We have always told friends, family & clients that painting is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to improve the appearance of a home.  After years of renovating our own homes, you would think we would stop being amazed by the transformations.  But this is just too good ... we have to share.

We bought a place at Lake Merwin Campers Hideaway in May 2006.  We were told that it sat for 8-10 years with little or no maintenance.  If there had ever been stain on the deck or siding, it had long since broken down.  The wood deck has gray and had cracks from years of being exposed to the elements.  Unsure whether we wanted to paint or stain, we talked with our friends at Home Depot, Jantzen Beach.  They recommended a relatively new products called Behr Premium Solid Color Wood Stain.

Though a little more expensive than regular paints and stains, Behr Premium Solid Color Wood Stain has a lot of features that make it well worth the extra cost.  The stain is self priming, offers UV protection against fading, is mildew resistant and is a urethane-fortified 100% acrylic formula that resists scuffing, and cleans up with water.  We love that it hid the imperfections, while still allowing the wood texture to show through.  Its durable finish resists cracking, peeling and blistering and is available in more than 1,600 custom colors and is formulated for computer matching.  It can be applied to wood and composite decks, fences, siding and furniture.  Unlike some stains and sealers that may only last 1-2 seasons, this product offers a 10 year satisfaction guarantee on decks and a 25 year satisfaction guarantee on fences and siding.  How cool!

We decided to give it a shot figuring if it even lasted 1 extra season, it would be well worth the price.  The siding and deck now look almost new.  The cracks are gone, but the natural wood texture still shows through.  We were even able to bring the old picnic table back to life!  For less than $500 in materials and a couple weekends of work, we were able to completely transform our sad little shack into a welcoming weekend retreat.

We were so happy with our results that we told Scott's mom about the solid color wood stain.  She and her husband had spent 2 years trying to get a good finish on the deck at their home.  Everything they tried took unevenly, broke down too quickly, or just didn't look good.  With 1 coat of Behr Premium Solid Color Wood Stain and a little bit of touch-up, their deck looks great and they look forward to a durable finish that will last for years.

If you have a deck, fence or siding that you are planning to stain, we encourage you to take a look at Behr Premium Solid Color Wood Stain.  And don't forget ... you can save 10% on your purchase by ordering a Home Depot coupon on our website.

 

Patty & Scott Carroll - RE/MAX Equity Group, Vancouver, WA

 
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73 Comments on Paint: The Cheap Fix for 'Ugly' - Before & After Pics

OCT
24
2008
159,476 Points Outside Blog

Wow, what a difference that makes, that looks SHARP!

4:23pm • #1
1 Featured Post

Kim, it is really amazing and a great product to share with our clients.

4:25pm • #2

Amazing!  Thanks for sharing.  I am sure you have already thought of it, but if not, I would recommend putting it in a presentation for future clients. 

4:27pm • #3
283,490 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hello Patty and Scott,

The photos are remarkable! What a wonderful outcome!

Don't forget me if you learn of anyone moving to "The OC!"

Michael

(949) 753-7900

4:30pm • #4

Hi Patty and Scott,  Thanks for sharing these wonderful pictures and of course the information about the product.  It looks GREAT! 

 

4:34pm • #5
1 Featured Post

Great idea Dawn and no we hadn't thought of doing that. Thanks!

4:36pm • #6
1 Featured Post

Michael, thanks we had forgotten how ugly it was before we used this stuff!

4:37pm • #7
Localism Sponsor

Wow, dramatic difference! 

4:45pm • #8
129,122 Points 3 Featured Posts

Thats a huge difference.  I must admit I was a little skeptical.

4:47pm • #9

What a difference a few updates can make. When people ask me why they should update their home, I tell them PEOPLE FLIP FOR A REASON!!

4:49pm • #10
1 Featured Post

Emily- We are so glad that you like it!

Brenda - It's just scary isn't it.

4:57pm • #11
Localism Sponsor

Wow, what a huge difference! That looks awesome. I'll have to remember that and share with clients.

5:00pm • #12

It's amazing the in-expensive things you can do that really boost the value of a home!  Good post guys! 

5:06pm • #13
1 Featured Post

Justin, we were too! But the paint guy at Home Depot assured us that it was something that he would use on his place. We are so glad we listened to him.

5:06pm • #14
1 Featured Post

Anna, and this was done just with paint!

5:10pm • #15
1 Featured Post

Mike, it really wasn't much more than regular stain either.

6:52pm • #16
Hit Router

It looks a hundred times better after painting. Good job.

