As a homeowner in Orange County, you want your home to look beautiful and stay protected from the elements. Maybe you’ve noticed the paint on your house is peeling or fading, and you’re tired of having to repaint every few years. Or perhaps you’re concerned about the energy efficiency of your home, especially with the high energy costs in California. If these concerns resonate with you, you might have come across ceramic coatings as a solution.
What is a Residential Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coatings are advanced protective layers that go beyond traditional paint. These coatings are infused with ceramic microspheres that offer superior durability, insulation, and UV resistance. Unlike regular paint, ceramic coatings can last for decades without chipping, peeling, or cracking.
What is Rhino Shield?
Rhino Shield is a leading brand in the ceramic coating industry, known for its high-performance exterior coatings. It’s not just paint; it’s a long-term solution that protects and enhances your home. Rhino Shield coatings are designed to be highly durable, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing.
About Rhino Shield of Southern California
At Rhino Shield of Southern California, we’re proud to be a local, veteran-owned company dedicated to serving our community. Our team is reliable, honest, and hard-working, and we take pride in making our customers happy with beautiful, quality work.
Understanding the Initial Inspection
Before we start any project, we begin with a thorough inspection of your home. This step is crucial to ensure we address all potential issues and set a solid foundation for the coating process.
Why a Comprehensive Examination is Crucial We check for the type of substrate, previous paint issues, and any signs of water damage. This helps us understand the condition of your home and what preparations will be necessary.
Identifying Substrate Types and Previous Issues Whether your home has wood, stucco, vinyl, or metal siding, we assess the substrate to choose the right primer and coating. Previous paint problems like peeling or bubbling are also noted to prevent future issues.
Assessing Water Damage and Cracks Water damage and cracks can compromise the integrity of the coating. We identify and plan to repair these areas to ensure a smooth and durable finish to last the life of your 25 year transferable product warranty.
Evaluating the Need for Board Replacements and Moisture Levels For wood homes, we check for rot and warping. Vinyl siding is examined for warping, and moisture levels are gauged to ensure the coating adheres properly. Our team will not apply any primer or coatings if the moisture in the substrate is in excess of 16%.
Preparation Through Power Washing
Preparation is key to a successful Rhino Shield application. We start by thoroughly cleaning the surface of your home.
The Importance of Cleaning the Surface A clean surface ensures the coating bonds well and lasts longer. Dirt, debris, and loose paint can prevent proper adhesion, leading to peeling and other issues.
Steps Involved in Pressure Washing We use high-pressure washing to remove all contaminants. This step is essential to prepare the surface for priming and coating.
Addressing Repairs: Siding Replacement, Sanding, and Paint Removal If there are damaged or rotting boards, we replace them. Sanding and scraping are done to smooth out the surface and remove any remaining loose paint. Depending on the level of repairs needed, we may need to bring in an additional expert to conduct the repairs or if you have someone you like, we can use them as well.
Sealing with Caulking
Sealing cracks and seams is crucial for protecting your home from water damage.
Using High-Grade Elastomeric Caulk We use high-quality elastomeric caulk to seal window edges, cracks, and seams. This creates a water-resistant barrier that protects your home from moisture intrusion.
Sealing Window Edges, Cracks, and Seams for Water Resistance Every crack and seam is meticulously sealed to ensure no water can penetrate and cause damage. This step is essential for long-term durability.
Masking Off Sensitive Areas
To ensure a clean and professional finish, we carefully protect areas that should not be coated.
Protecting Plants, Lawns, and Other Vulnerable Spots We cover plants, lawns, decks, and other sensitive areas to prevent overspray and damage.
Covering or Removing Fixtures and Utility Boxes Lighting fixtures, mailboxes, drainpipes, and utility boxes are either masked off or temporarily removed to ensure a clean application.
Applying the Primer
Priming is a critical step that enhances the adhesion and durability of the topcoat.
Choosing the Right Primer for Different Surfaces We use primers tailored to different surfaces, ensuring the best adhesion and performance. Our Adhesive Primer Sealer (APS) is specially designed to bond with the substrate, providing exceptional adhesion.
The Benefits of APS Primer and Its Adhesion Properties The APS primer creates a strong bond with the surface, which is essential for the longevity of the topcoat. This primer has been tested and proven to perform well on various substrates.
Independent Lab Test Results: ASTM Test D4541 Independent testing shows our primer’s adhesion strength. For example, it achieves 289 PSI on concrete block and 358 PSI on wood, ensuring a robust and durable application.
Topcoat Application Process
The topcoat is the final layer that provides protection and enhances the appearance of your home.
Achieving the Right Thickness: From Application to Drying We apply the topcoat at a thickness of 16-18 mils, which dries to approximately 8-10 mils. This thick layer ensures long-lasting protection.
Ensuring a Durable and Protective Layer The topcoat is designed to be durable and withstand harsh weather conditions, UV rays, and other environmental factors.
Perfecting the Details: Touch-Ups
After the topcoat is applied, we focus on the details to ensure a flawless finish.
Avoiding Over-Spraying and Under-Spraying We carefully check for any areas that might have been over-sprayed or under-sprayed and correct them. On stucco for example we will ensure a backroll is completed to make sure each and every nook is covered.
Cleaning Up
We believe in leaving your property as clean as we found it, if not cleaner.
Removing Masking Tape and Debris All masking materials are removed, and any debris is cleaned up and disposed of properly. We take pride in our work and ensure your home looks pristine after the installation.
Final Inspection and Approval
The final inspection ensures everything is perfect and meets your satisfaction.
Conducting a Thorough Final Check We conduct a detailed inspection to ensure every part of the coating is perfect. Each Homeowner will conduct a walk through with our team leader for the completed project, ensuring you are happy with the results and addressing any concerns you might have.
Key Takeaways
At Rhino Shield of Southern California, we understand that choosing the right exterior coating is a big decision. Our detailed installation process ensures that your home not only looks beautiful but is also protected for the long term. While Rhino Shield may not be for everyone, it’s a fantastic option for those looking for durability, energy efficiency, and a great return on investment. If you’re ready to transform your home, contact us for a free, no-obligation quote. We’re here to help you every step of the way.