A Successful Commercial Painting Project at the Bernardsville Municipal Building 

At Ridge Painting Company, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality commercial painting services to meet the unique needs of our clients. Recently, we completed a comprehensive exterior commercial painting project at the Bernardsville Municipal and police building located at 166 Mine Brook Rd in Bernardsville, NJ. This building had a stucco exterior, which required specialized care and attention to ensure the job was done right. From repairing cracks to applying a durable coat of paint, our team worked diligently to restore and refresh the appearance of the building.

In this article, as experienced painters in Bernardsville NJ, we’ll walk you through the steps we took to complete this project, highlighting the care and expertise needed to achieve a flawless finish on stucco surfaces. We’ll also talk about the products we used, like Sherwin Williams’ Centex Stucco Paint, and why it’s a perfect choice for this kind of project.

Initial Assessment of the Building

Before starting any painting project, it’s essential to assess the condition of the building’s exterior. When we arrived at 166 Mine Brook Rd, we immediately noticed that the stucco surface was showing signs of wear and tear. There were visible cracks, some small and others larger, which can occur naturally over time as stucco expands and contracts with changing weather conditions. These cracks can affect both the appearance and integrity of the building if left untreated.

In addition to the stucco damage, the trim, windows, and doors were also in need of attention. The paint was fading and peeling in some areas, detracting from the overall appearance of the building. Lastly, the building’s lettering, which was an important design feature, needed to be carefully masked and painted to preserve its clean look.

Step 1: Prepping the Stucco Surface

The first step in this exterior painting project was to address the cracks in the stucco. Stucco is a porous material that can absorb moisture, so it’s important to repair any cracks before applying paint. Our team of experts carefully examined the entire exterior to identify all the areas that needed repair.

We used high-quality stucco filler to patch the cracks. The filler not only seals the cracks but also helps prevent further damage from water penetration, which can lead to bigger issues down the line. Once the cracks were filled, we allowed the material to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

After filling the cracks, we power washed the building to remove any dirt, dust, and debris from the stucco surface. Power washing ensures a clean and smooth surface, allowing the paint to adhere properly and last longer. This is a crucial step in prepping any exterior surface, as it helps create the foundation for a durable paint job.

Step 2: Priming the Stucco

With the stucco cracks filled and the surface cleaned, we moved on to priming the building. Primer is essential for stucco surfaces because it helps seal the material and provides a uniform surface for the topcoat. For this project, we selected Sherwin Williams’ Centex Stucco Paint, a high-quality product designed specifically for stucco exteriors.

Before applying the Centex Stucco Paint, we first used a compatible primer to ensure the best adhesion and coverage. The primer acts as a bonding agent between the stucco and the topcoat, ensuring the paint will stay intact and resist peeling or cracking over time.

We applied the primer evenly across the entire building, paying special attention to areas that had been patched or repaired. This not only provides a smooth base for the paint but also helps to protect the building from the elements. By using a primer, we ensured that the paint job would last longer and look better, even in harsh weather conditions.

Step 3: Applying Sherwin Williams Centex Stucco Paint

Once the primer was dry, we began applying the topcoat: Sherwin Williams Duration Paint. This product is specifically formulated for stucco surfaces, making it an ideal choice for this project. Centex Stucco Paint is known for its durability, flexibility, and resistance to moisture, all of which are essential for protecting stucco exteriors.

We applied two coats of Sherwin Williams Exterior Duration Paint to ensure a rich, even finish. The first coat helps to cover any imperfections and create a base layer, while the second coat provides additional protection and enhances the overall appearance of the building. The paint went on smoothly, and the color we selected perfectly complemented the architecture of the building.

One of the reasons we chose Sherwin Williams Centex Stucco Primer is its ability to expand and contract with the stucco surface. This flexibility is critical for preventing future cracking, as stucco naturally shifts with temperature changes. With this paint, we were able to create a protective barrier that will help the building withstand the elements for years to come.

Step 4: Prepping and Painting the Trim, Windows, and Doors

While the stucco was the primary focus of this project, the trim, windows, and doors also required attention. These features add character to the building, so it was important to give them a fresh, clean look.

First, we prepped the trim, windows, and doors by scraping off any old, peeling paint and sanding the surfaces to create a smooth base for the new paint. This step is crucial because any loose or flaking paint can prevent the new paint from adhering properly, leading to a less durable finish.

Once the surfaces were prepped, we applied a high-quality primer to the trim, windows, and doors. This helps the topcoat adhere better and provides added protection against the weather.

After the primer dried, we applied two coats of paint to these areas. We selected a color that complemented the stucco while providing a nice contrast. The fresh paint on the trim and doors helped to enhance the overall look of the building, giving it a polished and professional appearance.

Step 5: Masking and Painting the Building Lettering

One of the final touches on this project was the building’s lettering. The lettering is an important feature, as it not only identifies the building but also adds to its visual appeal. To ensure the lettering remained sharp and clean, we carefully masked it off before painting the surrounding areas.

After the masking was in place, we painted around the lettering to give it a fresh, clean look without damaging the design. Once the paint was dry, we removed the masking, revealing the crisp, newly painted lettering. This final touch added to the professional appearance of the building and ensured that the signage was clearly visible.

Final Inspection and Cleanup

After all the painting was complete, we conducted a final inspection of the building to ensure everything met our high standards. We checked the stucco surface, trim, windows, doors, and lettering to make sure the paint was evenly applied and that there were no missed spots or imperfections.

Once we were satisfied with the work, we cleaned up the job site, removing any protective coverings, tape, and debris. We take pride in leaving our job sites clean and tidy, so the building was left in pristine condition, ready to be admired.

Conclusion

The exterior painting project at 166 Mine Brook Rd in Bernardsville, NJ was a success, thanks to the hard work and attention to detail from our team at Ridge Painting Company. By carefully prepping the stucco, filling cracks, priming using Sherwin Williams Centex Stucco primer and Duration Paint, we were able to restore the building’s exterior to its former glory. The fresh paint on the trim, windows, and doors, along with the newly painted lettering, gave the building a clean and professional appearance that will last for years.

At Ridge Painting Company, we specialize in commercial painting projects like this one, and we’re dedicated to providing top-quality results that enhance the beauty and longevity of every building we work on. If you’re looking for painters in Bernardsville NJ whether it’s stucco, brick, or any other material, contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help transform your property!