9:52pm • #17
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

Hi Patty & Scott,

WOW!!! The first picture looks like my deck... LOL  Seriously,  I'm going out tomorrow to get that paint, if necessary, I'm going to the border and crossing to get that paint.  THANKS!!!!

                              ;>)

9:54pm • #18
6 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

That is just great! These are the stories we all need to share with sellers! They need to listen to us!

Thanks for your blog!

10:10pm • #19
4 Featured Posts

Great tip, especially in our area where decks need to be kept up every year.

10:13pm • #20
1 Featured Post

Richard - I know everyone that has seen it thinks that it is brand new.

10:16pm • #21
1 Featured Post

Ann-Marie, there are a bunch of colors. We asked which one was the most popular and we got it, it is called Cedar. lol

10:18pm • #22
1 Featured Post

Charlene - you are so right. It is one of the cheapest and quickest ways to make something that ugly look good.

10:20pm • #23
151,202 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

What a beautiful transformation! And it's great that it didn't take much at all... very inspiring, even for homeowners who aren't selling & just want to upgrade.

10:44pm • #24
1 Featured Post

Linda - that is why this product is so great. This place is in the woods and gets hit hard in the winter with snow. Should work great for your area too.

10:49pm • #25

Wow! Trick photography! ;-)

10:55pm • #26
234,665 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Wow, what a transformation!  It is amazing what paint can do!

11:29pm • #27
413,633 Points 2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I've used the Behr product for years and I'm definitely sold on it. I have used it on multiple properties and have never found anything better.

11:30pm • #28

Very good - FYI it's always a good idea to take care of peeling paint before listing/selling a home, especially if it were sold with fha financing - fha is really picky about peeling paint.  Congratulations on a beautiful job.

11:37pm • #30
OCT
25
2008
1 Featured Post

Mara - well, we did have to twist Scott's brother and his wife into helping us.  : )

Sharon - lol, nope just good paint. It has something in it called Nano Guard.

12:03am • #31
343,190 Points Outside Blog

Wow ,  you did a great job. Hardly recognize the place as the same one. All the best.

 

12:41am • #32

IT IS AMAZING WHAT PAINT CAN DO FOR A PLACE, SOME OF OUR SELLERS NEED TO KEEP THIS IN MIND. EVEN GOOD QUALITY PAINT IS A CHEAP FIX!

12:50am • #33
141,551 Points Outside Blog

This looks amazing!!  What a transformation!!!  Great staging!!!

12:55am • #34
8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Hit Router

You guys don't work for Behr do you?  Just kidding.  What an amazing difference!  Did you have to sand or otherwise prep the deck first?  Our deck (that our 120lb Golden Retriever loves to peel out on) is our nemesis.  I am thrilled for the suggestion.  Thanks!

1:23am • #35

Patty,

The transformation is beautiful!!  Congratulations on your wonderful get-a-way.

1:36am • #36
190,410 Points 19 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Looks really great. Thanks for the tip. I'll definitely look into it.

2:17am • #37
1 Featured Post

Great job! It's truly amazing what paint can do. It's hard to believe that this is the same place just by painting.

5:04am • #38
282,463 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Good pictures of what pant can do. It so cheap and easy. It made a 200% improvement to this property. I wouldnt show the first pictures on my MLS.

6:02am • #39
856,893 Points 68 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Churches, old hideaways, is there anything you won't take on as a mission to bring back to life?

Todd Clark, Helping Families Home - www.IFoundYourNewHome.com

6:52am • #40

I like paint.  It's cheap and it makes everything look new and fresh.

8:17am • #41
1 Featured Post

David - thanks for your comment.

Vickie - This is a new product from Behr with Nano Guard in it, it kinda fills in the old wood cracks like glue would if it was poured on it.

Robert - thanks for stopping by.

 

9:16am • #42
284,504 Points 3 Featured Posts

Hey if you need someone to sit while you're away call me. What a wonderful story and beautiful job. Well done and good luck.

9:46am • #43
Outside Blog Hit Router

Wow,  you should use that as an example to clients of before and after and what a value it added.  Great work.  Jane

11:18am • #44

Really looks nice.  It is amazing how much paint can do to pretty up a place.  Just painted the trim and border in my house.  What a difference.

12:00pm • #45

Would you be willing to share your photos!  I have a couple of clients that I would like to send this to.  It's a great visual.  Thanks

1:49pm • #46

Thanks for this great tip. I have two homes on the market that will look great once I talk the sellers into using this.  I may even buy them a can so they can see for them selves how great their decks will look. 

