Keeping up with a maintenance painting schedule with Moorhouse Coating is like giving your property a mini makeover all year round—with none of the reality show drama but all the "wow" factor. Here's why it's a no-brainer:

1. Make It Last, Like Fine Wine (or Fine Vinyl): Regular painting is like SPF for your building! It protects those surfaces from the everyday wear and tear, rain, sun, and whatever else Mother Nature decides to throw at us. Skip the maintenance, and suddenly you’re hosting a peeling paint party—but trust us, no one wants to attend that.
2. Stealthy Savings During Off-Season: You know that satisfaction of snagging an item on sale? That's what our off-season rates feel like! By scheduling during our less busy months, you’re saving those precious pennies without cutting corners. It’s like finding a secret stash of cash in your winter coat… but with paint.
3. Superhero-Level Crew Availability: During peak season, our crews are busy working their magic across town. But off-season? They're ready and raring to go. Think of it like ordering at a restaurant when no one else is there—better service, more attention, and you get to pick the best table (or in this case, the best time slot).
4. Work Without the Crowd: Nobody likes dodging traffic cones to get into their favorite spot. By scheduling during quieter times, we keep your clients and customers happy while giving your property a facelift. They’ll come back after the work is done, marveling at the glow-up like it’s a new attraction.
5. Curb Appeal that Says "We've Got It Together": Ever seen a business that looked like it was stuck in a 'before' photo? Not you. With regular maintenance, you’re in perpetual "after" mode, showing the world that you’ve got your act together. Because nothing says "we care" like a property that looks freshly painted instead of one that’s, well... going for a ‘distressed’ look.

So let Moorhouse Coating keep your property polished, protected, and priced right, with plenty of laughs (and savings) along the way!

A multiyear painting agreement for exterior maintenance is the smart, long-game play for properties in mountain areas where the elements are anything but predictable. Here’s why having a written maintenance plan and a proactive approach makes all the difference:

1. Mountain Weather: The Ultimate Wildcard: In mountain areas, you’re up against every possible weather mood swing—snow, rain, intense sun, and freezing temps, sometimes all in one week! Without a long-term plan, you risk waiting until the damage is done. With a multiyear agreement, you’ll keep your property protected year after year, no matter what curveballs the forecast throws your way.
2. Short Season, Long Checklist: The painting and staining season in the mountains is short-lived—barely long enough to fit in a good vacation, let alone essential maintenance for your property. A multiyear plan ensures that the maintenance gets done as soon as conditions allow. No more scrambling to get on the schedule during the rush; you’ll already have your spot saved, year after year.
3. Prevents Big Repair Costs Down the Line: Proactive maintenance catches issues like peeling, cracking, or fading before they become full-blown disasters. This means you’re not just keeping the property looking great; you’re also preventing hefty repair costs that would come from letting Mother Nature have her way.
4. Preserves Curb Appeal and Property Value: A consistent maintenance plan helps keep your property in prime shape. Fading or peeling exteriors can make a property look rundown fast, especially in harsh weather. But with scheduled care, your property stays looking sharp and attractive, preserving its value and appeal.
5. A Written Plan for Peace of Mind: When life gets busy, a written maintenance plan keeps everything on track. It’s like setting up a calendar reminder for your property’s upkeep. Plus, you and your contractor will be on the same page about timelines, areas of focus, and any special requirements. No guessing, no last-minute calls—just a clear, agreed-upon approach.
6. Allows for a Thoughtful, Phased Approach: With a multiyear agreement, we can break down the work into manageable, budget-friendly phases. One year, we might focus on high-exposure areas; the next, touch up places that need extra care. This phased approach saves you from a major expense all at once while keeping your property in great shape.

Painting agreement in mountain climates isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. With a solid, written plan and a proactive approach, you’ll have a property that’s ready for whatever the seasons throw at it, staying protected and looking pristine year after year.

High-performance clear coatings are a game-changer for surfaces that usually require frequent upkeep. Here’s why investing in them makes maintenance so much easier—and cost-effective:

Long-Lasting Protection: High-performance clear coatings create a durable shield against moisture, UV rays, dirt, and even chemicals, so surfaces stay cleaner and protected for longer. This means less wear and tear, less fading, and a much tougher resistance to scuffs, scratches, and general abuse.

Reduced Maintenance Frequency: Surfaces treated with clear coatings require fewer maintenance cycles because they stay in better shape between touch-ups. Fewer cycles mean less downtime, lower labor costs, and more time spent enjoying a pristine property rather than constantly maintaining it.

Enhanced Surface Aesthetic: Clear coatings offer a polished, professional look, enhancing the natural color and finish of the underlying material. This isn’t just about looks; it’s about putting your best foot forward with a clean, well-maintained appearance that leaves a great impression on clients and visitors.

