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

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

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

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. 

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.

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.

Salt air drifting in from the ocean, dewey marine layer mornings, and sunny days are part of the reason we chose to live in Santa Barbara. However, it's easy to get distracted by working life and beach days, forgetting the demands of this climate. The constant temperature shifts between fog and inland heat put materials through daily expansion and contraction. Repainting lends more than just curb appeal- it strengthens the protective layer on your building's exterior. 

But we don't just want to repaint your space, we want to restore it. This happens at every step of the painting process, before and after color is applied. Waiting for the visual signs of deterioration or putting off small repairs can accumulate into bigger (more expensive) projects. Here are just some of the measures we take to lengthen the lifespan of surfaces:

- Sanding, power washing, and removing compromised layers

    Such as peeling or blistering top coats

- Addressing drywall cracks and moisture intrusion

- Sealing vulnerable joints or exposed substrates

- Double coating paint to offer UV and moisture resistance

Purple Painting would love to be on call for routine repairs, but our goal is to create longer maintenance cycles by doing it right. So how often should coastal properties be refreshed?  For standard buildings, 5-7 years is sufficient for touch-up jobs. This doesn't have to be a full repaint! With consistent upkeep, exterior paint can last 15+ years. Consider increasing inspections to every 2-3 years if you endure high exposure to sun or other elements. The only buildings that need annual attention are usually historic or structures that are primarily wood, such as our 1820's cabin client. If you are still unsure, these are some other considerations that may apply to you. 

Transparent or semi-transparent wood stains: these typically need re-coating every 1-3 years. Skipping this steps means you'll eventually have to strip and refinish the base layer, instead of just adding a top coat. 

Sun facing sides: South and West facing walls take the most sun. Regular touch-ups or washing can ensure it blends in with sides that don't fade as quickly. 

Paint Quality Matters: Homes painted with premium paint can last 2-3 years longer than those using lower-grade materials. High end paints purposefully resist chalking or decay, and usually have a primer or sealant additive. 

Let's look at cost of neglect. A $10,000 repaint every 10 years can be broken down to 1k yearly. If you stretch that over 15 years with proper maintenance, that yearly cost reduces to about $600 and saves you thousands throughout the paint job's lifespan. We can help you form a maintenance plan, so you can enjoy your life in paradise with one less stress.