This exterior painting project just outside Coeur d’Alene in Athol, Idaho is a great example of how the right prep, materials, and attention to detail can completely elevate a property without changing its overall style. The project included a custom ranch-style home, an ADU, and a detached shop, all with a mix of siding types, architectural details, and finishes that required a thoughtful, well-planned approach.
The homeowners wanted to refresh the exterior while staying true to the original design. The goal wasn’t to completely change the look, but to clean it up, sharpen the contrast, and create a more polished, cohesive finish across the entire property.
Project Overview
This was a full exterior repaint across multiple structures, including bat and board siding, lap siding, soffits, fascia, gutters, window trim, garage doors, and exposed beams. Each surface needed to be treated a little differently, especially with the combination of wood and metal siding between the home and the shop.
For the main house and ADU, the color palette was built around Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior Satin in Thunder Gray and Caviar. These tones gave the home a clean, modern feel while still working with the natural surroundings. The darker Caviar accents added depth and contrast, especially on trim and architectural features.
The shop was finished using Sherwin-Williams Caviar in the Sherwin-Williams Pro Industrial line, designed specifically for metal surfaces. This ensured proper adhesion and long-term durability while still matching the overall aesthetic of the property.
Additional accent colors included Red Barn in Emerald Exterior Satin, which brought a subtle warmth to select areas, and Anew (Beige) White in Emerald Exterior Satin to balance out the darker tones and keep the overall look from feeling too heavy.
Our Process
Like all of our Coeur d’Alene painting projects, the process started with a full pressure wash to remove dirt, dust, and any loose material. This step is essential for getting paint to properly bond to the surface and hold up over time.
From there, we moved into detailed prep work. This included sanding rough areas, caulking seams and joints, masking off windows and surrounding surfaces, and protecting landscaping and concrete. On a project like this with multiple materials and elevations, prep work is where a lot of the quality really comes from.
We spot primed any raw wood and areas where the existing paint had worn down or failed. This creates a consistent base so the finish coats go on evenly and perform the way they’re supposed to.
For the siding on the home and ADU, we applied two coats of Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior. The first coat was sprayed and back-rolled to work the paint into the surface and ensure full coverage, especially on the bat and board siding. The second coat was sprayed for a smooth, even finish.
Trim, fascia, gutters, and soffits were all carefully finished to create clean, sharp lines and consistent coverage throughout. These details are what really bring the final look together.
The shop required a slightly different approach due to the metal siding. We used Sherwin-Williams Pro Industrial water-based acrylic, which is designed specifically for metal and provides strong adhesion and durability without sacrificing appearance.
The exposed beams and architectural accents were handled with extra care. These elements play a big role in the character of the home, so the goal was to enhance them without losing their natural feel.
Challenges & Considerations
Projects like this always come with a few moving parts. With multiple structures and a mix of siding types, keeping everything consistent takes planning and experience.
One of the biggest considerations was making sure the different materials all finished similarly, even though they required different products and application methods. Wood and metal behave very differently, so choosing the right system for each was key.
Weather in the Coeur d’Alene area is always something to factor in as well. We worked through conditions carefully to make sure each stage had the time it needed for proper drying and curing.
Maintaining clean lines across multiple elevations and transitions was another important piece. With a design like this, small inconsistencies can stand out quickly, so we focused heavily on precision throughout the process.
Final Results
The finished result is a clean, cohesive exterior that feels intentional from every angle. The combination of Thunder Gray and Caviar gives the home a strong, modern look, while the Red Barn and Anew White accents add just enough warmth and contrast to keep it balanced.
The shop ties in seamlessly with the rest of the property, even with the different material, and the entire space now feels unified and finished.
Beyond the visual upgrade, the home and shop are now properly protected with high-quality coatings built to handle the Inland Northwest climate. This is the kind of project that highlights what we focus on at Axiom Painting: solid prep, the right products, and attention to detail that holds up over time.
If you’re looking for exterior painting in Coeur d’Alene or the surrounding areas, this project is a strong example of how a well-executed paint job can elevate a home without overcomplicating it.
