Interior vs. Exterior — Two Different Jobs
Painting Services in Hampton Roads, VA
A paint job is only as good as the prep work. In Hampton Roads' coastal climate — high humidity, salt air, and temperature swings — skipped surface preparation is the number one cause of premature paint failure. We don't skip prep.
Interior Painting
Interior painting is primarily a surface prep and product selection job. Walls that aren't properly patched, primed, and cleaned will show every imperfection under paint. Our interior process:
- Move and protect furniture, cover floors
- Fill holes, sand smooth, spot-prime repairs
- Cut in ceilings, trim, and outlets cleanly by hand
- Roll walls with appropriate nap for surface texture
- Two coats minimum; three where coverage demands it
- Clean up, reinstall switch plates, walk through with you
We coordinate interior drywall repair (see our drywall repair service) on the same visit when needed — no scheduling two separate contractors.
Exterior Painting
Hampton Roads' coastal environment means exterior paint takes more abuse than most climates. We take exterior prep seriously:
- Power wash the entire surface
- Scrape all peeling or bubbling paint to bare substrate
- Sand, fill, and prime all bare wood and repairs
- Caulk all gaps, joints, and penetrations
- Apply appropriate exterior primer then topcoat
- Two topcoats on all exposed surfaces
EPA Lead Paint — Hampton Roads Homes Built Before 1978
Important for older Hampton Roads homes: Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Virginia follows EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) rules requiring certified contractors to follow lead-safe work practices. We follow EPA lead-safe protocols on all work in pre-1978 homes. Homeowners should review the EPA Lead Paint Guide for full disclosure requirements and safety information.
Local Hampton Roads Project Examples
Pricing — Hampton Roads Area
| Service | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Standard bedroom (walls only) | $250 – $450 |
| Living room / dining room | $400 – $900 |
| Full interior (1,500 sq ft home) | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Exterior (average Hampton Roads home) | $1,800 – $4,500 |
| Trim & doors only | $300 – $800 |