Protecting and restoring the architectural heritage of one of Tacoma's most vibrant, culturally diverse neighborhoods. From classic Craftsman homes to mid-century moderns, we are 98408's trusted experts.
The Lincoln District is the vibrant, historic heart of South Tacoma. With the iconic Gothic architecture of Lincoln High School and the bustling commercial corridor along South 38th Street, living here means being part of a tight-knit community surrounded by century-old residential charm.
At Coles Painting, we understand that protecting older homes in the 98408 zip code requires specialized attention. Whether you are preserving original wood siding on a 1920s bungalow near Lincoln Park or modernizing the interior of a post-war home, our technicians use high-quality, climate-appropriate paints to ensure lasting beauty and durability.
The Lincoln District is celebrated for its historic, walkable residential streets. Treating these older homes requires specialized knowledge of classic building materials:
Built primarily between 1910 and 1930, these homes feature deep porches, exposed rafter tails, thick interior baseboards, and lath-and-plaster walls.
Our Approach:
We rigorously follow EPA Lead-Safe guidelines. We use stain-blocking oil primers to prevent tannin bleed from antique woodwork, and we carefully repair failing plaster with fiberglass mesh tape before applying premium leveling paints.
Found in the southern and eastern edges of the district, featuring lower-pitched roofs, cedar shakes, and brick accents.
Our Approach:
We specialize in restoring natural wood siding with penetrating oils. Inside, we can modernize spaces by limewashing dated brick fireplaces and painting over dark 1970s wood paneling using heavy-duty bonding primers.
The Lincoln District's central location in Tacoma exposes homes to a unique mix of environmental factors. The combination of nearby urban traffic (creating microscopic dust) and the heavy, continuous Pacific Northwest rainfall means your exterior paint works overtime to protect the wood framing beneath.
Inside, older homes often lack modern ventilation, meaning ambient moisture from cooking and heating can cause cheap paints to blister or harbor mildew.
"We bought an older Craftsman near Lincoln Park and the plaster walls were a disaster. The team at Coles Painting spent days just prepping, patching, and sanding before they even opened a paint can. They completely transformed our kitchen cabinets too. Best painters in South Tacoma, hands down."
— Mark & Jessica T., Lincoln District Residents
Painting a modern drywall room is one thing; painting a 100-year-old home is entirely different. Sanding woodwork without checking for lead paint can put your family in danger. Furthermore, carrying ladders around tight urban lots or using cheap tape that ruins authentic hardwood floors makes DIY a risky endeavor. Let our professionals handle the heavy lifting.
When hiring a contractor to enter your 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 Low-VOC (Sherwin/BM) | Cheap Contractor Grade |
| Insurance Status | Fully Licensed & Insured in WA | Often uninsured (You are liable) |
| Final Walkthrough | Manager Inspection Included | "Tail-light Guarantee" |
Yes. The Lincoln District features many homes built prior to 1978. Our team strictly follows EPA Lead-Safe guidelines. We take great care to safely scrape, encapsulate, and contain dangerous paint chips, protecting your property and family during all preparation work.
Absolutely. Older Craftsman homes near Lincoln High School often have cracked or failing plaster. 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.
Yes. We offer complete factory-finish cabinet refinishing for kitchens and bathrooms in the 98408 zip code. 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 modernize a vintage home without an expensive remodel.
Yes! Preparation is 80% of a good paint job. We move heavy furniture to the center of the room, wrap it in fresh plastic, and completely cover all flooring with thick builder's paper and secure painter's tape. Your antique hardwood floors will be perfectly safe.
We are in the 98408 area daily. Secure your free quote today!
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We take pride in serving the vibrant and historic communities of South Tacoma. Whether you're restoring a classic Craftsman near Lincoln Park or painting a modern property near South 38th Street, Coles Painting brings professional precision, deep local knowledge, and unmatched customer care to every project.