Drywall
Cracking is one of the biggest problems you'll have to face with drywall. Ignoring it could lead to splitting paint and widening gaps over time, potentially allowing moisture to intrude deeper into walls. While small hairline cracks may seem cosmetic, they often indicate movement beneath the surface and are usually caused by natural settling over time. Homes expand, contract, and shift with foundation movement, temperature or humidity. In some instances drywall has a lower threshold for this movement if it was installed improperly. Inadequate taping or framing provides less support. This is what repairs look like if done right:
- Opening the crack slightly and reinforcing the joint underneath with compound
Applying joint compound on the entire wall instead of patching is called skim coating, see our East Side portfolio piece!
- Sanding smooth
- Priming before repainting, essential for creating a uniform surface
Doing this on the entire wall instead of patching is called skim coating
Wood Preservation
Aside from adding to your home or businesses' curb appeal, there are cost saving benefits to caring for your wood!
- Maintains the wood's natural color and beauty
- Protects against water damage, cracking and rot
- Blocks termite and other insect intrusion
- Saves money by avoiding costly stripping and full refinishing later
- Extends the life of decks, beams, and exterior wood doors and windows
Causes
Without protective maintenance, wood can begin to crack, warp and splinter. With these fissures water gets absorbed and rot from within. By the time damage is visible, restoration often becomes replacement. Check here for more information on how to take care of homes in coastal climates such as Santa Barbara.
UV Radiation: breaks down lignin, causing fading and fiber separation
Moisture and humidity: leads to swelling, shrinking, and cracking
Salt air: speeds up surface degradation
Process
When should you start this project? The first is when water no longer beads on the top or rolls off, but rather gets absorbed. The second is an inspection of the grain to see if it appears dry or rough. It is usually pretty transparent when repairs are needed because the top, clear coat itself will begin to dull or peel. This takes stewardship, because it's not about making something look brand new. Wood is a material that is worth protecting the investment behind it.
Sanding: Over time, wood fibers raise, finishes break down, and the surface becomes uneven. Sanding removes these failed coatings. A smooth surface opens up the wood grain so that new products can properly seep-in and bond.
Staining: This enhances the natural grain while adding another layer of protection
Clear Protective Coating: A high-quality clear coat acts as a shield against sun exposure, salt and daily wear. It slows fading, prevents cracking, and reduces water intrusion.
Stucco
Stucco is one of the most common exterior finishes in Santa Barbara County — and for good reason. It’s durable, fire-resistant, and well-suited to Mediterranean-style architecture. Similar to the other materials discussed above, cracking can occur as the house naturally settles over time. Larger breaks happen when it was improperly cured during installation, or with moisture intrusion and improper flashing or drainage. If not resolved, you may be at risk of the following:
Efflorescence: salt deposits form on the surface
Delamination: the solid surface separates into layers
Interior staining or mold
The proper maintenance to avoid these problems starts similar to drywall repairs or skim coating. The crack must be opened a bit, loose or compromised material removed, then filled/patched with a compatible mixture. For appearance a good company will focus on texture blending and proper curing. Matching texture and color is often the most delicate part of the process, and poor patchwork can remain visible even after repainting.
Brick
This material has been highly tested through time, and proves to remain one of the most durable. It behaves different from standard siding or drywall, so it's important to know how paint will stick to the surface. It is naturally porous, and allows vapors to pass through. This breathability is part of what keeps the masonry healthy. If inappropriately applied, moisture can become trapped within the brick. This can potentially lead to peeling, flaking, or long-term deterioration. The proper way to paint brick is half repairs.
Cleaning: removing efflorescence and grime, then drying out well
Cracks and mortar filling
Selection of materials: breathable masonry primer, then mineral-based or vapor-permeable coatings
While acrylic may work in some cases, limewash or other paints may better maintain breathability. Once brick is painted it becomes a coated surface- meaning it will require periodic maintenance similar to other exterior finishes. The commitment should be understood upfront, as reversing painted brick is difficult and costly.
Consider why you're painting brick. Has it been painted before and needs a retouch, or is the natural material heavily stained or mismatched? Other great reasons are aesthetic updates for cohesion or resale. However, especially for historic buildings or older homes, brick may be better preserved with breathable finishes rather than fully sealed coatings. If you do desire a solid coating, don't get discouraged! It simply requires thoughtful evaluation and the correct application to ensure longevity. Whatever you desire, Purple Painting can help.
