Protecting and restoring the architectural heritage of Tacoma's premier neighborhood. From classic Craftsman bungalows in Old Town to historic view estates in the Stadium District, we are 98403's trusted experts.
Boasting some of the most spectacular views in the Pacific Northwest, North Tacoma is a neighborhood defined by its rich history and stunning geography. From the iconic architectural marvels of the Stadium District overlooking Commencement Bay to the steep, winding streets of Old Town where Tacoma was originally founded, this area is home to an incredible concentration of late 19th and early 20th-century residences.
At Coles Painting, we understand that working on an older or historic home in the 98403 zip code requires specialized attention. Whether you are preserving the intricate stucco and half-timbering of a classic Tudor or weatherproofing the exterior siding of a bluff-side home against Puget Sound saltwater winds, our technicians use high-quality, climate-appropriate paints to ensure lasting beauty.
North Tacoma is celebrated for its historic, tree-lined residential streets. Treating these older homes correctly requires specialized knowledge of classic building materials:
Grand Tudor Revivals, Victorians, and Colonial homes featuring steeply pitched roofs, decorative half-timbering, brick and stucco exteriors, and intricate interior millwork.
Our Approach:
We carefully repair historic exterior stucco cracks with elastomeric sealants that flex with the building. Inside, we rigorously follow EPA Lead-Safe guidelines, use stain-blocking oil primers to prevent tannin bleed from antique woodwork, and restore plaster using fiberglass mesh tape.
Homes situated along the steep slopes overlooking Commencement Bay, featuring deep porches, exposed rafter tails, and heavy exposure to marine weather.
Our Approach:
We apply premium marine-grade elastomeric caulking around massive view windows to seal gaps against moisture and wind. We also use specialized scaffolding to safely navigate the steep, narrow lots common in Old Town.
North Tacoma's geography exposes it to a unique set of environmental threats. Homes positioned on the bluffs or in Old Town experience heavy morning fog, salt-tinged air, and continuous dampness rolling in from Commencement Bay and Puget Sound.
Simultaneously, east and north-facing homes receive intense, unshaded UV exposure as the sun reflects off the water. This combination means your exterior paint works overtime against moisture and fading. Over just a few seasons, cheap paint and rigid caulking will crack and peel.
"We own a 1910 Craftsman in Old Town with incredible views of the bay. The exterior siding was peeling badly due to the saltwater air, and the interior plaster needed a lot of work. Coles Painting handled the lead-safe prep perfectly, restored our plaster walls, and sealed the exterior with high-end marine paint. Their crew was incredibly clean and respectful of the property."
— Eleanor & Mark T., North Tacoma Residents
Painting a historic 100-year-old home on a steep bluff is entirely different from painting a modern suburban build. Scraping and sanding exterior siding or original windows without checking for lead paint puts your family and your neighbors at severe risk. Furthermore, using standard blue tape often ruins authentic fir hardwood floors inside. Let our certified professionals handle the demanding prep work safely.
When hiring a contractor to enter your historic Tacoma home, trust and accountability are everything. Here is how our professional crew compares to the average "guy with a brush."
| Service Feature | Coles Painting | Generic Painters |
|---|---|---|
| Floor & Furniture Protection | 100% Covered & Taped | Canvas tarps only (Spill risk) |
| Historic Home Prep | Lead-Safe Certified & Plaster Repair | Paints over failing plaster |
| Paint Quality | Premium Marine/Low-VOC | Cheap Contractor Grade |
| Insurance Status | Fully Licensed & Insured in WA | Often uninsured (You are liable) |
| Final Walkthrough | Manager Inspection Included | "Tail-light Guarantee" |
Yes. North Tacoma features a high concentration of homes built in the late 1800s and early 1900s that often contain lead-based paint on the exterior or original trims. Our team is fully EPA Lead-Safe certified. We take great care to safely scrape, encapsulate, and contain dangerous paint chips, protecting your property and family.
Absolutely. Older historic homes in Tacoma often have cracked or failing plaster from decades of settling. We use fiberglass mesh tape and setting-type joint compounds to restore these walls to a flawless, smooth finish before painting, ensuring the repair lasts for years without re-cracking.
Homes in North Tacoma deal with heavy moisture off Commencement Bay and intense saltwater air. We combat this by utilizing highly washable, mildew-resistant 100% acrylic marine-grade paints and elastomeric primers to completely seal your home's exterior, ensuring it stays protected from rot.
Yes. We offer complete factory-finish cabinet refinishing for kitchens, bathrooms, and historic built-ins throughout the 98403 area. We remove the doors, spray them in a controlled environment, and carefully paint the boxes on-site. It's a highly cost-effective way to update a home while preserving its character.
We are in the 98403 area daily. Secure your free quote today!
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We take pride in serving the vibrant and historic communities of North Tacoma. Whether you're restoring a grand mansion in the Stadium District or painting a classic view home in Old Town, Coles Painting brings professional marine-grade precision, deep local knowledge, and unmatched customer care to every project.