Protecting and restoring the architectural heritage of Tacoma's birthplace. From waterfront condos along Ruston Way to steep hillside Victorian estates, we are 98403's trusted experts.
As the birthplace of Tacoma, Old Town represents a stunning slice of local history perfectly situated on the shores of Commencement Bay. With landmarks like the Job Carr Cabin Museum and the vibrant waterfront trail along Ruston Way, homes in this neighborhood enjoy sweeping views and profound historical character.
At Coles Painting, we understand that working on homes in the 98403 zip code requires an elevated level of care and expertise. Whether you are preserving the intricate interior millwork of an 1890s Victorian perched on the hillside or weatherproofing a modern coastal condo on the water, our technicians have the knowledge to protect your property against both time and the elements.
Old Town boasts an incredible concentration of distinct residential styles spanning over 130 years. Treating these homes correctly requires specialized knowledge of high-end and historical building materials:
Found clustered on the steep hillsides above the water, featuring delicate gingerbread trim, intricate gables, and original plaster interiors.
Our Approach:
We adhere strictly to EPA Lead-Safe guidelines to safely prep these older exteriors. Inside, we carefully repair failing plaster with fiberglass mesh tape and use stain-blocking oil primers to prevent tannin bleed from century-old antique woodwork.
Homes situated directly along Ruston Way, designed to maximize views of the Sound and Mt. Rainier, often with modern materials and HOAs.
Our Approach:
Intense natural light reflecting off the water exposes interior wall imperfections. We use Level 5 drywall finishing and glare-reducing premium acrylics. We also specialize in zero-VOC interior applications ideal for multi-unit shared ventilation.
Old Town's prime coastal location means your home is in the direct path of severe marine weather. The combination of intense afternoon sun, high wind-driven rain rolling across Commencement Bay, and heavy salt air is relentless.
This extreme exposure rapidly degrades standard paints. The salt acts as an abrasive, breaking down pigment binders, while moisture forces its way into tiny cracks in historic siding, leading to rapid peeling and hidden wood rot.
"We own an older historic home tucked onto the steep hillside above Ruston Way. The original exterior woodwork was starting to fail due to the weather off the Sound, and the interior plaster needed serious attention. Coles Painting was incredibly professional. They handled the difficult ladder work safely, restored our plaster walls, and the exterior looks flawless. They truly respected the home's heritage."
— Eleanor & Mark T., Old Town Residents
Painting an exterior in Old Town is rarely a weekend DIY project. Setting up ladders safely on the steep, graded slopes of North 30th Street is incredibly dangerous without professional leveling tools. Furthermore, scraping a 120-year-old Victorian without Lead-Safe containment puts your family and neighbors at severe risk. Let our certified professionals handle the demanding prep work safely.
When hiring a contractor to protect your historic or waterfront property, 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 | White-Glove: Heavy Paper & Plastic | Canvas tarps only (Spill risk) |
| Historic Home Prep | Lead-Safe Certified & Plaster Repair | Paints over failing plaster |
| Paint Quality | Premium Marine/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. As the historic birthplace of Tacoma, Old Town features many homes built in the late 1800s. 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 during preparation.
Homes along the Old Town waterfront receive intense saltwater spray and high winds. We perform a thorough neutralizing wash and utilize marine-grade 100% acrylic paints and rust-inhibitive primers to ensure the finish withstands the harsh coastal elements without prematurely peeling.
Absolutely. Older historic homes on the hillsides often have cracked or failing plaster from years 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.
Yes. We offer complete factory-finish cabinet refinishing for kitchens and bathrooms in luxury condos and townhomes. We remove the doors, spray them in a controlled environment, and carefully paint the boxes in your home using low-VOC enamels for a flawless, modern look.
We are on the waterfront daily. Secure your free quote today!
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We take pride in serving the beautiful, historic communities of North Tacoma. Whether you're painting a classic 19th-century home in Old Town or protecting a modern view condo along Ruston Way, Coles Painting brings professional marine-grade precision, deep local knowledge, and unmatched customer care to every project.