Exterior Paint Preparation Techniques

Setting the Stage for a Long Lasting Exterior Paint Job

It is amazing that a thin film of primer and paint last as long as it does. Exterior house paint has to stand up to the most extreme conditions than nature and man can dish out. Not to mention, your home and all buildings, are constantly moving around and breathing.

Your home moves and breathes as the temperature raises (expansion) and fall (contraction). In addition wood is continuously moving, splitting and warping. When you add the weather with wind, dust, rain, hail and snow it makes it even harder on your exterior paint projects.

We've all seen paint peel within a few years. It's usually a sign that proper exterior paint preparation was overlooked. If you follow the best exterior house painting tips and use the best quality materials, you can add years to the life of the house paint job. It should be years before you need to repaint.

Because so many people find it difficult to take the time needed for proper exterior paint prep work, it can be a smart investment to hire a professional painting contractor.

When choosing a professional paint contractor make sure proper exterior paint preparation is included in the proposal. As you take a look around the house, you may see some obvious repairs. A professional painter should point these out to you. If the contractor doesn't do this, reject the bid.

You should expect to find some repairs included in the proposal. Having one contractor that will complete the entire project from prep, through repairs, to final paint will make your life much easier, but it may not be the best route to take. Each painter has different qualifications. Not every painter has strong carpentry skills.

You also need to be aware that repairs could require the need for a building permit and inspection. In the USA you can contact your local building authority for more information.

It can never be stressed to often that using the best quality painting products, knowledge and experience will result in less maintenance and repairs for the future. With proper and complete exterior paint preparation you will make it possible for your house paint to last you 10 years or more. This is the ultimate goal.

• Proper Exterior Paint Prep - How to Avoid Costly Home Repairs
  Many people skip the preparation step because they mistakenly think a new coat of paint will seal and cover the imperfections of the old paint. Read more to learn how to avoiding costly home repairs with proper exterior paint prep.
• Lead Based Paint
  While lead based paint has been illegal in the marketplace since the late 1970s, there are many older homes that have lead paint in them. Because lead has such significant health implications, you want to be sure to use safe exterior preparation techniques and protect your family from future health hazards.
• Pressure Washing
  All coatings require a clean and firm surface. Try pressure washing, and get rid of the grime.
• Pressure Washing Stained Siding
  A how-to guide to pressure washing stained siding, the most important step before applying your exterior wood stain.
• Loose Paint Removing Starts With Scraping
  Removing the loose paint and old caulking by scraping is always one of the first steps before proceeding with any priming or painting.
• Scraping Paint - Professional Tips
  Here are some tips from painting professionals for making the whole process of scraping paint much easier.
• Interior and Exterior Paint Sanding Techniques
  Painting any interior or exterior surface can require at least some sanding. Learn how to sand peeling paint for the best look.
• Sanding Basics
  While scraping is the first step of many painting tasks, the preparation should be finished by sanding away rough edges to create smooth, flat surfaces.
• Exterior Sanding Techniques
  After wood trim and siding has been hand-scraped, it's time to sand. It would take far too much time to sand by hand, so painted exterior wood surfaces should be sanded with a power sander.
• Exterior Caulking
  Water does an enormous amount of damage to our homes and it is up to caulking to seal all gaps and cracks.
• How To Mask Exterior Surfaces
  When it comes to exterior masking, there are some challenges you will face. Learn what you will need to protect and how to properly mask exterior surfaces before painting.
• Preventing Mold and Mildew
  Do you have problems with mold and mildew? Learn how to prevent its growth after painting or be forced to repaint sooner than expected.
• Cleaning Mold From Painted Surfaces
  When preparing a wall or painted trim for refinishing, producing a stable and clean surface is important. Cleaning mold with heavy-duty cleaners and bleach will be necessary.
• Trisodium Phosphate
  The best all purpose cleaner is trisodium phosphate. TSP will easily remove dirt, grease and soap scum.
• Peeling Paint
  Peeling paint has a few causes. Understanding the causes will give you many more years before repainting.
• Chalking Paint
  A light colored powder on the exterior surface of your home is chalking paint.
• Blistering Paint Causes and Solutions
  A condition called blistering can occur to newly applied paint as well as existing finishes.
• Fixing Blistering Paint
  Blistering and bubbling paint is ugly and frustrating, but it can be fixed. You'll need to correct the underlying problem, remove the damaged finish, and repaint. This step by step guide will show you how.
• 6 Reasons Why Masking is Critical to Professional Painting Results
  Masking is a critical part of both interior and exterior paint preparation. Painting is messy work, and paint can and will get onto anything that's not covered! Here's 6 good reasons to put in the extra effort to cover up and protect non-painted surfaces.

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What Did You Do To Get It Ready For Paint

Almost every part of a homes exterior can be painted! I have shown many of the basics about preparing a surface but you will eventually find a situation that is unique. What did you do? I would love to know. Use the form below and tell the world, plus have your own web page.

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