Professional, Meticulous, Long-Lasting

Exterior Painting

Gold Standard customer service and workmanship since 1994 — multi-step prep and brush-applied finishes that protect Austin homes for decades.
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Exterior Preparation — Wood Only

  • Set all nails below surface using a hammer and nail set. Putty, sand and prime.
  • Scrape any paint that will come off with a scraper.
  • Sand all wood and paint with 80/120/150 grit paper and/or power sanders. Removing more, and feathering paint.
  • Spackle all rough areas and defects on siding and trim as agreed upon or specified. Generally most, especially around entrances, porches, etc.
  • Caulk all seams, cracks, etc. 60 year acrylic latex caulk.
  • Prime all bare wood, repairs, and any bare area.
  • Sand all primer by hand.
  • Clean all areas. Apply paint by brush or airless sprayer — first coat of high end exterior paint.
  • Check for defects, and caulk, fill, hand sand lightly as necessary.
  • Apply by airless sprayer or brush second coat exterior paint.

    • Exterior Preparation — Hardie Board & Wood Composites

  • Set any nails that are not at the surface. Putty, spot sand and prime as needed.
  • Scrape any paint that will come off with a scraper. (Sanding is not recommended on composite wood or Hardie board.)
  • Spackle all rough areas and defects on siding and trim as agreed upon or specified. Generally most, especially around entrances, porches, etc.
  • Caulk all seams, cracks, etc. Using 60 year caulk.
  • Clean all areas. Apply paint by brush or airless sprayer — first coat of high end exterior paint.
  • Check for defects, and caulk, fill, hand sand lightly as necessary.
  • Apply by airless sprayer or brush second coat exterior paint.

    • Exterior Preparation — Stucco

  • Repair/caulk stucco cracks as specified.
  • Spackle all rough areas and defects on siding and trim as agreed upon or specified. Generally most, especially around entrances, porches, etc.
  • Caulk all seams, cracks, etc. Using elastomeric caulk with texture to mimic finish.
  • Clean all areas. Apply paint by brush or airless sprayer then back roll or back brush — first coat of high end exterior paint.
  • Check for defects, and caulk, fill, hand sand lightly as necessary.
  • Apply by airless sprayer or brush then back roll or back brush — second coat of exterior elastomeric exterior paint.

    • DGP Painting exterior prep and finish detail – Austin, TX

    Exterior Preparation — Metal

  • Scrape any paint that will come off with a scraper.
  • Sand all metal and loose paint with 150/180 grit paper and power sanders. Removing more, and feathering paint.
  • Prime all bare metal, repairs, and any rust spots with an anti-corrosive DTM (Direct to Metal) Primer.
  • Sand all primer by hand.
  • Clean all areas. Apply by brush or roll first coat exterior DTM (Direct to Metal) paint. In certain situations an airless sprayer can be used.
  • Check for defects, and hand sand lightly if necessary.
  • Apply by brush or roll second coat of exterior DTM (Direct to Metal) paint. In certain situations an airless sprayer can be used.

    • Exterior Preparation — Decks, Smooth Wood & Rough Cut Wood

  • Set all nails below surface. Set all screws below surface as needed.
  • Sand all smooth wood removing any failing stain. (It is not recommended to sand rough cut boards.)
  • Stain with agreed upon type of stain (Translucent, Semi-transparent, Semi-solid, Solid or Specialty stain).
  • Apply manufacturer’s recommended number of coats guaranteeing good coverage. (Keep in mind that all wood stains differently; if you want an even, uniform look you want to paint not stain.
    • Important: Lead Paint Notice

    We do not provide lead abatement services. For homes built before 1978, lead-safe testing or remediation may be required before preparation or painting begins.

    Probability of Lead Paint by Age of Home:

    • Before 1940: 87% of homes likely contain lead paint.
    • 1940–1960: 69% chance of containing lead paint.
    • 1960–1978: 24% chance of containing lead paint.
    • After 1978: Very low risk.

    Common questions answered

    Why is preparation so important for exterior painting?

    Preparation is what separates a paint job that lasts years from one that fails in months. We set nails, scrape loose paint, sand, spackle defects, caulk all seams, and prime bare surfaces before a single drop of finish coat goes on. Skipping these steps leads to peeling, bubbling, and water intrusion — all of which cost far more to fix than doing the prep right the first time.

    What type of exterior paint do you use?

    We use high-end exterior paints from top manufacturers — the same brands trusted by professional contractors for durability, color retention, and weather resistance. For stucco, we use an elastomeric exterior paint that flexes with the surface to resist cracking. For metal, we use a DTM (Direct to Metal) paint with an anti-corrosive primer to prevent rust. The specific product is always matched to your surface type and conditions.

    Do you paint Hardie board and fiber cement siding?

    Yes. We follow the correct process for composite and Hardie board — we do not sand these surfaces as sanding is not recommended, but we do scrape loose paint, set any proud nails, spackle defects, caulk all seams with 60-year caulk, and apply two coats of high-end exterior paint. Following the manufacturer-recommended process ensures proper adhesion and a long-lasting finish.

    My home was built before 1978 — do I need a lead test before painting?

    Possibly, yes. Homes built before 1978 have a meaningful probability of containing lead paint — as high as 87% for homes built before 1940. We do not provide lead abatement services, so if lead-safe testing or remediation is required for your project, that will need to be completed before preparation or painting begins. We’re happy to advise you on next steps during your estimate.

    Do you apply paint by brush or sprayer?

    Both methods are used depending on the surface and situation. We apply paint by brush or airless sprayer for the first coat, check for defects, then apply the second coat. For stucco, we back-roll or back-brush after spraying to work the paint into the texture. For metal, we typically brush or roll. The goal is always even coverage and the best possible adhesion for each surface type.

    What is the difference between painting and staining a wood deck?

    Stain penetrates the wood and comes in a range from translucent (shows the grain) to solid (hides the grain). If you want every board to look exactly the same, uniform color, you want paint — not stain — because wood absorbs stain differently board by board. Stain is a maintenance item and will need to be reapplied on a cycle. Paint forms a film on top of the wood and provides a more uniform, durable finish but requires more prep when it comes time to repaint.
    WHERE WE WORK

    Austin Neighborhoods We Serve

    Proudly painting exteriors across Austin and the surrounding communities since 1994
    Tarrytown
    Old West Austin
    Travis Heights
    Zilker
    Hyde Park
    Westlake Hills
    Rollingwood
    Allandale
    Barton Hills
    Cherrywood
    Clarksville
    Round Rock

    Picture Your Home With A Beautiful, Fresh Look

    Imagine vibrant walls that make your living spaces warm and inviting — a flawless exterior finish that boosts curb appeal and protects your home from the elements. With DGP Painting, your home will look and feel brand new, backed by Gold Standard service since 1994.

    Get Your FREE Quote Now!