5 Crucial Preparation Steps For A Quality Exterior Paint Job

When the time comes to repaint the exterior of your home, it isn't as simple as slapping on a fresh coat of paint and calling it a day. Your exterior painting service should perform the following preparation tasks to ensure the new paint job looks good and lasts as long as possible. 

1. Cleaning

Cleaning is an important and often-overlooked preparation step. Removing pollen, dust, pollutants, and other dirt from the siding ensures that the primer and paint adhere evenly and smoothly. Cleaning may be as simple as rinsing the walls, or it may require more in-depth work such as pressure washing or scrubbing the siding with a deck brush.

2. Scraping

If there are any inconsistencies in the old paint, such as peeling or bubbling, then the surface must be scraped so that the surface is smooth. Otherwise, these inconsistencies will show through the fresh paint and will increase the likelihood of the new coat peeling or bubbling. Any surface to be painted may require scraping, including the siding, trim, and eaves. 

3. Repairs

Another benefit of scraping is that it gives the painter a close-up look of the entire home, so any damages are spotted. This includes cracks or holes in the siding or trim or the presence of any loose or rotting boards. Cracks and holes need to be filled with a paintable wood filter and then smoothed. Loose boards will need to be properly attached, and rotting boards require a full replacement. 

4. Sanding

Once all the siding and trim are clean and patched, the surface should be sanded. Sanding serves two purposes. First, it evens out badly roughened and uneven spots so that the paint goes on smoothly. It also adds some texture to the home's exterior, especially on areas where the old paint isn't scraped off, which will help the paint adhere better. Painting without sanding can increase the likelihood of bubbling or peeling paint in the future. 

5. Caulking

The final step before painting begins is removing the old caulk from around the windows and doors. It is then replaced with fresh paintable caulk. The reason for removal is simple — caulk does dry out and begin to crack over time, which can increase the likelihood of both water and air leaks. It makes sense to replace it when you repaint so you can ensure that the fresh caulk is painted to match your home's exterior

Contact an exterior painting service for more help.