It’s human nature to cut corners when we can, saving a few minutes or a few dollars here and there. Sometimes we can get away with it, but other times, it will come back to bite us! When it comes to exterior house painting, there are some steps that you just can’t afford to skip. Specifically, surface preparation is vital if you want to avoid a paint failure disaster!
The picture above displays the steps we take to ensure a lasting exterior paint job, and we will describe them all below.
Step 1: Remove Failed Exterior Paint
If exterior paint has reached a point of failure, it can no longer be painted over. The problem is that it will continue to fail beneath the new paint, cracking and peeling away your home’s protection and beauty.
In order to avoid this, you need to scrape away all loose paint using a paint scraping tool and/or a wire brush. Be careful, however! If your home was built before 1980, there is a good chance you have lead paint on the exterior. If this is the case, do not attempt to scrape or sand the paint yourself. Hire a professional painting contractor with an EPA lead-safe certification to do this for you, both for your own safety, and for legal compliance.
Step 2: Ensure a Clean, Sound Surface
Once all failed paint has been removed, any surface damage must be repaired. This means filling gaps or cracks, replacing rotten wood, and dealing with loose nails, etc. If there is a lot of exposed wood, you need to sand the surface to get it smooth and paint-ready. If most of the surface is still coated with the prior paint, it needs to be washed.
Washing can be accomplished with a scrub brush or a sponge, using a mild detergent. Rinse the surface with a garden hose when you are done. Alternatively, you can use a pressure washer to clean the surface. If you do this, use extreme caution. After washing, you must give the surface adequate time to dry. Here in the Portland area, that can take several days.
Step 3: Apply Primer
If there is any bare wood or metal where you will be painting, use a premium exterior primer to seal the surface and get it ready for painting. This crucial step ensures better paint adhesion and color consistency.
Step 4: Paint the Exterior Surface
Once the preparation steps are all done, you are ready to apply the exterior paint. If the paint preparation was done properly, the topcoat should go on smoothly and easily. For best results, apply at least two coats of the new exterior house paint.
Sundeleaf Painting
At Sundeleaf Painting, we take pride in being methodical, careful painters. We take our craft seriously, completing each step with attentive skill. That is why Sundeleaf Painting has earned a reputation for premium exterior house painting, and we are trusted by the owners of high-end houses and condos throughout the Portland region. For over 90 years, the Sundeleaf name has been synonymous with excellence and beauty.
For your free house painting estimate, call our office or use our online estimate request form today. We look forward to working with you!
