Exterior Painting Prep Musts

Embarking on an exterior house painting project can be a daunting task, but with proper preparation and execution, the results will be rewarding.  Use these steps to ensure your painting project gets properly prepped so that it goes smoothly and leaves your home looking refreshed and vibrant.

1. Set Up Your Workspace: Before diving into painting, set a dedicated area in your yard to organize your tools, materials, and equipment. Any great house painter will attest that having everything easily accessible will streamline the painting process and minimize downtime.
2. Clear the Area: Remove anything “extra” from the surfaces to be painted.  For example, take down shutters, light fixtures, house numbers, mailboxes, and anything else that may hinder your painting progress.  As all the best local painting companies know, clear workspace allows for efficient movement and efficient application of paint.
3. Surface Preparation: A clean surface is essential for proper paint adhesion.  Thoroughly wash the exterior surfaces to remove dirt, grime, mildew, and other debris.  Scrub vigorously with a sponge or rag, then rinse thoroughly to ensure all residue is removed.  Ideally, you’ll hire a professional pressure washing service to do this but note that the best house painting companies offer in-house pressure washing.
4. Surface Repair: Inspect the surfaces for any damage or imperfections and make necessary repairs.  Replace rotten siding, repair damaged stucco, and fill in cracks and gaps with caulk.  Smooth out rough spots and remove loose paint to create a uniform surface for painting.  If you hire a good professional painting company to paint your home, you can trust that the trained professionals will take care of all such prep related repair.
5. Smooth the Surface: Achieve a smooth surface by scraping off old paint, removing nails and staples, and filling in imperfections with wood putty.  Sand the surface to create a smooth, even texture, paying special attention to problem areas.
6. Mask Off and Protect: Protect surrounding areas by laying down drop cloths to catch paint drips and spills.  Use painter’s tape to mask off windows, trim, and fixtures, ensuring clean lines and preventing paint from spreading where it’s not intended.

With the preparation complete, you’re ready to start painting!  You’ll then need to choose high-quality primer and latex paint for the best results.  If you’re like most homeowners in Ponte Vedra, Riverside Avondale, Mandarin, and throughout Jacksonville, you’d likely prefer to leave the painting – including the prep – to the experts. The Painting Craftsmen is the best professional painting company homeowners rely on for interior painting, exterior painting, cabinet refinishing, and more.  With years of experience and a commitment to quality craftsmanship, we specialize in exterior house painting services that will transform your home.  Call and let us get going on your project!