Question 1

Our heritage home in New Westminster has multiple layers of old exterior paint that's cracking and peeling everywhere - what's involved in stripping it all off?

Accepted Answer

Stripping multiple layers of exterior paint from a heritage home in New Westminster is a significant project that requires careful handling, especially since homes built before 1978 almost certainly have lead-based paint in the older layers. In British Columbia, lead paint removal must follow WorkSafeBC regulations, which require containment measures to prevent lead dust and chips from contaminating the soil around your home. A qualified contractor will set up ground tarps and plastic sheeting,

Question 2

What exterior paint holds up best in Vancouver's rain? We're repainting our wood siding home in Coquitlam and want it to last?

Accepted Answer

For wood siding homes in Coquitlam and across Metro Vancouver, a 100 percent acrylic latex exterior paint is your best choice for durability in our wet climate. Acrylic latex outperforms oil-based paints in rainy environments because it remains flexible as wood expands and contracts with moisture changes, resisting cracking and peeling. Look for a paint with a high percentage of acrylic resin solids, ideally above 35 percent, as this directly correlates with durability and weather resistance. Th

Question 3

Is it worth painting stucco on a 1990s building that went through leaky condo remediation or will the problems just come back?

Accepted Answer

If your 1990s building underwent proper leaky condo remediation, painting the new exterior should be perfectly safe and the problems should not come back, provided the remediation was done correctly. The original leaky condo crisis in Metro Vancouver was caused by a combination of factors including face-sealed stucco systems with no drainage plane, inadequate flashing, and building envelope designs that trapped moisture inside walls. Properly remediated buildings have been re-clad with modern ra

Question 4

How much does it cost to paint a garage door in Vancouver and is it worth doing or should I just replace it?

Accepted Answer

Painting a garage door in Metro Vancouver typically costs between $350 and $700 for a standard single or double door, depending on size, condition, and whether it is steel, wood, or aluminum. Replacing a garage door, by contrast, runs $1,500 to $4,000 or more installed. If your existing door is structurally sound with no major dents, rust-through, or broken panels, painting is absolutely worth it and can transform your home's curb appeal at a fraction of the replacement cost. Preparation is the

Question 5

Can you actually paint vinyl siding? Our house in Burnaby has faded vinyl and we don't want to pay for full re-siding?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can absolutely paint vinyl siding, and it is a popular option for homeowners across Burnaby and Metro Vancouver who want to refresh their home's appearance without the $20,000 to $40,000 cost of full re-siding. The key rule with painting vinyl siding is that you must choose a paint colour that is the same shade or lighter than the original colour. Darker colours absorb more heat, which can cause vinyl panels to warp and buckle, especially on south and west-facing walls that get direct s

Question 6

What's the best approach for painting the concrete foundation walls that are visible on our split-level home in North Vancouver?

Accepted Answer

Painting exposed concrete foundation walls on a North Vancouver split-level requires careful preparation due to the heavy rainfall and moisture conditions on the North Shore. Concrete is porous and naturally wicks moisture from the ground, so the biggest challenge is ensuring the paint adheres properly and does not peel or blister from hydrostatic pressure pushing moisture through the wall. Start by cleaning the concrete thoroughly with a pressure washer to remove dirt, moss, and any efflorescen

Question 7

We have an older aluminum siding home in East Vancouver - can it be painted and how long will it last?

Accepted Answer

Aluminum siding can definitely be painted, and many older East Vancouver homes from the 1960s through 1980s are excellent candidates for this kind of refresh. Aluminum siding itself is incredibly durable and rarely needs replacing, but the factory-applied paint finish oxidizes and chalks over time, leaving a dull, faded appearance. A quality paint job on aluminum siding can last eight to twelve years in Metro Vancouver's climate, which is actually longer than paint on wood siding because aluminu

Question 8

How do rainscreen systems on newer Vancouver homes affect exterior painting and maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Rainscreen wall systems, which became standard practice in Metro Vancouver construction after the BC Building Code updates following the leaky condo crisis, have a significant impact on how exterior painting and maintenance are approached. A rainscreen system creates a ventilated drainage cavity between the exterior cladding and the weather-resistant barrier underneath. This means the cladding itself, whether it is fibre cement, stucco, or wood, dries out more effectively than older direct-appli

Question 9

Our stucco has hairline cracks all over the exterior - should we just paint over them or do they need to be fixed first?