Resistance to Environmental Stressors: For areas exposed to high-traffic, moisture, and extreme temperatures, high-performance clear coatings add an extra layer of resilience. This is especially valuable for mountain or coastal environments, where surfaces are constantly facing harsh elements that can cause quick degradation without adequate protection.

Cost-Effective Over Time: Although clear coatings might have a higher upfront cost, the long-term savings are substantial. With less frequent maintenance, fewer repairs, and longer-lasting surfaces, these coatings provide excellent ROI, stretching your budget further.

Improved Cleanability: Clear coatings make routine cleaning a breeze. Because the surface is more resistant to grime, stains, and contaminants, cleaning is quicker and requires fewer harsh chemicals, saving time and promoting a safer, greener maintenance routine.

High-performance clear coatings extend the life, look, and cleanliness of surfaces that would otherwise need constant attention. It’s a smart investment for reducing maintenance costs, keeping appearances sharp, and ensuring your surfaces can handle whatever comes their way.

Glossary of common painting terminology to help clarify industry-specific terms:

Mallory,

This proposal outlines a 10-year plan for preserving the cottages, which includes fully re-staining each unit every five years and partially re-staining the south-facing vertical walls every two to three years. The primary objective is to maintain the integrity of the buildings by protecting them from the damaging effects of UV exposure, moisture, and weathering. Historically, the south-facing sides of the cottages have shown moderate UV damage and have been treated every two to three years, between full re-staining cycles. Also included are optional items, such as the locker house and funicular, the stairs and handrails leading to them, and a roadside retaining wall.

Main Items:

• Cottages Exterior Re-Stain: 4, 5, 8, 11/15, 12/14, 18/20, 21, 24/26, 31/33, 32, 36, 39/41, 40, 44, 45/71
  • Included: Facia, Soffits, Siding, Overhangs, Garage Doors, Man Doors, Decks(Railing, Overhangs, Underside/Joists & Planks)
  • Excluded: Gas Meters, Electrical Panels, Metal Flashing

Optional Items

• Lockershouse & Funicular Structure (Exterior)
  • Included: Facia, Soffits, Siding, Overhangs, Man Doors, Decks(Railing, Overhangs, Underside/Joists & Planks)
  • Excluded: Gas Meters, Electrical Panels, Metal Flashing, Metal Structures
• Stairs and Handrails (leading to lockerhouse)
• Retaining WallA

ACRYLIC PAINT: Water-based paint made with acrylic resin. Known for its durability, quick drying time, and versatility for interior and exterior surfaces.

ADDITIVE: Substances added to paint to modify its properties, such as thickeners, stabilizers, or agents to improve flow and drying time.

ABRASION RESISTANCE: A specially formulated coating property that protect structures against corrosion, damage and wear brought about by heat and moisture.
ABRASIVE: Used for wearing away a surface by rubbing, scraping and sanding in preparation for coating; examples include sandpaper and steel wool.
ACRYLIC: A synthetic resin used in high-performance, water-based coatings.
ADHESION: The ability of a coating to stick to a surface.
AIR DRY: One method by which liquid coatings dry; after solvent evaporation, the binders react with oxygen, or oxidize, creating a hard film.
AIRLESS SPRAY: Applicator that pumps coating at a very high pressure through a hose with a tip designed to spray paint evenly in a fan-shaped pattern, covering more area quickly.
ALKALI: A substance such as lye, soda or lime that can be highly caustic or corrosive to paint films.
ALKYD: Any of a group of synthetic resins that are used in varnishes, paints and adhesives; a paint in which the vehicle is an alkyd resin.
ALLIGATORING: A paint failure that appears like small cracks resembling alligator skin due to too many coats, a topcoat applied before the basecoat fully dried or temperature changes that cause substrates to expand and contract.
ANTI-CORROSIVE PAINT: Designed to inhibit abrasion and rust and applied directly to that’s used on iron, steel and other metallic substrates, often used as a primer for finish coats.

B

BACK ROLLING: A technique where paint is rolled over a freshly sprayed area to ensure even coverage and adhesion, often used for porous surfaces.

BINDER: The component in paint that holds pigments together and provides adhesion to the surface. Common binders include acrylic, latex, and oil.

BLISTERING: Bubbles or raised areas that form on the paint surface, usually due to moisture, heat, or poor surface preparation.

BLEEDING: When a substance (e.g., tannins from wood) seeps through paint, causing discoloration. Primers help prevent this.

