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How Do You Know It's Time for Exterior Painting in the Bay Area?

 How Do You Know It's Time for Exterior Painting in the Bay Area?

Your home’s exterior paint does a lot more than make it look good—it acts as a first line of defense against the elements. And here in the Bay Area, there’s a lot to deal with: salty coastal air, morning fog, strong sun, rainy stretches, shifting temperatures… All of that wears down exterior paint faster than you might expect.

That’s why staying ahead of the signs can save you time and money, all while making sure your curb appeal stays on point.. So how do you know when it’s time to repaint? Let’s take a look.

Top Signs Your Home Needs Exterior Painting

Some signs are obvious, while others can sneak up on you. Keep an eye out for:

  • Peeling, cracking, or bubbling paint – Clear indicators that the protective layer is breaking down

  • Fading or chalky colors – Especially on sides that get full sun exposure

  • Stains, mildew, or dark patches – Often show up in shady or damp areas

  • Exposed wood or discoloration – Indicates that your paint is no longer doing its job

  • Warped or damaged siding – Might mean water has already gotten in

If you’re seeing any combo of these, it’s time to bring in a professional local painting company.

Pro Tip!

You don’t have to wait for a full repaint to keep your home looking its best. With a little seasonal upkeep, you can extend the life of your paint and avoid bigger repairs down the line. Rinse off dirt and mildew once or twice a year, check for peeling or cracks in high-exposure areas, and touch up small chips before they spread—especially on wood surfaces. Trimming back shrubs and trees that brush up against your siding can also help prevent moisture and mildew issues. A little effort goes a long way, and if you ever need a second opinion, we’re just a call away.

 How Do You Know It's Time for Exterior Painting in the Bay Area?

Boosting Curb Appeal and Value with Exterior Painting

A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to boost your home’s curb appeal—but it’s also a chance to reimagine your home’s personality.

When choosing a new exterior color, consider how it’ll perform in Bay Area light and weather. Lighter shades tend to reflect UV rays, which can help the paint last longer—especially on sun-exposed walls. Darker colors might look dramatic, but they can fade more quickly and show imperfections sooner.

You’ll also want to think about:

  • Neighborhood norms or HOA guidelines – Some communities have restrictions on color palettes

  • Architectural style – What tones complement your home’s lines and details?

  • Popular Bay Area trends – Earthy neutrals, coastal blues, and muted greens are timeless choices that fit our regional vibe

Not sure what works best? Our team can walk you through color samples, test patches, and recommendations based on your home’s style and location.

What’s Your Takeaway?

If your home is showing signs of wear—or you can’t remember the last time it was painted—it’s definitely time to schedule a consultation.

Remember: painting your home’s exterior is about more than aesthetics. It’s about protection, preservation, and peace of mind.Ready to talk paint? Let’s start with a free estimate and take it from there.

FAQs About Exterior Painting for Bay Area Homeowners

Q: How often should I repaint my house in the Bay Area?
A: Typically every 5–10 years, depending on your home’s exposure, paint quality, and prep work.

Q: Can I repaint during the rainy season?
A: Ideally, no. Dry weather is best for proper curing. Our team helps plan around the seasons.

Q: Do I need to repaint if I just want a new color, even if there’s no visible damage?
A: Absolutely! A new color is a great reason to repaint, and we’ll make sure the surface is fully prepped either way.

Q: How long does an exterior paint job usually last?
A: With quality prep and products, expect 7–10 years on average—less in more extreme climates.

Q: What kind of prep work is involved before painting?
A: Pressure washing, scraping, sanding, priming, masking—all the steps that ensure a long-lasting finish.

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Serving the San Francisco Bay Area

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Why People Hire Us

Fully Licensed and Insured

Fully Licensed and Insured

Clear Communication

Clear Communication

Peace of Mind

Peace of Mind

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100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

One-Stop Shop for Painting and Carpentry

One-Stop Shop for Painting and Carpentry

Experienced Oversight and Job Leadership

Experienced Oversight and Job Leadership

Our Credentials

BBB American Society of Interior Designers ASID Leadsafe Certified Firm EPA NARI Member Nolan Summit Services Inc

Customer Reviews

“The people at M.B. Jessee are great – from the painters to the office staff to Matt. Talk about leadership from the top.”

