Exterior House Painting FAQ for North Kingstown, RI

March 31, 2022

Exterior painting is one of those projects that’s both extremely exciting and a little intimidating. Unlike a room that can be pretty quickly painted over on a whim, your outdoor colors are permanent. Or, at the very least, need to last for years and years. 

So, no pressure, but you need this project to turn out right… right?

At ELCO Painting, we’re all about working with our customers through every step and stage of the process. We want you to know exactly what to expect, and the “why” behind our approach. Very often, this conversation starts with fantastic questions from local Rhode Island homeowners just like you. 

Here are a few really good ones.

What’s the right weather for exterior painting?

Extremely cold and extremely hot weather are the two extremes to avoid, largely because both extremes can cause adhesion issues (how well your paint sticks and dries). 

Thanks to advanced, modern paint formulas, the exterior painting seasons have extended quite a bit though. As long as the surface is dry, we can paint outdoors from early spring until late fall. 

Do you have to prime before exterior painting?

Preparation is 80% of a successful paint job, and priming can play a big part in these critical early steps. In many cases we can just use a “spot priming” approach: priming over either bare surfaces or repaired surfaces. Full primes aren’t quite as common, reserved for more drastic scenarios like extreme color changes (especially light colors over dark). 

Either way, the right primer lays a strong foundation for your new paint to grip onto, and helps us build that smooth finish we all know you want. 

Do painters help choose house paint colors?

Some do, and some would prefer to just apply the paint of your choosing. If a painting company doesn’t have an in-house colorist, however, they likely can refer someone to you. The ultimate goal is to have the process and results reflect exactly what you were going for, so we do recommend getting professional color selection help if you can. At the very least you might get some fresh ideas and perspective to help avoid the dreaded scenario of finding the perfect color AFTER you paint…

Is more expensive exterior paint worth it, or just a sales gimmick?

It’s 100% worthwhile to buy the BEST paint you can. High-quality paint formulas have higher-quality ingredients, including binders, pigment, and resin. This all translates to a longer-lasting finish, better color retention, and better surface protection too. 

What credentials should my painting company have?

Working with a licensed and insured professional is essential. Otherwise you can be held liable for job site accidents, creating a mess that suddenly makes that cheaper estimate less appealing. It’s worth working with an established painting contractor even if it costs more up front. 

Can you paint vinyl siding?

Yes! There are fantastic paint products on the market developed specifically for vinyl siding. That’s good news if you’re looking for a fresh look but don’t need a replacement.

We’re all ears! Reach out to our team at ELCO Painting today – we’d love to chat with you. Or, you can start by exploring our services in more depth here . 

 

Fall Painting Projects Every Rhode Island Homeowner Should Consider

October 31, 2025
Fall in Rhode Island is more than pumpkin patches and football weekends (to be clear, it is definitely mostly about that). But it’s also prime time for painting. The air is dry, the temperatures are steady, and the sun isn’t scorching your siding. It’s basically nature’s invitation to tackle projects you’ve been putting off. From exterior touch-ups to an interior refresh before the holidays, fall gives homeowners that rare combination of good weather and motivation, and that’s worth taking advantage of. Ready to grab a brush (or at least a plan) and get a few things checked off before the frost sets in? Consider this article your first line item. Why Fall Is Ideal for Painting in Rhode Island Autumn weather in New England offers something that painters love: stability. It’s not too hot, not too humid, and rarely too cold. Paint adheres better, dries evenly, and doesn’t blister under direct sunlight like it can in midsummer. Cooler temps also mean painters, whether you or a professional crew, can work longer without racing the clock or baking under a high sun. Add in fewer bugs, drier air, and reduced pollen, and you’ve got the recipe for beautiful finishes inside and out.

What’s the Best Way to Paint Kitchen Cabinets in Rhode Island?

October 22, 2025
Transform your Rhode Island kitchen with professional cabinet painting. Discover the process, benefits, and why quality makes all the difference.

