The exterior of your home is the first thing that people see when they pull up in your driveway. Adding professional exterior painting services to your honey do list can add curb appeal and increased value to your home, providing you do your homework that is. Many homeowners are under the impression that all they need to do is add a new coat of paint and they are good to go, but the truth of the matter is you can purchase the highest quality paint available and still end up with an inferior finished product. The knowledgeable experts at Jeff the Painter are here to explain why the result of your finished product hinges on the prep work.
Do You have to Wash a House Before Painting?
The exterior of your home is exposed to dust, dirt and other types of contamination. If you paint the surface without cleaning them off, your paint will become sticky and difficult to manage so take the time to make sure your surfaces are clean and free of built up dirt and grime. This can be done in two ways – hand washing or using a pressure washer to clean all of your exterior surfaces.
Make Sure Exterior Walls are Dry Prior to Painting
This may sound like a no-brainer, but many homeowners make this simple mistake. Primer, caulk and paint do not adhere very well to moist surfaces especially ones that have been cleaned with a pressure washer. Give your outside surfaces at least 48 hours to dry out before you move on to the next step.
Do I Need to Scrape Off Old Paint Exterior
If you take a good look at the exterior of your home chances are you will see a few places where the paint is peeling off. You may be tempted to paint right over them but resist the urge to do so. Instead, purchase a quality paint remover with blade replacements. Proceed with caution as scrapers can damage the surface if you get too heavy handed. A painter’s mult-itool is a handy addition to your paint preparation arsenal to help you get into hard to reach areas and corners.
Repair Damage to Siding or Trim etc
Pay attention to any damaged areas of siding or trim and repair or replace them as needed. Nails will often work their way out of your siding and should be hammered back into place to ensure a smooth prep area for your new coat of paint.
Sandpaper for Wood Paint Prep
Sanding surface areas includes rough wood and fine sanding any remaining paint. Sanding surface areas will ensure a seamless transition between coats of paint. The best way to do this is to rent or purchase an orbital sander with some medium and fine grit sandpaper. Begin with the medium grit and use the fine grit for finish work. Once you have finished sanding be sure to wipe off the freshly sanded area with a soft cloth or blow the area down with an air compressor.
Do I Need to Prime Before Painting?
Once all of your surfaces are prepped and smooth it is recommended that you prime any exposed areas to ensure even coverage when you begin to paint. A good rule of thumb to follow is to select a good quality primer that is suitable for a variety of exterior surfaces.
Caulk Before or After Painting Exterior
While caulking certainly adds visual appeal to your homes exterior, you also need to keep in mind that caulk has a very important job to do. Caulk keeps moisture out of your home and protects it from damage. When applying caulk, be sure to pay close attention to butt joints, and any gaps around windows and doors etc. Avoid the cheap stuff and invest in a good quality caulking product. You are now ready for a new coat of paint.
Interior & Exterior Painting & More in San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside, Encinitas, Carlsbad & Escondido, California
Contact the knowledgeable experts at Jeff the Painter to learn more about professional exterior preparation and painting services for your San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside, Encinitas, Carlsbad & Escondido, California home and schedule your color consultation today.