To prepare your house for exterior painting, ensure a clean, smooth surface by removing contaminants, washing the home, repairing damages, and sanding rough spots. Remember to prime the walls before applying paint for an even and long-lasting finish.
Breathing new life into your home’s exterior with a fresh layer of paint is a fantastic way to refresh its look and boost curb appeal.
However, before you dive into painting, getting your house’s surface ready is crucial—unless you’re into the whole “peeling paint” aesthetic. Proper preparation will ensure the paint adheres well and the finish will be long-lasting.
Here are the necessary steps and expert tips to prepare your house for exterior painting, so grab a notepad, and let’s get to it.
Inspect and Assess the Surface
Before cleaning or painting, walk around your house and inspect the exterior. Note any areas with peeling paint, wood rot, or other damages that must be addressed.
Clean the Exterior of Your Home
First things first, let’s get your home’s exterior squeaky clean. Utilize a pressure washer or hose to eliminate dirt and debris from the walls. Use a cleaning solution designed for exterior surfaces to remove mold or mildew. Be sure to rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
Scrape and Sand Rough Spots
After the surface has been thoroughly cleaned, it is crucial to address any imperfections that could compromise the final result. Utilize a scraper to remove any paint that is loose or peeling meticulously. This step is essential to prevent future peeling and ensure a smooth surface for the new paint to adhere to.
Once the loose paint has been removed, sand down any rough spots. This process involves using a sanding tool to level out any uneven areas, creating a uniform surface that will yield a more professional-looking result.
It is recommended to apply paint or varnish directly for bare wood surfaces. This is because bare wood can absorb the paint or varnish, allowing for better adhesion and a more durable finish. However, ensuring the wood is smooth before application is essential.
Use fine-grit sandpaper, specifically between 120-180 grit to achieve the smoothest finish. This type of sandpaper is ideal for removing minor imperfections and creating a surface that’s smooth to the touch.
Remember, preparation is key when it comes to painting or varnishing. Taking the time to prepare the surface properly can make the difference between a paint job that looks professional and one that does not. It can also extend the life of your paint or varnish, saving you time and money in the long run.
Repair Any Damage
Fill in those pesky cracks, holes, or other damage with appropriate filler material like exterior-grade wood filler or caulking. This will ensure that the surface is even and smooth before you start painting.
Protect Surrounding Areas
Unless your plants and outdoor furniture are desperate for a makeover, cover them with plastic sheeting to prevent paint splatters. Apply painter’s tape around windows, doors, and other areas that should not be painted.
Prime Bare Wood Surfaces
Don’t skimp on a high-quality primer when painting over bare wood surfaces. This will help ensure that the paint adheres properly and lasts longer. Use a primer with a shellac base to spot-prime all knots and seal them.
Wood knots and sap streaks are easily sealed with primers with a shellac base. Although they have a strong smell, they dry rapidly and prevent the knot from showing through the top (finish) coat.
Choose The Right Type Of Paint
Select an exterior paint suitable for the type of surface you’re painting. Consider factors like your region’s climate, your home’s siding material, and the desired finish. Consult with paint professionals or read reviews to find the best paint for your needs.
Apply The Paint
Employ a brush, roller, or sprayer, depending on the size of the area being painted. Ensure a consistent coat of paint is applied over the entire surface. Use the appropriate techniques for each type of tool, such as “cutting in” with a brush around windows and doors or using a roller with an extension pole for hard-to-reach areas.
Allow Adequate Drying Time
Follow manufacturer instructions for drying time between coats – this will ensure that each layer has enough time to dry properly before applying another coat. Before you apply the second coat, you should leave the first coat for eight to ten hours to dry.
Key Takeaways
- Inspect and assess the exterior before starting any preparation.
- Clean the surface thoroughly, using a cleaning solution designed for exterior surfaces to remove mold or mildew.
- Scrape and sand rough spots using fine-grit sandpaper for the smoothest finish.
- Repair any damage with appropriate filler material like exterior-grade wood filler or caulking.
- Protect surrounding areas with plastic sheeting and painter’s tape to prevent paint splatter.
- Use a high-quality primer before applying paint to bare wood surfaces.
- Choose the right paint for your surface and consider factors like climate and material.
- Apply the paint using the appropriate tools and techniques, such as “cutting in” with a brush or a roller with an extension pole.
- Allow adequate drying time between coats and follow manufacturer instructions.
By following these key takeaways and expert tips, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle your next exterior house painting project, ensuring a professional-looking and long-lasting result.
