One of the first things people notice about your property is its exterior. An aesthetically appealing and well-maintained exterior can make a big difference in your home’s value.
If your home’s exterior looks dull and has become an eyesore, consider painting it. A fresh coat of paint can liven up your outdoor area. Exterior painters in Santa Rosa, CA recommend painting the exterior every five to ten years. How often you need to repaint your exterior will depend on a number of factors including climate and the quality of the previous paint job.
Preparing surfaces for painting is one of the most important steps in the painting process. If you skip this step, your paint will not adhere properly, and will crack and flake even with just a thin layer.
Here are some things to do to prep your exterior before painting.
Cleaning
Your home’s exterior is exposed to the elements. Over time, walls get dusty. Grime and moss settle on them. Painting over unclean surfaces is a waste of time and effort. A clean surface will ensure better adhesion, which will extend the life of the paint job.
Start by removing loose dirt and dust. Scrub the exterior with a sponge and then rinse with clean, warm water. If you notice mold on your walls, use bleach. If you have a high-pressure cleaner, use it to remove debris or caked-on mud.
Sanding & Filling
Sanding and filling a surface is particularly important if it is in bad condition. Even surfaces with minor imperfections need a light sand. Sanding and filling evens out slight imperfections on the wall, helping ensure that your paintbrush can glide on smoothly.
If you do not sand and fill walls before painting, you may end up applying more paint on some spots than others. If a surface is in bad shape and has too many cracks and holes, use a body filler to fill them. You can either use a powder-based filler solution or decorators caulk (for around frames and trim).
Priming
Priming is done to provide a sticky surface to ensure the coat binds on. It also helps hide joints, cover knots, and prevents previous colors from bleeding through.
If you don’t prime your walls before painting them, you will end up with a patchy finish. If you are painting over another color, you will need at least a couple of primer coats. Consider specialty primers for timber, metal, and plaster.
Pellegrini’s Platinum Painting Services is a reputable exterior painter in Santa Rosa, CA. We use time-tested techniques designed to extend the life of paint jobs and ensure they look great for years. To discuss your project with our team, call (707) 291-2615.
