into the white exterior wall of a house. The window consists of one large central pane and two smaller side panes, all with vertical blinds.
New, modern windows and a glorious new paint job to match!

In a neighborhood where all the houses had the same trim design, Jim wanted his home to stand out with a unique, modern flair. But more importantly, he wanted to ensure that his home was protected from the upcoming rainy season. Fortunately, we handily accomplished both!

Jim's Search to Find the Best Painter in Clackamas

Jim found us through a Google search – we are proud of our stellar 5-star reviews! He was impressed by our detailed consultation process, where we discussed his color preferences and even took a stroll around the neighborhood to look at other recently painted homes. Our comprehensive estimate process answered all his questions and uncovered additional issues, such as dry rot. Dry rot is a serious problem that can compromise the structural integrity of the wood, and it needs to be addressed promptly.

With nearly 200 5-star Google reviews, Jim knew he was in good hands. He had seen the results of some of the rushed paint jobs completed by other contractors and wanted to ensure his home was painted with care and quality.

Our Solution

To give Jim’s home a modern look, we mixed up the color transitions. Most of the trim boards on the front were painted to match the body color, the garage door got a new trim color, and we chose a bold new color for the front door. The result? A fresh, modern look that made Jim’s home stand out in the neighborhood.

A house entrance with a purple front door and an adjacent garage door. A dark-colored car is partially visible in the driveway. White and gray exterior walls with a narrow window next to the entrance.
We love how this purple door turned out - and, more importantly, so did the client.

The Process - Prep, Prep, Prep!

Preparation is key to a great paint job. Our team spent several days scraping, sanding, priming, and caulking every part of the home. Once the prep work was done, we applied two coats of paint to every surface. Let’s break down our process in detail:

Front view of a two-story house with a covered porch, a dark green front door, and a garage. Plastic covers part of the porch area, indicating possible ongoing painting or remodeling work.
Prep, prep, prep! Before we start on any project, we inspect and we prep to avoid nasty surprises.

Scraping

Our team spent a considerable amount of time scraping off the old, peeling paint. This step is essential because painting over old, flaking paint can lead to poor adhesion and a short-lived finish. We made sure every bit of loose paint was removed, providing a solid foundation for the new paint.

Sanding

Next, we sanded the entire surface. Sanding smooths out any rough spots and helps the primer and paint adhere better. It also evens out the surface, ensuring a flawless finish once the paint is applied.

View of the exterior corner of a house featuring white siding, a window with blinds, and brown trim on the roof eaves.
Details like corners and roof eaves and trim intersecting require careful attention when painting.

Priming

Priming is a crucial step that should never be skipped. We applied a high-quality primer to all the surfaces. Primer provides a uniform surface for the paint that enhances the paint’s adhesion, sealing ability, and durability. It also helps cover any stains or color variations, ensuring a consistent final look.

Caulking

Caulking seals gaps and cracks, preventing water from seeping in. We carefully applied caulk to all the joints, around the windows, and in any other gaps. This step is vital for preventing moisture intrusion, which can lead to rot and mold.

Addressing Dry Rot

We found some areas with dry rot during our inspection. Dry rot can severely damage the wood if left untreated. We removed the affected wood and replaced it with new, treated wood. This step ensured the structural integrity of Jim’s home and provided a sound surface for painting.

Painting

Finally, we applied two coats of high-quality paint to all surfaces. The choice of paint is important – it needs to withstand the elements and provide long-lasting protection. We selected a durable, weather-resistant paint that would keep Jim’s home looking beautiful for years to come.

A two-story house with white siding, brown trim, and an attached carport. The front features an arched porch and a side gate leading to a fenced backyard.

The Transformation

The results are stunning! Jim’s home stands out now with its freshly painted exterior in his Clackamas neighborhood.The new paint job not only looks fantastic but also provides peace of mind knowing the home is well-sealed and protected.

At Pearl Painters, we’re thrilled to have helped Jim achieve his vision. We love making homes look their best, and we’re proud to add another happy client to our story.

Ready to transform your home’s exterior? Get in touch with us for a custom quote.

Full Gallery

Jim's Clackamas Home: Before and After Painting

Plan Ahead and Get a Quote

We're booking exterior projects for next year and would love to get you free, no-obligation estimate. We're not like other painters; your home will not be hastily painted in a single day. We are thorough, meticulous, thoughtful, and genuinely love what we do!
Picture of Brian Kemnitz

Brian Kemnitz

Share this Post

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *