Pressure Washing

Hear From Our Customers

- “Blue Door was very responsive to inquiries and very quick to give an estimate. Their price was extremely reasonable and the final product was very good. The crew working on the house was very courteous and pleasant and let us know what they were doing and why.”
  
  —Amy F.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “They were very polite and professional. They took care around the house and appeared to take pride in their work. They cleaned-up after the first day and left the yard free of any ladders/tools/etc. The painting job was done very nicely. No drips or runs. They took care to match the color of our front [...]
  
  —Adam C.
  
  Manassas, VA
- “Blue Door Painters was extremely professional and a pleasure to work with. I received the dreaded HOA letter that required painting and repair work to be done to the front of my townhouse. As a single mom, I’m on a limited budget, but I was able to get the work beautifully done by Jeff and [...]
  
  —Kimberley S.
  
  Centreville, VA
- “They left us our extra paint clearly labeled, and were totally enjoyable to work with in every way. Several neighbors on our street saw their van outside and asked for business cards.”
  
  —Adrienne S.
  
  Washington, DC
- “They had a large and very nice portfolio on the work they had done. They came in with an estimate that was lower than two other estimates that I had received. They came when they were supposed to come, right on the dot, and they worked all day long until around 6, I think. I [...]
  
  —Hester R.
  
  Washington, DC
- “The workers were polite, hard working, cleaned up upon completion and most importantly did an outstanding job painting. My wife and I are completely satisfied and our deck and side porch look better than ever. In addition to the efforts of the workers, Anna from Blue Door Painters office was in touch throughout the process [...]
  
  —Jeff J.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “I’m a bit of a do-it-myself type so I tend to look at projects like these from the perspective of, ‘am I glad I paid someone else do it or do I wish I’d gone ahead and done it myself.’ In this case, I’m glad I paid Blue Door to paint the house and they [...]
  
  —Eric P.
  
  Arlington, VA
- Blue Door Painters came for an estimate on the same day I emailed them; the work was done within a couple of weeks–exactly when they said it would be. And it was done well.”
  
  —Kati H.
  
  Washington, DC
- “They arrived on time and worked cleanly and efficiently. The office and company reps were attentive and professional, and the project was completed on time.”
  
  —Maddalena L.
  
  Reston, VA
- “They were good at being very specific and detailed about exactly what they would do and would not do (how many doors and windows needed painting, what they could fix and what they could not). The quote I received was also very professional, with details and specifics (number of coats of paint, etc…). Price was [...]
  
  —Sonya S.
  
  Washington, DC
- “The replastering is outstanding; we had chunks of plaster hanging down from the ceiling in our bathroom, and now you would never even know it was repaired. The office was also very easy to deal with. I would hire them again in a second (and plan to!).”
  
  —Simone C.
  
  Vienna, VA
- “It turned out very well. We were very happy with them. They were very professional. They did it on time. Their estimate was a good estimate and it was accurate. They did a good job on the painting.”
  
  —Melissa P.
  
  Clifton, MD
- “It was great. They were very easy to work with. They completed the job well.”
  
  —Cathy K.
  
  McClean, VA
- “They were awesome. The technicians were very accommodating, clean, and cleaned up well afterwards. They were a lot cheaper than other companies and did a great job.”
  
  —Tracie A.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “Quote was quick and easy. Price was competitive and the work was excellent.”
  
  —Jason R.
  
  Bristow, VA
- “It was great and terrific. They were prompt. They cleaned up after themselves, and they did a very good job. You can’t ask for much more than that.”
  
  —David C.
  
  Washington, DC
- “I called on Tuesday and explained that I was having a party on Saturday night and had just decided to have the terrace cleaned. They sent someone that afternoon to assess the job and provide an estimate. The work was done on Friday and I was thrilled with the results. They were very accommodating about [...]
  
  —Janis W.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “They did the job very well. They were very clean. I think they were really professional. They were prompt and came when they said they would. It was easy to get a hold of them.”
  
  —Shelley T.
  
  (Washington, DC)
- “I had a great experience with this company. Their quote was very reasonable and much lower than others. They were also willing to change colors and fix things to match my vision for the house!”
  
  —Roiwind R.
  
  Washington, DC
- “A pleasure to work with. I arranged for the job during the late winter. It was too cold and damp to paint. Blue Door was very diligent in contacting me as soon as the weather was better. The job was executed flawlessly and very professionally. My wife and I have an infant and the Blue [...]
  
