There’s nothing quite like a fresh coat of paint to completely refresh your home’s exterior. Better yet, this small investment doesn’t just boost your home’s appearance—it also increases the overall value and curb appeal of your property. However, before you can kick off any kind of exterior painting project, you’ll need to be sure you’re setting your results up for success, and proper preparation is key. Here are the four main steps you’ll want to keep in mind before grabbing a paint roller.
#1. Power Wash Your Surfaces
Dust, dirt, and mildew all interfere with how well paint adheres to a surface, which means even the best paint won’t hold up the way it should. Power washing is the most effective way to get the exterior truly clean before painting. Generally, a pressure level of around 1,500 to 1,800 psi will work. If there’s any loose or flaking paint that needs to be removed, you can increase the pressure to around 2,500 psi to strip it away.
#2. Remove Any Remaining Loose Paint
Even after power washing, there may be areas where old paint is still peeling or clinging to the surface. These spots need to be scraped or removed before the new paint goes on. After scraping, lightly sand the edges of any scraped areas so they blend smoothly into the surrounding paint. Painting over loose or flaky paint creates a bumpy, uneven finish and shortens the lifespan of the new coat.
#3. Inspect & Repair Your Exterior
Take a walk around your home and look for wood rot, cracks in siding, gaps around window and door frames, and any areas where the existing paint has started bubbling or peeling away. A new coat of paint won’t fix these issues, and they will cause the paint to fail if left unaddressed. Replace or repair any rotted wood, fill cracks in siding with an exterior-grade filler, and take care of any broken or warped panels. It’s also a good idea to evaluate the soffit, fascia, and any other wood surfaces that may have been exposed to moisture over time.
#4. Protect Doors, Lights, & Windows
You will also need to cover and protect anything that you don’t want to get paint on, including doors, windows, outdoor lighting, gardening and landscaping, sidewalks and paths, and utility boxes. You can use drop cloths for this, or sheets with tape. Also be sure to move away any nearby vehicles.
Remember, exterior painting is a major investment in your home, and the work you put in before the actual painting begins determines how long and how well that investment holds up. That said, don’t hesitate to trust a team of pros to get the job done the right way!
About Platinum Painting
Our team here at Platinum Painting of Frisco has proudly served home and business owners all across DFW for the last 15 years, offering a wide range of interior and exterior painting services. If you’re hoping to repaint your home for an upcoming sale, or simply want to refresh its appearance and protect your property’s value, let us help! Visit us online or call us today for more information or to schedule a FREE estimate. Telephone: (972) 372-0404.