Exterior Painting in Caldwell, ID
From full house repaints to deck staining and trim refreshes — we deliver lasting, weather-resistant results with premium coatings and meticulous surface preparation.
Protect and transform your home's exterior with professional painting and staining built to withstand Idaho weather.
Premium exterior coatings from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin MooreThorough surface preparation — we never paint over peeling or failing surfacesProper caulking and sealing of all joints, gaps, and penetrationsWeather-appropriate scheduling for optimal paint adhesion and curing
Exterior painting protects your home from Idaho's intense UV exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, wind-driven rain, and seasonal temperature swings that range from below zero in January to over 100 degrees in July. Professional exterior painting goes far beyond rolling paint on siding — it includes power washing, scraping loose paint, sanding rough surfaces, caulking gaps and joints, priming bare wood, and applying two coats of premium exterior paint rated for the Treasure Valley's demanding climate. The quality of prep work determines how long an exterior paint job lasts; cutting corners on preparation is the number one reason exterior paint fails prematurely. A properly prepped and painted exterior should last 8-12 years in the Boise climate when using quality products and correct application techniques.
Caldwell homeowners pursue exterior painting for a variety of reasons. Here are the most common situations we see:
- ✓Homeowners with fading, peeling, or chalking exterior paint that needs a full repaint
- ✓Anyone preparing to sell who wants immediate curb appeal improvement at a strong ROI
- ✓Homeowners who want to change their home's exterior color scheme for a completely updated look
- ✓Property owners with wood siding, cedar trim, or natural wood elements that need staining and sealing
- ✓Homeowners with new construction or recently repaired siding that needs its first coat of paint
Not every exterior painting project is the same. Here are the most common project types we complete in Caldwell:
Full Exterior House Painting
Complete painting of all exterior surfaces including siding, trim, fascia, soffits, eaves, and window frames. Includes power washing, scraping, caulking, priming, and two coats of premium exterior paint.
Trim, Fascia, and Soffit Painting
Targeted painting of exterior trim elements that show wear faster than siding. Includes scraping, sanding, priming, and two coats of durable semi-gloss or satin paint.
Deck and Fence Staining
Cleaning, sanding, and staining wood decks and fences with penetrating or film-forming stain. Includes proper surface preparation, which is critical for stain adhesion and longevity in Boise's sun and moisture conditions.
Front Door and Garage Door Painting
High-impact refresh of entry and garage doors. Includes sanding, priming, and spray or brush application of durable exterior paint in your chosen color.
Exterior Staining (Wood Siding and Cedar)
Application of semi-transparent or solid-body stain to wood siding, cedar accents, log elements, or timber features. Staining preserves the natural wood grain while providing UV and moisture protection.
Caldwell has a mix of historic downtown homes, mid-century construction, and newer subdivision development. Older homes often need comprehensive updates while newer homes benefit from finish upgrades.
Pre-1960 (Downtown)
Older bungalows and farmhouse-style homes with vintage character but aging systems. Plumbing, electrical, and insulation often need updating alongside cosmetic work.
1970s–1990s
Ranch homes and early subdivision construction with standard finishes reaching end of life.
2000s–present (South Caldwell)
Newer builder-grade homes with modern systems but standard finishes that homeowners upgrade over time.
Common issues in Caldwell homes
- •Aging plumbing and electrical in pre-1970 homes
- •Small kitchens with inadequate storage and counter space
- •Outdated bathrooms with original fixtures
- •Poor insulation in older construction
- •Builder-grade finishes wearing out in 2000s homes
Material selection affects the look, durability, and cost of your exterior painting. Here are the most popular options we install in Caldwell:
Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior
$65–$85 per gallonA premium 100% acrylic exterior paint with exceptional durability, color retention, and mildew resistance. Self-priming on previously painted surfaces. Rated for extreme weather exposure.
Best for: Siding and large exterior surfaces that need maximum weather resistance
Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior
$70–$90 per gallonA top-tier exterior paint with ColorLock technology for fade resistance. Excellent adhesion and flexibility that resists cracking in temperature extremes. Low-VOC formula.
Best for: South- and west-facing walls that receive intense Boise sun exposure
Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck Stain
$45–$65 per gallonA high-performance deck and fence stain available in semi-transparent and solid formulas. Provides UV protection, water resistance, and mildew resistance for horizontal wood surfaces.
Best for: Wood decks, fences, pergolas, and horizontal wood surfaces
Exterior Caulk — DAP Dynaflex Ultra or OSI Quad
$6–$12 per tubePremium exterior caulking that remains flexible in Idaho's temperature extremes. Paintable, waterproof, and designed for long-term adhesion to wood, fiber cement, and vinyl surfaces.
Best for: Trim joints, window frames, siding gaps, and penetration sealing
Exterior Primer — Zinsser Cover Stain or Kilz Original
$30–$50 per gallonOil-based or shellac-based primers for blocking stains, tannin bleed on cedar, and ensuring adhesion on bare or weathered wood. Critical for long-lasting exterior paint adhesion.
