What are the different stages of exterior painting preparation? Painting the exterior of your home is a significant investment that can enhance its curb appeal and overall value.
However, the success of any paint job largely depends on the preparation work done before the first brush stroke. There are various levels of preparation to ensure a smooth and long-lasting paint finish.
Read on as we explain in detail the different levels of exterior painting preparation.
What is the importance of Proper Preparation for Exterior Painting?
Before we dive into this level, let’s examine why proper preparation is required for an exterior painting project.
Protection of Surfaces: One thing to note is that adequate preparation helps protect surfaces from damage caused by the painting process. It involves covering or masking off areas that should not be painted, such as windows, doors, and landscaping. This step is crucial in preventing accidental spills or overspray, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Longevity of the Paint Job: Thorough preparation also lays the foundation for a durable and long-lasting paint job. If you properly clean, repair, and prime the surfaces, the new paint adheres correctly and resists premature peeling, blistering, or fading.
What are the different Stages of Preparation for Exterior Painting?
Stage One: Elimination of impurities
Despite the prohibition of lead paint since 1978, lead paint can still be seen on the walls of several homes. So, if you have reason to believe there is lead present, refrain from attempting to remove it by scraping or sanding and avoid any washing. Before commencing the project, a contractor possessing the necessary certification in lead abatement must be responsible for removing the paint. Conduct a paint test before continuing any other preparations for external painting.
Another impurity to remove is mold or mildew, which is common in regions with high humidity. To remove this, search for dark-colored stains that may exhibit a fuzzy texture, such as black, green, or brown. If you are uncertain whether a stain is mold, mildew, or dirt, you can use regular bleach. If the substance fades or loses color, you have successfully eliminated some mold or mildew.
What are the different stages of exterior painting preparation? Stage Two: Washing the Exterior Surface
Thoroughly cleansing the outside surfaces of the house before painting promotes optimal adhesion of the new paint. To expedite this stage of the procedure, you may employ a power washer to clean the entire house if there is already paint on it. Pressure washing can be considered an alternative for cleaning discolored walls; however, it is advisable to choose milder alternatives based on the wood’s condition.
Avoid using a power washer on a house with softwood siding, as it can damage the wood. Redwood or cedar, mainly when aged and exposed to the elements, requires manual cleaning through scrubbing with detergent and water.
While it may seem convenient to spray off a home’s exterior and assume it is sufficiently clean, opting for this method may lead to future regret, as the paint may not adhere properly to the aged surface. Each minute dedicated to thorough house cleaning contributes to achieving an exceptional paint job and ensuring a contented client by the end of the day.
Stage Three: Conduct necessary repairs and eliminate peeling paint.
Thoroughly inspect the house for any signs of damage and flaking paint. You may need to patch holes, seal surfaces with caulk, and remove loose paint. Ensure that paint that does not adhere well is thoroughly removed by manually scraping it.
An alternative approach involves eradicating the substance using a rigid metallic wire brush or a power sander equipped with a paint-stripping accessory.
Scrape the wood in the same direction as its grain. When handling wood shakes, it is essential to note that fragments of the steel wire may become embedded in the delicate wood. Extract all of these components manually. Failure to do so can result in paint damage and subsequent wood deterioration. When dealing with peeling paint, wearing a dust mask, respirator, work gloves, and eye protection is imperative.
What are the different stages of exterior painting? Stage Four: Prepare the exterior walls by sanding them.
It is essential to sand the external walls to establish a genuine mechanical link between the layers of paint. Insufficiently roughening the surfaces can initially result in a visually appealing paint job, but after time, various imperfections become apparent. If you are dealing with oil-based paint, you may feel inclined to begin painting right away. This is because oil paint has a strong affinity for the previous layer, allowing it to adhere well and provide a visually pleasing result. However, to guarantee satisfied returning customers, it is crucial to meticulously perform the sanding process to provide a durable paint job.
Use medium-grit sandpaper to renew worn-out wood surfaces. To get a smooth finish on glossy or semi-gloss painted surfaces, such as door and window trim, it is advisable to sand them again using fine-grit paper. Thoroughly sanding all existing paint to create a rough surface prepared to receive the new paint is imperative. Sanding is a vital stage in any paint job.
What are the different stages of exterior painting? Stage Five: Priming the walls
Priming is also beneficial in promoting the adhesion of fresh paint to surfaces that have been previously painted. To ensure a uniform and aesthetically pleasing paint job, it is necessary to prime the entire house. Additionally, it is essential to prime any areas where the old paint has already peeled off. Priming is necessary when applying latex paint over an area that currently has an oil-based paint. Select an exterior latex primer or an oil-based primer designed especially for repainted external surfaces per your paint selection.
Select a pale-toned primer or one that complements the paint color you intend to apply. Priming becomes crucial if you are substantially changing the house’s color. After using a primer, ensure you paint every prepped surface without exception.
After completing the priming process, you are prepared to commence the painting task. So, get ready for your painting gears and begin the painting task whenever you have a guarantee of favorable weather conditions.
However, remember that dedicating time to preparation will provide long-term benefits, such as achieving a high-quality paint job that satisfies your clients and endures for an extended period.
The Link Solutions Painting Difference
If you’re ready to transform the exterior of your Boston MetroWest home, contact Link Solutions Painting today. Our team of experts will assess your needs, provide a detailed quote, and guide you through the preparation process, ensuring a stunning and long-lasting paint job that exceeds your expectations. Check out our reviews on Google!