BARRIER COAT: A layer of a primer or coating that obstructs or prevents the passage of water or other contaminants through a surface. See Intermediate Coat.
BINDER: The component of paint that joins pigment particles together to form the film and can determine many of the coating’s performance properties — washability, durability, adhesion, color retention, etc.
BLEACHING: The process of lightening or restoring discolored or stained wood to its normal color.
BLEEDING: Describes an undercoat staining through the topcoat. Soluble dyes or pigments in undercoat are dissolved by solvents in topcoat and stain through to the new finish.
BLISTERING: The formation of bubbles or pimples on a painted surface caused by moisture in a topcoat before the previous coating one thoroughly dried or excessive heat. Also called bubbling.
BLUSHING: A coating that becomes cloudy or dull through moisture or excessive solvent evaporation.
BODY: The consistency of a coating. See Viscosity.
BOXING: Mixing paint by pouring from one container to another several times to ensure a consistent, well-blended color.
BREATHE: The ability of a paint film to permit moisture permeation without causing failure.
BRIDGING: The ability of a paint to cover or stretch over cracks, voids or other small gaps.
BRISTLES: The working part of a brush that contains natural (usually hog) or artificial (nylon or polyester) stiff hairs.
BRUSHABILITY: The ability or ease with which paint can be brushed onto a surface.
BRUSH-OUT: A technique that consists of applying a sample of paint to a piece of wood or other material, illustrating the finished surface.
BUILD: Thickness or depth of a paint film.
BURNISHING: To make smooth or glossy by rubbing.

C

CUTTING IN: The technique of painting edges and corners with a brush before using a roller for larger areas, creating clean, precise edges.

CATALYST: An additive for paint that accelerates drying time and durability.
CAULKING COMPOUND: A slow-drying, flexible sealing material used to fill or close gaps in structures, seal joints and fill crevices around windows, chimneys and most surfaces. Also called sealant.
CEMENTITIOUS COMPOSITION BOARD: A versatile, durable and affordable exterior building material that’s more stable than wood or plywood; mimics all-natural wood siding, but unlike wood, doesn’t rot or become infested with parasites such as termites. Also called fiber cement board.
CHALKING: The formation of a loose powder on the surface of paint after exposure to the elements.
CHECKING: A kind of paint failure characterized by narrow cracks or splitting in the paint film’s surface caused by improper film formation or excessive film build.
CHROMA: The purity or intensity of color; a color at its full intensity has maximum chroma.
CLEAR COATING: A transparent protective and/or decorative film.
COALESCENCE: The process whereby water evaporates from a coating, forcing pigments and binders to fuse together into a dry, durable, continuous film.
COATING: A layer of paint, varnish, lacquer or other finish used to create a protective and/or decorative layer.
COHESION: The inner strength of a coating determined by molecules sticking to each other because of mutual attraction and required for a long-lasting, protective coating.
COLORANT: A dye, pigment or other substance that’s added to something else, such as paint, causing a change in color.
COLORFAST or COLOR-RESISTANT or COLOR-RETENTIVE: A fade-resistant property in paint specially formulated for exposure to the elements or repeated washings.
COLOR UNIFORMITY: Ability of a coating to maintain an even, consistent color across its entire surface.
CONVERSION COATING: A coating that provides a protective surface layer on a metallic surface that contains a component that chemically reacts with the substrate making it more suitable for adhesive bonding.
COPPER STAINING: An aesthetic problem caused by corrosion of copper screens, gutters or downspouts dripping onto painted surfaces.
CORROSION INHIBITIVE: A property in a specialty coating formulated to prevent rust by blocking moisture from reaching metal surfaces. See Abrasion Resistance.
COVERAGE: Surface area concealed by coating, expressed usually in square feet per gallon or square meters per liter.
CRACKING: A type of paint failure characterized by the splitting or breaking of a dry coating that worsens over time, which is caused by poor preparation, cheap paint or repainting before the previous coat is thoroughly dry.
CRAWLING: A defect in freshly applied paint or varnish characterized by bare patches and ridging.
CRAZING: Small, interlacing cracks appear when two materials bonded together (e.g., substrate and primer, primer and basecoat) expand or contract at different rates, severing surface adhesion.
CURING: When paint film has reached maximum hardness and is 100 percent moisture-free.
CUSTOM COLOR: One of a kind colors created by mixing colorants.
CUTTING IN: The technique of precisely painting an edge, such as the ceiling line or the edge between a wall and molding.

D

DROP CLOTH: A protective covering (often canvas or plastic) placed over furniture or floors to catch drips and spills.

DRY BRUSHING: A technique where a nearly dry brush is used to lightly apply paint, often creating a textured or aged effect.

