Protecting and restoring the architectural heritage of University Place. From sweeping Puget Sound view homes to classic suburban ramblers, we are 98467's trusted painting experts.
University Place (often simply called "UP") offers an unbeatable combination of peaceful suburban living and breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled between Tacoma and the Puget Sound, homes here—especially those near Chambers Bay, Grandview Drive, or the secluded waterfront of Day Island—enjoy incredible views, but they also endure the brunt of the Pacific Northwest coastal climate.
At Coles Painting, we understand that working on homes in the 98467 zip code demands an elevated level of service and localized expertise. Whether you are weatherproofing a luxury view estate against saltwater winds or updating the interior of a classic mid-century rambler in central UP, our technicians have the knowledge to protect your property flawlessly.
University Place boasts a diverse mix of residential styles, from tucked-away waterfront pockets to classic, tree-lined suburbs. Treating these homes correctly requires specific preparation:
Found along Grandview Drive and the Chambers Creek area, featuring expansive glass facades, complex rooflines, and multi-level decking.
Our Approach:
Intense natural light reflecting off the Sound exposes every drywall imperfection. We use Level 5 drywall finishing techniques and ultra-flat premium acrylics inside. Externally, we apply highly durable elastomeric coatings to prevent siding cracks caused by wind shear.
Common throughout central UP, these established homes often feature wood or T1-11 siding, brick accents, and practical, family-oriented layouts.
Our Approach:
We specialize in modernizing these interiors by painting out dark, heavy wood trim and limewashing dated brick fireplaces. Externally, we thoroughly seal older wood siding with heavy-duty primers to prevent moisture damage at the panel seams.
Homes situated on the western slope of University Place, particularly near Day Island or the bluffs overlooking the Narrows, receive an incredible combination of intense afternoon sun and wind-driven rain rolling directly off the water.
This extreme exposure rapidly degrades standard paints. The salt acts as an abrasive, breaking down pigment binders, while the UV rays bake the siding. Eventually, moisture forces its way into tiny cracks, leading to rapid peeling and hidden wood rot.
"We own a home along Grandview Drive, and our exterior paint was peeling terribly due to the afternoon sun and saltwater air off the Sound. Coles Painting came out, did an extensive wash, and sealed the siding with high-end elastomeric paint. They also repainted our kitchen cabinets beautifully. The crew was incredibly respectful, and the results are stunning. Highly recommend!"
— Mark & Angela D., University Place Residents
Painting an exterior in a coastal environment is not a weekend DIY project. Failing to properly remove salt residue before applying new paint guarantees it will peel within a year. Furthermore, safely positioning ladders on the steep grades common near the bluffs is incredibly dangerous without professional scaffolding. Let our white-glove professionals handle the demanding prep work safely.
When hiring a contractor to protect your home 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal Preparation | Salt-removal wash & Elastomeric caulking | Basic wash (Paint fails quickly) |
| Floor & Furniture Protection | White-Glove: Heavy Paper & Plastic | Canvas tarps only (Spill risk) |
| 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. We specialize in painting waterfront and bluff-side properties. We use marine-grade primers, elastomeric sealants, and salt-resistant acrylic paints to combat the specific moisture and wind challenges along Puget Sound.
West-facing view homes receive intense afternoon UV exposure. We counteract this by thoroughly prepping the surface and utilizing premium 100% acrylic paints with advanced UV protectants to ensure the deep colors stay vibrant without chalking or fading prematurely.
We treat your home with absolute "white-glove" care. We move heavy furniture, wrap it in fresh plastic, and completely cover all flooring (including custom hardwoods and plush carpets) with thick builder's paper and secure painter's tape. Your floors will be perfectly safe while we work.
Yes. We offer complete factory-finish cabinet refinishing for kitchens and bathrooms in the UP area. 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. It's a great alternative to a full kitchen replacement.
We are in the UP area daily. Secure your free quote today!
(253) 478-2745100% Satisfaction Guarantee
We take pride in serving the beautiful, established communities of Pierce County. Whether you're painting a classic suburban home near Curran Apple Orchard or protecting a custom view estate near Chambers Bay, Coles Painting brings professional precision, deep local knowledge, and unmatched customer care to every project.