There are few home improvement projects as exciting and engaging as exterior painting – not only will this task allow you to show off your taste in style, but it can also greatly raise your home’s overall value. That said, as enthusiastic as you might be, you can’t simply dive into a painting project without first taking care of a few key steps. Here are some tasks you should be sure to complete before breaking out the paint cans and rollers, to ensure the future success of your project!
Step #1. Pressure Wash Your Walls
Paint needs a clean, smooth surface to properly adhere to, meaning that before you can even think about picking up your brush or roller, you’ll want to get your hands on a pressure washer. While keeping the water pressure level somewhere between 1500 and 2000 psi, you should remove any cobwebs, dust, or dirt that’s stuck to your walls. You should make a point to do this at least every year, to keep your paint in good shape – but it also needs to be done prior to any sort of painting project.
Step #2. Repair Any Damaged Surfaces
Paint doesn’t just add color to walls – it also protects them from excess wear and damage. However, if your walls have already sustained physical damage, it makes no sense to simply paint over it, as the paint isn’t going to reverse anything. Instead, repair any damaged surfaces before you begin painting. Address any cracks in the foundation, rotting construction materials, or even small dings and dents beforehand to ensure lasting, consistent paint results.
Step #3. Remove Loose Paint and Caulk Trim
It’s wise to remove any loose, cracking, peeling, bubbling, or otherwise compromised paint before you begin painting your home’s exterior. Painting over flakey paint is not ideal, since it doesn’t provide a smooth surface for your new paint. Plus, there’s also the chance that your new paint might not fully hide the underlying layer. You can use different tools, like paint scrappers or even a pressure washer, to remove loose paint. You should also use caulk to re-trim the boards, windows, garage, or any other areas of siding.
Step #4. Protect Your Doors, Lights, and Windows
You will also need to cover anything that you don’t want to get paint on – it’s an inherently messy process! You can use sheets or tarps to cover up any landscaping, sidewalks or pathways, cars, outdoor furniture, or other objects that need to be protected. Don’t forget the electrical and utilities boxes! Likewise, use tape to protect the borders of your doors, windows, and light fixtures.
Painting might seem like a time-consuming process, especially when you factor in all of the necessary preparation – but every one of these steps is crucial for ensuring gorgeous, time-tested results!
About Platinum Painting of Plano
Our team here at Platinum Painting of Plano has proudly served homeowners in Plano and all around the surrounding DFW metroplex for over 15 years. We’re able to offer assistance with a wide range of interior and exterior painting projects for commercial and residential purposes. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to schedule a FREE in-home estimate, please reach out online or give us a call today for more information. Telephone: (469) 965-1863.