If you’re reading this article, then you’re probably about to embark on the task of painting your home’s exterior. This can be a daunting and expensive process – but it doesn’t have to be if the proper preparation is done. Preparing for exterior paint jobs is both tedious and time-consuming, but well worth the results.
Performing these important steps will help you to save time, money and effort over the life of your paint job.
1. Remove Anything That Will Interfere With Your Paint Job
Anything that’s in your way needs to be removed before beginning the approximately two weeks’ worth of exterior painting preparation. Because it takes time to do all these steps, don’t even think about painting until you’ve gotten rid of everything that’s in your way.
2. Clean Your House
Your house is going to be covered in a fine layer of dust after all these items are removed, so clean it thoroughly before beginning. Begin with the gutters; clear them out and use a pressure washer if needed. You can then hose off the walls and sidewalks or you can use a power washer if you want.
3. Wash The Wall
You’ll also need to wash the walls after the surface has been cleaned. Use a mild soap or detergent and a scrub brush, following up with fresh water rinses. This is best done when temperatures are warmer since washing in cold weather can cause the paint to flake off your house.
4. Repaint The Exterior If Needed
Your house may need new paint after years of exposure to the elements, so touch up any areas where current paint is peeling or missing. Look for discoloration and fix it before you do anything else; this means that repairs will be needed less often during your painting process.
5. Sand The House
Sand the house with fine-grade sandpaper or steel wool – be sure to wear protective gloves so you don’t scrape up your hands while working. This will remove any loose paint from the surface and will help to create a smooth and even surface that’s ready for painting.
6. Cover Your House With Plastic And Tape Gaps
Cover your house with two layers of heavy plastic and tape over the edges so it doesn’t shift. If you want, you can add gravel on top of the plastic so it won’t blow around in the wind. This will keep dust and dirt particles from blowing on your paint job while it’s drying.
7. Remove Plastic After Paint Dries
After the first layer of paint has dried, you can remove the plastic sheeting for at least 24 hours. By the time you remove the plastic, your house should be clean and ready for painting.
If you need help we are here to help you, contact Ethereal Painters at 604-788-3382 or fill out our estimate form on our website.