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Avatar for No Job Too Small Painting
No Job Too Small Painting
4.6(
7
)
Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Tompkins, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Tom was efficient and professional. He noticed some of the windows needed glazing and did a great job in taking care of that as well as trim paint on the windows. He’s also painted/sealed my basement walls and floor. When all jobs were done, he was sure to leave a clean space. Tom is great to work with and is conscientious about communicating in a timely manner. I highly recommend him for painting/staining."
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+6

Response time5 hrs
Response rate94%
PPHI
4.7(
117
)
Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Tompkins, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Excellent job, very professional, courteous, and timely. Rob handled everything on my project, the job site was always very clean and tidy throughout. He was punctualand reliable. Most important, he's an extremely nice guy. He's one of those type of people that you feel like you have known forever after having just met him. He is now my go to guy!"
Recommended by96%of homeowners
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Deck Staining questions, answered by experts

Staining or sealing a cedar deck or fence is highly recommended to extend its lifespan and protect it from the elements. While cedar is naturally resistant to mold and mildew, it is not impervious to damage from moisture, sun exposure, splintering, fading, and rot over time. Applying a protective finish creates a shield that preserves the wood's strength and appearance, potentially extending its life by five to 10 years.

When choosing a finish, it's helpful to understand the difference between a sealer and a stain. A sealer sits on top of the wood, whereas a combination stain and sealer soaks into the top layer. Because it penetrates the wood, a stain generally offers better protection against UV damage and rot and lasts significantly longer. For the best results that also preserve the wood's natural color, consider using a near-translucent stain.

To maintain protection, plan on reapplying the stain or sealer every two to three years, either as a DIY project or by hiring a professional.

If you want to achieve a deeper, darker stain color, wait 5 to 10 minutes before wiping it off. However, wipe it off faster for a lighter tone. When wiping off the stain during this part of the process, be sure to work in the direction of the wood’s grain for best results.

Generally, these steps are included in exterior house painting:

  • Prepping and protecting the areas not being painted

  • Scraping away loose paint

  • Cleaning off dirt, grease, and debris

  • Caulking gaps and openings

  • Priming with a quality paint primer

  • Painting the prepared areas, including trim and accents with chosen paint finish

  • Adding a second coat

  • Cleaning up the site and disposing of tape, plastic, and drop cloths

Whitewashing isn’t permanent, but it can last for a long, long time. When you apply it correctly or have a seasoned pro whitewash your brick, whitewashing can last for 20 to 30 years or longer. Whitewash is very durable and typically requires little maintenance, making it a great project for most DIYers.

Choosing whether your deck should be lighter or darker than your house is a matter of personal preference, as there is no right or wrong answer. However, considering the pros and cons of each can help guide your decision. Darker colors are often chosen because they show less dirt, footprints, and marks from daily wear, making them easier to keep clean. On the other hand, lighter deck colors tend to stay cooler in the summer. From a design perspective, using a deck color that contrasts with your home's exterior can help make the deck a more defined and distinct feature. Consulting color theory can also make the process of choosing a complementary house and deck color combination easier.

The Tompkins, NY homeowners’ guide to deck staining services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.