Frequently Asked Questions
Everything Austin property owners ask us about paint and coating removal. If you don't see your question here, give us a call.
About the Process
How long does paint removal take?
It depends on the surface and the coating. A single deck, door, or piece of furniture is often a few hours to a day. Full exteriors and fence lines run one to several days. Commercial and graffiti jobs are scoped individually. We give you a time estimate at the assessment so you can plan around it.
Will removal damage the surface underneath?
No. We match the method to the material and work at the gentlest effective setting, so the wood, brick, stucco, or metal comes through clean and intact. Avoiding damage to the substrate is the entire point of doing it professionally.
Can you prep the surface for repainting?
Yes. We can leave the surface bare and ready, prepped exactly the way your painter or finisher needs it — or ready for stain, sealer, or a natural finish.
What do I need to do to prepare?
Clear the work area of furniture and outdoor items, and make sure we have access to the surfaces and to water and power. That's it — we handle masking and protecting everything else.
Do I need to be home during service?
You should be there for the initial walk-through and the final inspection, but you don't need to watch the entire job. Many customers go about their day while we work.
About Our Methods
What methods do you use to remove paint?
We match the method to the surface — fine, surface-safe media blasting at low pressure for most surfaces, and controlled stripping for delicate trim, detailed millwork, and certain masonry. The goal is always to lift the coating without harming what's underneath.
Is your process safe for wood?
Yes, when done with the right media and pressure. We use fine media at low pressure on wood, tuned to the grain, so the finish comes off without gouging or fuzzing the surface. Avoid anyone who suggests open sandblasting on a deck or fence — it tears up the wood.
Will there be a lot of dust or mess?
We contain the work area, mask surrounding surfaces, and collect the debris as we go. The coating that comes off gets gathered and hauled away rather than scattered across your property.
Are your methods safe for my plants and pets?
Yes. We protect landscaping and surrounding areas, and the surface-safe media we use is non-toxic and chemically inert. We avoid the harsh chemical strippers whose runoff is hard on plants wherever a cleaner method will do the job.
Why not just use chemical strippers?
Harsh chemical strippers are messy, slow to neutralize, and can stain masonry or damage trim, and the runoff is hard on landscaping. We reach for surface-safe blasting and controlled methods first, and only consider chemicals where they're genuinely the right call for a specific surface.
Pricing and Scheduling
How much does it cost?
Pricing depends on the surface, the size, and how much coating is involved. We give a firm written quote during the free on-site assessment. We don't publish ranges because projects vary too much for general pricing to be accurate.
Do you require a deposit?
No. We don't ask for payment until the job is complete and you've inspected the work.
What payment methods do you accept?
All major credit cards and cash. We bill at the end of service.
How far in advance do I need to schedule?
Lead times vary by season, with spring and early summer being busiest as exterior projects ramp up. Graffiti removal we prioritize and turn around quickly. Most jobs can be scheduled within 1 to 2 weeks of the assessment.
Do you charge for the assessment?
No. On-site assessments are free with no obligation.
After the Job
How soon should I refinish after stripping?
Reasonably soon, especially on bare wood. Once a surface is stripped it's at its most receptive to a new finish, and on exterior wood you want to get stain or sealer on before it weathers or grays again in the Texas sun.
Will the paint problem come back?
Removing the old coating gives the next finish a clean, sound surface to bond to. How long the new finish lasts comes down to the product and the prep behind it — but starting from a properly stripped surface is what makes it hold.
Do you apply the new paint or stain too?
Our focus is clean removal, not refinishing. We leave the surface prepped exactly the way your painter or finisher needs it, and we're happy to point you in the right direction on what holds up in Austin's climate.
My contractor doesn't do removal — why?
Stripping requires specialized equipment most painters and general contractors don't carry, and the technique takes specific training to do safely across wood, brick, and metal. It's a different specialty from applying a finish. We work alongside your painter or contractor, handling the removal so they can do the refinish.
Less Common Questions
My surface is cracked or rotted. Can you still strip it?
We can strip it, but we won't fix the structural problem. Rotted wood or damaged substrate needs a repair specialist, not a stripping service. We'll tell you honestly during the assessment whether the surface is sound enough to refinish.
My project has been neglected for years. Can you help?
Almost certainly. Heavy, layered, or weathered coatings take longer but our methods handle them. For badly neglected surfaces, send us photos with your quote request so we can scope it accurately.
Can you handle commercial or HOA properties?
Yes. We work with businesses, property managers, and HOAs on building exteriors, storefronts, fences, and recurring graffiti. Larger projects can be scheduled around operating hours, and we work with property managers regularly.
What if I'm not satisfied with the result?
We don't ask for payment until you've walked the finished job and signed off. In the rare case where something isn't right, we'll come back and address it.
Still Have Questions?
We’re happy to answer questions before you commit to anything. Most calls take 5 to 10 minutes and give you everything you need to decide whether to schedule an assessment.