Proper preparation is the most essential element to a long-lasting paint job. Regardless of the type of paint that you use, if you fail to properly prepare the surface before applying paint then the paint will fail prematurely resulting in additional cost to re-paint your house long before you should actually have to. There are several steps in the preparation process that are critical to achieve a long-lasting finish.
First, if there is any rotten wood on your siding or trim, that will need to be replaced before any painting is completed.
Next, the surface must be clean and free from all dirt, mildew or mineral deposit that may be on your house. If the surface is not properly cleaned then the paint will not bond properly to the surface. I suggest a mixture of TSP, which is a cleaning detergent, mixed with bleach. The TSP will help in cleaning and removing dirt and grime and the bleach will neutralize any mildew that may be present. Using a pressure washer to apply the cleaning mixture to the house and also to rinse the house off is the best and most efficient cleaning method. High pressure is not required or recommended. Pressure washing should never be used as a method for removing loose paint because it can easily damage your wood.
After the house has been thoroughly cleaned, any flaking or peeling paint should be hand scrapped. Never paint over any loose paint. Once all loose paint has been removed, an exterior oil based primer should be applied to any bare wood. This is a very important step to ensure that the paint adheres properly.
Also, all cracks and joints need to be caulked using quality exterior caulking. Be sure to caulk any opening where water might penetrate behind the wood, including around all doors and windows.
Finally, if you have windows stiles which have window glazing in them and the glazing has become loose or is missing, then you will need to remove all of the loose glazing and re-putty the windows prior to painting them.
While there are oftentimes other steps involved to exterior painting preparation, depending on the project, these are the most common and most important.
In the before and after photo is a recently finished exterior painting job that Evans Painting completed in Hoover, Al. All of the proper steps were taken to assure the very best paint job, including replacing rotten wood, thoroughly cleaning the surface of the home, scraping all loose paint, priming any bare wood using an exterior oil based primer and caulking all cracks, joints or any area where water may enter.
If you want to get the most out of your next exterior paint job, then these steps that I have mentioned are critical. If you need any further tips or suggestions for your next painting project, then call a local a trusted, local Hoover Al house painting contractor.