Are you ready to take on the task of painting the exterior of your home to give it a refreshed and modern, new appearance? Have you researched how to properly prepare the surface before you paint to make sure it doesn’t start to peel, bubble, or look dirty after your project is complete? If your answer is “no,” then you’re in the right place. Preparation is absolutely essential to the success of this project, and without taking the proper steps, you could find that you’ve just wasted tons of your money and time. Read on to learn six steps for prepping your home for exterior painting.
1. Power Wash & Clean the Exterior
Washing the outside of your house, whether it’s made from brick or siding, is incredibly important. If you don’t, your final product could look dirty and grimy, despite the fact that you just put a new coat of paint on your home. You can rent a pressure-washer or buy one, and even though just cleaning it with water should be enough to get the job done, you can still use cleaning additives for a more thorough clean.
2. Remove Any Existing Paint & Dry
Be sure to scrape away any existing paint on the outside of your home. If it’s flaking or peeling, applying a new coat of paint over the top will just highlight these imperfections. Afterward, allow your home at least 24 hours to completely dry before moving to the next step.
3. Repair Cracks & Fill Seams
Any cracks in brick or siding, seams of windows and doors, or gaps between the flashing and gutters should be caulked and filled before painting. Not only will this provide the best results, but it’s also important to maintain the exterior of your home.
4. Pick the Type & Color of Paint
There are hundreds of colors of exterior paint out there, and to pick the right one, you’ll need to know what factors to consider, like the type of material you’ll be painting. Consulting with a professional can ensure that you choose the best option for your unique project.
5. Protect Exterior Décor & Landscaping
If you have a front or back patio, décor, or landscaping surrounding your house that could be affected by exterior painting, be sure to protect these. Place lightweight, clear tarp over them and apply painters’ tape around the trim to protect it. It’s also a good idea to trim back any foliage before you begin your project.
6. Apply the Primer & Paint
Finally, the step you’ve been waiting for! Apply an even coat of primer to help the paint properly adhere to the exterior of your home. Once that has dried, you can go on to apply several coats of even paint to make sure that there aren’t any thin layers that show the old paint underneath.
Preparation is the most important part of painting the exterior of your home, and it involves purchasing and renting several tools and appliances, which can add to your project bill. Instead, consider getting trusted results from professional painters who are experienced and prepared to do all of this with careful attention to detail!
About Platinum Painting of Allen
Our team at Platinum Painting of Allen has years of experience painting residential buildings, and we’re committed to providing top-notch results. That’s why we offer homeowners a satisfaction guarantee, and we’ll never leave a project that doesn’t live up to your standards. To learn more about the process of exterior painting or schedule a free estimate, visit our website or call 469-965-1863.