This exterior repaint project offered everything we love—a bold black-and-white color palette, and a custom-built cedar archway designed to the clients expectation. We don’t normally do this type of work, but we take the challenge at times when presented the opportunity! The result is a home that blends striking visual contrast with construction precision and lasting protection.

Lead-Safe Surface Prep: Doing It Right from the Start

Because this home was built before 1978, we followed strict EPA lead-safe work practices to protect the homeowners, our crew, and the environment. Our prep system complies with all federal and state regulations, and you can read more about our process on our Lead Prep Information Page.

https://premierpaintingnw.com/lead-safe-exterior-painting-process-oregon-city/

Here’s how we prepped the home safely and thoroughly:

• Site Protection: We masked off walkways, plantings, decks, windows, and doors. Plastic containment barriers and ground coverings were used to capture dust and paint chips during scraping.

• Washing: All siding and trim were washed to remove dirt and mildew. For delicate areas, hand washing was used to prevent water intrusion.

• Scraping & Sanding: Any loose, peeling, or flaking paint was removed using hand tools and HEPA-filtered vacuums. No mechanical sanding was used on suspect surfaces.

• Priming: Bare wood was spot-primed using Cover-Stain Oil-Based Primer, followed by PeelBond Primer for leveling and adhesion.

• Caulking: All seams, joints, and trim transitions were re-caulked using OSI Quad Max or Vulkem 116, creating a weather-tight seal.

The Beauty of Bold Contrast: White Body with Black Trim

The chosen color scheme—crisp white body with bold black trim—has become a modern classic, and for good reason:

• The black soffits, fascia, and window trim and sashes create clean architectural lines that accentuate the home’s design.

• The white siding acts as a canvas that reflects natural light and creates a fresh, welcoming presence.

• Together, the contrast adds curb appeal, elegance, and timeless character—while still feeling updated and sharp.

Building a Custom Archway: From Concept to Craftsmanship

One of the standout elements of this project was constructing a custom front-entry archway, inspired by a reference photo provided by the homeowner. While the image was helpful for style direction, translating it into a structurally sound and weatherproof element required planning and patience.

Here’s how we brought the vision to life:

Step-by-Step Archway Build Process:

1. Framing the Structure:

• We used pressure treated lumber and ZIP System sheathing to frame and sheath the archway, creating a rigid, durable foundation that resists moisture and air infiltration.

2. Sealing with Liquid Flashing:

• All seams and fastener points were sealed with ZIP Liquid Flashing to ensure complete moisture protection—critical for Oregon’s rainy climate.

3. Finish Material:

• The arch was wrapped with pre-primed cedar, carefully cut and curved to follow the arch profile.

• We used stainless steel fasteners throughout to eliminate rust streaking and maximize longevity.

4. Custom-Made Flashing:

• The top of the archway was protected with a custom-fabricated flashing cap, sized precisely to fit the curve and layered detail of the cedar face.

• This flashing was powder-coated to match the trim and integrated under the siding and over the cedar for complete water management.

5. Detailing & Integration:

• The most challenging part was scaling and shaping the arch to match the customer’s reference photo without architectural plans. We created a template, made mock-ups, and fine-tuned the radius and trim layering on-site.

6. Final Finish:

• Once complete, the archway was caulked, primed, and finished with the same Miller Paint Evolution system used on the rest of the home, blending form and function seamlessly.

A Project That Reflects Pride in Every Step

This home now stands as a testament to both bold aesthetic choices and hands-on craftsmanship. The black and white contrast is clean and commanding, while the custom archway gives the entry a handcrafted feel that elevates the entire façade.

Working closely with this homeowner—who had a clear vision and trusted us to bring it to life—made the project even more rewarding.