Project Spotlight: Sandblasting a Historic Mill Building in Chelsea, MA

September 29, 2025
Like many historic mills in New England , this building carried the weight of decades: peeling paint, dust, grime, and coatings that had long since lost their integrity. Ceilings, brick walls, and wood columns were all hidden beneath layers of paint that dulled the building’s original character. Simply painting over the old surfaces wasn’t an option. To get it ready for renovation, and its next phase of life as modern apartments, the space needed to be stripped back to its bones, restored, and sealed. That’s where our specialized sandblasting services came in. The Process: Sandblasting, Step by Step Sandblasting is as much about precision as it is about power. For this project, we worked floor by floor over three levels, using specialized equipment to remove years of buildup. Protecting the space. Before blasting, we set up containment to control dust and debris, ensuring the process stayed safe and efficient. Stripping surfaces. Using the right abrasive medium and calibrated pressure, we blasted away paint from the ceilings, brick, and wooden support columns. The goal wasn’t to erase history but to reveal it; to uncover the original materials while preserving their integrity. Revealing character. Once stripped, the natural beauty of the brick and timber shone through, showing off the craftsmanship that had been hidden for years. It never gets old!

Cabinet Paint Color Inspiration for Your Rhode Island Home

September 17, 2025
Looking for cabinet color inspiration? Explore trending blues, greens, and whites, and see why painting is a smart alternative to full replacement.

Cabinet Painting in North Kingstown – Is It Right for Your Kitchen?

August 19, 2025
In North Kingstown, the kitchen is often the busiest room in the house; part cooking space, part gathering spot, part drop zone for everything from school backpacks to yesterday’s mail. Which also means your cabinets can start to show the battle scars over time: faded finishes, chipped corners, and maybe a mystery stain or two. When that happens, you’re faced with a choice: replace your cabinets entirely or give them a professional paint makeover? Well, when done right, painting can actually transform your kitchen, extend the life of your cabinetry, AND cost far less than a full remodel! (Plus, it spares you from spending weeks reheating dinner in the laundry room). Why Cabinet Painting? Painting your cabinets can give your kitchen a fresh, modern look without the price tag (or demolition dust) of a full remodel.  Some of the biggest benefits include: Cost savings: On average, cabinet painting costs 50 to 70% less than full replacement. Less disruption: Most professional cabinet painting projects take 4 to 7 days, and your kitchen stays mostly functional during the process. A full replacement can take 3 to 6 weeks or longer. Eco-friendly: Reusing your existing cabinets can prevent hundreds of pounds of wood, metal, and composite materials from ending up in a landfill. Customization: Choose any color, from crisp whites to bold blues, for a personalized style. Think of it as the difference between buying an entirely new wardrobe or just getting your clothes tailored and dry-cleaned. Both improve your look, but one is a lot gentler on your wallet.

Year-Round Exterior Painting & Maintenance Tips for Rhode Island Businesses

July 30, 2025
Rhode Island weather doesn’t go easy on buildings. Between salty winters, humid summers, and everything in between, your commercial property’s exterior is working overtime just to keep up appearances. That’s why we put together this seasonal checklist to help you stay ahead of the wear and tear. Whether you manage a restaurant, retail storefront, office building, or high-traffic hospitality space, staying proactive with exterior maintenance protects your investment, boosts curb appeal, and keeps your business looking as sharp as the service you offer. Let’s walk through what to watch for, season by season. Spring: Refresh and Recover After a long winter, spring is about repair and renewal. Snow, salt, and ice can take a toll on every surface, so now’s the time to clean up and fix the damage. What to focus on: Inspect roofing and flashing for signs of water intrusion, missing shingles, or debris buildup. Clean out gutters and downspouts so spring rain drains properly instead of pooling. Power wash sidewalks and patios to remove grime, salt, and mildew. Touch up or repaint worn areas of your façade, signage, or trim, especially if peeling paint is visible. Inspect windows and doors for broken seals or cracked glass. Refresh landscaping to reframe your exterior with clean lines and healthy greenery. Pro tip: Spring moisture can hide mildew in shaded areas. If power washing doesn’t cut it, a repaint with the right mildew-resistant coating will make a big difference.

