Did you catch our West Store tower’s fresh new look? It was a one-of-a-kind project! With Ace Handyman Services, we have given the tower a complete makeover. If you’re a contractor thinking about a similar project or just curious how we pulled this off, bear with us – we’ll walk you through why and how we tackled this transformation!
How We Chose Our Supplies
When refreshing our iconic tower, we didn’t cut corners. From UV-resistant colors to powerful primers, each choice was made for durability and style.
Why We Decided to Repaint Our Tower
The original bright red on our Ace tower, while iconic, had suffered from the sun’s UV rays. Over time, the paint turned into a chalky pink that no longer matched our brand colors.
We knew a refresh was essential for a durable, long-lasting look that would hold up over time. While we could have simply repainted it red, we chose not to. Bright colors like red, yellow, and orange are highly UV-sensitive and would likely fade again.
Instead, we opted for Benjamin Moore’s HC-178 Charcoal Slate – a UV-stable, low-fade color that complements the Owenhouse color palette and gives the building a sleek, modern look that lasts!
Choosing The Right Primer
We went with two high-performance primers to ensure our tower’s new look lasts. First, we used Benjamin Moore’s Fresh Start – a high-coverage, multipurpose primer that works great for indoor and outdoor surfaces. It was just right for the non-ferrous aluminum siding, giving us a solid base on areas with “chalking” (that pesky powdery residue from oxidation).
We chose STIX by INSL-X for the steel framing. This primer sticks like a champ to smooth, glossy surfaces so our topcoat stays put. With these two powerhouse primers, we’re set up for a paint that’s made to last!
Have more questions about primers? We’re here to help! Contact us today to speak with one of our paint experts!
Selecting The Paint
When picking the paint, we didn’t have to think twice. We went straight for Benjamin Moore’s Aura Exterior. This paint is hands-down the best in the Gallatin Valley, crafted to withstand all kinds of weather without losing its charm.
With Aura, we knew we wouldn’t be repainting anytime soon. Wondering what makes Benjamin Moore’s Aura Paint different? Here is the scoop:
- Aura is Benjamin Moore’s exclusive lab-perfected resin
- It offers excellent fade resistance and gloss retention
- It includes a proprietary Color Lock® technology
- It provides unparalleled color depth and reduced chalking to ensure stunning results that stand the test of time
- It finishes jobs faster and uses less paint
- It contains a breathable coating, reducing blistering for long-term protection
With Aura on our side, our tower’s new look is here to stay!
Our Top 3 Challenges!
Did the painters run into issues on this project? Absolutely! After all, what’s a project without a few curveballs? If you want to avoid similar setbacks, this is for you!
Challenge #1: Glossy Alkyd Finish Not Sticking to Steel
Our original plan was to use just one primer for the whole job – Benjamin Moore’s Fresh Start. It worked like a charm on the non-ferrous aluminum siding. But when our painter tried it on the steel framing with that glossy alkyd coating, it just wouldn’t stick.
So, we called in the cavalry: the STIX by INSL-X! This primer bonds beautifully to smooth, glossy surfaces, giving us the perfect foundation for our topcoat.
Challenge #2: Adjusting The Sheen
Another issue we ran into was the sheen. We initially went with a Low Luster finish since it’s a favorite among our business customers. But once we stepped back and took a look… Owenhouse needed more shine!
We’d already mixed up some Low Luster and didn’t want it to go to waste, so here’s what we did: we used the Low Luster as the first coat and followed up with a second coat of Soft Gloss. Problem solved, and now the tower’s got that perfect glow! Thanks to Ace Handyman Services’ team, we found the perfect solution in a heartbeat.
Challenge #3: Facing Unexpected Equipment Malfunctions
The last challenge was a real surprise! While using the Graco paint sprayer, our painters didn’t notice that a sharp edge on the metal siding was gnawing into the supply hose. Next thing we knew, there was a fountain of gray paint decorating the sidewalk!
Thankfully, the team jumped into action and cleaned it up before it dried and left any marks. Crisis averted – just another day on the job!
A Quick Look at the Application Process
From prep to the big reveal, let us take you through the steps that made our tower look its best!
Step #1: Surface Prep
First things first, we started by giving the tower a thorough wash with a pressure washer to blast off any grime and loose bits. Then, we wiped it down with a TSP substitute to make sure it was squeaky clean. After that, we let it dry completely so the primer would have a solid surface to stick to.
Owenhouse Ace Pro Tip: A clean, dry surface is key! It makes all the difference in helping your paint job last, so don’t rush this step.
Step #2: Masking
Next up: masking! We carefully taped off and covered all the areas that didn’t need paint with plastic, making sure everything was protected and ready for a clean finish. This way, only the spots we wanted painted got that fresh new look.
Owenhouse Ace Pro Tip: As tedious as masking can be, take your time! A little extra effort here saves a lot of cleanup later and keeps your paint lines looking sharp.
Step #3: Primer Application
Then came the primer! Using their trusted Graco paint sprayer, Ace Handyman made sure to cover every inch of that old “pink”.
Owenhouse Ace Pro Tip: Don’t skimp on the primer! A good, even coat gives your paint job a strong base and helps the color stay vibrant longer.
Step #4: Painting
Once the primer was down, we sprayed on two coats of Benjamin Moore’s Aura Exterior, then backrolled it to make sure everything was smooth and evenly covered. This combo gave us that deep, rich color we were going for. Believe us, it’s now built to last!
Owenhouse Ace Pro Tip: Backrolling after spraying! It helps the paint stick and gives you a nice, even finish that’ll resist Montana weather.
Step #5: Project Reveal!
The final step was to remove all the masking, stand back, and admire our tower’s new look!
Owenhouse Ace Pro Tip: You might want some sunglasses to admire that nice shiny finish (we’re just so proud!).
Need A Hand For Your Future Project?
Whether you’re a contractor, pro painter, property manager, or just diving into a big DIY project, we’ve got the experience and the right products to set you up for success! And let us tell ya, Ace Handyman Service? They’re ON TOP OF IT! Ready to lend a hand whenever you need, they’ve got you covered – no questions asked.
From finding you the perfect products to sharing our advice, we’re here to make your projects smoother, easier, and better all around. Swing by Owenhouse or give Tony a call at (406) 599-2757 – we can’t wait to help you get started!
