Modesto's long, dry summers are what wear exterior paint out. Sun fades and chalks stucco on the south and west walls, and it cracks the paint on fascia, eaves and garage trim. We wash, fill stucco cracks, scrape and prime bare wood, caulk, and then apply two coats made for the heat.
Most Modesto exteriors are stucco with wood fascia, eaves and trim. The older bungalows and many ranch houses have wood lap or plywood siding. Each fails in its own way under the valley sun. Stucco paint fades and turns chalky, and fine cracks open in the wall. Paint on wood dries out, cracks and peels, starting with the fascia boards and garage trim on the south and west sides. Those walls take the afternoon heat.
Prep is where the time goes. The house is washed to remove dust, chalk and hard water marks, and then left to dry. Stucco cracks are filled. Loose paint on wood is scraped, grey wood is sanded back, bare spots are primed and open joints are caulked. Rotten boards are pointed out before paint, because paint will not save them. On homes built before 1978, old paint may contain lead and is handled with lead-safe methods.
Then the paint goes on, two coats of exterior acrylic, with the first coat on stucco worked into the texture. The weather sets the timetable. In summer the walls get too hot by afternoon, so work starts early and moves around the house ahead of the sun. In winter we work in dry spells and wait for fog-damp walls to dry. A full exterior usually takes three to five days.
Exterior painting in Modesto: common questions
When is the best time to paint a house exterior in Modesto?
Spring and fall are the easiest seasons. Summer is fine with early starts, since it almost never rains, but hot walls in direct sun cannot be painted well. Winter work depends on dry spells between rain and tule fog.
How long will the paint last?
National published figures are 5 to 7 years on stucco and 3 to 7 years on wood siding. Sun exposure is the big factor here. South and west walls and wood trim wear first, and trim often needs paint between full repaints.
Do I need a permit or approval to repaint?
Painting does not normally need a building permit. If you are in an HOA, get its approval for the colors first. Designated landmark sites in Modesto are reviewed by the city's Landmark Preservation Commission.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the job and measure.
- Written quote: Prep, paint and price in writing.
- Prep & protect: We cover floors and furniture, repair and prime surfaces.
- Paint & walk-through: Two coats, clean lines, full clean-up and a final walk-through.