Dust is part of life in the Central Valley, and it sticks to stucco, eaves and concrete. Sprinklers add hard water stains low on the walls. Washing clears all of that off. Before a repaint it is the first step, because paint will not bond to dust or chalk.
Dust is constant in the Central Valley. It blows in from orchards and fields, most of all at harvest in late summer and fall, and it settles on stucco, eaves, window sills and concrete. Sprinklers leave white hard water marks low on walls and fences. Shaded north walls can grow mildew after a foggy winter. Washing removes all of it and shows you what the paint under the dirt really looks like.
Different surfaces need different pressure. Stucco is washed with a wide fan at moderate pressure so the finish is not cut. Wood siding, decks and fences need a gentler hand still, because too much pressure tears the soft grain and leaves marks that show through stain. Concrete driveways and patios can take more. Windows, vents, door seals and light fittings are avoided or protected. We test a small area first when a surface is old or soft.
Before painting, washing is the first step, not an extra. Old paint in the valley sun breaks down to a chalky powder, and new paint will not bond to it. After washing, the walls must dry fully before any primer or paint goes on. In summer that is quick. In winter it can take days. On homes built before 1978 with peeling paint, washing has to be done with care because of lead.
Power washing in Modesto: common questions
Do you wash a house before painting it?
Yes. Washing is part of our exterior prep. It removes dust, chalk, cobwebs and mildew so primer and paint can bond. The house then dries before any scraping, patching or painting starts.
Can power washing damage stucco or wood?
It can if the pressure is too high or the tip is too close. Stucco can be etched and wood grain torn. We match the pressure and the nozzle to the surface and keep water away from windows, vents and door seals.
How long before I can paint or stain after washing?
When the surface is fully dry. In warm, dry Modesto weather stucco is often ready the next day and wood in a day or two. After rain or in winter fog, allow much longer.
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.