Complete Exterior Painting and Deck Staining - Boulder, Boulder County

a Case Study by CertaPro Painters® of Boulder and Longmont

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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.

painted house exterior and attached deck

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

This Boulder mixed-material project benefited from our established expertise:
  • 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

 

painted house exterior and attached deck

Before Photos

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

Mixed-Material Construction

Mixed-Material Construction

Combination of painted clapboard siding and natural wood stained elements

Architectural Wood Details

Architectural Wood Details

Stained roofline fascia, posts, and decorative elements requiring premium stain coating systems

Painted Surface Weathering

Painted Surface Weathering

Wear and tear from the Colorado elements

Minor Siding Damage

Minor Siding Damage

Small areas of trim and siding were in need of replacing

Back Deck

Back Deck

Multiple wood deck structures required professional staining

Worn Wood Trim

Worn Wood Trim

Colorado's UV exposure caused coating deterioration

In-progress Photos

The photos below show the work in progress. Click on any photo to zoom in.

Trim Deterioration

Trim Deterioration

Strategic carpentry repairs were needed

Professional Site Organization

Professional Site Organization

Essential for maintaining a safe environment

Painted Elements

Painted Elements

Guaranteed color coverage

Garage Trim Replacement

Garage Trim Replacement

Trim needed replacing at base of garage door

Hand Scraping Old Stain

Hand Scraping Old Stain

Worn existing stain was carefully removed

Carefully Prepared Wood Elements

Carefully Prepared Wood Elements

Expert surface prep for uniform application

Strategic Caulking Replacement

Strategic Caulking Replacement

Colorado climate-specific products were used

Power Washed Surfaces

Power Washed Surfaces

Natural wood elements are prepped for maximum stain adhesion

Detailed Application

Detailed Application

Combination of application methods were used for optimal results

After Photos

Check out the final transformation below! Click on any image to zoom in.

Preserved Character

Preserved Character

Existing colors were maintained

Clean Lines

Clean Lines

Every surface recieved professional attention

Updated Trim

Updated Trim

Benjamin Moore Element Guard color system provides superior durability

Preserved Character

Preserved Character

Existing colors were maintained while achieving a fresh appearance

Premium Protection

Premium Protection

Both the paint and stain systems provide superior Colorado weather resistance

Long Term Protection

Long Term Protection

These updates ensure years of protection

Coordinated Appearance

Coordinated Appearance

Professional integration of painted and stained elements

Enhanced Wood Beauty

Enhanced Wood Beauty

Showcasing the natural wood elements

Long-Term Value

Long-Term Value

Premium materials and proper preparation ensure years of beautiful performance

Complete Package

Complete Package

Painted surfaces and wood decks recieved professional attention

Understanding Wood Stain vs. Paint

This project demonstrates important distinctions between staining and painting:
  • 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
stained outdoor step railing

Why Choose CertaPro Painters for Mixed-Material Projects

This Boulder painting and staining project demonstrates our expertise in complex multi-system projects throughout Boulder County. Whether you’re in Boulder, Louisville, Lafayette, or throughout the region, our experienced teams understand the technical requirements of coordinating painting and staining for professional results.
Our approach combines technical knowledge with quality standards – using only premium materials and proper application techniques ensuring lasting beauty across all surfaces.
Service Areas: Boulder, Louisville, Lafayette, Erie, Broomfield, Longmont, and surrounding Boulder County communities.
Specializations: Mixed painting and staining projects, deck refinishing, premium stain application, exterior painting, wood element preservation, and pet-friendly professional service.

Areas We Serve