Surface preparation and restoration for residential and commercial painting projects across Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley, and the East Bay. Most homes and buildings need some level of repair before new paint goes on. Integrity Paint and General Contracting handles drywall repair, wood rot replacement, plaster patching, stucco repair, caulking, sanding, pressure washing, and texture matching in-house so there is no gap between prep and painting. One crew does both.
Paint does not fix bad surfaces. It exposes them. Cracks, holes, rot, peeling, and texture damage all show through a fresh coat of paint and often cause new paint to fail within months. That is why we spend more time prepping than painting on every project.
Proper surface preparation is the difference between a paint job that lasts two years and one that lasts ten. It is also the most common corner that gets cut by painters trying to finish fast. We do not skip it.
Every painting estimate from Integrity Paint includes a detailed surface assessment. If walls need patching, trim needs caulking, siding has rot, or stucco is cracking, we identify it upfront, include it in the scope, and handle it before the first coat of primer goes on.
Holes, cracks, nail pops, water damage, and skim coating. We patch and repair drywall to a smooth, paint-ready finish. Small repairs are handled as part of any interior painting project. Larger drywall jobs including water damage restoration and full wall resurfacing are scoped separately. We match existing texture so repairs blend seamlessly with surrounding walls.
Window sills, door frames, fascia boards, eaves, siding sections, and trim. Wood rot is the most common issue we find during exterior painting assessments in Oakland and the East Bay. Marine layer moisture, rain, and years of deferred maintenance cause rot that compromises both the structure and the paint. We remove damaged wood, replace it with primed lumber or composite material, and paint to match. Every exterior painting estimate includes a rot inspection.
Cracks, crumbling sections, water damage, and loose plaster over lath. Oakland has thousands of pre-war homes with original plaster walls and ceilings. These require different repair techniques than modern drywall. We patch, skim, and restore plaster surfaces to a smooth finish that holds paint. We do not recommend covering plaster with drywall when repair is the better option.
Cracks, chips, water intrusion damage, and texture matching on stucco exteriors. Stucco is one of the most common exterior surfaces across Oakland, San Leandro, Hayward, and the East Bay flatlands. We patch damaged areas, match the existing texture, and apply elastomeric coatings that seal and protect. Stucco repair is almost always part of an exterior painting project on stucco homes.
Exterior walls, siding, stucco, concrete, decks, and fences. Pressure washing removes dirt, mold, mildew, chalking paint, and surface contaminants so primers and topcoats bond properly. We adjust pressure and technique based on the surface. Low-pressure soft washing for stucco and delicate wood. Higher pressure for concrete and durable siding. Pressure washing is included as part of our exterior painting prep, not offered as a standalone cleaning service.
The age and diversity of East Bay housing stock means we see a wide range of surface issues. These are the most common problems we identify during painting estimates.
Pre-War Homes (Pre-1940s) – Original plaster walls with cracking or separation from lath. Multiple layers of old paint, some containing lead. Wood window sills and trim with decades of moisture exposure. Found throughout Oakland, Piedmont, Alameda, and Berkeley.
Mid-Century Homes (1940s-1970s) – Early drywall installations with nail pops and joint cracking. Textured ceilings including popcorn (some containing asbestos in pre-1980 homes). Wood siding with deferred maintenance. Common in Oakland Hills, Orinda, Lafayette, and San Leandro.
Stucco Homes (All Eras) – Hairline and structural cracking from settling and seismic activity. Water intrusion behind stucco causing hidden damage. Chalking and fading from UV exposure. Prevalent across the Oakland flatlands, San Leandro, Hayward, and Concord.
Hillside Properties – Moisture damage on shaded north-facing walls. Sun damage and fading on south and west exposures. Wood rot in fascia and eaves from fog and condensation. Found in Oakland Hills, Piedmont, Kensington, and Orinda.
Prep and Paint Under One Roof – We do not subcontract surface prep. The same crew that repairs your walls, replaces rot, and patches stucco is the crew that primes and paints. No handoffs. No gaps.
Owner on Every Project – Benjamin inspects surfaces during the estimate, reviews repairs during the project, and walks the finished result with you.
Honest Assessment – We tell you what needs repair and what does not. If a surface is sound and just needs cleaning and priming, we will not sell you unnecessary work.
Lead-Safe Certified – EPA RRP certified for work on homes built before 1978. Proper containment, wet methods, HEPA filtration, and disposal on every project involving lead paint.
Licensed, Bonded, and Insured – CSLB licensed with full liability and workers compensation coverage.
4.9-Star Google Rating – Consistent results across hundreds of projects.
We provide surface preparation and restoration services across Oakland and the East Bay as part of our painting projects. Select your city below to learn about our services in your area.
Here are the most common questions Oakland and East Bay homeowners ask about surface preparation and restoration. If you do not see your question here, give us a call and we are happy to help.
Surface preparation is included in every painting project we do. We also take on standalone repair projects like drywall repair, wood rot replacement, and stucco patching when the scope warrants it. Most of our surface restoration work is done in conjunction with interior or exterior painting.
Small drywall repairs like nail pops, small holes, and hairline cracks are typically included in interior painting estimates at no additional charge. Larger repairs including water damage, full sheet replacement, or extensive skim coating are scoped and priced separately based on the extent of the damage. We provide exact pricing after assessing the surfaces in person.
We remove all damaged wood down to solid material, then replace with primed lumber or composite material cut to match. Replacement pieces are primed, caulked, and painted to match the surrounding surface. Wood rot repair is included in exterior painting estimates when identified during the assessment.
Yes. We are EPA RRP certified for lead-safe work practices on homes built before 1978. This includes proper containment, wet scraping methods, HEPA filtration, and compliant disposal. Lead paint is common in Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley, and Alameda homes built before 1978.
Drywall is the standard wall material in homes built after the 1940s. Plaster over wood lath is found in older pre-war homes. The repair techniques are different. Drywall is patched with joint compound and tape. Plaster requires compatible patching materials and often needs to be built up in layers to match the original thickness and hardness. We handle both.
Most homeowners benefit from surface restoration every 1 to 3 years depending on exposure to elements, shade, moisture levels, and surrounding environment. Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your exterior.
Yes. Pressure washing is a standard step in our exterior painting prep process. We remove dirt, mold, mildew, chalking paint, and loose debris so primers bond properly. We adjust pressure based on the surface type to avoid damage.
Yes. We match orange peel, knockdown, skip trowel, smooth, and custom textures. Proper texture matching is critical so repairs are invisible once painted. This is especially important in older Oakland homes where wall textures may not be standard.
It is the most important part of any painting project. Paint applied over damaged, dirty, or improperly prepared surfaces will peel, crack, or fail prematurely. Thorough surface prep is what makes the difference between a paint job that lasts three years and one that lasts ten.
Get a free estimate that includes a full surface assessment. We serve Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley, and communities across the East Bay.
See what Oakland and East Bay homeowners are saying about working with Integrity Paint and General Contracting. Every review is from a verified Google customer.
