Exterior revive

Now that winter is behind us and we’re spending more time outdoors, it’s time to take a good look at the exterior of our homes. Winter in Northeast Ohio can take a toll and cause exterior paint to chip, peel and fade. Now is the ideal time of year for outdoor painting or staining. 

“We generally have a lot of dry weather, mild temps and the humidity hasn’t really kicked in yet,” says Dan Peck, owner of Painting Solutions. “So, if it’s been a while, now’s the perfect time to have your home professionally cleaned, painted or stained.”

As with many home projects, preparation just might be the most important part of the process, and painting and staining are no different. As Dan says, “The devil is in the details.” And while DIY may seem like a cost-effective approach, enlisting the services of professionals has its advantages.

Professional Perks

“Whether staining or painting, the surface of your home must be properly prepared, and the right techniques and products used to get the best results,” Dan says. “The surface must be clean, smooth, and free of any mold or mildew buildup, especially important on wood siding.”

Dan advises against power washing for wood surfaces. He has seen the harm that can be done by a well-meaning power wash that damages the wood, leaving small cracks that allow moisture to seep in and cause rot. 

“Moisture is a home’s enemy. For a cedar-sided home, a professional, gentle cleaning to get rid of all debris the right way, then spraying and back brushing the surface, is the proper way to maintain it,” Dan says. “We get rid of mold and dirt buildup by hand, then spray the stain, hand-brush it into the surface while the stain is still damp to be sure it reaches every nook and cranny, then apply the topcoat. Hand brushing is a critical step to make sure stain is evenly applied for a seamless finished product.”

Painting Solutions’ professional attention to detail and tricks of the trade learned along the way ensure long-lasting results with fewer chances of premature peeling, chipping, fading and other problems. 

Home Colors are Warming Up 

Anything goes in 2025. From earthy neutrals, blues and classic whites to bold, vibrant yellows and teals, color is back. 

“There are a few practical things to consider when choosing a color,” Dan says. 

The location of your home, surrounding landscaping and how much sun the home gets can all make a difference in how the color of the exterior of your home will fare over time. 

“A strong color may fade in the sun, or, if you’re surrounded by trees, a light color will show discoloration and stains from leaves, sap and landscaping,” Dan says. “If you want some color, going bold for trim or doors is a great option.”

Extending the Life of Your Paint Job

Dan recommends periodically checking the exterior of your home for any chipping or peeling paint and signs of wear on the surfaces. 

“If you see some mold and dirt build-up, you can use a mild detergent solution and wash it off,” Dan says. “And keeping up with caulking and sealing around doors and windows will help to prevent moisture seepage that leads to premature peeling.”



Give Painting Solutions a call for a free estimate.

Call Painting Solutions at 440-342-4552, email contact@paintingsolutions.com or check the website PaintingSolutionsOhio.com.