In-depth information to help you make informed decisions about strata painting for your property.
Exterior Paint Selection for BC's Coastal Climate
The Lower Mainland's climate presents a demanding environment for exterior coatings. Heavy rainfall, high humidity, significant UV exposure, moderate freeze-thaw cycling, and persistent biological growth (moss, algae, mildew) all stress exterior paint systems. Selecting the right products for these conditions is essential for achieving the long-lasting results that property owners expect. Premium 100% acrylic latex paints are the standard for exterior wood and masonry surfaces in BC. These products provide excellent adhesion, flexibility, colour retention, and resistance to moisture and biological growth. Within the acrylic latex category, self-priming formulations reduce preparation time on sound surfaces, mildew-resistant additives combat the biological growth common in BC's humid conditions, and high-build formulations provide enhanced coverage and surface protection. For surfaces with existing coating failures, proper primer selection is critical. Bonding primers adhere to glossy or chalked surfaces, stain-blocking primers prevent tannin bleed from cedar and other extractive-rich woods, and rust-inhibitive primers protect metal substrates. Using the wrong primer — or no primer on bare substrate — is the most common cause of premature coating failure. Elastomeric coatings are an excellent option for stucco and concrete block surfaces that develop hairline cracking. These high-build coatings bridge cracks up to 1mm wide and maintain their waterproofing seal through temperature cycling. They are significantly more expensive than standard paints but provide superior protection on crack-prone masonry substrates.
Surface Preparation: The Foundation of a Long-Lasting Paint Job
Industry statistics consistently show that 80% of coating failures result from inadequate surface preparation, not product failure. No matter how premium the paint, it cannot perform if applied to a surface contaminated with dirt, mildew, chalked coating, loose paint, or moisture. Professional preparation is the single most important factor in coating longevity. For exterior wood surfaces, proper preparation includes power washing with appropriate pressure (too much pressure damages wood fibers), scraping all loose and flaking paint, sanding glossy surfaces for adhesion, filling nail holes and minor wood damage with exterior-grade filler, spot-priming bare wood and repaired areas, and caulking all joints with paintable, flexible sealant. This process is labour-intensive and time-consuming — often accounting for 40-60% of total project labour — but it is essential for long-term performance. For previously painted surfaces in good condition, thorough washing to remove dirt and mildew contamination may be sufficient preparation. We test adhesion of existing coatings by scoring and taping — if the existing coating lifts, more aggressive preparation is required. For surfaces with multiple layers of old paint, heat gun or chemical stripping may be necessary to achieve a sound substrate.
Common Area Painting for Strata Buildings
Strata common area painting projects — lobbies, hallways, stairwells, parking areas, and amenity rooms — require a different approach than residential painting due to the high traffic conditions, the need to maintain access during the project, and the diverse stakeholder group that must be satisfied with the results. Product selection for common areas prioritizes durability and washability. We specify commercial-grade paints with scuff-resistant finishes, typically in eggshell or satin sheens that provide good durability while maintaining a refined appearance. Semi-gloss finishes are used for trim, doors, and high-touch areas where maximum cleanability is required. Flat finishes are generally avoided in high-traffic areas due to their poor abrasion resistance. Scheduling common area painting requires careful planning to maintain building access. We typically work floor-by-floor or zone-by-zone, maintaining access through unpainted areas while freshly painted surfaces cure. Elevator lobbies are painted during low-traffic overnight hours when possible. Signage and communication with residents regarding wet paint areas are essential to prevent damage to freshly applied coatings. Colour selection for common areas should consider light reflectance values (adequate lighting), practical maintenance (mid-tones hide scuffs better than white), aesthetic appeal (welcoming and contemporary), and consistency with the building's architectural character.
Deck and Balcony Coating Systems
Exposed concrete decks and balconies on Strata buildings face severe weathering from UV exposure, rainfall, freeze-thaw cycling, and traffic wear. Without protective coatings, concrete surfaces develop cracks that allow water penetration, which accelerates deterioration through reinforcing steel corrosion and freeze-thaw damage. Waterproof deck coating systems provide a seamless, elastomeric membrane that bridges hairline cracks, sheds water, and protects the concrete substrate from further deterioration. These systems typically consist of a primer, reinforcing fabric in high-stress areas, one or two coats of waterproof membrane, and a textured traffic-bearing topcoat that provides slip resistance. The entire system is typically 40-60 mils thick and can bridge dynamic cracks up to 1/16 inch. For Strata buildings with balcony drainage issues — water leaking through to units below — deck coating systems provide a cost-effective solution that avoids the far greater expense of structural concrete repair. We evaluate each deck's condition, repair any delaminated concrete or exposed reinforcing, and apply a complete coating system that provides reliable waterproofing with a textured, attractive surface finish.
Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing: A Cost-Effective Alternative to Replacement
Cabinet replacement in a typical kitchen costs $15,000 to $40,000, while professional cabinet refinishing achieves a dramatic transformation for a fraction of that cost — typically $4,000 to $8,000 including all preparation, priming, and finish coats. Cabinet refinishing is particularly popular in Strata condominiums where kitchen layouts are fixed by plumbing locations and storage space cannot easily be reconfigured. Our cabinet refinishing process begins with thorough cleaning and degreasing of all surfaces, followed by sanding to create a mechanical profile for coating adhesion. Doors and drawers are removed and finished in our spray facility for a factory-quality finish, while face frames and end panels are painted on-site. We use specialized cabinet coatings that provide the hardness, adhesion, and chemical resistance needed for kitchen environments — products that far exceed the performance of regular wall paint. Professional cabinet refinishing requires specialized skills and products that differ significantly from wall painting. The surfaces must be perfectly smooth, the coatings must be applied at precise thickness for proper curing and hardness development, and the finish must be free of brush marks, orange peel, drips, and sags. Our spray application technique in a controlled environment delivers a smooth, uniform finish that rivals factory-applied coatings.
