Why Prep Work Is Everything
Prep isn’t just about taping off corners. It includes scraping off peeling layers, repairing damaged surfaces, sanding for a smooth base, and cleaning for proper adhesion. Skipping these steps means paint won’t bond correctly—leading to early cracking, peeling, and wasted money. With older NEPA homes, there’s often hidden damage like wood rot or old lead-based paint that needs expert handling.
Especially in Older NEPA Homes
Older NEPA homes are full of history—and hidden challenges. When it’s time to paint, these properties require more than just a fresh coat. Surface wear, outdated materials, and moisture issues demand thoughtful prep and premium materials to ensure a lasting, beautiful finish.
Cheap Paint = Short-Term Fix
Low-quality paint might save money upfront, but it won’t last long. Thin coverage, poor adhesion, and fading in just a few seasons are common issues. For NEPA’s unique climate—cold winters, humid summers—your paint needs to endure. Quality products from trusted brands offer longer warranties and better color retention.
5 Common Issues Painters Face When Working on Older Homes
In cities like Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, many homes date back generations — filled with charm, but also with challenges when it comes time to repaint. From cracked, sun-baked paint and crumbling plaster to hidden layers of lead or old wallpaper, these issues require more than just a brush and a bucket. Professional painters in NEPA understand how to properly prep and restore aging surfaces, ensuring your home’s historic character shines through with a smooth, durable finish that stands up to the region’s changing weather.
Cracked and Baked-In Paint
Many homes across Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and nearby towns like Kingston and Clarks Summit have paint that’s been baked on by decades of sun and sealed in by countless layers. This hardened coating doesn’t just flake — it clings stubbornly to siding and trim. Professional NEPA painters know how to safely remove and smooth these surfaces so new paint adheres properly and lasts through the region’s tough seasons.
Crumbling Plaster and Uneven Walls
In the older homes common throughout West Scranton, Wilkes-Barre’s historic districts, and Hazleton’s hill neighborhoods, aged plaster often begins to crumble or separate from the lath beneath. Local pros are skilled at stabilizing these delicate areas and repairing cracks so that each wall is sound, smooth, and ready for a flawless finish.
Lead-Based Paint
Many of NEPA’s century-old homes still carry traces of lead paint, especially around trim, windows, and baseboards. Certified painters in the region follow strict EPA safety standards to contain, seal, or remove these materials properly—protecting homeowners and preserving the historic beauty of their properties.
Deteriorating Wallpaper and Adhesive Residue
Homes in Scranton, Forty Fort, and Dallas often hide multiple layers of old wallpaper beneath fresh coats of paint. Over time, that paper begins to bubble, peel, or leave behind stubborn glue that prevents paint from bonding. Professional painters know how to strip, clean, and neutralize these surfaces for a clean, long-lasting result.
Damaged or Stained Ceilings
Water leaks, smoke, and temperature changes are common in NEPA’s older homes, leaving ceilings discolored or soft. From the tall Victorian ceilings of Wilkes-Barre to the lower cottage-style ones in Hazleton, local painting professionals treat stains, patch damage, and apply high-quality sealers and paints that brighten and protect for years to come.
Planning to Paint an Older Home in NEPA?
Let us help you get it done right—from prep to final brushstroke. Reach out for a no-pressure estimate and a clean, lasting result you’ll love.
