Exterior painting on the Bay Area is a craft. Bayside humidity, coastal fog, harsh afternoon UV, and salt-laden marine air mean that a paint job done right looks great for 10+ years — and a paint job done wrong starts peeling in 18 months. Monarch's exterior process is built specifically for Redwood City and the surrounding climates, with prep, primers, and topcoats spec'd for stucco, cedar, redwood, T1-11, fiber cement, and original 1920s wood siding. Every exterior project is power-washed, scraped, sanded, caulked, primed, and finished with two full coats of Sherwin-Williams Emerald or Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior — the only paints we trust outside.
Our Exterior Painting Process
Pressure wash + dry-out
We power-wash every surface to remove dirt, mildew, and chalking. Then we let the substrate dry for 24–48 hours depending on weather. Painting wet wood is the #1 cause of premature failure; we don't take shortcuts here.
Scrape, sand, repair
Loose paint is scraped to sound substrate. Failed caulk is cut out and replaced with 50-year siliconized acrylic. Wood rot is repaired or replaced. Glossy spots are dulled so primer can grip.
Spot or full prime
Bare wood, repaired areas, and chalky stucco get a bonding primer (typically Sherwin-Williams Loxon for stucco, Zinsser Cover Stain for wood). On hillside and coastal homes we full-prime to lock the system together.
Two full topcoats
100% acrylic exterior, brushed and rolled (sprayed where appropriate, then back-rolled for adhesion). Trim, fascia, soffits, gutters, and front doors are detailed by hand.
Final inspection
Foreman and homeowner walk the entire property, touch-up kit in hand. We power-wash the driveway, remove all masking, and haul off every scrap. The 5-year warranty is emailed the same day.
Why Choose Monarch for Exterior Painting
- Paint systems that last 10–12 years on the Bay Area coast
- UV-resistant pigments that hold color longer
- Mildew-resistant topcoats for fog-belt homes
- Elastomeric and breathable options for stucco
- Color consultations including HOA submittals
Materials We Use
- ● Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior
- ● Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior
- ● Sherwin-Williams Loxon for stucco
- ● Zinsser Cover Stain bonding primer
- ● OSI Quad MAX 50-year sealant
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to paint a Bay Area exterior?+
March through November. We avoid painting when overnight lows drop below 50°F or when fog hasn't burned off the substrate.
How long should an exterior paint job last?+
On the Bay Area, 8–12 years for stucco and 7–10 years for wood — assuming the prep and product were right. We warranty ours for 5 years bumper-to-bumper.
Do you handle HOA approvals?+
Yes. We help with color samples, submission paperwork, and revisions. Many HOAs already have us on file.
Exterior Painting in Your City
We deliver exterior painting services across San Mateo County: