Don’t Delay, Plan Your Painting Today
Time of year, proper preparation essential to a quality paint job.
"That really needs paint this year. We can't keep putting it off," you think as you glance around the property from your dock.
Most cottagers and homeowners have had this internal — sometimes even external — conversation at least once. With the dramatic seasonal swings throughout Muskoka, it's common to see fading on cottages, bunkies, boathouses, and outbuildings alike.
Mother Nature has a funny way of peeling back the layers on a property. It might be peeling fascia, a weathered front door, or trim that somehow looks ten years older after just one season of exposure.
Before jumping headfirst into a painting project — or hiring the wrong company — it's worth taking the time to understand the process, what to consider, and when the work should be done.
In Muskoka, a great paint job isn't about colour — it's about protecting the place where memories are made.
According to Chad Gilchrist, owner of Roll On Painting, a quality finish starts long before the first coat of paint.
"There are several things to consider, including the type of surface, moisture, exposure, and whether the property is waterfront or not," he says. "That helps us determine the best approach and the right timing."
And to answer one of their most frequently asked questions — yes, Roll On Painting does spray. They spray quite a bit, Chad explains. The company name often causes confusion, but it dates back more than 25 years to when the business first began.
Timing Matters
Choosing the right time to paint is one of the most important parts of the process. Warm temperatures alone don't make for ideal painting conditions. Dew point matters just as much.
If moisture settles on a surface before the coating has properly bonded and cured, the finish can be compromised before the project is even complete.
In cottage country, where cool evenings and lake humidity are simply part of life, understanding weather conditions isn't a luxury — it's part of the craftsmanship.
"People think about temperature," Gilchrist says. "But dew point is just as important. It might feel warm, but if dew settles on the surface, it can affect the finish."
That's one of the reasons booking early is so important. The most experienced contractors fill their schedules quickly, and the ideal painting windows throughout the season can be surprisingly short.
Planning ahead allows homeowners to enjoy their summer while the work is completed at the right time, rather than simply the most convenient time.
Gilchrist also points out that exterior and interior projects can often be planned together. Exterior maintenance can be completed during ideal weather conditions, while interior painting, cabinet refinishing, trim work, or shop projects can be scheduled during the shoulder seasons or around family events.
Preparation Is Everything
Once the timing is right, preparation becomes the priority.
A quality paint job isn't complicated, but it is disciplined. Every project should begin with proper cleaning, careful surface preparation, the right primer where needed, coatings that match the substrate, and an experienced understanding of when conditions are right to apply the finish.
"It's all about the prep and the finish," says Gilchrist. "We don't want to be the biggest. We want to be the best."
Touch-Ups for Life
Roll On Painting backs up that philosophy with a unique Touch-Ups for Life program, offering homeowners up to two hours of annual touch-ups for life (conditions apply).
It's a commitment that reflects a simple belief: the relationship shouldn't end when the ladders are packed away and the driveway is swept clean.
After all, your home or cottage isn't just another property. It's where summers unfold, children grow, friends gather, and family traditions are created year after year.
Choosing experienced, insured professionals who understand Muskoka's unique environment helps protect that investment for years to come — so you're not standing on the dock next spring thinking,
"That really needs paint this year."
ROLL-ON PAINTING
📍 Muskoka • 📞 705-787-1401
www.roll-onpainting.com