DILUENT: A liquid, such as turpentine, mixed with paint or varnish to reduce its viscosity and make it easier to apply. Also called reducer, thinner, reducing agent or reducing solvent.
DRAWDOWN CARDS: Black and white plastic cards supplied by paint stores to provide accurate and consistent color and sheen level of the coatings being used for a job; a small amount of paint is spread onto cards by a metal drawdown bar eliminating brush strokes and roller marks.
DRY COLORS: A pigment in powder form that’s mixed with water, alcohol or mineral spirits and resin to form a paint or stain.
DRY DUST-FREE: The stage of drying when particles of dust that settle upon the surface don’t stick to the paint film.
DRY TACK FREE: The stage of drying when the paint no longer feels sticky or tacky to the touch.
DRY TO HANDLE: The stage of drying when a paint film has hardened sufficiently so the surface may be used without marring.
DRY TO RECOAT: The stage of drying when the next coat can be applied.
DRY TO SAND: The stage of drying when a paint film can be sanded without the sandpaper sticking or clogging.
DURABILITY: The ability of paint to hold up well against destructive agents such as weather, detergents, air pollution or abrasion.
DYE or DYESTUFF: A soluble, colored agent that soaks into the fibers of the surface used just to even wood color before staining or change color with little or no hiding.

E

EGGSHELL FINISH: A paint finish with a low luster, slightly shinier than flat but less than satin. Often used for walls and trim due to its subtle sheen and durability.

ENAMEL: A paint that dries to a hard, glossy finish. Typically used on surfaces that require durability, like doors and cabinets.

ELASTOMERIC: A type of flexible, or stretchy, coating designed for exterior masonry surfaces, such as concrete, stucco and roofs and to handle substrate movement, bridging cracks and keeping water out.
ELECTROSTATIC COATING: A coating designed for application by equipment that’s charged with the opposite electrical polarity than the metal surfaces to be painted, and when sprayed is electrically attracted to those substrates.
EMULSION PAINT: A mixture of pigment and synthetic resin dispersed in water with low solvent emission, fire- and chemical-resistant properties, good durability and a matte finish.
ENAMEL: A broad classification of paints considered to be high-quality, hard-surfaced and high-sheen.
EPOXY: A thick coating consisting of a base and curing agent that’s mixed together to produce a chemical reaction that results in a thick, plastic-like, chemical- and corrosion-resistant finish; used to protect demanding surfaces because of its durable, low porosity and strong bond strength.
EROSION: The wearing away of a paint film caused by exposure to the elements.
ETCH: The process of using abrasion or corrosion (acid) to wear away the surface of glass or metal, often in a decorative pattern.
EXTENDER: A volume-increasing, cost-reducing additive in synthetic resin adhesives.

F

FEATHERING: Gradually thinning the edges of paint to blend with surrounding areas, especially useful for touch-ups.

FLAT FINISH: Paint with a non-reflective finish, ideal for hiding imperfections on walls but less washable than other finishes.

G

GRAIN RAISING: The roughening of wood fibers that can occur when water-based finishes are applied, requiring sanding between coats.

H

HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure): A type of spray system that applies paint with reduced overspray, providing a smoother finish.

HIDING: The ability of a paint to cover or “hide” the color of the surface beneath it, influenced by factors like pigment concentration and thickness.

I

Intumescent COATING: A type of paint that expands when exposed to heat, creating an insulating barrier. Used for fireproofing.

L

Latex Paint: Water-based paint known for its flexibility, ease of application, and quick drying time. Commonly used for walls and ceilings.

M

Matte Finish: Similar to flat paint but with slightly more durability. Popular for low-traffic walls that don’t require frequent washing.

Mil: A measurement of paint film thickness, where 1 mil equals one-thousandth of an inch.

O

Oil-Based Paint: Paint that uses an oil-based solvent. Known for its durability and smooth finish but has longer drying times and requires mineral spirits for cleanup.

Overcoating: Applying additional layers of paint to achieve desired coverage and durability.

P

Primer: A preparatory coat that improves paint adhesion, increases durability, and enhances the finish. Essential for many surfaces.

Putty: A filler used to repair small holes, cracks, and imperfections in walls or wood before painting.

R

Roller Nap: The thickness of the roller’s surface, with various naps suited for different textures and surfaces (e.g., short nap for smooth surfaces, long nap for textured ones).

S

Satin Finish: A mid-sheen finish that is more durable and washable than flat or eggshell, often used in high-traffic areas.

Sheen: The level of gloss or shine in a paint finish, ranging from flat to high gloss.

Spackling: A paste used to fill small holes or cracks in walls, which can then be sanded smooth before painting.

T

Tack Cloth: A sticky cloth used to remove dust and particles from surfaces before painting for a clean finish.

Tint: A color added to base paint to achieve the desired shade, customized for specific color preferences.

U

Undercoat: The initial layer of paint applied to prepare a surface for a topcoat, especially in high-gloss or enamel finishes.

V

Varnish: A clear or tinted coating that provides a protective, often glossy, finish to wood or painted surfaces.

W

Wet Edge: The edge of a freshly painted area, which is kept wet to prevent lap marks as you continue painting.

Wrinkling: A defect where the paint surface appears wrinkled, typically caused by applying paint too thickly or when the underlying layer has not fully dried.

Y

Yellowing: The discoloration of paint, especially white or light-colored paint, due to aging, lack of light, or exposure to heat.