Before you start on any paint job, it’s important to properly prepare the surfaces in which you will be painting. This is especially true for exterior surfaces, as they are exposed to outdoor elements and endure more wear and tear. Cleaning and repairing the surfaces before painting will ensure that the work you do will not only look great, but also last a lot longer. Surface prep is also vital for safety purposes, as you may not be aware of damage that lies beneath old paint or other debris.
Though it may save you time, painting exterior surfaces without properly cleaning and preparing them will only result in disappointment, and leave you with surfaces that will need attention sooner rather than later. Here are a few tips to think about when beginning any exterior paint project.
Sanding and Scraping
The surface you are painting has most likely been painted before, leaving it with old, possibly chipping, paint and debris. Before beginning your painting journey, scrape off any old paint and sand down all of the rough spots. This will leave you with a smooth surface, ready to take on the new paint. Painting over flaking paint or debris that is on the surface will cause the new paint to chip off, therefore leaving you with an uneven and sub-par finished product.
Power Washing
Since your exterior surfaces are exposed to many elements, there is sure to be dirt, grime, or some sort of debris built up on the surface. Similar to sanding and scraping old paint away, washing the grime off before you start painting will help the new paint adhere to the surface, making the end result look better and last longer. This can be done by power washing your surfaces before beginning work. Be sure to do this far enough in advance so that your surfaces have time to dry before you are ready to get started with the paint.
Surface Repairs and Caulking
As you are cleaning exterior surfaces to prepare them for paint, it’s the perfect time to perform any necessary repairs. You may need to fill holes or caulk surfaces before painting. Leaving damage unrepaired and simply painting over it could cause your painted surfaces to be uneven or not as smooth as you would like, and could even lead to safety concerns down the road. Repairing surface damage before painting will help protect the surface and structure, and leave you with an end result that you’re happy with.
Wood Replacement
Painting over damaged or rotten wood is a lost cause. The paint will usually crack, bubble, or fade, meaning your hard work, time, and money have all been a waste. Damaged or rotten wood is also a safety concern, and could be an indicator of a deeper issue. This should not be left unaddressed, and all damaged wood surfaces should be replaced prior to painting.
Call the Professionals
Taking time to prep your exterior surfaces prior to painting is sure to make all the difference. Not only will the finished product look better, but it will also last longer and help to eliminate any future safety concerns. To ensure the best possible outcome, contact U.S. Pro Painters for all of your exterior, and interior, painting needs!