  —Ian R.
  
  Washington, DC
- “We are VERY pleased with the overall result. “
  
  —Yvonne Z.
  
  Bethesda, MD
- “Very professional from the estimate to the work! They arrived on time and did an excellent job … Their estimate was right on. No surprises and no hidden charges.”
  
  —Nail A.
  
  Washington, DC
- “Blue Door did an excellent job painting my newly installed Pella wood windows. They were easy to contact and communicate with via email and phone. They were quite responsive, and their pricing was excellent. The painters were very professional and courteous. It was clear they were real painters who had many years of experience. They [...]
  
  —Darrell S.
  
  Washington, DC
- “They power washed the house and completed all the painting in the same day, and did a fantastic job. They also did a great job of matching the old paint color we already had on certain parts of the house (since we weren’t getting the entire house repainted). Blue Door Painters exceeded our expectations and [...]
  
  —Michael G.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “They arrived on time and finished job in about 1/2 the time I thought it would take. Great work!”
  
  —Mickie H.
  
  Fairfax, VA
- “Excellent job. Very professional.”
  
  —Andrew D.
  
  Vienna, VA
- “I got more than my money’s worth.”
  
  —Susan S.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “A pleasure to work with. I arranged for the job during the late winter. It was too cold and damp to paint. Blue Door was very diligent in contacting me as soon as the weather was better. The job was executed flawlessly and very professionally. My wife and I have an infant and the Blue [...]
  
  —Steven F.
  
  Washington, DC
- “The quality of the work was very precise and very good. They were also very professional.”
  
  —Mark R.
  
  Rockville, MD
- “We were so impressed with Blue Door’s price and professionalism that we didn’t bother to find another company to give us a quote, we just went with Blue Door. Blue Door’s crew was professional and pleasant. They came out as soon as possible after the siding was installed and they did excellent work. They even [...]
  
  —Victoria S.
  
  Reston, VA
- “Blue Door Painters were excellent from start to finish. They were professional, friendly, tidy and did not mind me constanty looking over their shoulders. The painters never cut corners and made sure the job was done right again and again.”
  
  —Amanda S.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “Communication with Blue Door Painters has been excellent; they went above and beyond with follow up both before and after the work was done to the house. The employees in the office are very cordial, which makes dealing with them a breeze. The painters and job foremen were professional and went over the job in [...]
  
  —Stephen J.
  
  Reston, VA
- “I was very pleased with the service and would recommend this company to my friends and neighbors.”
  
  —Rene S.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “I called them and they responded quickly. They took the time to make sure we were communicating well, and they did what they said they would do and in the time frame we agreed upon.”
  
  —Gwen F.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “Second time using Blue Door Painters … Very punctual, easy to deal with, and the paint looks great.”
  
  —Simone C.
  
  Vienna, VA
- “They were great and professional. Our neighbors commented on it and asked for referrals. They were very professional and on time. We didn’t have to do any follow up with them when they were on site. The quality was good.”
  
  —James F.
  
  Washington, DC
- “Blue Door Painting was professional and punctual in all aspects of the job. The estimator and crew were there when they said they would be there.”
  
  —Daniel H.
  
  Alexandria, VA
- “They were very thorough in their estimate and did exactly what they said they would do. We were very pleased with the results.”
  
  —Lawrence S.
  
  Washington, DC
- “Their work is top notch. They did a very good job and I will bring them back next time I need the outside of my home power washed. The company is very concerned with making sure that the customer is very satisfied with their work.”
  
  —Michael S.
  
  Springfield, VA
- “I am so satisfied with the job that I am geting Blue Door give me a price on some additional work. I would hire Blue Door again in a heartbeat — their estimate was low, and the whole company exudes an air of professionalism and competence.”
  
  —Lori C.
  
  Alexandria, VA
- “I am so satisfied with the job I just had done that I am geting Blue Door to give me a price on some additional interior work. I would hire Blue Door again in a heartbeat — their estimate was one of the lowest of about 7 I got, and the whole company exudes an [...]
  
  —Allen H.
  
  Alexandria, VA
- “Blue Door were prompt and courteous. They completed the tasks on time and in budget; additionally, they were responsive when I called and had questions.”
  
  —Larry N.
  
