Are you getting ready to transform the exterior of your home with a fresh coat of paint? A professional paint job can significantly boost your home’s curb appeal and value, but before the professional painters arrive, there are a few critical steps you, as a homeowner, can take to ensure a high-quality and streamlined process for your home exterior painting.
How to Prepare for Professional Exterior Painting
#1: Assess the Condition of Your Home’s Exterior
The first step in preparing for professional exterior painting is thoroughly evaluating your home’s exterior. Check for any visible damage like cracks, rot, and loose materials, as these could impact the quality of the painting work. Look carefully at your home’s siding, windowsills, doors, and other wooden elements. Remember, paint is more than an aesthetic feature; it also provides a protective layer against the elements.
If you encounter any issues that go beyond simple fixes, make a note and discuss them with your painting professionals before the big day. They can advise on whether these issues need to be addressed before painting, either by you or a handyman.
#2: Remove Contaminants from Existing Home Exterior Painting
Prior to step number three (cleaning), you must first remove contaminants from the exterior of your home, such as lead-based paint, mold, and mildew. Here’s how to go about it.
Dealing with Lead-Based Paint
Though lead paint was banned in 1978, it still lurks on the walls of many homes. If your home was built before this time, there’s a chance you might have lead-based paint on your exterior walls. It’s essential not to attempt to scrape or sand lead paints yourself due to the health risks associated with lead dust. A contractor certified in lead abatement should handle the removal of the lead-based paint before the project begins. You can purchase a lead testing kit from most home improvement stores to determine if your old paint contains lead.
Tackling Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are common contaminants, especially in humid areas. They often present as black, green, or brown stains with a fuzzy appearance. If you’re unsure whether a stain is mold, mildew, or just dirt, apply ordinary bleach to it. If it disappears, you’ve just dealt with some mold or mildew.
Consider using an EPA-registered micro biocide or fungicide for a more thorough clean. There are also many effective, highly concentrated cleaning products available that can remove not only mold and mildew but also grime, grease, and oil.
#3: Clearing and Cleaning the Exterior
To ensure a smooth painting process, the next step involves clearing away any objects around your home that could hinder the painters or get damaged during the work. This includes outdoor furniture, garden hoses, decorations, and even plants too close to the walls. Ensure there’s ample space for the painters to move around safely and efficiently.
Once the surroundings are cleared, it’s time to clean the exterior of your house. Dirt, dust, and other debris can affect paint adherence, resulting in a less effective and less attractive paint job. Consider renting a power washer or hiring a professional exterior cleaning service. Be careful if you decide to do it yourself; improper use of a power washer can cause damage.
#4: Repairing Broken Exteriors
A fresh coat of paint should be applied to a clean, smooth surface for the best results. Now that you have cleaned, you can return to your completed initial assessment that revealed any cracks, holes, or areas of rot; these will need to be addressed before painting can begin. This might involve filling minor cracks, replacing rotting wood, or repairing damaged siding.
#5: Sand the Exterior Walls
Sanding the exterior walls is essential for achieving a lasting bond between the coats of paint. While it might be tempting to skip this step, especially when using oil-based paint, it’s crucial to take the time to create a professional exterior painting job that lasts.
Sanding refreshes the surfaces of weathered wood, providing a proper mechanical bond for the new home exterior painting project. Start with medium-grit sandpaper for rough surfaces. For areas where glossy or semi-gloss paint will be used, such as door and window trims, make another pass with a fine-grit sandpaper. This will ensure the new paint adheres properly and lasts longer, giving you a finish that looks great for years to come.
#6: Prime Anything That Hasn’t Been Primed
Priming helps new paint stick to previously painted surfaces and provides a uniform base that enhances the color and sheen of your paint. Any areas where old paint has peeled off must be primed, but for a truly cohesive and professional-looking job, prime the entire house.
The primer you choose will depend on the type of paint you plan to use. Suppose you’re painting over an existing home exterior painting oil-based paint with latex paint. In that case, you’ll need either an exterior latex primer or an oil-based primer recommended for repainted surfaces.
When selecting a primer, consider its color. A light-colored primer or one that complements your paint color is often the best choice. Priming becomes even more important if you’re significantly changing your house’s color. Remember, once you’ve primed, paint over all primed surfaces to achieve a professional, uniform look.
#7: Make Arrangements for Pets and Kids
Finally, don’t forget to consider your family members—both two-legged and four-legged. Painting can be messy, and you don’t want children or pets wandering into a work area. Make sure to have plans to keep them safe and out of the way while the painters are working.
Ready for a Professional Paint Job? Call Paintmaster Services Inc. Today!
Prepping your home for exterior painting might seem like a lot of work, but it’s all worth it in the end when you see the beautiful transformation. Remember, the more thorough the preparation, the smoother the painting process and the more stunning the results.
Paintmaster Services Inc. is committed to providing top-quality exterior painting services tailored to your home’s needs. Our experienced team of painters is ready to help you achieve a beautiful, long-lasting paint job that will be the envy of your neighborhood. Don’t think you can complete all those steps above alone; no worries! We can provide expert guidance on how to proceed and even supply some of the work for you.
Are you ready to take the next step toward transforming your home’s exterior? Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your painting project. We look forward to working with you!
Michael Duarte, one of the four current owners of Paintmaster Services, oversees the Residential Division, ensuring exceptional service and quality for homeowners. With years of experience in the painting industry, Michael brings a passion for craftsmanship and customer satisfaction to every project. His leadership helps guide the team in delivering beautiful, lasting results for every client.
