CONTRIBUTORS | PAINTING
Exterior Paint Solutions: The First Line of Defense
JONI MCGINNIS
Hawaii’s sun, salt and rain create a harsh environment for a building’s paint, requiring regular maintenance
E
xterior painting is a decision all property owners will sooner or later need to address to maintain the property’s value. Paint is the first line of defense protecting the exterior surfaces from the harsh elements while also adding aesthetic curb appeal value. Hawaii’s rigorous climate with its high U.V. levels within a marine environment demands a high degree of protection. Choosing a high-quality premium paint will typically yield a paint life- cycle of around seven to 10 years. Exterior paint is constantly deteriorating through the process of weathering, but in a program of regular maintenance—assuming all other building properties are functioning properly—the surface preparation for a new finish coat can be limited to minor repairs and cleaning. Unfortunately,
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if the paint film has gone beyond its life cycle and surfaces have not been maintained, surface preparation will become more detailed and will most likely increase the cost of a painting project. As a specification writer, my objective is to identify for building owners and managers the requirements for surface preparation, coating application, the materials to be applied and the expectations for quality control and documentation. Typically, a meeting is scheduled with the property owner or manager to discuss subjects such as existing problems, color changes, scheduling and other maintenance issues. A property site inspection is then scheduled and a draft specification would follow for review. The final specification is then issued to the property owner/manager to be used as a basis for proposals. The property inspection along with the maintenance history is the basis for the specification. There are common problems to expect from weathering and exposure to the elements, such as environmental grime and organic matter that tends to cling to painted surfaces. Accessing the existing surface is critical for the success of the painting project. Some conditions are easily identified while others are hidden, only to be discovered during the paint application. Here are four trouble areas that may be problematic if not addressed properly.
