Frequently Asked Questions:
Saint George UT Painting Contractors

For stucco homes, spraying with backrolling is the best method. The sprayer covers large areas quickly, and backrolling ensures the paint gets into the stucco’s texture for a longer-lasting finish.

For wood, fiber cement, or brick, rolling may be a better option to ensure proper adhesion and coverage.

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With Southern Utah’s hot, dry climate, paint can dry too quickly, affecting adhesion. General wait times:

• Acrylic latex paint: 4–6 hours between coats.

• Oil-based paint: 24 hours between coats.

• If temperatures exceed 90°F: Paint early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid fast evaporation.

Avoid painting in direct midday sun, as it can cause premature drying and uneven application. Always consult the product label.

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It depends on the surface condition. Most exteriors in Southern Utah are stucco, and while a primer is necessary for certain situations, it’s generally not needed for stucco when using high-quality exterior paint.

Use a high-quality primer if:

• The existing paint is faded, chalky, or peeling (use a sealing or stain-blocking primer, not a bonding primer).

• You’re painting over bare wood or metal.

• You’re changing from a dark to a light color (or vice versa).

• The surface is porous and needs extra sealing.

For well-maintained stucco, a self-priming exterior paint is typically sufficient. Proper surface preparation, including cleaning and repairing any cracks, ensures the best adhesion and long-lasting results.

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Water-based (acrylic latex) paint is the best option for Southern Utah’s extreme temperatures and dry conditions. It expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations, preventing cracking and peeling. Oil-based paints, while durable, tend to become brittle over time and don’t hold up as well under strong UV exposure. If painting over bare wood, an oil-based primer can still be beneficial for better adhesion.

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Yes, Southern Utah’s high UV exposure causes paint to fade more quickly, especially darker colors. The intense summer sun and dry conditions break down pigments over time, leading to chalking and discoloration. To combat fading, choose UV-resistant, 100% acrylic latex paint and consider lighter or mid-tone colors, which hold up better than deep, rich hues. Using a satin or eggshell finish can also improve durability.

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The harsh sun, extreme heat, and occasional monsoon rains in Southern Utah can cause paint to deteriorate faster than in milder climates. Most homes need repainting every 5–7 years to maintain protection and curb appeal. Homes with stucco siding can last longer with high-quality paint, while wood and fiber cement siding may need repainting more frequently due to exposure and expansion from temperature changes.

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In Southern Utah, where the landscape features red rock formations and desert terrain, earthy tones and warm neutrals are the best choices. Colors like sand, beige, terracotta, warm grays, soft browns, and muted greens complement the natural surroundings while withstanding the region’s intense sunlight. Lighter shades help reflect heat, keeping homes cooler in the summer. If you're in an HOA-regulated neighborhood, check for approved colors before selecting a new paint.

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Painting a house exterior can take anywhere from a few days to usually no more than a week, depending on the size of the house, the complexity of the job, and weather conditions. Prep work, such as cleaning and repairing surfaces, can also add to the timeline. With extensive repairs and/or additional work like concrete coating you can plan for 2 weeks.

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Acrylic latex paint is generally considered the best option for stucco exteriors. It’s flexible, breathable, and resistant to cracking, making it ideal for stucco’s porous nature. Elastomeric paint is also a good choice for providing a waterproof seal and extra protection against cracks.

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Painting in winter can be challenging due to low temperatures, which can prevent paint from curing properly. However, if the daytime temperatures are above 50°F and there’s no precipitation, it is possible to paint during winter in Utah. Using cold-weather paints designed to cure at lower temperatures can also help.

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Signs that your house needs a new paint job include fading, cracking, peeling, or bubbling paint, as well as exposed wood or stucco. If you notice chalking (a powdery residue on the surface), it's also time to repaint.

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Yes, pressure washing is essential before painting the exterior of a house. It removes dirt, mold, mildew, and loose paint, ensuring the new paint adheres properly and lasts longer. If you do this yourself please be careful to not penetrate the exterior surface with moisture.

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To protect landscaping, painters use drop cloths, plastic sheeting, and painter's tape to cover plants, shrubs, and outdoor furniture. It is also important to move potted plants away from the painting area and trim any overhanging branches and/or sharp plants.

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Ideal weather conditions for exterior painting include temperatures between 50°F and 85°F, low humidity, and no rain or strong winds. These conditions help paint to dry and cure properly, resulting in a durable finish.

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To maintain your exterior paint job, regularly clean your home's exterior to remove dirt and mildew, inspect for any signs of damage or wear, and touch up areas where paint has chipped or peeled. Keeping gutters clean and trimming back vegetation can also help preserve the paint. Problems found earlier on and fixed prevents further costly damage.

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Yes, exterior paint can be applied over old paint as long as the old paint is in good condition. Any loose or peeling paint should be scraped off, and the surface should be sanded to ensure proper adhesion of the new paint.

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Exterior paint peels due to moisture, improper surface preparation, using the wrong type of paint, or applying paint in adverse weather conditions. To prevent peeling, ensure the surface is dry, clean, and primed before painting, and use high-quality exterior paint.

To repair stucco before painting, clean the area, remove any loose or damaged stucco, apply a patching compound, and texture it to match the surrounding surface. Once the patch is dry, prime and paint the area.

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While it’s technically possible to paint over stucco without repairing it, it’s not recommended. Painting over damaged stucco can result in an uneven finish and may cause the paint to peel or crack over time. Always repair stucco before painting for the best results.

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