Painting Home Exteriors

Published by: Donna Kshir
Published on: 2010-01-10 15:26:13

One of the biggest problems people have when painting the exterior of their home is not properly preparing the surface for the painting process. Like anything else, there are steps one needs to take in order to assure a quality and professional outcome. Sometimes house painting is best left to professionals, though, and there are a number of experienced painting contractors in Connecticut ready to help out.

Preparing your home's surface for paint is an important and crucial step so the paint sticks properly to the surface and lasts for many years. These five basic steps are directed towards wood surfaces. However, most of the information applies to vinyl siding and other surfaces.

Step 1
In order to apply paint, one must first clean the surface. It is a good idea to pressure wash the exterior of your home using a mix of water and bleach to remove all dirt, mold and mildew that may have acquired over time do to weather conditions.

If your pressure washer does not come equipped with an applicator to pick up bleach, consider using a garden hose and scrub brush. The mix should be a rate of 1 part bleach and 10 parts water. Wet the exterior of your home, spray bleach mix onto the exterior and leave set for five minutes before rinsing. It is best to do so in a short time span. This is to avoid the bleach from laying on the surface too long and causing damage to your home.

Another option is to use a scrub brush and dip into the mix, scrub thoroughly, and followed by a good rinse. It is best to cover all shrubs, trees and plants to protect them from the harmful contents in the bleach and paint.

Step 2
As important as it is to remove chipped, cracked or peeling paint, it is just as important to remove loose caulking. Once you have removed the old caulking, always re-caulk with a quality painter's caulk. Always caulk any holes, cracks, dents, holes or other imperfections, as well as around the doors and windows to keep the weather out.

Step 3
After you have cleaned the surface thoroughly; carefully check over the exterior of your home. Look for any imperfections.. Once the surface is dry, scrape loose any remaining paint. A decent paint scraper can be purchased at any home improvement store. When selecting a paint scraper, choose one that feels comfortable in the palm of your hand.

On some areas of your home you may experience thick paint build up. If this occurs you may want to sand the surface, smoothing over where the old paint ends and the new paint begins.

Step 4
Once you have scraped and sanded the surface, you may experience or see bare spots. If this does occur, it is a good idea to apply a thin coat of primer. By applying a primer, the paint will take better to the surface and will assure a even coat, during the painting process.

Step 5
Allow proper time for the surface of your home to dry. Once it is dry, it is time to apply the paint. Always purchase quality paint to assure a professional and quality outcome.

For a professional painting contractor in Connecticut, contact us today or browse our directory.

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