Project type: exterior refresh, porch painting, surface prep, Benjamin Moore painting, curb appeal
This Brock Avenue project was a dedicated porch painting job. No structural rebuilds were required. Our focus was meticulous prep and a durable coating system so the finish holds up through Toronto seasons. Below is a clear walk-through matched to a typical photo sequence for porch painting.
Project at a Glance
- Location: Brock Avenue, Toronto
- Scope: Scraping, sanding, repairs to minor wood checks, caulking, spot priming, full priming where bare wood appeared, two finish coats on posts, rails, treads, and risers, careful masking, and cleanup
- Goals: Stop peeling, seal out moisture, sharpen curb appeal, and deliver a smooth, even finish that is easy to maintain
- Services integrated: Exterior and interior painting services, Benjamin Moore painting system selected for UV and moisture resistance
Initial Condition and Colour Plan
What you see in the first photos: Wide “before” shot showing peeling paint on rails and posts, scuffs on treads and risers, sun fade on the handrail.
What we’re doing:
- Moisture check at suspect areas and a quick adhesion test of the existing coating.
- Confirming colour palette and sheen levels for rails, posts, skirting, and stair components.
Why it matters: Good coating choices and a plan for sheen separation make the finished porch look tailored to the façade and help with cleaning later.
Site Protection and Masking
What you see: Drop cloths, plastic sheeting at the siding, painter’s tape on brick edges, light plastic under the rail to catch chips.
What we’re doing:
- Covering walkways, gardens, and door hardware.
- Masking the house interface lines so the cut lines are crisp.
Why it matters: Protection keeps chips and dust contained and delivers those straight, satisfying lines in the final photos.
Scraping and Mechanical Removal
What you see: Scrapers and carbide blades lifting loose paint on rails, balusters, and risers; vac in use to collect debris.
What we’re doing:
- Removing all loose and flaking paint back to a sound edge.
- Chasing peeling at the end grain and around fasteners where moisture enters first.
Why it matters: Paint only performs when it is bonded to a sound surface. Removing failure ensures the new system does not telegraph old defects.
Sanding and Feathering Edges
What you see: Orbital sanders on broad faces, sanding sponges around profiles and caps. Edges look soft and blended rather than stepped.
What we’re doing:
- Feathering the transition between bare wood and intact coating for an invisible repair.
- Opening up the surface profile to improve primer bite.
Why it matters: Feathered edges and uniform scratch patterns are what make the finish read as “factory” instead of patchy.
Minor Repairs and Wood Filler
What you see: Small checks and nail holes filled, then spot sanded smooth.
What we’re doing:
- Using an exterior-rated filler for shallow defects.
- Ensuring any exposed fasteners are countersunk and sealed.
Why it matters: Smooth, sealed surfaces shed water better and keep the coating from prematurely cracking at weak points.
Caulking of Seams and End Grain Sealing
What you see: Clean caulk lines at vertical seams, post bases, trim joints, and rail connections. End grain sealed on cut edges.
What we’re doing:
- Flexible exterior caulk at movement joints.
- Sealing end grain that acts like a straw for moisture.
Why it matters: Caulk and end grain sealing stop water entry, the leading cause of peeling on older porches.
Spot Priming and Full Priming Where Needed
What you see: Primer on bare wood, filler areas, and high wear edges; in some sections, a uniform primer coat across an entire component.
What we’re doing:
- Using a bonding exterior primer to lock down edges and equalise porosity.
- Priming treads and handrails thoroughly since they see the most wear.
Why it matters: Primer is the insurance layer. It improves adhesion and colour hold, especially on sun-exposed rails.
Finish Coats with a Benjamin Moore System
What you see: First finish coat laid smooth, followed by a second coat after proper dry time. Clean cut lines at siding and skirting.
What we’re doing:
- Applying two finish coats for durability and an even sheen. We specified a Benjamin Moore exterior trim product for film strength and colour retention.
- Brushing and back rolling profiles so there are no sags on verticals.
Why it matters: A two-coat system builds proper film thickness. That is what resists UV, foot traffic on risers, and seasonal expansion.
Detailing: Handrail, Treads, and Risers
What you see: Smooth handrail with consistent sheen, crisp riser edges, treads coated with careful attention to nosings.
What we’re doing:
- Laying off the handrail in long, continuous strokes.
- Treating riser edges and nosings as high-visibility lines and checking them in natural light.
Why it matters: These are the parts you touch and see up close. The extra few minutes here make the finish feel premium.
Cleanup, Unmask, and Client Walkthrough
What you see: Tape removed to reveal sharp lines, area vacuumed and swept, hardware wiped clean.
What we’re doing:
- Final sweep and wash down.
- Walkthrough to review colours, sheen, and maintenance tips.
Why it matters: A tidy handover and clear care guidance help the finish last and keep the porch looking fresh.
The Reveal
What you see in the last photos: A freshly painted porch with uniform colour, straight cut lines, and a renewed handrail. The façade looks brighter and more welcoming.
What changed:
- Peeling stopped and the edges are sealed.
- Surfaces are smoother and easier to clean.
- Colour and sheen now complement the home’s exterior.
Care and Maintenance Tips
- Sweep grit off treads regularly so foot traffic does not abrade the finish.
- After each winter, wash rails and risers with a mild soap solution to remove salts.
- Plan light touch-ups on high-wear edges every couple of years.
Related Reading
- Why Professional Painting Services Make a Difference in Home Renovations
- Painting vs. Staining: Which is Best for Your Home’s Interior & Exterior?
- Logan Avenue, Toronto Transformation: Main Floor Makeover & Cupboard-Cabinet Paint Refresh
- Paint & Stain Services Page
Thinking About Painting Your Porch?
A professional prep and coating system is the difference between a quick refresh and a finish that truly lasts. We provide full exterior and interior painting services, along with vinyl flooring installation and laminate flooring installation if you are planning broader updates.
Ready to start? Contact JG Contracting for a free on-site assessment and estimate. We will confirm colours, sheens, and timelines so you know exactly what to expect.
📞 Call us at: 437-259-9632
✉️ Email us at: jgcontractingyyz@gmail.com
🌐 Website: https://jgcontractingyyz.com
