Complete Exterior Painting and Deck Staining - Boulder, Boulder County
a Case Study by CertaPro Painters® of Boulder and Longmont
A High-Performance Stucco Finish Built for Colorado Weather
This comprehensive exterior painting and deck staining project in Boulder demonstrates our expertise in managing mixed-material projects combining premium painted surfaces with professional wood staining.
Located in Boulder County, this complete home exterior and deck refresh showcased our ability to coordinate multiple coating systems, preserve existing color schemes, and deliver professional results using premium Benjamin Moore Element Guard and WoodLuxe staining systems.

Scope of the Project
The scope of work included a full exterior repaint of all clapboard siding, trim, windows, doors, and gutters using Benjamin Moore Element Guard with patented GENNEX zero-VOC colorant technology for enhanced durability and color retention. In addition to painting, all natural wood features were professionally stained, including the front balcony, rear deck, steps, railings, roofline fascia, posts, and decorative architectural elements. Benjamin Moore WoodLuxe was selected for its superior performance in Colorado’s high-UV and fluctuating weather conditions.
The project also included targeted carpentry repairs, with one cracked siding board replaced on the rear elevation and one damaged trim piece replaced near the garage door. All repaired and bare wood areas were spot primed to ensure proper adhesion and longevity.
Comprehensive surface preparation was completed across all substrates, including power washing, hand scraping of loose paint and stain, replacement of failing caulk with Colorado-climate formulations, and detailed prep of weathered areas.
Even charming details, such as decorative bird houses, were painted to match the home’s color scheme for a cohesive final appearance.
Challenges & Technical Approach:
One of the primary challenges of this project was coordinating multiple coating systems across different substrates. Painted surfaces and stained wood elements require distinct preparation methods and application techniques, and careful scheduling was necessary to ensure optimal conditions for each system. Our team’s experience with both paint film applications and penetrating stain systems ensured proper performance and a consistent finish across the home.
The project was completed in a pet-friendly household with three dogs, requiring thoughtful site organization, secure gate management, and daily communication with the homeowner to maintain a safe and efficient work environment. Additional coordination was required around existing landscaping, including ivy and vines that needed to be removed prior to painting. Clear communication and strategic access planning allowed the work to proceed smoothly while protecting remaining vegetation.
Special Equipment & Techniques:
This project utilized premium coating systems and advanced application techniques to deliver professional results. Benjamin Moore Element Guard provided long-term protection for painted surfaces, while WoodLuxe semi-transparent stain was applied as a one-coat penetrating system designed for natural wood durability. Application methods included brush, roll, and airless spray, selected based on the surface type and desired finish.
Stain application required expert understanding of wood penetration versus surface film formation, as well as precise color matching across multiple wood elements to maintain visual consistency.
Preparation methods were tailored to each substrate, with power washing adjusted for both painted and stained areas, hand scraping performed based on coating type, strategic spot priming of bare wood, and professional caulking using products formulated for Colorado’s climate extremes.
Local Boulder County Advantages
- Multi-System Experience: Deep understanding of coordinating painting and staining projects
- Climate Knowledge: Experience with Boulder County’s demanding weather on various substrates
- Quality Standards: Commitment to using only premium-grade materials (Element Guard and WoodLuxe)
- Pet-Friendly Service: Professional coordination ensuring safe, respectful job site management
Technical Specifications
Painted Elements:
- Clapboard Siding & Trim: Benjamin Moore Element Guard 100% Acrylic, Low Lustre finish
- Windows, Doors, Gutters: Benjamin Moore Element Guard 100% Acrylic, Low Lustre finish
- Application Method: Guaranteed Color Coverage with comprehensive preparation
Stained Elements:
- Front Balcony (deck, railings, posts): Benjamin Moore WoodLuxe Stain, Semi-Transparent
- Back Deck (surface, steps, railings, band): Benjamin Moore WoodLuxe Stain, Semi-Transparent
- Stained Roofline Fascia: Benjamin Moore WoodLuxe Stain, Semi-Transparent
- Application Method: One-coat penetrating system using brush/roll and spray techniques

Before Photos
Below is what the home exterior looked like prior to painting. Click on any image to zoom in.

Mixed-Material Construction
Combination of painted clapboard siding and natural wood stained elements
In-progress Photos
The photos below show the work in progress. Click on any photo to zoom in.
After Photos
Check out the final transformation below! Click on any image to zoom in.
Understanding Wood Stain vs. Paint
- Penetrating vs. Film: Semi-transparent stains penetrate wood rather than creating surface film like paint
- One-Coat Systems: Stains engineered as single-coat applications; additional coats can cause problems
- Maintenance Expectations: Stained surfaces require more frequent maintenance than painted surfaces
- Premium Materials Essential: Colorado’s climate demands highest-quality stains for optimal performance

Why Choose CertaPro Painters for Mixed-Material Projects
Areas We Serve
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