  Annandale, VA
- “Blue Door Painters provided a quick and convenient estimate in writing, made themselves available to sign the contract and, when our move in date shifted, juggled their schedule to get a crew on site a week early. The work performed was excellent. Work was also performed fast but this did not affect the the quality. [...]
  
  —Stephen B.
  
  Alexandria, VA
- “The replastering job I had done by Blue Dor Painters is outstanding as well; we had chunks of plaster hanging down from the ceiling in our bathroom and now you would never even know it was repaired. The office was also very easy to deal with. Would hire them again in a second (and plan [...]
  
  —Simone C.
  
  Vienna, VA
- “This company did what they said they would do, when they would do it; and the end result was excellent. I would recommend them highly.”
  
  —Jennifer L.
  
  Reston, VA
- “Blue Doors was the best price/service/value deal by far… Blue Doors will be our first call for our next painting project!”
  
  —Gregor B.
  
  MClean, VA
- “They were professional at all times from the estimate to completion. Each person I talked to introduced themselves and their role in the project. They were very responsive to changes I requested while on the job. Clean-up went perfectly.”
  
  —Jodie M.
  
  Kensington, MD
- “I was impressed by the thoroughness of the project workers AND the cleanup. I would hire Blue Door again without hesitation.”
  
  —William M.
  
  Stafford, VA
- “They brought a portfolio, were very friendly and professional and got back to me with an estimate quickly.”
  
  —Cathy K.
  
  McClean, VA
- “The foreman was conscientious and made it a point to walk with me and inspect the entire job to be sure I was satisfied before leaving.”
  
  —Barbara F.
  
  New Market, VA
- “Excellent. Estimate less than several others. Job done on time and very professionally.”
  
  —Fitzhugh M.
  
  Bethesda, MD
- “From the estimate, through the contract, through the final completion and payment, it was an efficient and great process. The crew was punctual, professional, and very good at their work. It was a pleasure working with them. Any questions and they consulted me before proceeding. Overall a good experience. I would definitely recommend this company.”
  
  —Janet H.
  
  Phoenix, VA
- “This company was great. They had a great price. Their willingness to communicate was great. The crew’s attention to detail and willingness to help out was great. They were clean and very polite.”
  
  —Sara C.
  
  Silver Spring, MD
- “I have used Blue Door Painters before, and found them to be highly professional and do quality work. I recently had exterior trim replaced and new trim work needed to be painted. I didn’t want to get up on a ladder to do the higher painting, so I called Blue Door. They provided a written [...]
  
  —Geoff G.
  
  Silver Spring, MD
- “They were great. They did a good job, and we were happy with these guys. The price was probably average on this job, but for that price they went above and beyond. They were meticulous. The recaulked a lot of things in the bathroom which I didn’t expect.”
  
  —Dennis V.
  
  Cabin John, MD
- “The central office was very flexible about timing, and worked to squeeze in the job before it got too cold. The estimator seemed to completely understand the scope and quality of the job I was looking for, and the painters were extremely hardworking and eager to please.”
  
  —James B.
  
  Washington, DC
- “They’re absolutely superb. The technicians were very clean, neat, and professional. They did excellent work.”
  
  —Wayne M.
  
  Great Falls, VA
- “They gave an estimate quickly and did a very good job, and were even understanding when we had to go through some issues with our homeowners association on the proper color of the stain. All in all very professional.”
  
  —Sarah S.
  
  Alexandria, VA
- “Blue door painters did a fine job completing the work I had requested.”
  
  —Gary D.
  
  Falls Church,VA
- “Blue Door Painters were very punctual, professional and accommodating.”
  
  —Mary Pat F.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “We already are planning to use them again and again.”
  
  —Michael C.
  
  McClean, VA
- “They totally lived up to their high rating. They were exceptionally prompt. They were professional, neat, and efficient. They did a great job cleaning up after themselves, and made sure that we were happy. They were very nice, trustworthy people and we were very comfortable working with them. I am excited for the next opportunity [...]
  
  —Jeff M.
  
  Washington, DC

Dirty Decks: Pressure-Washing Winter Debris

Published February 15, 2012 | By Blue Door Painters Staff

Protect your deck. Powerwash it. Stain it. Seal it.

