Coastal paint systems: why prep is the real “material”
If you’ve seen paint peel on a coastal home, it’s rarely because the color was wrong. It’s usually because the system wasn’t executed correctly.
A durable exterior paint system typically includes:
- proper surface cleaning and removal of failing paint
- repair of cracks and damaged substrate (stucco, trim, siding)
- priming where needed (not optional)
- correct caulking and sealing at transitions (trim joints, penetrations)
- applying coats at the right thickness and under the right conditions
Coastal exposure can be unforgiving. Spending more time on prep often extends the life of the finish dramatically—and saves money long-term because you’re not repainting early.