Photo Credit: Jason Bufano, Painter, Sisu Painting, Inc.
Photo Credit: Dana McElligott PC, ReMax Equity Group
A Dream Come True
Every now and then, a project comes along that challenges every bit of your experience, creativity, and teamwork—and reminds you why you love what you do. For us, this 9,000-square-foot exterior painting project has been one of those rare gems. It’s been equal parts challenging and rewarding, and we’re proud to say it’s one of the most remarkable transformations we’ve seen in our 30 years in business.
When we first arrived, this home was a true “lodge-style” retreat: large, rustic, and surrounded by nature. But the exterior had taken a beating from the Pacific Northwest climate. The siding was stained a dark purple-brown tone with bright orange trim, and over time, mold and moisture had dulled the once-beautiful wood grain. The contrast between the dark stain and the setting by the river felt heavy and dated. The homeowners wanted something completely different—something bright, fresh, and coastal.
Our mission was clear: turn this dark, weathered lodge into a light, inviting coastal dream home—while honoring the craftsmanship of the original structure.
The Preparation: Where the Magic Really Happens
Every painter knows that prep work makes or breaks a project. On a home of this size and complexity, it was a massive undertaking. We started by stripping off layers of old stain, creating a paintable substrate. Years of weather exposure meant we also had to bleach the surface to kill the mold and neutralize any remaining organic material that could cause future issues.
Next came hours of sanding—trim boards, window and door casings, and countless decorative moldings—all sanded to create a paintable, clean surface. The sheer scale of this house meant every painter had to stay organized and methodical. When you’re working on 9,000 square feet of siding, every bit of prep counts.
Once the home was stripped and sanded, it was time to find the right primer. Because this project involved both stain blocking and surface bonding, we tested several products before deciding on Sherwin-Williams Extreme Block water-based primer. It proved to be a powerhouse—it not only sealed in tannin bleed from the wood but also created a strong bond with the existing surfaces, setting the stage for long-lasting durability.
We were especially impressed with how well it adhered even on tricky areas, like the intricate trim and moldings. For a home this size, that kind of performance matters.
The Details That Matter
This house had miles of trim and an incredible amount of detail. And surprisingly, it lacked caulking in many areas. That meant one of our biggest tasks was sealing up every gap, seam, and joint—a painstaking process that took countless hours but was essential for both the appearance and the protection of the home.
Our painters are perfectionists by nature. They worked meticulously to ensure smooth, continuous lines and tight seals around every window and molding. On homes like this, caulking isn’t just a detail—it’s what keeps the weather out and the finish looking beautiful for years to come.
The Finish: A Transformation Unfolds
Once the prep work was complete, we moved on to the fun part—watching the transformation come to life. We applied two full coats of Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior paint to both the siding and trim, carefully back-brushing and rolling rough surfaces to achieve a flawless, even finish. Emerald is one of our favorite premium paints for exteriors—it’s durable, weather-resistant, and delivers incredible color retention over time.
As the dark stain disappeared under layers of crisp new color, the entire personality of the home changed. What was once heavy and rustic began to feel bright, coastal, and alive. The transformation was dramatic—not just in color, but in energy.
Working right along the river made every day on this project special. The crew often joked that they had the best “office view” in Oregon. Between the sound of the water, the breeze off the river, and the satisfaction of seeing progress each day, it was one of those rare jobs that combined hard work with pure enjoyment.
A Partnership Built on Trust and Vision
We were introduced to our clients through Mary Mims, an outstanding local interior designer who has an incredible relationship with her clients. From the very beginning, this project was an investment in both time and resources, and the homeowners couldn’t have been more wonderful to work with. They were patient, thoughtful, and truly appreciated the level of detail and care our team brought to every step of the process. Collaborating with clients who share our passion for doing things right makes all the difference—and their trust in our expertise allowed us to deliver a result we’re all proud of.
The Crew Behind the Transformation
A project of this scale takes an incredible amount of teamwork, dedication, and skill—and our crew delivered all three in spades. Jason, our site supervisor, led the charge with precision and steady leadership, keeping every stage of this massive job on track. He was backed by an outstanding team that included Robert, Jorge, Isaac, Ivan, Hector, Miguel and Jerry, along with support from many others across the Sisu crew. Every one of them put in long hours, tackling everything from stripping and sanding to meticulous caulking and detail work. Their craftsmanship, positive attitude, and teamwork truly brought this transformation to life. It’s a reminder that at Sisu Painting, our greatest strength is the people behind the brushes. See Jorge and Jason smiling with pride at their hard work below!
The Final Result
The homeowners were thrilled with the outcome. They had envisioned a lighter, coastal aesthetic, and that’s exactly what we delivered. Every piece of trim, every board of siding, and every detail came together into a cohesive, elegant finish.
Standing back and looking at the final result, it’s hard to believe it’s the same home we started with. The new look not only brightens the property but also complements its riverfront setting perfectly. It’s fresh, inviting, and timeless—a complete rebirth of the original design.
A Reflection on Craftsmanship
Projects like this are what Sisu Painting is all about. They remind us that great painting isn’t just about color—it’s about restoration, craftsmanship, and care. It’s about understanding the materials, taking the time to do it right, and never cutting corners.
We’ve been painting homes in Oregon for three decades, and this project stands out as one of our favorites. It tested our skills, pushed our patience, and ultimately rewarded us with an incredible result. Most of all, it reinforced the pride we take in every home we touch.
Take a look at the before-and-after photos below to see how this lodge home became a coastal dream—one brushstroke at a time.
No comment