What to Expect During Your Exterior Painting Project-Real talk from American Standard Painting Co.

Thinking about painting your house? Here’s what most homeowners want to know upfront:
How long will it take?
Do I need to move everything?
Is this going to feel like a construction site?

If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. We’ve worked with homeowners all across South Orange County who started with those same questions. And the difference between a stressful project and a smooth one?

It all comes down to three things: clarity, communication, and preparation.

So here’s our straight-shooting guide on what to expect before, during, and after your exterior paint job—plus a few things you can do to make it even smoother.

How Long Does Exterior Painting Take?

Most full exterior jobs take 3–7 days, depending on:

  • Size and layout of your home
  • Surfaces being painted (stucco, fascia, eaves, doors, etc.)
  • Prep work needed (scraping, priming, small repairs)
  • Weather and temperature

Each step has a purpose. We don’t rush, but we also don’t waste time. It’s about delivering a beautiful, long-lasting finish—without the guesswork.

📍 Curious about cost? Check out our Exterior Painting Cost Guide for Orange County.

Before We Arrive: 6 Easy Ways to Prep

You don’t need to do much. But these quick steps go a long way:

  • Trim back plants near your house
    It gives us clear access and keeps leaves out of the paint.
  • Clear patios and porches
    Move furniture and decor away from walls. Can’t move something heavy? Just give your project manager a heads-up.
  • Close all windows and doors
    Helps keep dust and water out when we wash surfaces.
  • Keep pets inside or secured
    We love animals. But they usually don’t love ladders and unfamiliar people.
  • Turn off sprinklers and alarms
    Avoid setting off sirens or soaking freshly painted surfaces.
  • Give us a good contact number
    We’ll keep you in the loop every day.

Can’t get to all of these? No worries—just let us know. We’ll adjust.

What Happens Before Painting Starts

Here’s how we prep your home to make the paint stick—and last.

  1. Surface Washing
    We power wash to remove dust, mildew, cobwebs, and old paint. A clean surface = a better bond.
  2. Repairs & Prep Work
    – Scraping, sanding, and patching
    – Caulking cracks and joints
    – Priming exposed areas
    – Masking windows, fixtures, and anything else we’re not painting

Have peeling paint or chalky surfaces? We might use a bonding primer like Super-Loc to make sure everything holds tight.

Want a closer look? [See our full exterior painting process.]

What to Expect Each Day On Site

Schedule
Our crews typically work 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, weather permitting. You’ll get a quick update each day from your project manager.

Our Promise to You
We show up on time. We treat your home with respect. And we keep the site clean.

Meet Your Crew
You’ll have a dedicated project manager (hi, I’m Mike!) who oversees everything and keeps you in the loop.

Restroom Use
If you’re okay with us using a guest bathroom, great. If not, no problem—we’ll plan accordingly.

Finishing Up the Project

When painting wraps up, we walk the property with you and make sure everything’s up to par.

Here’s what our wrap-up looks like:

  • On-the-spot touch-ups
  • Masking removed
  • Debris cleaned up
  • Extra paint labeled and left for future use
  • Tips on how to care for your new paint job

📄 Want extra peace of mind? Review our [5-Year Workmanship Warranty].

FAQs: Real Questions from Real Homeowners

Most exterior jobs last 8–12 years, depending on sun exposure and paint quality.

Yes. We handle most minor repairs, and refer trusted pros for major fixes.

We do—using vinyl-safe paint and metal-friendly primers.

Absolutely. We’ll guide you through choices, even if you’ve got HOA rules to follow.

🔎 [Explore our Color Selection Guide]

Want a Smooth Experience? Start Here.

Great prep = great results. Download our simple [Exterior Painting Prep Checklist] to get started.

More Than Paint: Coats of Honor

Every project helps us fund free exterior paint jobs for local heroes through our Coats of Honor program—teachers, veterans, first responders. Nominate someone or learn more about Coats of Honor here.

We proudly serve homeowners in Coto de Caza, Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Mission Viejo, and all of South Orange County.

Your Project Info
Nominate a Local Hero for a Free Paint Job