Best for: Bare wood, cedar trim, stain-blocking, and tannin-prone surfaces
Here is how a typical exterior painting project works from first contact to final walkthrough:
1
Exterior Assessment and Estimate
We inspect all exterior surfaces — siding, trim, fascia, soffits, windows, doors, and any wood elements. We identify areas of peeling, cracking, rot, caulk failure, and substrate damage. You receive a detailed written estimate with specific prep and painting scope.
2
Color Selection and Product Planning
We help you select exterior colors that complement your roof, stone, landscaping, and neighborhood aesthetic. We recommend specific paint products rated for Idaho's climate and apply large test samples on the home so you can evaluate colors in natural light.
3
Power Washing and Surface Preparation
All exterior surfaces are power washed to remove dirt, mildew, chalking paint, and debris. Loose and peeling paint is scraped and sanded. Gaps, cracks, and joints are caulked. Bare wood and stained areas are spot-primed. This phase takes as long or longer than the actual painting.
4
Masking and Protection
Windows, doors, light fixtures, house numbers, downspouts, and landscaping are carefully masked and protected. Drop cloths cover walkways, driveways, and plantings near the work area.
5
Priming and Painting
Bare wood and repaired areas receive primer. Two coats of premium exterior paint are applied — by brush, roller, and airless sprayer as appropriate for each surface. Siding, trim, and detail elements are each painted with the proper technique and sheen.
6
Detail Work and Touch-Ups
Window frames, door frames, shutters, and decorative elements receive careful detail painting. All edges, corners, and transitions are inspected and touched up for clean, consistent results.
7
Final Inspection and Cleanup
All masking is removed, overspray is cleaned, landscaping protection is cleared, and we conduct a walk-around inspection with you to verify coverage, color accuracy, and finish quality on every surface.
Here is what to expect for project duration when planning a exterior painting in Caldwell:
| Phase | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment and Estimate | 1–3 days | Full exterior inspection, surface condition documentation, color consultation, and detailed written estimate. |
| Color Selection and Scheduling | 1–2 weeks | Final color selections, large-area test samples on the home, and project scheduling. Exterior painting in Boise is best scheduled between April and October for optimal conditions. |
| Power Washing and Prep | 1–3 days | Power washing, scraping, sanding, caulking, and priming. Extensive prep on older homes with significant paint failure may take longer. |
| Priming and Painting | 3–7 days | Primer application on bare surfaces, followed by two coats of exterior paint on all siding, trim, fascia, and detail elements. Weather-dependent scheduling may affect timing. |
| Detail Work and Touch-Ups | 1–2 days | Window trim, door frames, shutters, and decorative elements receive final detail painting. All edges and transitions are inspected and corrected. |
| Final Inspection and Cleanup | 1 day | Remove all masking, clean overspray, clear landscaping protection, and conduct a walk-around inspection with the homeowner. |
Typical range: $4,000 – $20,000+
Most projects: $7,000–$14,000
The final cost of your exterior painting in Caldwell depends on several factors. Here are the biggest cost drivers:
Home Size and Number of Stories
high impactThe total exterior surface area is the primary cost driver. A two-story home has significantly more paintable surface and requires ladder or scaffold access, which increases labor time and cost.
Surface Preparation Requirements
high impactHomes with extensive peeling, cracking, or deteriorated paint require much more prep work — scraping, sanding, caulking, and priming — which can represent 40-60% of total project labor.
Siding Material
medium impactWood lap siding, cedar shingles, fiber cement (HardiePlank), stucco, and vinyl each require different prep techniques, products, and application methods. Some materials require more coats or specialized primers.
Number of Colors and Trim Details
medium impactA single siding color with matching trim is the most efficient. Multiple body colors, contrasting trim, detailed millwork, and decorative elements require additional masking, cutting in, and paint changes.
Height and Access Challenges
medium impactTall peaks, steep rooflines, second-story soffits, and areas requiring scaffolding or lift equipment add labor time and equipment costs.
Wood Rot Repair
low impactDamaged or rotted trim, fascia, or siding discovered during prep needs to be repaired or replaced before painting. Rot repair costs vary from minor patching to full board replacement.
Problem: Peeling and flaking paint caused by poor surface preparation
Solution: We scrape all loose paint to a firm edge, sand transitions smooth, apply bonding primer, and build up new paint film from a solid substrate — ensuring long-term adhesion.
Problem: Fading and chalking from Idaho's intense UV exposure
Solution: We use premium exterior paints with UV-resistant pigments and fade-resistant technology specifically rated for high-altitude, high-UV environments like the Treasure Valley.
Problem: Caulk failure around windows, doors, and trim joints
Solution: We remove failed caulk, clean the joints, and apply premium flexible exterior caulk that can handle Idaho's temperature range from -10°F to 110°F without cracking or separating.
Problem: Mildew and algae growth on north-facing or shaded surfaces
Solution: Power washing removes existing mildew, and premium exterior paints with built-in mildewcide prevent regrowth. Proper surface preparation ensures the mildew-resistant coating adheres properly.
