Taking the correct steps when preparing the exterior of your home for painting is important for a successful painting project. Speeding through these steps or skipping a step can seriously impact the quality of the project and the durability of the paint. Aside from the final step of taping, tarping, and applying plastic to the surfaces not to be painted, here are three critical preparation steps that every exterior painting project requires. JMJ Painters includes all these steps and more in every painting project we take on for our customers.
Examine the Walls
Thoroughly look at the entire surface of each exterior wall for damage. This may include chips in the siding, holes, exposed wiring, and stains. Also look for mold, mildew, and fungus. If any of these are present, make sure to fix the damage or remove the contaminant before painting. Addressing these issues before painting will prevent the damage or contaminants from spreading. It will also improve the quality of the painting project and, more importantly, eliminate any safety hazards.
While examining the walls, check to make sure any damage present hasn’t impacted the structural integrity of the home. If you’re unsure, contact a professional to ensure the structure doesn’t require major repairs before it is safe to paint.
Scrape and Wash the Walls
If there is any flaking or peeling paint, make sure to scrape it off before washing the walls. You can use a 5-in-1 tool to scrape off the paint. It is important to scrape before painting because if you paint over old paint that is flaking, the new paint will flake as well.
Next, use a pressure washer to thoroughly clean the walls and remove dirt, grime, and other loose debris. If the exterior has surface mold, it’s critical that you use a disinfecting agent while pressure washing to kill the surface mold. It’s important to take your time when washing the walls because having a clean surface when painting greatly improves the quality and durability of the painting project. If the surface isn’t clean, dirt, debris, and contaminants will get stuck between the siding material and the new paint. This will prevent the paint from properly adhering to the material and it will likely show signs of damage early and need repainting in the near future.
You may want to consider working with a professional on this step. Depending on the power of the pressure washer and other factors, this washing method can cause damage if it isn’t done properly. Also, always make sure the surface is completely dry before moving on to the next step. For all the painting projects we work on, JMJ Painters uses a specialized moisture meter to make sure the surface is at the proper moisture level required for paint adherence before we begin painting. Applying paint to a surface that is not fully dried can lead to bubbling as the water evaporates or other imperfections in the finish.
Apply Primer
This is the final step before starting to paint. Primer prepares the surface for painting and provides a clean and even surface that helps the paint adhere properly. It also helps paint look even once it dries and avoids differences in color on the wall.
It’s important to use the right kind of primer for your project. If your siding is flaking or has fibers coming off it, then you’ll want to use a binding primer. If you are painting fresh wood or wood with knots in it, then you’ll need to use an oil-based primer to prevent sap from leaking out. There are other details that can help determine the best primer for your project, but these need to be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the needs of the material you are painting.
Once you have completed these three steps, you’re ready to begin painting. The preparation and painting for a large project like painting your home’s exterior can be overwhelming. If you decide you would like to work with a professional painting company for your project, JMJ painters would love to partner with you and serve your family. We’ll take care of the preparation and all the other steps necessary to give you a high-quality painting experience. You can schedule a free estimate with us online or give us a call at (612) 255-3351.