- There should be no cracks or blisters of the paint.
- There should also be no cracks between the woodwork and main surfaces. If there are any cracks, they should be caulked again with acrylic caulking.
Any opening to the film of paint will allow water to penetrate and damage the surface.
- Fading of the paint finish and gloss usually means it is time for a new paint job.
- Mildew is another problem that can can develop on exterior surfaces. Cheaper paints and especially oil based paints can promote the growth of mildew. The good news is that mildew can be washed easily with a mixture of three parts water and one part bleach.
- Metal will sometimes develop rust if the paint film has openings for moisture. Ongoing rust presence is difficult to control. Limiting its growth and improving the appearance of the surface is all that can be expected at this time. Two coats of Direct to Metal paint after a rust primer can be used. 
- Masonry substrates sometimes have a powdery substance on their surface, called Efflorescence. That is a result of moisture from inside carrying white salts to the outside.
The source of the problem should be identified if a permanent solution is needed. If that is not possible, it can be cleaned with a wire brush, primed and painted.

Maintaining the exterior of a building makes financial sense as it can prevent serious damage to the building. To get an industry expert to help you with the maintenance of a building, call 416 479-0131. COMPASE and their Commercial Toronto Painters have been helping preserve buildings in the GTA.

Sometimes restoring a structure makes way more sense, environmentally or financially, than replacing it. This was the case when our Missisauga Painters were asked to work on the finish of this sign at the Toronto Pearson International Airport area. The original blue colour was fading, peeling and rust was making its appearance everywhere.
First of all, the surfaces had to be washed. This being the airport area, there was a lot of loose dirt and stains that had to be washed off. After the wash, all the loose rust had to be sanded down to a sound surface. All previously rusted and exposed spots had to be spot-primed with a rust primer. After priming,  two coats of black semigloss rust enamel had to be applied by brush.

During the project he weather was great and every surface had a chance to dry properly.
The only challenge was that the entire structure was infested with wasps and our painters had some difficulty working around them.
This project was completed just before Labour Day in 2009. In addition to the regular noise of Airport traffic, the Snowbirds were practicing for their Exhibition Show.

Call 416 479-0131 to arrange a painting quote in the Mississauga area , 
or fill the contact form and we will get back to you shortly.