Painting questions, answered
Plain answers to the questions Mesa homeowners ask most — how often to repaint stucco, the best time of year, HOA approval, and whether to paint or replace cabinets.
Painting and repair questions
The ones worth reading before you plan a project.
How often should I repaint my stucco house in Arizona?
Most stucco exteriors in the Valley need repainting somewhere around every 7 to 10 years. Wood trim, fascia and doors usually need attention sooner.
South- and west-facing walls take the most sun and fade first. It is common for one side of a house to need paint years before the others.
Signs it is time:
- Paint that leaves a chalky powder on your hand.
- Colour that has faded unevenly from one side to another.
- Hairline cracks in the stucco.
- Peeling or cracking on trim, fascia and around windows.
Repainting before the paint has failed is usually cheaper, because there is less repair and prep work.
When is the best time of year to paint a house exterior in Mesa?
Fall through spring is easiest. Summer painting is possible - the crew starts early and follows the shade around the house - but monsoon storms from July to September can change the afternoon plan.
Paint has temperature limits on the label, and a wall in full summer sun can be far hotter than the air. Interior work goes on all year.
Is it worth painting kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them?
If the cabinet boxes are solid and you like the layout, usually yes. Painting changes the look of the room for a fraction of the cost and in a few days instead of weeks.
Wood, laminate and MDF can all be painted. The key is prep - degreasing, sanding and the right primer - which is what makes the finish last.
Do I need HOA approval to paint my house?
In most East Valley HOAs, yes - for exterior colour changes, and often even to repaint the same colour. Check your HOA's approved palette and submit the request before booking.
Approval can be quick: one Nieman Painting customer was quoted on a Monday, had HOA approval on Tuesday and the crew at the house on Wednesday.
What paint do you use?
Dunn-Edwards and Sherwin-Williams. Dunn-Edwards started in the Southwest and makes products aimed at desert heat and UV; Sherwin-Williams has a broad range for interiors, cabinets and exteriors. The right product depends on the surface, and James will recommend one at the estimate.
Is it worth painting a house before selling it?
Often, yes. Fresh, neutral paint is one of the most common pre-listing projects, because tired walls and faded stucco show in every listing photo.
Out-of-state owners hire Nieman Painting for this too - one reviewer had their Arizona house repainted from out of state to get it ready to sell.
Cost, timing and coverage
How much does it cost to paint a house in Mesa?
Every job is priced after a free estimate, because the amount of prep and repair changes the price as much as the size does. You get a clear price up front with no hidden fees.
Do you charge for estimates?
No. Estimates are free. Call (602) 615-7915 or send a request and James will set one up.
What areas do you serve?
Mesa and about 50 miles around it - including Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Apache Junction, Gold Canyon and Fountain Hills. Further out? Call (602) 615-7915 and ask.
Do you paint cabinets?
Yes - kitchen and bathroom cabinets in wood, laminate or MDF.
Do you do commercial painting?
Yes - offices, retail, common areas and rental properties, as well as homes. Commercial work is scheduled around your hours.
What paint brands do you use?
Dunn-Edwards and Sherwin-Williams.
Who will I be dealing with?
James Nieman, the owner. James does the estimate and works the job with his crew.
What are your hours?
Monday to Saturday, 7am to 5pm. Closed Sunday.
More detail on each job lives with the service itself — exterior painting, interior painting, cabinet painting and commercial painting — and the local specifics are on each service-area page.
Still have a question?
Give James a call. The estimate is free, and he is happy to talk a project through before you commit to anything.