Getting ready to repaint the outside of your house can be quite an undertaking. While choosing the color is fun enough on its own, the real key to a paint job that looks great and lasts for years lies in the preparation, and skipping or rushing can lead to unsatisfying results. That said, getting ready to paint feels like less of an uphill battle if you know which key steps to complete before getting started. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.
Inspect the Exterior for Damage
Before any paint goes on, it’s important to take a close look at your home’s siding, trim, and other painted surfaces. Look for any signs of rot, cracked caulking, loose boards, or damaged fascia, and prepare to fix them accordingly (or hire a trustworthy team to handle it). Addressing these issues ahead of time ensures your new paint job isn’t hiding problems that could get worse underneath the surface without you realizing it.
Power Wash Your Surfaces
This step should never be skipped, no matter how clean your house looks from the street! Over time, exterior surfaces can collect dust, pollen, mildew, and grime, all of which can prevent paint from properly adhering. A thorough power washing removes this buildup and any loose, flaking paint, giving the new coat a clean, solid surface to bond with. Just be sure that you’re giving your surfaces plenty of time to dry before painting on them.
Protect Your Property & Belongings
The last thing you should want is for your landscaping, lawn décor or accessories, or any of your vehicles to get paint on them! This means you should take the time to move or cover anything that’s near your home’s exterior. Also, be sure to turn off your sprinkler system for the duration of the project since water can interfere with a fresh paint job. Additionally, any outdoor pets need to be kept away from the workspace.
Pick a Day with Good Weather
Weather plays a bigger role in exterior painting than many homeowners realize. Extreme heat, cold, or rain can all affect how well paint cures and adheres to your home’s surfaces. In North Texas, that often means avoiding the peak of summer heat and the rainy stretches of spring and fall, as difficult as this may be! But in any case, planning your project when the weather is mild and dry helps ensure the best possible results.
The bottom line is, proper preparation is what separates an average paint job from one that truly protects and beautifies your home. That said, if you’re still unsure or would rather leave things to a team of pros, they can ensure a job well done that includes all necessary prep!
About Platinum Painting
Our Platinum Painting team has proudly served homeowners in Keller and all around the surrounding DFW metroplex for over 15 years, offering expert assistance with a wide range of interior and exterior painting projects for both residential and commercial purposes. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule a FREE in-home estimate, you can call or reach out online for more information or assistance. Telephone: (817) 697-0109.