Problem: Wood rot at trim, fascia, and window sills
Solution: We identify and repair or replace rotted wood before painting. Minor rot can be treated with wood hardener and filled with exterior wood filler; significant rot requires board replacement.
Caldwell shares the Treasure Valley climate. Canyon County locations tend to be slightly warmer in summer with more agricultural dust exposure.
Heat and UV
West-facing exterior surfaces degrade faster. UV-resistant materials recommended.
Agricultural Environment
More dust and particulate exposure for exterior finishes.
Freeze-Thaw
Standard Idaho frost-depth requirements apply for all foundation work.
Downtown Caldwell
The historic core with homes dating from the early 1900s through the 1960s. An area seeing increasing revitalization and investment.
Common projects in Downtown Caldwell:
- •Kitchen remodels in older homes with small layouts
- •Bathroom updates replacing original fixtures and tile
- •System upgrades — plumbing, electrical, insulation
- •Home additions adding space to compact floor plans
South Caldwell
Newer residential development with homes from the 2000s to present. Builder-grade construction similar to Nampa and Meridian subdivisions.
Common projects in South Caldwell:
- •Kitchen upgrades replacing builder-grade finishes
- •Bathroom remodels with modern fixtures and tile
- •Flooring replacement
- •Deck and outdoor living construction
Permit authority: City of Caldwell Building Department
- ✓Permits required for plumbing, electrical, and structural work
- ✓Lower permit fees than Ada County jurisdictions
- ✓Standard processing time is 1-2 weeks
- ✓ADU and addition projects require zoning review
- ●Color scheme coordination — choose siding, trim, and accent colors that complement your roof color, stone or brick elements, and the neighborhood aesthetic
- ●Sun exposure impact — south- and west-facing walls receive the most UV and heat; choose fade-resistant colors and expect these surfaces to weather faster
- ●Sheen selection — flat or matte for siding to hide imperfections, satin or semi-gloss for trim and doors for durability and visual contrast
- ●Historical or HOA guidelines — some Boise neighborhoods and HOAs have exterior color restrictions; verify compliance before committing to colors
- ●Front door as focal point — a bold, contrasting front door color adds character and curb appeal without the commitment of painting the entire house a dramatic color
- ●Seasonal timing — exterior painting in Boise is best done between mid-April and mid-October when temperatures stay above 50°F and humidity is low
Here are the design trends we see most often in Caldwell exterior painting projects:
- →Budget-conscious upgrades with durable, practical materials
- →Modern farmhouse style popular in both old and new homes
- →LVP flooring replacing carpet throughout homes
- →White and light-colored kitchen cabinets
- →Walk-in showers in primary bathrooms
- →Energy efficiency improvements — windows, insulation, HVAC
Caldwell offers the most affordable housing in the western Treasure Valley, making it an excellent market for value-driven remodeling. Strategic upgrades in Caldwell can represent significant equity gains relative to home value. The rental market is also strong, making ADU construction an increasingly viable investment.
✓Premium exterior coatings from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore
✓Thorough surface preparation — we never paint over peeling or failing surfaces
✓Proper caulking and sealing of all joints, gaps, and penetrations
✓Weather-appropriate scheduling for optimal paint adhesion and curing
✓Clean, protected work areas — landscaping, walkways, and fixtures masked and covered
✓Written warranty on workmanship and paint application
How long does exterior paint last in Boise?
A properly prepped and painted exterior using premium products should last 8-12 years in the Boise area. South- and west-facing walls may show wear sooner due to intense UV exposure. Quality surface preparation is the single biggest factor in paint longevity.
What is the best time of year to paint a house exterior in Idaho?
The ideal window for exterior painting in Boise is May through September, when temperatures are consistently above 50°F, humidity is low, and rain is infrequent. Early spring and late fall are possible but require careful weather monitoring.
How much does it cost to paint a house exterior in Boise?
A full exterior repaint for a typical single-story home in the Treasure Valley runs $4,000-8,000. Two-story homes typically cost $7,000-14,000. Costs vary based on home size, surface condition, prep requirements, and paint quality.
Do I need to power wash before painting?
Yes. Power washing removes dirt, mildew, chalking paint, and debris that would prevent new paint from adhering properly. We power wash all exterior surfaces before scraping, sanding, and priming.
Can you paint fiber cement (HardiePlank) siding?
Yes. Fiber cement siding accepts paint very well and is one of the best substrates for exterior painting. We use 100% acrylic exterior paint that bonds to the cementitious surface and provides long-lasting color and protection.
Should I repaint or reside my home?
If your siding is structurally sound and the surface condition allows for proper prep, repainting is significantly more cost-effective than residing. If siding is rotted, warped, or damaged beyond repair, replacement may be the better long-term investment.
How many coats of paint do you apply?
We apply two coats of premium exterior paint over properly prepped and primed surfaces. Bare wood areas receive a coat of primer plus two finish coats. Two coats ensure proper mil thickness, UV protection, and long-term durability.
Do you repair wood rot before painting?
Yes. We identify all rot during the prep phase and repair or replace damaged wood before any paint is applied. Painting over rot without repair leads to continued deterioration and premature paint failure.
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