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Any surface requires preparation before painting to get the best and smoothest results. It needs to be smooth before paint is applied. This applies even more to exterior paint jobs. Your home’s exterior is exposed to the elements and the views of your neighbors, so you want your paint to look as good as possible.
Exterior painting requires so much preparation that it is often best to hire an expert. Here is some of the prep work that your exterior will need before painting and why you should call a professional.
Safety First
One of the first things you need to think about when you start prepping your surface is safety. Exterior painting requires you to reach areas that are sometimes several floors high, so you need to set up scaffolding and ladders.
You also need to remove any obstacles, such as hoses, lawn ornaments, and outdoor pets. Finally, most exterior paint jobs require laying down some drop cloths, so you don’t accidentally ruin your lawn.
Exterior painting requires more balance and precision than interior painting and can be dangerous. That is why it is best to call a professional who knows how to set up ladders safely.
Cleaning the Surface
Before you or the professional paint contractor can start painting the exterior, it needs to be cleaned. Usually, whoever is painting will start by washing the exterior with a hose or a pressure washer if it is very dirty.
Then, the surface needs to be cleared of any loose or chipping paint. If you don’t do this, it will mar the finish once the new coat of paint is applied, creating lumps and bumps. Use a paint scraper to get at raised areas of the paint. Smooth layers are fine and can just be painted over.
Repairs
Before you paint, you will need to make small repairs around the exterior of the house. This will lead to a smoother finish and prevent paint from seeping into places where it shouldn’t be. First, repair any chips in the surface with a surface repair compound, which you will sand down once it’s dry.
Then, you will need to get rid of old caulking and recaulk around doors, windows, and other areas where paint could seep inside. This will improve the durability of your home’s exterior and prevent paint from leaking. Finally, a professional may also reputty your windows for improved insulation and protection from paint.
Primer
There is one last step before you can start painting and that is priming the surface. You should apply paint primer to patches that need repairs or areas that have never been painted before. This makes paint stick to surfaces better.
Hiring a Professional
Painting exteriors requires not only knowledge of painting but the ability to perform basic repairs and create a safe set-up. It also takes a lot of time, sometimes up to a week. To save yourself time and effort, it is best to hire a professional painting contractor who will know how to prep and paint your exteriors.
Jeff Sommers is a vibrant and experienced professional, having been at the helm of ESP Painting, Inc. for 27 remarkable years. As President, he has become an esteemed leader in the Commercial & Residential Construction industry in Oregon, United States. His experience has seen him gain valuable insight and knowledge, making him an invaluable asset to ESP Painting and its customers. With a bubbly personality and upbeat attitude, Jeff always looks ahead to the future as he continues his leadership journey toward success.