Jeanmarie McSpedon, RE/MAX At Barnegat Bay
3:21pm • #47
OCT
26
2008
1 Featured Post

Mary - You are right, we were lucky that we did not have peeling paint. Ours was just old ugly wood.

Bob & Carolyn - Us either! And it is a instant gratification.

Geneie - That is so true and it is not much more $ either to get their product with NONO Guard.

10:09am • #48
OCT
28
2008
1 Featured Post

Cathy - thanks!

Teri -lol, nope just found this great product and wanted to share. No sanding was done and there is primer built into in the paint! It has NANO Guard in it and that is what makes it so awesome!

Laurie - thanks we love it! It is only 45 minutes away so we can sneak off to it frequently if only for one night.

 

8:26pm • #49

Did you use it for your siding as well?  I have the same challenge and appreciate much your information.

10:47pm • #50
1 Featured Post

Pacita- thanks!

Colleen - the only difference is the paint on the deck and the cabin.

Laura - we agree the before picture is just aweful. We knew that it was a diamond in the rough.

11:10pm • #51
OCT
29
2008
1 Featured Post

Todd - you are too funny! Our church/home might be on HGTV. Let us know when you are in Vancouver and you can pop on over and take a peek at how it is looking now that we are closer to being done.

PS We used this same stuff on our church/home it makes the 100+ year old siding look great and it has primer built right in it!

8:00pm • #52
OCT
30
2008
1 Featured Post

Randal - us too! Thanks for taking the time to read our blog.

Charles - no problem, but the price of the airline ticket could cost ya a bit!

Jane - that is a great idea, thanks we'll do just that.

11:24am • #53
1 Featured Post

Lisa - we bet that it looks great, take a picture and share it with us. 

10:10pm • #54
NOV
01
2008

Your photos are amazing!  What a contrast!  I have used this stain and it is a great product that lasts for years.

7:09pm • #55
1 Featured Post

Sharon - thanks, glad to hear that it worked well for you too.

8:40pm • #56
NOV
15
2008
146,353 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Wow, now I am convinced you are a good stager. You sure got an pair of artistic eyes.

4:52pm • #57
NOV
17
2008
1 Featured Post

Huiting - Thanks! We are so excited that we are going there this weekend!

8:56am • #58
NOV
29

That is great!  You picked good colors too.  I am still amazed what ugly colors some homeowners use.  The paint departments should do a better job advising some homeowners.

8:12pm • #59
NOV
30
1 Featured Post

Brian - the deck color was called cedar. They said that was the number one color that they sell for decks. We wanted the color of the cabin to blend in with the trees.

You are so right some of the colors that people paint on their houses can end up being scary instead of enhancing them. Thanks for stopping by.

11:05am • #60
DEC
14
1 Featured Post Outside Blog

That is an incredible transformation, and great photos!

11:15pm • #61
205,866 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Those are some of the most amazing before and after shots I have ever seen.  I'll be checking this product out for sure.

11:29pm • #62
DEC
15
1 Featured Post

Pat - thanks for stopping by and checking it out.

2:50pm • #63
1 Featured Post

Tammy - everytime we see the before pictures we are reminded of what a ugly thing that it was. No wonder it had been on the market for a year.

4:31pm • #64
108,161 Points

Patty & Scott,

A very impressive looking property after some TLC.

Merry Christmas

Roy

5:12pm • #65

Wow that is a great makeover!  It looks new and refreshed, great job.

7:11pm • #66
1 Featured Post

Roy - that is so true, it was overgrown outside and very dusty inside. The outside just looked tired and weathered, kind of how I feel tonight...lol.

9:05pm • #67
DEC
17
1 Featured Post

Lauren - thanks for checking it out. And it is just with paint.

11:58am • #68
JAN
04
1 Featured Post

So glad that we got this done this summer there is now so much snow there that we can't even get into the area.

7:27pm • #69
FEB
18

Hi Patty & Scott, This is exactly what I was talking to my husband about last night. Your deck looks fantastic! I've bookmarked this post and will be trying out the product this summer, thanks!

10:37am • #70
1 Featured Post

Cynthia, we checked it out recently after some heavy snow accumulation and it did great.

3:21pm • #71
FEB
19

Oh good, because this is going to be a life saver for us here in GA w/ the unrelenting sun. My husband and I stained our deck last year......it looks like we hadn't touch it in 5 years!

Thanks again for sharing & the update too!!!

8:51am • #72
APR
20
1 Featured Post

Cynthia, we were just up to the cabin and after the heaviest ice and snow that they have seen in 30 years here the deck still looks great!

1:05pm • #73

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