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Licensed, bonded & insured | WA contractor license #NEXTSSP812L1
House Painters on Lummi Island, WA
Exterior and interior painting for island homes, planned around the ferry and the salt air.
Next Step Painting is a Bellingham painting contractor that rides the county ferry from Gooseberry Point to paint homes on Lummi Island. We begin with a free walkthrough on the island, then send a written estimate with surfaces, prep, coats, timeline and price.
- Ferry crossingAbout 5 to 6 minutes
- AccessWhatcom Chief from Gooseberry Point
- ServicesExterior, interior, washing
- WA license#NEXTSSP812L1
Serving Lummi Island
Painting Contractor for Lummi Island Homes
Lummi Island is long and narrow, with a steep, higher south end that rises to about 500 feet and a flatter north end. Homes sit along the shoreline and up the slopes, and many belong to owners from elsewhere in the U.S. and Canada who spend summers on the island.
We paint those homes inside and out. Exterior painting and house washing make up most island work, since siding and decks take the brunt of the marine weather, but we also handle interior painting and cabinets.
Getting here is part of every island job. We travel from Bellingham to Gooseberry Point and ride the county ferry with our materials, the same as anyone else. The ferry takes no reservations, so we build each island work day around the posted run times.
Local conditions
Salt Air, Ferry Runs and Wells: Painting on Lummi Island
Island homes face conditions that mainland houses do not. Four of them change how we plan and prep a Lummi Island project.
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Salt and wind off the water
Every side of the island faces salt water. Salt residue builds up on siding, railings and window trim facing the water, and paint applied over it will not hold. A thorough wash and rinse before priming is the first thing we schedule.
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Dry summers, wet winters
The island has a marine climate with wet winters and dry summers. That makes summer the main window for exterior paint, which is also when the island is at its busiest with seasonal residents and visitors.
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Ferry schedule and dry dock
The county ferry runs on a posted schedule, with no runs during some refueling windows. Each spring the regular ferry goes into dry dock, and recent replacement service has been passenger-only, so we keep vehicle-based island work off the calendar during that period.
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Private wells and washing
Many islanders draw water from private wells, and local groups track well levels and summer water use. House washing uses water from the home's supply, so we ask about your water source at the walkthrough and plan the wash with that in mind.
Our residential and commercial painting services
Services for Lummi Island Homes and Cabins
These services are all available on the island. Exterior repaints start with a wash, and all island work is scheduled around ferry access.
Exterior Painting
Siding and trim prepared and painted for wet weather.
Exterior Painting in Bellingham
Commercial Painting
Exteriors and interiors for business properties.
Commercial Painting in Bellingham
Revitalize Your Home
Painting for Lummi Island homes and businesses, starting with a free walkthrough and a written estimate.
Planning your project
Planning a Painting Project on Lummi Island
Island projects take a bit more coordination than mainland ones. These steps keep them simple.
Check the ferry calendar
Before we set dates, we check the county's posted runs, refueling days and the spring dry dock. You can see the same information on the Whatcom County ferry schedule. Large equipment wider than 8.5 feet is charged as over-width on the ferry, which we account for when we plan what to bring.
Aim exterior work at summer
Dry summer weather is the window for siding, trim and decks. Our article on rain, moss and moisture explains why we wait for dry surfaces. Interior rooms can be scheduled in the off season.
Time the walkthrough to your visit
If you split your time between the island and somewhere else, book the walkthrough for a day you are on the island. The written estimate lays out surfaces, prep, coats, timeline and price, so you can review it after you leave. Contact us to set a date.
Questions
Lummi Island Painting Questions
Answers for Lummi Island homeowners and businesses. For general questions about estimates, licensing and preparation, see our painting FAQs.
Do you paint houses on Lummi Island?
Yes. Next Step Painting serves Lummi Island from our office in Bellingham. We paint exteriors and interiors, paint cabinets, repair drywall and wash houses and decks.
How do you get to the island?
We drive to Gooseberry Point and take the Whatcom County ferry, which crosses in about five to six minutes. The ferry does not take reservations, so we plan each day around its posted schedule.
Do you work on the island during the ferry dry dock?
We avoid it. During the annual spring dry dock the regular car ferry is out of service, so we schedule island work before or after that period.
My home is on a well. Can you still wash the house?
Usually, yes. We ask about your water source during the walkthrough and plan the wash around it. If water use is a concern, tell us and we will talk through options before anything is scheduled.
Can you paint my island home while I am away?
We need to walk the property with you first. After that, the written estimate spells out the full scope, so many owners approve the plan and coordinate access with us from off the island.
Does salt air change how you prep?
Yes. Surfaces facing the water collect salt residue, so we wash and rinse them carefully before priming. Paint bonds poorly over salt and grime.
Get in touch
Planning a Project in Lummi Island?
Call, email or send a photo of the project, and we will arrange a free walkthrough at your Lummi Island property.
Phone Number
(360) 255-3183Quickest way to book a walkthrough.
Email Address
[email protected]Send photos of the rooms, siding or cabinets.
Office Location
2428 Queen St, Bellingham, WA 98229We travel from Bellingham to Lummi Island.
Business Hours
Mon to Fri 9 am to 6 pmSaturday 10 am to 5 pm. Closed Sunday.