Marc Poulos | Author | CEO of Marc Poulos Painting and Decorating. Marc Poulos began his real estate and financial services career, but he soon realized that his true passion was beautifying homes. He started working with various small craftsman shops before serving an apprenticeship with the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Chicago. His commitment to excellence won him Top Apprentice from Washburne trade school in Chicago - the country's premier school of its kind.
TL;DR Prioritize Surface Prep: Addressing common issues like chalking, peeling paint, and failed caulk is essential before painting to ensure the new coat adheres properly and lasts. Fix Substrate Damage: Painting over rotted wood or cracked stucco can void warranties and increase rework costs by 40, 70%, as paint will likely fail within a year. Detect and […]
The 3 Exterior Issues That Must Be Solved Before Paint Read More »
TL;DR Optimal Timing: The best window for exterior painting in the North/NW Chicago suburbs is from May through early October, with July and September offering the most stable conditions. Ideal Conditions: Aim for daytime temperatures between 50°F and 85°F, ensuring overnight lows stay above 45°F to allow for the critical chemical curing process. Weather Watch: Avoid painting during high humidity
Best Time to Paint Exteriors in the North/NW Chicago Suburbs Read More »
TL;DR Prioritize Safety and Structure: Categorize spring repairs by urgency, focusing first on “Must-Fix” items like active leaks, electrical hazards (GFCI/wiring), and functional smoke/CO detectors. Prevent Water Damage: Inspect and refresh caulk lines, window seals, and fascia/soffit boards to stop moisture intrusion, wood rot, and mold growth before they require expensive structural repairs. Regional Preparedness: For Florida residents,
Spring Repair Checklist for Four-Season Homes Read More »
TL;DR Identify the Issue: Distinguish between simple paint failure (peeling/cracking on solid wood) and wood rot (soft, spongy, or crumbling wood caused by fungus and moisture) to ensure the correct repair method. Never Paint Over Rot: Painting over decaying wood is a temporary fix that traps moisture, accelerates structural damage, and leads to rapid paint failure, mold
What Needs Repair Before Repainting in Northbrook Read More »
Stop Peeling Paint: Essential Prep Steps Beyond Washing TL;DR Paint peeling (delamination) is caused by adhesion failure due to improper preparation. Washing alone is insufficient; deep cleaning with degreaser and deglossing are mandatory, as skipping this step reduces adhesion by up to 50%. Surfaces must be physically prepared by repairing all cracks and dents (paint is not a
Why Paint Peels (and the Prep Steps That Prevent It) Read More »
Spring Prep: Finding Winter Damage Before Painting TL;DR Inspect for Winter Damage: Use spring to inspect for common damage (cracking, peeling, blistering) caused by Chicago’s brutal freeze thaw cycle, which shortens the exterior paint lifespan. Surface Preparation is Key: Thorough surface preparation (cleaning, sanding, priming) is non-negotiable; it ensures maximum paint adhesion and durability against extreme weather fluctuations. Optimal
Find Winter Damage Before Painting Read More »