Project Spotlight: A Fast-Track Warehouse Repaint in Warwick, RI

July 17, 2025
We’re excited to share a recent commercial repaint that really showcases what Elco Painting is all about: efficiency, precision, and of course, a top quality finish. This project took us to Warwick, Rhode Island, where we tackled a full warehouse repaint with a tight two-week turnaround. Yes, it was a big space. And yes it was a tight timeline. But too much for us to handle? Not a chance! Let’s walk you through how we made it happen and why projects like this are such a good fit for our team. The Scope: A Full-Scale Commercial Warehouse Repaint Commercial warehouses don’t paint themselves, and this one was ready for a fresh coat. We were brought in to transform the look and feel of the space, inside and out. Here’s what was involved: Ceiling spray application with dry fall paint. We used this specialized product for fast coverage and minimal cleanup. Dry fall is ideal for high ceilings. Basically overspray dries before it hits the ground, meaning less mess and more control. Bright white repainting of walls and overheads. Clean white brings instant brightness to a space like this, improving lighting and making everything feel more modern and organized. Bold orange accents on beams and columns. This was a standout design decision. It not only gave the space a pop of color but also helped define structural elements visually, which can be a big plus in busy, high-traffic facilities. We knew the clock was ticking, and planning was everything. From mobilizing the right crew to choosing the right materials, we coordinated every phase of the project to meet the deadline without cutting corners. Watch the quick video below to see a before, during, and after perspective!

Deck Staining vs. Painting: Which Is Better for Your Outdoor Space?

By Christine Lekberg • June 30, 2025
When it comes to sprucing up your deck , you’ll eventually run into The Question. You know the one: “Should I stain my deck… or paint it?” It’s a tough call. Both options offer protection. Both can look great. And both come with their own baggage. In this post, we’re unpacking the pros, cons, and all the murky in-between so you can confidently choose the finish that fits your deck and your sanity. No deep YouTube rabbit holes required. The Basics: What’s the Real Difference? Before you can pick sides, you’ve gotta know the players. Stain and paint may both live in the same aisle at the hardware store, but they’re totally different animals when it comes to how they treat your wood. Let’s break down what each one actually does. Staining soaks into the wood, enhancing its natural beauty, letting the wood grain shine through. Painting, on the other hand, coats the surface, covering blemishes and adding color. Want a white deck? Navy blue? Go for it. Just remember: you’re covering the wood grain entirely. Durability: Does Paint or Stain Last Longer On a Deck? Let’s not sugarcoat it: paint is more durable, especially the high-quality exterior kind. It forms a thick barrier that helps repel UV rays, moisture, and other deck-destroying villains. Stain isn’t as robust, but it’s no slouch either. Oil-based stains offer solid protection and tend to wear away gradually, which sounds bad, but it’s actually easier to manage. So who wins? If your deck gets a lot of sun or moisture, paint does last longer. But that doesn’t mean it’s always the better choice…

How to Prepare Your Building for Summer Painting Projects: Tips for RI Property Owners

May 18, 2025
When the days get longer and the weather warms up, it’s not just beachgoers and boaters heading outside; it’s painting crews, too. Summer is prime time for giving your building a facelift, whether it’s a touch-up or a full exterior repaint . But before you break out the color swatches and book a crew, there’s one thing you need to know: good painting starts with great prep. Whether you own a commercial building in Providence, manage a multi-family property in Warwick, or run a boutique storefront, this guide will help you get your building paint-ready, so your summer project finishes on time, on budget, and without the “uh-oh” surprises. Assess Before You Address Before anyone shows up with a paint sprayer, it’s time to take a walk around the building. What’s peeling? What’s faded? What’s quietly rotting behind the trim like a summer horror story? Paint won’t stick to problems; it just hides them for a minute. So check for things like wood rot, water damage, cracks in siding, or loose trim. If you spot anything questionable, now’s the time to call in a pro. Plan Your Exterior Repaint Around the Weather (Because It’s Rhode Island, After All) Summer may be painting season, but let’s be honest: Rhode Island weather has a flair for the dramatic. One minute it’s sunny and dry, the next it’s 85 degrees with 90% humidity and a surprise thunderstorm thrown in just because. Paint loves stable weather—ideally between 50° and 85°F, with low humidity and no rain in the forecast. So plan your project with a bit of buffer time. Don’t schedule tight deadlines that hinge on a perfect 3-day stretch. Spoiler: Mother Nature does not care about your calendar.

Why North Kingstown Homes Need Regular Exterior Painting: Salt Air & Seasonal Wear

April 30, 2025
Salt air and Rhode Island’s wild seasons can wear down your home fast. Learn why regular exterior painting in North Kingstown is essential protection.