Condominium Community in Fairfax
CertaPro Painters® of Fairfax and Prince William
Condominium Exterior Painting in Fairfax, VA
A Condominium Community in Fairfax, Virginia was looking for professional preparation and painting of the full exterior of four (4) buildings in their community as part of a multi-year phased project. The overall goal was to assist the Community in maintaining a maintenance cycle while refurbishing their overall look.
In the process, we rejuvenated each appearance and restored the lasting durable protective condition. The project included professional coordination; communication; safety measures; lift equipment rental; skilled professional preparation and cleaning; application techniques and processes; and the use of top-rated industrial-grade coatings and materials (Sherwin Williams).
Our goal was to recondition the paintable surfaces to restore the condition, and protective properties. Both the processes and the products used were of the best professional grade ensuring enduring results that look great. We gave the building exteriors a fresh new look by refreshing the color palette and in so doing achieved a fresh new appearance on the buildings while significantly enhancing the protective properties and long-term durability of all identified components.
The project was completed on time and within budget. The Community was thrilled with the overall experience and professionalism throughout the project and looks forward to continuing to work with CertaPro Painters of Fairfax and Prince William in the future!
Condition of Property:
The scope of work involved a full repaint of all exterior and breezeway siding, trim, framing, and doors. All components to be painted were a combination of previously painted cedar plank wood and previously replaced composite that had yet to be painted.
Project Involvement:
The project involved Skilled Level-3 Professional Preparation prior to painting to ensure extraordinary and lasting results.
- Powerwashing – The team washed the full exterior with trisodium phosphate (TSP) and diluted bleach and/or similar solutions such as simple green and surface cleaners. This removed dirt and killed algae, mildew and mold on the surface. Washing was done with a power washer, by hand for windows and delicate areas, or a combination of the two – whichever was more appropriate for the substrate. In addition, the team also power washed the front porches and walkways leading up to the front porches, inside of the front porches, gutters and downspouts, and balconies (including railings and floors).
- Caulking – The team caulked cracks that had been caulked previously. Areas that are typically caulked: around window frames, door frames, etc. This included filling in where the caulk was missing or cracked (not including hairline cracks). For routine use and non-masonry or expansion joint use, we used Sherwin Williams SherMax™ Urethanized Elastomeric Sealant. We used backer rod in areas where the separation was more than the maximum for the product.
- Scrape/Sand – The team scraped loose and peeling paint with a scraper until a firm edge was reached. Light sanding was performed to all very rough edges. We used a combination of heavy-duty power sanders (disk sanders, belt sanders) and hand sanding.
- Protection – The team safeguarded and protected the surrounding walkways and vegetation as necessary during setup and properly masked areas that were not to be painted as well as sprinkler systems and light fixtures as applicable.
- Prime – The Team spot-primed bare wood with primer and spot-primed bare metal and metal with corrosion with primer to ensure proper protection
- Rust – In instances of rust, the team used grinders and wire brushes to scrape and sand components with rust. In so doing, they removed peeling or cracked paint and removed/reduced surface corrosion. This gave them a more stable surface for primer and topcoat. Where bare metal was exposed, we spot primed with a high performance metal primer to provide longer lasting results.
- Paint – CertaPro Painters followed Sherwin-William’s specification’s in regards to preparation and applied wet film thickness of all products. These premium coatings far surpass other quality paints guaranteeing great lasting results that will enhance the properties appearance and reduce your maintenance burden. All paint was applied in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s minimum recommendations and applied using brush/roller or spraying equipment with back rolling to avoid any defects, streaks, and sagging.
- Sherwin Williams, SuperPaint Exterior Acrylic Latex – For designated components, we applied 1 coat (COLOR MATCH) of Sherwin Williams SuperPaint Exterior Acrylic Latex with a Satin finish making sure to match the existing colors for a uniform finish.
- Metal Components (Spot Priming). For all metal components (lintels), we used Sherwin-William’s Pro Industrial Pro-Cryl Primer. After proper preparation/cleaning, we applied Sherwin- William’s Pro-Cryl Primer to specification (2-4 mils dry) on all bare surfaces of all metal components. Pro-Cryl is a self cross-linking acrylic primer engineered for surfaces where rust and corrosion resistance is critical. It can be used on all bare steel, aluminum and galvanized substrates.
- Wood Components (Spot Priming). For all bare wood components, we used Sherwin Williams Multi-Purpose Wood Primer.
Special Challenges:
The project was completed safely and efficiently. It required industrial lift equipment and as well as the use of ladders in order to efficiently and safely access elevated areas as well as difficult and challenging areas. We arranged for delivery, use, and recovery of the applicable lift(s). Safety in parking, maneuvering, and using lift equipment was properly considered and coordinated with the community manager.
Due to the scope of work and being a fully operational community, CertaPro Painters, the Commercial Operations Manager, the Commercial Production Manager, and the Property Manager coordinated daily/weekly staging areas in terms of buildings and components that were to be properly cleaned, prepped and painted.
Time Length:
1 month
Before Photos
Below is how the condominium complex looked prior to painting. Click on any image to zoom in.
Balcony Framing and Columns
Our team was tasked with refreshing the look of the balcony framing and columns.
Front View of Existing Conditions
The composite siding need some repair and replacement before painting.
Working on Full Exterior Repaint
We are tasked to complete a full repaint of all exterior siding, breezeway, trim, and more.
Final Results
Below are the final results of this commercial painting service. Click on any image to zoom in.