Exterior Painting · Since 1997
Professional Exterior Painting in Durham: Thorough Prep and Lasting Results for Your Home
Cortes Painting has been finishing home exteriors across the Triangle since 1997. Every project starts with a full pressure wash and complete caulk removal, not patch-over. We apply high-build primer to all repaired surfaces before top-coating with Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore products rated for North Carolina's hot summers and wet winters. Free estimates, no surprises on price.
About this service
Exterior painting in Durham takes more than a fresh coat. North Carolina’s humidity, UV exposure, and seasonal temperature swings break down coatings faster than most regions. Cortes Painting has been handling Triangle exteriors since 1997, and every job follows the same prep-first process that keeps finishes intact years after the crew leaves.
Our process
How we approach every exterior painting job
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On-Site Walkthrough
We walk the entire house with you before quoting anything. Every repair, every material, every step gets explained upfront so the number on the estimate is the number on the final invoice.
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Full Pressure Wash
We pressure wash the entire exterior, even if it was cleaned recently. Washing removes surface dirt, but it also reveals damage hidden underneath: soft wood, failing caulk, cracks that need more than a surface patch.
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Caulk Removal and Surface Repair
All old caulk gets removed completely and replaced at full thickness. Damaged trim and siding pieces are replaced entirely, not patched. This takes longer, but the finish holds up through Triangle summers without cracking at the seams.
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Prime and Cure
Every repaired surface gets primed and allowed to cure before any paint goes on. Skipping this step is the most common shortcut in the industry, and it's why paint fails within two years on houses that looked fine at handoff.
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Paint and Final Walk
We apply the finish coat and walk the completed job with you before final payment. If something needs attention, it gets handled before we leave.
What sets us apart
Why homeowners hire Cortes for exterior painting
Complete Caulk Replacement, Not Patch-Over
We remove every inch of old caulk and replace it full thickness. Patching over cracked caulk saves an hour; it also cracks again within a season because the old material underneath keeps failing.
Full Piece Replacement on Damaged Trim
When a section of trim or siding is damaged, we replace the entire piece. A small patch saves a few dollars on material but leaves a visible seam line that shows through the paint.
Honest Estimate, No Upsell
If a surface doesn't need repainting, we say so. Some areas only need a pressure wash to look new again. We'd rather save you that cost and earn your call for the next project.
Manufacturer Savings Passed to You
When Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore runs a discount or sale, we pass that savings directly to your estimate. You get the same premium product at a better price.
Materials we use
Premium paint partners
We work with Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore for every exterior painting job. The specific product line depends on the surface and finish you want. We recommend the right match during the estimate walkthrough.
Frequently asked
Exterior Painting questions homeowners ask
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Do you pressure wash before exterior painting?
Yes, every job. We pressure wash the full exterior even if the surface was recently cleaned. Washing removes dirt and mildew, but it also reveals damage hidden under surface grime: soft wood, cracked caulk, and areas that need repair before paint goes on.
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How long does exterior paint last in North Carolina?
With proper prep and quality paint, an exterior finish in the Triangle holds up well for years. We use Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore products with manufacturer ratings of 25 to 50 years depending on the line. The biggest factor in paint longevity is surface prep, not the paint itself.
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What type of paint do you use?
We use Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore exterior lines, both formulated for high-humidity climates like the Triangle. The specific product depends on your siding material and existing coating. We recommend the right match during the estimate walkthrough.
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Are repairs included in the estimate?
All repairs are included. We remove old caulk entirely and replace it at full thickness, and we replace damaged trim or siding as full pieces rather than patching. The estimate we give you covers everything. No change orders, no surprise charges.
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What warranty do you offer on exterior painting?
We offer a two-year prorated labor warranty covering workmanship. The paint carries the manufacturer's own guarantee. If a material issue comes up after the job, we handle the claim process with the manufacturer directly. You don't get handed a phone number and told to figure it out.
Where we work
Exterior Painting across the Triangle
Ready for a free exterior painting estimate?
We walk the job with you, explain every line item, and the number on the estimate is the number on the final invoice.