We recently purchased a 2nd home on Lake James with an exterior that is 100% cedar. The exterior was in serious need of cleaning and re-staining. It had not been maintained; and, had a significant amount of mold staining and several areas of the trim had the original finish peeling off.
We contracted with Mike and Crystal to prep and re-stain the exterior of our home. Throughout the process, Mike demonstrated thoroughness, competency and responsibility. Mike and Crystal took personal responsibility to ensure they delivered a quality product. Mike kept his commitments and did not compromise his work product even when faced with the stripping process taking more time than he expected. He completed the project per the schedule he committed.
Mike demonstrated a high attention to detail in the finishing process and ensured the project was completed to my satisfaction. The home looks beautiful...we could not be happier.
I solicited bids from several paint contractors and evaluated several before selecting Mike. His pricing was very competitive versus several other contractors; but, I never observed where Mike cut corners.
I would definitely recommend MIke's Painting and will plan to use Mike again when we have painting needs.
"It was absolutely awesome!!!! Luke is a great guy with a super quality work ethic. Very knowledgeable and makes very good suggestions…..Luke knows his trade"
"Dustin and his crew were efficient , fast, and professional in getting the job done in an exemplary manner! Would most definitely recommend to friends if they need his services! Bottom line the wife and I are extremely satisfied ?! V/R Nate and Bridgette Turner"
"I was very impressed with the quality of work received and professionalism of of Not Just a Handy Man. I had several rooms painted and was even able to get a tv installed. I would definitely use this company in the future for other projects!"
You don’t necessarily have to remove all the old paint before repainting your deck, but it’s best to remove as much as possible to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish. Prioritize scraping off loose, peeling, or flaking paint, and sand down rough areas to create a smooth surface for the new paint to bond with.
Yes, staining or sealing a cedar deck or fence is highly recommended to extend its lifespan, typically by five to 10 years. While cedar is naturally resistant to mold and mildew, it can still fall victim to moisture, sun exposure, and rot over time. Applying a treatment creates a protective shield that helps prevent splintering, fading, and decay, preserving the wood's strength and appearance. A combination stain and sealer often provides the best protection, as it soaks into the wood grain rather than just sitting on top. This offers superior defense against UV damage and rot and lasts longer than a sealer alone. To maintain the wood's natural look, consider using a near-translucent stain. You should plan to reapply the stain or sealer every two to three years.
There’s no single paint that’s the most waterproof. Instead, there are several types of waterproof and water-resistant paints that suit different purposes. Epoxy paint, for instance, is commonly used to provide a waterproof coating to floors and decks. Masonry paint is an excellent choice for exterior walls. Meanwhile, there are waterproof acrylic paints that can be used for interior and exterior walls. It’s more about choosing the best type for what you’re painting instead of the most waterproof paint overall.
Aftercare includes routine cleaning, checking for water repellency, and promptly addressing any chips or peels, maintaining the deck's appearance and functionality.
Yes, you can and should paint or stain pressure-treated wood to help prevent the boards from cracking. However, you must wait for the wood to dry out completely before applying any finish. Freshly treated wood can take weeks or even months to dry; a common recommendation is to wait three to six months. To check if the wood is ready, perform a simple water test: drip some water onto the surface. If the water beads up, the wood is still too wet and needs more time to dry. If the wood absorbs the water, it is dry enough to be painted or stained. You can proceed with building your deck or fence while the wood is still wet, but you will need to wait to apply the paint or stain.
The Blackville, SC homeowners’ guide to deck staining services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Cedar is a popular decking material, best known for its natural wooden look and resistance to rot. So, how much does a cedar deck cost? Find out in this guide.
