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Our Services

Surface Preparation & Power Washing

Thorough surface preparation and commercial power washing that maximizes coating adhesion, removes biological growth, and extends the life of any paint or coating system applied on top.

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About This Service

Industry studies consistently show that 80% of coating failures are caused by poor surface preparation — not the coating itself. Gato Painting treats surface prep as the most critical phase of every project. Our crews use commercial-grade hot and cold pressure washers, abrasive tools, and chemical treatments to deliver a substrate that holds coatings for years, not months.

Why It Matters

What sets our approach apart and what it means for your project.

Maximizes Coating Adhesion

Proper mechanical and chemical prep creates the surface profile required for coatings to bond at full strength — directly extending the coating warranty period.

Removes Biological Growth

Florida's humidity accelerates mold, mildew, and algae growth on building exteriors. We apply biocide treatments that kill and prevent regrowth before painting.

Extends Coating Life

Coatings applied over properly prepared surfaces consistently outperform their rated lifespan. Skipping prep is the most expensive shortcut in painting.

Standalone Service Available

Power washing and surface prep can be contracted independently — fleet washing, building exterior cleaning, pre-sale property prep, and more.

Our Process

Every project follows a defined process that ensures quality at each stage.

  1. 1

    Substrate Assessment

    We identify the substrate type, existing coating condition, contamination type, and required surface profile before selecting the prep method.

  2. 2

    Pressure Washing

    Hot or cold pressure washing at 1,500–3,500 PSI removes dirt, efflorescence, loose paint, and surface contamination from the substrate.

  3. 3

    Biocide Treatment

    Where mold, mildew, or algae are present, we apply a commercial-grade biocide, allow dwell time, and rinse before any coating is applied.

  4. 4

    Mechanical Preparation

    Scraping, sanding, wire brushing, or abrasive blasting is used to remove remaining failed coatings and achieve the specified surface profile.

  5. 5

    Priming & Surface Sealing

    After prep is complete and the surface has dried to spec, we apply the appropriate primer to lock in the prepared profile and prepare for topcoats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is surface preparation really necessary if the existing paint looks OK?
Yes. Even visually acceptable surfaces can have bond failures, contamination, or insufficient profile that will cause the new coating to fail prematurely. We always inspect and test before recommending the prep level.
What pressure do you use for building exteriors?
Typically 1,500–2,500 PSI for painted stucco and CMU, and up to 3,500 PSI for concrete and metal. We adjust pressure and tip size to the substrate to avoid damage.
Can pressure washing damage my building's exterior?
Improper pressure washing can damage stucco, drive water into walls, and strip paint. Our crews are trained in surface-appropriate techniques and we adjust methods for each substrate type.
Do you offer standalone pressure washing without painting?
Yes. We offer commercial pressure washing as a standalone service for building exteriors, parking structures, concrete flatwork, and equipment.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us for a free consultation and quote on your surface preparation & power washing project.

Request Free Quote(904) 859-5789