“How to prepare exterior of house for painting?” is one of the most requested questions we get at Blank Canvas Painting.
However, before you start applying that new coat of paint, it’s crucial to properly prepare the surface. Preparing the exterior of your house ensures better adhesion of the paint, improves its longevity, and enhances the overall appearance of your home. Follow these steps to prepare your house for exterior painting.
Prepare Your House for Exterior Painting
Step 1: Clean Your Home With a Pressure Washer
The first step in preparing your house for painting is to clean the exterior thoroughly.
Use a pressure washer to remove dirt, grime, and loose paint from the walls.
Start from the top and work your way down, using a wide spray pattern to cover large areas effectively. Pay attention to areas with mold or mildew, as these should be treated with a mildewcide solution.
Allow the walls to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Remove Contaminants and Scrape Paint
Inspect the walls for any contaminants such as grease, oil, or stains. These substances can prevent the paint from adhering properly, so it’s essential to remove them. Use a cleaner specifically designed for exterior surfaces and scrub the affected areas.
For homes built before 1978, there is a possibility of lead paint. If you suspect lead paint, follow the necessary safety precautions or consider hiring a professional to handle its removal.
After cleaning, check for any loose or peeling paint. Use a scraper or putty knife to remove the old paint until you reach a stable and smooth surface. Sand the scraped areas lightly to create a smooth transition between the bare surface and the remaining paint.
Step 3: Re-caulk and Sand Exterior Surfaces
Inspect the caulking around windows, doors, and trim. If you notice any gaps or cracks, remove the old caulk and reapply a fresh bead.
This helps improve energy efficiency and prevents water infiltration. Additionally, sand any rough areas or imperfections on the exterior walls to create an even surface for painting.
Step 4: Protect Your Yard with Covers
Before you start priming and painting, protect your yard and landscaping from paint splatters or spills.
Use drop cloths or plastic sheeting to cover plants, shrubs, and any other items near the house that you don’t want to be accidentally painted. This precautionary measure will save you time and effort in cleaning up afterward.
Step 5: Prime the Walls
Priming the walls is an important step that helps the paint adhere better and ensures a uniform finish.
Choose a primer suitable for your specific type of exterior surface and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Priming also helps to seal any repaired areas and provides a consistent base for the paint color you’ve chosen.
Step 6: Paint!
Now it’s time to apply the paint. Select a high-quality exterior paint that is suitable for the type of surface you are painting.
Use a paint roller or a paint sprayer for large areas and a brush for smaller details and trim work (you may need to see a list of the 5 best paint brushes for exterior painting). Apply the paint evenly, working from top to bottom, and follow the recommended drying time between coats. Depending on the paint you choose, you may need to apply multiple coats to achieve the desired color and coverage.
When to Call a Professional?
While preparing and painting the exterior of your house is a project that many homeowners can tackle themselves, there are situations where it’s best to call a professional.
If your house has extensive peeling or cracking paint, significant repairs are required, or if you’re dealing with lead paint, it’s advisable to hire an experienced painting contractor. If you’re not sure if what the pricing for exterior house painting would be, you should check out blog post on it.
Professionals have the expertise, equipment, and knowledge to handle complex situations safely and efficiently, ensuring a professional finish and protecting your home’s integrity.
Top Professionals of Exterior House Painting in NY
When it comes to hiring professionals for exterior house painting in New York, you have several reputable options. Here are some top-rated painting contractors in NY known for their quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.
Before hiring any painting professional, it’s essential to check their credentials, read reviews from past customers, and request a detailed estimate for your specific project. By selecting a reputable and experienced contractor (this is out list of the 7 best painting contractors in the US), you can have peace of mind knowing that your house will receive the best possible care and a beautiful, long-lasting paint job.