— Kevin Ames, Mark Becker Homes

“M.B. Jessee painted the exterior of my Spanish house over 9 years ago, and they did such an incredible job that they are still getting referrals from me today. The paint is holding up perfectly -- there is absolutely no peeling chipping or any other deterioration. I still remember that my final walk-through list consisted of items written on one side of a 3x5 index card (and I'm REAL picky about my house!) However, when Matt and I did that walk-through over HALF the items were no longer an issue, as his team had noticed them first and they had already been resolved.”

— JoAnn Newcomb

“My entire experience with MB Jesse was very professional. The crew were very friendly and super accommodating of my ridiculous schedule and geriatric pets in the house. The finished product, which was pretty much my entire house, far exceeds my expectations. Would definitely work with them again!”

— Heather Jordan

“The entire MB Jessee team is courteous, efficient and professional. From scheduling and estimating to the crew managers and crew, they all did an excellent job on a small (but complicated) two room project in my house. I'm already thinking about getting them scheduled for the next project in the spring.”

— Cari Cheney

“I just wanted to send you an email to say that John did such a great job over here today. He is truly a hard worker. He has the perfect balance of friendliness, honesty, and professionalism. I trust him. He takes the time to do the job to the best of his ability and that is what sets him (and your company) apart from the competition. He didn't make me feel rushed. He really made me feel like our job was the most important thing in the world. Thanks again!”

— Jo
Oakland

“Matt, Julie & Ricardo, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank the three of you for the wonderful job you did in hosting the SFBA NARI Chapter Meeting on Wednesday evening. Everything was perfect from beginning to end. Members and guests alike walked away with a truly positive experience. The "painter for a day" and the cookies in the paint cans were an absolute brilliant touch and received rave reviews. What a wonderful way to do such positive marketing. Thanks again for a truly memorable experience for our members and guests. You are valued as a NARI member.”

— Judy Tufo, SFBA NARI Executive Director

“Just had MB Jessee paint the interior of our house and they did a wonderful job. They tackled some crazy wallpaper as well as painted some very high ceilings and walls. The whole process was quick and they did a great job! We are very pleased. I was also very impressed by the crew. They were very personable, kind and actually took pride in the work they were doing. In one of our conversations with the lead Ricardo, he actually told me he was very proud of how the rooms had turned out. I agree sir! It turned out great and it's not often you hear someone thinking of your home like they would theirs, and putting that level of work and quality into it. That made a huge difference in how I viewed this company. Ricardo, you were fantastic and thank you for the great job, we will be using you again.”

— Jeff M.
Danville, CA

“MB Jessee painters are stellar! As a designer I've worked with numerous companies over the years, and MB Jessee is a top-notch firm. From the first phone call to the final clean up, every person is courteous, professional, and hard working. The owner, Matt, is a charitable leader who has instilled his team with integrity and honesty providing the customer with a first class experience at a fair price with a paint job that is guaranteed to last. I highly recommend MB Jessee. Thank you Matt and your STAR crew-Daniel, Rigoberto, Vicente, Edy, Pedro, and Mario, for a job well executed! Cynthia Brian, ASID, Starstyle® Productions, llc”

— Cynthia Brian
Morgan, CA

“Everyone I dealt with was nice, helpful, and very professional. The price was reasonable! (I didn't feel like I was getting the "San Francisco price." The attention to detail and work quality was excellent. They did what they said they would do in the exact timeframe they said they would do. Highly recommend!”

— Tim Tyson

“Our paint crew did a great job and the foreman, Gersson was exceptionally great to work with. He was always available to answer questions, good at problem-solving, very patient, kind, and highly professional with great customer service. We definitely recommend this company, and Gersson and his crew.”

— Andrea Y.
Berkeley, CA

“Today I received a beautiful bouquet from your company. It was totally unexpected and very much appreciated--a lovely surprise. Also today, your crew finished my job. I am so pleased with all their fine work. Richard is absolutely amazing and a total delight to work with. He was also extremely helpful during the paint color process. The interior work in my home far exceeded my expectations. A big thank you to you and the crew for an outstanding job. Thank you, thank you for a terrific job!”

— Barbara
Piedmont

“Dear Matt,You must be so proud of your men! They were fantastic to have around. Polite, courteous and hardworking. I am so pleased with the outcome of our home--in fact, I couldn't be any more pleased than I am!”

— Mrs. S
San Leandro