If you’ve been thinking about refreshing the outside of your home, you’re already making a smart investment. A quality exterior paint job can improve your home’s curb appeal, protect it from the elements, and add value to the property. However, many homeowners don’t realize that skipping or rushing through the prep phase is one of the most common reasons exterior paint jobs fail prematurely! If you want your home to look its best for many years to come, here are four things you’ll want to take care of before getting started.
Inspect & Repair the Exterior
Before anything else, take a walk around your home and look for areas that need attention. Check for wood rot, cracks in the siding, gaps around window and door frames, and any spots where existing paint is bubbling or peeling. Once you’ve identified everything, fill any cracks and holes, replace or repair any rotted wood, and evaluate the fascia and other wood surfaces that may have been exposed to moisture over time. Taking the time to make repairs now is what allows the finished paint job to look smooth and uniform.
Power Wash All Painted Surfaces
Painting over a dirty surface is one of the fastest ways to compromise a paint job! Dust, dirt, mildew, cobwebs, and even old peeling paint all interfere with how well new paint adheres to a surface. Power washing is the most effective way to get the exterior truly clean before painting. For general surface cleaning, a pressure level of around 1,500–1,800 psi is typically sufficient. After washing, allow the exterior to dry for at least 24 hours before moving on.
Protect What You’re Not Painting
Use painter’s tape and plastic sheeting or drop cloths to cover windows, doors, light fixtures, electrical meters, water valves, outdoor faucets, and any landscaping or vehicles near the house. It’s also a good idea to turn off any exterior sprinkler systems for the duration of the project and to remove any outdoor art, planters, or decorative fixtures that could get in the way. A little time spent masking and covering beforehand can save a lot of time cleaning up afterward!
Choose the Right Day for Painting
Exterior paint is durable, but while it’s drying, it can be vulnerable to the North Texas sun and weather. You’ll want to plan your project on a day with moderate temperatures, ideally between 50 F and 85 F, and with low humidity and no rain in the forecast. Also, avoid painting in direct sunlight, since it can cause the paint to dry too fast and incorrectly. In the Dallas-area summer months, scheduling your project for early morning hours can make a big difference in the quality of the finished result.
The bottom line is, exterior painting is a significant investment in your home, and the prep work you do upfront ultimately determines how long and how well that investment holds up!
About Platinum Painting
Our team here at Platinum Painting of Dallas has served homeowners across DFW for over 15 years, offering a wide range of exterior and interior painting services for commercial and residential projects. If you have any questions about the blog, or if you’d like to schedule a FREE estimate, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information. Telephone: (214) 347-7269.