Refresh appearance and protect your building envelope. TORCH specifies prep and coating systems for masonry, metal, wood, stucco, and concrete—delivering durable, weather‑ready finishes for Western New York.
What we paint & protect
- Masonry facades (brick, block, concrete, stucco)
- Wood siding/trim, soffits, and fascia
- Metals (steel, galvanized, aluminum; railings, lintels, storefront frames)
- Exterior doors & frames, canopies, and site structures
Coating systems we use (by substrate/need)
- Acrylic exterior paints (latex) for most wood/masonry topcoats; schedule around temperature/humidity windows for best results.
- Elastomeric wall coatings for masonry/stucco where crack‑bridging and wind‑driven‑rain resistance are needed (breathable/vapor‑permeable options).
- Epoxy + polyurethane systems for high‑wear or chemical‑exposed areas (bollards, mechanical pads, splash zones).
- Zinc‑rich primers on steel for long‑term corrosion protection under epoxy/urethane builds.
- Silane/siloxane water‑repellent sealers for porous concrete/masonry where clear repellency—not film build—is desired. (Installed per manufacturer data; ask us for spec.)
Surface preparation (the make‑or‑break)
We prep per industry standards so coatings adhere and last.
- Hand/Power tool cleaning (SSPC‑SP 2 / SP 3) where blasting isn’t appropriate.
- Abrasive blast cleaning (e.g., NACE/SSPC No.3 SP‑6 Commercial Blast) for steel with heavy rust/scale.
- Substrate repairs: tuckpoint, patch, caulk, spot‑prime, then topcoat per system DFT.
Weather & scheduling
We plan around temperature, humidity, and dew point so films cure properly. Many exterior acrylics perform best when air/surface temps are roughly 35–100°F with low humidity (manufacturer‑specific). We’ll schedule in the Rochester spring/fall weather windows for optimal results.
Lead‑safe compliance (pre‑1978)
If your building predates 1978, disturbing old paint may require EPA RRP lead‑safe procedures and certified crews. We follow required work practices to control dust and keep occupants safe.
Our process
- Assessment & testing – Substrate survey, moisture checks, and (if applicable) lead screening.
- Spec & estimate – Surface prep standard, primers/topcoats, DFT, and warranty terms.
- Mockups (as needed) – Color/texture samples to align expectations.
- Prep – Repairs, cleaning, and surface profiling per spec; mask/protect adjacent areas.
- Apply – Measured coverage and DFT; weather‑aware scheduling.
- QC & closeout – Touch‑ups, cleanup, labeled leftover paint, and care guidelines.
Why TORCH
- Specs tailored to Rochester freeze‑thaw and UV exposure
- Compliance with RRP lead‑safe rules when applicable
- Experienced crews; tidy jobsites; clear communication
- Fully insured; COIs on request
FAQ
What temps can you paint outside?
Most exterior acrylics have recommended ranges (often ~35–100°F) with lower humidity preferred; we follow the specific manufacturer’s data and schedule accordingly.
When do you choose elastomeric vs. standard paint?
On masonry/stucco with hairline cracking or wind‑driven rain exposure. Elastomerics bridge small cracks and remain breathable to let moisture escape.
How do you prevent rust from returning on steel?
Aggressive prep (up to SP‑6 blast where appropriate) plus zinc‑rich primer under epoxy/urethane topcoats provides robust corrosion resistance.
What if the building is pre‑1978?
We follow EPA RRP requirements for lead‑safe work practices to control dust and protect occupants.