Accepted Answer

You should never just paint over stucco cracks without addressing them first, especially in Metro Vancouver's wet climate. Hairline cracks under about 1/16 of an inch can often be filled with a high-quality elastomeric coating that bridges minor cracking, but anything wider needs proper repair with a compatible stucco patching compound before painting. In Vancouver, moisture intrusion through cracked stucco is a serious concern given our 1,200+ mm of annual rainfall. Water that gets behind the s

Question 10

We bought a condo that was remediated after the leaky condo issues - when is it safe to paint the new exterior cladding?

Accepted Answer

After a leaky condo remediation, the timing of exterior painting depends on what cladding system was installed. If your building was re-clad with fibre cement panels like Hardie board, most manufacturers recommend waiting at least 90 days before painting to allow the material to fully cure and acclimate to Vancouver's humidity levels. For new stucco applied over a proper rainscreen system, you typically need to wait 28 to 30 days for the stucco to cure before applying paint. If the remediation w

Question 11

We want to paint our heritage home in Strathcona and we've heard there are restrictions on colour choices. Is that true, and how does heritage designation affect an exterior paint job?

Accepted Answer

If your home is in the Strathcona heritage conservation area, there are indeed guidelines that can affect your exterior colour choices, though the specifics depend on whether your home is individually designated under the Vancouver Heritage Register or simply located within the broader character area.

For homes on the Vancouver Heritage Register, any significant exterior changes — including colour — may require a Heritage Alteration Permit from the City of Vancouver. The city generally encourag

Question 12

The bottom two feet of our exterior siding keeps peeling no matter how many times we repaint. We're in a ground-level townhouse in Burnaby. What's going on and how do we fix it for good?

Accepted Answer

Recurring paint failure along the bottom of siding is one of the most common exterior painting problems in Metro Vancouver, and it almost always points to a moisture issue rather than a paint quality problem. In a ground-level Burnaby townhouse, there are several likely culprits.

First, check your ground clearance. The BC Building Code requires a minimum 200-millimetre (8-inch) clearance between the ground or any landscaping and the bottom of the siding. If soil, mulch, or concrete is piled up

Question 13

What's a reasonable price to repaint the exterior of a standard two-storey detached house in Surrey? I want to know what's fair so I don't get ripped off?

Accepted Answer

For a standard two-storey detached home in Surrey — typically around 2,000 to 2,500 square feet of living space — a professional exterior repaint generally costs between $7,500 and $15,000 in the current Metro Vancouver market. The wide range reflects differences in the home's condition, the amount of prep work needed, and the quality of materials used.

At the lower end ($7,500 to $10,000), you're looking at a home in reasonably good condition that needs a pressure wash, light scraping and sand

Question 14

I keep hearing about elastomeric coatings for stucco homes. Is that worth the extra cost here in Vancouver, and how is it different from regular exterior paint?

Accepted Answer

Elastomeric coatings are absolutely worth considering for stucco homes in Metro Vancouver, where our heavy rainfall and temperature swings create the perfect conditions for hairline cracks in stucco to let moisture in. The fundamental difference is flexibility — elastomeric coatings can stretch up to 300 to 500 percent of their original size, meaning they bridge and seal hairline cracks as the stucco expands and contracts. Regular exterior paint, even premium acrylic, can only stretch about 10 t

Question 15

We live in a three-storey home in East Vancouver and need the whole exterior painted. What should I know about scaffolding requirements and how much extra does the height add to the cost?

Accepted Answer

Painting a three-storey home in East Vancouver introduces significant logistical considerations compared to a standard two-storey job. At that height, most professional painters will need proper scaffolding rather than just extension ladders, both for safety and for quality of work — it's very difficult to do thorough prep and apply even coats while perched on a ladder three storeys up.