Many things about the winter actually protect your deck from the kind of beating it gets in the summer. There isn’t the same exposure to the beating sun (in fact, when it snows the deck actually gets a welcome break from the sun altogether), and there isn’t as much human traffic on the deck, which is another leading cause of wear. Your deck gets to lie dormant for a season, just like the deciduous trees who lose their leaves – a welcome break. But what does get to your deck in the winter is that very dormancy. Planters, lawn furniture, grills – they all sit out there unmoving all season long, as the snow and rain comes and goes, creating stains on the deck’s surface. The extreme cold temperatures, combined with the moisture of snowmelt, can also cause warping or splintering in an unsealed deck, due to the freeze/thaw cycle.

When the earth turns and it starts to get warm, you may start getting the urge to spend time on your deck again. You might want to pull the tarp off the grill and brush the gunk out of the corners of your deck furniture, and rearrange the planters (and maybe have peek at what’s inside them, now that landscaping season has begun anew). You also might want to consider pressure-washing your deck, and possibly even re-staining and sealing it in anticipation of spring rains and summer sun.

The difference in a deck before and after a pressure-washing job is vivid. Unlike any other method of deck cleaning, pressure-washing actually penetrates into the outer layers of the decking, removing contaminants that have entered the wood’s pores. Since wood is a porous, absorbent substance, cleaning methods that only reach the surface are not going to reach most of the contaminants accumulated over the winter, and are therefore not going to successfully make the deck look cleaner. A pressure-washer (also known as a power-washer) uses water, and sometimes also a light detergent, forced out of a narrow nozzle at high pressure to penetrate deeply into the wood’s pores. The mechanical force of the pressure digs into the wood, removing anything lodged there, and the continuous spray of water washes it harmlessly away. Most pressure washers have adjustable nozzles that allow you to vary both the pressure and the volume of water, so that you can maximize the effect of your power-washer.

Power-washing your deck for the spring is a good way to make it an enticing place to hang out. You can hire a service like Blue Door Painters to come take care of it for you, or do it yourself, renting a power-washer from a local hardware store or Home Depot. Once your deck is clean, you might also want to consider staining and sealing it in anticipation of the spring and summer. Staining and sealing protects the wood of your deck from sun, rain, and even the scuffing of human traffic – all of which, now that you have made it such a great place to hang out, it can expect to look forward to in the coming warm months. It can also make your deck glow, extending that good-as-new look you get right after your deck is pressure-washed. A good deck is a strong asset to any exterior; make sure to give yours the love and TLC that it truly deserves.

Posted in Blue Door Painters Blog | Tagged deck, exterior, power washing, pressure washing, seasonal, Spring, staining

Why Should I Pressure Wash?

Published January 10, 2012 | By Blue Door Painters Staff

The benefits of power washing technology for exterior projects in the Washington, DC area

Again and again, painting and refinishing contractors in the Washington, DC area are asked the same question: Why did my paint/stain fail?

Most of the time, the answer is the same. It failed because the surface was inadequately prepared. And usually, inadequate preparation translates directly to inadequate cleaning. Dirty surfaces clogged with loose particles do not provide the constant, sturdy surface that paint needs in order to form a film, or stain needs to evenly penetrate.

Many techniques have been developed for cleaning and preparing substrates, but for exterior surfaces there is nothing on the market superior to the pressure washer (also called a power washer), for cleaning speed and effectiveness. Employing a thin jet of high-pressured water, which can be manipulated to be focused or diffuse, the power washer can be used to remove dirt, grime, mildew, grease, and other stains from exterior surfaces like decks, siding, driveways, patios, concrete foundations, and stonework, all with stunning results. The weather in the Washington, DC area, with its long, humid summers and its intense winters, takes a distinct toll on exterior surfaces (as well as their paint and stain jobs), making pressure-washing doubly important.

Blue Door Painters includes power washing with all of our exterior repainting and staining/sealing projects, so that we can ensure the best possible long-term results for our work. Pressure washing all on its own can greatly beautify an exterior surface, however, even without a subsequent new paint or stain job. Pressure washing an old deck, for example, brings about drastic results: the jet of water slicing right through years of grime and mildew, instantly turning the wood from gray to gold. Just be warned: the beautiful results won’t be permanent without a protective coat of paint or stain to protect the freshly cleaned surface.

So to recap: why should you power wash? Because you want to give the exterior of your home or building the best possible protection against the elements, and you recognize that thorough cleaning is an integral step in that procedure.

Posted in Blue Door Painters Blog | Tagged deck, power washing, pressure washing, procedures, stain, wood