5 Things to Do Before an Exterior Painting Project
It’s time to give your Langley home a whole new look with a fresh coat of paint. You’ve picked the color and gather your supplies. Now it is time to get started. But wait! Here are five things you must do to ensure that this exterior paint project is a success.
1. Clean the Exterior of Your Home
Paint cannot stick to a dirty surface. This makes scrubbing every surface you’ll be painting crucial to your project’s success. Pressure washing is a fast and reliable way to clear away years of dirt and grime (and some loose paint chips too). Be careful though; spraying with too much force can damage wood, stucco, and other exterior features.
2. Scrape Away Loose Paint
Chipping and flaking paint must be removed prior to adding that new coat to the outside of your home. There are several ways to clear away those flakes including using a pressure washer to lift off flaking chips and scraping the paint by hand using a wire brush. Either method works; what you choose really just depends on the amount of loose paint and your own personal preference.
3. Repair Surface Flaws and Exterior Damage
If there is one thing that a new coat of paint is great at it is bringing attention to any flaws in the surface it covers. This includes dings in your siding; scrapes in the wood trim; dents on the railings, etc. Before painting any surface, be sure to take time to fix any damage so that it won’t attract attention later. Some things you may want to consider include puttying and re-glazing windows and fixing broken shutter hinges.
- Re-Caulk and Re-Seal
The best time to re-caulk and reseal doors and windows is before you paint. That way everything is fresh and new, and any messy mistakes can be covered with the new paint.
- Protect the Surrounding Area
Painting can be messy (especially if you are a novice at it). Be sure to cover porches, decks, outside furniture, shrubs, flowerbeds, and even walkways. The last thing you want to worry about is ruining your new patio furniture because a can of paint gets spilled during the project. And don’t forget to tape around the windows and door. This will make safeguarding areas you don’t want to be painted easier. Plus, it will help give your paint job a crisp professional look.
Get Help!
Painting the exterior of your home may not seem like a tough job, but for those who have never done it, exterior painting can be messy and difficult. If you find yourself wary of tackling such a big job on your own, call the expert team at Lions Gate Painting for help. These pros know how to get the job done fast and efficiently. Call today for a free estimate!