Scaffolding for a typical East Vancouver three-storey home usually costs between $2,500 and $6,000 depending

Question 16

Our 1920s Craftsman home in Kitsilano might have lead paint under the current layers. What are the rules around lead paint removal in BC, and does that change how the painting job is done?

Accepted Answer

If your Kitsilano Craftsman was built in the 1920s, there is a very high likelihood of lead paint in the older layers, especially on exterior trim, window frames, and siding. In BC, any home built before 1960 is assumed to have lead paint unless testing proves otherwise, and homes built between 1960 and 1990 may also contain lead in some coatings.

WorkSafeBC has strict regulations around lead paint disturbance. Any sanding, scraping, or heat-stripping of lead paint must follow WorkSafeBC's lead

Question 17

How do Vancouver painters deal with the rain? If I book an exterior painting job, what happens if it rains for two weeks straight in the middle of the project?

Accepted Answer

Rain management is something every experienced exterior painter in Metro Vancouver has learned to navigate — it comes with the territory. The painting season here generally runs from May through September, with July and August being the most reliable months. However, even in peak summer, unexpected rain can disrupt schedules.

Professional painters monitor weather forecasts closely and plan their work accordingly. Most require a minimum of 24 to 48 hours of dry weather after rain before applying

Question 18

Our exterior paint keeps growing mould and mildew on the north side. How do we deal with this in Vancouver?

Accepted Answer

Mould and mildew growth on north-facing exterior walls is extremely common throughout Metro Vancouver. The combination of limited direct sunlight, persistent moisture, and our mild winter temperatures creates ideal conditions for biological growth. It's not necessarily a sign of paint failure, but it does need to be addressed properly.

The first step is cleaning the existing growth. A solution of one part household bleach to three parts water, applied with a garden sprayer and scrubbed with a s

Question 19

We have an older cedar-sided home in North Vancouver and the wood is starting to look grey and weathered. Should we stain or paint it, and what's involved in prepping cedar that's been neglected for years?

Accepted Answer

For weathered cedar siding in North Vancouver, both stain and paint are viable options, but the choice depends on the condition of the wood and the look you want. Semi-transparent stain lets the natural cedar grain show through and is easier to maintain long-term since it wears gradually rather than peeling. Paint offers more colour options and stronger protection but requires more thorough prep and will eventually peel if moisture gets behind it — a real concern given our coastal climate.

Prep

Question 20

Our house has Hardie board siding and the previous owners never repainted it. How is painting fibre cement different from painting regular wood siding?

Accepted Answer

Painting Hardie board (fibre cement) siding differs from wood in several important ways, and getting the approach right matters for longevity — especially in Metro Vancouver's wet climate. Fibre cement is more dimensionally stable than wood, meaning it doesn't expand and contract as much with moisture changes, so paint adhesion tends to last longer when properly applied.

The key difference is in the prep. Fibre cement is alkaline, so it requires a primer specifically formulated for high-pH subs

Question 21

There's some soft wood around our window frames and along the bottom of the siding. Do painters handle rot repair, or do we need a carpenter first before getting the house painted?

Accepted Answer

Many experienced exterior painting contractors in Metro Vancouver handle minor to moderate wood rot repair as part of their scope of work, since rot is so common here given our damp coastal climate. However, the extent of the damage determines whether a painter can handle it or whether you need a dedicated carpenter or even a building envelope specialist.

For small areas of soft wood — such as window sill corners, trim ends, or isolated spots along the bottom course of siding — painters typical

Question 22

We need our stucco exterior repainted. Is there anything different about painting stucco compared to wood siding?

Accepted Answer

Painting stucco is quite different from wood siding, and there are specific considerations for Metro Vancouver's climate that your painter should be aware of. Stucco is a porous, cementitious surface that absorbs and holds moisture differently than wood, and our heavy rainfall makes proper preparation even more critical.

Before any paint goes on, stucco must be thoroughly cleaned with a pressure washer to remove dirt, mildew, and chalking from the old paint. Any cracks need to be repaired with

Question 23

How do Vancouver painters handle rain delays during an exterior paint job?

