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Frequently Asked Questions — Wade Paint Co., Charleston, SC
Charleston homes ask more of paint than most markets. Salt air pushes in from the harbor, humidity sits above 70% for months, and the summer sun runs a UV index of 9 to 11 for weeks at a stretch. That combination is why the questions we hear at estimates are different from what painters answer inland — and it is why we built this page.
Below are the questions Charleston homeowners ask us most, grouped by topic. If you don’t see yours here, Elliott answers the phone directly at (843) 474-5353 — or request a free estimate, and we’ll walk your property in person.
Painting Process & Project Timeline
How long does an interior painting job take?
A single room typically takes 1–3 days. A whole-home interior painting project in Charleston usually runs 5–10 working days, depending on square footage, prep needs, and trim work.
The timeline includes moving furniture and protecting floors on day one, patching and sanding, priming where needed, and applying two full topcoats with the proper recoat window between them.
How long does exterior painting take?
A standard 2,000 sq ft home in Charleston generally takes 5–8 working days for a full exterior painting project, weather permitting.
Prep drives the schedule more than paint application. Scraping loose paint, treating mildew, repairing wood rot, sanding glossy surfaces, and priming bare substrate often account for the majority of the project time.
Do you paint during Charleston's humid summers?
Yes, but we plan around the humidity rather than trying to fight it.
In July and August, we start early, work shaded elevations first, and avoid application when humidity and surface temperatures are outside the manufacturer’s recommended range.
Do I need to move furniture and cover floors?
We handle it. Furniture is moved to the center of the room, floors are protected, and traffic paths are covered. We only ask homeowners to remove valuables, artwork, electronics, and fragile items before we arrive.
When is the best time of year to paint in Charleston?
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the ideal times for exterior painting in Charleston. Humidity is lower, temperatures are moderate, and the risk of afternoon thunderstorms is reduced. Interior painting can be done year-round.
Painting Costs & What's Included
How much does it cost to paint a house in Charleston?
Every project is quoted after we walk the property. Pricing depends on square footage, story count, prep requirements, substrate condition, and access to upper elevations. We provide a written estimate before any work begins.
The biggest cost drivers are scraping, sanding, rot repair, substrate-specific primers, the number of colors, and access to upper elevations.
How much does cabinet painting cost?
Cabinet refinishing is usually 20–30% of the cost of new cabinets.
The exact price depends on cabinet count, door style, whether the boxes are being painted, and whether you choose a sprayed factory-smooth finish.
What's included in a written painting estimate?
Every estimate includes:
- Scope of work by room or elevation
- Included and excluded surfaces
- Prep work covered
- Paint brand, product line, sheen, and coat count
- Timeline
- Payment terms and warranty
If it’s not in the written estimate, it’s not in the job.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes. A deposit secures your spot on the schedule, and the balance is due after the final walkthrough.
Source: Wade Paint Co. Highlights Questions for a Successful Painting Project
Is the free color consultation really free?
Yes. The free color consultation is included with every full interior or exterior repaint estimate. We bring large samples and evaluate them in the actual light on your property so you can see how the color reads throughout the day.
Paint Materials, Brands & Durability
What paint brands does Wade Paint Co. use?
We use Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore exclusively. The product line is selected based on the substrate and exposure — for example, Sherwin-Williams Duration for exterior siding and Benjamin Moore Advance for cabinets and trim.
How long does exterior paint last on a Charleston home?
A properly prepped, two-coat premium acrylic exterior paint job typically lasts 8–12 years in Charleston. South and west elevations usually age faster due to UV exposure, while marsh-facing walls are exposed to more salt and moisture.
Why do you use 100% acrylic paint instead of cheaper blends?
100% acrylic resin flexes with the substrate and holds color better in coastal humidity. Cheaper vinyl-acrylic blends tend to chalk, crack, and fade more quickly in the Lowcountry climate.
How many coats of paint do you apply?
Two topcoats, minimum, on every interior and exterior surface.
The bare substrate receives the appropriate primer first, followed by two finish coats.
Why is prep work so important on Charleston homes?
Prep is the difference between paint that lasts 10 years and paint that fails in 2.
Our exterior prep includes washing, mildew treatment, scraping, sanding, caulking, rot repair, and substrate-specific priming before any topcoat is applied.
Our Workmanship Warranty & Insurance
What warranty does Wade Paint Co. offer?
A 2-year limited workmanship warranty from the date of project completion.
It covers peeling, blistering, and chipping caused by defective workmanship on surfaces we prepared and painted.
What does the workmanship warranty cover?
Covered: Peeling, blistering, or chipping caused by defective workmanship.
Excluded: Horizontal surfaces, customer-supplied materials, manufacturer defects, substrate moisture, structural movement, and damage from weather events or physical abuse.
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured in South Carolina?
Yes. Wade Paint Co. is licensed, bonded, and insured in South Carolina.
Certificates of insurance are available on request before work begins.
Historic Homes, HOAs & the Charleston Board of Architectural Review
Do I need BAR approval to repaint my historic Charleston home?
If your home is in the Old and Historic District or Old City District, exterior color changes require BAR review before work begins.
We prepare the submission package, including color samples and product specifications, and coordinate directly with BAR staff.
References: Charleston BAR Part 6 regulations.
Can you work within an HOA's architectural review process?
Yes. We prepare the submission package and hold the start date until written approval is in hand.
That includes color samples, product data sheets, and scope documentation for communities such as Daniel Island, Nexton, and other HOA-governed neighborhoods.
Do I need a city permit just to repaint my house?
Outside the historic districts, a standard residential repaint does not typically require a city building permit.
Historic district work, commercial projects with special requirements, or projects involving structural changes may require additional approvals.
Lead Paint & EPA Lead-Safe Certification
Is my Charleston home likely to have lead paint?
If your home was built before 1978, there is a real possibility it contains lead-based paint.
The risk is highest in pre-1940 homes, which are common in downtown Charleston and other historic neighborhoods.
Source: EPA lead-based paint guidance
What is the EPA RRP Rule?
The EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule applies to paid work that disturbs painted surfaces in homes built before 1978.
It requires lead-safe containment, cleanup, and certified personnel when the project exceeds the federal disturbance thresholds.
What should I know about lead paint in a pre-1978 Charleston home?
If your home was built before 1978, there is a possibility that older layers of paint may contain lead, even if newer coatings applied over the years do not.
When painted surfaces are scraped, sanded, or otherwise disturbed during a repaint, homeowners should ask their contractor how lead-safe work practices will be handled and what precautions will be taken to contain dust and debris.
For more information about lead paint in older homes, visit the EPA lead-based paint guidance.
Service Area & Getting an Estimate
What areas does Wade Paint Co. serve?
We serve Charleston, Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, Daniel Island, James Island, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Johns Island, North Charleston, and Folly Beach.
How do I get a free estimate?
Call (843) 474-5353 or book online.
Elliott or a senior crew lead will walk your property, discuss the scope, and provide a written quote.
What is your response time?
We respond to estimate requests quickly, and Elliott takes calls directly.