Accepted Answer

Rain delays are a reality of exterior painting in Metro Vancouver, and any experienced local painter has a system for managing them. How a contractor handles weather interruptions tells you a lot about their professionalism and knowledge of our climate.

Reputable painters monitor weather forecasts from Environment Canada daily and plan their work around dry windows. Most require a minimum of 24 to 48 hours of dry weather after painting for proper curing, though some newer paint formulations can

Question 24

What's the cost to just paint the trim, fascia, and soffits on my house without redoing the whole exterior?

Accepted Answer

Painting just the trim, fascia, and soffits is a popular option for Metro Vancouver homeowners who want to refresh their home's appearance without the full cost of a complete exterior repaint. For a typical two-storey home, expect to pay between $2,500 and $5,500 depending on the amount of trim, its condition, and accessibility.

Simpler homes with straightforward trim work and easy ladder access fall on the lower end, while homes with extensive decorative trim, multiple gable peaks, or difficul

Question 25

How long should a good exterior paint job last on a house in the Vancouver area?

Accepted Answer

A professionally done exterior paint job in Metro Vancouver should last between 8 and 12 years on average, though the actual lifespan depends heavily on surface material, paint quality, prep work, and your home's specific exposure to the elements. Vancouver's marine climate is harder on exterior paint than drier regions of Canada, so you should set realistic expectations.

Wood siding, particularly cedar, typically sees paint lasting 7 to 10 years in our climate. The constant moisture cycling of

Question 26

Should I paint my exterior myself or hire a professional painter in Vancouver?

Accepted Answer

While DIY exterior painting can save money, there are compelling reasons to hire a professional in Metro Vancouver specifically. Our climate creates challenges that make exterior painting more complex than it might seem, and mistakes are costly to fix.

The biggest risk with DIY exterior painting here is timing and moisture management. Professional painters understand exactly how long surfaces need to dry after rain, what humidity levels are acceptable for different products, and how to read Van

Question 27

When is the best time of year to paint the exterior of my house in Vancouver?

Accepted Answer

The ideal window for exterior house painting in Metro Vancouver is from mid-May through September, with June through August being the sweet spot. You need consecutive dry days with temperatures above 10°C for most exterior paints to cure properly, and Vancouver's marine climate makes spring and fall unpredictable with rain. Most professional painters in the Lower Mainland book up fast for summer, so it's smart to schedule by March or April.

That said, experienced Vancouver painters know how to

Question 28

How much does it cost to paint the exterior of a typical Vancouver home?

Accepted Answer

For a standard two-storey home in Metro Vancouver (roughly 2,000 to 2,500 square feet of paintable surface), you can expect to pay between $6,500 and $12,000 for a full exterior repaint. A smaller bungalow or rancher might come in at $4,000 to $7,000, while larger homes in areas like West Vancouver or the British Properties can run $15,000 to $25,000 or more depending on complexity.

Several factors affect pricing in our market. Homes with cedar siding typically cost more because the wood needs

Question 29

My cedar siding is peeling really badly after just a few years. What went wrong and how do I fix it?

Accepted Answer

Premature peeling on cedar siding is one of the most common exterior painting problems in Metro Vancouver, and it almost always comes down to moisture. Our marine climate pushes moisture into wood from both sides: rain hits the exterior while interior humidity migrates outward through the walls. If the previous painter didn't address moisture management, even the best paint will fail within two to four years.

The most likely culprits are insufficient prep work before the last paint job, lack of

Question 30

Is it worth paying extra for premium exterior paint in Vancouver's rainy climate?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, and Vancouver is one of the cities in Canada where the paint quality argument is most compelling. With over 1,200 millimetres of annual rainfall and constant exposure to moisture, cheap exterior paint simply doesn't hold up. The difference in longevity between a budget paint and a premium product can be five or more years, which makes the upfront cost well worth it.

Premium exterior paints from reputable manufacturers contain higher concentrations of acrylic resins and titanium diox

Exterior Painting